Macragge

Since the Age of Strife, the galaxy has not experienced a Warp storm of this magnitude.

In these extreme conditions, long-distance Warp jumps have become almost synonymous with suicide. Navigators can barely see the light of the Astronomican, and fleets can only travel at sub-light speeds in realspace, supplemented by occasional short-range jumps.

After nearly a month, Loci finally arrived at the core of the Segmentum Pacificus: Macragge.

This is an incredibly prosperous planet, the undisputed heart of the Eastern Galactic.

Before entering the edge of the Macragge system, the fleet was intercepted by the space fortresses, weapon space stations, and cruiser fleets scattered throughout the void.

Weapon arrays in the asteroid belt and armed platforms on the fringe planets simultaneously focused their targeting locks.

"This is the Glory of Macragge, I am Roboute Guilliman."

The Primarch and the defending governor exchanged communication keys. After repeatedly confirming Guilliman's identity, the fleet was allowed to enter the star system.

"Your flagship is also being scrutinized? So strict," Loci remarked.

"It's wartime. I've already transmitted the news of the enemy's approach via Astropathic message to all planets. Although some haven't responded yet due to the Warp storm, Macragge is already prepared for battle," Guilliman replied.

Loci remained noncommittal about Guilliman's method of transmitting Astropathic messages, as he had seen wave after wave of Astropaths literally drain their psychic energy to convey these messages.

Guilliman, by increasing the number and sacrificing the lives of Astropaths, minimized the impact of the destructive storm as much as possible.

Many died just to deliver a single message.

It was an extremely cruel act, but a necessary one.

The chaos caused by the severance of Astropathic communication would result in far greater casualties than the deaths of a few Astropaths. As the lord of the Segmentum Pacificus, Guilliman had no choice but to do this.

Sometimes, after issuing an order, the Master of Macragge, in a moment of distraction, realized he was becoming more like his father. The Emperor faced a galactic mess and had to make far more difficult decisions.

Under Guilliman's command, even the flagship needed repeated verification, preventing the possibility of Macragge being infiltrated if the flagship were captured by the enemy.

Within the star system, numerous transport ships and troop carriers shuttled back and forth, bringing necessary war materiel and armed soldiers from surrounding star systems. Under the coordination of the Ultramarines, the entire star system would be transformed into an indestructible fortress.

War was imminent.

Loci took a deep breath. For the past month, Guilliman had merely kept him by his side, explaining the current state of the galaxy, but had not made any requests of Loci.

He understood this was a sign of respect, in accordance with their unspoken covenant: the Primarch did not presume him to be his subordinate. He had extended every courtesy possible, and in a sense, they were almost equals.

As an advisor, Loci could go anywhere he wished on the flagship after Guilliman issued an order, and all Ultramarines were obligated to obey his legitimate commands.

"What can I do?"

Guilliman smiled, waiting for Loci to speak first.

He and Loci had not yet established a close relationship. Although their cooperation was based on his eloquence and the constraints of the current situation, it was not unbreakable.

A too-forceful approach might provoke dissatisfaction.

Through various diplomatic maneuvers, the Primarch had subtly drawn them closer. In the eyes of the Ultramarines, this mortal was even more valued by the Gene-Father than Chapter Master Marius Gage.

"My Legion has suffered heavy losses. We need rapid replenishment of personnel, equipment, Titan-class vehicles, and warships—but you understand, with the Empire's reaction speed, the Forge Worlds are nowhere near fast enough to meet my needs!"

The Imperial Forge Worlds, having completely abandoned the use of artificial intelligence, were forced to rely on massive amounts of manual labor. The colossal warships that traversed the stars were built piece by piece by Tech-Priests and servitor-slaves.

Even a small laser gun required a battery produced from an STC template, then assembly and a blessing from the Adeptus Mechanicus before reaching the soldier's hand. Not to mention the massive warships and Titans; the construction time for a single warship spanning decades or even a century was not uncommon.

With the rebels about to arrive, Guilliman had no time to wait.

