Aiur Fleet's expedition within the sector had been unnervingly smooth. There were no obstructions from Chaos, nor was there resistance from local powers. Typically, it only required Alexei to lead the Red Romance to a planet under the guise of a Rogue Trader, followed by Specters infiltrating with infected hosts to seize control of the high-ranking officials. Once the leadership was secured, it was a simple matter of slowly installing his own personnel and troops.
The Phineus Sector had originally been located slightly further inward within the Segmentum Obscurus ten thousand years ago. Now, after millennia of chaos, it had drifted into a fringe sector. Combined with its long-term isolation from Terra, various enemy invasions, and gubernatorial rebellions, the sector now contained only about thirty habitable worlds.
With Alexei commanding nearly a hundred ships and over thirty Leviathans, sweeping through the entire sector wasn't exactly a Herculean task—it was more like turning over a palm. Only two months had passed, and now only one Hive World remained in Aiur Fleet's path: Leopes.
Unlike the Hive World of Aiur, this world consisted of a single, massive hive city that occupied an entire continent. This hive had been established long before the Great Crusade. After several regime changes, it was currently ruled by a Governor named Heinrich. The influence of local noble families was so deeply intertwined that it left the Imperial Inquisition and the Adeptus Arbites weakened.
Furthermore, the industrial capacity of the Underhive was highly developed, capable of producing massive quantities of flak armor, various models of master-crafted autoguns, and even plasma guns under the supervision of the Adeptus Mechanicus. This meant the PDF (Planetary Defense Force) on this Hive World was far better equipped than those on other worlds. Aside from heavy firepower and heavy vehicles being slightly inferior to the Astra Militarum, they were virtually identical.
The planet was also rich in mineral resources, making it entirely self-sufficient.
After Alexei finished reviewing the data on this world, his brow furrowed slightly. This wealthy? Is that even reasonable? What are you, Necromunda?
Moreover, with the Inquisition and Arbites weakened, order relied entirely on the Governor's PDF and the Enforcers. He estimated that the various factions within the hive could probably scrape together enough players for two tables of Mahjong.
No wonder Nurgle hadn't retaliated after he snatched away the Plague Father's "opportunity" earlier; Nurgle was likely waiting for him right here. Looking at the holographic star map representing Leopes, Alexei felt as if he could see the Grandfather's smile. But he had nothing to fear. As long as the Gods didn't "break the rules" by descending personally, his current strength was more than enough to purge a Hive.
"Adjutant, how long until we reach Leopes?"
"Arrival in two hours," the Adjutant's voice reached Alexei's ears.
He ordered the Adjutant to contact the world in advance, stating that his fleet required docking for resupply. Simultaneously, he told Kaidel to prepare the Specter squad; they would be the first wave to land with him.
There was also Athol, the Fallen Angel. He would be coming along as well. Alexei hadn't brought him on the previous missions, but since they might face a major Chaos threat this time, it was better to have him along. Otherwise, the man would spend all day locked in his room praying or practicing his swordplay like some sort of cenobite monk.
There were still four months until Guilliman launched the Terran Crusade. Alexei intended to settle this behemoth within that time.
At the spire of Leopes stood an exquisitely luxurious structure. As a Hive World with over ten thousand years of history, their heritage far exceeded that of Aiur. Currently, a grand ball was being held in a guest hall.
Even though the Great Rift had torn across the Segmentum Obscurus, life for these upper-spire nobles remained unchanged. They continued their lives of dissipation as if nothing had happened. Aside from a few families with strict etiquette, most nobles had become increasingly indulgent, as if savoring the final moments before the apocalypse.
The crowd was currently welcoming a Rogue Trader who had brought a massive amount of supplies to the world. In these times, with the Great Rift splitting the galaxy and Leopes isolated and helpless, the resources brought by this Rogue Trader had injected new vitality into the Hive.
"To the Emperor and Mankind! To Capet!" Governor Heinrich stood in a corner, raising his glass to a slightly portly middle-aged man dressed in opulent clothing.
Armand Capet smiled cheerfully, returned the gesture with a standard salute, and drained his fine wine. He was in an excellent mood. Years ago, he had obtained an ancient STC template from a fool, only for his subordinates to leak the secret to those damned "Cogboys." After paying a heavy price, the Mechanicus had agreed to let him borrow the STC template for a few years.
The day to return the STC had finally arrived, but when his fleet reached the Forge World, they found it had been utterly destroyed by some terrifying entity. His debt was effectively canceled. This was the best news he had received since the opening of the Great Rift.
Although his fleet could no longer perform long-distance Warp jumps due to the Rift's influence—relying instead on constant short-range "hops"—it didn't matter. As long as that STC template remained in his hands, everything would be fine. Armand Capet would become the greatest leader in the history of the Capet family.
Now, after trading with this Governor, he had acquired another Sword-class Frigate. Good news indeed...
As the two talked, a servant rushed to their side and whispered, "My Lord, a fleet is requesting to dock for resupply..."
"A fleet? At a time like this?" Heinrich asked with a frown. Noticing the hesitant expression on the servant's face, he said sternly, "What is it? Where are they from? Which faction?"
The servant paused for a moment before answering, "They... they claim to be Rogue Traders of the Capet family..." After speaking, he stole a glance at Armand.
Armand and Heinrich: "?"
Wait, if you are the Capet family, then who am I? Armand exchanged a strange look with Heinrich, then whispered, "If they dare not give their true identity in this current climate, I fear they are enemies."
Heinrich nodded and commanded, "Refuse their request. Tell everyone to prepare for combat."
"Yes, My Lord." The servant bowed and left.
Nearby, Armand also ordered his own men to bring their fleet to battle readiness.
He wanted to see exactly who this fleet posing as the Capet family was. To be so bold... one must remember that his Warrant of Trade was signed by the High Lords of Terra themselves, not some common document issued by a Sector Governor.
"Boss, they rejected our docking request," Kaidel said, approaching Alexei .
"Rejected?" Alexei was slightly surprised, but he regained his composure quickly. "Then reveal our entire fleet and tell them our true origins."
"Understood."