Liu Zhipeng nodded in satisfaction. As he gazed through the viewport at the planet returning to "peace," his eyes gleamed like those of a capitalist who had discovered an untapped gold mine.
Jade VII was his now.
The planet possessed abundant mineral resources and a complete industrial system-damaged, but with its foundations intact.
"Snot," he called lazily, "have we connected to the Blue-skinned Sprouts?"
Snot sat nervously before a bewilderingly complex communications device. Ghazghk had cobbled this "Hyperspace Encrypted Communicator Pro Max Plus" together from a T'au Empire communicator, an Ork amplifier, and some Aeldari crystal components of unknown origin.
"C-connected, Big Boss!" Snot adjusted his bottle-bottom glasses, stammering with nerves. "The signal... is very clear! The Blue-skinned Sprouts seem really anxious!"
"Good." Liu Zhipeng cleared his throat, his face instantly switching into "actor mode." That complex expression of grief, weakness, and relief at surviving disaster, tempered by a trace of defiance and hope, appeared on his face once more.
"Switch over the video feed."
Far across the sea of stars, a somber, sorrowful atmosphere hung over the bridge of the T'au Empire command ship Dawnbringer.
Suisxing, Qingliu, and all the senior officers who had participated in the battle for Jade VII had gathered there. They had just finished delivering a report to their supreme command, the Ethereal Council.
Their report had been filled with tragedy and devastation. They had described the horror of the Tyranids and their own terrible losses, but devoted far more time to recounting the glorious, selfless sacrifice of their great allies-the Gretchin "Freedom Fighters."
From the initial "saturation bombardment" to the Justice Enforcer's suicide charge, and finally the tragic covering charge that had staked their entire race on the outcome... Qingliu had brought every detail vividly to life with his stirring words, moving even the