Minerva: Acknowledged Flight Lead, the Emperor protects.

The four gunships left as quickly as they came, zooming beyond visual sight in less than a minute.

The villagers continued to stare at the aircraft in awe until they disappeared over the horizon.

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With the battle now over the caravan began to assess their losses. Thanks to the Imperial convoy's charge, drawing the attention of the Dragon away from the vulnerable refugees, deaths and injuries were few, most being from accidents caused by the panic and mayhem.

After the dead were gathered, including what torched remains were found of the Night Lords, an ad hoc burial ceremony was held. The Cthonian squad, performed a three-volley salute in honor of the fallen.

The Mayor approached Minerva to thank her and her soldiers for all they had done for them.

Mayor: Thank you, soldiers from the Gate, we all owe you our lives.

Minerva Antioch: You're welcome, we were just doing what was right, but what are you all going to do now?

Mayor: Most of us have family nearby, but as for the injured, orphans and elderly, I'm afraid we can no longer take them with us.

Minerva Antioch: You're abandoning them?

Minerva asked incredulously. The Mayor nodded and explained.

Mayor: I know it may seem cruel, but we simply can no longer afford to support them, they'll have to go on their own.

Looking at the crying sad group of dependents Minerva sighed, knowing she would be committing one final act of insubordination on this adventure.

Minerva Antioch: We'll bring them with us.

Meanwhile, In The Imperial Base

It had been three days now since Expeditionary Army Cataegis had stepped foot on Falmart and the base's defenses and infrastructure were well under way.

Construction had been continuous, going day and night. Reformed former Saderan soldiers and Imperial Army sapper teams worked to move the earth and connect prefabricated sections of wall and buildings beneath the stern gaze of Discipline Masters. Mechanicum servitors, enginseers and tech-priests installed sophisticated equipment.

All of these desperate groups were guided by the Steel Warden Castellan Brocious, fully displaying his Legion's skill in siegeworks and logistical organization.

The defensive walls were almost complete, and the runway was now capable of supporting Thunderbolts and Avengers.

When this sight was seen by the Elves, they were shocked at the speed in which everything was being built and the machines used by these other worlders [https://img.wattpad.com/a1a3c68212aedbdd6d0cfa2cf790e0a60f18ccbd/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f434e696f704935496237566368513d3d2d313337323636363234312e313737616366353766366136663536333834343632303837343035342e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

When this sight was seen by the Elves, they were shocked at the speed in which everything was being built and the machines used by these other worlders.

Arik Taranis himself had now moved his command staff into the newly installed headquarters building from his tent. The move had been delayed due to the Mechanicum's politicking which he'd ended by saying to the Magos.

Arik Taranis: If you continue to insist on this search, Magos, then I will escort you out of this compound personally and allow you to reenter once you've returned with an STC fragment that you are so sure exists on this primitive backwards rock.

Although the half machine man hadn't shown any outward sign of fear, something that was virtually impossible underneath the extensive bionics, his warning had sufficiently mollified the tech-priest.

Now he was holding a meeting again to discuss the recent events that had occurred, more specifically, the unauthorized actions of Reconnaissance Detachment-3.

Arik Taranis: Ladies and Gentlemen, I have convened this meeting to brief you all on the...unforeseen activities that have taken place since dispatching the reconnaissance detachments and the army's next move.

The Discipline Master interjected, shouting in a voice that would have put even the most profane drill sergeant to shame.

Discipline Master Captain: The whole lot of that ork excrement stinking rabble should be shot in front of the entire army and their rotting carcasses hung in front of the main entrance!

Arik gave a stern glare at the political officer, silencing the man's rant, before continuing.

Arik Taranis: My Equerry will give a detailed explanation as to the unconventional methods the Third Reconnaissance Detachment have used on their mission, the rabble as the Discipline Master has mentioned.

The Discipline Master Captain remained quiet, but his uncompromising gaze told all in the room what he thought should be done with the unit.

Ghota stepped forward and began to speak.

Ghota: Currently Reconnaissance Detachment-3 is returning to base with...special guests, but their unsanctioned actions are far greater than bringing unexpected visitors.

Activating the holographic projector in the middle of the room, he displayed a three D image of the Flame Dragon.

Count Formal gasped as he saw the most feared creature in all of Falmart, while the Imperials in the room expressed curiosity and interest, the Imperium has faced enemies much more dangerous than this after all.

Ghota: This is a local xenos organism known locally as a Flame Dragan, which we have designated as a Volans Ginormous Draco. (Flying Giant Dragon in English) It was encountered by the detachment when they took the initiative to save an abhuman settlement.

This information piqued the interest of the command staff. Since the start of the Great Crusade, dozens of abhuman strains had been discovered and many incorporated into the Imperium. Some, such as the squats and ogryns, have greatly contributed to the Emperor's dream.

However, whenever a new abhuman strain was discovered, there would always be debate over whether or not they were "human" enough to be integrated. Even if they were granted Imperial Citizenship, there were the political interests of the Imperium's various bodies to address.

The Officio Medicae and Mechanicum Biologians would lobby for access to living specimens to study. The Mechanicum as a whole would demand any and all technology the abhumans may have to be handed over.

The Administratum would take interest in the labor and resources the newly discovered people could provide. The Imperial Military would investigate the potential combat value of the abhumans as soldiers.

The Adeptus Umbrex, of course, would consider the...purity of the strain.

The Imperium had known that there were abhumans on Falmart and had captured a few, "liberating" them from their former masters.

These "Elves" though, were the first new abhuman strain to be found on the planet in significant numbers.

Already, Arik Taranis could see the myriad of factions that made up the Imperium, thinking of what to do with them.

Comments would be appreciated.