Warhammer: Hail to the Void Lords!.

Chapter 911, 08.910: 'Always be ready!'

"I understand your task requirements."

Horatio emphasized the phrase "mission requirements," his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "But if I may be frank, Vice Admiral, how to fulfill these requirements is a matter for our Imperial Navy to consider. You cannot have it all."

"I just...!" The lieutenant general was about to say something when Horatio interrupted him.

"Please note that we are not a subordinate department of the Ministry of Military Affairs; we are the main body of the Imperial Fleet, an independent Imperial Navy."

We possess independent operational discretion. We have received your operational recommendations. How to accomplish these tasks will be discussed internally within our fleet, and we cannot guarantee that we will execute them entirely according to your wishes. We will only choose the strategy that is most likely to succeed and most advantageous to the overall battle situation.

Before the other party could continue to explain, Horatio signaled the communications officer to cut off the communication, completely shutting out the commotion and anger originating from the surface from the bridge.

He stared silently at the void stained red by the flames of war on the tactical projection, his face ashen.

On one hand, he expressed great doubt and concern about the organization of the Astragalus Army in this area—70% of the soldiers on the front line were nominally from the "Sintira Fusiliers," a notorious, dissolute legion throughout the sector. They had been living a carefree life of eating and drinking in the Warehouse World, but unexpectedly, this place had suddenly become the front line of the battlefield.

This is truly both pathetic and laughable.

Horatio had a huge question mark about whether these soldiers could hold the line and whether they could cooperate wholeheartedly with the troops under his command.

On the other hand, the situation had reached a breaking point—he didn't know if he could use his limited forces to hold the crumbling monastery.

He had no idea what the ground was like, yet he was about to throw his troops into that infernal furnace.

The risk is too great.

Moreover, he also had to dispatch his most elite forces to the enemy-occupied territory to seize or eliminate intelligence that might be leaked at any time.

Neither of the two tasks was easy. The war in the void was equally uncertain. All the circumstances seemed to be silently warning him—the slightest carelessness could mean the destruction of everything, including his life, all his efforts.
-
The warship sailed silently toward its destination, Minerva.

The route was carefully planned by the officers of the navigation office. They navigated as if through a minefield, carefully avoiding the orc warships that swam like sharks along the way, so as not to get involved in any unnecessary firefights and expose their whereabouts.

Around them, rough, green-skinned ships were continuously poured out from various warp rifts. After a brief moment of confusion, they began to howl and head towards the vast and intense void battlefield in the distance, a battle that could be described as an apocalyptic conflict, completely unaware of the four Imperial ships silently sailing in the shadows.

Horatio stood in front of the holographic combat console in the center of the bridge, surrounded by people discussing the upcoming battle strategy.

Before him stood First Mate Louise, Second Mate Henry Harvey, Military Supervisor Farida Hood, Judge They, a silent lieutenant colonel from the Krieg Training Corps, and Javert, the Grand Justice who had come specifically to arrest Severus XIII.

"The most urgent task at present is to assist the remaining garrison of the monastery in plugging the gap as soon as possible. At the same time, we should send an elite force to kill the Dark Eldar who are trying to cut off the energy circuit."

Horatio's azure eyes swept over the people before him, his voice deep and powerful: "This is not a small skirmish, nor is it the suppression of a minor uprising. This is a real war. A large-scale military conflict, with millions, even tens of millions, of Imperial troops deployed along a front stretching thousands of kilometers."

We must give it our all, even if... it means many of us will have to sacrifice.

The people in front of him nodded and remained silent.

"We don't have many ships, and the 'Averus' landing craft are not enough to transport all the troops at once."

Therefore, how to deploy resources in batches is crucial; these limited transport capacities will even determine the final outcome of this planetary war.

"The entire Krieg Training Corps landed in three batches aboard the 'Averus' landing craft."

The first wave of infantry was transported and thrown directly into the meat grinder of the monastery, holding the breach at all costs.

The second batch transported artillery to establish artillery positions 20 kilometers behind the monastery, providing long-range fire support.

The third batch will transport other logistical supplies and remaining combat personnel to establish forward combat positions.

