The Primarch of Liberty

Chapter 59: Hostile Xenos Invasion? That's a Full Workweek



Deep beneath the ornate palace that crowned the capital city, a nightmare unfolded in the sprawling subterranean complex. Governor Thane, or what remained of him, shuffled through winding tunnels slick with viscous secretions. His movements were jerky, unnatural, as if his body were a puppet controlled by unseen strings.

As he descended deeper into the earth, the walls pulsed with an unholy life. Bioluminescent growths cast an eerie, sickly green glow over everything. The air grew thick with a cloying, sweet scent that would have turned the stomach of any uninfected human.

Thane entered a vast chamber, its ceiling lost in darkness above. The floor was a writhing carpet of insectoid creatures, parting to form a path as he approached. Around a central pit stood the other nobles of the planet, their eyes glassy and unfocused.

From the pit rose the massive form of the Q'orl Queen, her chitinous body gleaming wetly in the bioluminescent light. Her compound eyes, each the size of a human head, swiveled to focus on Thane.

As one, the assembled nobles jerked and twitched. From the backs of their heads emerged glistening, segmented antennae, dripping with ichor. The sight was grotesque, a mockery of humanity that would drive any sane observer to madness.

The Queen's mandibles clicked and clacked, releasing a cloud of pheromones that filled the chamber. The antennae of the mind-grubs controlling the nobles waved in response, translating the chemical language.

"The interlopers have arrived," the Queen's thoughts reverberated through their shared consciousness. "Our plans must accelerate."

Governor Thane's body convulsed as the mind-grub controlling him forced a response. "Yes, my Queen. The Imperium's envoy will be here soon. We have prepared the trap as instructed."

Another noble, once the planet's chief financier, spoke next. Her voice was a horrifying blend of human speech and insectoid chittering. "But what of Vastus Varn? He remains... uncooperative."

The Queen's massive head swiveled, mandibles gnashing in irritation. "The commander of their defense forces has proven resistant to our subtle infiltration. No matter. When the invasion begins, he will be eliminated swiftly."

Images flashed through the hive mind: Varn's paranoid scrutiny of his forces, his obsessive attention to detail that had inadvertently kept the Q'orl at bay. The shared consciousness seethed with frustration and begrudging respect for this lone holdout.

"Tomorrow," the Queen continued, "our fleet will strike. The Imperium must not be allowed to entrench itself here. This system is vital to our expansion."

The assembled nobles shuddered in unison, their human bodies struggling against the alien control for just a moment before being subsumed once more.

"For too long, we have waited in the shadows," the Queen's thoughts boomed. "We are the true inheritors of this galaxy. The Q'orl will sweep across the stars, and all life will be united under our glorious hive!"

A wave of fanatical devotion washed through the shared consciousness. The nobles' bodies contorted in alien ecstasy, their human minds all but erased by the overwhelming presence of the hive.

"Go now," the Queen commanded. "Prepare for the arrival of the Imperial envoy. Let him taste our hospitality, and through him, we shall infect the very heart of this Imperium of Man."

As the meeting concluded, the mind-grubs began to retract their antennae. The process was agonizing, flesh tearing and reknitting as the alien appendages withdrew into the skulls of their hosts. Blood trickled from ears, noses, and eyes as the human bodies struggled to maintain the facade of normalcy.

Governor Thane was the last to leave, his gaze lingering on the Queen. For just a moment, a flicker of his true self surfaced in his eyes - a look of pure, unadulterated horror at what he had become, at what his world had been reduced to. Then it was gone, snuffed out by the implacable will of the hive.

As he ascended back to the surface, Thane's body moved with renewed purpose. The mind- grub had full control now, ready to play its part in the grand deception. Behind him, the tunnels writhed and pulsed, the hidden heart of a world already lost to an alien scourge.

In his office, blissfully unaware of the horrors beneath his feet, Earl Vastus Varn pored over defense reports and logistics manifests. His paranoia, once mocked by his peers, had become the last, thin line holding back the tide of chitinous nightmare that threatened to engulf not just this world, but the entire sector.

