The news of Declan Catonia's survival, like a clap of thunder, quickly spread throughout the Cleansing Blade and even the entire Third Company.
Initially, there was disbelief, which then turned into immense shock and elation.
Alone, in a narrow pipe, clad in a deactivated Saturnine Terminator Armor, he faced an endless tide of Genestealers, holding them off for nearly twenty-five minutes!
This was no longer mere bravery, but a miracle that transcended physical and psychological limits!
No, for many devout warriors, this was even the protection and grace of the Emperor himself!
His feat was passed on by word of mouth, becoming more and more legendary, almost taking on a mythical quality.
Every Ultramarines who heard the detailed account was deeply moved, developing heartfelt admiration for the assault marine who usually seemed boisterous and even a bit reckless.
With his flesh and blood and iron will, he interpreted what Astartes loyalty and valor meant, and what brotherhood meant to be willing to die for comrades.
Aboard the Macragge's Honour, Chapter Master Marius Calgar was receiving the final report from Company Commander Hec Hansson regarding the completion of the Exterminatus on Vellan II.
...Cyclone torpedoes and virus bombs have thoroughly purified all biomass on the planet's surface, confirming no residual xenos contamination.
The threat has been eliminated," Company Commander Hec Hansson concluded with a steady voice.
"Well done, Hansson." Chapter Master Calgar nodded, his resolute face showing little emotion.
Exterminatus was necessary, but by no means a cause for celebration.
He was about to end the communication when Hec Hansson spoke again, his voice carrying an unusual tremor.
"Chapter Master, there is one more thing I need to report to you.
Regarding... Declan Catonia."
Chapter Master Calgar raised an eyebrow slightly: "That hothead?
I recall the report said he sacrificed himself covering the retreat." His tone carried a hint of imperceptible regret.
Dorian's name had been noted even among the Chapter's high command, mostly due to the trouble he caused and his astonishing combat prowess.
"Yes, the initial report stated as such," Hec Hansson's voice rose slightly, with clear excitement, "but we dispatched a rescue team and miraculously found he still had vital signs!
He's alive!"
"Oh?" Chapter Master Calgar leaned forward slightly, his eyes instantly blazing with sharp light.
"He's alive?
Tell me in detail!" He developed a keen interest in this warrior who always managed to create "surprises."
Hec Hansson immediately reported in as much detail as possible the intelligence brought back by Golden's squad, the preliminary medical reports, and scattered data recovered from the Terminator's log recorder.
He particularly emphasized the astonishing fact that Dorian, after the Saturn-pattern Terminator Armor's power system completely failed, supported the heavy armor with only his physical body, fought to the death without retreating, and ultimately miraculously survived.
...According to the analysis of the scene traces and recorded data, the number of Genestealers he single-handedly intercepted was extremely alarming, with a high proportion of pure-strain individuals.
If he had not risked his life to hold them back and buy the most crucial time, Sergeant Karl, Tech-Sergeant Luna, and the newly joined Brother Draculus would likely have had no chance of survival," Hec Hansson concluded, his voice filled with pride for his subordinate and lingering fear.
A brief silence fell on the other end of the communication.
Chapter Master Marius Calgar's fingers unconsciously tapped the armrest of his throne, complex lights flickering in his wise eyes—shock, admiration, relief, and a hint of understanding.
He knew Dorian; that fellow's bravery and loyalty to the Chapter were ingrained in his bones, but to achieve such a feat still far exceeded his expectations.
"Unbelievable..." The Chapter Master slowly exhaled, then his expression became incredibly serious and solemn, "Company Commander Hec Hansson."
"Present, Chapter Master!"
"Declan Catonia, by his unparalleled valor, his unwavering loyalty to the Emperor and the Primarch, and his noble spirit of sacrifice, willing to die to cover the retreat of his brothers, has proven the nobility and resilience of his soul.
He has not only upheld the glory of the Ultramarines, but has also demonstrated the highest virtues of an Astartes Battle-Brother."
The Chapter Master's voice, clear and solemn, echoed through the bridge of the Cleansing Blade via the vox-caster: "I, Marius Calgar, in the name of the Chapter Master of the Ultramarines Chapter, hereby bestow upon Assault Marine Declan Catonia of the First Squad, Third Company, Ultramarines Chapter—the Laurel of Honor!"
