Warhammer: Beginning with Planetary Governors

Chapter 727 Iron Warriors: A Loyal Transformation, We Fight Ash in Holy Terra!

Dorn was very worried about the situation on the Mountain Array.

That fortress, which resembled an asteroid, could hold more than a dozen Imperial cruisers on its foredeck alone.

It is not only the home base of Imperial Fist.

It is also the largest known space fortress built by humankind, the Golden Sentinel in Terra's distant orbit.

The Mountain Array is so powerful that it can rival the Eldar Xenomorph's small ark worlds, and it can move autonomously and traverse the warp.

More importantly, it is a relic of the Dark Ages, and humanity no longer has the ability to rebuild it.

If the Mountain Array is destroyed, the Empire will lose its strongest space force and will no longer be able to guarantee the safety of the solar system's airspace.

"I hope nothing happens to it..." Dorn took a deep breath.

He knew that if the Mountain Array encountered a major problem, the technical priests of the Cult of Mechanics would not be able to repair it.

Under the tense gaze of the mountain formation leader, the short veteran happily pointed to the data panel:
"Hehe, found it. It's a news article from more than ten years ago. I have a very good memory and rarely forget things."

Dorn stared at the data panel, browsing the news feed.

After he saw what was written on it, everything went black.

"It's...it's been demolished?!"

He watched the news footage of the Banla Mountain Array, his voice trembling uncontrollably, and he almost fainted.

"Yes, as the news reported, the Mountain Array is too old and difficult to repair. After discussion, the Ministry of Military Affairs decided to dismantle it in conjunction with the Mechanical Engineering Department to study casting technology."

The short, veteran leaned over, pointed to the low Gothic script above, and sighed with emotion:

"I didn't expect that someone as tall as you could read. You're quite cultured."

Unfortunately, you're not an honorary citizen yet, so you don't have permission to use these data tablets, where you can see a lot of Imperial news.

Look, His Majesty the Savior even gave special thanks to the Imperial Fist, saying they promoted the development of Imperial Fortress technology.

Tsk, there's no more news about it. It involves classified information, and I don't have that kind of authority. You need higher-level privileges to apply for access to the archives..."

The New Empire had no way to dismantle the Mountain Array.

Over the millennia, the Mountain Array has suffered immense damage from continuous vigilance operations and warfare.

This has led to more fortress systems failing every year on the Mountain Array, while the technology needed to repair it has long since been forgotten.

Even maintaining the Imperial Fist is a challenge.

The Mountain Array once shone like a giant among the stars, but during the prolonged dark ages, it gradually dimmed, and even moving became extremely difficult.

So the new empire simply dismantled the Mountain Array to study its technology in order to build a new fortress of the same level.

Given its condition, a complete overhaul might be more costly than rebuilding it entirely.

But from Dorn's perspective, it's quite painful.

His breathing became heavy, and his face turned slightly flushed: "Jane... this is simply outrageous..."

That space fortress was not only the Emperor's golden sentinel, but also one of the symbols of Dorne, the Lord of the Mountain.

His most precious asset.

However, the Saviour and the Mechanicus, for the sake of the technology within, so easily dismantled it, destroying the fortress that humans could hardly build.

They probably also used their authority to suppress their own offspring, forcing them to agree to this absurd order.

After all, without his own genetic father, the Imperial Fist would have had a hard time withstanding the dual pressure exerted by the Imperial Emperor and the Mechanicus.

Dorn turned his back and stared at the empty sky, his wall-like body hunched over.

He was worried about the situation of the Imperial Fist, unaware of the cruel treatment his offspring had suffered.

He knew the darkness of the Apostate era, how the legions, after their disbandment, were on the verge of collapse and unable to resist Terran's orders.

A large number of Space Marines were also sent to the Eye of Terror.

Perhaps, the Imperial Fist had already embarked on a difficult expedition under the Emperor's decree.

Terratia, Mechanicus, the State Church, the Imperial Guard, the Space Marine Chapters—even Horus has never wielded such power.

At this moment, the Lord of the Mountain Formation felt an unprecedented, profound pressure from the Savior.

The darkness of the void outside was so deep, so suffocating.

If his judgment is correct, he is an extremely formidable opponent!

"Hey big guy, why aren't you saying anything again? How about we go get a drink?" The short veteran looked at Dorn, who seemed a bit depressed, and scratched his head, wondering what was wrong.

……

Meanwhile, on the back of Holy Terra.

A giant fortress fixed in orbit, filled with birdsong, fragrant flowers, and lush greenery, is a garden paradise like an asteroid.

