"Unique lifeforms born from millions of years of exposure to electromagnetic pulse spectrums."
Vulkan continuously tapped the holographic projection, causing technical data to emerge above the fiercely contested sandtable: "Their evolutionary path is fascinating."
"Silicon-based life possesses a bizarre physiological structure, fundamentally distinct from carbon-based lifeforms."
When speaking on scientific subjects, Vulkan's glowing red eyes gleamed with intellect, exhibiting far greater confidence and erudition than when issuing military commands: "They are inherently formidable, far surpassing carbon-based lifeforms even during their rudimentary stages of evolution."
"I am not even entirely certain whether they currently qualify as silicon-based life or something even more peculiar, like electromagnetic lifeforms."
"Look here, brother," Vulkan pointed toward the lifeform's analytical spectrum.
Blazkowicz followed the direction of his finger, observing a cluster of electromagnetic forces binding inward while continuously emitting distinct signals outward.
"They are truly unique," Vulkan lamented once more. "They have proliferated on Planet VIII for a million years. These entities seem to be darlings of the cosmos, born with the innate capability to manipulate electromagnetic forces, disrupt atomic bonds, and alter fundamental material structures."
As the spectrum radiated light, the Lord of Dragons broke down the silicon-based lifeforms in deep detail.
Blazkowicz watched the holographic projection shift as a primitive yet advanced species gradually unfolded before his eyes.
The rock-beings lacked conventional sensory organs or limbs. They were composed of numerous levitating stone fragments arranged without any fixed pattern, each individual form entirely distinct from the next.
To the naked eye, they appeared as strange floating clusters of disparate rocks. Distinguishing specific differences required electromagnetic spectrum slit instruments to capture the subtle variations in wavelength between individuals.
"A miraculous species," Blazkowicz marvelled at the wonders of nature. "The universe is vast indeed, spawning so many unbelievable lifeforms."
"Brother," he turned to Vulkan, "do you intend to utilize these xenos in our operation?"
Blazkowicz's brow twitched slightly. With the war at its most critical juncture, Vulkan relying on an alien species seemed overly risky. Military operations generally prioritized stability. In high-intensity warfare, even Astartes made mistakes, inevitably losing tactical opportunities or triggering unforeseen variables.
Using an alien species to achieve an objective might be entirely viable under normal circumstances, but in a decisive campaign, the likelihood of unexpected complications rose dramatically. Alien species were inherently difficult to control, to say nothing of the added instability of having had their homeland devastated by collateral war.
Shifting his gaze from the projection, Blazkowicz looked at Vulkan, awaiting an acceptable explanation.
"It is like this," Vulkan's expression turned solemn as he sensed his brother's doubts. "They are willing to cooperate with us."
"Brother, I understand your concerns," he spoke sincerely, gesturing for a Legion warrior to step forward and operate the holographic interface to provide an answer.
Light traced out images detailing the changes on Planet VIII over the decade and a half since Imperial forces had established a presence.
"By the Primarch above, please look here," the Salamander warrior bowed respectfully, bringing up data slates as he explained to the great Primarch: "When the Legion first garrisoned Planet VIII, we discovered these native silicon-based lifeforms. Their population was spread across the entire planet, vast in number."
Blazkowicz crossed his arms over his chest, listening intently to the warrior's report.
"To accommodate construction needs, the Legion instructed the engineering units to drive the xenos lifeforms into the barren wastes, leaving them to survive on their own so long as they did not interfere with Legion operations."
The projection shifted to show the silicon-based lifeforms driven into low-lying wasteland regions over time, settling there. They offered little resistance, being unpicky about their living conditions and naturally capable of enduring extreme cosmic environments. Migration was their only choice compared to total annihilation beneath heavy guns.
"At the same time," the warrior's fingers flew across the console, bringing up surveillance records, "the Rangdan base was also under construction. Unlike our non-lethal relocation protocols, the xenos employed ruthless methods, using orbital bombardments to smooth the terrain and eradicating all life within their eastern hemisphere control zone."
Hearing the specific details, Blazkowicz nodded continuously, piecing together the full context. From the corner of his eye, he noted the stone fragments of the silicon-based entity trembling slightly, emitting a strange wave of emotion—rage!
Sensing those feelings, Blazkowicz understood. Unsurprisingly, it was another tragic tale of racial hatred and vows of vengeance.
"Brother," Blazkowicz reached out to clap Vulkan's broad shoulder, unable to hold back a sigh of emotion: "Your mercy has brought its reward."
Vulkan was immense, requiring Blazkowicz to raise his arm high to reach his brother's solid shoulder.
"An unexpected gain," Vulkan smiled humbly on his dark face. "Seeking revenge for their kin, the silicon-based entities reached out to our Legion warriors on their own initiative. Through pulse sensors, we established concrete communication with them."