The Laurel of Honor!
Upon hearing this, even Company Commander Hec Hansson's heart skipped a beat!
All the officers and technical personnel on the bridge showed expressions of shock and immense envy!
This was an extremely high personal honor within the Ultramarines Chapter!
It was usually only awarded to warriors who had made exceptionally outstanding, almost legendary contributions in a campaign, or who had displayed unparalleled courage and self-sacrifice!
Its significance far surpassed that of ordinary combat medals, representing the highest recognition from the Chapter Master and the entire Chapter for an individual's personal qualities and achievements!
The name of every warrior who received the Laurel of Honor would be specially recorded, and his deeds would be celebrated!
Dorian's feat this time absolutely deserved this honor!
"On behalf of Brother Dorian, I thank the Chapter Master for his recognition and grace!" Company Commander Hec Hansson suppressed his excitement and responded solemnly.
"As Dorian is still in a critically injured coma and unable to accept it personally," Chapter Master Calgar continued, "it will temporarily be accepted by the First Squad's Sergeant, Gaius.
Once Dorian awakens and recovers, Sergeant Karl will present it to him.
At that time, the Chapter will hold a formal bestowal ceremony for him."
"Understood!
Mission accomplished!"
The communication ended.
Company Commander Hec Hansson immediately relayed the Chapter Master's decision.
The news quickly spread, and the entire Third Company was once again abuzz!
The Laurel of Honor!
What an immense distinction!
Everyone was happy for Dorian and felt it was well deserved.
A few days later, a simple yet solemn temporary ceremony was held in the Hall of Honor aboard the Cleansing Blade.
In the center of the hall hung the Ultramarines' battle standard and a holy icon of Primarch Guilliman.
Almost all the warriors of the Third Company who were not on duty were present, standing in neat formation.
Gaius, Luna, and Draculus stood at the forefront.
Gaius had changed into a clean service uniform, his expression solemn, his eyes showing pride for his brother and a hint of gravity.
Company Commander Hec Hansson, clad in ceremonial armor, held a magnificent laurel wreath—the symbol of the Laurel of Honor—crafted from adamantium and Ultramar sapphires, in the shape of a laurel leaf circle.
It was not merely an ornament, but an ancient relic, imbued with the Chapter's blessing and glory.
"Warriors!" Company Commander Hec Hansson's voice echoed through the hall, "Today we gather here not to celebrate a victory, but to commend a spirit!
A spirit of fearlessness, loyalty, and sacrifice!
This spirit, in Brother Declan Catonia, has been manifested to its utmost!"
He briefly recounted Dorian's feat, then declared loudly: "Therefore, Chapter Master Marius Calgar has specifically issued this order, bestowing upon Declan Catonia—the Laurel of Honor, to commend his supreme valor and his profound love for his brothers!"
All eyes focused on the shining laurel, filled with reverence.
"As Dorian is still fighting for his life and unable to personally accept this honor," Company Commander Hec Hansson turned his gaze to Gaius, "it will now be temporarily accepted by his brother, First Squad Sergeant Karl Hohn!"
Gaius took a deep breath, stepped forward, straightened his posture, and faced the Company Commander in the most standard military stance.
Company Commander Hec Hansson solemnly placed the heavy laurel, symbolizing supreme honor, into Gaius's hands.
Gaius received it with both hands, feeling as if the laurel weighed a thousand pounds; it not only represented honor but also carried the blood, will, and trust of his brother.
He raised the laurel high, displaying it to all his comrades.
The hall immediately erupted in thunderous, synchronized applause and foot-stomping!
This was the warriors' highest tribute to a hero!
Luna looked at the shining laurel, tears in her eyes, but with a relieved smile on her face.
Draculus's white helmet also nodded slightly, indicating his approval.
After the ceremony, the atmosphere eased somewhat.
The Company Champion—the skilled swordsman responsible for guarding the Company's honor—approached Gaius, looked at the laurel he was carefully holding, and said half-jokingly, half-seriously: "Tsk tsk, the Laurel of Honor... Sergeant Karl, it seems that if I unfortunately fall in battle someday, there's a strong candidate for this Company Champion position!
Dorian really made a splash this time!"
