In the following days, workers who had fled the factory district began to return. They expected slavery or abuse, but without work, they couldn't buy basic supplies. To their surprise, the gang members didn't touch a hair on their heads.
Alexei had personally executed gang members who attempted to harm civilians, warning everyone that such behavior would not be tolerated. With his rising prestige from healing the wounded, his orders were followed strictly. He reorganized the shifts—changing from two bell-tolls per shift to one—a move of great benevolence. He also increased rations, ensuring they had enough starch bars to eat.
Though he didn't know why the enemy delayed their attack, he had to be ready. During a strategy meeting with his commanders, a report from Zagara through the psionic network caught his attention.
"Master, the Changeling scouts have sent word. The Upper Hive has been almost entirely overtaken by Warp demons. They are preparing to launch an assault on the Lower Hive."
Alexei's face went pale. Allie's prophecy wasn't about the Underhive—it was the Spire. That madman Hordem had sacrificed the entire Upper Hive to demons. This was a nightmare scenario. The massive population of the Spire would allow for the summoning of countless powerful entities and provide stable Warp rifts for endless reinforcements.
"My Lord, what has happened?" Lutheca asked, seeing Alexei's expression.
Alexei scanned the room. "I have just received terrible news. The insane Hordem family has summoned Warp demons. They are conducting a slaughter-sacrifice across the entire Upper Hive."
Shock and rage filled the room. Colton slammed the table. "Those damned nobles..." His family and subordinates were in the Spire. Lutheca realized that to send a distress signal, they would need to reach the Astropathic Spire at the very top—a near impossibility now.
Alexei knew the Imperium's efficiency was too slow to save them, and even if they arrived, they might send Grey Knights who would execute everyone anyway. They were on their own.
"This is the most dangerous moment in our history," Alexei declared. "The demon hordes intend to pull this planet into the Warp. We are the only variable. To survive, for our home, for the Emperor, we must give everything to drive these scumbags back!"
He began deploying his forces. His elite CMC-400 corps, now numbering over 20,000, were stationed at key transit points. Lutheca's Enforcers manned the auto-turrets and heavy fire points on the walls. Colton's remaining PDF acted as a rapid-response force with their heavy vehicles. The Zerg swarm guarded small passages to prevent flank attacks and served as a final trump card.
Alexei himself stood before a maintenance tunnel just large enough for a few people. He wore his power armor, gripping a power sword engraved with the Double-Headed Eagle. He had a plan so bold it was almost suicidal. He would head to the Upper Hive alone during the chaos to find the Warp rifts.
As a "living Pylon," he would position himself behind the demon lines. When the demons were fully engaged with the Lower Hive defenses, he would warp in elite Protoss units from high-dimensional space to destroy the rifts at their source.
"Another defense of Aiur...?" Alexei smiled ironically. He found himself missing the 21st century. At least there weren't any Warp demons or Tyranids back then. He took a deep breath and stared into the dark tunnel.
"Come then... let's settle this."