Stygian System

The air in the strategic chamber deep within Angel's Fortress was so heavy it seemed one could wring water from it.

A vast holographic star map floated above the center of the circular conference table. The three-dimensional projection of the Baal System and its surrounding regions slowly rotated. Across it, ugly green blotches representing the ever-writhing, expanding tendrils of the Tyranid Swarm known as Leviathan had already consumed vast stretches of the system's outer reaches. Their vanguard, like a lethal stinger, pointed straight toward a system called Stygian.

The attendees sat around the star map.

Lion El'Jonson occupied the head of the table, towering like a mountain.

Leona sat quietly at his side. Her dark green Power Armor gleamed beside the Lion King's ancient battle plate. She silently studied the star map, her gaze sharp.

Inquisitor Chen Xi sat below Leona, his presence representing the close ties between the Rostov Sub-sector and the Blood Angels, as well as his personal expertise in combating xenos.

On the other side sat Dante, Chapter Master of the Blood Angels. His iconic golden mask concealed every expression, but the weight in his voice was unmistakable.

Chief Librarian Mephiston stood behind him, psychic light faintly flickering behind his crimson lenses.

Chaplain Karla, several veteran company captains, and several supreme commanders from Baal's planetary defense forces and the Imperial Navy were also present.

"According to the latest reconnaissance data and warnings from the Astra Telepathica," Dante said, his voice echoing through the silent chamber as he pointed to the Stygian System, now touched by the green vanguard, "the Hive Fleet's vanguard has reached the edge of the Kuiper Belt on the outskirts of the Stygian System. Their numbers are immense, though they have yet to fully deploy. We intend to establish the first—and primary—line of defense