(Thanks to Wuhu Tower's Chief Controller and Red Alert 08's Bag Carrier for their generous God-tier Certification gifts. More National Day bonus chapters are still being added.)
The gunship slowly powered up in the hangar of the Fortress of Hera, the low growl of its engines rising through the deck.
The cabin lights had been dimmed, leaving only the pale blue glow of rows of tactical data terminals to illuminate the faces of those seated on the benches.
Nur stood at the front of the cabin, now wearing a complete suit of MK4 “Mark IV Maximus” Power Armour.
The armour reflected a deep blue sheen under the lights, blending with the armour of the Ultramarines behind him.
He held the wrecked drone whose internal systems he had repeatedly modified. Its casing had been resealed, and a slender data cable ran from the data port inside.
“Our target is the enemy's Node Warship,” Nur began.
His voice remained clear over the roar of the engines, and every gaze turned toward him at once.
“The command centre controlling their mechanical constructs throughout Macragge is aboard that ship. Their drone dispatch system, network communications hub, target acquisition, and data-link integration are all routed through this Node Warship.”
“If we can break inside and implant the Virus, it can spread rapidly through this node into the entire control network of the Iron Hands Legion.”
“When that happens, their drones, Mechanical Crawlers, and every enemy mechanical unit that relies on this network to coordinate its operations will fall into chaos, or even cease functioning.”
He paused after speaking, his gaze sweeping across the helmet faceplates that concealed their expressions.
They listened quietly, without making a single unnecessary sound.
These warriors had undergone countless boarding drills. They knew the most crucial information in a mission briefing