Warhammer: Black Emperor

Chapter 313 Vokan's Thanks, Joining the Research and Development of the Saturn-Type Terminator

No sooner had the Emperor finished speaking than Horus Lupecal spoke first.

"The First Legion's Sky Troops each have their own strengths and diverse tactics, making them the best choice to deal with all kinds of situations."

Lehman Russ opened his mouth, revealing his fangs.

"The First Army Corps is in poor condition and is not suitable for participating in a major battle."

"Urian Bendreg had never even served as a company commander before becoming a corps commander."

"He was unqualified as the leader of the expeditionary force."

The members of the War Council all agreed with Ruth's words.

Bendreg's appointment as legion commander was the result of compromise.

The First Legion suffered heavy losses in the battle to "seal the Dark Gate," with only 800 men remaining from its three legions, leading to the disbandment of the Pentagram Army.

Subsequently, the first legionary commander, Hector Thrann, was killed in battle for launching a reckless offensive.

The leaders of the various celestial armies began to fight openly and secretly for the position of legion commander, but none of them could suppress the other five grand mentors.

They had no choice but to compromise, and Bendreg, who came from outside the various Sky Army units and had previously only served as the captain of the 14th Company of the 8th Regiment, succeeded him as the corps commander.

Before becoming the corps commander, Bendreg was neither a grand mentor nor even a company commander, and had never proven himself capable of leading independently.

"My wolf pack will purify the ugly aliens and raze their fortresses to the ground."

Ninglu sensed the underlying dissatisfaction in Russ's words.

[Ryan Aljonsen has not yet returned, the "Duran Campaign" has not yet begun, and Ruth is already dissatisfied with the First Army?]
Hmm... the First Legion is indeed arrogant and complacent because it was the first legion to be formed.
Ninglu knew that the First Army Corps had suffered heavy losses in the "First Battle of Randan," but had also won a brilliant victory.

Bendreig and his Legion, confident in their achievements, disregarded Robert Guilliman during the Carcassan War, attempting to prove that the Thirteenth Legion, having welcomed back the Primarch, was also subordinate to the First Legion.

They recklessly launched an attack on their own, disrupting Guilliman's war plan.

Despite the bloody victory, the second corps commander, Bendreig, was killed in battle and was severely criticized by Guilliman, who pointed out that the First Corps had been corrupted by vanity.

To prove themselves, the First Legion launched an offensive against every deadly enemy they could find in the galaxy, hoping to gain recognition through victory.

If it weren't for Ryan's return, the First Legion, which traded its blood for glory, would have slowly perished in the bloody battle.

From this perspective, not participating in the First Randan War was a good thing for both the First Army and Bendreig.

They will not become complacent because of victory, nor will they be consumed by vanity.
Nimrod then pondered Horus's words.

[Horus recommended the First Legion; was it Bendreg who approached him and reached some kind of agreement?]
Since succeeding as commander of the First Army, Bendreg has been dedicated to getting the struggling First Army back on track.

Indeed, as Ruth said, the First Legion is not suitable as the main force for the expedition at this time.

It is possible that Bendreig approached Horus, promising him certain political benefits in exchange for Horus recommending the First Legion.

If I hadn't intervened, Horus's achievements would be unmatched at this point, and the War Council would likely have approved his recommendation.
As Ninglu pondered, Old Man Huang, seeing that no one else spoke, looked at his Pegasus.

"Ninlu, how is the suppression of the rebellion in Incaladion progressing?"

Ning Lu noticed that Old Man Huang had shifted the topic from Randan to Incaradeon and was asking him a question.

[As expected, it was me again.]
"The fighting in Carradine will end within a month, and the subsequent cleanup will continue for some time."

"In that case, your Eleventh Legion will be sent on an expedition to Whirlwind-Morse to purify the alien threat."

Horus, upon hearing the Emperor's words, considered it a good outcome, as the expansion of the Eleventh Legion put considerable pressure on him.

He was forced to abandon diplomatic means in many situations and rely more on rapid conquest, which has had a significant impact on the glorious image he had cultivated.

With the eleventh legion engaged in brutal warfare, Horus felt he could finally slow down and continue the great expedition in a more civilized manner.

Old Huang made the final decision, and the members had no further objections. One by one, their figures disappeared quickly.

Just as Ninglu was about to leave, he suddenly heard Wokan's voice.

"Ning Lu, wait a moment."

