Warhammer: Hail to the Void Lords!.

Chapter 811, 08.810: "Even the vast ocean of stars cannot escape the ways of the world."

"The significance of this operation goes far beyond the military level, Horatio."

It was a showcase, a test of our hard work.

Your achievements on the front lines will greatly influence how the Holy Terran side judges our 'new model'.

"The future of this reform rests on your shoulders." General Hood's tone became sharp.

He picked up an encrypted data panel flashing with authentication runes from the console and handed it to Horatio.

"In addition, the Ministry of Justice sent us a list of requests for coordinated action."

"The Ministry of Justice?" Horatio took the data panel, slightly surprised. "They've agreed to provide support for the formation of our landing force as well?"

"Perhaps you could say that."

General Hu De lightly swiped his finger across the holographic interface, and a letter bearing the double-headed eagle emblem of the Ministry of Justice was projected between the two men.

"The Department of Justice of the Gothic Sector did agree to provide us with some standard equipment and training instructors, but they have their own independent agenda."

He stated: "The leader of the rebellion, Severus XIII, has been officially placed on the Ministry of Justice's most wanted list because his actions constituted a violation of the highest level of the Imperial Code."

In accordance with the interstellar judicial assistance agreement, the Imperial Ministry of Justice's Calithis branch has requested law enforcement assistance from the Gothic branch to help apprehend the insurgents.

"This sounds... a bit formulaic. More symbolic than practical."

Horatio carefully chose his words, “Are we facing a war? The Principality of Severus has its own regular army and a large planetary defense fleet.”

The Ministry of Justice is looking to "arrest" a "fugitive" who commands an entire army.

"That's right, it is a war in nature, but according to the official characterization by the Ministry of the Interior, this incident is classified as a 'regional armed insurgency'."

The Ministry of the Interior prefers symbolism over substance; it effectively saves the empire's face and serves as a strong warning to other potential traitors, especially the merchant ronin dynasty in the expansion of Colonus—those guys always harbor ulterior motives.

General Hu De let out a long sigh of relief. "Therefore, according to the Imperial administrative procedures, the Ministry of Justice cannot be absent, and the bailiffs must participate in this 'law enforcement operation' as law enforcement units."

"And for them to get to the enforcement site, they need to board Imperial Navy ships." Horatio immediately understood the key point.

"Absolutely correct. So your mission now includes another reinforcement—the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Navy, who have made a deal out of a common enemy."

The Gothic Ministry of Justice will deploy 2,000 bailiffs to participate in the operation, which will be personally commanded by Chief Justice Jawi.

It seems you two "old acquaintances" will be working together again.

"To be honest, I personally have no grudge against Javert."

He was merely a dutiful imperial legal officer. Horatio's expression remained unchanged. "Loyalty is the only standard by which I judge a person."

“Well done, that’s the magnanimity of a captain. I was worried at first that you would not get along with the legal specialist, but it seems that I was overthinking it.”

General Hood seemed satisfied with the answer, and then changed the subject, his tone becoming more relaxed, "Speaking of which, Military Inspector Kefas Kane seems to be looking to linger a little longer in the Gothic Sector recently."

If it weren't for my military duties, I would have arranged for you to treat this imperial hero to a proper meal.

According to official records, Military Supervisor Kane was a true warrior of the God-Emperor, whose glorious military achievements were worthy of being recorded in history.

"Without a doubt."

A slight smile appeared on Horatio's lips.

As a devoted reader of Kane's "official biography," he was naturally "aware" of the hero's illustrious exploits—including, but not limited to: his "strategic retreat" in the face of the orcish onslaught, ultimately luring the enemy into an ambush; and his avoidance of diplomatic conflict during a standoff with the Tau Empire envoys by "prioritizing the threat of lurking genestealers." Not to mention legendary feats such as "narrowly defeating" a Space Marine in a friendly swordsmanship exchange and single-handedly "executing" a Khorne berserker.

This military supervisor was an ordinary person who had not undergone any genetic modification.

"Then I can only wish Inspector Kane all the best on his journey in the Gothic Sector," Horatio replied with a smile.

