Chapter 1173: The End of the Fengkao Shield Campaign

In the low orbit of Fengkaodunxing, the end of the Fengqi Seventh Sub-fleet had arrived.

The remaining ships were trapped in the encirclement of three fleets from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

Kalivento stood on the Bridge of the Enterprise, watching the loss reports constantly flashing on the tactical screen.

"Frigate... destroyed."

"Cruiser... lost power, currently drifting."

"Battleship... engines damaged, unable to withdraw from the battlefield."

Kalivento said to the Communications Officer in despair.

"Send a communication request to Guilliman."

On the holographic screen, the figure of Roboute Guilliman appeared.

"Alien Kalivento."

Guilliman's voice was calm.

"This battle is over. Surrender, and I guarantee that you and your subordinates will be treated the same as other prisoners of war."

Kalivento's three eyes stared fixedly at Guilliman.

"Surrender? And let you lock us in a prison? Or worse, use us as test subjects?"

"I am the Primarch of the Thirteenth Legion. My word carries weight; you will not be used as test subjects, but your soldiers will be put to labor reform."

The officers on the Bridge all looked at Kalivento.

Waiting for his decision.

Kalivento closed his eyes.

He thought of the soldiers on the ground. Those soldiers who trusted him, followed him into this trap, and the situation he had caused himself.

Kalivento opened his eyes.

He looked at Guilliman.

"If I surrender, can you guarantee the lives of all my crew? Not just the officers, but every sailor, every technician?"

Guilliman nodded.

"I give you my honor."

Kalivento took a deep breath.

Then, he straightened his back.

"All ships of the Seventh Sub-fleet, attention. This is Commander Kalivento. Cease all resistance, shut down weapon systems, and prepare to receive boarding inspections. Repeat, cease resistance, prepare to surrender."

The order spread throughout the fleet.

Some ships executed it immediately, others hesitated for a moment, but eventually, one by one, the Fengqi ships stopped firing.

The battle was over.

Kalivento turned to Craig.

"Record the final log: Star Date 978. M41, Fengkaodunxing system, the Seventh Sub-fleet, under the encirclement of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance fleet commanded by Roboute Guilliman, chooses to surrender to avoid needless sacrifice. Commander Kalivento takes full responsibility for the failure of this campaign. Log ends."

He turned off the Recorder, then unbuckled the sword at his waist and placed it on the Control Console.

The door to the Bridge opened.

Ultramarines in blue Power Armor walked in, Bolters pointed at the ground, but ready to be raised at any moment.

The leading Space Marine removed his helmet.

It was a young but resolute face, with golden hair and blue eyes.

"Alien Kalivento? I am the Company Commander of the First Company of the Ultramarines, Xikasi. Please come with me."

Kalivento nodded, took one last look at the Bridge, and then followed the Space Marine away.

Behind him, the officers were taken away one by one.

The history of the Seventh Sub-fleet ended here.

The third day after the battle ended, on the surface of Fengkaodunxing.

Cleanup work was underway.

Astra Militarum soldiers searched for survivors and recovered equipment that could still be used.

Saiweilu stood beside a Warhound Titan, speaking with the Titan captain over the comms.

The battlefield was covered in wreckage and corpses.

Those of the Astra Militarum, the Fengqi, and occasionally, fragments of blue Power Armor could be seen.

"How heavy are the losses?"

The captain asked.

Saiweilu was silent for a moment.

"The Third Company lost seven warriors. There are also three severely wounded who may not be able to return to the battlefield."

"What about the Astra Militarum?"

"Two thousand four hundred survivors from the Death Korps of Krieg. Three thousand one hundred survivors from the Modian Iron Guard. The casualty rate... is high."

Not far away, in a medical tent, Lieutenant Lina Klaus was receiving treatment.

Her left arm had been struck by shrapnel during the battle and required regenerative treatment.

"You will make a full recovery," the medical officer said, "though there may be some scars left behind."

Lina nodded, not caring.

To her, scars were a soldier's medals.

The tent flap was lifted, and Colonel Sitelake walked in.

His left arm was in a sling, and there were a few new abrasions on his face, but overall he looked fine.

"Lieutenant."

Sitelake said.

"The command headquarters has received a commendation for you. Your contributions in observation and command were specifically mentioned."

Lina tried to get up to salute, but was stopped by Sitelake.

"Rest. The campaign is over; we have time to recuperate."

"What comes next, Colonel?"

Sitelake looked outside the tent.

In the sky, transport ships of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance were taking off and landing, delivering supplies and reinforcements.

"Lord Guilliman says that Fengkao Shield is now a key node on the defensive line. We are to establish permanent fortifications here and prepare to meet the counterattack from the Fengqi Star Alliance."

"Will they come again?"

"They certainly will."

Sitelake said.

"Valken will not admit defeat easily. This is only the beginning, not the end."

Lina nodded, then asked.

"What about Lieutenant Keman? He..."

Sitelake's expression dimmed for a moment.

"Keman's Leman Russ Tank took a direct hit. He and his entire crew were killed in action."

Lina closed her eyes.

Another familiar face had vanished.

That is how war is: constantly meeting people, then watching them die.

"Get some good rest, Lieutenant."

Sitelake said.

"We still need you. The Modian Iron Guard needs every excellent officer."

He left the tent.

Lina lay on the medical bed, looking at the top of the tent.

She was still alive.

This in itself was a blessing from the Emperor.

On the Bridge of the Xiuluosheng Glory, Roboute Guilliman looked at the latest battle report.

Battle of Fengkao Shield: Victory.

Fengqi Seventh Sub-fleet: 28 ships captured, 14 ships destroyed, 73,000 officers and soldiers captured.

Own losses: 7 Space Marines killed in action, 3 severely wounded.

Tactically speaking, this was a complete victory.

But strategically speaking...

Guilliman pulled up the star map of the entire theater.

A gap had appeared in the Fengqi Star Alliance's defensive line, but Valken was already mobilizing reserves to fill it.

The advances made by Ferrus and Vulkan had achieved some progress, but it was not decisive.

"Lord Guilliman."

Donatus walked in.

"The preliminary report from the prisoner interrogations. General Kalivento is very cooperative and has provided quite a bit of valuable intelligence."

"For example?"

"The Fengqi Star Alliance is not monolithic. There are conflicts between different families and different factions. Valken's authority is being challenged, especially after this failure."

Guilliman nodded.

This was within expectations.

Every political entity has internal conflicts; the key is how to exploit them.

"Also, the supply situation of the Fengqi Star Alliance is worse than we imagined. The Iron Hands' raid on Nankang Star dealt them a heavy blow; the supplies for some frontline units can only last for less than a week."

"A week..."

Guilliman pondered.

"If this is true, we can adopt a more aggressive strategy."