Ninglu looked at Wokan.

"I want to express my gratitude to you for providing the shields, which offer greater protection to the seven sanctuaries."

Inside the Golden Palace, Star Speakers provided support for the war council, but Vokan did not directly mention the name "Fortress-level Energy Shield".

"During this time when Nocturne and Prometheus were close to disaster, few people suffered misfortune." "I believe that Nocturne will no longer be threatened by volcanic eruptions in the future."

“The beneficiaries should not be limited to the people of Nocturne,” Wokan said, his eyes gleaming.

"My father made me understand the meaning of the Great Expedition. I should bring hope to those worlds that are bullied by aliens and enslaved by heretics."

"There are many human worlds in the galaxy, struggling to survive disasters or being plundered by aliens, and they should be protected."

Wokan's words resonated powerfully, echoing throughout the palace.

Ninglu looked at the friendly giant, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.

“I can provide them with shield support, but I have conditions.”

"Go on," said the perceptive Wokan, who discovered during their interactions that Ninglu was someone who disliked being taken advantage of.

“My number of technical sergeants is limited, and I can’t devote them all to this, so the people I provide shelter to must be limited,” Ning Lu said.

“A protected world must pay a price for the resources it consumes; resources and population are both acceptable.”

Ninglu decided to support Wokan not only because of his kindness, but also because of his instinct as a "lawyer"—he keenly recognized that this was an opportunity.

He knew that the reason why humans colonized and struggled to survive in harsh environments was largely because these worlds contained abundant resources.

Volcanic eruptions brought underground minerals to the surface of Nocturne and Medusa IV.

Fenris is a diverse species community.

Harsh environments also breed outstanding warriors.

The worlds that suffer raids are mostly located near trade routes, or at least have a large population that the Dark Eldar value.

This is an opportunity to acquire resources and exert influence over these worlds.
"Is that all?" Wokan asked in surprise when Ninglu stopped talking.

Ning Lu's demands were fewer and lower than he had expected.

“That’s all,” Ning Lu said with a smile, in a joking tone.
"If a kind blacksmith could give me some weapons to forge in his spare time, or give guidance to my children, that would be even better."

When Wokan heard that Ninglu hadn't made any demands and that his praise was more for his weapon forging, a smile appeared on his face.

“After you left Nocturne Star, I didn’t create five, but fourteen.”

"They were sent to your legion's escort ship, the one that took the tech sergeants to Nocturne."

He remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.

"I am currently traveling to the solar system aboard a transport ship. I have reached an agreement with Saturn to improve the armor manufacturing technology. You may send your offspring to participate."

Ninglu knew that Saturn, during the "Age of Conflict," had established a highly advanced and independent regime consisting of eighty-two sufficiently large satellites.

Unlike Mars, which sought independence, the Church of Saturn regarded the newly formed human empire as a brotherly ally and, after negotiating with Huang Laohan, incorporated it into the empire.

The Church of Saturn's formidable comprehensive strength and industrial capacity made it an important military facility and personnel supply base for the empire.

It's fair to say that without Saturn, Makado's nasolabial folds would have grown several times faster.

The addition of Saturn's space armored heavy infantry facilitated the birth of the Solar Auxiliary Army.

Vokan further explained: "Although the Saturn-type armor provided more comprehensive protection, it gradually disappeared from the battlefield due to its complex production process and somewhat bulky nature."

"I will perfect the Saturn-shaped armor and give it a new lease on life."

Nimrod had realized that what Vokan was talking about was the future Saturn-type Terminator, which offered stronger protection than the Ironclad and Hades types.

“This is of great significance, and my descendants are honored to be a part of it.”

Ninglu knew that the development of the Saturn type was solely the responsibility of Vokan, and that the oil enthusiasts and other legionary technical sergeants had no opportunity to participate.

[Vokhan was clearly showing goodwill because the conditions I had previously proposed were lower than he had expected.]

Perhaps there's also the passive effect of "lawyers" fighting for their interests and "bribers."
Following Wokan in the research would enhance one's abilities in all aspects, and Ninglu naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity. He decided to send the Master of the Forge to personally lead a team to participate in the research.

The two figures vanished in a flash, leaving only the Star Speaker covered in cold sweat in the golden palace.

After Nimrod returned to the Shadow of the Throne, he summoned Arsène Dunne and Rosicky Cech to make arrangements for matters related to the Randan War and Incaladion.

(End of this chapter)