Warhammer: Beginning with Planetary Governors

Chapter 689 The Necromancer: Is the Empire here? We need to pay our sacred tithe!
"Have those mechanical shells in the Fanes system gone mad because of amnesia? Why are they worshipping the Emperor like that?!"

Ron stroked his chin, pondering the possibility of this situation.

The virtual projection of the Emperor statue before us is undoubtedly a combination of the Emperor and the undead from space.

The necromancer version of the emperor wore a mechanical cloak, held a scepter, and wore a pharaoh-style headdress.

He did look somewhat kind and benevolent, but what's even more absurd is that a group of space ghosts were kneeling beneath the statue.

They appeared quite devout.

This was an intolerable act of heresy for the old empire; how could the great emperor be so desecrated?!

As the intelligence indicates.

The Fanes system has been completely taken over by the space necromantic dynasty known as "Kalozasa," who have not only blasphemed the Great Emperor but also enslaved the imperial people there.

The 3rd Battle Group of the 10th Fleet of the Unyielding Expeditionary Fleet was furious after learning of this several years ago.

The battle group commander and his officers could not tolerate such heretics and decided to destroy the audacious aliens and rescue the inhabitants.

If the situation becomes irreversible, some high-ranking officials even hope to launch Cyclone torpedoes to destroy the entire planet.

To prevent such heretical acts from spreading to more places.

That was the necessary price to pay.

Of course, such conservative views were temporarily shelved.

The commander of the Third Battle Group of Vigilant Planet issued the final instructions:

"By the Emperor, we have come to reclaim our lost lands in accordance with the will of the Lord of Altramah. Unless we prove that the people of the Empire there are beyond redemption, we will still save them."

Now, let's think about how to destroy those damn aliens!

After the battle group commander issued the order, the fleet began to allocate forces to carry out pre-war preparations.

They sent reconnaissance ships to the Fanes system to gather intelligence on the Kalozasa dynasty.

However, once those troops entered the Fanes system, they were intercepted and destroyed, and lost contact.

Clearly, those space necromancers had very strong defenses and were extremely wary of external intrusion.

This made the battle groups more cautious, as they had limited troops at their disposal.

We must proceed with caution.

Even more infuriatingly, the battle group soon discovered shipwrecks drifting out of the Fanes system.

They found the remains of the reconnaissance personnel inside the wreckage; the flesh on those remains was torn apart by long, sharp claws, and there were even bite marks.

They also found mechanical limbs covered in human skin.

When Ron saw this, his face turned grim: "If it's the Skinners, then the citizens of the Empire in the Fanes system are in danger."

They would likely be raised as some kind of livestock, suffering a miserable fate.

Due to prolonged slumber, the consciousness of space necromancers often undergoes various changes. Those beings known as the Skinners are infected by a special virus and become obsessed with devouring flesh and blood.

Even more absurdly, the space necromancers don't have digestive organs; they're merely mimicking the feeling of devouring flesh and blood.

Those skinners were not only despised by the undead, but also scorned by all flesh and blood, especially the Empire.

Therefore, after discovering this sign, the Third Battle Group of the Vigilant Stars resolved to destroy the Necromancer Dynasty of the Farnese system and eliminate that group of insane aliens.

However, while they were preparing for battle, they received another request for help from the star system's capital, Fanes.

The one seeking help was the local galactic governor—the Crown-Broker Zabok.

He claimed to be a devout follower of the Emperor and hoped that the Imperial fleet would come to assist Fanes in dealing with the heretical aliens ravaging the galaxy.

Such requests for assistance were commonplace in the Empire; battle groups frequently received such requests from governors across the country.

But the governor who requested help was an alien, and a high-ranking being who appeared to be a space necromancer.

That's another story.

The commanders of the Vigilant Star Third Battle Group believed it was a clumsy lie, that the alien madmen were trying to lure the fleet into Fanes.

There may be traps hidden in the galaxy.

They had no doubt that the undead aliens could set up a massive trap to destroy the fleet.

The undead aliens possess large tomb machinery.

