A Visit

The smoke at the outskirts of the Woles Galaxy gradually dispersed, leaving behind burning wreckage, drifting debris, and the exhaustion and bustle that followed a glorious victory.

The Imperial fleet began regrouping, reorganizing, treating the wounded, and repairing the damage.

The captured Chaos flagship, the Profane Maw, floated silently under the "supervision" of the Spirit of Fire like a dead snake stripped of its fangs, awaiting thorough "disinfection" and analysis by Hilling engineers.

On the bridge of Guilliman's flagship, Macragge's Honour.

"Master Obi-Wan," Guilliman said, looking at the Jedi Master beside him. His tone was calm, though it carried a trace of barely concealed urgency. "What are your people's plans for the Chaos flagship and the Blackstone Spire?"

Obi-Wan had already learned of the situation through communications. He answered gently, "Lord Regent, Captain Anders stated that the Spirit of Fire's engineering team is very interested in the Chaos warship's engine structure, energy transmission system, and... certain materials. They need to conduct a detailed analysis. Therefore, they hope to retain the Profane Maw for a while."

He paused. Seeing that Guilliman did not immediately object, he continued, "As for the Blackstone Spire, although it has been corrupted, its fundamental structure and principles may be more valuable to your side in stabilizing the Warp and resisting Chaos. Captain Anders has clearly stated that once the engineers have collected the necessary environmental data and samples, it can be handed over to you."

Guilliman inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, and sincere gratitude appeared on his face. "Please convey my thanks to Captain Anders and your people. The Blackstone Spire is vital to us. As for that ship... you may study it as you please."

His original objective had been the spire. Trading that foul Chaos flagship for the Hilling Empire's friendship and an opportunity for technological analysis was an unexpected gain instead.

"I will immediately arrange for the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus to assist your side in handling and receiving the Blackstone Spire, provided safety can be ensured."

At that moment, Carter, standing behind Obi-Wan, stepped forward and gave a standard Spartan salute. "Master Obi-Wan, Carter Squad requests permission to return to the Spirit of Fire and report to Captain Anders and the Master Chief."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Of course, Captain Carter. Your temporary mission has ended. You should return to your brothers."

Guilliman's gaze shifted slightly. A thought arose, and he looked toward Obi-Wan. "Master Obi-Wan, might I and several of my Imperial colleagues have the honor of visiting your Spirit of Fire? We are all deeply curious about your technology and... your organizational methods."

Obi-Wan understood Guilliman's intentions.

He contacted Captain Anders through his communicator once again.

A moment later, he smiled and nodded. "Captain Anders welcomes your visit, Lord Regent. He will await you on the bridge."

Several Imperial landing craft detached from their respective motherships and cautiously approached the steel behemoth bearing the enormous Crystal Cross insignia—the Spirit of Fire—under guidance signals.

When the hatches opened and Guilliman, Marshal Trajan, several Space Marine Chapter Masters, several senior Adeptus Mechanicus sages, and representatives from various Imperial departments stepped out, the sight before them instantly turned their high alertness into... bewilderment and shock.

In stark contrast to the Spirit of Fire's utilitarian, even somewhat rugged Iron Blood exterior, its interior corridors were broad, bright, and unimaginably clean.

Soft white light poured evenly down from the ceiling, illuminating metal floors and walls polished like mirrors, without the slightest stain or trace of rust.

The air was fresh, carrying a faint scent of ozone and cleanser. There was none of the usual mixture of machine oil, sweat, incense, or even blood found aboard Imperial vessels.

What left them even more dumbfounded was that the figures moving through the corridors were not all human crew members.

Large numbers of robots of different shapes moved smoothly and methodically as they cleaned, inspected equipment, and transported supplies.

Their actions were precise and efficient, coordinated through silent signals like the gears of an intricate clock.

Some small drones glided silently through designated zones above the corridors like agile birds.

"Welcome aboard the Spirit of Fire, Lord Regent Robert Guilliman, and honored guests of the Imperium of Man."

A clear, pleasant female voice rang through the corridor, yet there was no sense of where it came from. "I am the shipboard intelligence core, Dina, responsible for coordinating this vessel's daily operations. Captain Anders is awaiting you on the bridge."

A shipboard intelligence?! A shipboard core with independent awareness and intelligence, capable of communicating fluently?!

Such a thing was unimaginable heresy within the Imperium!

The Adeptus Mechanicus sages' pupils contracted instantly. Their servo-arms and mechanical eyes emitted high-pitched hums as though they had witnessed some forbidden existence, and they nearly activated the Purification Protocol on the spot! Even the Adeptus Custodes unconsciously placed their hands on their weapons!

