Ten work cycles passed, yet the Thousand Sons Legion never arrived.
Nareth realized that the 28th Expeditionary Fleet must have encountered delays. He decided not to wait any longer and issued new orders for both the Eleventh and Second Legions to commence the next phase of the conquest.
Seated on his command throne, he turned to Arsenna.
"Begin."
The Primarch's aide raised a control staff, and a star map floated above the war table.
Nareth began issuing commands in an orderly manner:
"Starting with Vostroya as the center, I've divided the map into twelve war zones. Each Chapter will be responsible for one."
He first looked at Howard, whose golden hair and blue eyes had turned to black hair and black eyes, and said:
"Howard, your Chapter will handle the southernmost region. Your mission is to conquer the two marked star systems."
"Take note, the Mechanicum's First Altar reports Aeldar activity in that area. Stay alert."
…....
After issuing orders to each Chapter Master, Suárez stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and asked:
"My lord, what is our mission?"
"No rush. Before assigning you a task, I have another arrangement."
"To foster mutual understanding, I've decided to send a team to join the 22nd Expeditionary Fleet and operate alongside the Faceless."
Nareth looked toward the Lieutenant Commander of the Tenth Chapter, standing among the others.
With a smile, he called him forward.
"Joffel, step forth."
Wearing black power armor, a boltgun strapped to his back, and a chainsword at his hip, Joffel strode boldly before the throne.
"Father."
Nareth nodded and declared:
"Joffel is the son I have chosen."
His squad would only consist of thirty Shadow of Order Astartes, but that would be enough; Small enough for the Faceless to evade if needed.
"In return, I expect you to assign a team to remain by my side."
After exchanging glances with the other Second Legion Captains, Suárez replied:
"As you command, my lord. We will select an elite unit to serve under your orders."
"I believe our two legions will both benefit from this."
Nareth smiled and gestured to Arsenna, who then operated the control staff.
A region far east of Vostroya's star system lit up on the map. Nareth explained:
"The Mechanicum refers to this area as 'The Beastlands.' A minor Ork kingdom holds that region. Your mission is to purge the system."
The Faceless captains' eyes lit up in unison. A xeno-infested system, perfect for solo operations, they couldn't help but salivate instinctively.
In the fifteen work cycles that followed, the 22nd Fleet and the twelve Chapters of the Eleventh Legion set out toward their designated targets.
After receiving Arsenna's related reports, he added:
"My lord, you ordered me to find suitable candidates for exploration. I have identified fourteen from the Imperial supply fleet and gathered intelligence on them. Please review."
Nareth picked up the data slate with his left hand and began scanning the files.
By the third entry, his black pupils narrowed.
Lewis von Valancius, captain of the Drake, an Imperial supply ship from Terra.
The holographic image showed a man with marble-chiseled features and a confident smile.
His head was held high, arms loosely behind his back, radiating ambition.
'Von Valancius..' Nareth couldn't help but think of the merchant dynasties that would one day rise in the Koronus Expanse.
Von Valancius, Winstercale, and Chorda, the three great trade houses of the Koronus frontier.
'Coincidence? Or is this Lewis the ancestor of that very dynasty?'
Nareth swiftly reviewed the rest of the candidates and declared:
"I want to meet this Lewis von Valancius."
"Send orders to the others in my name. Assign them to explore uncharted territories centered around Vostroya."
Two Terran hours later, Lewis arrived, breathless, nervous, and filled with anticipation.
The moment he looked upon the Primarch, his mind went blank.
Only when Nareth's bell-like voice rang out did he regain his senses.
Lowering his gaze, Lewis fixed his eyes on the Primarch's feet, not daring to look up.
"Lewis, you are of noble blood from the Von Valancius house of Terra."
Lewis responded in a refined Terran accent:
"Yes, my lord."
"You live a life of comfort. Why risk it all to sail the void?"
"My lord, I've always loved reading biographies. Among my family's archives is one on the ancient Terran explorer, Francis Drake."
His bright blue eyes sparkled as ambition filled his voice.
"I've read it five times. His legendary voyages inspired me."
"But now… we live in a far greater age. The Emperor has ended Terra's endless wars and launched the Great Crusade."
"I wish to be a part of it, to build something truly magnificent."
Nareth nodded slightly. With a touch of his psychic power, he peered into Lewis's soul and saw the same answer.
He was a man of adventure, with a strong will and a hunger for greatness.
"Good. You're a young man with ambition."
The golden-haired noble performed a perfect aristocratic bow, never once raising his head, as he listened intently.
"I now offer you a chance. I will help you fulfill your dream."
"You will need a Warrant of Trade, giving you the right to explore unknown stars."
"My lord, I serve at your command."
Lewis said excitedly:
"Not just for the Warrant… but because you are a great Primarch, the Emperor's noble son."
Nareth nodded again and called:
"Arsenna."
Arsenna activated the control staff, projecting a star chart, much smaller than the one from the legion's previous meeting.
Lewis stared at the hologram and soon identified Vostroya among the two key systems marked.
The map showed a trail of systems leading away from it, with several others marked on both flanks.
"Your task is to explore all systems between Vostroya and the Crystal Mirage. Once you finish, I will grant you the Warrant of Trade."
"I'll also gift you a frigate and an elite crew to sail the stars with you."
Lewis had originally planned to earn merit by delivering supplies for the Imperium and eventually becoming a rogue trader, but this chance came far faster than he expected.
"As you wish, my lord. I won't disappoint the Emperor's son."
After Lewis departed, Arsenna's communicator activated in his right ear. Upon hearing the message, he immediately turned to Nareth:
"My lord, the 28th Expeditionary Fleet has arrived. Azhek Ahriman of the Thousand Sons is on his way."
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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