Chapter 932 - 931: The Black Emperor Rebuilds the Traitor Legions

Arsena took three seconds to organize the relevant information on the Ramilles-class starforts before reporting methodically.

"My Lord, the Legion currently has six major shipyards capable of constructing Ramilles-class starforts."

"Among them, Cypra Mundi's shipbuilding capacity is of Imperial top-tier standard. Across the entire Imperium few Forge World can compare."

Nareth was not surprised. Cypra Mundi, as the future Segmentum Obscurus naval base in his memory, had been one of the five largest shipyards even during the Great Crusade.

"The Ganfall and Gantz shipbuilding complex and Calth's shipyards have surpassed Triken and Vostroya."

"The Fashi shipbuilding network, centered on Dulan, has also acquired the capacity to build Ramilles-class starforts after its reconstruction."

"Additionally, we have authorized the Forge Worlds of Lucius and Mezoa to build Ramilles-class starforts. After meeting their own defensive needs, they have consistently fulfilled our deployment requirements."

After reporting on the construction capacity, the attendant concluded: "To date, the Legion's territories have built twenty-nine starforts; Lucius and Mezoa have provided eight and six respectively."

"Of these, thirty-eight have been deployed. Four have been lost: during the Rangdan War, the war against the Hrud, and the Grail Abyss Ork invasion."

"The Kalium Gate is defended by five starforts and one War Moon; Port Abyss in the Coronid New Zone has five, Manachia has one, and two are used to seal the Orks in the Grail Abyss; during the Rangdan War, we deployed thirteen starforts, including the first Ramilles-class starfort, Ramilles, at Advex-Mors, serving as a research base; Xana ll has one; the Fellwatch Keep has one, guarding our only foothold beyond the Astronomican; one was gifted to Lord Perturabo."

Nareth had long prepared a retreat for Perturabo after his betrayal: the Rangdan homeworld, in the galactic northwest, beyond the Astronomican's light.

"Vostroya is defended by two starforts and another war moon; the Sak'trada Deeps have one; Gardinaal has one."

"The starforts built at Ganfall, Gantz, and Calth have been deployed to the Legion's eastern territories. Ganfall, Veridian, the Osiris Cluster, and Talasar each have one."

"Currently, the Legion has five completed, undeployed Ramilles-class starforts. Another four are expected to be completed within five years. Lucius has one completed; Mezoa has one under construction."

After a brief consideration, Nareth ordered: "Request that Lucius's Ramilles-class starfort be moved to the Kalium Gate. The five already completed are also to be prepared for deployment."

Nareth then considered how to mobilize his allies. 'My objectives span five segmenta. I should not concentrate all my allies in a single warzone.'

"Summon the Dark Fire from Sygies VIII, the Irons Skulls from Metalica, and the Fureans from Incaladion, along with House Mordred, to participate in the war."

Though Ryza in the Ultima Segmentum was also an ally, the Forge World was constantly threatened by Orks. They produced Stormblade super-heavy tanks, Titan-killers, for the Shadows of Order as an alternative to Titans.

Summoning the Legio Vulcanum I, Dark Fire, from Stygies VIII in the Segmentum Pacificus was to counter the Legio Vulcanum II, Lords of Ruin, which had pledged allegiance to Horus.

After a pause, Nareth smiled.

"Convey my command: there is no longer any need to restrain our use of psychic powers in the presence of other Legions."

He knew that nine Primarchs, including Dorn, who had opposed its use, would soon abandon the prohibition and rely on their Librarians.

To them, psykers were the most effective weapon against Chaos. The Lion would even decapitate Nemiel, the Chaplain who tried to stop him.

Everyone would use it; there was no point in pretending anymore.

"By Your will." Arsena noted the commands. A buzz suddenly came from his comm-bead.

He pressed it, listened, and reported.

"My Lord, Anos, the representative of the Squat League, has arrived and awaits your summons."

Nareth smiled and nodded. "Send him in."

Moments later, a Quartermaster, about a quarter of Nareth's height, entered the Primarch's office.

He spoke in perfect Vostoyan: "Lord Nareth, Anos, Squat Emissary, pays his respects."

"Emissary, welcome." Nareth smiled.

Anos stared at the majestic giant behind the desk. He seemed even more imposing than his physical form, like the vast stars at the galaxy's center.

He took a deep breath, using the will his Ancestor Core had granted him, and focused on the matter at hand.

"We received your message. You said you had a major deal to discuss."

"Correct." Nareth nodded.

"Two transactions."

"I wish to hire more Squats to fight for me over the next fifteen years."

Anos paused. "Your Legion is one of the largest. The Iron Oaths fighting with you already number twenty thousand. Do you need even more warriors?"

"A storm is coming." Nareth's tone was grave.

"I need more strength."

Anos heard the sound of hammer on anvil in the Primarch's low voice, the forge blazing, heralding war.

"Within my authority, I can provide you with forty thousand Hearthkin warriors."

"Of course, they will not fight for you for friendship, as before. You will need to pay them."

"I will also convey your wishes to the guilds, to secure more warriors for you. They will also require payment."

"No problem." Nareth smiled. The Sak'trada Deeps and the Ghoul Stars lacked people, but not minerals.

"Arsena will negotiate with you. He will offer satisfactory terms."

Anos caught his breath, seeing a cascade of materials in his mind.

As a representative of the League, if he facilitated a guild contract, he would receive a handsome commission, according to Squat custom.

He gathered his thoughts. "What is the other transaction?"

"Soon, I will need several planets moved."

Nareth didn't just plan to raid the traitor Legions' homeworlds; he intended to take the entire planets.

Besides their resources, he wanted to rebuild the traitor Legions.

After securing the Magna Mater, he could use the Primarchs' genetic material to create Astartes of other Legions, including the traitors.

Guilliman feared their betrayal; Nareth had no such qualms.

The sixth layer of the Kingdom of Disorder could "corrode" gene-seed. Of course, the culture of the rebuilt Legions would be reshaped to his will.

"No problem," Anos said with pride.

"We gifted you a star. For enough payment, we can move an entire star system."

"Of course, we cannot guarantee the safety of any inhabitants. You will need to evacuate them beforehand."

After reaching an agreement with the Squat League Emissary, Nareth rose and, out of sight, stepped away.

It was time to address the issue of the World Eaters, who would soon be purged on Isstvan III.

....

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