As night fell on the capital city, lights flickered on in homes and buildings. Citizens went about their evening routines, unaware that in the shadows, in the spaces between walls, and even in the bodies of their leaders, an alien intelligence watched and waited. The Q'orl prepared for their moment of triumph, ready to burst forth from their hidden lairs and claim the planet as their own.

Rear Admiral Richard Gomez stood at the viewport of his lander, gazing down at the sprawling cityscape of Calligar Alpha's capital. His white uniform, trimmed with blue lace, was immaculate, the Independence Cluster's eagle pin gleaming on his chest. As the lander descended towards the Planetary Governor's Palace, he mentally reviewed his objectives. "TACTICS," he addressed his AI companion, "run through our primary goals one more time." The AI's voice resonated in his earpiece. "Certainly, Rear Admiral. Primary objectives: Implementation of the Imperial Truth, integration of the Calligar System into Cluster influence, and initiation of Forgeworld construction and associated production facilities." Gomez nodded. "Standard procedure. Let's hope this goes smoothly."

As the lander touched down, a squad of Liberty Guardsmen in sleek exo-suits deployed, their movements fluid and precise. Drones buzzed outward, establishing a perimeter around the palace grounds.

The Planetary Governor, Duke Marius Thane, greeted them at the entrance. Immediately, Gomez noticed something... off about the man. Thane's words came out in stutters, his gaze occasionally drifting to empty spaces.

"W-welcome, Rear Admiral," Thane said, his left eye twitching slightly. "We're h-honored by your presence."

Gomez forced a smile. "The honor is mine, Duke Thane. Shall we discuss the terms of compliance?"

"Of c-course," Thane nodded vigorously, leading them inside. "But first, a feast in your

honor!"

As they entered the grand dining hall, Gomez's unease grew. The table was laden with exotic dishes, crystal decanters filled with deep red wine. Duke Thane's behavior became increasingly erratic, alternating between obsequious agreement and moments of vacant

staring.

"Please, Rear Admiral," Thane gestured to the head of the table, "you must try our local delicacies."

Gomez seated himself, eyeing the spread warily. "TACTICS," he subvocalized, "scan the food

and drink."

Moments later, the AI's voice crackled with urgency. "Warning, Rear Admiral. Anomalies detected in all consumables. Wine contains unidentified parasitic organisms. Food samples show signs of xenos contamination. High probability of hostile intent."

Gomez's hand, reaching for a goblet, froze mid-air. He looked up at Duke Thane, whose face had contorted into an unsettling half-smile, half-grimace.

"Is something wrong, Rear Admiral?" the Duke asked, his face contorting into an unnatural smile. "You've hardly touched your meal."

Gomez forced a polite smile. "My apologies, Duke Thane. I'm afraid I have some dietary restrictions I neglected to mention earlier. Perhaps we could discuss business while the kitchen prepares something more suitable?"

The Duke's face twitched, the smile faltering for a moment before reasserting itself with disturbing force. "Nonsense! Surely you can partake in just a little. Our chefs have outdone themselves for your visit."

Gomez leaned back slightly, his mind racing. "I appreciate the effort, truly. However, I find that business discussions are best conducted on an empty stomach. Keeps the mind sharp, you

understand."

Richard's blood ran cold, but he maintained his composure. He watched as Thane poured the wine, his hands shaking so badly that droplets splashed onto the white tablecloth, leaving

tiny, writhing stains.

"Th-then perhaps t-toast," Thane proposed, raising his glass. "To the Imperium and the

great work of compliance!"

she spoke, Richard noticed movement in his peripheral vision. The walls seemed to pulse, ever so slightly. He blinked hard, focusing on Thane's face. To his horror, he saw something squirm beneath the governor's skin, just below his left eye.

"TACTICS," he thought frantically, "what am I seeing?"

"Biometric scans indicate severe parasitic infestation in Governor Thane's body," the AI

reported. "Similar readings emanating from throughout the palace. Situation critical. Recommend immediate evacuation."

Richard's mind raced. He needed to extract himself and his men without alerting Thane to his

suspicions. "Governor," he began, forcing a smile, "perhaps we could continue this discussion while touring your magnificent palace? I'm particularly interested in seeing your

administrative facilities."