The duty of Company Champion is often held by the most valiant and honor-bound warriors in the Chapter, and a recipient of the Laurel of Honor is undoubtedly an excellent choice.
Gaius smiled helplessly, carefully holding the laurel wreath: "The most important thing for him now is to survive and recover. As for what happens later... we'll talk about it when he wakes up. However, I think he might prefer to swing his hammer rather than wield a sword like you."
The Company Champion burst out laughing: "True! That guy's style is indeed more suited for smashing things!"
Jokes aside, everyone knew that after this battle, Declan Catonia's status and reputation within the Third Company, and even the entire Ultramarines Chapter, would be completely different. He was no longer just a powerful brute, but a true hero who had earned glory.
Gaius carried the heavy laurel wreath of honor towards the medical bay. He would temporarily safeguard this glory until his brother awoke from his slumber and placed it on his own head.
That would be another moment worth celebrating for all Ultramarines. For now, what they needed was patience and faith, believing that the warrior who had performed miracles would once again triumph over death and return to their ranks.
After the ceremony, the solemn atmosphere in the Hall of Honor gradually dissipated. The warriors, filled with admiration and blessings for Dorian, left in an orderly fashion, returning to their respective posts. But the emotions stirred by the glory still quietly flowed through the ship's corridors and compartments.
Gaius carefully held the laurel wreath of honor, forged from adamantium and sapphire, in both hands. It was heavier than he had imagined. This weight did not come from its physical mass, but from the meaning it symbolized—a brother's blood, an unyielding will, and the recognition and expectations of the entire Chapter. He felt his arms ache slightly from the weight, but his back remained ramrod straight.
Luna and Brother Draculus did not leave immediately; they silently followed behind Gaius. Luna's gaze never left the laurel wreath, her eyes complex, a mix of relief, reverence, and a lingering hint of self-reproach. Brother Draculus, as always, was silent. His gaze beneath his white helmet swept over the shining wreath, then looked at Gaius's determined back ahead. No one knew what this veteran, returned from the Deathwatch, was thinking.
They walked in silence, through the ship's corridors, towards the medical section. Every warrior they encountered along the way, whether Astartes or mortal crew, offered them a salute, their gaze lingering especially on the wreath in Gaius's hands, their eyes filled with respect. Dorian's deeds had already spread, and this wreath was the most authoritative affirmation of his heroic act.
Outside the medical bay, the heavy isolation door remained closed, and the indicator light beside it showed that intensive care was still underway inside. Apothecaries and Tech-Priests were still working to stabilize Dorian's condition.
Gaius stopped, standing silently outside the door like a loyal sentinel. He could not enter and disturb the treatment, but he hoped Dorian could, in this way, feel that his glory had arrived, and that his brother was just outside the door, sharing this weight with him.
Luna also stopped, leaning against the cold metal wall, closing her eyes as if silently praying. Brother Draculus stood on the other side, arms crossed, guarding the space like a statue.
Time slowly passed in the silence. Only the faint beeping of medical instruments and the eternal low hum of the ship's engines reminded them of the passage of time.
After a long while, Gaius slowly spoke, his voice low and firm, as if he were speaking to Dorian inside the door, or perhaps making a vow to himself and his comrades:
"Dorian, do you hear? The Chapter Master has bestowed the laurel wreath of honor upon you... It is well-deserved. You brute... always doing the most unexpected things..."
He paused, took a deep breath, and continued: "Rest well, brother. There's no need to rush to wake up. We will guard here, guarding you, and guarding your glory. First Squad will always have a place for you; no one can replace it. When you are well, I will personally place this laurel wreath on you... I promise."
His words were not overly emotional, but filled with undeniable resolve and commitment.
Luna opened her eyes, looked at Gaius's determined profile, then at the door, and softly echoed: "Yes, Dorian... Get well soon..."
Although Brother Draculus did not speak, his white helmet tilted slightly downwards, making a very subtle nod.
Just then, the medical bay door slid open. The lead Apothecary emerged, his face etched with deep fatigue, but with a hint of relief in his eyes.
"How is he?" Gaius immediately stepped forward, his voice urgent.
"He's temporarily stable," the Apothecary's voice was a little hoarse. "His vital signs are stronger than when he was first brought in. Although still extremely weak, at least... the most dangerous phase seems to have passed. Regenerative fluid and gene therapy are taking effect, but his body is too severely damaged, especially his nervous system and multiple organs... It will take time, a long time. Now, it depends on his willpower to sustain him until his body completes initial repairs."
