Unexpected chaos

Iax had clearly noticed the two Sages' little maneuvers as well, but pursuing the matter was plainly pointless.

Watching the Sages hurry away, Iax ignored everyone else and boarded the Thunderhawk Gunship. Beside him, the captain of the Resolute looked hesitantly at Calando.

"My lord, will you be leaving?"

Seeing the captain's expression, as though he had something more to say,

Calando nodded silently.

"We have other missions to carry out. Continue following the Departmento Munitorum's orders as usual."

After hearing Calando's reply, the captain acknowledged it, said nothing more, and quietly stepped aside.

"The Emperor Above, this mission was unexpectedly difficult, yet inexplicably smooth."

Adrian lowered his arms from where they had been folded across his chest, then followed Iax aboard the Thunderhawk with that remark.

Calando surveyed their surroundings, then boarded the Thunderhawk with long strides without another word.

Soon, the Hangar's armoured doors opened.

Like a sword, the Thunderhawk Gunship cut a pale blue trail across the dark backdrop of space.

"They've left, sir."

A guardsman approached the captain and cautiously reminded him.

"I know. Without Space Marines stationed aboard, the battles ahead will be more complicated. I was merely reflecting on that."

Then the captain patted his cheeks.

"Notify the Navigator and confirm our destination. We're moving out. Tell everyone below to stay sharp. If they don't want to face Decimation, they'd better not slack off. Without the Space Marines, there will be no margin for error in battle!"

With that, he strode out of the Hangar.

The guardsman shuddered involuntarily at the mention of Decimation.

During this time, the captain's humble manner toward the Astartes of the various Chapters and the Sages of the Adeptus Mechanicus had almost fooled the naval personnel aboard.

Only now did the naval personnel still present remember that their captain