The Garden Sanctuary is filled with green trees, streams, and solemn sanctuaries, with the imposing icon of Primarch Rogue Don standing tall and striking.

Those are the wreckage of the Mountain Array.

After the new empire removed the important facilities, engines, and turrets from the fortress, it filled it with a large amount of fertile soil and transformed it into a small garden sanctuary.

It also serves as a sacred world for people to worship and visit, representing the Imperial Fist.

In addition, Imperial Fist was given further compensation, which further enhanced its military strength.

Today, apart from pilgrims from all over the galaxy who come to admire the majesty of the Lord of the Mountain Formation, the Imperial Fist is almost nowhere to be seen in this sacred world.

Because of the recent special occasion, the Imperial Fist team had a rare rest time for switching positions.

To relieve mental fatigue.

Looking out from the Holy Land of Imperial Fist, one can see a verdant planet, like a jewel of the solar system.

That is the Holy Terra.

This human homeworld, the heart of the empire, has gradually transformed from a political world into a garden paradise, especially after the empire's political center moved to Dawn City Networkway.

Over the years, the steel nests on Sacred Terra have been gradually dismantled, the environment has been completely restored, and green mountains, clear waters, blue skies and white clouds have returned. The rivers and seas that were once lost have also been restored.

Just like in ancient times.

In fact, the new empire is dedicated to making Holy Terra the most perfect garden sanctuary world, bringing together the essence of all garden worlds in the galaxy.

Everything is available.

After all, most of the Empire's citizens live in the Hive City. Asking them to travel thousands of miles to the Empire's greatest planet for a pilgrimage only to find a larger Hive City with an environment worse than their own planet.

That would be so shabby!
Of course, the pilgrims, filtered through their faith, wouldn't feel too disappointed, but for the new empire, they had to do better.

In short, Holy Terra is positioned as a pilgrimage garden and a sanctuary for spiritual cultivation and elevation for an empire.

A must-visit place for every empireman at least once in their lifetime.

As for planetary defense, it is mainly the responsibility of the outer airspace, but there are also many defensive array facilities hidden inside.

Given the current level of protection, if the alien invaders were to breach the defenses and land on the surface of Holy Terra, the Empire would be doomed.

On the blue planet.

The vast garden region covers an entire continent, offering a dazzling array of natural landscapes, from primeval jungles to desert sunsets, showcasing the most imaginable galactic scenery.

That was a sanctuary for warriors provided by the new empire, and many areas were bathed in holy light.

"Savior above, this feels fucking good!"

The muscular, scarred Imperial Fist warriors were soaking comfortably in the hot springs. These genetic offspring, whom the Lord of the Mountain Formation so deeply worried about, were collectively enjoying a thirteen-day all-inclusive vacation at the Sanctuary of Recuperation, after which they would make a pilgrimage to the Golden Throne.

An Imperial Fist warrior wiped his face with a towel and sighed:

"Brothers, this water probably has new drugs added to it. The corrosive wounds I got from fighting the demon last time are slowly healing."

As he spoke, he took a swig of strong liquor and turned to ask:

"Company Commander, when do you think we can launch a counterattack against Chaos? The brothers have been waiting for so long, why is there still no movement?"

Rumors are circulating that a new empire is about to launch a counterattack on the Chaos Warp.

For millennia, the relentless invasions of Chaos have left the warriors of the Empire with countless tears of blood and humiliation.

They've wanted to fight back for a long time.

Now, the savior and emperor of the empire are planning a counterattack, which has many imperial warriors eager to fight.

I wish I could kill them right away.

"The Ministry of Military Affairs is already making preparations, and our Imperial Fist will also participate, striving for the construction of frontline fortresses..."

Upon hearing this, the third company commander, Thor Garaton, became serious.

The soldier, with a full head of white hair and a deep scar on his brow, looked at the soldiers:
"However, whether the Empire can launch a counterattack against Chaos depends mainly on how quickly the Iron Lord can research the relevant Blackstone facilities."

That's the key to the counterattack.

The warriors of the Imperial Fist had mixed feelings upon hearing this.

Perturabo, the Lord of Steel, is undoubtedly the enemy of the Fist of the Empire.

But the Primarch has returned and is one of the most important beings in the Empire, whose existence is related to the future survival and prosperity of humanity.

In this situation, they have no reason to retaliate against each other; that would only cause pain to their loved ones and joy to their enemies, and what difference would that make from being a chaotic heretic?
For these loyal and upright Imperial Fist warriors, perhaps the only way is to keep their distance.

However, while they could keep their distance from Peturabo, they couldn't ignore the Iron Warrior.

