The People's Hopes Rest Upon Our Shoulders

The Eternal Eye began to slow down.

The Solar Fleet reached lunar orbit, shifting from supercruise into conventional propulsion and making its final adjustments before docking.

The Solar Fleet would be stationed in lunar orbit. The final leg of the journey to Terra was not their responsibility; they would hand off to the Adeptus Custodes' Solar Guard.

"We've reached lunar orbit."

Calgar spoke from behind Lin En, forcibly pulling his attention back from the gray planet.

Lin En tore his gaze from the porthole, rubbed his eyes, and forcibly calmed himself.

He had stared for too long. Even with his eyes closed, he could still see the outline of that withered planet, as if its gray imprint had been seared onto his retinas.

Calgar patted him on the shoulder. "Priest, you're about to meet the Emperor. This is the highest honor there is. Don't look so miserable."

Stop wearing that expression.

If the High Lords Council, the Ecclesiarchy, or the Inquisition saw you, they might use it to attack you.

Lin En understood the reasoning. He nodded and forced himself to adjust his mood.

It was fine. It was fine. It was fine.

As long as he was still alive, everything could be solved.

Perhaps the system had entries for restoring water sources, restoring ecosystems, or transforming planets into habitable worlds. As long as he lived, he would draw them sooner or later.

Yeah!

Now he was fired up!

He could go back to building little blankets-and-roof shelters under bridges and continue fighting for humanity in this giant cesspit!

Calgar told him to look toward the other side of the porthole.

Lin En looked in the direction Calgar pointed and suddenly felt somewhat invigorated.

Another fleet was stationed in lunar orbit.

It was enormous. Its entire hull was painted a