Saving Private Cicero (Part One)
Iron Fist.
As the training chamber for the Iron Hands, this place maintains Philus's consistent rationalist style.
Whether it's the massive Thinker Array that occupies the entire wall and is used to calculate various training values; or those cold, lifeless, gray-black facilities.
It looked so stiff and rough compared to Fulgrim's perfect creations.
Everything was cold and simple.
However, as one of the most renowned blacksmiths in the Imperium of Man, it would be short-sighted to think that the creations on her flagship were crude and inferior.
With her powerful Iron Hands, she forged countless divine weapons. Some of them are still hanging at the Primarch's waist.
"This is my private training pod; no one will come to disturb me."
It was her private rest time. She had removed her heavy personal armor and was now wearing simple black clothes.
She stood leisurely in front of some kind of strength training equipment, slowly and deliberately pulling the machine in her hands.
With each exertion, her close-fitting black clothing accentuated the firm yet supple lines of her muscles.
Like the roar of a black steel dragon, although Philus seemed to handle it with ease, judging from the sound of the machine bouncing back each time, it was by no means easy.
Of course, this is in comparison to the Space Marine.
"You may not know this news yet; it's currently being suppressed."
Philus pulled back and forth with her liquid-like iron hands, without turning her head to look at Kasgar, who was standing beside her, at a loss for what to do.
"It's alright to tell you. After all, you're the only one who can accept an invitation to the Emperor's Banquet as a Space Marine."
As she spoke, her expression became somewhat strange.
After all, according to the Emperor, Kasgar was attending the banquet as a member of the Primarch' "family".
Even she didn't know why the usually taciturn Emperor valued Kasgar so much.
But since that's the case, let's leave it at that.
"The Lord of the Second Legion, who is also our Warmaster."
"He betrayed us."
Bang!
With a dull thud, the steel stamping equipment used for training roared.
Kasgar nodded.
"You don't seem surprised?"
Philus did not receive the surprise she had expected from Kasgar.
This surprised Philus somewhat.
Uh... how should I put it?
He scratched his head somewhat awkwardly.
But it seems that once someone becomes Warmaster, it's impossible for them not to betray the Emperor.
This has become the underlying logic in Warhammer, a sufficient but not necessary condition.
"I may not be able to reveal too many specific details to you."
"In short, from now on, do not mention the Lord of the Second Legion to anyone. There has never been Second Legion in the Imperium of Man."
Do you understand?
Kasgar nodded repeatedly.
Compared to the terrifying Emperor, the little secrets that the terrifying Inner Circle people keep are really nothing.
Neither the methods nor the effects could the First Legion pull off a move as ruthless as the "Month of Shame".
This was even when the Emperor was not present.
"Alright, now you know why I came to find you, right?"
It was clearly not just to inform him.
"It's a vacancy."
"The position of Warmaster has become vacant."
As the Great Crusade continues to advance beyond the galaxy, more and more Primarch are gradually returning to the Imperium's embrace.
After the Second Legion's betrayal, the selection of a new Warmaster became a hot topic.
Who can take on this important task after the departure of the Lord of the Second Legion?
Horus.
Philus reluctantly began by saying her brother's name.
Although reluctant to admit it, Horus did far better than Philus in many ways.
Whether considering his achievements in the expedition or his prestige among the Primarch, Horus seems to be the best option after the departure of the Lord of the Second Legion.
But that doesn't mean Philus has no chance.
As the wielder of the invincible War Machines, the Iron Hands, Philus conquered worlds no less than Horus during the Great Crusade.
Any human enemy who dares to provoke her will suffer the cold wrath of her merciless Iron Hands.
But it seems that war alone cannot win everyone's support.
Because every war ended with the enemy being razed to the ground, she was heavily criticized by others in the Terra War Council.
"I hope that in this war in the Gardinar System, we can reclaim this planet through relatively peaceful means."
The Iron Hands lacks mercy.
This is one of the most criticized aspects of Philus.
Kind people are not suited for the army, but a person who has no kindness whatsoever is absolutely incapable of serving as Warmaster.
The problem of indifference is even more pronounced compared to the friendly relationship between the Sons of the Emperor and the Salamanders Legion.
But from this day forward, Philus Manus, the Mother of Iron, will shatter this prejudice.
The Battle of Gardinal is the best example of this.
