The communications officer had barely sent out their identification codes and request for entry when the array received a call bearing an Ultramarines identification code.
The communications officer glanced back at Lin En.
"Take it," Lin En said with a nod.
The Macragge System's defense commander appeared on the screen.
He was a mortal Guard Army commander, bald and ordinary-looking, in his forties or fifties.
Behind him, personnel rushed through the defense command center in chaos. Red lights and alarms crowded the screens alongside combat markers and warnings. Beyond the windows, fire and explosions filled the sky.
"Lord Lin En!" the commander shouted.
"Commander, what's the situation on Macragge?"
The commander had already received Calgar's orders: as soon as Lord Lin En arrived, he was to be granted command authority equal to his own.
The commander reported loudly, "Lord Lin En, the Khorne Army is besieging Macragge! Hera Fortress is still holding! Chapter Master Calgar is commanding from inside the fortress!"
"Grant us entry," Lin En said at once. "We're coming in now!"
"Entry has already been granted!" the commander shouted. "My lord, take the third approach lane. A berth at Hera Fortress has been reserved for you!"
"Understood!"
The commander snapped another salute, then the connection ended and the screen went dark.
Lin En set the communicator on the console, stood, and walked to the viewport.
They had reached Macragge.
Macragge itself looked all right, with no major damage visible. But the space around it was one vast battle, fleets trading cannon fire everywhere.
Standing before the viewport, Lin En swept out a hand and ordered, "All ships, accelerate! Shields to full! Prepare to enter Macragge's orbit!"
The duty officer relayed the order.
All six ships accelerated toward the planet's orbit.
A Khorne destroyer blocked their route.
The ship