‘Three things. Firstly, we must pass within orbital drop range to engage the enemy. Deploying to the surface will mask the onward intent of the ship to attack the enemy fleet. The drop attack may force the enemy into manoeuvring into a more vulnerable formation. Secondly, if the enemy wish to support ground forces, or attempt their removal, they must remain within orbit. This will hamper their ability to respond to the void attack. They are already caged by the presence of the orbital palaces on the far side of the planet.’ Nem­etus paused, not sure if he should bring up his example. He decided it was worth the possible censure. ‘It is the same trick that was used against us by the traitor Despoiler battleship. Use the enemy forces as a tether.’

‘You said three reasons, Nem­etus,’ the captain prompted.

Nem­etus was not sure exactly how to phrase the next part. He decided to plunge ahead and just speak as plainly as possible.

‘It is not wise to stake all of our forces in a single action, brother-captain. Should the attack on the capital ship fail, there is need to prosecute a lengthier war. Our presence will bolster the defence. We have seen that not only will our military potential act against the foe, our fortitude against the null-effect extends to those around us. The space station crew were able to respond more fully after some time in our presence. My force will catalyse a greater resistance and act as a focal point for counter-attacks.’

‘A well-reasoned plan, brother,’ said Praxa­medes. ‘I’m sorry for my humour.’

‘The mockery has been earned by past behaviour, brother,’ Nem­etus conceded with a smile.

‘Even if my attack is successful, we may not be in a position to retrieve you for some time,’ said the captain. ‘Once you deploy, you are on your own for the effective duration of the campaign.’

‘I understand, brother-captain.’ Nem­etus lifted a fist to his chest. ‘Do I have your approval to assemble the remaining squads into a strike force?’

‘You do.’

‘We’ll be in drop range within the hour, brother,’ said Praxa­medes. ‘The Emperor’s strength goes with you.’

Nem­etus departed as the rest continued to discuss the finer points of the ship-to-ship action. As he strode across the strategium to the secondary door, he voxed Chaplain Exelloria. Some spiritual support against the xenos would be welcome.

The stain of life was being cleansed from this world. Zozar welcomed every death not for itself but as a step towards the grandest of all goals – the eradication of all sentient life. Each individual existence was a miniscule part of the whole, but its elimination was final. There was no return from the oblivion of death. He was numbered amongst those that had tried to avoid that fate, but they had failed. This existence was not life nor death but a limbo of torment.