In a tavern somewhere in Asia Minor, Terra.
The owner stood behind the bar, wiping down glasses with a rag as he stared at the holographic projection in the establishment.
Because people from near the agricultural districts had flooded into the tavern and blocked the space between the bar and the holographic projection, the owner had to stand on tiptoe to see what was being displayed.
Only one person in the entire bar seemed out of place.
That was Ol'Peson.
The Perpetual sat at the edge of the bar, paying no attention to the holographic projection behind him. He rolled a cigar between the fingers of his left hand and held a glass in his right, occasionally raising it for a sip and sighing appreciatively at the icy sensation.
"Two days ago, the Adeptus Arbites organized the trial of Doom, tyrant of the Pan-Pacific Empire."
"The Judiciars participating in the trial unanimously sentenced the tyrant to death."
"At dawn today, Doom, former tyrant of the Pan-Pacific Empire, was hanged, and his body was cremated."
"Doom was a cruel tyrant, a powerful tyrant. While the Astartes Legions led by the Primarchs had already defeated the enemy alliance within the Achamanid Empire and advanced into the territories of other Terran warlords, fighting within the Pan-Pacific Empire had remained fierce."
"But they were defeated. Victory belongs to us."
"Scholar Bello Li of the Historical Research Society believes that the fall of the Pan-Pacific Empire marks the final stage of the Unification Wars. The remaining warlords of Terra have only one choice: either be swept aside like fallen leaves in an autumn wind, or submit and accept the rule of Flame and Thunder."
"..."
Hearing the broadcast, the tavern owner let out an excited cheer, then shouted at everyone present, "Drinks are free today!