"The combat effectiveness of these Tau has dropped significantly," Agemann reported to Calgar.
On the bridge, dozens of Honor Guards continued to perform their duties with unwavering loyalty.
"What do you believe is the cause?"
"There are issues with their reinforcements and resupply."
Calgar turned his gaze toward Ventris. "And your assessment, Uriel? Why has this occurred with the Tau?"
"They are facing a new enemy," Ventris provided his judgment. "I suspect the Tyranids we have been pursuing have infiltrated their territory and grown in strength. They are no longer able to face them alone."
Calgar studied the data slate and the current tactical star map prepared by the Ultramarines, then asked, "Is there a possibility for us to directly annihilate this xenos empire?"
"This—"
The two captains fell silent.
Given the current situation, the Tau Empire was attempting to use strategic depth to stall the Imperial forces. However, they were now besieged from both front and back. If the Imperium of Man continued its push, this xenos empire that had been encroaching upon Imperial territory around the Five Hundred Worlds might truly be destroyed.
But the problem was: if Hive Fleet Astraeus consumed the Tau Empire, to what scale would its size expand?
"Based on observations of Hive Fleet Gorgon years ago, that fleet was smaller than Behemoth but had evolved in numerous ways. If Astraeus devours the Tau Empire, its scale will inevitably surpass Behemoth—perhaps significantly so. If they then launch an assault on the Five Hundred Worlds, we will suffer catastrophic losses."
Calgar recalled the First Tyrannic War he had commanded. That was the Imperium's first large-scale conflict with the Tyranids, and the Ultramarines had paid a tragic price. However, Hive Fleet Astraeus had already displayed characteristics unlike any before, such as not being obsessively fixated on organic matter and demonstrating exceptional strategic and tactical prowess.
Against an enemy of such vast numbers and superior quality, the damage brought by Astraeus would only be more devastating than before. Thousands of worlds could be destroyed, and the home of the Ultramarines would be crippled.
Calgar and the captains knew that compared to the Tau Empire, the Tyranids were clearly the enemy most deserving of their attention. However, such words could never be spoken aloud.
In their faith, there was no distinction between enemies; all must be purged. No foe could ever collaborate with the Emperor's forces. Secret assistance between small units was one thing, but if Chapter Master Calgar set such a precedent, it would be a danger to the entire Imperium. Calgar did not yet possess the immense prestige required to alter the Imperium's fundamental stance toward xenos.
"What is the course of action?"
"Continue the offensive, but reduce the intensity. We need a period of reorganization."
"Understood."
Several days later, Ventris quietly entered Calgar's quarters.
"Chapter Master, the Tau have sent a diplomatic team, attempting to negotiate with us."
The most troublesome scenario had arrived. Calgar felt a sense of irritation. He had to maintain the posture of a Chapter Master by showing absolute firmness against the xenos, while simultaneously finding a way to signal that he would allow the Tau's main forces to leave.
"Come. Take me to see them. I want to see what silver-tongued lies these xenos have prepared."
De'Dony expressed his deep respect to Calgar. "Great warrior, I come on behalf of the Ethereals, I come on behalf of the Tau Empire, and if permitted, I come bearing the Greater Good."
"Close your filthy mouth. Do not preach your stagnant ideologies here. You are alive right now only because I wish to see, under the Emperor's gaze, how you intend to beg for mercy."
"We are here to seek a cooperation—you do not like that word. Let us use another: an exploitation."
"What are you saying?"
"The Tyranids have invaded our Empire. Our warriors cannot remain here entangled with you. If you are willing to exploit us to oppose those bugs, then when you face them in the future, your path will be much easier."
"Silence, disgraceful xenos! To think you would still try to utter such nonsense here. Go back and tell your rulers: the Emperor's blades are arriving. You cannot resist our advance. Enjoy your final moments!"
De'Dony wanted to continue, but Calgar had already aimed a fist larger than half the diplomat's body at him. "Do not make me say it twice, xenos. You are not even worthy to die by my hand."
After driving away the Tau diplomatic team, Calgar felt agitated. "I hope these people understood my hints. Those from the Ecclesiarchy and the Adeptus Mechanicus were right there; I couldn't be too obvious."
Ventris remarked in admiration, "The Chapter Master truly knows when to yield and when to stand firm. When I saw those xenos, I could hardly restrain the urge to kill them. Surely, they must have felt your goodwill."
Calgar felt a headache coming on. His logic told him such a thing was unlikely. At this moment, he could only hope for the Emperor's protection. "Let us hope so."
"Their attitude was extremely hostile. It seems this negotiation was an utter failure."
De'Dony shared this hatred of the attitude he encountered. However, he felt something was strange. Rationally, that Chapter Master should have killed him immediately. When did these humans become so reasonable?
His mentor had been a survivor of past diplomatic missions with humans. According to him, if the humans did not kill you instantly, it meant there was still a chance.
"Perhaps they were signaling."
"Signaling what?"
"That leader told us to prepare for a 'final battle.' Could that be interpreted as them reducing the frequency of their attacks until then?"
"That seems a bit too risky, doesn't it?"
De'Dony made a bold decision. "Tell the Ethereals that the Imperium of Man has decided as such. They will cooperate with us in an obscure manner. Regardless of the cost, we must find a way to send these forces back."
The diplomats looked at De'Dony. This was an extremely precarious decision. If things did not proceed as he envisioned, then—
"Let it be so. We return immediately to handle the arrangements."
One Water Caste diplomat chuckled self-mockingly, "This truly is a desperate alliance."
"It is an alliance of hatred," De'Dony said slowly. "Honestly, once the Tyranids are driven out, we will resume our war with them. Provided, of course, that we can actually drive out those terrible monsters."