"Colonel, someone is here to see you."
Inside the command post, a messenger pushed the door open, stood at attention, saluted, and shouted to the Commander: "It's an order from His Excellency, Archmagos Drayne, who said he must deliver it to you personally."
The Colonel, who was hunched over his desk processing military reports from the front line, seemed a bit reluctant and said without lifting his head: "Let him in."
"Yes, Colonel!"
The messenger turned and left, returning a moment later with a man.
The furnishings inside the command post were quite simple; besides the necessary communication devices and a few yellowed maps, there was almost nothing for enjoyment, which showed that this Astra Militarum Colonel was quite incorruptible in the notoriously corrupt Astra Militarum.
Don't think that there are no corruption issues within the Astra Militarum; even the great 'God-Emperor' cannot avoid corruption.
If one was lucky enough to encounter a less greedy superior, it was already considered very fortunate in the Astra Militarum. However, if one was unlucky enough to meet a truly corrupt official, cases of forced rebellion were countless, or simply commonplace.
In the Warhammer Universe, vermin are the mainstream!
"Hello, Colonel Watson, I am Merlin Emrys." Emrys stood still, extended his hand in a friendly gesture, and took the opportunity to size up the other party.
Colonel Watson was probably around forty to fifty years old, with a rugged face and a beard on his chin.
He wore a sharply pressed military uniform and an old military cap. His left eye and right arm had been replaced by bionics, exuding a unique military aura, standing there like a drawn sword!
"I don't have time to know who you are, nor am I interested."
Colonel Watson was clearly displeased, especially after seeing Emrys' noble attire. The disgust in his eyes was almost palpable, and he said without any politeness: "Your Excellency, this is my command post. If you need anything, please find someone else. I don't have time to chat with you right now!"
Apparently, due to Drayne' series of 'questionable actions,' this Astra Militarum Commander had grown to despise both nobles and Tech-Priests.
"Colonel Watson, please allow me to introduce myself."
Emrys didn't mind the other party's 'rudeness.' Rather, he understood Colonel Watson's thoughts very well, so he slowly said: "I am Merlin Emrys, heir to the Emrys Rogue Trader Dynasty."
"Listen, I don't care who you are."
Watson frowned deeply, but the disgust that had been palpable in his brow subsided somewhat: "If you cannot offer me assistance, then please leave. I have many matters to attend to and no time for idle chatter!"
For some time now, the situation on Siluria had forced Colonel Watson to rack his brains to cope.
However, facing the three-pronged harassment from Chaos, genestealers, and Orks, the morale of the Astra Militarum had almost hit rock bottom. If they didn't find a solution soon, perhaps… they would even completely lose the last remaining area of the mid-hive!
They had abandoned the under-hive and most of the mid-hive. Now… were they to surrender even the last area to the heretics?!
For Colonel Watson, this was undoubtedly a huge disgrace!
He had sworn to serve the God-Emperor with his life, defending every inch of the Imperium's territory.
But… those damned vermin, the cowardly Tech-Priests and nobles, had jointly pressured him, leading to the current situation. Naturally, Colonel Watson had no good feelings for them.
From the very beginning of the war, he had made several suggestions, but without exception, they were all rejected by that damned 'Drayne.'
It could even be said that if it weren't for Drayne' foolish actions, Siluria would not have fallen into its current predicament!
Facing Watson's order to leave, Emrys smiled and simply sat down in a chair, showing no intention of departing: "What if I said… I'm here to offer you help?"
The next moment, Watson's rugged face instantly softened as if thawing, replaced by a warm smile: "Tea, Your Excellency? The esteemed heir to the Emrys Rogue Trader Dynasty, Emrys!"
God damn, that was a quick change of face!
Emrys was stunned for a few seconds, watching Colonel Watson's 'before and after' transformation, a change of face so fast it was almost light speed, though he didn't dislike it.
Ultimately, Colonel Watson's change in attitude was simply to better defend the position. All his intentions were good, far more pleasing than those true vermin.
"Ahem, no need for tea." Emrys quickly regained his composure, coughed twice, feeling a bit unaccustomed.
"Oh, you should have said so earlier!"
