The Bizarre Adventure of the Warhammer Guard

After successfully repelling several Zerg attacks, the last batch of transport trucks took away all the remaining civilians, as well as Raynor's militia.

During this time, Loken and others fought alongside Reno, with explosives flying and chainsaws roaring, leaving a deep impression on Reno with their formidable strength.

"Brother Loken," Raynor said after killing the last Zergling, "how did you end up here with such strong equipment? Mar-Sala is just a remote resource planet."

"I'm just following Lord Elpis's orders," Loken said, changing the magazine in his explosive pistol. "We came here for the future of humanity. That's all."

"Okay, never mind if I didn't ask." Reno didn't entirely believe Loken's words.

With Reynolds' guarantee, Loken and the others also boarded the last batch of transport vehicles and headed to the Deadwater Base.

Upon arriving at the base, Renault went to the base command center and saw Commander Rugal, who was arranging the immigrants. He was the highest-ranking military officer on the entire planet, responsible for ensuring the safety of all the planet's inhabitants.

"Commander Rugal, all civilians have been evacuated."

"Well done, Inspector Renault," Rugal looked up from the screen and at Renault as he walked in. "Thank you for protecting these civilians."

"Just following orders," Reno said. "Besides, as long as you can handle the surprises those Federation guys bring and keep these civilians away from those beasts that crawl out of the ground, they'll be fine."

Lucar glanced helplessly at the outspoken Renault beside him. He knew exactly how much this seemingly easygoing colleague, who had worked with him for almost three years, hated the federal government. However, he himself didn't have much affection for the federal government; he was just there to make a living.

"Alarm! Alarm!"

Suddenly, a piercing danger warning sounded over the loudspeaker in the command center, followed by flashing red warning lights and a computer-generated mechanical voice.

"A large number of Zerg have been detected attacking the Deadwater Base. At the same time, an emergency distress signal beacon has been activated in area 0658 on the outskirts of the base."

"Alert being sent to Federal Headquarters in Tarsannis. Signal in progress..."

Then, General Duke's face appeared on the communication screen in the command room. He was calm and showed no sign of panic.

"We have received the distress signal from Deadwater Base. I will handle the situation in area 0658. You all stay put and guard Deadwater Base. My fleet is on its way."

"General, we have extra troops to form a rescue team," Rugal suggested to General Duke. "We can send them..."

"Commander, execute my orders. I don't want to repeat myself," General Duke rudely interrupted Rugal, continuing, "I will inform you of everything you need to know. Now, execute the orders."

"Yes, General."

Then, communications were shut down. Rugal sighed helplessly and could only carry out orders to guard the Deadwater Base.

"Damn it!" Renault, standing nearby, was also furious upon hearing the general's order. "Listen, Rugal, if we wait for the Federation army to arrive, it'll be too late. I'm taking some militiamen and heading over right now to see if we can do anything to get the people inside out. Trust me."

Rugal frowned, staring at the combat panel. Countless red dots had appeared around the Deadwater Base, and he was pondering Renault's suggestion.

The forces and ammunition inside the Deadwater Base can withstand the insect swarm attack, but given the nature of the Federation army, they won't arrive for at least four or five days. By then, the people in the attacked areas will have long been wiped out.

"I have a suggestion." The door to the command room opened, and Elpis walked in despite the guards' attempts to stop him. He stood next to Renault and looked down at Lucar.

"Who are you?" Lucar was surprised to find someone trespassing into his command post.

"I'm sorry, Commander," Raynor quickly explained, "Elpis is my ally."

"I've intercepted a letter from General Duke that I think you'll find interesting." Elpis ignored the message and sent it to the command center's communications equipment.

A conversation was clearly displayed before everyone: "The Zerg invasion on Mar-Sala doesn't need to be dealt with. We need to test whether the device deployed in region 0658 is effective. Also, no one else can be allowed to sabotage this experiment. Ensure this is just a normal Zerg invasion incident—Federal War Department."

This was a top-secret message sent from the Federal War Department to General Duke, now displayed directly in front of everyone. Seeing its contents and the unique information code, Rugal confirmed that it was an order from the Federal high command.

"They want us to fend for ourselves!" Reno was furious after reading the letter. He knew about the corruption in the Federation, but he never expected that they would kill everyone on a planet just for an experiment.

"There are no flying vehicles inside the Deadwater Base that can leave this planet," Rugal said, his face pale, his hands resting on the table. "We're doomed this time."

"Don't worry," Elpis's voice came, "then eliminate these aliens here, sabotage the experiment, and lure them to Mar-Sala."

"We'll do whatever you say, Elpis," Renault said. After several battles, he had developed trust in Elpis and his group. After all, those who genuinely protected civilians were backed by forces far superior to the scum of the Federation.

"Now, I'm in charge of everything on Mar-Sala," Elpis nodded, took a step forward, and stood in front of the holographic battle map. "Deadwater Base is surrounded by water on three sides, with plains to the north. Most of the Xenomorph ground units will attack from the north."

Next, he manipulated the holographic projection with his fingers, bringing up some images: some ugly, giant insects and insects flying in the air.

"These aliens also have other units, especially these air units," Elpis added. "Prioritize deploying anti-air weapons on the other three sides, and concentrate heavy weapons at the north gate."

"Lugal".

"You will lead 40% of the soldiers, equipped with heavy artillery, to guard the north side, while the remaining three sides will each be guarded by 20% of the soldiers. All anti-aircraft operators will be in their designated positions. Recruit all civilians within the base to handle supply transport and logistics. You will be in charge of the specific combat operations, and I will provide support to vulnerable positions as needed."

"At the same time, broadcast to all settlements on the planet, informing them that the Federation has abandoned them, and that if they want to survive, they must all take up arms and fight. I hope you won't let me down."

"clear."

Commander Lucar, whose name was called, instinctively stood up straight and obeyed Elpis's orders, issuing instructions to the personnel inside the Deadwater Base via the communicator.

"Sheriff Reynolds," Elpis continued, issuing orders, "my squad will accompany you to area 0658. Two missions: first, rescue the survivors; second, locate the experimental device. Then, bring them back to Deadwater Base."

"Yes."