Hearing "temporarily stable" and "the most dangerous phase has passed," the tight tension in Gaius's and the other two's hearts finally eased slightly. This was the best news they could have heard at the moment.
"Can we go in and see him?" Luna couldn't help but ask.
The Apothecary hesitated, then shook his head: "Not yet. His immune system is almost completely compromised; any minor external disturbance could pose a fatal risk. You can look through the observation window."
He gestured to a reinforced transparent window on the adjacent wall.
Gaius, Luna, and Brother Draculus immediately walked to the observation window.
The light inside was soft. Dorian's massive body was almost completely immersed in regenerative fluid that emitted a faint green glow, with only his head and part of his chest exposed. Various delicate medical probes and IV tubes were connected to him, and complex instrument screens displayed curves and numbers representing vital signs. Although most were still at low values, at least they were no longer the despairing flatlines.
His eyes were tightly closed, his face still bloodless, covered in medical gel and tiny scars. His breathing was extremely shallow, requiring instrument assistance. But between his brows, there still seemed to be a trace of the ferocity and stubbornness from battle.
Seeing his brother in such a fragile state, Gaius's heart tightened once again. He silently raised the laurel wreath of honor in his hands, holding it through the observation window, as if to let Dorian see it.
"Look, brother, your laurel wreath," Gaius whispered, "We are all waiting for you."
Tears welled up in Luna's eyes again, but she forced them back, simply watching in silence.
Brother Draculus watched quietly for a moment, then turned and said to Gaius: "He will need a new set of Terminator Armor."
Gaius was startled for a moment, then understood. Dorian's Saturn-pattern Terminator Armor was almost completely destroyed, and repairs would be extremely difficult. But he shook his head: "No, there's a Tech-Sergeant on the Macragge's Honour who greatly respects Dorian. She will repair his Terminator Armor."
Brother Draculus said no more, turning and leaving. His mission was complete, his vigil expressed. What followed was a long wait, and he was more accustomed to addressing problems with action rather than waiting.
Gaius and Luna, however, remained outside the observation window. Gaius found a purified, padded stand and carefully placed the laurel wreath of honor on it, directly facing the observation window, so Dorian could see it as soon as he opened his eyes.
Then, like Luna, he leaned against the wall and slid to the floor. He decided to keep vigil here until Dorian was out of danger, or until a mission called.
Luna looked at him, said nothing, and simply sat down beside him.
The two of them, without a word, quietly kept watch outside the medical bay, guarding their unconscious brother inside, guarding the glory he had earned with his life.
Time passed slowly. The battleship continued its patrol mission through the void. But for Gaius and Luna, everything outside seemed to have receded; their world was reduced to this quiet corridor, this observation window, and the brother within, who had fought a path to survival for everyone.
This vigil, silent, yet heavy as a mountain.
They knew this was just the beginning of a long road to recovery. Dorian's future remained uncertain. But no matter what, they would not leave.
Because he was Declan Catonia, their brother, the recipient of the laurel wreath of honor, an Ultramarines who had performed miracles.
They believed that one day, that laurel wreath would be placed on his head, and he would once again wield his war hammer, standing beside them, shouting his loyalty to the Emperor and the Primarch with his characteristic booming voice.
----
The Cleansing Blade was cruising steadily along its designated patrol route, and everything on the bridge was as usual. Suddenly, an urgent communication from the Macragge's Honour, marked with top priority and encryption, broke the calm.
Company Commander Hek Hansen immediately connected the communication. The holographic image of Chapter Master Marius Calgar appeared in the center of the bridge. His expression was unprecedentedly solemn, even with a hint of urgency.
"Company Commander Hek Hansen, receive your orders immediately!" Chapter Master Calgar's voice was devoid of pleasantries, cutting straight to the chase, fast and clear.
"Yes, Chapter Master!" Hek Hansen immediately straightened his body, and all bridge personnel instantly went into a state of high alert.
"I just received a top-priority distress call from Planet Brewster, sent directly by the Inquisition representative stationed there." Chapter Master Calgar's words were like a bombshell, "Brewster holds an extremely ancient and dangerous device, believed to be a relic from the Dark Age of Technology. Its sole function is to stabilize and open a controllable, large-scale, permanent portal to the Warp!"
