The Emperor’s Angel of Death

Chapter 2893: An Uninvited Kill Team

“Tyranid toxic miasma, that is indeed a problem. The original plan was to hold out for another month, but now it seems that was too optimistic.”

Just as Solzhenitsyn was contemplating while looking at the tactical display, a faint breeze carrying the fragrance of plants entered his nostrils, followed by a soft voice with a hint of a smile.

“Chapter Master, are you tired? Would you like a cup of tea?”

The voice made Solzhenitsyn's body jolt, but he immediately controlled his expression, turned his head to look at Veronica, who was wearing the secretary attire she used to wear, her green eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses blinked playfully, and she placed the tray in her hand on the table, picked up a teacup and handed it to him.

Although she was only wearing the most common high-ranking administrative attire of the Chapter, and the length of the skirt completely covered her ankles, the noble beauty exuded by her tall figure, and the inviolable dignity of her snow lotus-like face, were enough to focus the attention of every male present.

Solzhenitsyn glanced around. Fortunately, Veronica was still “registered” in the Chapter, and most of the other Chapter members were on the front lines. Everyone here was either an Astral Knight or a White Templar, and they all knew about the existence of “Ms. Veronica,” so they didn't find it strange. However, there was a constant stream of mortals casting curious glances here, perhaps attracted by Veronica's beauty, or perhaps curious as to how someone could speak so intimately with the imposing Astartes Chapter Master.

“Sigh.”

Solzhenitsyn took the teacup and said in a low voice:

“Why are you here?”

“Why can't I come? I heard that you've been running like a machine for a long time, so I have to care about my... Chapter Master, right?”

“Hmm... it's dangerous here. Isn't there that someone? You can just ask him to pass on the message. The Tyranid Hive Mind has a strong psychic influence. I'm afraid it's not good for you and...”

Veronica tilted her head to the side.

“Not really. I don't feel anything unusual. And Bandalam came with me. She doesn't feel anything either.”

Solzhenitsyn helplessly finished the white maple tea in his cup. He had to admit that Veronica knew his taste best.

After a light sigh, he put down the cup and said in an even lower voice:

“I'm fine, don't worry. I'm an Astartes after all. Not to mention ten days, even months without sleep are nothing. Go back first, so I can feel at ease.”

“I also want to know what Tyranids are like. Just relax, I'll be right under your nose. Or are you already annoyed with me?”

Solzhenitsyn rubbed his forehead.

“That's not what I meant... Sigh, alright. There happens to be a lavishly decorated sleeping chamber in the Snow Palace. You can stay there first. Just tell people what you need. Anyway, you're still the Chapter's Chief Administrator.”

Just then, a Tech-Priest suddenly let out a high-pitched mechanical voice.

“Report, a beacon has been detected entering the atmosphere! Beacon code is Deathwatch!”

“Huh?”

Solzhenitsyn first let out a surprised sound, but immediately gave Veronica a look. She immediately turned around and left with elegant steps, and summoned several female servants of the Chapter along the way, seemingly to inquire about the recent situation of the Chapter.

“These guys...”

After receiving the data, Solzhenitsyn immediately saw the source of the beacon, which was the Watch Fortress.

That is, the Deathwatch stronghold managed by Vidrian Sino, whom he had repaired before. He originally thought that these people had left the war zone, but he didn't expect them to appear here.

Moreover, Veronica came first, and they followed right after. It was hard not to suspect that they were coming after the scent.

“Commander, they are requesting to land and requesting anti-aircraft cover. An unknown number of Tyranid organisms are chasing the target!”

After thinking for a moment, Solzhenitsyn replied:

“Allow landing. Send out a Lightning Squadron to assist.”

A dozen minutes later, a Deathwatch team walked into the command center under the "escort" of Mark and other Terminators. There were only 6 of them, all of whom Solzhenitsyn had met, but Vidrian Sino was not among them. The one walking in the front was the one named Nulus.

“Greetings, Chapter Master Solzhenitsyn Alexsey.”

When Nulus extended his hand, Solzhenitsyn did not hesitate and shook it.

“Everyone has met before, so there's no need to be so formal. May I ask what brings you here?”

“To fight aliens, to eliminate aliens.”

Looking at Nulus's stiff and rigid face, Solzhenitsyn blinked. At this time, the Space Wolf standing behind Nulus suddenly twitched his nose.

“Strange... what's this smell? It smells a bit like... hmm?”

As he spoke, he looked at the empty teacup.

“Is it this?”

Solzhenitsyn immediately changed the subject.

“Aliens, referring to, Tyranids?”

“There are only Tyranids here.”

“I don't understand.”

Nulus replied calmly:

“Our oath will not be affected by any personal emotions or past grudges. You are leading the Imperial army against the most ferocious aliens in the galaxy. If we sit idly by, we will be violating the Watch Oath.”

“The orbit is already surrounded by Tyranids. It's dangerous for you to force your way in like this.”

“For Astartes, danger is synonymous with breathing.”

Solzhenitsyn didn't ask why Vidrian Sino didn't come, just nodded.

“Then welcome everyone to help us fight the Tyranids.”

Then he walked to the side and explained his plan in detail. The Deathwatch listened very carefully, even the rash Space Wolf, which showed that they were indeed very professional in alien affairs.

“...Currently, this is the second plan. We must attract the main force of the Tyranid fleet here, let the Malakin brothers cut off its tendrils, and then come back to pick us up and teach the Tyranids a lesson.”

“That's interesting, woof.”

The Space Wolf spoke first, nodding as he said:

“Grasping the Tyranids' weakness of being greedy, I think this plan will work, woof.”

But Nulus raised a question, and it was a key question.

“What if Malakin's fleet cannot return in time?”

Solzhenitsyn's answer was also very simple.

“I believe in the Malakin brothers. The sons of Sanguinius will never let down any comrade or brother. Even though he has been subjected to suspicion and speculation, I still trust him unconditionally, because I have fought alongside him and know him better than anyone else.”

Whether it was Solzhenitsyn's words that touched him, or he thought of something, Nulus's expression suddenly loosened.

After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice:

“Chapter Master Solzhenitsyn, may I ask to speak with you privately?”

“Of course.”

The two then walked into a separate conference room next door, which was originally a confessional, but was transformed into Solzhenitsyn's temporary office.

“Chapter Master Solzhenitsyn, actually... Fortress Master Vidrian is not the kind of person you think he is.”

When he said this, Solzhenitsyn saw an expression on this person's face for the first time, a kind of regret mixed with hesitation.