They can alter the structure of space, isolate or attract subspace energy, and even change the magnetic poles of stars.

If the battle group rashly ventures into the interior of the star system, it will likely encounter insurmountable danger.

Ultimately, the commander of the Third Battle Group of the Vigilant Star decided to take a reverse action, introducing more danger into the Fanes system and seizing the opportunity to launch a surprise attack and destroy that mad necromantic dynasty.

As for the people of the Empire, we will save as many as we can; the priority is to eliminate those dangerous aliens.

"A typical old imperialist war strategy: regardless of the cost, the bottom line is 'I want the alien heretics dead!'"

Ron looked at the war plans in the intelligence report and sighed.

Perhaps the empire has survived to this day because of this ruthlessness, but unfortunately times have changed, and the empire now needs better war strategies.

Every citizen of the empire is an important resource for production and should be cherished as much as possible, rather than squandered carelessly.

After some thought, Ron decided to intervene in the war in the Fanes system.

There might be something you want there, especially the property and secrets of the space necromancers.

This ancient race's technology enabled them to develop large-scale mechanical systems to combat the warp.

After sending out some messages, he went into the bedroom of the spire, raised a defensive field, and then his consciousness returned to his human body.

……

Dream Ship.

The Sanctuary of the Savior.

Ron stretched his body, casually handed the intelligence to his respectfully waiting deputy, and asked:
"Taco, what do you think?"

Taco hesitated for a moment before giving his answer:

"We need more intelligence to make a judgment. At present, the war plan of the Third Combat Group of the Vigilant Star is probably not a good choice."

If the situation spirals out of control, we may lose the Fanes system forever, and it could even impact the overall course of the war.

Taco has a savior complex, preferring safer solutions to excessive risks.

He would never gamble with the life of the empire, especially not in a situation that would cause heavy casualties.

Ron nodded and gave the order: "Contact Commander Adebayo of the Third Combat Group of Vigilant Planet immediately. I have something to say."

Soon, the communications department contacted the battle group commander.

hum~
A half-body virtual image lit up, connecting the two parties.

Adebayo appeared before the Savior in a virtual image.

He looked somewhat surprised and bowed respectfully: "Savior... Your Majesty, the Third Battle Group of Vigilant Star will obey your will."

This battle group commander was clearly aware of the latest situation in the Empire and knew that Primarch of Hope had become the new emperor of the Empire.

Even the Lord of Alteramar must obey the commands of that being.

Therefore, he must demonstrate loyalty to avoid arousing suspicion.

"Adebayo, the Third Vigilant Star Battle Group is now officially under your command. You will become part of this great battle."

Ron didn't waste any words and immediately took over command.

The Indomitable Expeditionary Fleet is no longer of much use. It would be better to bring those forces back and reorganize them to avoid conflict with the new empire's plans.

I must acquire more power to win the Battle of Vigilant Star.

Adebayor paused for a moment, then saluted to indicate his acceptance.
"As you wish."

He gazed at the imposing emperor before him, hesitant to speak.

“You have the right to express your opinion.” Ron’s attitude was amiable, and he did not restrain the battle group commander.

"Your Majesty, I would like to know where the Regent... Lord of Alteramar, our Lord Guilliman, is now?"

Adebayo inquired, as he had not received any news of that being for a long time.

Ron thought to himself, "How would I know where that guy got lost and wandered off to? Is he living like a savage in some warp region?"

But to avoid trouble and to save Guilliman's face, he replied:

"The Lord of Altramor is carrying out a secret operation. Perhaps you will know his whereabouts after this battle is over."

Adebayor didn't say anything more after hearing this, but simply bowed slightly.

"From now on, you should communicate with Tako. He is the head of the military affairs department here and can also represent my will."

After finishing his sentence, Ron turned and left, leaving the communication channel to his loyal deputy.

His only goal was to consolidate power; he had no need for anyone of his caliber to handle other matters.

In fact, if he weren't currently unable to receive outside support, this emperor of the empire would basically never communicate with beings at the level of a battle group.

