Vulkan's Gratitude, Joining the Saturnine Terminator R&D
No sooner had the Emperor finished speaking than Horus Lupercal spoke first.
"The First Legion's Six Wings each have their own strengths, offer diverse tactics, and can handle various situations, making them the best choice."
Leman Russ opened his mouth, revealing his fangs.
"The First Legion Corps is in poor condition and is not suitable for participating in a major battle."
"Ulian Bendregg had never even served as a company commander before becoming a corps commander."
"He was unqualified as the leader of the Expeditionary Force."
The members of the War Council all agreed with Russ's words.
Bendregg's appointment as legion commander was the result of compromise.
The First Legion suffered heavy losses in the battle to "seal the Dark Gate," with only 800 men remaining from its three Chapter, leading to the disbandment of the Pentarchy of Blood.
Subsequently, Hector Thrann, the first commander of the legion, was killed in battle for launching a reckless offensive.
The Six Wings leaders began a fierce power struggle for the position of legion commander, but none of them could suppress the other five Grand Masters.
They had no choice but to compromise, Bendregg, who came from outside the Six Wings and had previously only been the captain of the 14th Company of the 8th Legion, succeeded him as the legion commander.
Before becoming a legionary commander, Bendregg was neither Grand Master nor even a company commander, and had never proven himself capable of leading independently.
"My wolf pack will Purification the hideous Xenos and raze their fortresses to the ground."
Nimrod sensed the underlying dissatisfaction in Russ's words.
[Lion El'Jonson has not yet returned, the "Battle of Duran" has not yet begun, Russ is already dissatisfied with the First Legion?]
Hmm... the First Legion is indeed arrogant and complacent because it was the first legion to be formed.
Nimrod knew that the First Legion had suffered heavy losses in the "First Rangdan Campaign," but had also won a brilliant victory.
Bendregg and his legions, confident in their achievements, disregarded Robert Guilliman during the "Karkason" War, attempting to prove that the 13th Legion, having welcomed back the Primarch, was also subordinate to the First Legion.
They recklessly launched an attack on their own, disrupting Guilliman's war plan.
Despite the bloody victory, the second corps commander Bendregg, was killed in battle and faced severe criticism from Guilliman, who pointed out that the First Legion had been corrupted by vanity.
To prove themselves, the First Legion launched an offensive against every deadly enemy they could find in the Galaxy, hoping to gain recognition through victory.
If it weren't for Lion's return, the First Legion, which traded its blood for glory, would have slowly perished in the bloody battles.
From this perspective, not participating in the First Rangdan War was a good thing for both the First Legion and Bendregg.
They will not become complacent because of victory, nor will they be consumed by vanity.
Nimrod then Horus's words.
[Horus recommended the First Legion; was it Bendregg who approached him and reached some kind of agreement?]
Since succeeding as commander of the First Army, Bendregg has been dedicated to getting the struggling First Legion back on track.
Indeed, as Russ said, the First Legion is currently in an unsuitable position as the main force for the expedition.
It is possible that Bendregg approached Horus, promising him certain political benefits in exchange for Horus recommending the First Legion.
If I hadn't intervened, Horus's achievements would be unmatched at this point, and the War Council would likely have approved his recommendation.
As Nimrod pondered, the Old Man in Yellow, seeing that no one else spoke, looked at his Pegasus.
"Nimrod, how is the suppression of the rebellion in Incaladion progressing?"
Nimrod noticed that the Old Man in Yellow had shifted the topic from Rangdan to Incaladion and was asking him a question.
[As expected, it was me again.]
"The fighting in Incaladion will end within a month, but the subsequent clearing will continue for some time."
"In that case, your Eleventh Legion will be sent on an expedition to Whirlwind- Morse to Purification the Xenos threat."
Horus, upon hearing the Emperor's words, considered it a good outcome, as the expansion of the Eleventh Legion put considerable pressure on him.
He was forced to abandon diplomacy in many situations and rely more on rapid conquest, which has had a significant impact on the glorious image he had cultivated.
With the Eleventh Legion engaged in brutal warfare, Horus felt he could finally slow down and continue the Great Crusade in a more civilized manner.
The Old Man in Yellow made the final decision, and the members had no further objections. One by one, their figures disappeared quickly.
Just as Nimrod was about to leave, he suddenly heard Vulkan's voice.
"Nimrod, wait a moment."
Nimrod looked at Vulkan.
"I want to express my gratitude to you for providing the shields, which offer greater protection to the Seven Sanctuaries."
