45 A Plan For Survival.

The inexorable passage of seconds seemed to unfold into protracted hours, casting a somber shroud over Bann's senses. As he watched, the rudimentary numerical display wrought a gradual descent into obscurity, veiling his vision in an encroaching darkness that mimicked the cloak of impending doom.

Urocain, apprehensive at Bann's unresponsive demeanor, treaded cautiously toward him, a palpable trepidation enveloping his very essence. With measured composure, he extended a deliberate touch upon Bann's shoulder, unleashing a minute psychic ripple to extricate him from the vice-like grip of his stupor.

"Bann, can you perceive my words?" The customary sharp cadence of Urocain's voice took on an uncharacteristic gentleness. As Bann slowly emerged from his mental abyss, his countenance drained of color. Yet, he briefly inclined his head in acknowledgment to the warlock.

"Indeed, I-I am present," he responded, quelling the surge of fear with a determined gulp. The moment did not permit such frailty, and he could ill afford the luxury of dwelling on the unfathomable misfortune that seemingly clung to him.

Observing the ominous amalgamation of gloom, concern, and almost terror etched on the countenances of the six individuals present, Bann fortified his resolve, clenching his jaw and inhaling deeply.

"I have scanned our adversaries," his resonant voice intoned with an air of solemnity, prompting the instinctive straightening of backs in the room. The Royal Chamber became a crucible of hushed attention.

"Their multitude is beyond conceivable reckoning—eight hundred and ninety-three trillion individual biomass entities." Each syllable he uttered unleashed an icy tempest upon the listeners' souls. A profound silence reigned in the Royal Chamber, pierced only by the distant moans of pain emanating from the corridors, serving as a haunting prelude to the impending cataclysm.

Even Augusta and the Astropath relinquished their painful groans, their attention riveted as they avidly absorbed Bann's pronouncements. Their collective disquiet, however, shifted to the indelible scar wrought by the ominous Shadow in the Warp—a sinister presence that cast its malevolent influence across the entire Faradras System.

A pervasive numbness gripped Bann's entire being after uttering the staggering numerical revelation. Undeterred by the encroaching weight that sought to smother him, he addressed his companions with a resolute declaration, "My teammates approach. Upon their arrival, I... we shall formulate a strategy to confront this menace."

The unreasonable magnitude of the approaching horde loomed large in the minds of all present. Even if they were to allocate a portion to the Imperial Guard, Sisters of Battle, and the planetary garrison, the disparity remained insurmountable. It was an inadequate sacrifice, incapable of making a dent in the overwhelming enemy forces.

For Bann and each Saiyan, the burden became almost surreal—an obligation to personally vanquish over one hundred trillion Tyranids. The sheer enormity of this figure bordered on the realm of insanity, a daunting reality that defied rational contemplation.

*SWOOSH* *SWOOSH* *SWOOSH* *SWOOSH*

*TAP* *TAP* *TAP* *TAP*

The resounding echoes of Saiyans descending and tapping the marble floor penetrated Bann's ears, compelling him to turn and face their arrival. His countenance assumed a visage of severity and grim determination.

Witnessing this transformation, the mouths of Aprit, Ramela, and Rucule fell silent, recognizing a rare manifestation in Bann—his unwavering and profound seriousness.

"Bann, what is going on? The turmoil below is not merely a localized chaos; my instincts are going like crazy." Seleri fixed Bann with a penetrating gaze, a serious intensity radiating from her.

Cutting through ambiguity, Bann responded, "A formidable adversary, unlike any we've encountered, has set its sights on us. This is no spectacle for revelry or a display of dominance; I doubt we'll have the luxury for such indulgences." His hands gestured towards the window, emphasizing the urgency. "Activate your scanner and see it for yourselves."

At his directive, they promptly obeyed, while the Inquisitor aided Augusta and the Astropath in regaining their footing. Their countenances, pallid and shaken, mirrored a tableau of sheer horror.

As the rhythmic beeping of the scouters filled the chamber, the countenance of the Saiyans shifted from anticipation to confusion and, ultimately, horror.

"W-w-why there's so many of them!? What does this mean?" Aprit queried, his perplexity evident beneath a veneer of nervousness.

"E-even if it's the collective ki of all individuals, this c-can't be possible, it's insane!," stammered Rucule, recoiling after adjusting the scanner to examine their ki, which proved to be even more monstrous.

Meanwhile, Ramela and Seleri maintained a wordless vigil. The former grappled with the incomprehensibility of the numbers until, like her brother, she froze in place. Seleri, on the other hand, gazed at the numerical revelation with a bewildered expression, lost in contemplation of the dire implications.

Ensuring comprehension gripped his audience, Bann's countenance darkened as he intoned, "What unfolds before you are the Tyranids—creatures of insatiable hunger, poised to consume entire planets, leaving naught in their wake. It is a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions..."

The Inquisitor interjected, disdain lacing his words, "You simplify matters too much. These loathsome beings eradicate every vestige of a planet, sparing not even air or water. You cannot combat them; survival is the sole aspiration, praying to the Emperor that ammunition and men endure, which, regrettably, we lack."

Sighing in response to this grim reality, Bann closed his eyes and declared, "Regardless of the intricate details, a more pressing matter commands our attention."

Advancing toward the central seat in the Royal Chamber—formerly belonging to the Planetary Governor—Bann revealed a concealed console button within the armrest. A touch of command summoned a large table adorned with a holographic map of Faradras.

