The Forged Steel Brethren War Band's pillaging of the world had ended, and every ship was packed to the brim.
But this was an entire planet, with two Hive Cities and a population of ten billion. And the War Band hadn't even touched the other Hive City. They didn't dare come to Preston Hive City's aid.
They'd taken people and supplies, but no matter how much the War Band seized, how many people could they take? How many supplies?
This Hive City's industrial system was still intact. As long as order could be restored and the remaining workers sent back to the factories, production could resume.
At that moment, countless people in the Hive City saw that it had grown quiet outside and began emerging from their homes, one by one, to check the streets.
Then, when everyone realized the enemy was gone, they all cheered. The war seemed to be over. The enemy had left the world, and they were safe.
Above the Hive City, the Blade of Judgment and Blackrock, leading another ten ships, had already departed the Starport and were floating in the Void.
On the Blade of Judgment's command bridge, Barnabas sat upright on the Command Throne and asked Peter beside him:
"Lord, all the ships are full, and the other Hive City still hasn't made a move. What do we do now?"
Peter gazed out from the bridge at the brown planet and thought for a moment before making his decision:
"This place is too close to the Imperium and too far from our Homeworld. Imperial reinforcements will arrive soon. There's no use leaving it intact, and destroying it costs us nothing."
"Blow up their Starport. The surveillance equipment inside captured our faces. There's no reason to leave it standing."
In a corner of the