A collective gasp swept through the bridge. Stabilize and open a Warp portal? This was simply... "A branch of the Inquisition has been responsible for guarding this device for generations, ensuring it is never activated," the Chapter Master continued, his face grim. "However, Brewster is now simultaneously under invasion by a Black Legion Chaos warband and a Tyranid splinter fleet! The Planetary Defense Forces are struggling on the ground, but are steadily losing ground. Currently, the artificial cavern deep underground where the ancient device is located has not yet been discovered by the enemy, but the situation is precarious!"
He emphasized, "We must assume that the Black Legion's objective in this invasion is very likely this device! Once they succeed, activate and control this portal, Brewster and even the entire system will be dragged into a Warp storm, forming a... small, permanent Eye of Terror! At that time, Chaos forces will continuously pour into the real universe, with unimaginable consequences!"
Everyone's hearts sank. A small Eye of Terror! This would absolutely be a catastrophic outcome!
"The situation is extremely urgent!" Chapter Master Calgar ordered decisively, "The Fourth Company and Fifth Company have already departed from their stations, rushing at full speed to Brewster. I order: the Cleansing Blade is to immediately terminate all current missions, change course, and proceed to the Brewster system at maximum speed! At all costs, the Black Legion or any other force must not be allowed to touch that device! If necessary... even consider destroying it completely!"
"Understood! Mission accomplished!" Company Commander Hek Hansen accepted the order without hesitation, a cold battle intent burning in his eyes.
"Furthermore," the Chapter Master added, "to cope with a potentially large-scale war of attrition on the ground, I have coordinated with nearby star systems, and a Krieg Death Korps will also be deployed to Brewster. They will assist you in stabilizing the front lines and clearing out minor enemies. Remember, Hek, your primary objective is that device, followed by the main force of the Black Legion, and finally the Tyranids. Prioritize!"
"Yes, Chapter Master!"
The communication ended. Company Commander Hek Hansen did not hesitate for a moment, immediately turned around, his voice thundering across the bridge: "All hands to battle stations! Immediately calculate the fastest route to the Brewster system! All non-essential power supply to the engines! We need to perform a long-duration, maximum-power Warp jump! Execute immediately!"
The Cleansing Blade, this massive strike cruiser, seemed like a giant beast awakened, instantly bursting with astonishing vitality. The roar of the engines suddenly intensified, the hull vibrated slightly, and it began to slowly turn. Navigators and Tech-Priests frantically calculated the route, preparing to once again tear the veil of the real universe.
In the medical bay, the corridor remained quiet. Gaius and Luna still stood guard outside, taking turns resting and watching. The Laurel of Honour still rested silently on its stand, facing the observation window.
Inside the observation window, Dorian, immersed in regeneration fluid, his fingers moved ever so slightly. Following that, his Eyelids that remain tightly closed, with great difficulty and trembling, slowly opened a crack.
Blurred light entered his eyes, and it took him a while to adjust before his vision gradually cleared. The first thing he saw was the soft medical light on the ceiling, followed by various complex medical instruments. The excruciating pain throughout his body, as if he had been crushed, and the heavy sense of powerlessness instantly overwhelmed him, making him almost want to fall unconscious again.
But his gaze was soon drawn to the extremely familiar object placed on the stand outside the observation window, glinting with deep blue light and metallic luster under the illumination.
That was... a Laurel Wreath? Made of adamantium and sapphire... a Laurel of Honour?!
Dorian's mind was still a bit muddled, and he didn't react immediately. How could this thing be here? And facing him?
Just then, the apothecary responsible for monitoring noticed subtle changes in his vital signs and fluctuations in instrument data, and immediately hurried into the medical bay to check. When he saw that Dorian had actually opened his eyes, a look of immense surprise appeared on his face.
"Brother Catonia! You're awake! The Emperor protects! This is truly a miracle!" The apothecary's voice was filled with excitement.
Dorian tried to speak, but only a hoarse, indistinct wheeze escaped him; his throat was terribly dry.
The apothecary immediately used a damp cotton swab to gently wipe his lips with water and injected him with a micro-dose of sedative and nutrient solution.
