In Warhammer with Rogue Trader Mods.

"Each Chapter must contribute at least one more company!"

Huron's demand immediately caused the Master of the Lamenters Chapter to frown.

"That's impossible. We still need to maintain the defenses of the Maelstrom Zone. If this mission takes too long, it could undermine the entire foundation of the region's defense!"

Malakim Phoros' concern was valid. Normally, traveling from the Maelstrom to Macragge would take at least six months under ideal conditions—round trip, that's a full Terran year.

With their already strained forces, the Lamenters could not afford to deploy two companies for such an extended period. Their eight combat companies would be reduced to six, an unsustainable number for maintaining the defense of the Maelstrom.

"Do not worry. I believe our Rogue Trader friend can solve this issue."

Huron's lips curled into a confident smile as he looked across the meeting table at Noah.

Understanding the unspoken cue, Noah spoke up, "I know a stable Warp route leading directly from the Maelstrom to Macragge. The journey will not take more than 60 Terran days."

Sartaq, Chapter Master of the Mantis Warriors, raised an eyebrow. sixty Terran days? That would mean at most two Terran months.

A round trip in under four months—such a reduced timeframe made the proposition far more feasible. A slight reduction in offensive operations and accepting a few borderworld raids could keep their defenses intact.

"Is it reliable?" Sartaq asked.

"Entirely."

Huron nodded solemnly. "The Navigators of the Astral Claws have already confirmed the stability of this Warp route."

"If that's the case, the Mantis Warriors will commit three companies," Sartaq agreed.

Huron turned his attention to Phoros, his expression earnest.

"Malarin, brother, I understand your concerns for the lives of the Imperium's citizens, but we have no choice. Should Macragge fall to the xenos, we will bear the responsibility for turning a blind eye to the Ultramarines' plight.

"Protecting humanity is indeed our duty, but it is not our only duty. We shoulder far greater responsibilities, and we must be worthy of the sacrifices that come with them."

Phoros was silent for a long moment before finally replying, "The Lamenters owe the Ultramarines a debt. I will commit two companies."

Noah watched the Lamenters' Chapter Master, his respect for the man growing.

Among the vast ranks of the Adeptus Astartes, few Chapters were as devoted to protecting the lives of humanity as the Lamenters. They rivaled even the Salamanders in this regard.

Yet, the Lamenters were a Chapter born of the Cursed Founding, a fact that led to their being ostracized and mistrusted within the Imperium. Some Chapters even viewed them as potential traitors.

During the Ninth Black Crusade, the Lamenters were betrayed by their allies, the Mortifactors, and left to defend a world alone. Despite the betrayal, they chose to fight to the end to protect the civilians who hadn't yet evacuated.

By the time reinforcements from the Ultramarines and White Scars arrived, the Lamenters numbered fewer than 200 survivors.

The debt Phoros spoke of referred to the Ultramarines' aid during that tragedy.

Decades later, during another Chaos incursion, the Lamenters suffered the loss of 300 battle-brothers while defending an Imperial world. A more pragmatic Chapter would have destroyed the Chaos-infected planet, sacrificing its population to preserve their own strength.

The Lamenters chose instead to pay the higher cost to protect the planet's civilians.

While many would call such actions foolish, Noah held great admiration for them. If he had the choice, he'd have preferred to collaborate with the Lamenters over the Astral Claws.

Once the three Chapter Masters finalized their commitments, Sartaq asked, "And the Astral Claws? How many brothers will you contribute?"

Huron grinned and raised five fingers. "Five companies, including the First Company!"

Phoros and Sartaq were both stunned by the bold declaration. Phoros, in particular, furrowed his brow.

"That would leave the Astral Claws with only four companies. Are you sure you can defend your territories with so few?"

"If it's purely defensive, mortal forces can make up for the lack of Astartes," Huron replied.

Though neither Phoros nor Sartaq found the claim convincing—no mortal soldiers could compare to Space Marines—they could understand Huron's reasoning.

The Ultramarines were the parent Chapter of the Astral Claws. For Huron to commit half his Chapter to their aid was expected. In fact, it wouldn't have surprised them if he had deployed the entire Chapter.

Unknown to them, Huron's confidence came from the Astral Claws' true numbers: 1,400 battle-brothers. Years earlier, the near-extinction of the Tiger Claws Chapter had led the Astral Claws to absorb them, using their gene-seed to train an unprecedented number of new recruits.

Even though many of these were inexperienced, Huron was confident they could defend the Maelstrom Zone during his absence.

Noah's voice brought everyone back to the present.

"When do we depart?" Phoros asked.

Huron looked at Noah, ceding the decision to him.

"Now," Noah said decisively. "We don't know when the Tyranids will arrive. Every second counts."

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5890744.M41

A fleet consisting of three battle barges, nine strike cruisers, two battlecruisers, 14 cruisers, and 24 escort squadrons departed from the Maelstrom, carrying 1,000 Space Marines toward the Mandaville Point in the Badab System.

--------------------

On the bridge of the Stellar, Noah sat in his command throne. Before him, three holo-projections of the Chapter Masters floated, projected by servo-skulls.

Huron spoke first, a friendly smile on his face.

"Noah, we'll follow your lead."

Huron's tone and demeanor were markedly cordial, signaling an intent to strengthen their rapport.

Sartaq and Phoros, while silent, offered no objections.

The information had come from Noah. The Warp route had been provided by Noah.

And by the laws of the Imperium, a Rogue Trader's authority was equivalent to that of a Chapter Master.

In this moment, both courtesy and logic dictated that Noah take the lead.

Noah saw no need to be modest. He issued his command.

"Nono, seal the viewing ports and activate the Warp Drives."

"All hands, prepare for the shock of Warp jump!"

....

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18. Xenos Invade Macragge!

19. If You Think You Can, Then Do It.

20. Disclaimer: Proceed at Your Own Risk!

21. Does This Make Sense?

22. You're right, but this is—