Richard's instincts screamed danger as he locked eyes with the thing masquerading as Duke Marius Thane. The governor's face had become a grotesque patchwork of human and alien features, a sight that would haunt even the most hardened veteran.

"TACTICS," Gomez subvocalized, his tone clipped and urgent, "initiate extraction protocol.

Now."

The AI's response was immediate. "Affirmative, Rear Admiral. Liberty Guardsmen alerted and en route. Recommend immediate disengagement from the target." Gomez's gaze swept the room, taking in details his enhanced senses couldn't ignore. The Planetary Defense Forces stood unnaturally still, their eyes unblinking even as insects crawled across their faces. 'Fucking Xenos,' he thought, his jaw clenching in disgust and

anger.

The false governor's ramblings about the feast grew more insistent, more unhinged. "You must eat, Rear Admiral! The hive... the hive demands it! Join us in glorious unity!" Before Gomez could respond, the doors to the dining hall exploded inward in a shower of splinters and blood. His Liberty Guardsmen stormed in, their weapons blazing with lethal precision. In less than a second, every motionless PDF trooper lay dead, revealing their true, monstrous nature as their bodies hit the floor.

Gomez wasted no time. He sprang to his feet, plasma pistol in his hand. With cold efficiency, he aimed at the center mass of the creature that had been Duke Thane and fired.

The blast caught the xenos construct square in the chest. Instead of blood and viscera, a horrific cascade of writhing worms and ichorous fluid as well as a partial part of what seemed to be a grub the mind grub, erupted from the wound. The sight only hardened Gomez's resolve.

"Move out!" he barked, falling in with his extraction team as they fought their way back to

the shuttle. The palace had become a war zone, with more xenos creatures emerging from hidden passages and vents.

As they battled through the corridors, Gomez's comm crackled to life. It was Captain Valerius of the Dominance, the flagship of Compliance Fleet #69.

"Rear Admiral! We have a situation up here," Valerius's voice was tense but controlled. "Long-range scanners have picked up a xenos fleet incoming. ETA 10 minutes until they're in

weapons range."

Gomez cursed under his breath as he vaporized another xenos attacker. "Give me numbers,

Captain."

There was a brief pause filled with the sound of weapons fire. "Preliminary scans show approximately 300 ships, sir. It's a full invasion fleet."

The gravity of the situation hit Gomez like a macro cannon round. Their compliance fleet numbered only 130 ships, woefully outnumbered for a full-scale engagement. "Understood, Captain," Gomez replied, his mind racing through tactical scenarios. "I'm on my way back. Prepare the fleet for battle stations and launch all void craft. We need to buy

time."

As his shuttle cleared the atmosphere, Gomez got his first visual of the situation in orbit. The void was alive with activity as carriers disgorged squadrons of fighters and bomber wings. Scout drones zipped ahead, gathering crucial intelligence on the approaching enemy. Aboard the Dominance, Captain Valerius stood at the command pulpit, a picture of grim determination. "Status report!" he called out.

"All ships reporting battle readiness, Captain," his XO responded. "Void shields at maximum. Weapons systems hot and locked. Scout drones are transmitting data on enemy composition and formation."

Valerius nodded, then turned to address the fleet-wide vox. "This is Captain Valerius of the

Dominance. We face a xenos threat that seeks to corrupt and destroy all we hold dear. But we

are the shield of humanity, the tip of the spear of the Great Crusade. We will hold this line, we will hold it for Valorian! For the Emperor and for LIBERTY"

A chorus of acknowledgments echoed across the vox network as the fleet maneuvered into defensive formations. Gomez arrived on the bridge just as the first enemy ships entered extreme weapons range.

The void above Calligar erupted into a kaleidoscope of destruction as the Imperial Compliance Fleet engaged the invading Q'orl armada. Despite being outnumbered more than

two to one, the Imperial forces leaned heavily into their technological advantage and superior

tactics.

Captain Valerius of the Dominance stood resolute on the command deck, his eyes fixed on the hololithic display of the unfolding battle. "Initiate Carrier Bombardment," he ordered, his voice calm but laced with steel. "Let's show these xenos scum the ways of LIBERTY."

The massive void carriers of the Compliance Fleet opened their launch bays, disgorging

swarms of attack craft. Torpedoes, bombers, and fighters streamed forth in carefully

choreographed waves, their formation a testament to countless hours of drills and simulations.