Under Taco's arrangement, the Third Battle Group of the Vigilant Stars constructed a defensive line on the outer perimeter of the Fanes system.

Be ready to receive instructions at any time.

Meanwhile, Ron's Vigilant Expeditionary Force and the Aletan Ark also headed towards the Fanes system.

Once the time is right, this united army will occupy the Fanes system and destroy the Kalozasa dynasty to seize their legacy.

Of course, Ron is still unsure whether to destroy the Necromancer dynasty in space, and he has developed a strong interest in it.

He sent missionary saints to investigate the situation in the area, to see if the Kalozasa dynasty had been collectively infected with the skinner virus. Those half-skinned swindlers covered in artificial skin were the most adept at concealing themselves and integrating into the local social system.

Especially when Phanes believed in the emperor.

Those nearly invisible Black Stone reconnaissance ships headed towards the capital of Fanes along the safest route.

However, not long after, Ron received some unexpected news.

A state religious force, acting on the orders of the sector archbishop, infiltrated the planet Fanes, carrying deadly artifacts.

They seemed intent on perishing together with the planet that the archbishop had condemned as a heretic traitor…
-
Phanes, the main hive.

The nest seemed to be perpetually shrouded in gray smoke.

Click click click.

The sound of mechanical limbs hitting the ground rang out.

An immortal assault force glowing with green light is patrolling, and these aliens walk openly down the street.

However, when people see them, they feel no fear, but rather awe.

Because the Immortals are the guardians of the hive, and loyal protectors of Governor Zabok.

Many people have been under the protection of that benevolent governor since their ancestors' generation; they have long been accustomed to it.

That being protected the precarious Fanes system, preventing people from dying of hunger.

According to records from the planet Fanes, this planet has always suffered from large-scale famines, and the heavy tithes have almost crushed life there.

Since Zabok and his loyal guards took control of the planet, there has been no news of a large-scale famine.

Therefore, he was highly respected.

In the distance, a statue of the Emperor, holding a staff and draped in a mechanical cloak, overlooks the buildings and all life on the street, radiating a green beam of light.

"By the Emperor~"

Today is Sunday, and people are hurrying to the cathedral to worship the great emperor and pray for his protection of Phanes, the benevolent governor.

If they were lucky, they could catch a glimpse of the nobles, or even the governor.

That being was a devout believer. When he wasn't in a hurry with politics, he liked to visit churches to listen to the true voices of the people of Fanes.

The main hive appears idyllic, but sparks of battle frequently erupt from various locations.

Clearly, this planet is not so peaceful, but fortunately, such struggles have not affected people's lives too much.

Those guardians of Phanes were always fearless in the face of death, shielding their people from explosions or bullets before quickly eliminating the enemy.

Royal Palace, residence of the governor.

The clerks hurried along, each carrying a large stack of parchment documents; the heavy burden made them sweat profusely.

But no one was willing to slack off.

Because the governor of Fanes was working day and night on state affairs, devoting himself to the planet.

They had to get the documents to the person in question's office as soon as possible.

At the entrance to the office stood several meters tall heavily armored royal guards, their living metal bodies gleaming from being polished.

They carried shields taller than a person and wielded phase spears, exuding a powerful aura of intimidation.

"The protocol has been activated; please verify your identities."

The royal guards lowered their phase spears, blocking the scribes' procession.

Driven by the instructions of the agreement, they must use scanning devices to identify the visitors.

This will prevent disloyal individuals from infiltrating and affecting their Dharma King or Governor.

The Royal Guards quickly confirmed the identities of the scribes and granted them a license.

The clerks first cast respectful glances at the guards responsible for protecting the governor before entering the enormous office.

The royal guards nodded slightly, and the living metal body straightened even more.

They are proud.

These high-level space undead are different from ordinary undead; although they are controlled by the protocol, they still possess self-awareness.

They are the King's elite guard.

As the clerks entered the enormous office, their expressions of reverence deepened, and they even slowed their pace considerably, as if afraid of disturbing the governor's work.

They gently placed the parchment document in the designated spot, bowed, and quietly turned to leave.

"Clerks, thank you for your hard work..."

