Not long after, the flames of battle in the Scariff sector gradually died down. In low Earth orbit, energy beams no longer streaked across the void, nor did widespread explosions shake the region.
Yet the sector had grown even more "crowded"—
Countless wrecks of warships and fighters drifted in the void like a cold, metallic ocean. Some of these wrecks still spewed raging flames; others lay completely silent, their surfaces pockmarked with cracks and bullet holes, silently telling the tragic tale of the battle.
The Blood Raven fleet ceased its barrage and instead deployed fighter and drone squadrons—various types of "hunters"—to sift through the ruins in search of valuable equipment and survivors. These craft darted among the debris like swarms of bees, their mechanical arms and scanners tirelessly at work, recovering serviceable weapons, gear, and even intact components from warships.
Meanwhile, the "hunters" also scoured the area for surviving assault troopers and pilots, capturing them one by one for interrogation or conversion. As for that "scarred" Death Star, it remained in Scariff's gravitational field. Once a superweapon that had been seized through a daring jump by the genetic originals—by Curze, the Astartes, and the elite of the Investigation Department—and with its core control system completely commandeered, this symbol of the Galactic Empire's absolute might had now become a prize of the Blood Raven Company.
Even more remarkable, the number of Star Destroyers captured during the jump had reached twelve. One could say that in this engagement, the Blood Raven Company not only suffered no significant losses but instead seized more ships, supplies, and personnel than the entire size of their company, along with a scenic, resource-rich Earth-like planet—Scariff itself.
These spoils not only made up for their expenditures but greatly enhanced their combat power.
At this moment, three squadrons of X-wing fighters from the Rebel Alliance had just received approval and were now docked in the hangar of the flagship "All-Knowing Mystery" of the Blood Raven Company. The hangar was vast—a gigantic space that could accommodate more than a dozen frigates—and everything was in perfect order. Various mechanical arms moved nimbly along the orbital pathways, and auxiliary terminator units assisted ground crews with maintenance and resupply. The entire hangar was filled with the constant hum of machinery and the clatter of metal.
The pilots showed little surprise. After all, in their universe, all kinds of robots were common—be they service droids in daily life or combat machines on the battlefield. Even during the Clone Wars before the rise of the Galactic Empire, the Trade Alliance's vast military organization had relied heavily on mechanized armies. Every X-wing was also equipped with its own astro-mechanical technician droid, responsible for maintenance and repairs.
Yet, when they stepped out of their cockpits onto the metal floor of the hangar, the scene before them left them deeply shaken. A number of Blood Raven warriors clad in Titanium-class armor stood not far away. Their towering, imposing figures and the inscrutable Chinese inscriptions covering their power armor were things the pilots had only heard about from Cassian. These "giant" super soldiers were the Astartes—the very ones spoken of in hushed tones. Although the pilots had learned from intelligence that the Human Empire possessed such super soldiers, seeing them up close filled them with even greater gravity.
These warriors were not only physically enormous but radiated an oppressive aura that sent shivers down one's spine. "Are these guys really human?" one pilot murmured, his voice laced with shock and disbelief. In his eyes, every inch of the Blood Raven armor seemed soaked in endless slaughter and conquest.
If the Human Empire were to supplant the Galactic Empire, would they then have to fight the Human Empire? And could they even prevail?
"Don't just stare!" a major—who was in charge of the three squadrons—warned in a low voice, carrying a hint of admonishment. "Stay alert, but don't cause trouble." "Yes, sir," came the swift reply.
Heeding the major's warning, the pilots quickly reined in their awe and focused their attention on the mission ahead. Their purpose for being there was not solely to participate in the fighting but also to open preliminary negotiations with high-ranking officers and generals of the Human Empire on behalf of the Rebel Alliance.
Although Cassian and the elite special forces of the Rebel Alliance were among the best, their authority was limited—they could not determine the future course of either side. The major commanding the three squadrons, though his rank might not seem high by Human Empire standards, was one of the top field commanders within the Rebel Alliance. With extensive combat experience and sharp political insight, he was fully capable of handling this critical diplomatic mission.
The major's eyes swept over the hangar as his mind raced through various potential conversation scenarios. Then, a series of heavy footsteps approached from afar, cutting through his thoughts. Four members of the "Child of a Thousand Scars" Glory Guard—those in exclusive Terminator armor, known as the "Sykmites"—appeared before the Rebel Alliance pilots.
The lead Sykmite looked down at the pilots, his voice resonating through his power-armor helmet with a distinctive metallic tone: "Everyone, please come with us to the bridge."
With that, the four Sykmites turned and strode purposefully toward an orbital train within the ship, paying no mind to the pilots' reactions, as if everything were already under control. The pilots were momentarily stunned. They had thought that the usual Blood Raven warriors were terrifying enough, yet these Sykmites were even taller and more formidable—like moving steel fortresses.
"Keep up, everyone!" Fortunately, the major quickly regained his composure and urgently reminded them, ensuring no one fell behind. "Yes, sir!"
The pilots then followed the major and the Sykmites toward the orbital train. The train's carriages were clearly designed for Astartes warriors—spacious and tall enough to accommodate these "giants." Once inside, the pilots felt as if they had stepped into a vast metal cathedral. As the train slowly started moving, their emotions began to swirl. They knew that the upcoming meeting would determine the future relationship between the Rebel Alliance and the Human Empire—and might even reshape the balance of power in the entire galaxy. Of course, that was only their assumption; after all, whether the Rebel Alliance existed or not, the Human Empire's march to unify the universe could no longer be halted. And the Sykmites before them were but the tip of the Human Empire's power.