"...That... is...?" Dorian, with extreme difficulty and using all his strength, directed his gaze towards the wreath outside the window, uttering a faint question.
The apothecary followed his gaze, a knowing smile appearing on his face: "Ah, you saw it. That is your glory, Brother Declan Catonia. It is the Laurel of Honour personally bestowed upon you by Chapter Master Marius Calgar, in recognition of your supreme valor on Vellan II and your loyal sacrifice for your comrades."
A Laurel of Honour?! Personally bestowed by the Chapter Master?! Dorian's brain felt as if struck by lightning, instantly clearing up considerably! He... he hadn't misheard, had he? That thing he had only seen in legends and on the helmets of a few legendary heroes of the company... was now his?
"...Why... why...?" He still found it hard to believe; he felt he had only done what any Ultramarine would do—protect his brothers.
"You are worthy, Brother Dorian," the apothecary's tone was full of respect, "Your deeds have spread throughout the Chapter. Now what you need is continued rest and recovery. Once you are fully healed, the Chapter will also hold a formal bestowal ceremony for you, and a wreath emblem will be affixed to your helmet at that time." He explained carefully, then began to check the various instrument data.
"Your awakening is a crucial step, but the path to recovery is still long. Please remain calm."
Outside the window, Gaius and Luna also noticed the movement inside the medical bay. They saw the apothecary communicating with Dorian, and that Dorian had actually opened his eyes! The two instantly rushed to the observation window!
When they saw Dorian's eyes, weak yet truly open, and his bewildered gaze at the wreath, immense joy and relief instantly overwhelmed them!
"Dorian!" Gaius couldn't help but shout, tapping on the glass window, a genuine smile, long unseen, appearing on his face.
Luna also excitedly covered her mouth, her eyes welling up again, but this time with tears of joy.
Dorian heard the sound and with difficulty moved his eyeballs, seeing the excited Gaius and Luna outside the window. He tried to force a smile, but the muscles in his face wouldn't obey, so he could only blink his eyes very slightly.
Their brother was alive and awake! This made Gaius and Luna happier than any honor. The huge stone that had been weighing on their hearts finally fell completely.
However, just then, the ship's broadcast blared, accompanied by the piercing alarm of full battle stations!
"All combat personnel attention! All combat personnel attention! This vessel has changed course and is proceeding at full speed to the Brewster system! Repeat, target Brewster system! Battle stations! Prepare for high-intensity combat! All Squad Sergeants report to the briefing room immediately!"
The joy on Gaius and Luna's faces was instantly replaced by seriousness. A new combat mission had arrived!
Gaius took a deep breath, looked at Dorian inside the window, his gaze becoming firm: "Brother, do you hear that? We have a new mission. You rest well here, get better as soon as possible. When you recover, we'll go smash the heads of those traitors and xenos together!"
Dorian seemed to understand; his eyes widened with effort, a flicker of anxiety and yearning in his gaze, as if he wanted to say something, but was powerless to make a sound.
Luna also nodded vigorously at him: "Dorian, rest well, First Squad needs you."
Time was short; they couldn't stay long. Gaius took one last deep look at Dorian and the wreath, then turned to Luna and said: "Let's go."
The two resolutely turned and hurried out of the medical bay, running towards the briefing room. Their steps were firm and swift, temporarily suppressing their personal joy and concern, and fully dedicating themselves to the new, crucial combat mission.
The traitors of the Black Legion, the threat of the Tyranids, and an ancient device capable of creating a small Eye of Terror... Planet Brewster was about to become another incredibly brutal battlefield. The Ultramarines would once again step forward for the survival of the Imperium and the real universe.
And Dorian, lying in the medical bay, could only watch his brothers leave, heading to a new battlefield. He anxiously tried to move his body, but it only brought a surge of intense pain and powerlessness. He stared intently at the Laurel of Honour, his eyes burning with unwillingness and intense yearning.
He must recover! He must return to his brothers as soon as possible! The battle was still ongoing, and he could not be absent!
His strong will seemed to more effectively drive the regeneration fluid and medical technology, accelerating the repair of his shattered body.
The crisis on Brewster had arrived.
The piercing Level 1 combat readiness siren echoed like a death knell through every corridor of the Cleansing Blade. All non-combat activities ceased instantly, and warriors rushed to the armory and designated assembly areas at top speed.
