Inside the Guelbryn City Joint Command Post, the atmosphere was tense and efficient. A holographic tactical sand table hummed in the center, clearly displaying the city's terrain and the deployment of both sides' forces as points of light. Officers hurried about, the tapping of data slates in their hands and the whispers from communication devices merging into a symphony of war. The air was thick with the smell of recycled caffeine and machine ozone.
Just then, the Chief of Staff, holding a data slate, quickly approached Commander-in-Chief Wendell Gage, who was discussing the central front with other officers. His expression was extremely serious.
"Commander-in-Chief, something has happened!" He lowered his voice, but the urgency in his tone was undeniable. "The Astra Militarum forces from Lacarshan have just withdrawn from the right flank of the front line!"
"Those veteran sharpshooters?" Wendell's face instantly changed. He whirled around, his sharp gaze fixed on the Chief of Staff. "What happened? Do these xenos still have a general reserve force up their sleeves? They've been incredibly patient!"
As an experienced general, Wendell's first reaction was that the enemy had launched a decisive counterattack, so large in scale that it had even forced back the Lacarshan veterans, renowned for their accurate marksmanship.
"No, General," the Chief of Staff's expression became somewhat awkward. "The problem isn't with the enemy... it's because of friendly forces. Specifically, because of the Perditia Third Suicide Legion."
Hearing the word "Helldivers," Wendell immediately felt a bad premonition. He didn't interrupt, simply gesturing for the Chief of Staff to continue.
The Chief of Staff handed the data slate to Wendell while rapidly reporting, "This is an overview of the right flank. In response to the xenos they encountered—which they labeled 'Indian Birdmen' in their report—the Helldivers Legion opted for a large-scale gas attack tactic and successfully forced them back.
But the problem is, the entire right flank battlefield is now filled with the deep green poisonous gas they released, and its scope is so vast that it has even started to drift into our main battlefield in the central urban area."
He paused, then added, "But you don't need to worry for now. Since it's not the center of the gas' dispersal, the gas concentration is still low. Moreover, the Brimloron Dragoons are fully mechanized armored units, so they are less affected."
As for the Titan Legions and the Skitarii, the Chief of Staff didn't mention them, and Wendell didn't ask. Who would worry about a God-Machine or a Martian with a body full of mechanical prosthetics being affected by mere poisonous gas?
Wendell took the data slate, his eyes quickly scanning the tactical map and report. He suddenly realized that the red arrow representing the Helldivers Legion had far surpassed the advance speed of all other friendly forces, forming a very prominent spearhead, deeply wedged into the enemy's defenses.
If they continued to advance at this speed, they could probably cut off the retreat of all the T'au Empire forces facing them with just a left turn, completing an astonishing encirclement.
However, Wendell's brow furrowed deeply.
"This advance is too aggressive... We must immediately send someone to cover their rear. Can the Krieg Death Legion go?"
The first unit Wendell Gage thought of was the Krieg Death Legion. This unit was also known throughout the Imperium for its fearlessness in death and its expertise in trench warfare. Like the Helldivers Legion, they never showed their true faces and had an extremely high tolerance for harsh environments, making them the best choice to fill gaps in the front line.
"I've already asked, and their suggestion is No," the Chief of Staff shook his head, a hint of helplessness on his face. "The poisonous gas used by the Helldivers Legion is extremely corrosive. Even carapace armor won't last long in this environment before being corroded through, followed by flesh. The Krieg Colonel replied that this behavior was like scattering the Emperor's precious currency around like scrap metal, but he also said that if you give the order, they will execute it; this is just a suggestion."
Wendell's face showed an incredulous expression: "Then how are the Helldivers Legion themselves continuing to advance unaffected in such conditions?"
"Uh..." The Chief of Staff pondered for a moment. "Perhaps... it's the same reason they particularly like to inject themselves with various combat stimms."
"So, it's unknown," Wendell concluded succinctly. He rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. These Helldivers Legionnaires were like an unpredictable black box.
Wendell Gage refocused his gaze on the glaring red spearhead on the holographic sand table. His brows were tightly furrowed, and his fingers unconsciously tapped the cold metal surface of the command console. A few seconds later, his furrowed brows suddenly relaxed, and a glint of determination flashed in his eyes.
"However... this might be for the best."
In war, stalemate is the most terrifying enemy. An unpredictable variable, a mad breakthrough, though full of risks, also brings infinite possibilities to break the deadlock. This opening, torn open by the Helldivers Legion with their lives and poisonous gas, was the key to victory or defeat in the entire battle.
Wendell made up his mind. He sharply turned to the Chief of Staff beside him, his voice steady and powerful: "Go request a top-priority communication link with Chapter Master Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines. I want to speak with him personally."
The Chief of Staff stiffened, immediately straightening his posture. Direct communication with an astartes Chapter Master, especially a legendary figure like Calgar, meant that the battle was about to enter a new, decisive phase. He dared not delay in the slightest, immediately turning and walking towards the communication array, loudly issuing orders.
The atmosphere in the command post instantly became even more solemn. Everyone stopped their work, their gazes unanimously turning to the main communication screen.
After a series of complex verification and encryption procedures, the communication link was quickly established.
On the screen, the weathered, resolute face of Marneus Calgar appeared clearly. He was clad in his iconic blue power armor, with a shaky, fire-lit battlefield in the background. The faint roar of artillery and the angry bark of boltguns came through the communication channel, and even after layers of filtering, it still carried a chilling aura of war. The image on the screen trembled slightly due to violent vibrations, and Calgar's face swayed with it, but his eyes were as unyielding as Macragge.
"Commander-in-Chief Gage," his voice was deep and powerful, "the battlefield is busy; please be quick."
Wendell wasted no time, immediately transmitting the real-time 3D tactical map of the right flank battlefield. At the same time, he succinctly stated, "Chapter Master Calgar, the opportunity to change the current stalemate has arrived."
A data stream flashed across the tactical display in front of Calgar. He only glanced at the 3D map, especially the deep red arrow that was almost completely outflanking the T'au Empire's defenses. Even his stoic, sculpted face couldn't help but show a hint of emotion.
"To have advanced to this extent... They are indeed valiant warriors."
This brief assessment, coming from the mouth of the Ultramarines Chapter Master, was undoubtedly the highest praise.
Wendell seized the opportunity, quickly outlining his plan: "Since the battle has evolved to this point, I suggest immediately deploying more astartes tactical units, using Thunderhawk Gunships and drop pods, to directly penetrate the rear of these xenos.
I will order the Helldivers Legion to push forward with all costs, continuing their advance. Ultimately, they will link up with the airborne astartes warriors, and then, like a dagger, stab fiercely into the xenos' rear!"
The plan was clearly outlined: a bold, fierce, and decisive "hammer and anvil" tactic. The Helldivers Legion was the solid anvil, and the astartes, descending from the sky, were the Emperor's deadly Warhammer!
Calgar on the other end of the communication was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. But after only two seconds, he replied, his voice like clashing steel, resonant and firm: "Say no more, Commander-in-Chief Gage. I had the same intention."