As the first wave of Imperial craft entered the effective range of the Q'orl fleet's anti-aircraft defenses, the void lit up with crisscrossing beams of energy and streaks of missiles. But the Imperial pilots were ready, executing evasive maneuvers with practiced precision.

"First torpedoes away," reported the weapons officer. All eyes on the bridge turned to the

tactical display, watching as the first salvo of high-yield torpedoes streaked towards their targets.

The lead Q'orl vessel, a massive, chitinous monstrosity that seemed more like a living creature than a starship, shimmered as some form of energy shield absorbed the initial

impacts. But the torpedoes kept coming, a relentless barrage that slowly but surely chipped away at the xenos defenses.

Valerius he watched the shield finally collapse, allowing subsequent torpedoes to slam into

the unprotected hull. The Q'orl ship erupted in a series of spectacular explosions, chunks of its biomechanical structure spinning off into the void.

A cheer went up from the bridge crew, but Valerius remained focused. "Don't celebrate yet," he cautioned. "That was just one ship, and they have hundreds more."

As if to punctuate his words, the tactical display suddenly shifted. The neat, orderly formations of the Q'orl fleet began to break apart, individual ships separating from larger

structures like links in a chain coming undone.

"What in the name of Valorian?" muttered Valerius, leaning in for a closer look.

The vox crackled with urgent reports from the attack craft squadrons. "This is Raptor

Leader," came a pilot's voice, tight with tension. "The bogies are breaking apart! They're... they're getting faster! We can't shake them!"

Valerius watched in growing concern as the newly agile Q'orl ships began to run down the

returning Imperial bombers, their strange bio-weapons tearing through void shields and armor alike. "Tactical analysis," he barked. "What are we dealing with here?"

The ship's cogitator hummed as it processed the flood of incoming data. After a moment, a

monotone voice responded: "Xenos vessels appear to be modular in nature. Larger ships can separate into smaller, more maneuverable craft. Suggest adaptation of tactics to counter increased enemy mobility."

Valerius nodded grimly. "Launch all fighter squadrons," he ordered. "If they want to play it

fast and loose, we'll oblige them. Have the fighters cover our bombers on their attack runs and engage any Q'orl ship that tries to intercept."

The void around Calligar became a swirling melee of Imperial and xenos craft. The Q'orl's newly revealed ability to "unchain" their ships had turned what was initially a slow, grinding battle of attrition into a frantic dogfight on a massive scale.

The acrid smell of burning promethium and xenos ichor filled the air as Rear Admiral Richard

Gomez sprinted towards his lander, his Liberty Guardsmen forming a protective cordon around him. Just as they approached, a searing blast of bio-plasma struck the craft, turning it into a fireball of twisted metal and burning fuel.

"Fuck!" Richard spat, as his guards shielded him from the heat and shrapnel. He quickly reassessed the situation, his augmented mind racing through possibilities. "We need to get to

orbit. What assets do we have left?"

A Liberty Guardsman, his armor scorched and pitted, spoke up. "Sir, we have an ArmoredNôv(el)B\\jnn

Transport Vehicle nearby. Baneblade chassis, repurposed as an APC."

Richard nodded grimly. "It'll have to do. But first, we need to link up with the local PDF. Get

me a line to Colonel Jaxsen!"

As they piled into the massive APC, Richard couldn't help but marvel at the vehicle. Even

repurposed, it exuded an aura of unstoppable power. The engine roared to life, and they began to roll through the chaos-filled streets of the capital.

Through the viewports, Richard saw the full extent of the invasion. Massive insectoid creatures clashed with PDF troopers in power armor, their brutal melee punctuated by the

staccato of bolter fire and the sizzle of energy weapons. "Bunch of ugly motherfuckers," Richard muttered, before activating his comm link. "This is Rear Admiral Gomez to Colonel Jaxsen. Do you read me?"

In the PDF Headquarters, Colonel Samuel L. Jaxsen stood before a hololithic display of the city, his face a mask of grim determination tinged with barely contained fury. His voice, a deep growl that could make even an Ork think twice, filled the command center. "I have had it with these motherfucking bugs in this motherfucking city!" he bellowed,

causing nearby officers to flinch. "Grim, give me a sitrep, and it better be good news for

once!"