Watson looked regretful, quickly poured him a cup of water, held it out, then stared at him expectantly, rubbing his hands: "Ahem, to be honest, we urgently need support right now, including supplies, weapons, and personnel. So… where do you plan to start?"
"Nothing."
Emrys spread his hands and shook his head.
This was true; his so-called help did not include providing supplies, weapons, or personnel. After all, he was currently short-handed, and even if he did reallocate some, how much of an impact could they have on the front lines?
"Are you fucking messing with me?!"
Upon hearing there would be no support, Watson's face immediately changed. He glared at him with eyes as wide as brass bells, furious: "If you don't have anything, then get out! Stop wasting my time!"
"Don't be so hasty, Colonel Watson." Emrys chuckled slightly, looking at the enraged Watson, and said calmly: "While I cannot provide you with direct support, I can help you… alleviate some of the pressure on the front lines."
Hearing this, Watson froze: "Alleviate pressure?"
This method of assistance was a path he had not considered. He looked at Emrys suspiciously.
"Colonel Watson, the reason you need reinforcements is simply because the pressure on the front line is too great, am I right?" Emrys said methodically: "So, if I told you I have a way to reduce the Astra Militarum's pressure a bit, by diverting enemy attacks, would that count as helping you?"
"Given that you're a Rogue Trader, I'll listen to a few more of your empty words." Watson suppressed the rising anger in his heart, turned and sat back in his chair, staring at him darkly: "Speak, how do you plan to relieve the pressure on my front line? I warn you, don't joke with me again!"
"No rush, there's one more thing I need to ask you."
Emrys leaned slightly forward, his gaze carrying a certain scrutinizing meaning, and slowly said: "Colonel Watson, are you loyal?"
"Are you questioning me?!"
Watson's pupils constricted slightly, rage burning in him, veins throbbing on his forehead. If the person sitting opposite him wasn't a 'Rogue Trader,' he would probably have drawn his gun: "I have fought for the God-Emperor across the galaxy, battled through blood and fire. When did it become the turn of vermin like you to question me?!"
For a loyal soldier, Emrys' question was undoubtedly an insult!
"Please don't get agitated, Colonel Watson." Emrys remained seated, seemingly unfazed by the tangible rage in the other's eyes, and said lightly: "I am not questioning your loyalty to the God-Emperor. It's just one thing I must confirm. If you feel I am insulting you, then I apologize!"
"…" Watson's forehead veins throbbed, but upon hearing his apology, he reluctantly suppressed his anger and said in a hoarse voice: "What exactly do you want to say?"
"It's simple… if you had to abandon your so-called 'loyalty' to protect the God-Emperor's domains and his people, what would you choose, Colonel Watson?"
Emrys' lips curled slightly, a faint glint flashing in his eyes, and he whispered: "You are willing to give your life for the God-Emperor, that is beyond doubt, but… are you willing to bear the name of a heretic for the God-Emperor?"
"What do you mean?"
Watson never expected the other party to say such a thing; it was simply like… a heretic. He stared at Emrys, dumbfounded: "Are you telling me to betray the God-Emperor?!"
If the person opposite him wasn't a Rogue Trader, and had the recommendation of Drayne and the Iron Fathers, he might even have thought that Chaos scum had infiltrated!
"Don't be so tense, Colonel."
Emrys crossed his legs and said calmly: "At this point, I won't hide it from you. I have an alien legion, composed merely of controlled beasts, but their numbers are scarce, not enough to change the situation on the front lines. Therefore, I need your cooperation. Only then… can Siluria be protected from the assaults of Chaos and other heretics."
"Aren't you afraid I'll tell the Inquisitor?!"
Watson was shocked by his audacity, daring to say he had connections with xenos right in front of an Astra Militarum Commander!
"Colonel, don't forget… I am a Rogue Trader." Emrys looked at him with a half-smile, slowly pulling out a 'rosarium' badge from his pocket: "The Inquisitor… do you mean this?"
Sorry, my friend, I have connections!
Looking at the rosarium badge, Watson's mouth twitched. At that moment, he seemed to finally realize the immense power contained within the words 'top-tier noble'!