The Gardinar System preserves almost its entire industrial infrastructure from the Age of Conflict.
This includes STC technology templates that any Adeptus Mechanicus would covet (if their salivary glands haven't been removed), as well as bio-genetic and mechanical modification technologies.
With such powerful industrial infrastructure, the population of the entire galaxy reaches hundreds of billions, most of whom are concentrated on the host star.
Other planets in the galaxy also contain large quantities of minerals that the Imperium urgently needs.
Infrastructure, technology, minerals, and population.
Each of these is a resource that the Great Crusade urgently needs.
She will use this as a gift to prove that she is worthy of the responsibilities of Warmaster.
Crown of the Sector.
This is what others call the Gardinar System.
Given that they were able to exist for thousands of years with such vast resources, their military strength should not be underestimated.
Their highly industrialized infrastructure has provided them with an almost endless supply of weapons and equipment.
While perhaps unable to match the mighty Imperium of Man in Void Naval Battle, Gardinal is more than capable of making them unable to advance in ground battles on the main planet.
The Gardinal Empire even has some involvement in Psychic Power.
Underestimating them could lead to the same fate as Cicero, the Ultramarines commander, who easily annihilated 500,000 Imperial Army and half of the Titan Legion.
Even if the Primarch of the Iron Hands personally intervened, without the intervention of Second Captain Akul Duna, the Sons of the Emperor, who sacrificed his own life to destroy the enemy's Orbital System, it would have been impossible.
It's likely that the dark technology from Gardinal is enough to leave the Primarch himself on this battlefield forever.
"For the first time, I will try to resolve the issue using some gentler methods, like the Emperor's Children Legion and the Fulgrim."
"I need your help. Take over the Gardinar System within two weeks, before my boastful brother Guilliman arrives."
Of course, this wasn't the first time she had learned from the Sons of the Emperor.
Philus had previously consulted the Second Captain commander from the Emperor's Children Legion.
Aqua Duna.
He also tasted a bite of the food the other person had made.
Philus's expression was somewhat strange.
That thing really left a deep impression on her.
Even she, known for her resilience, couldn't finish it.
"Our conversation is over. You may leave now."
Philus always speaks concisely and efficiently.
"My men have arranged a meeting First Company of the Iron Hands and you."
"I look forward to your performance in the Iron Hands Legion. Especially since I went to great lengths to get you from Fulgrim."
"Yes, Lady Philus."
Kasgar walked on the plain silver-black deck of the Iron Fist ship.
There is still a short sailing time before we reach Gardinal.
He gently knocked on a heavy iron door and saw over a hundred Iron Hands Space Marine waiting in the empty hall.
Of course, there were also some soldiers from the Sixth Company of the Sons of the Emperor and the Second Company under Aqua's command.
Purple and gold versus silver and black, the people on both sides are clearly distinguished.
Standing at the head of the Sons of the Emperor was naturally Aqua Duna, Kasgar's swordsmanship instructor.
"Nice to meet you."
As for the Space Marine standing at the head of the Iron Hands, he saluted Kasgar and introduced himself.
"Company Commander of the First Company of the Iron Hands, Gabriel Santo."
"Welcome, Company Commander Santo."
"Let's get straight to the point—what's your battle plan?"
The Iron Hands's combat tactics are generally extremely simple.
First came the artillery barrage.
However, since a large number of Ultramarines remain on the surface awaiting their rescue, therefore—
When bombarding the ground, the firepower should be even greater.
The defeated soldiers, reduced to such a state, have no reason to live.
While the excessive artillery fire shattered them, their deaths served as a stark reminder of the cost of defeat.
The Iron Hands does not tolerate failure.
"Etc."
Kasgar took a deep breath.
He experienced a small sense of awe at the Iron Hands for the first time.
"That is not our goal."
"In my private conversation with Lady Philus, she expressed her hope that I could correct the many problems that currently exist in the Iron Hands."
"We hope that while the Iron Hands ruthlessly annihilates the enemy, it can also possess a merciful side."
"This is also her expectation of you."
Kasgar looked at everyone with a meaningful expression.
Kindness.
Do you understand? Mercy!
The Iron Hands looked at each other in bewilderment.
"Well," Company Commander Santo tried to say, "Everything will remain the same, but we will hold funerals for them after the war to commemorate their great contributions to the Imperium?"
