Chapter 9 the Crusade
845. M41
It has been 10 years since the construction of the Gate leading to another Galaxy. There were discovered worlds, populated by people and, therefore, the Emperor took the decision to join these worlds to the Imperium of Mankind. But the time was right for the invasion to begin. And as Guilliman's Robout had predicted, there was a civil war. Galactic Republic under the leadership Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, with army clones and Confederation Independent systems, led by former a Jedi, count Dooku, have which on weapons are worth countless being shelved droids. The war began on a desert planet called Geonosis, which is inhabited by beetle-like creatures and two months later, hostilities reached an impasse. None of the parties could not achieve a significant advantage over the enemy. The moment was right for the Imperium to strike. But one question remains to be decided, which Primarch will lead the new Crusade and lead the Emperor's armies into battle. All the Primarchs gathered in the throne room of the Imperial Palace to settle the matter.
"My sons, I have long debated who will be given the title of Warmaster and who will lead the armies of mankind into another war. Robout Guilliman Primarch of the XIII Legion, Lord of Ultramar, you have predicted exactly what is happening there, and I am sure you have already created a plan of action. Thanks to your intelligence, we will quickly break their resistance. And so I name you Warmaster of the Imperium and order you to join the new worlds to our great state and bring to them the light of Imperial Truths.
"Father, your will will be done.
Turning to his brothers Robout began to outline his plan:
"Brothers, we have much work to do. Perturabo, Mortarion, Jagatai, you, along with fleets Of explorers Adeptus Mechanicus proceed to the exploration and conquest of "Unexplored regions", the local inhabitants have not been able to colonize the worlds located there and master them.
"Will you keep us out of the fighting?"! Jagatai Khan demanded.
"I don't know if there might be enemies or not. But it is necessary to cut off to our enemies all ways to retreat. So that no one escapes us. And these "Unexplored regions", until that the only place where they can hide.
Corvus and Angron-your goal is a space controlled by a race of xenos, called the Hutts. These vile creatures profit from suffering to make themselves richer. The main source of their wealth is the slave trade. Your task is to destroy this race, free the slaves and return them to their home worlds.
"We will leave at once, so as not to lose any time." Then you can send your sons to bring the Imperial Truths. Corvus Corax Said.
"I will destroy these wretched creatures with my own hands, burn their worlds. I will kill all those who have made a living out of poor slaves. Angron snarled and ran from the throne room.
"Apparently he won't rest until he's exterminated all the slavers." "As Horus Lupercal would have said to himself, but everyone heard.
- Ferrus and Vulkan – your objective worlds of the Republic and the SPS form the basis of their industrial power, their ships and their factories. Sanguinius, according to our data, the Council of neutral systems is not involved in hostilities. But it includes 1,500 star systems, convince them to join us, guarantee them protection. And if you fail, conquer their worlds by force of arms.
"I don't think it will come to a military confrontation, brother. As soon as my entire Legion is in orbit around their Central world. They will surrender.
- Alpari, start the recruitment of the population on worlds, located on the border between the Republic and the ANC. Let your sons teach them. This is essential to the approach of our triumph.
- You don't have to worry about About.
"Well, the others remain in our galaxy to protect our Father and the human Imperium.
Already through several hours ships 10 legions of started with Terra and flowed to the Gate. In the vanguard were the World-eaters. No one doubted that they would be the first to shed the blood of new enemies. In the alpha Centauri system, where they were already waiting for a group of troops that had been assembled by Lord Malcador Sigillit by order of the Emperor. This whole Armada has begun to move gradually through the Gate, but the passage of all the troops will take several days. Thanks to the construction of the Gate in the new Galaxy, the journey will take about a week of standard Terran time. And so began an Unstoppable Crusade.
POV Coruscant
Jedi Council Chamber.
The Jedi masters were pondering their next move. The Clone wars began just two months ago. The Grand Army of the Republic showed all its might during the battle of Geonosis. To facilitate the transport of troops, an agreement was made with the Hutts. Despite this, several worlds have already been captured by the Separatists or they were the first clashes of this bloody war. One of those people was Christophsis. Despite all these events, the visitors from the other galaxy had gone into isolation immediately after the Nabuan crisis, most likely unwilling to interfere in the Affairs of the Republic.
- We need to target worlds where there are factories for the production of combat droids. If we deprive the enemy of reinforcements, we will have the strength to counterattack. Master Windu suggested.
But almost all of their production facilities are located on the planets of the Trade Federation. Kenobi Replied.
- The ships of the Imperium do not use their hyperdrive and can pass on the territory of the Separatists.
"Are you suggesting we involve them in our war?" master Yoda asked.
"Master, you know what they're capable of. During Nebancara crisis, their small fleet was able to destroy the Trade Federation ship in just a few minutes. I'm not talking about the power of space Marines. We need such a powerful ally if we are to end this war quickly. Windu Replied
"Your motives are clear to me. Negotiations should start. But I will fly them with Qui-Gon, who was already in negotiations with their commander. We should leave immediately.
"You're sure." You may need an escort. Obivan Said.
"If they decide to attack, I won't be saved by the entire Republican Fleet." It is better to fly on one light cruiser.
"May the Force be with you, master Yoda.
