Vladimir Pew was taller than most of the fighters present. He was not wearing a helmet and showed a stern face.
His head was shaved clean, with a gold and silver scar dotted on it. The long years of war left many marks on his face. Just by looking at it, one could tell that he had been fighting for a long, long time.
Vladimir Pew was a determined man, and he never fell behind when it came to expeditions, preferring to lead his troops personally rather than cower in the rear.
Although he is not an inspiring leader, he is still as capable of formulating rigorous plans as any Chapter Master in the history of the Emperor's Fists, but there are some things that only Lysander and others know, and that is Vladimir
Pugh had his taste buds removed as atonement for the loss of one hundred and seventy Space Marines killed in a horrific battle he commanded.
There is another point worth noting, that is
Pugh was offered a seat on the Council of the High Lords of Terra, though he did not believe he would achieve the honor.
He is a warrior with countless honors and a high degree of humility. However, only a few of the Emperor's Fists know that not all of their Chapter Master's scars were left on the battlefield. Some of them were actually inflicted by Pew himself.
Inflicting corporal punishment on himself to remember the battle brothers who fell under his command.
To put it simply, Vladimir Pugh is a man who attaches great importance to blood ties. He not only cherishes the Imperial Fists, but also cherishes every descendant of Dorne.
"Everyone is here."
When he spoke, the Imperial Fists Chapter Master's voice was sonorous but very deep.
Even compared to the unparalleled Imperial Guards in the Palace of Terra, the control Vladimir Pugh has developed over his body is astonishing - he is simply like a statue, unmoving, every facial muscle
They are all in complete stillness until action requires a response.
"Isn't it agreed over there yet?"
Pugh lowered his head and asked,
One of the officials at the gathering, a woman wearing green robes and bearing the insignia of the Chief Astropath, lowered her shaved head in apology.
"I have asked the Mars delegation for more and they are not willing to let go."
Pugh nodded.
"How many exactly?"
"Five, my lord, depending on the work of the apothecary, maybe six."
Lysander immediately understood what they were discussing.
Dreadnought husks, there has been little demand for them over the centuries, and only a few exist in the cold depths of the Phalanx Armory.
But this time Lysander's reconnaissance operation produced a lot of casualties. Most of the wounds caused by Tyranid's biological weapons were very horrific, so the demand for the sacred sarcophagus increased sharply.
In normal times, the transformation process would last several months. They would need to send an application to Mars, then conduct a series of complex favor transactions, and have enough time for the specially designed personal walker unit to create the recipient's unique brain pulse pattern.
Make careful preparations.
However, these are not normal times, and many soldiers have no time to delay.
"I will communicate with General Foundry personally."
The Chapter Master of the Imperial Fists said without any emotion.
"What do they want in return?"
"That's the problem, they heard... there were a lot of battle robots in the New Badab War."
There was no tremor in Pugh's expression.
"I already know."
Then he turned to Lysander.
"You have brought bad but useful news to the Empire, brother."
"To be honest, the process of this mission was really bad. We didn't have much time to prepare, and there was interference from the Tau and Eldar."
Lysander replied sullenly.
"Let's put these things aside for now."
Pugh didn't show much expression.
"Lysander, you have met the Soshiyan Chapter Master, right."
Lysander nodded. He already knew about the New Badab War. It had to be said that he didn't even believe the authenticity of this incident at first because it was too incredible.
But as more news came, Lysander finally accepted this fact——
The broken Astral Knights actually successfully raided the Red Pirate's lair and won an unprecedented victory!
"He is a young man with great potential, an excellent leader and fighter."
"Oh? I have never received such a comment from you, even within this war group. It seems that you really appreciate him."
Vladimir Pugh smiled for the first time today.
"Do you still remember the last time you went to Obsidian Fortress and how many warriors of the Astral Knights were left?"
"Thirty-three people, all new recruits, plus an ancient fearless one."
"Thirty-three people..."
Pugh recited the number twice thoughtfully, and then changed the subject.
"What do you think about their alliance with other warbands?"
"This is not the first time that the Adeptus Astartes have established a brotherly alliance to watch and help each other. Moreover, in the face of the Red Corsairs, if we do not unite, how can a single war group win? I think this is
There was nothing wrong with the matter, at least the result proved that it was not a wrong decision.”
"But some people in the High Lords Council don't think so. They cited the example of the Red Corsair's predecessor, the Star Claw, and they also attacked the Weeper to interrupt the Atonement Expedition privately."
"Hmph, those insects don't like anything."
Lysander muttered, then his expression turned angry.
"If they have so many dissatisfactions, why don't they go and solve it in person instead of sitting in a huge palace and complaining."
"Captain Lysander, don't say meaningless angry words."
Vladimir Pew interrupted Lysander's further complaints.
"This matter has come to an end. More than half of the members of the High Lords Council agree that this victory should be rewarded. The specific reward proposal is still being formulated. I can only tell you so much."
"They finally did something."
After saying this, Lysander's expression relaxed. He had even guessed that his Chapter Leader should also be involved in this political game, but in what way and means, no one can know.
.
"Let's all disperse, Lysander, you stay, I have a task to give to you alone."
The others bowed and then stepped back to continue their work.
When only Pew and Lysander were left in the hall, the seriousness of the Chapter Master of the Imperial Fists began to weaken.
"There's been more and more bad news lately."
Hearing the heaviness in Pew's tone, Lysander also sighed.
"yes."
"We are all old, and the future of the empire needs to be guarded by a new generation of heroes."
Vladimir Pugh looked at Lysander with burning eyes.
"I know you are tired, but you are the best suited for this mission."
Lysander had already guessed what his mission was, so he grinned and replied easily:
"This is not a task. Tell me what you want me to bring to him."
"Well, when you see Soshyan, be sure to tell him that although the high lords will no longer hold them accountable for forming an alliance privately, they will definitely send out monitors. He must be mentally prepared and not be too angry or angry.
There are too many doubts, and he only needs to find a few experienced bureaucrats to deal with it, and it will not cause too many obstacles to their career."
"Well, I remember it, what else is there?"
"The Feast of Blades will be held in five years, and I hope that the Astral Knights can also come and participate."
"Is this a formal invitation?"
"Yes, you can just send an invitation to Soshyan in my name."
"I understand, is there anything else?"
"Also, after you get there, see if there are any problems with their troop replenishment. If there are difficulties with the transformation surgery and gene seeds, tell them that they will be provided with certain support as soon as possible. It may not be possible.
It's a lot, but it's still enough to restore a company."
"Oh, you are really generous this time. What happened in the end?"
"Well... this matter can be regarded as one of the prices of the previous series of transactions. Lysander, you have to bring representatives from Mars with you this time. They are very interested in the combat robots of the Astral Knights. I just
We agree to take the lead. As for how they negotiate with the Astral Knights, we are not responsible, but you can talk to Soshyan in advance and tell him that if Mars' attitude is too tough, then the Imperial Fist will become his strongest backing.
.”
The smile on Lysander's face grew warmer.
"It seems you really value him."
Vladimir Pugh also laughed.
"He has only served for less than a hundred years, but with such courage and ability, he will definitely grow into a pillar of the empire in the future, just like Lord Dante of the Blood Angels in the past... What we old guys can do
There are not many things left to do. One more day to fight for the emperor is one more day. Since there is such a good seedling, it won’t take much effort to reach out to cover it."