In 808.M41, the profound darkness of the universe, like an boundless black curtain, enveloped everything. In this vast darkness, the second batch of exploration teams dispatched by the Imperium of Man was advancing towards the unknown. Simultaneously, according to the precise calculations of the Great Clock, the Divine River Federation also turned its attention to a planet hypothesized to have developed civilization.
After a long voyage of two months, in the boundless dark starry sky, a temporal bubble materialized as if out of a dream. With a soft 'pop,' like a gentle sigh from the universe, a Warp temporal bubble appeared at the edge of the Nostramo system. This was precisely the fifth exploration team meticulously prepared and dispatched by the Divine River Federation after the Infinite Engine returned to the Terra System.
The composition of this exploration team's fleet was unique. The Infinite Engine's tachyon radar had detected the existence of a life-bearing planet here in advance, a discovery that indicated that a war was inevitable, regardless of whether the life on this planet was human or not. Therefore, an entire cruiser sub-fleet was dispatched this time, with a formidable lineup.
It included four Moon-class Cruisers, resembling colossal steel beasts in the cosmos, their hulls gleaming with a cold metallic luster, massive and majestic. Over 20 frigates and destroyers orbited the cruisers like stars around the moon, small yet agile, always ready to follow commands and charge into battle. Additionally, there was a 10-kilometer-long Kunpeng-class transport ship, like a mobile fortress, carrying a legion of five million Astra Militarum.
Since the Federation has not yet been able to build battle barges suitable for Space Marines, the Moon-class Cruiser was specially modified. This modified cruiser, specifically designed for Space Marines, not only enhanced its shield strength, allowing it to withstand attacks like a sturdy fortress, but also increased its speed, enabling it to strike swiftly like a leopard in space, designed for close-quarters combat.
Most importantly, this modified cruiser was equipped with a wormhole combat system, which could directly calculate wormhole transport missions via the ship's central computer, simultaneously transporting 5,000 Space Marines to any location on the planet.
At this moment, this warship was carrying 5,000 Space Marines. Although it might be overkill for an unknown planet, the Space Marines had not yet experienced actual combat, so this operation served as a valuable practical training exercise.
“Captain, no anomalies in the Nostramo system. No Imperium of Man warships are patrolling the system, nor have any other unusual situations been detected.”
The adjutant strode quickly to the fleet's overall commander, standing tall and reporting steadily. The commander nodded slightly, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's, scanning the various instruments and screens before him. After a moment of thought, he said:
“Good, proceed with utmost caution. Launch probes, and also dispatch a sub-fleet to Nostramo Prime to closely monitor developments there.”
The Captain issued orders while intently watching the holographic star map, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the control panel, indicating that despite his outwardly calm demeanor, he was inwardly vigilant against unknown variables.
Meanwhile, in the lavish Governor's Mansion at the top of the Nostramo Hive City, an atmosphere of extravagance permeated every corner. Ornate crystal chandeliers cast soft yet brilliant light, reflecting on the polished marble floor. The Governor was languidly leaning back in a gem-encrusted chair, listening to an urgent report from his head butler.
“What is it? Don't you know I'm preparing to attend the Three Great Families' banquet tonight? If it's not urgent, you'd best save it for tomorrow.”
The Governor's face showed displeasure, and he waved his hand impatiently, his tone full of arrogance and annoyance. He wore an opulent silk robe, embroidered with gold thread, every movement sparkling with luxurious light, but his fleshy face revealed an aura of cruelty and debauchery.
“My sincerest apologies, but the Commander-in-Chief of the Planetary Defense Force is urgently requesting an audience outside the Governor's Mansion; the guards couldn't stop him.”
The butler lowered his head, fine beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead, his voice trembling slightly. He knew full well the cruelty and depravity of the Governor before him; he was already the third Governor's Mansion butler the Governor had replaced this year, and a slight misstep could lead to a tragic end.
“What? Kael'thas, that old relic? Hasn't he always ignored me? And he detests those noble banquets. Has he finally come to his senses and wants me to introduce him to those nobles?”