The AI's calm voice contrasted sharply with Jaxsen's anger. "Situation remains critical, Colonel. PDF forces are engaged in heavy urban combat along the city's outer districts. The fleet in orbit is now under attack by a xenos armada. Casualty reports are... significant." Jaxsen's scowl deepened. "Fucking xenos. Every Throne-forsaken time, it's always some new bullshit." He was about to demand more details when his comm unit crackled to life. "This is Rear Admiral Gomez to Colonel Jaxsen. Do you read me?" Jaxsen's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Well, I'll be damned. This is Jaxsen. I read you,

Admiral. What's your situation?"

Richard's voice came through, punctuated by the sounds of heavy gunfire and explosions. "We're inbound to your position in a repurposed Baneblade APC. Lost my lander to these bug

bastards. We've got a swarm of xenos-controlled humans on our tail. Request fire support and a clear path to the HQ."

"Shit, sounds like you're having about as much fun as we are," Jaxsen replied, already moving

to a tactical console. "Grim, plot the Admiral's course and clear that route. I want every gun

we've got providing cover fire."

"Calculating optimal route now, Colonel," Grim responded. "Warning: multiple hostile swarms detected along all possible approaches."

Jaxsen growled in frustration. "Of course there are. Admiral, you hear that? It's going to be a

hot run no matter what. You up for some creative driving?" Richard's laugh came through the comm, a sound of grim amusement. "Colonel, I once outran a Dark Eldar raiding party in an Ork trukk. This should be a cakewalk." "Now that's a story I've got to hear," Jaxsen chuckled. "Alright, we're painting your route

now. It'll take you through the financial district. Lots of tight corners and overhead walkways. Should give you some cover from aerial attacks."

As Richard's APC began its perilous journey, Jaxsen coordinated the defense. "I want Warthogs sweeping these streets," he ordered, pointing at the holomap. "Sweep any swarms that try to cut off the Admiral. And place automated turrets on these high-rises. I want overlapping fields of fire covering that entire approach."

The bridge of the Dominance was a cacophony of alarms, shouted orders, and the distant rumble of impacts against the void shields. Captain Valerius stood at the command pulpit, his uniform singed and his face streaked with sweat and grime. The hololithic display before him

painted a grim picture: the Compliance Fleet was being steadily pushed back by the relentless Q'orl assault. "Status on that distress call?" Valerius barked, his eyes never leaving the tactical display. The comms officer's voice was strained but professional. "Signal sent, sir. We're broadcasting

on all Imperial frequencies. Awaiting response from any nearby-"

He was cut off by a sudden burst of static from the vox unit. A deep, gravelly voice boomed

through the speakers, drowning out the chaos of the bridge for a moment. "This is 2nd Captain Steven Armstrong of the Liberty Eagles, responding to distress call from Compliance Fleet #69 in the Calligar System. What's your situation, over?" Valerius's eyes widened in surprise and relief. The Liberty Eagles - and a high-ranking officer

at that. It seemed the Emperor's favor hadn't abandoned them after all. "This is Captain Valerius of the Dominance," he responded quickly. "We're under heavy assault by a xenos fleet, identified as Q'orl. Outnumbered more than two to one. We've been holding, but we can't keep this up much longer. Any assistance you can provide would be most welcome, over."

There was a moment of silence, then Armstrong's voice returned, filled with a mix of anticipation and barely contained fury. "Q'orl, huh? Fucking xenos. Don't you worry, Captain.

The Liberty Eagles are on their way, and we've got a real special welcome planned for these

bugs." Valerius smiled. The reputation of the Liberty Eagles preceded them, and 2nd Captain Armstrong was known for his... enthusiastic approach to warfare, especially against xenos

threats.

"Glad to hear it, Captain Armstrong. What's your ETA?"

"We're pushing our warp engines to the limit. Expect us in about 15 hours. Think you can hold

out that long?"

Valerius glanced at the tactical display, quickly assessing their situation. "It'll be tight, but

we'll make it work. These xenos bastards won't know what hit them when you arrive."