Editing Love and Krieg (section)

===Terranis, At a Distance===
Lord Commander Alexis slowly scratched his beard as he examined the flickering green hologram in front of him. Dots represented systems with stars and planets, lines showing common travel routes in the warp and swirls the occasional anomaly. And then there was the tentacle shape of the extent of a Hive Fleet Kraken splinter. Despite the main blow of the Hive Fleet having been broken at Ichar IV, the Tyranids still had considerable numbers which were now drifting out of control. Lord Commander Alexis knew that the splinter fleet would eventually be defeated, as all enemies of the Imperium, yet every world lost felt like a stab in his heart.

“That one then? What is its status?” He gestured towards one of the points of light, which expanded to show a small solar system, a couple of planets in lazy orbit around a yellow star. Behind him the vox-grille of an administratum adept started listing information.

“Terranis, late industrial level planet, no hives. Varied but peaceful ecology, varied climate. No coherent planetary government, divided into fractious countries, all accepting Imperial authority. Tithe mainly in production of mechanical parts, weapons and food…”

“Yes, yes,” the Lord Commander interrupted, “not interested in that, what are its defenses?”

The Adept hummed as it searched the data-banks before continuing in the same monotone voice. “Local PDF forces equipped with autoguns and simpler weapon systems and armoured vehicles. 68th Krieg attached for preparation for the war. Raising morale, fortifying the planet and preparing local armed forces among primary tasks. Do you require further information?”

Lord Commander Alexis pulled his hand over his scarred face in an attempt to battle the oncoming fatigue. And to prolong the time needed for a horrid choice. The 68th Krieg would be a great addition to any force he could muster to try and beat back the Xenos advance. At the same time removing it would severely decrease the ability to defend the system. If whatever counter-attack he made was beaten back a fortress-world to fall back to would be a great boon.

“At current expansion, what is the estimated time before the Xenos reach the system?”

Silence interrupted only by the Adept’s humming.

“Five Terran years.”

He let out a sigh as he sealed the fate of the system.

“Leave them in place, send a message to the Governor to suppress information of the oncoming enemy as long as viable. Don’t want panic to erupt unnecessarily.”

He waved his hands as a signal to zoom out of the system, but cut it off as the Adept began to work.

“Oh, and send my regards to 68.”