In such a situation, Loci, who possessed a vessel from the Golden Age Ark, became a significant variable in Guilliman's eyes. He hoped to obtain something from Loci that could turn the tide of the war.

Human technology had nearly collapsed after the Age of Strife. Even the Adeptus Mechanicus was merely excavating past legacies from various ruins and debris.

Almost all powerful creations were made by humanity's ancestors. Present-day humans could only try to unearth partially functional legacies from the ruins and patch them up.

Then, what kind of incredible technology would a complete starship from the Golden Age possess?

Guilliman's gaze was intense. Loci understood what he sought.

"I need a planet as a base," Loci said.

"Which one do you want? As soon as you ask, it will be yours," Guilliman said, activating the holographic projection on the bridge. Instantly, all planets in the star system were projected into the air.

"Macragge is also an option?"

"Yes, but I will need time to relocate its people," Guilliman replied without hesitation. His handsome face showed no trace of jest, and his firm tone was decisive.

Loci chuckled. Of course, he wouldn't establish his base on Macragge. It was Guilliman's homeworld, the home of all Ultramarines, and doing so would undoubtedly provoke universal hostility.

His very existence challenged the red lines of the Imperium. Loci should strive to minimize his presence.

Sometimes, knowing and seeing are two different things.

"This one. The fifth planet in the system's orbit. It will become my production base," Loci said, pointing to a planet that quickly enlarged.

"Mustafa? That's a death world and a mining world. Are you sure you want to choose it?"

Guilliman continued, "You don't need to worry about population relocation. I can move the populations of Nab and Odran, leaving you a more pleasant garden world to develop."

"Our alliance is closer than that of Terra and Mars. I hope we can be candid. Humanity can no longer afford disputes caused by communication barriers."

Loci nodded. In fact, he was interested in the planet's mineral resources. The population was not a concern; his production base wouldn't require much manpower anyway.

"Mustafa is very suitable for me, and it also has an asteroid belt and a few moons in orbit. I have some ideas that need to be put into practice."

Seeing Loci's firm stance, Guilliman abandoned his attempts to persuade him. It was best to leave professional matters to professionals; an outsider's meddling would only cause trouble.

"I will have Hill stay by your side. He will serve as our liaison, and you can relay any needs to me through him. Next, I need to mobilize the entire strength of the Five Hundred Worlds, so I'm afraid I cannot continue to accompany you."

"And for those veterans of the Iron Hands and Raven Guard, I will add an Ultramarines company. They will serve as your escort, at your disposal."

Guilliman's arrangements were thorough. He reassigned Nikanna, Willand, and others to Loci's command, even adding an Ultramarines company.

He had issued the orders as a Primarch, and in the absence of the Primarch's direct subordinates among the Adeptus Astartes, this provided Loci with the legal basis to command these warriors.

Nikanna, Willand, and the others would no longer fight for Loci due to personal relationships or mission requirements. With Guilliman's orders issued, their sworn duty as warriors demanded their complete obedience.

After making the arrangements, Guilliman immediately plunged into his demanding and busy work. There were too many matters requiring the attention of the Lord of the Five Hundred Worlds.

Loci also took a deep breath. Changes were always faster than planned. He had originally intended to rush to Terra and then make plans, but under the current circumstances, he could only remain in the Macragge system.

Moreover, Guilliman had placed so much trust in him, and he did not wish to betray those expectations.

Perhaps he could utilize some of the technological reserves on the Red Alert.

"Sir, do you have any orders?" Hill, who had been standing by, approached. He had overheard the conversation and understood his current duties.

His eyes conveyed calmness and determination, yet they possessed a touch more spirituality compared to other Ultramarines.

After the Battle of Kaos, his achievements had been recognized by all, and he had been personally promoted to Captain by the Primarch.

Of course, this was also related to the shortage of command staff within the Ultramarines Legion after the war. A large number of officers had died in battle, and warriors with proven combat merits were promoted on the spot.

"Complete the mission entrusted to us by the Primarch. Proceed immediately to Mustafa."