Leaving the Council Chamber, Yoda went to the hangar where the Consular cruiser was preparing for takeoff, and master Qui-gon was waiting.
"Master Yoda, I hope you know what you're doing, she'll demand something in exchange for her help in this war.
"We have little choice, but we cannot allow this war to spread to new worlds. Therefore, new allies are needed.
Anakin Skywalker suddenly ran into the hangar:
"Masters, let me come with you.
"My Padawan, is it because you haven't seen your mother in a long time?"
"I'm sorry, master, but I need to know she's all right."
"All right, we'll all be better off together." Yoda said
So, Qui-gon Jinn, Anakin Skywalker and Yoda boarded the ship and went to the Tattoo system. The flight to Tatooine took 1.5 weeks. As the ship approached the system, it was contacted:
"Unidentified ship, you are in confined space. Immediately follow the fighters and land on the surface of the planet or you will be destroyed."
"It's been almost ten years, and they're also welcoming guests. There were several times as many Imperium ships. Qui-Gon Said.
"They must be preparing to go to war." Anakin Suggested.
"There's too little information to speculate on right now. Maybe they just want to protect themselves.
When the Jedi flew to the planet, they were shocked by how much it has changed. Along the desert planet they saw a world covered with oceans and jungles, and on the night side of the planet were visible the lights of cities built from scratch over the past ten years. In orbit of the planet were connecting docks, near which were ships of the Imperial Navy. Changed and all three moons of Tatooine: Garssen, Guermessa, Chenini. Whole cities were visible on their surface. Rings were built around each of them, which served as a berth for ships and on which defensive guns were mounted.
When the ship landed on the landing pad and lowered the ramp. The Jedi were met by an escort from the planetary defense force.
"Welcome to Dinat Prime. What is the purpose of your arrival? The officer said.
- Welcome. We have come to negotiate with the Imperium of Humanity.
"We will escort you to the planetary Governor's Palace. Talk to him.
Sitting in a antigravity transport the Jedi under the escort went to the center of the city. Over the past ten years, skyscrapers of metal and glass have been built on the site of old settlements. The transport stopped in the square in front of the planetary Governor's Palace. In the center of the square stood a huge statue. Qui-gon recognized one of them as Primarch Alpharius.
"Officer, who are these statues for?" he asked the commander of the escort.
"In the center is a statue of the Emperor, the great unifier and master of our race. And around, statues Primarchs-his sons.
As the delegation entered the main hall of the Palace, a man in expensive clothes came out in front of them, flanked by guards.
"Greetings, Jedi. I am Immanuel Derosa, planetary Governor of this world with the blessing of the immortal Emperor.
- Greetings you Governor-stepped forward Yoda – We need to talk to the with your command. Tell me, Primarch Alpharius, still in this galaxy.
Hearing the Primarch's name, the Governor was surprised – Primarch Alpharius is not in this galaxy at the moment, but you are lucky he will arrive tomorrow with some of his brothers. In the meantime, you can stay in the Palace as guests.
"I'm sorry, but I'd like to find someone who lived on this planet before you arrived."
"If you need to find this man as quickly as possible, you can contact the headquarters of the Adeptus Arbites. I will inform the planetary arbiter of your arrival. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have urgent business to attend to.
"Thank you for your help."
As the Governor left the room, Qui-gon turned to Anakin:
"You just put your personal motives ahead of our mission.
"I'm sorry, master, but I need to know she's all right."
- Go you must, bring itself the world and domestic rest. Yoda Said.
Skywalker, accompanied by part of the soldiers went to the headquarters of the Adeptus Arbitres. And masters Yoda and Qui-gon Jinn followed the servants into the depths of the Palace. An hour later, Anakin was standing in the planetary arbiter's office.
"So, young man, the planetary Governor has informed me of your request. Not everyone can get an audience with me. Still, they made an exception for you, as you are a member of the Embassy delegation.
"Thanks in advance for your help."
"So what's the name of the man you want to find?"
SHMI Skywalker.
The arbiter entered the data into his cogitator and all the information appeared on the screen.
- So, we'll see. SHMI Skywalker. She lived in Mos Espa with her son. The son was missing. She married Cligg Lars, a farmer. Now lives in farmland near Anchorhead.
"Can you give me the exact coordinates?"
"Yes, please."
"Thanks for your help."
As he left headquarters, Anakin was glad to finally see his mother after ten years. Arriving at the coordinates, he saw a farm on which he saw from afar the C-3PO he had assembled as a child. As he entered the greenhouse, he saw his mother and an elderly man at work. Turning, she saw him too, and recognized him as her son. There were smiles on their faces and they hugged tightly. So was the reunion of the family Skywalker. They spent most of the day together. Cligg Lars proved to be a good man and introduced Anakin to his son and daughter-in-law. But it was time for Anakin to go back, for he had a Jedi duty. He had yet to meet the Primarchs, who would be arriving on Tatooine any minute.
POV Primarch Angron
"My Lord Legion is safely out of the Gate. We're in a new galaxy. What are your orders? Should we wait for the Raven Guard to arrive?
"NO! Entire fleet. The order is to leave immediately for Hutt space. Free the slaves. Kill slaveholders, and all who will protect , leave something to the Ravens, or they'll hold a grudge against us.