Guilliman immediately raised a hand to stop the potential disturbance. His eyes were equally filled with shock, but even more with inquiry and contemplation.

"Thank you for receiving us, Lady Dina," he said in a deep voice. "Please lead the way."

Following Dina's voice guidance, the Imperial visitors passed through corridor after corridor that were too clean to belong to a warship, their emotions extraordinarily complicated.

They saw comfortable seating and entertainment terminals in the crew rest areas, efficient automated kitchens, robot-operated rapid repair stations... everything was orderly and efficient.

The bridge area.

The heavy alloy doors slid open without a sound, revealing the Spirit of Fire's command center.

The scene within once more assaulted the Imperial visitors' understanding.

There were no enormous machine shrines, no burning incense, and no Tech-Priests kneeling in prayer.

Instead, a huge, clear holographic tactical star map surrounded the bridge, with countless streams of data silently scrolling across it.

The consoles were simple and clear. Most operations were carried out by crew members through touch interfaces or voice commands, while the core projection of AI Dina hovered beside the main control station, assisting with the processing of massive amounts of information.

Captain Anders, a middle-aged man with a resolute face and a crisp Hilling Empire naval uniform, came forward with several senior officers.

His manner was efficient, carrying the steadiness unique to a soldier.

"Lord Regent, welcome aboard." Captain Anders extended his right hand. "I am the captain of the Spirit of Fire, James Carter Anders."

"Captain Anders, thank you for your generosity." Guilliman looked at the outstretched hand and considered its meaning. Obi-Wan beside him briefly explained the handshake greeting, and Guilliman extended his own hand to shake Anders's. His gaze swept over the advanced bridge. "Your ship... is impressive."

Captain Anders seemed to see their shock. He smiled faintly, carrying both pride and a trace of sentiment. "The Spirit of Fire is an old ship. It has served for many years and fought quite a few hard battles. Everything you see here," he said, gesturing at the automated facilities and Dina's projection, "is the result of later upgrades and refits. Where we come from, this is... well, fairly basic equipment."

Basic equipment?!

The Imperial visitors, especially the senior Adeptus Mechanicus sages, felt as though their understanding of reality was being crushed again and again.

This enormous warship, powerful enough to withstand the main guns of a Chaos battleship and with an interior as futuristic as heaven, was merely "outdated" and "basic" within the Hilling Empire?!

"In fact," Captain Anders said, his tone touched by nostalgia, "this mission will most likely be the Spirit of Fire's final mission. Under the latest fleet modernization plan, once it returns, it will be placed in reserve, perhaps even dismantled for recycling. It was only because I... argued my case with the higher-ups that I secured this final chance to 'give off a little remaining heat.' It deserves a dignified farewell." His words were full of feeling for the decorated warship.

Guilliman silently nodded, understanding that sentiment shared by soldiers.

Next, under the guidance of Captain Anders and Dina, the Imperial delegation toured the Spirit of Fire's non-core areas: the efficient automated engine compartments, advanced medical bays, enormous hangars...

Finally, they arrived at a broad training ground filled with hard, sharp lines—the Spartans' exclusive training area.

As Guilliman and the others entered, the training session had just come to an end.

Dozens of Spartans in dark green training uniforms or basic MJOLNIR Armor stood in formation.

At their head stood the Master Chief, John-117.

Seeing the Master Chief and their familiar comrades, the members of Carter Squad could barely contain their excitement. They strode forward, snapped to attention before him, and gave the most standard Spartan salute. "Sir! Carter Squad has completed its mission and requests permission to rejoin the unit!"

The Master Chief returned the salute, his movement concise and forceful. His gaze swept over Carter and the others from beneath his visor, and his calm voice emerged through the speakers. "Mission report received. You did well, Carter."

He paused. "The new batch of MJOLNIR Armor has been manufactured and passed inspection. Report to the armory for collection after dismissal."

"Yes, sir!" Carter and the others replied loudly, filled with a sense of belonging and joy at receiving their equipment again.

Only after saluting again did they turn and run toward their company formation, bumping fists and embracing familiar comrades as they silently shared the joy of reunion.

Guilliman watched the scene in silence.

Discipline, efficiency, strength, Fealty, and... that mutual understanding and trust that surpassed ordinary humans.

Then he looked at the sleek, futuristic armor they wore, as well as the simulation training equipment scattered across the training ground—things he had never seen before.

An indescribably complicated emotion welled up within him.

If... if there had been no Iron Men Rebellion... if there had been no technological catastrophe that swept across all humanity... would the Imperium of Man's ships have been like this as well? Perhaps... even better?

The thought gnawed at him like a venomous snake.

The scene before him seemed like a distant, hazy echo of humanity's brilliant technology during the Golden Age, filled with longing and... endless regret.

