Alex looked at the battle-hardened Astartes' current shock and gently explained, "Thanks to the victory of this Expeditionary Force, my tech-advisors discovered an extremely valuable STC fragment in the ancient ruins excavated on Helson III. It contained the complete production blueprints for Saturn-pattern Terminator armor.
This set of armor was specially commissioned by me to Archmagos Cawl on Mars, meticulously forged according to those blueprints.
I believe it is perfectly suited to honor the irreplaceable contributions of the Silver Blades in this Expeditionary Force."
"Your generosity… fills me with trepidation! The merits of the Silver Blades are far from deserving of such… such an honorable reward!" Sarkan tried to calm his emotions, responding humbly.
He truly felt that no achievement in this Expeditionary Force could compare to a Saturn-pattern Terminator armor, especially since it was a personal gift from the Planetary Governor.
Under Alex's sincere and firm persuasion, Sarkan finally accepted this incredible and generous gift.
He took a deep breath and promised in the most solemn tone, "It will become one of the most precious treasures in the Silver Blades Chapter's reliquary, guarded for generations!"
"No, Company Commander Salken," Alex immediately shook his head in refutation, his tone becoming serious, even with a hint of worry, "I am giving it to you not because I hope it will gather dust in a stasis field.
I hope you wear it, use it to eliminate more enemies for the Imperium, and achieve greater feats."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowered, filled with the solemnity of a prophet, "I… have glimpsed fragments of the future, Company Commander Salken! They are visions filled with darkness and despair!
I don't know what it is specifically, or when it will arrive, but I must prepare for its coming.
The Silver Blades is a loyalty Chapter; you have already proven this with your blood on Rostov.
Therefore, I offer you aid.
In the future, when that dark moment truly arrives, I will need the strength of the Silver Blades in return.
But before then, I implore you, accumulate strength, and be fully prepared for the Imperium, for the Emperor."
Company Commander Salken stood rigidly, all the shock and humility on his face replaced by a heavy sense of mission.
Alex's words were etched into his soul like a brand.
Seeing Sarkan's reaction, Alex's tone softened slightly and he continued, "As for the Saturn-pattern Terminator armor itself, since Rostov has acquired its STC blueprint, it will have production capabilities in the future.
If the Silver Blades need more to arm your warriors, you can purchase them from us.
Of course, the price might not be too cheap. I might request an honor debt as partial payment, please understand."
Company Commander Salken clenched his right fist and heavily struck his left breastplate, producing a clang of metal.
His voice was loud and firm, filled with the indomitable oath of an Astartes: "The Silver Blades Chapter will answer your call at any time! We will serve you wholeheartedly, and be loyal to the Emperor! Until death!"
—
After seeing off Company Commander Salken, Alex rubbed his somewhat stiff face and let out a long sigh.
He turned to Rachel, who had entered from the side of the reception room, with a hint of weariness and helplessness, "How many more?"
"According to your arrangements, there are three more Chapters that need to receive your personal gifts," the Chamberlain quickly checked the data-slate in her hand, and when she looked up, a hint of worry flashed in her eyes, "They are representatives from the Iron Wings, Night Hunters, and Thunder Fists. The Chapter Master of the Thunder Fists is visiting in person."
Alex rubbed the bridge of his nose heavily, feeling a faint ache in his temples.
Meeting representatives from eight Chapters consecutively in one morning, expressing the same meaning with different rhetoric, and ensuring that each gift was given in just the right measure—this was even more mentally exhausting than commanding a galactic campaign.
The most frustrating thing was that no one could replace him in this work.
On Rostov II, only his triple identity—Planetary Governor, Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force, and Lord Inquisitor—allowed him to converse with these Astartes representatives as equals.
Especially when the visitors included not only Company Commanders but also figures like Chapter Masters, there was no one else on the entire planet who could command the situation besides him.
Rachel's talent was certainly sufficient for the job, but her status meant she couldn't gain the Astartes' respect.
As for Alex's other companions… he smiled bitterly and shook his head; this issue had been discussed before.
Number 32, as an Adeptus Mechanicus Sage, while of noble status, was clearly not suitable to represent Rostov.
Astartes Chapters always maintained a distant attitude towards the Adeptus Mechanicus; no Chapter wanted to get too close to Mars' influence.
Moreover, the Adeptus Mechanicus itself was cautious about deep cooperation with the Astartes; their relationship was more like mutually wary partners.
Ovilia's situation was much the same; she was also a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Mai Mai was an ideal candidate—the Rogue Trader's status was both noble and neutral, maintaining a proper distance from all factions.
Unfortunately, he and Twilight had already been arranged by Alex to return to the Star Sector Capital to deal with the incidents caused by The Unseen Brotherhood and various post-Expeditionary Force matters.
There was even less to say about Gutierrez, who was accompanying them; he wouldn't be much help even if he were present.
Alex rubbed his temples; these considerations had been repeatedly weighed when formulating the plan.
This favor had to clearly and unequivocally fall upon Rostov, without any involvement from other organizations.
After all, in the dark times to come, he needed the Chapters' direct loyalty to Rostov, not vague agreements conveyed through third parties.
Thinking of this, he took a deep breath and straightened the collar of his uniform.
Despite complaining about the heavy workload of receptions, he still rallied his spirits and greeted the next Chapter representative with the most perfect demeanor.
After all, for the coming dark future, all this hard work was worth it.
Interestingly, no matter what attitude these Astartes initially brought—arrogant, wary, indifferent—the moment they saw the Saturn-pattern Terminator armor, their eyes would subtly change.
Some Chapter Masters would even unconsciously lean forward, as if they had seen a long-lost holy relic.
Alex understood this reaction too well; for an Astartes, nothing was more captivating than lost technology.
While there was still a long way to go to form a stable alliance, at least for now, Alex could be certain of one thing: when he needed support in the future, these Chapters would seriously consider his summons.
And this was the entire meaning behind his enduring facial muscle soreness and repeating lines today.
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