The Emperor’s Angel of Death

“Conspiracy” Autumn

After pondering for a moment, Soshjan said:

“With your Chapter's strength, this demon certainly wouldn't dare to engage you head-on. Therefore, all it can scheme is to frame you in plain sight or draw the Inquisition's attention to you. It's possible that Torque Mazda himself is a trap. If you act against him, you might fall right into the enemy's trap. But, we might also turn the tables. Since it's using Torque Mazda as bait, it means it's definitely focusing some attention on this Grand Inquisitor, perhaps even placing spies around him to adjust its plans at any time. We can exploit this to turn the trap into bait.”

After listening, Azrael pondered for a moment and nodded.

Then he looked at Asmodai.

“Interrogator-Chaplain, what are your thoughts on Chapter Master Soshjan's opinion?”

Although Asmodai was zealous, he wasn't stupid, and he immediately seized the opportunity to back down, saying:

“If we can find that great traitor, temporary patience is acceptable, but ultimately—” Autumn

Azrael raised his hand.

“That's for later.”

Then he explained to the other two Chapter Masters:

“All our actions from now on must be coordinated with and supported by Brother Soshjan. It's important to clarify this in advance to avoid many troubles.”

The two nodded in understanding, perhaps not truly understanding, but at least representing compliance with Azrael's approach.

“Capturing traitors is only one of our missions here. As Space Marines, we also bear another mission.”

Azrael looked at Soshjan. Autumn

“We will fully support you in this expedition, Commander-in-Chief Soshjan Alexey.”

“Thank you very much for your assistance.”

Soshjan then adjusted the display to star chart mode and began to briefly introduce the changes in the war situation since the expedition and his series of strategic deployments. Although he tried to be as concise as possible, it still took Soshjan nearly an hour to explain the battles of several years.

After listening, Azrael couldn't help but clap his hands and sigh:

“Amazing, truly amazing. If it were me, I definitely couldn't have achieved such results with this strength, especially the two Angstrom naval battles. They are great battles worthy of being recorded in Imperial history. Brother Soshjan, you surprise and amaze me every time.”

Revered Master Saphon also exclaimed:

“It seems that Terra made the right choice in selecting Chapter Master Soshjan as the commander-in-chief of the expedition. Your designated strategies have completely grasped the weaknesses of the Red Corsairs, and you also have to fight against the corrupt bureaucratic system of the Imperium while fighting. This is too difficult. None of the Space Marines I know could do it.” Autumn

Even Asmodai adopted a more respectful tone.

“I must admit, you are a master of war. You have eliminated more traitors than the Chapter has eliminated in the past thousand years.”

“You flatter me, I'm ashamed, it's all thanks to the support of the battle brothers and allied Chapters. →”

Soshjan waved his hand with a smile, then looked at Azrael.

“Would you mind telling me the strength of your forces this time?”

“Of course. In addition to the flagship, this Chapter has 11 Strike Cruisers, 2 Battle Barges, 17 Rapid Strike Vessels, and 21 Hunter-class Destroyers.”

The Rapid Strike Vessels mentioned by Azrael are a type of small warship between frigates and destroyers. Such a fleet size surprised Soshjan greatly. Moreover, even this fleet size must only be a part of the Dark Angels fleet, perhaps less than half, after all, they still have the Rock to protect. One can imagine how vast the complete Dark Angels fleet is. This ancient Chapter is truly surprising and mysterious in every aspect. Autumn

“The Unforgiven Chapter has 1 Battle Barge, 3 Strike Cruisers, and 14 various small warships. The Disciples of Caliban Chapter has 2 Battle Barges, 1 Grand Cruiser, 4 Strike Cruisers, and 37 small warships.”

As a ship-based Chapter, it is understandable that the Disciples of Caliban have a strong fleet, but this is also excessively strong. However, Azrael was actually somewhat reserved. For example, the Disciples of Caliban's flagship, the Kazael Prison, is actually an ancient modified Apocalypse-class Battleship, far more powerful than ordinary Battle Barges.

Regarding the number of battle brothers, Azrael spoke relatively vaguely, only giving an approximate scale. The Dark Angels brought more than 300 this time, the Unforgiven Chapter brought more than 200, and the Disciples of Caliban came with their entire Chapter, totaling more than 800. As for the composition and equipment of the personnel, Azrael didn't elaborate, and Soshjan naturally wouldn't ask.

In fact, based on his many years of experience as a Chapter Master and his partial understanding of the Dark Angels, he always felt that the Dark Angels were not a Chapter that adhered to the Codex Astartes. Their actual number should be far more than 1,000. Only the Inner Circle members probably know how many warriors are hidden in the Rock. This time, there are probably more than 300 warriors.

But no matter what, with the arrival of the Dark Angels and two successor Chapters, Soshjan's strength has exceeded that at the beginning of the expedition. Especially with the addition of the powerful Gloriana Class Battleship, he also has the confidence to fight Huron in a decisive battle.

He also expressed this idea without hesitation.

“Previously, we were always afraid of Huron's capital ships in naval battles and didn't have a better solution. Now that we have the Indomitable Truth, the upcoming naval battles will be much easier.” Autumn

Soshjan pointed to the Badab direction.

“As long as Badab is resolved, we can squeeze towards the Red Corsairs' core area from two directions. We will first advance to the Kolkria system, then turn to the Bloody Reaches system, and finally the army will have a final decisive battle with the enemy in the Maelstrom.”

Azrael looked at the star chart, pondered for a moment, and nodded:

“A reasonable plan. Huron either abandons all the worlds he occupies, or he has to fight us to the death. And if he flees without a fight, then the Red Corsairs will basically collapse. Huron probably doesn't have many choices.”

Suddenly, Soshjan thought of something and smiled:

“Oh right, the Minotaurs Chapter is also here.”

“They?” Autumn

Hearing about the Minotaurs Chapter, everyone cast curious glances. Then Soshjan explained the matter, including his disciplining of the Minotaurs Chapter Master. Of course, the words of the Terra envoy were definitely omitted, only saying that the other party begged bitterly.

“Hahaha—”

After listening, Azrael laughed loudly, then patted Soshjan's shoulder forcefully.

“It's a pity I wasn't there at the time to see the ugliness of that High Lord lapdog! Brother Soshjan, you did well! Those people have completely disgraced the Astartes!”

Not only him, but everyone else also laughed, even Asmodai, known for his solemnity, let out a low laugh. This was a bit unexpected for Soshjan. He originally thought that his “not-so-honorable” methods would at most make them not reject him.

Obviously, he had not yet figured out the culture of the Dark Angels.

“Those cowards and lackeys do deserve a lesson.” Autumn

Asmodai said while turning the prayer beads in his hand:

“We only need to be responsible to the Emperor. Loyalty is its own reward, but they are willing to be slaves to power, wandering around the galaxy like commissars.”

“Ha, at least they must fight for the Emperor now.”

Soshjan chuckled and then looked at Azrael.

“I am about to make the final adjustments and deployments to the expeditionary force's final phase of the offensive plan. If it is convenient for Chapter Master Azrael, you can come with me to the command center.”

Azrael nodded.

“Of course.” Autumn