A somewhat tired, hoarse electronic voice sounded, and a figure looked up from the tall stack of parchment.

He was expressing his gratitude for the work of the clerks.

The figure in the pile of parchment was none other than the benevolent governor of Fañes—Zabok.

He was over three meters tall, but looked somewhat hunched over, and his living metal body was rather thin.

Notably, a corner of the black and gold crown on this being's head was missing, not from the battle, but from something he had cut off himself with his phase sword.

That was a warning Zabock gave himself: "If a monarchy cannot be used for protection, it is not worthy of existence."

He has always practiced his own maxims and has never deviated from them.

Although this Dharma King of the Karozasa dynasty never realized that his memories after awakening were distorted.

He considered himself a human being and devoutly worshipped the emperor.

Zabock prided himself on being the Emperor's loyal servant, hoping to burn his life for that being and for humanity.

He banished corrupt and tyrannical rulers and saved the world from the brink of destruction, which is why he is respected.

“It is our honor to serve you,” a clerk stepped forward and responded to the governor’s words.

He didn't say much and led the clerks away.

They had a lot of work to do and didn't want to bother the governor, who was already exhausted.

"By the Emperor, I'm getting more and more work these days!"

Zabock gently picked up the parchment document, a hint of worry on his living metal face, revealing fatigue and wrinkles.

The parchment document in front of us is only a part of it.

He looked up and saw numerous bookshelves, each ten meters or so high, piled high with parchment documents. Some of the servants, looking rather dazed, were meticulously categorizing the documents.

Zabok was commissioned by the Emperor's Divine Code hundreds of years ago to become the governor of the galaxy and rule over Fanes.

When he first started handling government affairs, he preferred to input information into a data center for processing.

That would be faster.

But soon he was met with fierce criticism from court officials.

Such a method of processing documents using abhorrent machinery is heretical, a blasphemous act that the great and sacred emperor cannot tolerate, and is very dangerous.

Zabok accepted the criticism and began to handle government affairs using the empire's primitive methods.

This led to him being overwhelmed by endless parchments, especially as his administration became more meticulous.

Fortunately, his physical condition is much better than that of an average human, and he needs less sleep, which allows him to withstand such a high level of work intensity.

Occasionally, they can even find time to make pilgrimages and pay homage to great emperors.

Zabok and his undead followers believed that, given enough loyalty, the Emperor would cure their disease.

To restore their flesh and blood, making them like normal human beings.

"The imperial tax ship should be arriving soon. Fanes's eleven taxes need to be paid, including the interest for the delay."

Zabock looked down at the statistical documents on the eleventh tax and muttered to himself.

The shadow of war is looming, and heretics and aliens are threatening Fanes, especially the crazed skinners.

He was worried that the warehouse district would be attacked, affecting the payment of the Tien tax.

The tithe was the cornerstone of the empire, and paying taxes was a glorious mission for himself and Fanes.

Since becoming governor, he has actively salvaged the galaxy's shattered production system, allowing the planet to recover.

They no longer worry about not being able to pay the sacred tithe.

At that time, Zabock and the court officials were very proud that their efforts had paid off.

Fañez is enjoying an unprecedented harvest and will pay the highest amount of tithes in history, including taxes owed by the previous governor.

They will not be met with armed forces from the Ministry of Justice, but will instead receive praise from Holy Terra.

For this purpose, Zabok even wrote a letter to the tax authorities of Sacred Terra.

The letter clearly described the improvement in Fanes and indicated that the star system was willing to bear more sacred taxes to alleviate the Empire's increasingly difficult situation.

They all felt that since Fanes had recovered, he should take on more responsibilities.

Providing more taxes would help more of the empire's citizens.

However, to this day, Holy Terra has not replied.

Zabock pondered some questions about the tithe, his eyes glowing faintly with a green light.

What's even more puzzling is that when the Empire's tax ships arrived more than a hundred years ago, they didn't even finish loading eleven of the tax goods before quickly setting sail and leaving the star system.

Have they encountered some kind of emergency?!

(End of this chapter)