Mandeville Point Toll Station

Guilliman ignored his glib remarks. The Imperial Regent lowered his head and issued a string of orders into the communicator.

One order after another flowed like water to the various departments of the Imperium.

Ordinary orders might be relayed slowly, but orders from the Regent's office were transmitted at lightning speed.

Lin En listened. "First, second, and third reinforcement fleets, stand by."

"Have General Narvik report to the office immediately."

"Notify Mars to prepare weapons support."

"Order the First, Third, and Fifth Companies of the Ultramarines to prepare for deployment. Tell Calgar to get ready to divert the Macragge defense fleet."

"Open an encrypted channel from Baal to the High Lords Council. I want to speak directly with Dante."

The entire war machine of the Imperium had begun revolving around Baal. With Guilliman's advance support and early warning, this battle for Baal should be secure.

He would not let a single bug set foot on Baal.

Guilliman soon arranged most of the reinforcements.

The fleets of the other Chapters could set out immediately and still arrive within three months.

Those ugly things from the Hive Fleet were still crawling along at sublight speed. By the time they reached Baal, they would be greeted by the muzzles of the entire Blood Progeny and the Imperial reinforcement fleets, already arrayed for battle.

Guilliman finally raised his head and looked at Lin En. "The reinforcements are arranged. The Maelstrom is closer to Baal and should be able to arrive within a few days. Calgar's forces are farther away, so they will probably need half a month. Keep communications open after you reach Baal. Remember to tell Dante that, at the critical moment, he can take Sanguinius's remains and leave first. A planet can be rebuilt, but there are only so many Blood