After the Veil Walker and Lyleth left Kamas through the Webway, more visitors arrived on the planet.
The Fierce Angels.
A strike cruiser belonging to the Chapter hovered in orbit around Kamas, while squadrons of transports shuttled constantly between the planet and the ship.
In the castle hall, with Lu Jin and Lion watching, a ceremony was nearing its conclusion.
"Join the alliance, and this famine-stricken planet will receive ample supplies of food and civilian industrial goods."
"In wartime, when the alliance calls, your Planetary Defense Force or resources may be mobilized by the alliance for the war effort."
"When internal strife breaks out on your planet, we will take the side of the majority and the truth in deciding whether to defend the existing order or establish a new one."
"If you can accept these terms, sign your name on the contract. Do not sign in your private capacity; sign on behalf of Kamas's current ruling body, a former Imperial world."
The Fierce Angels' Sergeant looked down at the mortal before him.
A neophyte behind him handed over a parchment bearing the terms of the contract.
The Rebel Army's leader took up a quill and signed the contract.
The Sergeant hadn't been summoned by Lu Jin. Lu Jin had been just as surprised when the Fierce Angels' warship arrived.
Once the contract was signed, the Sergeant put it away and handed the Rebel Army's leaders a detailed list of the supplies the Fierce Angels could provide.
Kamas was on the brink of famine, the final "death rattle" of the former ruling class, purged by Vashtorr on their behalf.
But the famine would no longer be a threat. The food and civilian industrial goods brought by the Fierce Angels would keep the people of Kamas supplied until the planet resumed