"Hmph, those bastards stole our defense construction projects again, and now they've come all the way to Holy Terra!"

The warriors of the Imperial Fist were indignant and cursed at the Iron Warriors.

Not long ago, the Iron Warriors Legion stole their Imperial Fist engineering project, which was truly infuriating.

They wanted nothing more than to beat up those bastards with deformed prosthetics.

Within the new empire, Imperial Fist and Steel Warriors are the two most powerful battlefield defense engineering groups.

They were already at odds, and now they have business conflicts, putting them in a state of fierce competition.

"Commander Desien said that we must defeat them with engineering skills to wash away the shame, not with fists."

Galadon stared at the warriors and warned them sternly:
"That's also His Majesty the Savior's will. If we're not satisfied, we'll use our superior skills to take the project back ourselves."

Instead of fighting back like barbarians, which is utterly dishonorable!

Upon hearing this, the warriors of the Imperial Fist fell silent, their eyes filled with even greater fighting spirit.

The two legions are now competing in related areas, whether it's fortress construction or battlefield glory.

Neither of them wanted to lose to the other.

The savior and the emperor of the empire used various forms and means to prevent the bloody conflict between the Imperial Fist and the Iron Warriors, transforming it into a benign competitive model.

Rather than a full-blown outbreak.

Of course, if they really couldn't control their anger, the Empire also built special arenas for Space Marines to fight each other, with complete medical and protective measures in place.

Use your true strength to beat your opponent so badly they end up in the hospital.

That's just how it is; the two legions have been fighting for millennia, and the conflict is hard to resolve.

It's normal for conflicts to occur.

The Savior forbids the Imperial Legions from killing each other, and any violator will be severely punished.

In short, the kind of fierce struggle we've seen before must never happen again.

Fortunately, the savior was still able to keep those proud warriors in check, and no one dared to truly defy his will.

Even the Steel Lord Perturabo silently accepted the advice of his savior brothers.

The main reason was that the brother gave him too much, providing him with all the resources he desired and the opportunity to realize his dreams.

The savior believed that after several hundred years, the relationship between the two would gradually be repaired and less intense amidst the ongoing chaotic war.

The only problem the savior is worried about now is—

Will Roger Dorn's return completely escalate the conflict between the two sides?

After all, Perturabo and Dorne had fought fiercely before, and who knows if they would start fighting again after learning of each other's existence.

In recent years, the Imperial Fist has increasingly longed for the return of their Primarch, the Father of Genesis.

After all, their legion lacked Primarchs, making it difficult to directly compete with the Iron Warriors.

The Lord of Steel granted the Iron Warriors too many resources and technologies, causing the Imperial Fist to fall behind in the construction capabilities of fortress engineering.

"We cannot rely on His Majesty the Savior's favor forever; that would be dishonorable..."

Company Commander Galadon thought to himself, feeling somewhat melancholy.

The Savior has been supporting the Imperial Fist, approving a large amount of weaponry resources and issuing a mandatory order to share the technology unique to the Iron Warriors.

That being even publicly declared that this was something the Iron Warriors owed to the Empire, and that they must pay an even greater price in loyalty and blood for the Empire.

In addition, the Savior promised to build two new mountain fortresses for the Fist of the Empire!
That was a privilege that no other imperial legion received.

This was blatant favoritism, making the warriors of the Imperial Fist feel even more guilty and uneasy.

These sons of Dorne owe His Majesty the Savior far too much!

In reality, this was just Ron taking advantage of Dorn's absence to cultivate the Imperial Fist's favor and offer him the role of a foster father.

That's also to prevent possible fierce conflicts in the future.

He knew that Dorn was an incredibly stubborn mule who had grudges against more than half of his Primarch brothers, the kind of person who even Guilliman's good temper couldn't stand.

There's a reason why Perturabo, that arrogant, eccentric, and stubborn person, could clash with Dorn.

Although the Emperor could persuade Dorne, he wasn't always in a state of lucidity.

In this situation, Ron himself had to prepare in advance.

This would allow them to gently pull Dorn back at crucial moments, leaving room for intervention and persuasion, thus avoiding a violent conflict.

For him, all he wanted was for Dorn not to run into Perturabo or Iron Warriors as soon as he got back.

If both sides start a fierce battle before understanding the situation.

That would be the end of us.

"gather!"

"Everyone assemble!"

Suddenly, the hot spring area became noisy, with Company Commander Galadon's roar like thunder.

The Imperial Fist warriors, having received some unknown message, sprang up from the hot spring and rushed out in a group.

They looked serious, as if something important had happened.

(End of this chapter)