He knew perfectly well that this "imperial hero" was most likely "invited" by Inquisitor Amberley Weir to carry out some shady secret mission—as always, he was forced to work.

Even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman. Always seeking "high pay, low risk, and safety," Cafax Kane finds himself constantly embroiled in scandals after meeting the sexy and beautiful Amberley Weir, ultimately creating a thrilling and breathtaking new adventure. Admiral Hood's expression turned serious again: "This voyage is long and fraught with uncertainty; your safety must be your top priority."

Remember your identity as Highlord Captain. If faced with a threat you cannot handle alone, do not hesitate to exercise the highest authority granted by your charter. The vast majority of Space Marine chapters and Mechanicus sages will respond with the highest priority upon receiving your distress beacon.

"Yes, Admiral. If we encounter an enemy attack during the voyage, I will prioritize the safety of the Charter fleet and immediately request support from the nearest Imperial forces."

Horatio raised his hand and gave a standard salute.
-
Leaving the cold fleet headquarters, Horatio stepped into the ancient corridors of the Abridal Loyalty Academy.

The purpose of his trip was to report to General George Anson on the final progress of the preparations.

Pushing open a heavy oak door, a unique aroma mingled with the scents of aged parchment, dried ink, and beeswax wafted out.

In stark contrast to General Hood's command nodes filled with data streams, General Anson's office resembled a sanctuary frozen in time.

A real candle burns quietly on the corner of the table, its flickering flame casting a warm and swaying light.

General Anson was writing furiously at his desk, holding a quill pen in his hand, the tip of which made a soft rustling sound as it glided across the paper.

"Admiral," Horatio stopped and reported in a deep voice, "the first batch of supplies for the naval landing force has been prepared. Except for a few minor items, the core equipment needed to form several brigade-level combat units has been accepted."

General Anson did not look up immediately; his movements were calm and unhurried.

After writing the last word, he carefully put down the quill and scooped a spoonful of molten red sealing wax from the candle flame.

The viscous liquid dripped onto the seal of the envelope with a "plop," and he then pressed it firmly with his little finger, which was adorned with a seal ring, leaving a clear family crest.

After completing all this, the old man finally raised his head and looked at the energetic young man in front of him.

"Here you go, young man." He handed over the still-warm letter.

Horatio stepped forward and solemnly accepted it with both hands.

The envelope had a solid feel, and the sealing wax stamp was bright red and clear.

“You’re going to the Calesis Sector. To join a new war.” Admiral Anson used a declarative sentence, not a question.

"Yes, General. According to a secret order from the Ministry of the Interior, the Duchy of Severus has openly betrayed the Emperor's Light."

Intelligence indicates that alien activity in the area is also on the rise, and the operation to suppress the rebellion is expected to face severe challenges.

"A sword that has been tempered by the flames of war is the sharpest sword."

Upon arriving in Calicus, he personally delivered the letter to General Louis de la Tus-Trewell.

[A very French-style name.] he thought.

“General Louis de la Tous Trevel,” Horatio repeated in a low voice, memorizing the name.

"Latouch-Trewell... Hmph, that old guy used to go head-to-head with me a lot when he was young."

Rather, it's more accurate to say that our Gothic fleet and their Calicus fleet have never actually clashed.

General Anson's tone held a hint of nostalgia, "However, he's never won a bet against me. I still remember clearly all the favors he owes me. When we get there, just go find him; he can't get away with it."

Of course, he's getting old too, and probably like me, spends all day sitting in his office.

A hint of melancholy crossed his voice, but he quickly rallied, his gaze hardening.

Even so, he will send his most capable subordinates to ensure you complete our mission.

“Remember, Horatio,” Admiral Anson’s admonition was firm, “this is not just a mission for a sector fleet; it concerns the honor and future of the entire Imperial Navy. Whether it is the Gothic Fleet or the Calicus Fleet, as members of the Imperial Navy, our goals are the same.”

That is, in order to protect the God Emperor's vast universe, we must make new changes.

"Yes, General! Horatio Cochrane will not fail in his mission!" He straightened his chest and gave the general a solemn salute.

(End of this chapter)