Chapter 947: You Are Property

Zhonghun.

Horus stood in the center of the Bridge, Luoke stood at his side, holding a Data Pad in his hand, which recorded the preliminary occupation report of Fengrao Starport.

"Father, the main areas of the Starport have been basically cleared, and the remaining resistance is concentrated in a few quarantine zones; the Iron Warriors are dealing with it. Preliminary statistics show about three thousand Alien captives, mainly civilians and non-combatants."

Horus nodded slightly and asked.

"What about the Alien Commander?"

"Confirmed dead. Sergeant Chakede reported that he made a final stand in the Command Center and refused to surrender."

"Is my proclamation ready?"

Horus asked, adjusting the position of his arm armor.

"It has been adjusted according to the standard compliance text, Father. Considering the comprehension ability of these Aliens, the wording has been appropriately simplified."

"Then let's go."

Fengrao Starport.

Horus and Luoke were already standing at the main pier area of Fengrao Starport.

In the distance, the Iron Warriors' engineering troops were assessing the damage, while the Luna Wolves' Space Marines were patrolling everywhere.

Squads of Space Marines escorted the bound Alien captives, driving them to designated concentration areas.

The voice of Third Company Captain Kastekesi came through the communication channel.

"Lord Horus, the main facilities of the Starport are under control, but the cleanup work will take time. These Aliens are hiding in every corner like rats."

Horus replied.

"Proceed according to plan; efficiency and thoroughness are equally important."

Accompanied by Luoke, Horus walked toward the central plaza of the Starport.

Thousands of Aliens of various races were forced to kneel on the ground, surrounded by heavily armed Luna Wolves Space Marines.

When Horus's massive figure appeared at the entrance of the plaza, a whisper of terror broke out among the captives.

Horus's gaze swept over these Aliens.

Ascending a temporarily constructed high platform, Luoke stood slightly behind him, while the squad members led by Sergeant Chakede formed a cordon below the platform.

Horus spoke slowly.

"Aliens."

All whispering and sobbing ceased.

Every Alien raised their head to look at the giant on the high platform.

"I am Horus, Commander of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Expeditionary Force, the Emperor's son."

Horus paused, letting these creatures digest this information, and continued.

"Your so-called 'Fengqi Star Alliance' has been proven vulnerable. Your fleet has turned to dust, your defenses have crumbled, and your commander chose death rather than surrender.

From this moment on, Fengrao Starport, and all life and property within it, belong to the Humans, belong to the Emperor, and belong to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

You are now part of our property. Your fate will be decided by the will of the people of Xiuluo."

The plaza was deathly silent.

Then, an elderly Fengqi struggled to stand up and shouted loudly.

"Property? We are free beings! We are not anyone's property!"

Chakede immediately raised his Bolter, but Horus raised his hand slightly to stop him.

"Freedom? Your so-called freedom is merely lingering in a corner of the star sea, developing a pathetic civilization, waiting to be conquered by a more powerful force.

Under the order of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, you will gain new meaning, as servants, as laborers, or perhaps, if you prove your worth, as a subject race of the Xiuluo frontier.

But remember, any resistance, any disobedience, will lead to immediate extinction. We are not here to negotiate with you Aliens; we are here to rule."

Horus turned to Luoke: "Explain the specific terms of compliance to them."

Luoke stepped forward, opened the Data Pad, and began to read:

"According to Article 74 of the Xiuluo Compliance Act, all conquered Alien populations must abide by the following regulations: First, unconditionally accept the rule of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance and the principle of Human superiority; Second, immediately cease all military and paramilitary activities; Third, hand over all technological products and research materials; Fourth..."

Horus did not listen carefully to those terms; his gaze scanned the Aliens in the plaza.

He saw fear, he saw anger, he saw despair, and he also saw a budding trace of obedience.

Good, he thought.

Fear is the cornerstone of rule, and obedience is the prerequisite for survival.

When Malakaer finished reading, Horus spoke again:

"You have two choices: obey and find your place in the order of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance; or resist, and then, like your commander, meet your death."

Horus paused, letting the silence itself become the most powerful threat.

"Choose."

Having said this, Horus turned and left the high platform, with Luoke following closely behind.

Chakede and his squad remained in place, their Bolters still pointed at the Aliens kneeling on the ground.

When they walked out of the plaza and entered a relatively quiet corridor, Horus said to Luoke:

"Start assessing the potential uses of these Aliens. Especially those Visate; their psychic talents might be beneficial to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

"Understood, Warmaster. The Iron Warriors have already sent Tech-marines to the Starport's research facilities to collect all technological data."

Horus nodded: "Tell the Iron Warriors I want a complete assessment report of the Starport facilities. Also, prepare to send the victory report to Father."

"It is already prepared, Father. However..." Luoke hesitated, "Some warriors have expressed doubts about keeping so many Alien captives. They believe that thorough purification is a safer choice."

Horus stopped and turned to look at his First Company Captain: "Tell them the Emperor's will is clear—for those Aliens willing to obey, we can consider giving them limited living space. After all, dead slaves have no value."

"As you command, Warmaster."

They continued forward, passing through corridors ravaged by the flames of war.

Space Marines could be seen patrolling everywhere, engineers were repairing critical systems, and Servo-skulls were collecting data and samples.

In a side corridor, Horus saw a squad of Iron Warriors supervising a group of Fengqi captives clearing rubble.

Those Aliens moved sluggishly, but under the threat of Bolters, they dared not offer any resistance.

"Look," Horus said to Luoke, "they have already begun to learn obedience."

The two arrived at the Starport's observation deck; Horus stopped his steps and gazed out at the starry sky through the massive observation window.

"Another world returned to the glory of the Emperor."

Horus said softly.

"But this is only the beginning, Father," Luoke replied, "according to the intelligence obtained from the Daikong Aliens, there are countless such worlds in this sector waiting for us."

A smile curled the corners of Horus's mouth.

"Then, let them also prepare to welcome the arrival of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."