Despite still harboring a deep loathing for losers, Santo still showed the "mercy" of the Iron Hands to the Ultramarines.
Kasgar: "."
Is this the most merciful act that the Iron Hands could possibly portray?
He started to have a headache.
"I see!"
"You mean to use those remnants as bait to lure out more Gardinalians?"
"Let their lives serve the Imperium one last time!"
(Using friendly forces as cannon fodder—not only Horus did this, but the Senior Sister did it too.)
(Do it often)
After listening to the speech from Company Commander Santo, the Iron Hands nodded repeatedly.
As expected of Company Commander Gabriel Santo!
It was immediately clear what the Lord Commander of the Sons of the Emperor was thinking.
In this way, the Iron Hands is shown to be merciful, while the opposing forces are dealt a more effective blow, achieving multiple goals at once.
Kasgar remained silent.
He wanted to transform into Uncle Vulkan and smash their heads with a big iron hammer.
Let's see if it produces a metallic echo.
Is there any possibility? I mean, is there any possibility?
"Once we reach the near-Earth orbit of the main star, we will use artillery fire to control the airspace and send a portion of our landing forces to land on the surface from the ships."
"While rescuing the remaining Ultramarines on the surface, complete the construction of the landing site fortifications."
Don't you guys even have the option of rescuing friendly forces in your heads?!
After the words were spoken, the Iron Hands fell into an unusual silence.
"Commander, if I may be so bold, your tactic is not rational."
"We might be able to save some of the Ultramarines and Imperial Army lives, but we will also lose more resources in the process, which is not worth it."
There's no such thing as a "cost-benefit" situation when it comes to human life.
This statement is indeed very true, but it is often not applicable in war.
Especially in the war of the Iron Hands.
"Perhaps this isn't worthwhile in the short term, but my fellow Iron Hands, please listen to me—"
"Saving Chapter Master Cicero of the Ultramarines Chapter may cost more resources, but for Primarch Guilliman, it will be a favor he can hardly shake off."
Human relationships?
A term somewhat unfamiliar to the Iron Hands.
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.
"In the future, we will have more collaborations with the Ultramarines, and this investment in friendship may very well yield rich rewards!"
Really.
Although the expected return on investment is low, it is ultimately a long-term investment.
Seeing that the Iron Hands were gradually accepting his explanation, Kasgar breathed a sigh of relief.
It's not that difficult!
Iron Hands are a group of extreme rationalists.
As long as you can articulate the stakes to them, they are still willing to implement your plan.
He's starting to get the hang of it.
"At the same time, if you encounter other civilians or civilian residences in Gardinal during the battle, I hope you will try to minimize the bombing of them."
"Every Imperium citizen can become a cornerstone of the Imperium through their own strength, and even the elderly have the potential for their offspring to become Space Marine and fight alongside you."
No way.
When you encounter someone as stubborn as Iron Hands, you have to go along with them and gradually correct their thinking.
"I'm sorry, Commander, but I don't quite agree with what you're saying."
"Based on current statistics, the probability of civilians or children with Space Marine talent among the Imperium population who are of average Space Marine caliber is extremely small and can be almost ignored."
"They will most likely spend their entire lives as laborers serving the Imperium, and the value they can produce in their lifetime is negligible compared to the expected losses from merciful warfare."
"Even if they are qualified to become Space Marine, the selection of suitable candidates is only a small part of the cost of training a Space Marine. The greater cost comes from the Gene-seed, weapons and equipment, and training."
"If the bombing misses Gardinal's urban warfare troops, it will cause enormous anticipated losses to our army, which cannot be compensated by showing leniency to civilians."
"Therefore, based on our final calculations, the conclusion is that the deaths of civilians do not justify reducing our bombing."
Clap clap clap.
The Iron Hands applauded the Company Commander's logical and insightful speech.
Kasgar looked at the Second Captain Aqua, with despair.
The other person was looking at him with pity.
First?
First.
Kasgar fell into deep self-doubt.
He felt that sometimes Philus's temper was rather volatile, and it wasn't necessarily her fault.
Ultramarines had Chapter system even before the Codex.
"This is a disaster, Chapter Master (referring to Cicero), and you dare to desecrate the dead before a Primarch with such pretexts." — Ferrus Manus: Gorgon of Medusa