Shadowsun walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked up at the sky.
The sky over T'au had once been a beautiful purple, but now that purple was veiled by the pale blue glow of a shield. Above it, hundreds of human warships circled in orbit like a flock of vultures, waiting for their chance to tear into their prey.
Imperial Fleet, Blade of Sorrow, briefing room.
An enormous oak conference table stood in the center of the room, surrounded by dozens of high-backed chairs.
Those chairs were now filled with the senior commanders of the Imperium's Expeditionary Force.
"Gentlemen," Saul began, his voice calm but commanding, "the orbital battle is over. We have won an overwhelming victory. Now it is time to discuss our next move."
He waved a hand, and the holographic projector in the center of the table activated, displaying a three-dimensional map of T'au.
"According to our reconnaissance data, the enemy has established eight major defensive zones on the surface, each with a comprehensive network of fortifications and heavy weapons." Saul traced his finger across the map, marking the locations of those zones. "In addition, their planetary shield system is sustained by two hundred and thirty-seven large generators distributed across the globe. As long as those generators remain operational, we cannot conduct effective orbital bombardment."
An Astra Militarum general stood. "Saint, I suggest deploying airborne troops to seize those shield generators directly. The Cadian Eighth Legion under my command has extensive experience in urban combat. Give us Grav-chutes, and we can cripple their shield system within twenty-four hours."
"No," a Company Captain from the Fire Hawks Chapter said gruffly. "A mission this critical should be entrusted to the Astartes. Our Battle Barges can breach the shield directly and deploy Thunderhawk transports. With just one company of my