Chapter 891: Liberating Longyou Shuangzixing (1)

Longyou Shuangzixing, Mi-You Star, Liuli City, Zhongyang Kongzhita.

The Fengqi Star Alliance emblem, which had been constantly rotating on the exterior of the tower, was melted away by plasma, and in its place, a temporarily hung flag of the Xiuluo Holy Star was raised.

On the bright red background, the golden Double-Headed Eagle shimmered under the dim, yellowish light of Mi-You Star.

Inside the Command Center on the top floor of the control tower, several corpses of Fengqi technical officers were piled carelessly in a corner, and the screens of the shattered Control Console flickered with electric sparks.

Several Blood Angels tech-marines were busy; they connected to the Control Console ports, data streams refreshing on their helmet visors as they familiarized themselves with and took over the city's control systems.

Sanguinius stood before the curved observation window, overlooking the city below, from which wisps of black smoke rose from time to time.

Sanguinius's perfect face was calm and rippleless, and behind him, a squad of Blood Angels Space Marines stood at attention.

A tech-marine stepped forward and spoke to Sanguinius.

"Father, the city's primary resistance nodes have been basically cleared. The remaining enemy forces are being mopped up by sector. The core control system has been initially secured, and the global broadcast system has been repaired and is ready for activation."

Sanguinius nodded slightly and spoke.

"Connect to all public broadcast channels, including every loudspeaker in the Lower District. It is time for these oppressed people to hear the voice of liberation."

"By your command, Father."

The tech-marine returned to the Control Console and began to operate it.

A moment later, he looked up and said.

"Broadcast system ready."

Sanguinius turned to face a communications array that the tech-marine had temporarily set up and connected to the global broadcast, pressed his right fist lightly against his lips, and began his address.

Longyou Shuangzixing, Mi-You Star, Liuli City, Lower District shelter.

Lia and dozens of other civilians were crowded into a dark space.

The roaring, explosions, and Bolter fire of the outside world gradually thinned and faded away, but no one dared to go out easily.

Suddenly, the old, dust-covered loudspeaker on the shelter wall, which had originally only been used to play Administration announcements and alarms, suddenly emitted a harsh electrical noise, startling everyone.

Immediately following, a calm, majestic voice resonated through every corner of Liuli City via the loudspeaker.

"Citizens of Liuli City."

The voice was not loud, yet it drowned out all other noise, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

People subconsciously looked up, staring blankly at the loudspeaker.

"For a long time, you have endured the tyranny and exploitation of the Fengqi Star Alliance. You have been stripped of your dignity and freedom, treated as servants and expendable resources, bleeding and sweating in this dim cage."

These words made everyone recall their past.

The shortages at the ration stations, the lash of the overseers, the coldness of the Liquidators, the deaths of friends and family...

"But all of this ends at this moment. In the name of the Emperor of Mankind, I, Sanguinius, Primarch of the Blood Angels Legion, declare: Longyou Shuangzixing, and all the people upon it who have suffered, are liberated from the tyranny of the Fengqi Star Alliance!"

Liberation? This word left everyone who heard it stunned.

Lia covered her mouth, her eyes widening.

"The rule of the Fengqi Star Alliance has been shattered, its armed forces are being purged, and its evil Special Envoys have been brought to judgment. From this moment on, under this starry sky, there shall be no lash or slavery, no hunger or fear."

"You shall become citizens of the 'Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance'. This is not a change of masters, but a rebirth. Under the guidance of the Emperor's radiance, you shall enjoy the rights inherent to all Humans."

Rights? Citizens? Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance?

These terms caused confusion and doubt to appear on many faces.

Long-term oppression made it hard for them to believe in this sudden "gift."

"The order of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance will replace the tyranny of the past. This time, everything is for your own sake and for the future of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

"I swear in the name of the Emperor, the arrival of the Blood Angels is by no means to replace one form of oppression with another. We bring order, we bring revival, and we bring the hope of Mankind returning to unity and glory."

"Step out of your hiding places, put down your fear. Accept the protection and guidance of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Work together to rebuild your home, so that it is no longer a cage of despair, but another beacon of Human Civilization shining in the darkness."

"This is the will of the Emperor. This is your... new beginning."

The broadcast ended.

Only a faint electrical hum remained in the loudspeaker.

Everyone stood frozen in place, their faces a mix of shock and bewilderment.

Liberation? Freedom? Rights? Citizens?

These concepts were too beautiful, so beautiful that they dared not easily believe them.

"Is what they... said true?"

An aged voice broke the Silence.

"Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance? Emperor? What is that?"

"Could it be... a new trick? Wait until we go out and then..."

Lia remembered how those red giants slaughtered the Fengqi soldiers, remembered the moment they saved her from the muzzles of Fengqi soldiers, remembered their actions of guiding civilians to safe zones...

These powerful warriors, were they... really different?

Just then, footsteps were heard outside, and people shrank back together in fear.

Entering were several Xiuluo Holy medical officers wearing white robes marked with red crosses, as well as several staff members in simple work clothes pushing carts full of supplies, followed by two Blood Angels Space Marines responsible for security.

A medical officer called out in a gentle tone.

"Attention, those inside. We are medical and logistics personnel of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. The area outside is basically safe. We need to count the number of survivors, provide treatment for the wounded, and distribute food and drinking water. Please cooperate with our work."

Food? Water? Treatment?

Lia took a deep breath.

She did not know what the future would hold, but this "new beginning," regardless, was better than the desperate darkness of the past.

She was the first to stand up and walk toward the medical personnel.

"I... I will help you."

Liuli City Zhongyang Kongzhita

Sanguinius watched the real-time footage transmitted from the city below.

Civilians began to cautiously emerge from shelters to receive medical care and supplies, while the Blood Angels Patrol Squad and the accompanying mortal troops were establishing order.

At this moment, the Techmarine reported again.

"Father, a stable communication link with Kafu-Long Planet has been established. You may contact the ground force Commander."

Sanguinius turned and said.

"Connect the communication."

Soon, a holographic communication projection lit up in the center of the control tower.

The image flickered slightly but quickly stabilized, revealing a Blood Angel wearing crimson Power Armor, bearing prominent Commander insignia on the armor, kneeling on one knee toward the camera.

"Father! I am Company Commander Kesilizhi of the Seventh Company. The main mining settlements on Kafu-Long Star have been basically pacified, and all major resistance nodes have been cleared. Our forces are currently mopping up the remaining enemy troops and have rescued a large number of civilians."

"What are the battle losses? What is the situation with civilian casualties?"

Sanguinius asked directly.

"Our forces have seventeen brothers with light injuries, five with severe injuries, and zero casualties. The enemy Garrison and 'Grey Dog' forces suffered heavy losses; most were annihilated, and a few scattered into the deep mine shafts, where they are currently being hunted down.

As for the civilians... the casualties are significant. The Fengqi forces carried out multiple... venting-style massacres before their rout, especially during our initial airborne drop. The specific numbers are still being tallied, estimated to be... in the tens of thousands."

Company Commander Kesilizhi reported.

Sanguinius remained in Silence for a few seconds before saying.

"Accelerate the mopping-up speed and prioritize ensuring the safety and basic survival needs of the surviving civilians. The medical and logistics fleet will land as soon as possible to provide support. Inform them that Mi-You Star has been liberated and a new order has begun."

"Understood! For the Emperor and Sanguinius!"

Company Commander Kesilizhi responded.