The Bizarre Adventures of the Oil Man, but Starting with Warhammer 32K

"Of course it will be yours. As long as you're willing to help, the Martians will also publicize you as the chief contributor to this operation. The opinions of those who hold the key positions are more important than who actually did it. Isn't that right?"

This sentence hit the mark for Lan Song, who just wanted to accumulate political capital.

Since the same effect can be achieved without issuing an extermination order, he doesn't mind returning the favor to Mars.

He weighed the possibility of Mars actually helping him for a moment, then nodded. "How much time do you need?"

"Twelve standard Terra hours."

Lan Song was a little surprised. This time made him realize that these oil men had been prepared for this. "You had already predicted that the orcs' battle moon would show abnormalities?"

"That's illogical. However, the Martian exploration fleet has already secretly arrived at Covenant Harbor. Even without this accident, we would have asked the Solar Fleet to help us increase the probability to 100%."

"..."

Lansong realized that these oilmen were truly determined to obtain the alien technology. Regardless of whether they would help him spread the word, he gave up the idea of ​​destroying the battle moon right now. "Do as you wish. The Imperial Navy will cooperate with you."

"Praise be to the God of All Omniscience. Your decision will be recorded in the sacred data archives. May the light of the Omnissiah guide us."

-

After a brief adjustment, the Solar Fleet cleared the obstacles in orbit, and Pavonis immediately led the team in an airdrop to the Battle Moon. When Leon climbed out of the Battle Moon, covered in dust, he found a drop capsule painted with the Martian logo.

The drop pod opened, revealing the Mechanicus's Storm Bolter Cannon. The Machine Spirit's discernment scan swept over Leon and the Space Marines behind him, ultimately marking them as yellow, neither enemy nor friendly.

The modified servitors and death slaves that crawled out of the drop bay quickly formed a battle line, facing Leon and the Space Marines behind him from a distance.

Are those oil men who appeared at the beginning of Port Covenant finally here to get involved?

Leon was not surprised that Mars finally came out to reap the benefits. He looked at this group of crusaders coldly, wanting to see what tricks they were going to come up with.

In contrast to his indifference, the Mechanical Priest commanding the Skitarii squad across from him actually became excited upon seeing them. He ordered the Skitarii to stop their guard and remain where they were, then approached Leon with his hands raised in a friendly gesture.

Leon wanted to signal Occam to step back, lest anyone discover he was collaborating with the traitor. However, when his eyes fell on Occam, he realized that he had changed his livery to Iron Hands.

"Why Iron Hands?"

"I just think it's more fun this way."

A Mechanical Priest and Iron Hands made Leon Urgidex feel at home as he approached. "God of Machines! Are you the ones who destroyed the Battle Moon?"

"It's not destruction, are you?"

"I'm Father Urquidex, the former production line manager at the Port of Covenant Shipyard No. 3."

He lowered his voice, as if about to reveal a secret: "Please don't be modest. I have been studying the Battle Moon for a long time. Although I don't know how you arrived at the Battle Moon, it fell into turmoil after your appearance."

Li Ang wasn't sure what Mars was planning to do, but the priest's behavior clearly didn't match his self-introduction: "The production line manager is leading the Martian Skitarians?"

"That's what I want to say. The Martians are simply crazy! More than half a month ago, a sage inquisitor from Mars came to my production line, resumed production, and made me his follower. Only then did I realize that they didn't want to destroy the Battle Moon at all! I can only tell you this: only those of you who can destroy the Battle Moon are worthy of trust!"

Even in secret, Urquidex's voice suddenly rose an octave: "Mars' goal is the Greenskin's space technology! The kind that can directly transmit the battle moon to the top of the planet..."

"Urquidex!"

Pavonis's call interrupted his conversation with Leon. Pavonis, accompanied by two Fort-level fighters, approached Leon and looked at them suspiciously.

"what are you guys saying?"

“A little bit of academic exchange.”

Leon made sure Pavonis didn't overhear their conversation: "The cybernetic soldiers have been dispatched. Mars is really going all out to 'eliminate' the orcs."

The Sage Inquisitor snorted coldly: "Not as concerned as Huangquan No. 8."

His eyes swept over the Astartes behind Leon. The tattered thrones carried on the shoulders of these Astartes almost made him, who had lost most of his emotions, laugh:

"At least we wouldn't treat a pile of scrap metal as treasure. How could a sage like you be followed by the Iron Hands? So, does this Iron Hands monk want to reconsider his alignment?"

Ockham was somewhat silent after the Minotaur's behavior. "I have no intention of considering it."

Pavonis didn't mind the refusal. "Perhaps when you visit Mars, the Iron Hands clan stationed there will ask you to redistribute your considerations. But for now, Battle Moon will be fully under Mars' control."

"Your reckless fighting has destroyed a great deal of Orc technology that could have been used for analysis and countermeasures. Any further intervention will be considered a blasphemy against the will of the God of All Machines. Sage Leon, what is your choice?"

The Astartes were dissatisfied with the Mechanic Priest's arrogance. However, having achieved their goal, they had no reason to continue clashing with Pavonis.