Motioning for all to gather around, Bann waited until they formed a circle before articulating, "I don't give shit for your personal conflicts; our collective focus and efforts are imperative for survival."

The Aeldari trio nodded without hesitation, their readiness evident from before the Tyranid invasion. The Inquisitor, too, offered a nod, his tacit approval extending to the two cadres accompanying him and, if need be, down to the planet itself.

Receiving the Saiyans' subtle nods, Bann pressed on, "Our imperative is to relocate the populace to four key capitals, compelling them to transport all available food from their fields, which would otherwise be lost. Simultaneously, we'll strategically allocate our forces and defences across these four cities."

Seleri interjected with curiosity, "Why divide our forces into four cities? And even with that, there's five of us here, we should defend five cities in such case, it seems illogical." Her inquiry mirrored the concerns shared by others present.

Bann shook his head, elucidating, "We must disperse our forces to thwart the Tyranid waves effectively. This leaves only four of us on the planet." His words sowed confusion, but Urocain and Gannicus discerned his intentions.

Gannicus questioned, "So, someone stays here to defend the space station?" Bann nodded, fixing his gaze on Seleri.

"You'll remain, safeguarding not only this space station and its ships but also executing orbital assaults. Before the Tyranids breach the planet, we'll be here, utilizing our abilities to decimate as many vessels as possible. Once overwhelmed, we'll retreat to the cities. Your task, given your strength, is to protect this outpost and obliterate their ships."

Seleri nodded, absorbing the weight of her responsibility, while Bann directed his attention to the remaining Saiyans, proclaiming, "Meanwhile, each of you shall bear the responsibility of safeguarding a city. Losing any city is unacceptable—employ every resource at your disposal, but be mindful of your ki reserves. This battle will be a long one, with no respite in sight." His clenched jaw underscored the gravity of the situation as he momentarily paused.

"We are the only reason why we can even think of this possibility," Bann asserted, his gaze locking onto Gannicus. "...As I fear that ground troops may deplete their ammunition reserves before inflicting significant losses to the Tyranid swarm."

The Inquisitor nodded solemnly, his visage etched with gravity. "Indeed, our ammunition supply, at best, can cover one to three billion, and even that is an optimistic estimate," he revealed, prompting a deep frown from Urocain as the severity of their predicament became starkly apparent.

Lost expressions exchanged among the assembly, realizing that much of the battle would be waged with melee weapons and the skills of the Saiyans.

Urocain then said out loud, though in the case of the Inqusitor and his cadres with telepathic communication, his strategic insight "We may have a chance if your abilities are employed with precision to target crucial synapse creatures amidst the Tyranid ranks. I will contribute mine to ensure seamless coordination among our troops across the battlefields." Urocain's abilities as a Warlock were more well suited to be leading the battlefield and disrupting the enemy lines. While also enhancing the allied troops. Even if his personal abilities enable him to face most of the Tyranids bioforms with ease, he would help most by rallying the troops.

Bann nodded in agreement, then turned his attention to Anáeth, remarking, "Miss Anáeth, we'll require your presence around the four cities. I recommend resting as much as possible, for I anticipate you will be heavily engaged." The blonde elf energetically nodded in acknowledgment.

Caressing his temple, Bann resumed, "Now, we require all capable psykers to guide the one's that were able to survive back in Faradras. Regardless of the potential demonic invasion, I want them tapping into their powers relentlessly." Gannicus frowned at Bann's seemingly audacious directive.

Interrupting, Urocain interjected, "No need for that; I'll guide them, ensuring a more secure connection to their powers. Bring the majority to a central location—time is of the essence."

Gannicus struggled to restrain his disdain at the prospect of an Aeldari training psykers, but the Inquisitor, suppressing his instinctual distrust of Xenos, refrained from voicing his objections. Bann, however, expressed gratitude to Urocain.

Before Bann could speak again, Seleri interjected, her contemplation manifesting in action. "Let's descend on the planet. I've developed a technique that might prove useful in our situation."

The Saiyans turned their gaze toward Seleri, surprise etched across their features. Despite each having crafted their techniques over the years, none had been willing to share them, except for Bann, who initially imparted basic ki control and sensing.

Seleri's offer prompted the others to reconsider the value of sharing their techniques. In the face of impending peril, holding onto their individual skills seemed futile if it meant facing inevitable demise.

"Hold on, I need to put this place in order," Bann declared, shifting his gaze to the Inquisitor. "Will you stay aboard your ship, or will you join us on land? Your presence could significantly boost morale."

Gannicus weighed the options, mindful of the repercussions of Bann's previous actions against Navy Officers during his purge. After a brief contemplation, he met Bann's gaze and responded, "I'll remain on my ship, commanding it. My cadres should suffice on the ground, knowing what needs to be done."

Bann nodded without probing further, shifting his focus to the holographic map, where his thoughts coalesced. "Tomorrow night marks a full moon. Let's make the most of it until the next one, five days later."

While others puzzled over his words, the Saiyans nodded in agreement, rising to exit the chamber. Bann, meanwhile, ran through the space station, bellowing orders and reinstating organization among the hundreds of workers. War mode was imminent.

The Aeldari trio boarded their ship, descending to the planet alongside the four Saiyans awaiting Bann.

Time dwindled for Faradras as the cosmic threat tightened its grip on the system.

Ahead lay days shrouded in blood, promising a brutal confrontation.

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/Sr_Devoxero