It was late at night. Beneath the night sky, the mining base was quiet and solemn. The stars scattered across the heavens were like beacons in the universe, guiding the patrol craft quietly returning to base and the transports roaring overhead on their way home.
This was not the front line. It lay far from the Warp Daemons' occupied territory and the lands of certain ambitious warlords and rebels. As a result, there had been no major battles here for a long time. By nightfall, aside from the necessary patrols and the aircraft on duty, most of the base's soldiers and officers had already returned to their barracks or rooms to rest.
And the guests who had come to visit were no exception!
So, as fewer people and soldiers remained out and about inside the base, Sejanus had no intention of continuing to wander around and draw the attention, suspicion, or even pursuit of the patrolling base soldiers. He returned on schedule to the standard Supply Depot-style quarters with its own private section, where they had been assigned to stay.
"..."
Though it was time to rest for the day again, Sejanus did not seem to be in a very good mood.
As soon as he entered the delegation's quarters on the edge of the mining base and closed the hatch, he looked as though he were carrying the weight of the whole universe. Weariness clung to his face like age worn into an ancient sculpture. With heavy steps, he handed his belongings to an Astartes Warrior who came to meet him, then sank wearily onto the sofa, eyes half-closed. For a long while, he did not say a word.
"Captain!"
"Please have some tea."
Not long after, seeing how tired their captain looked, a loyal Astartes Warrior thoughtfully brought