Chapter 187: The Emperor’s Appraisal
Two days later...
Qin Mo stood within the orbital dock's command center, his gaze fixed on the screens displaying the interior operations of the dockyard factories.
A year ago, the orbital dock underwent an expansion, allowing for the simultaneous production of five battleships, each approximately forty kilometers long. Currently, one factory was engaged in constructing a battleship, thirty-seven kilometers in length, its broadside adorned with the sigil of the Mechanicus. In another facility, a similarly scaled warship was being produced, emblazoned with the emblem of the Weepers Battle Group.
The remaining three factories were manufacturing one battleship, ten cruisers, and twenty frigates—each vessel adhering to the Talon standard model. This production schedule was set to complete within three years, after which the dock would continue its relentless assembly, further swelling the Talon fleet.
"Remarkable productivity," Vanessa remarked, standing behind Qin Mo and observing the display screens.
The two had met briefly before the departure to the Astral Engine, when the Imperial Interior Ministry's delegation had presented Qin Mo with his appointment as the Sector Governor, while also extending gratitude for Talon's support of the Agrippina Forge World.
Since then, Qin Mo had been occupied, only now reuniting with Vanessa.
"The recompense for supporting the Forge World—have you considered it?" Vanessa presumed he'd summoned her to discuss the reward.
Previously, Qin Mo had agreed to the support without immediate remuneration, saying he'd consider it later—and that moment seemed to have arrived.
"I haven't yet decided." Qin Mo shook his head, then, after a pause, asked abruptly, "What do you think of the Talon military?"
Qin Mo posed this question, sensing a bottleneck in the development of his forces.
New tactics had been trialed at Agrippina: with an information advantage, large-scale air and artillery forces could accurately strike high-value targets, while infantry formed a dispersed assault line. This approach held potential—if not for the ability to initiate teleport strikes, which negated the need for supply lines, support, and defense. A Talon force could, regardless of distance, instantaneously reinforce any battlefield across the Forge World, making the strategic refinement of teleportation techniques a logical focus.
Knowing Vanessa sometimes heard the Emperor's voice—and that the Emperor was likely aware of Talon's situation—Qin Mo sought the advice of that ancient warlord, seasoned in countless battles.
"Your army is far too refined," Vanessa replied seriously. "That voice has commented on your forces before."
"The cost per soldier is excessive. A single Talon infantryman consumes resources equivalent to an Astra Militarum platoon. The recruitment threshold is not mere physical fitness or basic intellect, but an ability to comprehend the numerous functions of powered armor, eliminating many potential recruits from joining the army."
"Your warships, though formidable individually, are too focused on single-vessel combat capabilities. While you can indeed construct ships as if they were artwork, the costs and time required are substantial."
"The Astral Engine, for all its might, leaves no room to account for the enemy's numbers in a given system—merely its presence secures a system's control. Yet war often spans across entire sectors, even sub-sectors where hundreds or thousands of systems might lie."
…
Qin Mo turned to Vanessa, frowning. "The Talon Sector has fewer than sixty inhabited worlds; even conscripting every man, woman, and child wouldn't suffice for a full-scale apocalyptic war. And besides, if the Astral Engine can secure one system at a time, so be it. At least I can ensure Talon Hive will never fall or require my personal intervention on the front lines."
"I never implied your army was inadequate," Vanessa sighed. "The Talon forces are outstanding, and they'll likely achieve victory in any deployment. But you should avoid situations that could trap them in attrition warfare. The Talon fleet, likewise, benefits from this approach."
Qin Mo pondered her words, realizing his forces might only expand by updating equipment and increasing scale.
After further consideration, he asked, "What's the situation at Cadia?"
"The Cadian Shock Troops are being called back, preparing for the impending war," Vanessa reported. "Everyone on the Fortress World of Cadia senses the coming storm, and they are bracing for it."
"It's finally approaching." Qin Mo closed his eyes, recalling the events soon to unfold.
The spread of pestilence and raiding fleets around Cadia would intensify. The Vosskan Iron Riders would execute the Cadian command in their landing zone. Then, Abaddon the Despoiler would gather his main forces and launch his assault, plunging Cadia into a prolonged battle.
Abaddon's Thirteenth Black Crusade was not yet in full force, but flames of war already swept across numerous sectors. With support from the Astral Engine, the Agrippina Forge World was but one key foothold, akin to a pivotal line in a land war.
Years remained before Abaddon's assault on Cadia would reach its climax, leaving the Talon System time to prepare.
Qin Mo's objectives extended beyond simply safeguarding Cadia's Blackstone Obelisk; he sought to employ it to seal the Eye of Terror itself—and, if possible, end Abaddon's life.
This war would require the expertise of Cawl, who would prove essential in learning how to wield the Blackstone Obelisk's power. Although Cawl currently resided within the Talon system, Qin Mo understood that the figure within the system was merely a clone, while his true form remained on Ariad VI.
"I have long prepared for this war," Qin Mo murmured, his gaze fixed on Vanessa. "I'm willing to act against Chaos, but let me be clear—protecting Cadia will not be a pro bono mission."
Vanessa nodded silently. She understood his point—that once Cadia was secure, Qin Mo might demand compensation, and that this would be negotiable.
Unlike the Forge World Agrippina, Cadia's survival would have far-reaching consequences for the fate of humanity itself.
Talon forces excelled at system-wide engagements, and if they joined the fight, their contribution would be far more than just a boost to Cadia's defenses.
"Would you like me to go to Cadia as a liaison?" Vanessa offered.
Without hesitation, Qin Mo declined. "Unnecessary. I'll send a rogue trader—Klein. He'll use faster-than-light communication, far more stable than telepathic relays."
Vanessa accepted his refusal without objection.
"The tithe fleets have arrived at Talon for their collection; you'll oversee their reception," Qin Mo instructed. "Also, see if you can persuade them to consider replacing their engines with warp engines."
"Leave it to me," Vanessa agreed, nodding.
With matters concluded, Qin Mo gestured for Vanessa to leave.
Vanessa silently turned and teleported from the command center.
But scarcely two seconds later, she abruptly returned.
"Back so soon?" Qin Mo asked reflexively, frowning, though he immediately sensed something off about this Vanessa.
She smiled slightly, her form shifting into that of a silver-haired woman. "Seems like she truly irritates you."
"I despise all things warp-related," Qin Mo replied, resuming adjustments to the flagship designed for the Weepers Battle Group, configuring its weapon loadouts. "Now, what do you want?"
"Nothing," she replied, shaking her head. "Just came to…well, annoy you... I mean, check in on what you're doing."
Qin Mo glanced at her with mild exasperation before continuing with the flagship's design.
Since the ship was built for Space Marines, it would be well-suited for boarding actions and orbital assault tactics.
After an awkward silence, she moved to leave, "Well, if that's all... I'll just—"
"Wait." Qin Mo suddenly stopped her. "Use your illusionary abilities to convene a meeting, one that can include every stone figure in the sector. And don't mistakenly include those two Inquisitors with chips implanted—this meeting is strictly for stone figures."