After Horatio finished speaking, he glanced at Lieutenant Colonel Krieger, who remained silent and wore a gas mask.

He simply nodded slightly; his expression was completely hidden behind the black goggles of his gas mask.

Without a doubt, the Kriegs had no objections; they were born for war and would die for the God-Emperor.

"After transporting the Krieg combat troops, the 'Averus' landing craft will begin transporting our armed naval personnel to ground operations."

In previous counter-flanking operations, we lost many people. This time, we will risk the lives of everyone who remains.

Judge They.

"The Inquisition remains vigilant as always, ready to provide the fleet with any necessary assistance. What are your instructions, sir?" They seemed to want to ease Horatio's tense expression slightly, so she gave a perfunctory, half-smiling bow.

Horatio chuckled, then quickly regained his serious expression.

He knew They was trying to ease his anxiety, but he wasn't in the mood for jokes. "As always, the Emperor's agent will carry out the most dangerous missions."

Horatio glanced at the Astartes behind her.

They were all injured to varying degrees in the last battle, especially Brother Leonas, the Black Shield Captain.

He once single-handedly blocked a breach that had been breached by hundreds of Dark Spirits.

The price he paid was that he spent a long time recuperating alone in a secret compartment after the war.

Apart from the other Black Shield members, no one knew how badly he was injured, how he held on, or how he recovered.

Even They cannot interfere with Black Shield's privacy and secrets.

He reappeared after the recent battle call-up, still wearing a helmet so his face was not visible, and he was even more silent than before.

But he would never refuse his mission.

“We are ready.” Thee was dressed in a smart hunting outfit, with lace-up high boots that reached her knees.

She drew the powerful short-barreled defensive pistol from her waist, skillfully checked the ammunition, nimbly spun it around, and with a crisp "click," slammed the cylinder back into the gun.

"I will send elite Hellfire soldiers to fight alongside you. Sergeant Valina!"

"Hellslingers ready!" Valina wore her signature red beret, and a new scar on her lip was from when she recently recaptured the 'Sword of Akali'.

With her hands behind her back, she proudly raised her strong, tall body, exuding feminine power and beauty, her steel-toed military boots making a dull sound as they pounded on the deck.

"Divide all Hell Vanguard soldiers into three squads."

The first squadron consists of elite soldiers who have served for more than two years and whose combat performance is the best.

The second squadron only needs to consist of Hell Elite Troops.

As for the third formation... I'll talk about it later.

Sergeant Major, you will lead the First Squadron to assist the Inquisitor and the Black Shield Monks in completing their mission.

Remember, there can only be success, failure is not an option. Horatio's order was not to be questioned.

“Yes, sir! I swear on my heart that I will accomplish this mission!” Sergeant Valina replied in a booming voice.

Horatio's gaze shifted to Louise beside him.

He could see that her signature violet eyes were filled with a thirst for battle.

As a woman who began her military career in the Cardia Blitzkrieg, she was eager to set foot on solid ground and fight against the Empire's enemies.

But Horatio cannot grant her request now.

“No, you can’t, Louise.” His gaze shifted slightly downwards, looking at Louise’s noticeably protruding belly. “You are now my lord captain, and the Swift Eagle needs you.”

I will personally descend to the surface and lead the sailors, the second Hellsoldier squadron, and the Kriegs, along with the loyal and steadfast enforcers, into battle.

"Yes...yes, Captain!" Although reluctant, Louise resolutely accepted the mission entrusted to her by Horatio. "Please be careful!"

Her tone was exceptionally firm, with a Kadia-style military seriousness—meticulous and methodical.

Horatio nodded casually, but everyone knew it was just a comforting thought. On the treacherous battlefield, simply "being careful" wasn't enough to guarantee safety.

Both skill and luck are indispensable.

So, may the God Emperor bless me.
Now, there is one last task and mission...

Horatio's gaze fell on Henry Harvey, whose eyes were burning with a mixture of eagerness and nervousness.

"Finally, Captain Harvey."

“Always be ready, sir!” the meticulous young officer responded immediately.

(End of this chapter)