Inside the Golden Palace, Astropath provided support for the war council, but Vulkan did not directly mention the name "Bastion-class Energy Shield."
"This time, when Nocturne and Prometheus were close to Catastrophe, few people suffered misfortune."
"I believe that Nocturne will no longer be threatened by volcanic eruptions."
"The beneficiaries shouldn't be limited to the people of Nocturne," Vulkan, his eyes gleaming.
"My father made me understand the meaning of the Great Crusade; I should bring hope to those worlds suffering from Xenos oppression and enslaved by heretics."
"There are many human worlds in the Galaxy, struggling to survive Catastrophe or being plundered by Xenos; they deserve protection."
Vulkan's words resonated powerfully, echoing throughout the palace.
Nimrod looked at the friendly giant, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.
"I can provide them with shield support, but I have conditions."
"You said it." The perceptive Vulkan discovered during their interactions that Nimrod was someone who disliked being taken advantage of.
"My number of Tech Sergeant is limited, and I can't devote them all to this, so the scope of those I provide shelter to must be restricted," Nimrod said.
"A protected world must pay a price for the resources it consumes; these resources and population can both be sacrificed."
Nimrod decided to support Vulkan not only because of his kindness, but also because of his instinct as a "Lawyer"—he keenly recognized this as an opportunity.
He knew that the reason why humans colonized and struggled to survive in harsh environments was largely because these worlds contained abundant resources.
Volcanic eruptions brought underground minerals to the surface of Nocturne Medusa IV.
Fenris a diverse species community.
Harsh environments also breed outstanding Warrior.
The worlds that suffer raids are mostly located near trade routes, or at least have a large population that the Drukhari value.
This is an opportunity to acquire resources and exert influence over these worlds.
"Is that all?" Vulkan asked in surprise when Nimrod stopped talking.
Nimrod's demands were fewer and lower than he had expected.
"That's all," Nimrod said with a smile, in a joking tone.
"If a kind blacksmith could send me some weapons to forge in his spare time, or perhaps offer guidance to my offspring, that would be even better."
When Vulkan heard that Nimrod hadn't made any demands and that his praise was more for his weapon forging, a smile appeared on his face.
"After you left Nocturne, I didn't forge five, but fourteen."
"They were sent to your legion's escort ship, the same escort ship that brought the Tech Sergeant to Nocturne."
He remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"I am currently aboard Transport Ship bound for the Sol System. I have reached an agreement with Saturn to perfect the armor manufacturing technology. You may send your offspring to participate."
Nimrod knew that Saturn, during the "Age of Strife," had established a highly advanced and independent regime consisting of eighty-two sufficiently large moons.
Unlike Mars, which sought independence, the Saturnine Ordo viewed the New Life Imperium of Man as a brotherly ally and, after negotiating with the Old Man in Yellow, incorporated it into the Imperium.
The Saturnine Ordo's formidable comprehensive strength and industrial capacity made it an important military facility and personnel supply base for the Imperium.
It's fair to say that without Saturn, Malcador's nasolabial folds would have grown several times faster.
The addition of Saturn's space armored heavy infantry facilitated the birth of the Solar Auxilia.
Vulkan further explained, "While the Saturn -type armor offered more comprehensive protection, its complex manufacturing process and somewhat cumbersome nature led to its gradual withdrawal from the battlefield."
"I will perfect the Saturn -shaped armor and give it a New Life lease on life."
Nimrod had realized that what Vulkan was referring to was the future Saturnine Terminator, which offered stronger protection than the Cataphractii-pattern and Tartaros-pattern.
"This is of great significance, and my descendants are honored to be a part of it."
Nimrod knew that the development of the Saturn type was solely the responsibility of Vulkan, and that the Tech-priest and other legion's Tech Sergeant had no opportunity to participate.
[Vulkan was clearly showing goodwill because the conditions I had previously proposed were lower than he had expected.]
Perhaps there's also the passive effect of "Lawyer" fighting for their interests and "Briber."
Following Vulkan in the research would enhance one's abilities in all aspects, Nimrod naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity. He decided to send the Lord of the Forge to personally lead a team to participate in the research.
The two figures vanished in a flash, leaving only the Astropath, covered in cold sweat Golden Palace.
After Nimrod returned to the Shadow of the Throne, he summoned Arsena Dunn and Rosicky Czech to make arrangements for matters related to the Rangdan Xenocides and Incaladion.