At Leon's signal, the Astartes made way for the Crusaders.

Pavonis was pleased with Leon's choice: "Sage Leon, if you are willing to submit to Mars' authority... perhaps Mars will understand your unorthodoxy and adjust its attitude toward you."

This seemed to be a hint to Leon to seize Maxim in the chaos, but the other party did not continue.

Pavonis personally commanded the Mechanicus's army, which included cybernetic troopers. The magnificent Skitarii from Mars wielded formidable firepower, wiping out the chaotic Orks. Some of the Ork pods attempted a counterattack, but were met with anti-ground beams from the Imperial fleet.

Leon understood that the Imperial Fleet and Mars were in the same boat.

After a provocative display of strength, Pavonis led his troops forward. Urquidex, having retreated to the Skitarii formation, was still desperately trying to signal Leon, but the multitude of their Death Slaves and the Automata leading the line made Leon ignore them for the time being.

"These Martians are still as annoying as ever."

Thorne said.

"Do not worry."

Li Ang didn't care about the other party's current arrogance. "Maybe we'll have a chance to pull off a similar feat later, just like we did a thousand years ago."

Thorne looked at Leon in surprise.

He knew Leon was referring to the Imperial Fists' raid on Mars during the Siege of Terra. But as a witness to that raid, Thrawn knew it wasn't launched until after the Fabricator-General's rebellion.

What conditions do they have now to go to Mars to smash and loot again?

Li Ang did not give a further explanation, he just signaled everyone to return to the warship first.

Everything in Covenant Port has been settled, and Leon has to focus on the next step.

Perhaps the most important step in Beast Wars.

Throneworld, Terra.

Chapter 154: Soul Drinker.

Leon already knew on the surface that the Imperial fleet had arrived in orbit of the Battle Moon, but it was not until the Thousand Sons sorcerers teleported them back to the Excelsior strike cruiser that Leon discovered that the Soul Drinkers and the Rebukers had also arrived on the scene.

"So, Lan Song wanted to send the Extermination Order to win the credit for destroying the Battle Moon, but was stopped by the Soul Drinker and the Blamer?"

Leon confirmed the general situation from the captain. Those in orbit were of course unaware that the actual hindrance to the attack was due to a conflict between the Imperial Navy and the Mechanicus. But regardless, they had to accept the favor.

"We should invite the two Chapter Masters who answered the final call of the Wall to meet and express our gratitude."

Thorne suggested.

Of course, Kurland wouldn't refuse this offer. As for the Accusers, Esaga, who was originally a member of the Accuser's think tank, would naturally go back and invite them. As for the Soul Drinkers...

"Where's Zeberian?"

Leon asked.

Everyone then realized that Zebrian, who was supposed to be in charge of the remaining fleet, was missing. Fortunately, the captain gave everyone an explanation.

"He has gone to thank the Soul Drinker on behalf of the Chapter."

-

On the shielded platforms that formed a protective glyph around the main deck, the Soul Drinker's Cherubim sang hymns to calm psychic fluctuations. Zeberion ascended the Glory's deck amidst the hymns.

The blast-proof doors covering the area reacted to his arrival. The meter-thick, silver-reinforced alloy doors opened with a pneumatic thud, and dozens of heavy lasers and bolter cannons were trained on Zeberion.

These weapons, covering the area from the door to the deck, only stopped aiming after recognizing Zeberian's identity. Zeberian looked up and found that there was only one person in the distance waiting for his arrival.

That was Chapter Master Danyatus of the Soul Drinkers.

"I hope you will not find it presumptuous that I alone am here to greet you, my brother."

Danyatus had a different kind of friendliness about him. "We just experienced an orc boarding attack, and my honor guard is busy clearing the remaining orcs from the ship."

Zeberion certainly wasn't unhappy. In fact, he appreciated the entire process, including the ship's weapons being aimed at him earlier—because it was in accordance with the Codex Astartes.

Of course, it was a bit against the rules for the Chapter Master to come alone to greet them, but compared to the deviant behavior of the final high wall, what was a small omission under special circumstances?

"A simple welcome suits my purpose, Chapter Master Danyatus. I am only First Captain of the Fists of the Exemplar. I do not need to be hailed as the likes of Kurland and Thorn."

"Captain of a First Company is an important responsibility, Brother Zeberian. You have no need to be modest. The fact that you can shoulder such a heavy responsibility with a century of combat experience speaks volumes about your ability and the trust others place in you."

Do you really trust it?

Remembering Thorne's attitude towards him, Zeberion fell silent. He wanted to explain that his First Company was merely a reorganization after the destruction of the original First Company, and that it only consisted of about thirty new recruits. But he couldn't bring himself to do so.

Danyatus keenly sensed Zeberion's change of mood: "Brother, I can sense your humility. However, I can also sense your dissatisfaction with the Kurland brothers and the Thorne brothers."

He led the conversation in a direction that embarrassed Zeberian, who waved his hand, indicating that he did not want to talk about it any further.

"I came here simply to thank the Soul Drinkers for their assistance in our time of need. If you hadn't joined us in time, I alone would not have been able to prevent the Imperial Navy's betrayal."

