The Imperium didn't care at all how Brevis was doing.
They didn't care whether Brevis had just experienced a massive Orks invasion, nor did they care that Brevis's population had decreased by a third.
They were even less concerned that Brevis's food reserves were running low and that they faced a huge threat from Dorito Orks.
They only care about one thing: whether you have paid your Tithe on time and in full.
If you fail to pay your taxes, you will face trial in the Inquisition and annihilation by the Imperial Navy.
The entire planet was declared a "rebellious world" and then completely wiped out.
"Damn Imperium!" Lynn cursed under his breath, his voice filled with anger and helplessness.
He certainly knew what Tithe meant.
The Imperium's Tithe were numerous, extremely harsh, and the tax rates were frequently changing.
It all depends on the Administratum's mood and the resources needed by the local star system.
As Hive World, the most basic requirement for Brevis is Tithe on manpower.
Almost every Hive World must contribute one-tenth of its population to the Imperium each year as manpower for the Astra Militarum.
In the Warhammer World, people have always been the least valuable "commodity," so Lynn is barely acceptable.
The Vanguard's large-scale recruitment and initial training of new soldiers during this period was largely aimed at providing suitable manpower for the Tithe.
But Lynn heard that the Tithe Fleet did not arrive on time last year for other reasons.
In other words, he paid two years' Tithe.
Thinking of this, Lynn rubbed his temples again; it really gave him a headache.
But Lynn was worried that in addition to the Tithe recruits, other resources would also be levied this time.
After all, their Calixis System seems to be located in the Segmentum Obscurus, and this is the point where the " Thirteenth Black Crusade " begins.
With the Cadian Gate destroyed and the Great Rift opened, it's estimated that the entire Segmentum Obscurus is engulfed in fierce fighting.
Therefore, it's quite "normal" for the Administratum to levy additional resources from the Hive World.
Food, minerals, industrial goods, military equipment, and even Psyker.
These were the things that really killed Brevis.
Food is exactly what Brevis needs most right now.
After being harassed by the Orks, Dorito, Brevis's main food source, was completely occupied.
Currently, the grain production lines controlled by the upper nobility are barely keeping the operation running.
If the Tithe collectors were to also collect large quantities of grain, then a massive famine would immediately break out in Brevis.
The number of people who will starve to death will be incalculable.
But more troublesome and terrifying than food are Psyker.
Once the levy officer announces the levy of Psyker, the Black Ship of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica will arrive.
The Inquisitor and " Sisters of Silence " on those Black Ship wielded the power of life and death.
They will hunt down all Psyker on the planet, regardless of age or gender, like hounds.
They will then bring eligible Psyker onto the Black Ship.
Subsequently, the vast majority of Psyker are sent to Terra to be fed to the one on the Golden Throne, becoming fuel for the Warp's " Astronomican."
Lynn himself is not Psyker, but many Genestealer lurking in Brevis possess Psychic Power talents.
Not to mention the " Frost Soldier " on the Brevis Ice Plain; once the Black Ship in Brevis, they are at risk of being exposed at any moment.
At that time, not only will all of Lynn's plans come to naught, but he, Rena, and all those loyal to him will be thoroughly purged by the Inquisition and the Black Ship.
"We must go back immediately." Lynn made the decision decisively, without any hesitation.
Although the situation on Carl II is also tense, at least now the Orks have been scattered, and there will be no large-scale counterattack in the short term.
As long as Dorito doesn't launch a large-scale attack immediately, and with proper defense, holding out for one or two weeks should be no problem at all.
But Brevis is his current foundation.
If Brevis falls into chaos Tithe goes wrong, then all his previous efforts will be in vain.
He will lose everything and become a homeless vagrant again.
"Pass on my orders," Lynn said in a deep voice into the communicator.
" The Obsidian Pinnacle, along with all destroyers and frigates, will remain on the Carl II to assist in its defense."
"All ground troops, stay behind as well."
"I will lead the three Turbulent-class Frigate, ' Lightning,' ' Gale,' and ' Thunder,' back to Brevis immediately."
"Sir, you're only taking three escort ships back? That's too dangerous!"
A senior military officer exclaimed in surprise, "What if we encounter a storm in Warp, or space pirates..."
"There's no time." Lynn shook her head.
"Bringing another ship will only waste more time. Three Turbulent-class Frigate, the fastest of them all, will suffice."
He walked to the star map, looking at the marked positions of Brevis and Carl II with a solemn expression.
Dorito's Orks will find out about the fall of Carl II sooner or later.
They will definitely retaliate.
The coming week will be the most difficult and brutal test for the expeditionary fleet.
"Go and fetch Gus," Lynn said.
Gus strode in quickly.
He was dressed in Vanguard's uniform stained with blood, his posture upright as a pine tree.
He grew a thick beard, which covered his originally delicate chin and added a touch of ruggedness.
Those once clear eyes, tinged with timidity and confusion, have now become deep and resolute, filled with the composure and ruthlessness of someone who has been through countless battles.
In just six months, the once woman-dependent, frustrated, and ridiculed gigolo has been completely transformed.
He became a true soldier capable of standing on his own.
"My lord, you wanted to see me?" Gus gave a standard Aquila Salute, his movements clean and efficient.
Lynn looked at him and nodded in satisfaction.
During this expedition, Gus ' performance far exceeded Lynn's expectations.
Most of the time, Lynn was manipulating the " Seven-Smasha " Orks disguise, infiltrating the Orks, stirring up trouble, and sowing discord.
The fleet's daily operations, logistical support, and several key feint attacks were almost all handled by Gus with Rena's assistance.
His military talent was fully unleashed in the crucible of blood and fire.
He always manages to make the right decisions at the most crucial moments.
Achieve the greatest victory with the least cost.
What's even more remarkable is his loyalty to Lynn.
According to the system, Gus's favorability rating has reached a full 30 points.
This number may not seem high, but it is extremely valuable.
Lynn observed that the average Expeditionary Force soldier's favorability towards him was mostly between -10 and 0.
Even the ordinary people of Brevis who survived because of his policies only had a favorability rating of around 10.
In this dark and desperate world, being able to break through to the positive level is already considered extremely loyal.
After all, when he first met Rena, Rena favorability rating was -55 points, and she practically wanted to devour him.
Lynn handed Gus a cigar and lit one for himself.
"How long have you been with me?" Lynn asked casually, taking a puff of his cigar. His expression was somewhat blurred by the swirling smoke.
Gus took the cigar, lit it, took a puff, and then replied respectfully:
"Your Excellency, it's six months and seven days, not a day more, not a day less."
He remembers clearly that from the day he boarded the Song Offering, his life was completely changed.
Lynn smiled, exhaled a smoke ring, then suddenly looked up, met Gus's eyes, and asked directly:
"Hmm... What happened on the Song Offering, do you still hate me?"