137: Opposing Orders

"A breakthrough has been achieved in the database analysis of the sanctuary unit." The Chief Technologist's voice rang out in the Command Center, but it carried little joy, instead bearing a gravity as if facing an abyss. "The basic communication protocols and partial star charts of the Order Network have been decrypted. The star charts show that 'The Library' ruins are not an isolated case. In The Galaxy and neighboring Extragalactic galaxies, there are at least seventeen marked order nodes with varying levels of activity. The coordinates of one highlighted node overlap significantly with the position of the Empire's Holy Terra, with an error of less than 0.5 light-years."

"Terra? The Golden Throne? The Emperor?"

"What is custodian-alpha's correlation analysis on this?" Han Zhe asked in a heavy voice.

"It..." The Chief Technologist was uncharacteristically at a loss for words, as if searching for the right terms, "exhibits an extremely intense 'logical focus'. 35% of its core computational resources have been spontaneously allocated to simulate the possible state of this 'Terra Node', its degree of association with 'The Library' system, and a compatibility comparison with the Human Federation's current definition of 'Order'. Its conclusion is highly concise, but the implications are startling:"

He brought up the text generated by the custodian, which carried a cold certainty:

"[Inference: The Holy Terra 'Node' is very likely one of the most important and core 'Primary Anchors' or 'Regulatory Hubs' for the 'Order Network' within this galaxy. Its existence predates 'The Library' by a significant margin and may be directly related to the early manifestation of the 'Order' concept in this universe or a certain massive 'Anti-Chaos' event. Current State: Highly active, but its operating mode is extremely complex and filled with 'non-standard variables' (presumed to be related to collective human faith, Psykers, the Golden Throne mechanism, and the state of The Emperor's existence). The 'Order' fluctuations it releases have fundamental 'pathway differences' and potential 'definitional conflicts' with the 'Order' defined by the Human Federation based on the 'Pure Kindling' and collective will.]"

"'Pathway differences... definitional conflicts...'" Alpha-01 chewed over these words. "Does this mean the 'Order' represented by The Emperor and the 'Order' we follow are not the same thing? They might even be competitors?"

"According to the custodian's model, it can be understood that way." The Chief Technologist nodded. "The order of the 'Terra Node' seems to lean more towards a 'sacred order' based on intense emotions (faith, sacrifice, hope), Psykers, and a state of 'stagnation' or 'persistence'. Whereas our order is a 'Cold Order' based on absolute rationality, genetic purity, military efficiency, and the total exclusion of 'non-human' existence. Although both combat Chaos, their cores and forms of expression are diametrically opposed, like fire and ice—both resist the darkness, but when they meet..."

"They might weaken each other, or even trigger conflict and annihilation at a conceptual level." Han Zhe took over, a cold light flickering in his eyes. He recalled the startling suppression of Chaos by the abyss of order's energy during the Battle of Qingtian, and also the fanatical psychic displays of the Imperial Ecclesiarchy. "The Imperial Expeditionary Force's attitude toward us shifted from probing to vigilance, likely not just because of our military strength, but because The Emperor or the Psykers under his command faintly sensed the existence and threat of our 'Heretical Order'."

As if to confirm his speculation, a piercing alarm suddenly blared!

"Emergency military situation! Report from the northern 'Purification Defense Line' (the section bordering Imperial territory)! A massive Imperial fleet gathering has been detected! Identification signals... include but are not limited to: the main fleet of the Ultramarines Chapter, a detachment of the Imperial Navy's 'Sol System Defense Fleet', the Adeptus Mechanicus 'Iron Hands' Forge World escort fleet, and a large number of black Inquisition vessels! The scale far exceeds any previous contact records! Their formation deployment shows clear aggression and 'purification' intent!" The intelligence officer's voice carried a hint of incredulous shock. "They are broadcasting on all frequencies, alternating between gothic and High Gothic: 'In the name of the Holy Emperor, purify all heretics and Xenos Pseudo-Orders! The light of humanity shall not be defiled!'"

The Empire had finally run out of patience and stopped watching. They had assembled a massive force sufficient for a full-scale campaign, with the spearhead pointed directly at the Human Federation! Moreover, the banner they raised was 'purifying Heretical Order'—this was clearly not just a territorial dispute, but a declaration of war against their very ideology and existence!

"Guilliman's order? Or the direct intervention of The Emperor's will?" Alpha-01 instantly entered combat status, his voice as cold and hard as iron.

"It doesn't matter anymore." Han Zhe slowly stood up, the light in the Command Center seeming to dim for a moment due to his movement. "They have come, bringing with them a denial and hostility toward our 'Order'. Then, let them experience firsthand exactly what the Human Federation's order looks like."

"Orders: All units on the northern 'Purification Defense Line', enter maximum combat readiness! Deploy the Purification Dome at full power! All 'Bastion' planetary weapon arrays online! The Blade main fleet's first through fifth clusters, assemble at the northern defense line immediately! titan-class fleets are to move forward with priority!"

"At the same time," Han Zhe's gaze turned toward the depths of the Strategic Dome, at that slowly pulsing dark-gold and iron-gray light core representing the abyss of order and the custodian. "Activate the highest authority for the custodian-alpha combat protocol. Authorize its full access to all sensors, weapon systems, and the 'Order Energy' network on the northern defense line. Grant it tactical command assistance authority. Objective: Maximize the use of the abyss of order energy and our 'Order' definition advantage to counter the Imperial fleet, with special attention to preventing and countering their potential psychic attacks and 'Emperor's Blessing' effects."

"Furthermore, notify the technical team to immediately conduct an emergency assessment and suitability modification of any theories and potential technical blueprints in the sanctuary unit database regarding the countering of high-Psyker order nodes or engaging in conceptual definition combat!"

"This battle is no longer just a duel of naval guns. This is the first direct collision between two concepts of 'Human Order'! We shall use the blood and failure of the Empire to announce to the entire galaxy that only the path of the Human Federation is the true future of human purity and strength!"

"For the Human Federation! Engage the Empire!"