Commissar Brock had initially thought this would be a simple tax collection mission, but the turn of events before him was somewhat unexpected.
First, according to his data slate, Planet Damiton II was classified as a Class II tax world, which indicated developed trade, prosperous economy, and advanced productivity.
However, Planet Damiton II was currently under invasion by Orks, and its economy and productivity had plummeted significantly, making it unable to meet the current tax requirements.
Second, there was the Ecclesiarchy Sister before him, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
She did not appear willing to fulfill her sacred duty of loyalty to the Emperor.
Of course, it would be utterly absurd to label her a traitor based on this.
Not only did the Ecclesiarchy and he not belong to the same system, but her equipment alone was enough to indicate her extraordinary background.
Ordinary Ecclesiarchy Sisters did not possess such finely crafted equipment.
But his mission for this trip was to collect the tithe from this planet, and failing to bring it back would constitute a serious dereliction of duty.
"Are you truly so insistent? Refusing to pay the tithe will be considered an act of betrayal against the Imperium."
Commissar Brock reiterated, looking at the Ecclesiarchy Sister before him.
Little Alpaca's gaze was firm, "Yes, this planet will not submit any tithe until production has recovered."
"Moreover, the Internal Affairs Department is seriously derelict in its duty; they should have personally audited the current state of this planet to determine a correct and reasonable tax."
These words left the Kashejin Squad, who had come to collect taxes, looking at each other in dismay.
Not only were they refusing to pay taxes, but they also wanted to question the Internal Affairs Department? Did this fellow before them eat Ork guts?
"You should know that even if you belong to the Ecclesiarchy system, I can execute you for resisting tax collection," Commissar Brock said.
"Then you can try," Little Alpaca said, looking around at the Kashejin Squad before him.
Although his combat power was not in the top tier among players, he was not afraid of a group of local NPCs.
They had a battleship; he also had a combat barge in orbit.
They could summon the Internal Affairs Department' army; he could also rally players.
At worst, it would be war; who was afraid of whom?
"Sergeant Pia, you go back first, inform the higher-ups about the situation here, and tell them that I am still trying to communicate, urging them to pay taxes as soon as possible."
Commissar Brock took a step back, letting the accompanying Kashejin Squad return first to avoid wasting time.
Staying here himself would also provide an excuse, preventing the Internal Affairs Department from deeming Damiton II a rebellious world.
"This is insubordination," Sergeant Pia said, somewhat angrily, "Paying the tithe is the duty of every Imperial world."
"Go back and report it to the Internal Affairs Department as I said; you don't need to worry about other matters."
Commissar Brock reiterated, ordering the Kashejin Squad to leave.
Seeing the Commissar issue the order again, Sergeant Pia was filled with dissatisfaction but still turned and boarded the transport shuttle, taking off.
"Thank you for speaking up for Damiton II.
If we didn't even have the last of our ammunition, I truly don't know how we could have defended this Hive City world."
Colonel Nanlu, responsible for the local defense of Damiton II, stepped forward and thanked Little Alpaca.
"This matter is probably not over yet, but let's first overcome the immediate crisis."
Little Alpaca watched the departing tax collection team.
According to the nature of those Internal Affairs Department officials, he would have to go and find them, otherwise, one day he might return to find Damiton II burned to cinders by a punitive fleet sent by the Internal Affairs Department for treason against the Imperium, and that would be a big joke.
Commissar Brock was about to speak, but before he could, he heard a loud boom in the distance.
A towering wall was blown open, and hordes of Orks rushed in.
"Brothers, for the Emperor!" Little Alpaca raised the gigantic greatsword in his hand and shouted.
"Go, go, for the Emperor!"
"Kill all those Ork xenos, leave no one alive!"
Those who came with Little Alpaca to support Damiton II were all players following the Ecclesiarchy path.
They usually didn't show it, but once they entered combat, they became extremely fanatical, displaying great loyalty.
Commissar Brock was stunned.
So all these guys were fanatics!
But why were they unwilling to pay the tithe?
Fanatical cultists he had seen before would be the first to object if anyone dared not pay taxes!
The attacking Orks were not strong and were quickly wiped out, leaving rivers of blood.
"Let's strike while the iron is hot and launch a counterattack."
Little Alpaca had no intention of continuing a war of attrition with the Orks and decided to execute a decapitation strike, eliminating all the high-ranking Orks on this planet.
At the same time, the tax-collecting Kashejin Squad soon arrived at AN06.01, a Class IV tax-rated inventory world.
Like many similar Imperial military worlds, they were crucial hubs for supply resources, providing war materials to countless battlefields.
After Sergeant Pia submitted the report to the managing official, the official frowned.
"Refusing to pay the tithe is an act of betrayal against the Imperium.
Didn't you explain it clearly to them?"
"We did," Sergeant Pia nodded, "but a Ecclesiarchy Sister refused us and claimed to audit the Internal Affairs Department' dereliction of duty, because assessing taxes and protecting Imperial citizens is the Internal Affairs Department' responsibility, yet the Internal Affairs Department arbitrarily sets tax standards, disregarding the suffering Imperial citizens."
"They believe this is a serious dereliction of duty, and someone must be held accountable for it."
Sergeant Pia added some of his true feelings, embellishing the story.
As an Imperial elite, he would rather lead his squad to fight to the death on the battlefield than do this kind of work.
The situation on Damiton II was not an isolated case.
Many worlds were suffering, while the Internal Affairs Department hid in their small offices, setting completely unreasonable taxes.
The Internal Affairs Department official frowned.
"Auditing the Internal Affairs Department? They must have eaten Ork guts! How arrogant! Mark Damiton II as a rebellious world and notify the punitive fleet to cleanse them."
"If they are disloyal to the Emperor, then they shall face punishment."
"Commissar Brock is trying to persuade them; perhaps they should be given a chance," Sergeant Pia said.
"Refusing to pay the tithe is betrayal.
Traitors should be punished with swift and decisive action."
The Internal Affairs Department official's voice was stern.
Sergeant Pia dared not speak further.
A technician walked up beside him and spoke.
"Sir, the planet's platform structure can no longer bear more weight.
Even if the tithe were collected, it would have to be destroyed.
Perhaps we should give them a chance."
The Internal Affairs Department official turned his head, his gaze sternly sweeping over the technician.
"Whether the collected taxes are destroyed or something else, that is the Internal Affairs Department' business.
Submitting the tithe is an Imperial citizen's duty to the Emperor."
"Refusing to pay the tithe is an unforgivable crime of betraying the Emperor."
The technician sighed and dared not persuade further, stepping back.
"Immediately request the dispatch of a punitive fleet."
The Internal Affairs Department official turned and walked back into the towering and majestic Internal Affairs Department building.