The reception hall of the Rostov Governors Office was bathed in the light streaming through the massive arched windows from the star, appearing solemn and understated, with decorations that were not luxurious, but instead highlighted the practical aesthetics of Imperial authority.
The smoothly polished stone walls reflected the warm light, illuminating the high-hanging Imperial Aquila banner and the emblem symbolizing the Planetary Governor's power.
The air was thick with the rich scent of high-grade wood, the inky aroma of ancient parchment, and a faint, soothing incense that calmed the mind.
Alex, as the Governor, sat behind a heavy, solid wooden desk. To maintain sufficient authority during the meeting, he had specifically donned his Inquisitor Lord uniform today and wore the Inquisition's Rosette.
Along with the Rosette, he also wore various Imperial medals awarded to him as the supreme Commander of the Rostov Expedition.
Although Alex had no habit of awarding himself medals, as the supreme Commander of the Expeditionary Force, the Department of Internal Affairs and the Department of Military Affairs still sent commendations for the victory of this expedition, which resulted in Alex acquiring several more personal shields.
A high-ranking medal was equivalent to a personal energy shield. While it couldn't withstand high-powered weapons, ordinary personal equipment couldn't penetrate it.
So, from a certain perspective, it was also a form of safety protection.
On the desk, several data-slates glowed with a faint light, and a projector displayed a Star District star map, silently speaking of his dual responsibilities as both Planetary Governor and supreme Commander of the Expeditionary Force.
The heavy doors slid open silently, and a massive figure stepped into the hall.
Company Commander Salken, the Commander of the Silver Blades Chapter's First Company, entered with a slightly heavy but agile stride in his Power Armor.
His Power Armor bore the marks of intense combat, with clearly visible repair rivets and re-welded plates at the joints. Only the Chapter emblem of the silver blade on his shoulder guard seemed to have been repainted, looking clean and new.
He stood resolute, like a moving fortress, then struck his right fist against his left chest plate, producing a resounding clang of metal, delivering a standard Space Marine salute to the Governor.
"Greetings, Governor," his voice was deep, like muffled thunder, "Sarkan, Company Commander of the Silver Blades Chapter's First Company, answers your summons."
Alex's gaze was sharp and steady as he scanned the warrior from the star fortress, giving a slight nod.
After standing up, he performed an Aquila salute to Company Commander Salken.
"Welcome, Company Commander Salken," his voice was steady and powerful, carrying the unique authority of a long-time superior, "Rostov will forever remember the sacrifices and merits of the Silver Blades."
He gestured for him to take a seat; the metal chair, specially crafted for an Astartes physique, gleamed coldly under the lights.
"Two fully-staffed companies departed, and now only over one hundred and sixty brothers have returned…" Alex began in a slightly somber voice, commending the Silver Blades for their sacrifice in the expedition: "The weight of this sacrifice, the brilliance of this glory, will be recorded in the annals of the Expeditionary Force."
Sarkan's armor servo system hummed faintly as he slowly sat down. Even the customized chair seemed cramped beneath his massive frame.
"To die for the Emperor is the destiny of an Astartes," his voice was like thunder from deep underground, carrying the unique resolve of a Space Marine, "We were originally stationed in the Star District neighboring Mariupol. Upon receiving the Inquisition's summons, we immediately dispatched two companies to participate in this glorious expedition.
In the assault on the Necron Tomb World, we lost seventy-three brothers.
But their sacrifice earned us the glorious moment of slaying the Necron Lord and destroying the Tomb World's Rebirth Protocol."
"It was precisely this decapitation strike that cleared the greatest obstacle for the Expeditionary Force to conquer the entire star system." Alex's eyes glinted with approval. "As far as I know, the Adeptus Mechanicus specifically rewarded you with a batch of valuable equipment for this?"
"Yes, Governor! Three sets of Centurion Armor, five sets of Terminator Armor, and twenty sets of brand-new Power Armor," Sarkan's tone rarely showed a hint of pride. "Although it can't compare to the armory of a newly founded Chapter, for the Silver Blades, it's a rare and generous gift."
Alex's gaze slowly swept over the patched armor plates on the Company Commander's body. The rough weld points and re-riveted armor plates silently spoke of the Chapter's hardships.
He nodded slightly, his fingertips gently tapping the desktop, choosing the most appropriate phrasing: "These rewards are invaluable to any Chapter, especially to Chapters like the Silver Blades, which prioritize practical combat over equipment."
Sarkan's armor servo system emitted a low hum, as if in agreement with this assessment.
He let out a metallic chuckle, raising his armored arm to display the clearly new armor plate at his elbow joint, admitting frankly: "You are too diplomatic, Governor; we are indeed a poor Chapter.
But the Emperor is above, and this does not hinder our loyalty to the Imperium. And now, at least the new recruits can wear complete Power Armor."
He accepted the assessment openly, his Power Armor's shoulder plate tilting slightly, revealing a warrior's characteristic straightforwardness: "The Governor is discerning; the Silver Blades are not a renowned powerful Chapter. The Star District where our recruitment world is located is not wealthy."
Alex noticed that as the Company Commander spoke, his body beneath the Power Armor unconsciously tensed for a moment.
"Equipment is barely enough," Sarkan continued, his fingers unconsciously rubbing a deep scratch on his chest plate, his voice suddenly becoming heavy: "The veterans can still piece together old model components, but the Power Armor for new recruits and ordinary warriors… is mostly cobbled together from the relics of fallen brothers."
The lights in the reception hall seemed to dim slightly at this moment. The light from the star outside the window was obscured by passing clouds, casting dappled shadows on the stone floor.
A solemn atmosphere permeated the air; even the faint hum of the Servitor seemed to have stilled.
But then, Sarkan straightened his body, the adamantium-forged armor joints clanging with metallic impact, exceptionally clear in the quiet reception hall.
His armored fingers unconsciously rubbed his knee, a rare hint of anticipation showing: "But this does not hinder our determination to serve the Emperor."
His voice was deep and firm, each word carrying the metallic quality unique to a Space Marine.
"It's just…" He leaned forward slightly, his armor servo system humming faintly: "If we could receive more support, we would be able to fulfill our sacred duties with even greater strength."
These words were spoken slowly and solemnly, as if each word had been carefully considered.
Alex nodded slightly, his fingertips gently tapping the desktop: "The Expeditionary Force high command deeply sympathizes with the losses of the Silver Blades. Supplies have already been issued."
He paused meaningfully, his gaze fixed on Sarkan's face: "I hear the abundance of it even made you momentarily think you were going to board the Throne World or a Battle Moon?"
Sarkan couldn't help but show a wry smile, then let out a self-deprecating laugh.
The spacious dome of the reception hall made the laugh echo strangely, reverberating between the stone walls for a long time.
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right nobut who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/TripleCrown
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"