The Damocles Gulf, a vast sea of stars stretching along the fringes of the Imperium of Man, had long been synonymous with conflict and opportunity. Now, on its outskirts, a tug-of-war that would determine the fate of civilizations was unfolding. This was the spearhead of the young T'au Empire's expansion, and the front line against the endless tide of the Orks' Waaagh!
The distant stars remained silent, but nearby, gunfire tore through the void.
Inside the bridge of the T'au Empire's command ship Dawnbringer, soft blue light shone from the holographic tactical display, throwing everyone's faces into sharp relief.
Qingliu, a Water Caste diplomat, watched the elegant blue markers representing the T'au fleet with the air of someone admiring a work of art. Like darting fish, they wove and cruised through the chaotic formation of red icons representing the Ork fleet. Each crossing was accompanied by a blossoming spark marking the destruction of an enemy ship.
"Look, Commander Suisxing," Qingliu said, his voice smooth as jade, like a stream flowing through the mountains, carrying an innate persuasiveness. "Our fleet is like an exquisitely crafted sword: precise, efficient, deadly. The Orks, by contrast, are nothing more than a rusty butcher's cleaver swung wildly about. Savagery will ultimately retreat before civilization, and chaos will inevitably be brought into order. This is the inevitable outcome revealed by the Greater Good."
Beside him stood the Fire Caste commander Suisxing, whose name meant "one who shatters the stars." He was tall and wore a dark red combat uniform that clashed with the pristine white surroundings. Rather than look at the artful tactical display, he stared intently at the live combat footage on the main screen. His faceplate was retracted, revealing a battle-worn face that looked as though it had been carved from rock.
"Diplomat Qingliu,