The Emperor’s Angel of Death

#2233 - Sun Watch

Standard Terra Calendar 41

Sun Stellar Region, Solar System, Pluto, Hyssonic Gate

"Finally, the Solar System, humanity's cradle, the heart of the Imperium."

Even though he had prepared himself, when a series of glittering spots appeared in the distance through the observation window, Soriayan's heart couldn't help but surge.

Not just him, all the warriors, and all the warriors on other warships, gathered near the observation window, watching the gradually enlarging outline of the star system and the pale planet—Pluto and its several satellites—earnestly and curiously.

As a latecomer in the galaxy, humanity emerged from this not-so-large star system, and after countless hardships and years of trials, eventually became an indispensable major race in the galaxy. Although the subsequent Long Night almost destroyed human civilization, a great leader who emerged from the Solar System once again made humanity glorious.

The Solar System is great because of Terra, and Terra is great because of the Emperor, so any devout follower of the Imperial Cult, if they have the opportunity and ability, will definitely make a pilgrimage to Terra.

Due to the crucial position of the Imperial capital, the Solar System naturally became the star system with the highest population density and the busiest sea lanes in the Imperium. Pluto, as the outermost planet of the Solar System, is not only the gateway to the entire star system, but also the main warp jump point. Near it, there is a warp gate called the Hyssonic Gate, which is said to have been built in the Dark Age. It can make the warp node more stable and easier to enter and exit the Solar System. Therefore, ships heading to the Solar System need to jump into real space here. Corresponding to it is Uranus, which is the main channel for leaving the Solar System.

Around the Star Knights' fleet, one can see batches of ships just leaving the warp jump node and advancing along the sea lanes. Among them are gorgeous merchant ships, huge pilgrim ships, rounded transport ships, and warships with grim muzzles, filling the entire void sea lanes. It can be described as a scene of thousands of sails racing and hundreds of boats vying to cross, a truly magnificent scene.

After the Great Rebellion and the War of the Beast, the Imperium attached great importance to the defense of the Solar System, which made the current defense network of the Solar System and its surroundings the most powerful star system defense in human history. From the huge orbital fortress groups of the Moon, to the fortress groups in the layers of hydrogen clouds of Jupiter, to the deep space star forts of the Halo Star Zone, in order to protect the sacred Solar System, the Imperium has established hundreds or even more extremely huge defense fortress groups inside and outside the Solar System, and deployed billions of weapon systems pointing to the deep space, ready to instantly evaporate any fool who tries to challenge humanity's galactic hegemony.

In addition, entire space fleets are constantly cruising and defending between these fortress networks, not letting go of any potential threats that may threaten the Solar System, and are always ready to support the entire defense system. They are also collectively referred to as the Solar Fleet, which can be said to be the most powerful fleet of the Imperium.

It can be said that, in most cases, the defense of the Solar System is almost impeccable.

"Chapter Master."

At this moment, the voice of the communications officer suddenly came through the brass speaker.

"A signal containing high-level naval authority has sent a message, they want to board and inspect, and it's every ship."

Soriayan immediately withdrew his gaze and frowned.

"Who are they?"

"Their label is the Solar Watch."

Soriayan had never heard of this name, so he immediately summoned Faysal, who, upon hearing that it was the Solar Watch, quickly explained to Soriayan:

"This is a combat cluster of the Adeptus Custodes."

"The Adeptus Custodes? Shouldn't they all be staying in the Imperial Palace?"

"Chapter Master, you may not know, although the Solar System's defense system is very powerful, it is, after all, composed of mortals. Facing cunning and terrifying enemies, there is always the possibility of being breached. Therefore, the most powerful part of the entire Terra outer defense system is not these seemingly powerful fortress networks, but the Adeptus Custodes from the Solar Watch. This is a large cluster composed of several Shield Host companies, whose members have all sworn a death oath to defend the outer defense system of the Throneworld, regarding themselves as the first line of defense of the Imperial Palace, so as to ensure as much as possible that the enemy cannot approach the Solar System and the sacred Terra. To this end, they will often patrol the entire territory of the Solar System, as well as the surrounding star systems and the sea lanes between a large number of deep space facilities, so as to eliminate and search for various dangers and potential dangers. They are also considered to be one of the few Adeptus Custodes that outsiders can occasionally see."

But this did not convince Soriayan.

"But aren't there two Adeptus Custodes on board? Can't they go and communicate on their own? Astartes will not accept the humiliation of being searched on board."

Faysal immediately showed a look of embarrassment. He rubbed his hands and said euphemistically:

"Actually, it's like this"

"Envoy Faysal, this is my bottom line. If you have to search, then I would rather not accept any honor and order the fleet to turn around and leave."

"This, this, no, don't be so extreme, actually——"

"I'm not being extreme, didn't you hear that my tone is very calm?"

Soriayan spoke in a calm voice that made Faysal's heart jump.

"I'm just conveying my decision to you. This is a decision, not a threat, let alone a test. You and I have been together for a while, I believe you should be familiar with my style."

Faysal hesitated for a moment, then whispered:

"Please wait, wait a moment."

Soriayan nodded and said nothing. Faysal then left in a hurry. Soriayan guessed that he was probably going to communicate with the two mysterious Adeptus Custodes who basically never left the cabin.

About ten minutes later, Faysal, with a slightly nervous expression, returned to the bridge.

"Chapter Master Soriayan, the communication has been completed. They will no longer board the ship for inspection, but"

"Please speak."

"That Shield Captain wants to board the ship to meet you in person."

Soriayan blinked, then spread his hands.

"An invitation from the Adeptus Custodes, how can I, a Chapter Master, refuse? I will immediately order the Eternal Fidelity to open the flight deck, but I am very curious, why are they using the Navy's signal channel?"

"The Solar Watch basically doesn't have its own ships. Most of the time, they are deployed by taking Navy ships or interstellar trade ships."

Soriayan nodded thoughtfully.

"I understand, then please invite that Shield Captain to come here for a chat."

At the same time, the news that the Adeptus Custodes were coming to the flagship also spread quickly among the warriors. Out of curiosity, many people ran to the vicinity of the bridge to observe. After all, the Adeptus Custodes were almost no different from myths. Even Li Lin dragged Sablin and other partners to the Eternal Fidelity.

Just as everyone was waiting, the main door of the bridge slowly rose with a whirring sound. In the warm light, a team of towering giants holding guardian spears, wearing golden armor, and covered in black robes slowly walked in. They were taller than most Space Marines, and their steps were so neat that every second of landing was the same. The towering pointed helmets and red plumes were the most conspicuous signs. Everyone wore a helmet, and the front of each helmet was engraved with a golden eagle. There was also a warrior holding a golden eagle banner.