Chapter 379: To the Dawnstar Sector
The Silent Vow
Arthur and Huron stood at the edge of the bridge, looking down at the planet beneath their feet.
Chaos III. The system was named for its proximity to the Maelstrom and being overshadowed by the pitch-black void at its center.
Traces of smoke and fire still lingered on their armor. Between the folds of the cloaks around their necks, glittering confetti from the celebration was faintly visible.
On the planet, stains on the surface barely visible to Astartes vision told the story that this planet had not been peaceful before.
Another rightful victory.
"As expected, it was those nobles again."
Huron, having just finished a celebration, wasn't very happy. He clenched his fist, his face full of anger: "Only they have the leisure to study those blasphemous faiths."
Genuine displeasure. Even if the Primarch didn't show any opinion, he just felt very unhappy.
Arthur nodded.
He indeed had no opinion. If there were really no problems, he would have an opinion.
Such incidents were common in the Maelstrom Zone. After he and Ramesses arrived, the Lamenters launched an investigation and uncovered a series of problems, followed by a sweeping operation supervised by him.
The Astral Claws, united with many other Chapters and Inquisitors, launched lightning raids on these organizations, destroying many separatist forces and areas controlled by Chaos traitors, crushing numerous conspiracies.
Nobles, dissatisfied with the reduction of their own interests and unable to detach themselves from base desires like the true great nobles such as the Imperial Navy, eventually fell into corruption and rebellion.
Of course, the rebellions organized by these people couldn't influence many.
The transformed Planetary Defense Forces repelled the offensives of these traitors, and local residents were more inclined to report these illegal gatherings to the government rather than participating in them.
These actions greatly relieved the pressure on Astartes and government staff. It was no longer like rushing into a hive city only to find even a plumber was an enemy. This solved the manpower shortage problem, allowing them to invest their limited strength into dealing with the problems themselves.
As the sweeping operations unfolded, various separatisms and rebellions were effectively curbed.
Not easy, but at least solvable.
That was enough.
Realistically speaking, Arthur never believed any system was perfect, just as corruption could never be completely eradicated, but one couldn't ignore it just because it was endless.
Problems would always exist; the key was whether there were continuous actions to solve them.
But these were just small problems.
"Xenos activity in the Maelstrom wormhole area is still frequent."
Huron couldn't help but sigh.
The current wormhole was generally stable, but the other end was beyond the Astronomican. Many xenos had discovered this extremely special celestial structure and were exploring it.
Many of them were turned to ash under Karna's fire, but scattered xenos still relied on their miraculous characteristics to pass through the wormhole and come to the galactic center, causing trouble for local residents.
And the Chaos Gods obviously noticed this place too. Chaos warbands appearing inside the Maelstrom constantly tried to seize control of the wormhole.
"Given the losses caused by the Navy, I approve the expansion of ships."
Arthur thought briefly. Nearly a year of inspection had given him a rough idea of the actual situation in the Maelstrom Zone. Currently, although relying on Astartes still maintained strong control over planets, military strength was slightly weak.
"As for capital ships, I hope the scale of the Maelstrom Zone fleet can be expanded by two times the original number. Of course, I also know that with the current production capacity mastered by the Maelstrom Zone, this cannot be achieved. This area needs new shipyards."
The Ghoul Stars were not a good colonization site. Warp travel in areas without the Astronomican's light would become extremely unstable. Coupled with all kinds of messy monsters, not to mention the Maynarkh Dynasty of Necrons slumbering in the Ghoul Stars.
This dynasty was infected with the Flayer Virus because they truly killed a C'tan. So compared to other somewhat restrained Necrons, this dynasty at a low point had no scruples, basically slaughtering all surrounding creatures indiscriminately once awakened.
But since the wormhole was open, they had to control it even if they had to hold their noses.
Therefore, the Maelstrom Zone needed to grow. At least a powerful Imperial Navy fleet capable of completely blockading the wormhole was necessary.
Secondly, to further ensure safety, Arthur also believed that large-scale space facilities should be built in various star systems around the Maelstrom wormhole. In addition to supply stations collecting and mining various resources, more defensive outposts, orbital fortresses, and other facilities should be added.
This was also something Imperial military strategists often complained about. They often didn't quite understand why Primarchs were obsessed with laying these passive defensive facilities in every star system.
In fact, due to their upbringing environment, Arthur and the others were not proponents of passive defense, but there was no helping the general environment.
"The plan is named 'Iron Ring'. You are responsible for communicating the specific expansion plan with the Imperial Navy and the Mechanicus."
Arthur paused. He understood Huron's hint: "A portion of the Dark Angels will stay after the inspection. I hope you maintain your consistent high efficiency."
"Yes!"
Huron grinned, thumping his chest in salute: "For humanity!"
"And for yourself."
Arthur patted Huron's shoulder, sincerely hoping this talented Astartes could truly integrate into the human community.
After all, he was now the ruler of a composite sector. He had to demand more from this Guardian of the Maelstrom.
"Of course!"
Huron raised his head proudly.
"Keep it up."
Arthur released his hand and turned to leave.
The Chapter Master of the Ashen Claws had been waiting here for a long time.
"My lord."
Nev saluted solemnly.
"Made up your mind?"
Arthur smiled.
Regarding honor commendations, besides honor records and banners for champion companies killing enemies, he also set up a detailed set of commendation standards. Even if the Primarch couldn't come due to various affairs, there would be Primarch bodyguards responsible for passing this honor to brother Chapters.
The Chapters receiving commendations were happy, and the Primarch bodyguards going to commend were also happy.
One operation satisfied both sides.
Ramesses on the side shook his cloak stained with petals. A few bright red petals fell from the gold-woven fabric. With a smile on his lips but extremely serious eyes: "Once you arrive in the Dawnstar Sector, there's no chance for regret. Flowers and applause aren't free."
"Yes."
Nev nodded solemnly, his knuckles tightening unconsciously, as if confirming his thoughts.
This was a promise.
In just one year, he had completely firmed the Ashen Claws' determination to join the Dawnstar Sector.
Not because Arthur wove such a beautiful fantasy or such a beautiful future for them—
Nev's gaze rested on the blue planet hidden in the darkness below.
Whenever they eliminated the threat of a planet, the welcome from the crowds lining the streets, those flowers, cheers, and commendations from the Primarch were more real than any persuasion or promise.
They disdained deception. They just took out the future they depicted and showed it to everyone for a glance.
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