Inside the briefing room, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Company Commander Hec Hansson stood before the holographic star map, his expression grim. Lieutenant Golden, Gaius, the Sergeants of First Squad and Third Squad, and all other squad Sergeants were present, silently awaiting orders.
"Warriors," Company Commander Hec Hansson's voice broke the silence, cutting straight to the core, "We are about to arrive in the Brewster system. The situation is extremely grave, concerning the safety of the real universe."
The holographic star map zoomed in, displaying the planet Brewster and the fierce battle unfolding in its orbit—several Imperial Navy cruisers and frigates were engaging a slightly smaller number of grotesque Black Legion daemon warships covered in Chaos symbols, their lance beams and macro cannon fire silently flashing and exploding in the vacuum.
"Our objective is an ancient device deep beneath the planet's surface," the Company Commander pointed to a marked specific coordinate on the planet's surface, "Inquisition intelligence confirms that this device can open and stabilize a permanent gateway to the Warp. The Black Legion's target is, in all likelihood, it!"
His gaze swept over each Sergeant: "Our mission priorities are very clear: First, protect the device by all means possible, ensuring it is not activated or seized. Second, if protection fails, ensure it is utterly destroyed; a stable Warp portal must never appear in the real universe! Third, eliminate the Black Legion traitors! As for the Tyranids..." He paused, "They will be primarily intercepted and cleared by the arriving Krieg Death Korps, buying us time."
"This mission is extremely arduous; we will face Black Legion elites and potentially Chaos Daemons. Therefore, I order..." Company Commander Hec Hansson's voice rose, "Tech-Sergeant, immediately awaken 'Ancient Glory' and 'Iron Will'!"
Awaken the Dreadnoughts! Every Sergeant's heart trembled! This meant the Company Commander had elevated this mission to the highest danger level! Those two ancient heroes, slumbering deep within the warship, having endured countless battles, would once again fight for the Emperor!
"Mission assignments are as follows," the Company Commander continued to deploy, "Lieutenant Golden, you will lead the main force of the Third Company, linking up with the arriving Fourth Company, to engage and annihilate the Black Legion's main ground forces head-on. The Fifth Company will be directly air-dropped to the entrance of the cave where the device is located, to rendezvous with the internal Inquisition defenders, establish a defensive line, and hold the device to the death! Until the crisis is resolved, or... execute the destruction protocol!"
"Understood!" Lieutenant Golden and several Sergeants responded in unison, their eyes sharp.
"Remember," Company Commander Hec Hansson emphasized finally, "Speed is key! We must stop the Black Legion before they find and control the device! For the Emperor! For Ultramar!"
"For the Emperor! For Ultramar!" All Sergeants roared.
The briefing concluded, and everyone immediately dispersed to make final pre-battle preparations. The entire warship, like an efficiently operating war machine, was filled with a chilling atmosphere.
Deep within the warship's Dreadnought bay, Tech-Sergeants and Servitors were performing ancient and sacred awakening rituals. Two massive, ancient Redeemer Dreadnoughts—"Ancient Glory" and "Iron Will"—covered in scars and marks of honor, were slowly moved out of their stasis fields. Their massive power claws and multi-melta cannons began connecting to energy conduits, and the sleepers within were about to be awakened by the fires of war.
The Cleansing Blade and its escort frigates violently shook, tearing through the Warp curtain, and abruptly jumped into the real universe of the Brewster system.
The sight before them was like a painting of hell. The Imperial Navy was fiercely engaging Black Legion daemon warships, the explosions of gunfire occasionally illuminating the pitch-black void. More Chaos vessels seemed to be emerging from the shadows of the Warp.
"Avoid the main engagement zone! Prioritize air-dropping to the coordinates provided by the Inquisition!" Company Commander Hec Hansson calmly ordered.
The Cleansing Blade, relying on its superior maneuverability, like a nimble leviathan, narrowly threaded through the interwoven network of fire, diving towards the planet's surface.
Just then, two massive Warp jump flashes ignited in the distant void again! Two Strike Cruisers emblazoned with the Ultramarines' azure insignia—the Fourth Company's "Shield of Ultramar" and the Fifth Company's "Heart of Steadfastness"—arrived as scheduled!
