Warhammer: From the Devouring C'tan Fragments

The First, Second and Third Companies of the Astra Militarum, like three sharp swords, were led by their respective brave and fearless captains. Accompanied by the deep and powerful roar of more than a dozen majestic Chimera armored transport vehicles, they launched a magnificent attack on the distant city at lightning speed.

However, what these three confident and high-spirited attacking companies did not expect was that the attack was unexpectedly smooth.

From the landing point to every inch of land in the city, no company encountered even the slightest resistance from the heretical forces.

It was as if the city had already opened its doors to welcome them, everything seemed so easy and smooth.

Before long, the entire city fell easily into the control of the three companies of the Astra Militarum like a ripe fruit.

When they began to conduct a comprehensive and detailed search of the city, a surprising scene appeared before their eyes: the entire city was empty, the streets were deserted, the doors and windows of the houses were closed, and there was no trace of the bustling crowds and lively atmosphere of life in the past. It was hard to imagine that there was ever any trace of human habitation here.

It was obvious that most of the city's population seemed to have quietly evacuated along with those heretics, leaving behind only a silent and empty city.

However, as the Astra Militarum soldiers were searching further, some subtle movements hidden in the corners of the house aroused their vigilance.

Following these clues carefully, they were surprised to find that a large number of people were hiding in every corner, trembling with fear.

Finally, when the Astra Militarum soldiers brought out all those hiding in secret places in the city, after a rough count, they were shocked to find that in this seemingly deserted city, there were still tens of thousands of residents!

After careful interrogation, the Astra Militarum soldiers discovered that these people were once nobles and merchants on this planet, as well as their slaves.

When these people learned that the Imperial reinforcements were about to arrive, they made a decision without hesitation - they would not evacuate the city with those who were considered heretics. They held infinite loyalty and admiration for the Empire and the God-Emperor in their hearts and were willing to sacrifice everything for them.

At this moment, the company commander stood there, his eyes sweeping over the tens of thousands of people swarming before him. His brow furrowed, and for a moment he was unsure how to handle such a difficult situation.

After careful consideration, he finally decided to leave the issue to Captain Tim and Political Commissar Kam, and let these two people decide whether these people should live or die.

The guard quickly ran to the company commander, standing upright with a serious expression, waiting for his commander's orders.

The company commander said in a calm and decisive tone, "You will immediately go to the landing point and inform Captain Tim and Political Commissar Kam of the situation. Ask them how to deal with these people."

"Yes, sir!" The guards saluted the company commander neatly, and then rushed towards the landing point like an arrow.

Not long after, Captain Tim received a detailed report from the soldiers. Hearing the news, he was filled with surprise and involuntarily turned to look at Political Commissar Kam beside him, asking in confusion:

"This is truly unexpected! Most people chose to flee with the heretics, yet these nobles and wealthy merchants who once dominated this planet unexpectedly stayed. What are your thoughts on this, Commissar Kam?"

When Commissar Kam heard Tim's question, a look of deep disdain and disdain appeared on his face. He sneered loudly and contemptuously:

"Hmph! Look at what they are! What a bunch of cowards! When those evil heretics invaded this world with such force, they were so frightened that they spinelessly chose to surrender.

But what about now? When they heard we were coming to wipe out those heretics, they became fence-sitters and quickly volunteered to stay.

Tim looked at Commissar Kam solemnly, his eyes full of doubt, and couldn't help asking, "So, Commissar Kam, how should we deal with these capricious people?"

Commissar Kam's gaze instantly grew cold, as if it could freeze the very air before him. He replied coldly in a tone devoid of any emotion:

"Of course, we must act strictly in accordance with the laws of the empire! In every world, those so-called nobles, when faced with foreign invasion, bear the unshirkable responsibility and obligation to protect the tranquility and peace of this world.

However, these guys were able to survive under the tyranny of heretics. This was enough to prove that when heretics were ravaging the world, they betrayed their mission without hesitation and chose to surrender shamefully.

Therefore, according to the laws of the Empire, these nobles should all be sent to the gallows to set things right! However, the world is still under the control of heretics, and it would be a pity to hastily execute these nobles.

After all, they might have some understanding of the situation in this world and might be able to provide us with some useful information or help.

Therefore, I decided to adopt a compromise method - for the former nobles, five out of ten will be drawn and five will be killed; as for the remaining merchants, commoners and slaves, one out of ten will be drawn and one will be killed. This way, the majesty of the imperial law can be demonstrated, while not wasting resources.

As for those who survive after executing the law, all will be given weapons and used as death squads to attack the heretic's defensive positions."

"I understand." Tim nodded and turned to the soldier who delivered the message and said:

"Go! Tell your company commander about Commissar Kam's decision and have him carry out his mission according to Commissar Kam's orders."

"Yes."

The soldier solemnly saluted Tim with the Sky Eagle Salute, turned around and ran quickly towards the distant city.

After receiving the messenger's reply, the company commander looked indifferently at the tens of thousands of people in the audience and shouted out his orders:

"Nobles will be killed if drawn five times out of ten, commoners, merchants, and slaves will be killed if drawn one times out of ten. Execute immediately."

"Yes."

After receiving the order, the Star Army soldiers present pounced on the tens of thousands of people below the scene like hungry wolves, killing them randomly.

"Spare my life!"

"I have shed blood for the Imperium. I am a staunch believer in the God-Emperor."

"Sir, my family still has a lot of wealth. As long as you let me go, all this wealth will be yours."

Those who were chosen by the Star Army soldiers to be made an example of began to wail and scream for mercy.

Faced with the temptation and pleas for mercy from these people, the Astra Militarum soldiers simply pulled the trigger indifferently, and one by one, nobles, civilians, merchants, and slaves fell to the ground.