The plan was proceeding perfectly. Yuki could hardly suppress his laughter. In fact, the plan had yielded a wealth of unexpected harvests. Originally, Yuki only intended to swindle some resources from the Tau Empire. But now, the Tau were handing over several dead planets for him to "transform" and were already planning to colonize them.
"What are you smirking about?"
"I just find it hilarious to imagine the Tau Empire sending millions of colonists onto Tyranid-infested planets."
Indeed, the core of the so-called "planetary transformation technology" was actually the final stage of a Hive Fleet devouring a planet: planting specialized flora to thoroughly drain the world's nutrients. However, under specific genetic sequencing, these plants could restrain that instinct. The overall concept was quite similar to Hive Fleet Tiamet, the first to arrive in the galaxy to serve as a biological beacon.
In short, the Aether Fleet had now dispersed, with a vast number of Tyranid units slumbering beneath the planetary crust. This was the "surprise" Yuki had prepared for the Tau Empire.
"It's amusing, but the efficiency is too low this way. You're not planning to waste decades here, are you?" Yuno asked.
It was now only fifty-odd years away from Warmaster Abaddon's Thirteenth Black Crusade. Yuno hoped that by then, the Aether Fleet would be strong enough to become the core force of Leviathan.
"No need to worry about that. Have you forgotten we have the Imperium of Man trailing behind us? As long as a conflict breaks out between Calgar and the Tau, we can swoop in during the chaos, have a massive feast, and then move on."
"Isn't this a bit too sinister?"
Yuki shrugged. "The Tau Empire made their own choice. I won't show them favoritism like the Nottingham township enterprise does. Their 'Greater Good' is long overdue for a reality check in this universe. Once they grow further and encounter the forces of Chaos, they'll learn their place."
Yuno leaned against Yuki, her hands starting to wander. "I'm saying, you shouldn't underestimate them. They're probably frantically trying to find a way to steal your secrets right now."
"Let them try." Yuki had already sensed someone spying from the shadows, but it was no big deal. With the Tau Empire's technological level, the most they could detect was that someone was here.
"But this move is indeed treacherous. The Tau will surely send significant troops here to garrison. Usually, it would take some effort for a backstab, but now, we just have to wait for the Imperium and the Tau to start fighting."
"Calculating the time, Calgar and his fleet should be encountering some of the Tau's frontline outposts soon," Yuki said, just as Yuno's hands became more active.
"What are you doing again? Are you saying our love can only be expressed this way? I mean, we should read books together, travel ten thousand miles together, watch the stars shift—"
"Are you feeling weak?"
"Let's find out!"
"They seem completely unaware of the Tyranid's arrival."
Captain Ventris's finger slid across the data slate, his cold gaze scanning the data of the Tau fleet captured during the engagement. This alien patrol fleet, consisting of light cruisers and escorts, was drifting slowly through the void in a loose formation. Ventris's Fourth Company and the Imperial Navy had destroyed them with ease.
"The Ultramarines and the Five Hundred Worlds have clashed with these arrogant aliens many times. We know their technological levels and tactical habits inside out."
The voice of an Ultramarine came through the power armor's vox-grill, carrying a metallic resonance.
"Typical ridiculous xenos," a nearby sergeant sneered, his finger unconsciously stroking the casing of his bolter. "To not even sense a Tyranid fleet of this scale approaching... are their sensors merely decorative?"
Ventris didn't respond immediately but instead pulled up the system readings. The anomalous data curves confirmed his judgment: there were other enemies nearby.
Another sergeant joined in, his tone full of contempt. "Ultimately, the genetic defects of the xenos are plain to see. They will never understand the true nature of a threat."
"Stay focused," Ventris finally spoke, his eyes fixed on the star map beneath his helmet. "This was only their patrol force, which means we have entered Tau-controlled space. But this only proves their blindness."
He turned to the warriors gathered on the bridge, the Honor of Macragge insignia on his power armor gleaming under the lights.
"More than two hundred years ago, the defeat we suffered here cost us precious territory." Ventris's voice echoed through the bridge, each word carrying the weight of history. "And now, the crisis Macragge faced has given us a rare opportunity to regroup."
The sergeants listened in silence, their fists tightening in unison.
"The shame at Macragge months ago, and the territories lost here centuries ago—" Ventris's tone suddenly became as sharp as a blade. "It is time for a full reckoning."
To thoroughly eradicate the Astraeus Hive Fleet that had attacked the Five Hundred Worlds, the Imperium of Man had assembled an unprecedented military force. At its core was the Ultramarines Chapter, accompanied by several loyal successor chapters and a massive crusade fleet consisting of hundreds of Imperial Navy warships. They were now advancing in grand fashion toward the Tau-controlled sectors.
A military mobilization of this scale could not be entirely hidden. Once the news reached Holy Terra, the High Lords would undoubtedly scrutinize Calgar's every move with the utmost suspicion. To those High Lords who lived their days in intrigue and paranoia, any descendant of a Primarch holding such heavy military power was a potential traitor. Even a legion of Guilliman's line, famous for loyalty, was suspicious to them; in the eyes of the high command, the "loyal" Ultramarines were actually the most suspect.
But Calgar had already made his calculations. By the time the High Lords' dissatisfaction and inquiries reached the front lines through the tedious bureaucratic channels, the war would have long been decided.
Facing potential questioning, the Chapter Master of the Ultramarines had prepared an airtight defense: the Tyranid threat was imminent; if it could invade Macragge today, it would dare to strike the Imperial Palace tomorrow. To protect the core domains of the Imperium, such a large-scale military mobilization was a completely necessary preventive measure.
In private, Calgar looked further. The expansion of the Tau was equally worth guarding against; the aliens' "Greater Good" was eating away at the Imperial borders. Eliminating the main Tyranid force while simultaneously uprooting this growing alien civilization would be a perfect two-front operation. It would avenge the Five Hundred Worlds, expand the Imperium's territory, and add another glorious chapter to the annals of the Ultramarines' honor.