Cold blue light streamed down from the hovering holographic star map, outlining the vast and treacherous contours of the Mariupol Sector.
Flickering points marked fleets, resource nodes, and several threat areas emanating ominous crimson and light-devouring purplish-black glows.
The air was a mix of the slightly acrid smell of burnt promehtium, the ozone scent of precision instruments, and the low hum of countless data-slates—the cold heartbeat of the Imperium's vast war machine.
Alex stood before the star map, his gaze deeply scrutinizing the crimson blotch representing the Broken Tooth Star System.
He wore a well-tailored Governor's uniform, a short cloak with a crimson lining draped over his left shoulder, and an Inquisitor's Rosette forged from adamantium pinned to his chest, reflecting a cool gleam under the dim blue light.
His presence was like the gravitational center of the star map, naturally drawing all eyes in the command center to him.
A half-step beside him, Hathor Lupeca's presence was like a drawn blade.
Her posture was erect, her dark grey administrative uniform unable to conceal the inherent majesty from her deep lineage, and her amber-gold eyes sharply scanned the star map.
"The Ash Knights' strength is growing; we currently have approximately 4,000 Astartes, including about 2,700 full Astartes and around 1,200 recruits. This is a very powerful force," Hathor's voice was steady and clear, instantly drawing all attention in the command center.
Her fingertip precisely touched the crimson Tooth Fracture area on the holographic star map.
"However, while the codex astartes provides us with a framework for organization and logistics, it also subtly restricts tactical flexibility and adaptability on the battlefield."
Her gaze swept over the Ash Knights' high command gathered at their side.
For this military meeting, Commander Shi Dong and the three Legion-era Commanders Alex had brought in were all summoned, and even Ahriman was present.
Although these individuals were all shocked by Hathor's presence, because Loken and Alex had already smoothed things over with them, their reactions were not as extreme as Loken's.
"The shadow of the Great Rift is closing in," her voice carried an undeniable urgency, "mere qualified guardsmen are insufficient to counter the world-ending storm about to engulf the galaxy.
What we need are Legion-level blades capable of cleaving through darkness and dominating the battlefield—the very backbone that supported the Great Crusade."
She leaned slightly forward, drawing a circle around the Broken Tooth Star System with her finger: "'Tempering' plan's core objective is clear: use actual combat as the furnace, and coordination as the anvil.
Recruits need to build a solid foundation, understanding the pulse and rhythm of large-scale operations; veterans must regain the resilience, adaptability, and autonomous decision-making in treacherous situations through coordinated combat.
Time waits for no one, and the overall leap in the Chapter's effectiveness is key to our race against time."
Her fingertip steadily pressed on the crimson area: "The Broken Tooth Star System will be the 'furnace' for the first phase, targeting a remnant Ork force that has fallen into 'WAAAGH! Lost' due to infighting among its leaders. They are still ferocious but leaderless, posing a moderate and controllable threat."
She looked at Sigismund and Ventanus, who were attending the meeting: "For your recruit companies, this is an excellent 'training ground.'
Training emphasis will be on cross-company coordination, battlefield information flow, stabilizing the front line amidst Ork-induced chaos, and strict adherence to operational procedures under veteran guidance.
We are forging the 'cornerstone' of coordinated combat, not merely pursuing kill counts."
Alex's gaze swept over the crimson blotch on the star map, and he calmly took over the conversation: "Ms. Hathor's plan hits the nail on the head. The Orks of the Broken Tooth Star System, chaotic but unorganized, are indeed the 'ideal whetstone' for honing recruit coordination."
He turned to Sigismund, his eyes filled with approval and expectation: "Commander Sigismund, the essence of Legion-level defense lies in unity of will and precision of action. This 'Anvil' battle is a crucial opportunity to instill this essence into new blood. What is your vision for this battle?"
Sigismund immediately stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the densest cluster of Ork light points, his voice as resonant as adamantium striking adamantium: "Governor, you see clearly! The essence is 'seamless integration under a unified will'!"
He clasped his hands together, mimicking the meshing of gears: "Firepower and assault must be as tightly integrated as siege engines! Veterans are not just the spearhead, but also guides—allowing recruits to feel the pulse of their comrades amidst the Orks' roars, and understand the true meaning of commands!
They must understand that individual valor, only when integrated into the overall torrent, can tear through steel! The Codex provides the skeleton; this battle will inject it with the soul of the Legion—the ability to precisely execute complex coordination amidst chaos!"
Alex nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Ventanus: "Commander Ventanus, translating objectives into executable plans and ensuring controllable risks is your expertise. How will you use 'steps' to guide the recruits, both training coordination and solidifying their foundation?"
Ventanus nodded steadily, his finger rapidly tracing over the cursor on the control panel, pulling up a pre-set tactical projection map: "Governor, Commander Sigismund is absolutely right. The Orks being scattered is exactly to my liking."
He pointed to several light points on the outer edge of the star map.
"First, precise firepower coverage of the outer nodes to establish a secure control zone—driving the Orks into a pre-set 'pocket,' minimizing initial chaotic contact and losses for the recruits." Then, he circled several pre-set training areas, "Second, within the control zone, organize recruits for multi-wave coordinated assaults and firepower coverage drills, repeatedly honing their teamwork.
Each wave will have clear objectives, emphasizing immediate responses between assault teams and fire teams, with veteran squads embedded at key nodes responsible for real-time guidance and correction."
Finally, his finger pointed to the pre-set decisive battle zone: "When the Orks are cornered, organize a recruit-led, veteran-supported annihilation battle to complete the practical combat loop. This ensures controllable risk and maximizes coordination experience."
Alex's gaze fell upon Ahriman, carrying a hint of undeniable gravity: "Librarian Ahriman, Ork Psyker kids are the most unstable cracks in the coordination chain. How can the recruits' will and coordination remain stable amidst a potential Warp storm?"
Ahriman's gaze swept over the Ork gathering area, the shadows beneath his hood shifting slightly, his voice carrying the deep resonance characteristic of a Psyker: "Governor, your insight is sharp. Commander Ventanus's strategy is sound, but if hidden Psyker kids erupt, it would be disastrous for recruit coordination."
He turned to Alex and Hathor: "The Librarian will establish a psychic monitoring network in the main combat zone and embed psychic support teams within recruit squads, providing early warning and counter-barriers.
This battle is also a mandatory lesson for the recruits—to hone communication, discipline, and execution under Warp whispers and psychic shocks!
Iron will is the cornerstone against Chaos, and also the lifeline of coordination. I will ensure interference is suppressed to a controllable range, and the tempering process remains undisturbed."
Alex's gaze finally rested on Commander Shi Dong, carrying a clear entrustment: "Chapter Master Shi Dong, the integration and execution of the 'Anvil' operation are your undeniable responsibilities."
He paused, his voice imbued with power: "The growth of the recruits, the cohesion of the soul of coordination, is the core of this battle. Ventanus's 'steps' are the framework, Sigismund's 'soul' is the essence, and Ahriman's 'barrier' is the guarantee. Forge them into a sharp sword, to be wielded by you."
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