"Their innate talent is truly remarkable—manipulating electromagnetic forces to sever atomic bonds, allowing them to travel freely through solid rock and subterranean depths."
"Regrettably," Vulkan shook his head sorrowfully at the stone creature, "the Rangdan's orbital bombardments gave their kin no chance to escape."
Blazkowicz nodded in complete agreement, pointing at the subterranean route: "So you intend to have this alien species handle the subterranean boring, leading the Legion troops in a surprise assault?"
"With the local population on our side, the feasibility of this plan is extremely high."
"Precisely," Vulkan's face turned serious, his eyes reflecting the subterranean path. "I have planned this for a long time without executing it, saving it specifically to deliver a decisive blow at the most critical moment!"
The dark-green tower turned, placing his massive hand before Blazkowicz : "The arrival of our brother Legion gives me far greater confidence in this strike."
"Then let us do it!" Blazkowicz gripped the dark hand, his eyes burning with resolve.
Tactical opportunities were fleeting; one could never afford to hesitate or overthink. Hesitation and second-guessing invited defeat, and the battlefield held no room for indecision.
With the plan finalized, both Primarchs set to work refining the tactical details centered around the core maneuver.
The assault strategy was simple: the silicon-based lifeforms would bore through the earth, guiding Salamander warriors deep behind enemy lines to deploy teleportation beacons. In the second phase, the Primarchs and the Doom Marines would teleport into the fight to confront the Rangdan Overlords and Shadow Reapers.
When Blazkowicz suggested sending Doom Marines alongside the silicon-based entities, Vulkan firmly rejected the idea. Subterranean boring was fraught with extreme danger; the slightest mishap would leave warriors buried underground forever.
Between a lingering distrust toward the silicon-based xenos and a clear awareness of the Doom Marines' numbers, Vulkan remained adamantly opposed to letting his brother Legion take such risks.
"Mighty and elite warriors should fall from the heavens to turn the tide. Leave the task of placing the beacons to the Salamanders Legion."
The Lord of Dragons refused to yield, his unshakeable stance leaving the Slayer no choice.
Ultimately, the assault plan was set: Salamander warriors would accompany the xenos through the earth, deploying teleportation beacons the moment they resurfaced. Salamander assault squads and Doom Marines would seamlessly transition onto the field via teleportation straight into the Rangdan fortress, decapitating the Rangdan Overlords and shattering the xenos command structure.
The Salamanders Legion mobilized at full speed around this strategic core.
Step one: launch a massive frontal offensive against the Rangdan lines to draw the enemy's entire focus forward.
After twenty-four Terran hours of preparation, the Salamanders launched their assault!
As the pulsar dipped below the horizon, Grand General Cannons hammered the Rangdan forcefields, and the Titan Legions stepped beyond the defensive lines.
"Into the fires of battle, unto the anvil of war!"
Rousing war cries fueled their resolve as Salamander warriors clad in green power armor with gleaming scales surged over the trenches into the charge. Mortal soldiers followed closely behind, launching a fearless assault against the xenos who dared defy humanity under the protection of Space Marines.
The flames of war spread instantly. The Rangdan responded in kind, deploying entire Titan formations while elite warriors roared as they charged forth to meet the human wave.
"Saturnine?" Blazkowicz remarked curiously while waiting in the command center, pointing at the tactical display. "It doesn't quite look like it, though."
At the very front of the Legion, dark-green Dreadnoughts and Terminators of unusual design moved forward. Their frames were stocky yet intricately engineered, outfitted with disintegrator weaponry. Most eye-catching were their massive, semi-circular pauldrons—immensely heavy structures that compromised basic agility.
Yet their defensive protection was staggering, and their firepower far surpassed conventional Dreadnoughts and Terminators, reducing Rangdan warriors to atomic sparks as they led the Legion's steady advance.
"It is Saturnine," Vulkan grinned warmly, bringing up a technical schematic projection. "I made a few modifications to the original technology."
"The prototype technology for Saturnine originated from Saturn, specifically Phoebe. As Castra Ferrum Dreadnoughts and Tartaros or Cataphractii Terminator suits were deployed in vast numbers, the Saturnine suits gradually fell out of favor due to logistical constraints."
"So I made several improvements, re-integrating ancient yet advanced technologies to allow them to continue serving the Great Crusade."
As technical specifications flashed before his eyes, Blazkowicz gave a thumb-up in heartfelt admiration: "Truly remarkable!"
Vulkan's improved Saturnine pattern was even more powerful than the original, easier to maintain, and highly adaptable to existing infrastructure.
Hearing his brother's praise, Vulkan scratched his bald head sheepishly with his massive hand, chuckling softly: "I am thinking of gifting this Saturnine technology to all the Legions."