As soon as they appeared, they immediately joined the battle! Their powerful lance arrays and macro cannon batteries instantly locked onto the Black Legion daemon warship and its two escort frigates that were entangled with the Imperial Navy!
"For Macragge! Fire!" The Fourth Company Captain's order came over the public channel.
Blazing beams and dense macro cannon shells instantly traversed the void, accurately striking the unsuspecting Chaos frigates! The energy shields of one frigate immediately overloaded, and its hull was hit repeatedly, tearing into fragments in a series of violent explosions! The other was also heavily damaged, trailing smoke and flames as it attempted to turn and flee, but the Imperial Navy seized the opportunity to concentrate fire, ultimately reducing it to space dust!
The leading Black Legion daemon warship, seeing the unfavorable situation, immediately abandoned its interference with the Cleansing Blade, releasing a large amount of jamming smoke and Warp phantoms, overloading its engines, and fleeing in disarray towards the outer reaches of the system! The Imperial Navy and Ultramarines fleet immediately pursued it and suppressed it with firepower.
The situation in orbit reversed instantly! This meant that the Black Legion ground forces temporarily lost orbital fire support and, most importantly—their escape route! They were isolated on the planet Brewster, with no third option: either complete their mission or die and be abandoned by the Chaos Gods!
"Well done!" Company Commander Hec Hansson praised, "Immediately execute the air-drop! Deploy all combat units to the designated coordinates!"
The Cleansing Blade and the two newly arrived sister ships immediately opened their deployment bays. Dozens of Thunderhawk Gunships and larger transport ships, like a swarm of bees leaving their hive, sped towards their respective target areas, enduring the friction fires of the planet's atmosphere!
Lieutenant Golden, leading the main force of the Third Company and the warriors of the Fourth Company, charged directly towards the Black Legion's main ground force assembly area displayed by scans—a war-torn industrial ruin.
Meanwhile, the warriors of the Fifth Company flew precisely towards the entrance of the cave, hidden deep within a desolate mountain range, which concealed the deadly device.
Almost simultaneously, the massive transport fleet from the Krieg Death Korps also arrived in orbit. Countless crude but sturdy transport planes rained down on the pre-set landing zones on the surface. The hatches opened, and innumerable silent and efficient Krieg Death Korps soldiers, wearing their distinctive gas masks and grey greatcoats, poured out like a tide, rapidly and coldly forming up, setting up heavy weapons and defensive fortifications. Their mission was simple and brutal: to form a dam of life and steel, to stem the tide of Tyranids, and to buy time for the Astartes to clear out the traitors.
The surface of Brewster had already turned to scorched earth. The sky was shrouded in smoke and spore clouds from distant Tyranid bioship bombardments. The Fifth Company's Thunderhawk Gunships landed in a rugged, crater-filled mountainous area.
Gaius, leading First Squad and parts of the elite Second and Third Squads, was the first to rush out of the gunship, immediately establishing a perimeter. Before them was a colossal industrial ruin, with clear signs of fierce combat at its entrance—scorched marks from explosions, laser gun strafes, and the bodies of some Planetary Defense Forces guards and Black Legion traitors.
"Clear the entrance! Establish a defensive line! Contact the internal Inquisition defenders!" The Fifth Company Captain quickly issued orders.
The warriors immediately acted, their Bolters firing at any suspicious moving targets, while Tech-Sergeants began setting up auto-turrets and sensors.
Gaius crouched at the edge of a crater, vigilantly scanning the surroundings. The scope of his "Eagle Eye" sniper rifle slowly moved, searching for any potential threats. Luna followed by his side; though she had lost a servo-arm, she still dutifully performed her duties with her remaining Bolter pistol and sensors. Draculas, in his Terminator armor, stood like a mobile fortress at a high vantage point, his flamer ready to purge any enemy daring to approach.
Deep within the cave, the faint sound of Bolter fire and the hum of energy weapons could be heard, indicating that the internal battle was still ongoing.
The ancient device guarded by the Inquisition was in there. The Black Legion's target was also in there.
A bloody offensive and defensive battle for the Warp gate was about to erupt deep within this ravaged planet. And the Black Legion traitors, with their retreat cut off, would undoubtedly launch their most insane and desperate attacks like cornered beasts.
The Ultramarines were ready.