Thus Did The Imperium of Mankind Fight There

Part 44

One Week Later

Minerva observed as the foundations of the refugee settlement were laid down, reflecting on how its construction had come to pass. When the Administratum approached her with permission from the Primarch to discuss the construction of a refugee settlement, she had to admit, she'd felt immense relief.

When the Primarch handed over the responsibility of the refugees to her, she knew immediately she was fracked. She was just a lowly lieutenant with no experience handling civil affairs or organizing several hundred people.

The support and expertise offered by the Administratum when it was, was nothing short of a windfall.

After hearing the basic outline of the plan, she gave her instant approval and soon the well-oiled machine of Imperial bureaucracy had all the necessary forms and documents stamped and signed in triplicate. Those refugees fit and healthy enough to work were organized into labor detachments and sent to cut down trees from the surrounding forests and mix rockcrete.

Refugees who were too young, old, or otherwise unable to perform hard manual labor were organized to perform less taxing but necessary work. They were assigned to mend clothes, prepare meals, care for the sick, and do a hundred other tasks.

After all the materials were gathered and all necessary tasks fulfilled, the construction of the settlement now commenced in earnest and Minerva watched as the refugees worked to construct their own homes.

Then, from behind her, she heard footsteps. Breaking out of her thoughts, she turned around and saw Private Calvin Daedalus approach. Raising his hand into a salute once he reached her, he reported. 

"Ma'am, Agent Livia has ordered the Detachment to assemble at the front gate." 

Minerva clenched her jaw at his words. They could only mean one thing, their next mission had begun. Outwardly, she nodded and said, "Alright, let's get there then." 

As she made her way back up the hill, she thought of what this mission would entail. They were going deep behind enemy lines, first to Italica and hopefully convincing the city into peaceful compliance. After turning the city, the Army would launch its planned offensive and raids to secure the surrounding lands. 

Her detachment would then make its way to Alnus Hill to make first contact with the newcomers from the second Gate. 

There was no telling what they might face along the way as their first mission had so painfully shown. Would they encounter threats that could face down an Astartes? Xenos beasts the size of a Baneblade? A hostile Apostle? 

These questions ran through her mind and she clenched her fists as she made a silent promise to herself. No matter what may happen, she was going to bring her people back alive. 

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Currently, in the Expeditionary Army Cataegis Primary Apothecarium

"Your recovery is progressing smoothly Miss Noriko. You are quite a strong young woman,"   Vyrna Malkeve appraised, her words translated into Japanese through a special device on her collar. 

Noriko let out a deep sigh of relief and thanked the doctor with gratitude, her time in bondage had not been kind to her mentally or physically. Neither had it been for the many other slaves liberated alongside her. 

When they first arrived at the base, all of them were a ball of nerves. Equal parts overjoyed, confused, and afraid, they didn't know what to think of their mysterious saviors. As if they weren't already overwhelmed, immediately after landing, every one of them was swarmed by medical teams and rushed to the apothecarium.