The Governor's lips curled slightly, revealing a smug and sinister smile. In his heart, if Kael'thas hadn't been the carefully groomed successor of the military and the only person the military supported, he would have long ago used various insidious methods to depose this thorn in his side.
“Come, let's go see this old fellow.” The Governor stood up, walking with slow, deliberately elegant steps towards the door, each stride seemingly showcasing his exalted status.
“Sir, you cannot enter. The Governor has given prior orders that no one is allowed in without permission.” Several soldiers standing guard at the door, seeing Kael'thas attempting to enter, immediately stepped forward to block him. They wore uniform attire, held weapons, and had serious expressions, but a hint of fear was still evident in their eyes when facing the formidable Commander-in-Chief.
“Alright, alright, you all may leave. We'll discuss your punishment later.” The Governor emerged just as he witnessed this scene. He waved his hand, his tone casual yet carrying an undeniable authority.
Although the Governor did not specify the punishment, the guards' faces instantly turned ashen, and cold sweat beaded and rolled down their foreheads. They knew their fate was no longer in their own hands; if they accepted the punishment obediently, perhaps their families would remain safe. But if they made any inappropriate move, a tragic end awaited them, with their entire families wiped out. After all, the Governor's cruelty was notorious.
It was also fortunate that the Governor possessed an earring from the Dark Age of Technology, which could automatically emit a small personal void shield to block ranged attacks when under assault. Otherwise, given his usual conduct, he would likely have been assassinated long ago.
“My dear Commander, what brings such a busy man as yourself here? Are you perhaps also interested in joining me for the banquet?”
The Governor's lips held a hint of a contemptuous smile, his tone light and teasing. On this planet, the military was almost an independent force, and he found it difficult to interfere with the Defense Force's affairs, so he spoke to Kael'thas without reservation, as they had a history of unpleasant interactions.
“Governor, something significant has indeed happened.” Kael'thas did not dwell on the Governor’s tone. His expression was serious, and he spoke very quickly,
“At the Planetary Defense Force headquarters in the orbital space station fortress, there is a large augur that can directly monitor the entire system. According to current readings, an hour ago, a massive fleet was suddenly detected on the outer fringes of the system. Based on ship signal identification, it does not appear to be a warship of the Imperium of Man.”
Kael'thas frowned deeply, his eyes revealing profound concern.
“What? Are you sure? How could a fleet, and a massive one at that, appear in this cursed place? Warp storms are treacherous; nine out of ten ships that enter the Warp are never seen again. How could a fleet have arrived?”
Upon hearing this news, the Governor's arrogant expression instantly vanished, replaced by a look of headache and panic. He paced back and forth, his hands unconsciously clenching and unclenching, revealing his extreme unease.
After all, while an Imperial Governor could be cruel and depraved, he had to possess a certain level of competence; otherwise, it would be impossible to hold onto such a position.
“Yes, and their fleet did not jump out from a Mandeville point; they seemed to have appeared directly from the outer reaches of the system.” Kael'thas emphasized again, his expression grave.
“Then it’s probably not the Imperium of Man or those Chaos traitors. It’s likely some xenos or Dark Eldar, but the Dark Eldar wouldn't send such a massive fleet just for raiding.” The Governor stopped pacing, his brows furrowed, pondering in distress, a hint of confusion and helplessness in his eyes.
“Yes, and their warships are extremely fast. They will likely reach our planet’s orbit in about 10 hours. The planetary fortress above, without fleet support, probably won’t hold out for long,” the Defense Force Commander replied, his expression serious and his tone heavy.
“Contact all Hive City leaders, as well as the Ecclesiarchy, the Adeptus Mechanicus, the military, and all the nobles. Convene an emergency meeting immediately. This is a major affair for the entire planet; I cannot bear it alone.”
The Governor finally realized the gravity of the situation. He gritted his teeth, a determined expression on his face, and shouted his orders, his voice echoing through the empty corridor.