But Danyatus persisted: "As fellow sons of Dorne, assisting our brothers is our duty. For the Soul Drinkers, this kind of assistance is never limited to force. Brother, why don't you talk to me about your confusion?"

"I don't want this to become too... troublesome. Chapter Master Danyatus, I'm here to thank the Soul Drinkers for their assistance. How can I continue to trouble you?"

"You are wrong, Brother Zeberian. Only by untangling the knot in your heart can it prevent it from becoming a greater problem in the future. Moreover, guiding warriors is the duty of a Chapter Master as stipulated in the Codex. Isn't it?"

Danyatus' words deeply moved Zeberion. He couldn't help but compare the Chapter Master in purple power armor with Thorne, and found that the Chapter Master in front of him was obviously much more competent than Thorne.

He let down his guard a little and prepared to tell his story: "It's not a contradiction, just some unpleasantness. This matter has to start from..."

A sudden call interrupted the conversation between the two men walking side by side. Danyatus answered the call and found it was from his captain.

"My Lord. A new message has arrived for you from the Excelsior, signed by Chapter Master Kurland of the Imperial Fists."

Danyatus didn't avoid Zeberion. He opened the message and found a simple thank you for the Soul Drinkers' support. He invited Danyatus to meet him aboard the Excelsior. He also specifically mentioned Thorne at the end of the letter, hoping that his First Captain would return to his post as soon as possible.

"Looks like we'll have to return to the Excelsior together."

Zeberian's face fell, and the atmosphere became dull because of his frustration.

But this atmosphere is just right for people with ulterior motives.

"Whether you're a new member of the group or a newly promoted company commander, being questioned is something we all experience."

Danyatus comforted him, handing him the book. Zeberion's eyes were drawn to the book's blue cover. "What is this...?"

"'Military Questions and Answers'. This is a guide I wrote specifically for those Soul Drinkers who feel lost. Please read it, Brother Zeberian. I believe this book will help you in your situation as well."

-

Thorne did not reprimand Zeberion, as his act of thanking the Soul Drinker was not a problem.

He just didn't feel comfortable letting the company commander out of his sight. He always felt that as long as he deviated from the orders he had given, the company commander would definitely make some big news for him.

However, when Zeberion and Danyatus arrived at the Excelsior, Thorne found that the two were talking happily and the situation he was worried about did not occur.

He felt a little relieved and held a brief welcome ceremony for the Blamers and Soul Drinkers on the warship with Kurland.

The Blamers received tragic news: they were ambushed by Orks on their way to support Terra. The Chapter Master and several Captains were killed in the Ork siege, leaving only about 400 men in the entire Chapter.

After an internal vote within the Chapter, they decided that Isaga, who was of high status and had the best understanding of the current situation, would take over as Chapter Master. Therefore, the only newcomer at the welcoming ceremony was Daniatus.

Danyatus was not your average son of Dorne. He was soft-spoken and profoundly thoughtful, his figure imposingly majestic against the Soul Drinkers' purple power armor. He favored maintaining the Chapter's independence, but was willing to support the Last Wall during the crucial siege of Terra. With his cooperation, the welcoming ceremony, a joyous occasion for both host and guest, culminated in the Soul Drinkers' acceptance of Kurland's leadership.

The Soul Drinkers Chapter had over 800 men, the largest number of any Chapter currently. They also brought with them a valuable battle barge—the fleet strength that the Final Wall needed most.

Kurland was encouraged by this rare good news, but after the welcome ceremony, Leon came to him.

"What do you think of the Soul Drinkers?"

Kurland didn't understand why Leon asked this: "They acted secretly, but they were upright people. Upon receiving the final call to the High Wall, they immediately moved towards Terra and ultimately saved us from danger... What's wrong, Sage Leon, don't you have a positive view of them?"

"I'm just curious about where they came from."

"They were created by my father Dorn himself during the Second Founding, that is certain. Although they disappeared after the Second Founding as a fleet-based chapter, I believe that those who were able to return to Terra in time are still loyal sons of Dorn."

At least in Kurland's opinion, these Soul Drinkers are much stronger than the Black Templars.

Leon shrugged, knowing that anything he said would only increase his suspicions. He could only agree with Kurland's statement and then turned back to find Amidel, who had also attended the welcoming ceremony.

"Did you notice anything unusual about those Soul Drinkers? Like any similarities with you?"

"Are you saying they are also descendants of the Second Legion?"

Armidale was startled by Leon's words. However, after much reflection, he could not recall anything about Danyatus that was similar to the Second Legion.

"No evidence? Perhaps we need more observation."

Thousands of years later, the Soul Drinkers, caught in the bloody mutation and chaos entanglement, were confirmed to be not the blood of Dorne and were destroyed. This means that they must be the survivors of the two destroyed legions divided into the Imperial Fists, but it is impossible to prove which branch of survivors they are.

Before setting off for Covenant Port, Leon was still worried about what to do when he arrived at the Phalanx under Thorne's questioning. As a result, the solution came to him.