"How confident are you?"
After a moment of silence, Watson asked with difficulty: "Can you guarantee… that if I cooperate as you say, we can hold Siluria?"
"I cannot promise you anything, but…" Emrys paused for half a second, his gaze fixed on him: "At least it will buy us some time, allowing Siluria to hold out until Imperial reinforcements arrive."
Hearing this, Watson fell silent again, seemingly pondering whether to agree.
"Colonel, please consider carefully. Once you agree, it means… even if Siluria is held, it is highly likely that you will be deemed a heretic by the Inquisitor due to the xenos."
Emrys' gaze was calm, not rushing Colonel Watson, because he knew very well what a great sacrifice such a decision would be for a loyal officer!
There is no perfect solution in the world.
So, is it to fight to the last breath for the God-Emperor, yet watch helplessly as heretics invade the Imperium's territory and slaughter the God-Emperor's people… or choose to bear the name of a heretic for the God-Emperor, to protect the Imperium's territory and the God-Emperor's people?!
"...Has anyone ever told you that you're practically a devil?" Watson sighed bitterly, a hint of helplessness on his face: "I agree. As long as we can hold Siluria, even if it's just to… buy the Imperium a little more time."
"Even if you are deemed a heretic?"
Emrys again confirmed his decision.
After all, in this plan, Watson's importance was self-evident; he needed the cooperation of this Astra Militarum Commander to execute it!
"I have a clear conscience." Watson grinned, looking up at Emrys, his gaze resolute: "I am a warrior of the God-Emperor. As long as Siluria can be held, even if the Inquisitor executes me, I will accept it willingly. Defending the homeland… is a soldier's duty!"
Emrys' smile faded, and he rose, bowing very solemnly to Watson: "On behalf of Emrys, I express my respect to you, Colonel Watson."
Watson adjusted his military cap, expressionless, and sat in his chair, looking at Emrys: "Now, can you tell me your plan?"
"I will have that alien legion intentionally lure the Ork Boyz, genestealers, and Chaos to meet." Emrys' eyes darkened slightly as he said: "With the cooperation of the Astra Militarum, we will make them fight among themselves, thoroughly stir up this murky water, and buy us time!"
Hearing this, Watson frowned deeply: "Is this… feasible?"
"How will you know if you don't try?"
Emrys revealed a mysterious smile: "If it were other factions, it might not be so smooth, but if it's the Ork Boyz… the success rate is very high!"
In fact, this was precisely the combat plan executed by Chapter Master Marneus Calgar, after arriving at Vigilus during Vigilus campaign, in conjunction with the Craftworld Saim-Hann Eldar.
Let the Ork Boyz and genestealers fight like dogs, thereby buying time for the Imperium!
The only difficulty was how to precisely control the intensity and range of the lure, to avoid being encircled by both sides!
But he had a plan for that too!
Just a few hidden 'Space Bridges' would allow the already extremely fast Eldar warriors to instantly disappear and transfer to other locations.
After a moment of careful thought, Watson gritted his teeth and agreed: "Good, I will have the Astra Militarum cooperate with you!"
"First, your soldiers need to… retreat." Emrys pointed at the map and said in a deep voice: "We must trade space for time, annihilate the enemy in motion, and continuously attack the enemy's weak points with superior force!"
Looking at the location Emrys pointed to on the map, even Watson couldn't help but be shocked: "This is the last area of the mid-hive. If we abandon even here…"
"Colonel, do you think, by holding our ground with our current strength, how long can we last?" Emrys asked.
"A month… or less."
Watson frowned tightly, stating the estimated time. This was under the most ideal circumstances; if there were any unforeseen events, it could be even shorter!
"In that case, let's abandon this place entirely." Emrys said in a deep voice: "In ancient Terra, there is a saying: 'Lose the land, lose the people and the land. Keep the people, lose the land… then the people and the land will remain!'"
"We must leave enough space so that we can concentrate our forces and better lure them into our prepared ambush." He looked up at Watson and said: "This is the only way."
At the same time, he silently apologized to Calgar in his heart, hoping he wouldn't mind him plagiarizing his plan!