The final stop of the tour was the Spirit of Fire's crew mess hall.

Spacious, bright, and clean remained its defining features.

Robot attendants moved through the hall, providing standardized nutritious meals to the crew.

Captain Anders invited the Imperial visitors to try them as well.

When the pale green nutrient paste was served—a smooth, delicate substance with a fresh fruity scent, like premium pudding—the expressions of the Imperial visitors became exceedingly subtle.

The representatives of the Department of Justice and officials from the Ministry of the Interior wore particularly colorful expressions, their control over their faces nearly collapsing.

The Space Marines remained expressionless. To them, food was good food as long as it was edible.

The senior Adeptus Mechanicus sages carefully analyzed the ingredients with instruments, and the results left them even more silent—extremely high energy density, perfectly balanced nutrition, easy absorption, almost no metabolic waste... it was practically the perfect military ration!

Then they thought of the starch blocks, synthetic meat, and even worse "Corpse Starch" eaten by ordinary Imperial soldiers... The immense disparity left everyone silent.

Even Guilliman, after tasting it, had to admit that this was not merely a matter of flavor. The difference in logistical support and soldiers' condition was like heaven and earth.

Oppressive silence spread through the mess hall.

At last, Guilliman set down his utensils and looked at Captain Anders. His gaze was frank, carrying a trace of barely perceptible earnestness. "Captain Anders, your technology... is truly astonishing. Whether in ship design, automation levels, intelligent applications, individual equipment, or logistical support... it far exceeds the Imperium's understanding. I... on behalf of the Imperium of Man, hope to engage in some... limited technological exchange with your side. We do not covet your core secrets, but even basic concepts, engineering optimization methods, or... formulas for efficient nutritional agents such as this could provide tremendous assistance to the Imperium in fighting Chaos and preserving humanity's flame."

The smile on Captain Anders's face faded, and he showed an awkward expression. "Lord Regent, I understand your needs very well. But..." He spread his hands. "My authority extends only to commanding the Spirit of Fire. Technology transfers, sharing formulas... those are completely beyond my authority. Such matters require authorization from the Hilling Empire Senate, the Supreme Academy of Sciences, or the relevant departments." He glanced at Obi-Wan beside him, making his meaning clear: this was not something he could decide.

The atmosphere stiffened for a moment.

Obi-Wan spoke at the right time, his gentle voice breaking the impasse. "Lord Regent, Captain Anders's difficulty is real. However, there may be a compromise opportunity for learning at present." He looked at Guilliman. "The captured Chaos flagship, the Profane Maw, is currently being analyzed by the Spirit of Fire's engineering team. Are your Adeptus Mechanicus members not also going to assist in dealing with the Blackstone Spire and eventually receive it? Why not use this opportunity to allow your Tech-Priests, provided safety is ensured, to observe how our engineers operate and let both sides exchange ideas?"

Obi-Wan paused, then said meaningfully, "Technology often reveals itself through the process of operation, methods of analysis, and approaches to solving problems. Seeing it with your own eyes... may be more enlightening than directly obtaining a particular technology. After all, giving someone a fish is not as good as teaching them how to fish."

Guilliman's eyes instantly lit up! The suggestion was simply inspired!

"Master Obi-Wan, your proposal is most wise!" Guilliman immediately agreed. "This is entirely feasible! Our technicians will certainly cherish this learning opportunity, strictly observe your regulations, and never interfere with your work!"

He looked at the Adeptus Mechanicus sages behind him, whose eyes were shining and who could barely restrain their excitement. "You heard that? This is an opportunity that comes once in a thousand years!"

"Yes! Yes, Lord Regent!" The senior sages were so excited that even their servo-arms trembled. This was practically a pilgrimage! Being able to witness these allies' analysis process firsthand, even if it concerned a creation of Chaos, would be enough to benefit them immensely! As for the Adeptus Mechanicus's forbidden doctrines, those could wait until after they had watched.

As for the wormhole technology and hyperspace jumps Guilliman most desired... he also knew that such things were far beyond what the present Imperium could hope to attain.

One had to eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time.

Being able to open this door to "observation and learning" was already an enormous gain.

In the future, perhaps while jointly resisting the Tyranids or other greater threats, there might be possibilities for deeper cooperation.

The visit ended amid a subtly satisfied atmosphere in which everyone had gotten what they needed.

Guilliman returned to his flagship with the Imperial delegation, his heart filled with thoughts of the future and a deeper curiosity toward the Hilling Empire, along with... reverence.

The battered Chaos flagship, though filled with wounds, possessed immense value as a learning opportunity. It became the first fragile bridge built between the two civilizations across their technological divide.