Kester nodded slightly, still quite satisfied with Pex's answer. Although Pex had failed to achieve his operational objectives, his attitude was good.
Were Orks really that easy to wipe out? With nothing but the Planetary Defense Force Pex had spent a few months training? Even Kester himself, commanding a formidable Astra Militarum army, could not be certain of victory without an overwhelming numerical advantage and fire support.
"And what is the situation on Euronia III?"
Kester had not shifted his gaze, but Cornwall, in the holographic projection, nervously wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"The situation here... although the Greenskins haven't been eliminated either, things are still under control, still under control..." Cornwall said guiltily.
That tone made Kester frown. When officials of the Imperium spoke like that, it usually meant things had become too serious to cover up.
"I need the truth. So, Governor Cornwall, when you say things are still under control, do you really mean you've contained the Greenskins' movements and prevented them from spreading across Euronia III?"
This time, Kester shifted his gaze from Pex to Cornwall's holographic projection.
"Governor, in the future, the three of us, together with the Astartes Chapter Master, will form the highest command authority in the Euronia System. We should trust one another and stand united.
"There is no need to hide anything from me. If you tell the truth now, we can still prevent the situation from deteriorating further. I can also put in a few words in your defense in my report to the Departmento Munitorum."
To get Cornwall to come clean, Kester softened his tone considerably. This, too, came from experience. Push officials of the Imperium too hard, and they might lash out in desperation. More than a few had betrayed the Imperium and surrendered to Chaos.
Cornwall's