As soon as the fleet reached Cypra Mundi, Nareth looked out the viewport at the massive gate.
The portal was built in the shape of a great ring, continuing the basic structural design once used by the Araneus Continuity.
But unlike theirs, it lacked the eight jointed mechanical arms that extended outward, instead adorned with black-etched patterns as decoration.
The portal required vast amounts of energy to achieve interstellar transmission. Here, it had been anchored around the star itself, using specialized devices to gather energy and power the gateway.
Standing behind him, Arsena decided it was time to report progress.
"My lord, the Forge Lord has carried out your orders. At Vostroya, Cypra Mundi, and the Vigilus' system, the portals and fortress-class energy shields are complete."
"He is currently installing the same systems in the Triken star."
Nareth nodded slightly. "What of the Legions' campaigns? Any fronts worth my attention?"
Since the Emperor had entrusted him with command of the Fourteenth and Eighteenth Legions, it was Nareth's responsibility to lead them in war. It was also his chance to truly learn their strengths.
The "Student of Ratiocination's" mind spun rapidly, sifting through a dozen campaigns, and after a pause of several seconds he spoke:
"My lord, the Second Chapter is fighting in the Stivnich system, against the xenos pirates known as the Andres."
"The Andres are a starfaring civilization. They've established bases on three planets and are resisting the Second Legion's assault."
Hearing this, Nareth thought:
'Wilshire's talent is exceptional, he must have already digested the "Bard" potion.
This is the perfect chance to elevate him to Sequence 8: the "Light Suppliant."'
His decision made, Nareth turned his eyes back to Cypra Mundi growing ever larger in the viewport. Then he shifted his gaze to Diana Pauline, who stood nearby.
"You are captain of the fleet. With your judgment, how do you assess Cypra Mundi as a base for the Shadow of Order?"
Recently advanced to Sequence 8 "Telepathist," Diana first glanced at the Primarch. His expression revealed nothing, she could read no thoughts there. Only then did she answer:
"My lord, Cypra Mundi lies at the intersection of many warp routes. It is an ideal location for a Legion fleet base"
"Under Wojciech's supervision, the shipyards and starports have been built around Cypra Mundi itself, using the system's moons and asteroid belts to construct a layered, three-dimensional starport network."
"This maximizes depth, with clear separation between civilian and military docks, repair yards, and construction facilities, so all function without interference."
But then she shifted tone, pointing out what she saw as weakness.
"My lord, I believe Cypra Mundi's orbital defense grid still has vulnerabilities. If attacked by a large force, even if we ultimately repelled them, the losses would be severe."
"And should the portal itself be damaged, it could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction, devastating the entire system."
"The same problem exists at Vostroya. If the Legion's fleets are in a campaign, enemies could strike the homeworld and inflict grievous harm."
She recalled a recent example to strengthen her case:
"If not for the rogue trader Lewis von Valancius discovering the Fra'al mustering in the Sidai system in time, Vostroya itself might already have suffered."
Nareth's memory stirred. Originally, Cypra Mundi had become both a Forge World and the Imperium's primary military and naval hub in the Segmentum Obscurus. That made it a prime target for any foe.
To guarantee no weakness, six to eight Ramilies-class -class star-fortresses were stationed there at all times, forming the heart of its orbital defenses.
Even the Space Wolves' Fenris system had only two such fortresses.
Of course, the Fang was unique, a fortress-monastery whose defenses surpassed any star-fort.
'After the Wheel of Fire, I had hoped to gain the Fang to protect Vostroya. Instead, the Emperor gave me the Dionysian Spear.'
'Without the Fang, then numbers must make up for quality. Magos Lian Ramlies has yet to uncover the STC for his fortress.'
'Next, I will use the Dice of Prophecy to divine the location of the Ramilies-class star-fort STC and seize its construction secrets.'
He silently compared the Fang with Ramilies-class star-fort.
'The Fang is bound to the planet's surface. In terms of orbital defense, it cannot match the reach of a Ramilies-class star-fort'
'A Ramilies-class star-fort, deployed in space, bars the enemy from planetary orbit entirely, keeping the fight outside the system itself.'
'It holds the enemy at the gates.'
'And though their construction takes time, more can always be built. Deploy them across every vital system, and a true defensive network can be made.'
Diana, ever observant, caught the faint smile that tugged at the Primarch's lips.
'Something seems to have pleased him.' she thought.
Nareth's mind at that moment was clear: 'The Leman Russ battle tank has been renamed the Blyek.'
'The Ramirez-class star-fort shall also be renamed.'
'This is the change I bring. By uncovering these two major STCs early, the Legion will gain unmatched strength across every front.'
Cypra Mundi – The Borgkamp Estate
Patriarch Schlumberger, Vostroya's foremost jeweler, had recognized opportunity as soon as Cypra Mundi was discovered.
The system's position at the junction of many warp routes promised immense commercial potential.
Without hesitation, he shifted House Borgkamp's business focus there, leaving only their existing operations behind in Vostroya.
Now, stroking the crimson gem atop his finely wrought psychic crystal staff, a piece of his own craft, Schlumberger looked at his twelve-year-old grandson, Santiago.
"Since you have chosen to serve our lord the Monarch, and passed the first trials as a candidate for the Fifth Company, then you must endure every test and become a true Shadow of Order, bringing honor to the Borgkamp name."
Santiago was the most gifted psyker among his descendants, destined to become a master psy-artificer.
He had awakened his powers at five, and at nine had already crafted his first psychic item, a divination crystal orb.
Schlumberger had once placed all hopes of expanding the House's fortune in the psyker trade upon him. But two years ago, Santiago had declared his intent to join the Shadows of Order instead.
A month ago, he had passed the preliminary trials and become a candidate. Tomorrow he would leave home for the final training.
"Later, we will go together to the starport to greet the Monarch upon his arrival," his grandfather said.
The House Borgkamp, as new nobility of Cypra Mundi, had been granted five places of honor. Two were even added as reward when the planetary governor learned Santiago had passed the first trials, placing them on equal footing with the great houses.
"Grandfather, I swear I will bring glory to our House Borgkamp," Santiago said, eyes shining.
He never imagined that before even becoming a true Shadow, he would see the Primarch himself, Lord Nareth.
Like countless other house, the Borgkamps arrived two hours early at the reception plaza outside the hangar.
When Nareth finally stepped from the hangar, his towering figure clad in black armor, golden wings spread wide, the air filled with the chants of servo-skulls.
"Lord Nareth, Primarch of the Eleventh Legion, Monarch of Vostroya, Purifier of Orks…"
"Lord Nareth, Supreme Sovereign and Protector of Cypra Mundi…"
"Rejoice, for Lord Nareth walks among you!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Santiago, shouting himself hoarse, gazed up at the giant. He whispered in his heart:
'So this is Lord Nareth...I will become a Shadow of Order, and serve him forever.'
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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