"Stay calm and focus on the task," the major's voice came over the comm channel. "No matter what happens, do not show any hostility."
The pilots all nodded. Although their hearts still harbored unease and doubts, they knew that at this moment they must remain calm and professional.
Meanwhile, on the bridge of the All-Knowing Mystery, the atmosphere remained impeccably orderly. The crew, composed of Blood Raven warriors, busied themselves with various tasks. Hard-light screens flickered with progress updates—from the completion rate of salvage operations to real-time reports of engineering teams landing on Scariff's surface and beginning construction. All of this demonstrated the high efficiency and rigor of the Blood Raven Company.
At the center of the bridge stood Magnus. Beside him was Gabriel Angelos, the captain of the Blood Raven Company, whose eyes shone with unmistakable respect and loyalty. On the other side of the central console was the holographic image of the Main Universe Emperor, Suiyang. Although Suiyang was situated in his Meditation Hall in the main universe, he had long gathered and consolidated information through Ap and Melissa, as well as the unique psychic sensing of the Astartes, to gain an initial understanding of the progress of the unification war in the Star Wars universe. He was well aware of the Blood Raven Company's extraordinary performance in battle, and of the heart-stopping duel between Gabriel Angelos and Darth Vader.
"Progress is satisfactory," Suiyang's deep, authoritative voice resonated through the hologram. He smiled as he looked at Gabriel and praised, "Angelos, your performance fills me with satisfaction. It truly reflects the aura and might that our Human Empire should possess."
Gabriel lowered his head slightly, replying with excitement, "It is the duty of a subordinate, Your Majesty!"
Hearing this, Suiyang merely smiled and said no more. To him, Gabriel was like a child eager for praise and recognition from his elder—praise he was more than willing to give, especially to these loyal and brave Astartes warriors. After all, they were not only the Empire's sword but also his "offspring."
As a ruler who had lived over two centuries and was forced to tread the path of the "Human Emperor," Suiyang harbored emotions too complex to fully express. Seeing his "grandchildren" Astartes achieve modest success filled him with pride and satisfaction. These warriors, who were invincible on the battlefield, had also shown exceptional talents in their respective fields—their growth was perhaps one of the achievements he was most proud of over his long life.
Yet, as the Human Empire expanded, its population surged, and every decision could affect countless lives, Suiyang often felt a twinge of nostalgia. He missed the days when Atlas was first established, and the times when Kiriman and Saint Gilles "descended from the heavens." In those days, he never had to concern himself with complex social governance or balancing entire legions; he only had to focus on ensuring that his employees and soldiers received better salaries and benefits—or perhaps ponder where to take the children to play or what to buy for them. Now, everything was different.
The Empire's territories spanned multiple universes, with populations in the trillions. Every decision had the potential to impact countless lives. His sons, except for Vulcan who occasionally joined him for a drink, were scattered across various universes, each bearing their own mission. Even the youngest, Curze and Luojia, were ensnared in endless busyness to rapidly grow their respective legions.
A flicker of indescribable emotion passed through Suiyang's eyes. He understood that he could never return to those simpler, purer times. Now, he spent nearly every moment channeling psychic energy from his Golden Throne to shield the citizens of the Empire. His psychic power was like an invisible net that covered every corner, protecting every subject.
"Father," Magnus's voice interrupted Suiyang's reverie. With an expression of cautious expectation, he inquired, "May we summon more of the 'Children of a Thousand Scars' to accelerate the unification of Universe 17?"
Suiyang snapped back to attention, folding his arms behind him and fixing his gaze on part of the star map displayed on the central console. It showed a vast galaxy, countless star systems twinkling like scattered stars, each representing innumerable lives and resources. Then, returning to his usual stern and detached manner, he said, "The Galactic Empire of Universe 17 truly cannot be managed by a single company." He paused, as if announcing an unshakable decision: "In fact, not even a single legion can fully claim this universe."
Magnus immediately understood the deeper implication in his father's words—that Universe 17 could not be occupied solely by the Children of a Thousand Scars. In this galaxy, life flourished on nearly every Earth-like planet—and even on gas giants, there existed intelligent life. Their populations far exceeded the total of the main universe's Empire, not to mention the abundant resources and advanced technology.
Magnus nodded in agreement, adding softly, "As Father has said, then I wonder which legions will be deployed to assist us, the Children of a Thousand Scars?"
"Let Luojia and Curze, the Keepers of Reminiscence, and the Midnight Lords head into Universe 17," Suiyang replied.
As he spoke, Suiyang waved his hand to enlarge the holographic star map on the console and locked onto the sectors containing Scariff, Idu, and Jeda. These star systems glimmered faintly on the map, as if testifying to their strategic importance.
"Furthermore," Suiyang continued, "the Fist of the Empire and the Steel Warriors will handle post-battle reconstruction and defense. You, the Children of a Thousand Scars, the Keepers, and the Midnight Lords, may concentrate all your efforts and forces on dismantling the Galactic Empire and all those who resist our Human Empire."
"Yes, Father."
"Very well, then."
With that, Suiyang dissipated his own holographic image, restoring the central console of the All-Knowing Mystery to its normal state. Soon after his conversation with Magnus, a group of Rebel Alliance pilots—including majors, as well as Cassian, the Galen father-daughter duo, Chirrut, Baze, and the Alliance special forces—were escorted onto the bridge of the All-Knowing Mystery.
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