The Emperor’s Angel of Death

“The High Lords of Terra aren’t completely ignoring the situation, it’s just that star-speech message transmission takes too long, and the subsequent discussions and decisions are as inefficient as ever. It took a long time to get it on the agenda, but the Master of the Administratum and the Lord High Admiral weren't interested in what happened here. The representative of the Inquisition claimed that the Empire's attention should be more focused on the increasingly visible attack omens in the Eye of Terror, and that defensive forces should be deployed to the Eye of Terror as much as possible. Due to the previous Eldar Exodite's breach of the Cadian Gate, this was supported by most of the High Lords. They declared that the defensive forces of the Cadian Gate must be strengthened immediately, reserve forces must be established immediately, and weapons, ammunition, and supplies must be continuously transported to the Cadian Gate front line and warehouses behind the defense zone, so other areas may have to be temporarily put on hold. His Holiness believes that they are deliberately condoning the alien slaughter of innocent believers, trying to weaken and打击 the Ecclesiarchy, just as they have most often done in the four thousand years since the end of the Age of Apostasy.”

Although the High Lords are suspected of watching a show, it must be said that the Pontifex has a bit of a persecution complex. Sosi felt that the High Lords might indeed be more concerned about the Cadian Gate, but he didn't expect the Osathan Ark's action of rushing out of the Eye of Terror to actually alert the High Lords and realize that the defense of the Cadian Gate was not as solid as it seemed. It was a bit of a blessing in disguise.

After all, even Sosi was stunned by the lax defense of the Cadian Gate at the time. You must know that this was just an Eldar Arkship that did not intend to launch an attack. If it were Abaddon who launched the Thirteenth Black Crusade that Caiang once mentioned, the consequences would be unimaginable. At least Sosi felt that in the situation at the time, the Cadian Gate would inevitably fall!

Now that the High Lords have been awakened by the Eldar and have begun to strengthen the defense of the Cadian Gate, Sosi feels that it is worth it even if there is no support here.

“So... there are no reinforcements, right?”

“At least you shouldn’t expect too much power to be transferred from the High Lords. They have wanted to weaken the Alliance of the Penitent for a long time. This is an opportunity. You have also seen that pitiful Baka fleet. This is their only statement.”

“I understand. Since we are already here, it is impossible to sit idly by and watch the Empire's citizens being slaughtered by aliens, and the Emperor's paradise being trampled by aliens.”

“Your bravery and selflessness are moving. When the day of victory comes, I will personally write your biography!”

Sosi refused in his heart, but could only say on his lips.

“You're welcome, but it seems that the Sisters of Battle did not arrive this time?”

“The battles in various regions are very fierce now, and many holy worlds have been invaded. The manpower of each Order is basically at its limit. Although His Holiness has been trying to increase the number of Sisters of Battle, he is always blocked by various forces. They don't want to see the Ecclesiarchy have any chance to show its power.”

“Understood.”

After empathizing with the other party, Sosi changed the subject.

“Can you tell me about the organization of the Silent Fleet?”

“The Silent Fleet is divided into seven Brotherhoods. Each Emperor-class battleship represents a Brotherhood. The specific organization is not much different from the Imperial Navy. The Brotherhood can be understood as a squadron. You can command with confidence. They will shed the last drop of blood for the Throne in the flames of war.”

Ibankes was very cooperative and immediately said what Sosi wanted to hear most. No wonder he could become a confidant of that rigid Pontifex.

“Very good, then notify the fleet to go directly to the Cardinal World. Also, regarding supplies...”

“We also brought 273 transport ships of various models this time. There are many pieces of equipment and supplies ordered directly from Mars and other Forge Worlds, as well as a large amount of food, medicine, etc., all of which are arranged by you.”

It has to be said that the Ecclesiarchy is really rich. With a wave of the hand, it is a stream of money, food, and weapons. This generous gesture diluted Sosi's disgust for that Pontifex by three points. After all, a generous friend, even if he has various problems, can always be tolerated.

“That’s really timely.”

“In addition, we have also brought many excellent preachers. They can maximize the enthusiasm of the believers for the holy war and reduce the possibility of them developing heretical thoughts.”

“This is also very necessary. Many worlds have experienced harassment from gene-stealers, and faith has generally been shaken.”

“Speaking of this, Chapter Master Sosi, I heard that you are building a new armed force in the Archdiocese?”

Ibankes must have already met Ignatius II. Sosi knew that there was no need to hide some things, so he admitted it generously:

“Yes, because the Alliance of the Penitent is an Astartes alliance and does not have too many troops of its own. To fight against such a large number of enemies, there must be enough soldiers. I also made this decision based on the experience of the Maelstrom Expedition, using local manpower to build a force that can fight against aliens.”

“Well, I agree with this. The reason why the Archdiocese has suffered such huge losses is because it does not have the power to protect itself. If the Alliance of the Penitent had not arrived, the other forces of the Empire would probably have watched indifferently as the Emperor's holy light disappeared into the dark void.”

But then, Ibankes' voice suddenly lowered a little.

“But if this matter is reported to Terra, it may cause an uproar. Some people will use this to attack His Holiness for violating the Edict of Obfuscation.”

Sosi looked at the other party, and didn't react at first, but then he realized what it meant.

“Please rest assured, you and the Pontifex, these are just self-defense militias, established under the leadership of the Alliance of the Penitent. All equipment and training are the responsibility of the Alliance of the Penitent, and are only used to protect the local area. Once the war is over, they will... be disbanded.”

Obviously, that Pontifex had already guessed that Sosi would establish local armed forces here. He did not object to this, but was worried that some people within the High Lords would use this to make an issue. Then the best choice was for Sosi to take the matter upon himself, so that it would not be considered a violation of the Edict of Obfuscation. After all, Astartes also have the power to enforce the Empire's war laws, including forming emergency militias.

In fact, this also conformed to Sosi's original intention. If the Ecclesiarchy wanted to tightly grasp the military power of the local army, it would be creating a problem for him. Now that the other party took the initiative to clear the relationship, it was exactly what he wanted, or rather, the two sides coincided.

“With your words, His Holiness is relieved. The Ecclesiarchy will provide all support for the holy war. How are those troops being formed now?”

“They are undergoing emergency training, but they still lack some necessary equipment, and there are not enough officers and instructors. After all, the number of Faith Watch to be established is too large. I estimate that at least 300 million soldiers are needed to cope with this war.”

“If you don’t mind, perhaps I have some suggestions here.”