To ensure unified command, Alex convened a military conference at his Governor's Office.
As the host, he naturally presided over the meeting.
Those attending the meeting included the Star Realm Army Lord General, the Navy Lord General, a Lord Inquisitor from the Inquisition, a Cardinal Bishop from the Ecclesiarchy, and a representative sent by the Star District Governor.
It could be said that all major powers sent their top figures.
The first item on the agenda was the issue of command authority.
Although each faction had different responsibilities, a unified command was still necessary.
Everyone present held the title of 'Lord,' with no one having a higher rank than another, making the issue of command authority difficult to resolve.
Normally, for such an expedition, there would indeed be a Commander with a rank higher than everyone present, and this role would typically be assumed by the expedition's initiator or appointed by the Star District.
However, this time, due to the suddenness of the event and the deliberate actions of the Inquisition, no supreme Commander was appointed.
According to custom, when various factions could not determine superiority, the Inquisition would often assume supreme command, as an Inquisitor's authority is higher than that of other Imperial departments.
This was naturally acknowledged by the high-ranking officials present, but a crucial problem at hand was that there were two Lord Inquisitors from the Inquisition here.
Alex was one, and the Inquisitor who brought 800 Astartes reinforcements was also one, and even more critically, both were Inquisitors from the Outreach Ordo.
The other Inquisitor brought 800 Astartes reinforcements, while Alex had the Planetary Defense Force and Space Marines, and could even field two thousand Battle Sisters. In terms of military strength, Alex was not inferior, and as the host, he naturally had an intelligence advantage.
However, the Inquisitor who arrived was not an ordinary person. Besides being a fellow Lord Inquisitor and bringing 800 Astartes, more importantly, he had been issuing commands along the way due to his status, gaining a preemptive advantage.
Given their unfamiliarity with Alex, the others leaned more towards this Inquisitor.
So, when the issue of command authority was raised, everyone else consciously refrained from contending and instead turned their gaze towards the two Inquisitors.
Inside the conference room, the atmosphere was heavy. The Star Realm Army Lord General was the first to speak: "Inquisitors, the issue of command authority concerns the success or failure of the entire expedition. Our Astra Militarum is willing to obey the command of either of you, but the prerequisite is that there must be a clear Commander."
The Navy Lord General nodded and added: "Indeed, coordinated operations between the fleet and ground forces require a unified command system, otherwise, chaos can easily ensue."
The Cardinal Bishop of the Ecclesiarchy frowned slightly, his gaze shifting between the two Inquisitors: "Both of you are loyal servants of the Emperor. We are willing to support whoever serves as Commander. But time is pressing, a decision must be made quickly."
The representative of the Star District Governor appeared more cautious. He cleared his throat and slowly said: "Inquisitors, the Star District government is willing to give its full support to whoever serves as Commander, but please make a decision as soon as possible, so that this expedition can be put into motion quickly."
Alex sat at one end of the conference table, his expression calm, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
He knew that the key to this meeting lay with his colleague from the Inquisition.
So he looked at the Inquisitor who had brought 800 Astartes reinforcements, nodding slightly in greeting.
The Inquisitor's name was Alfred Wien. He was slightly older than Alex, with a stern face and an undeniable authority in his eyes.
He pondered for a moment, then finally spoke: "Inquisitor Alex, I understand your situation in Rostov and your contributions to the Imperium, but this expedition is of great importance, and we must ensure unified command."
Alex smiled faintly, his tone mild: "Inquisitor Wien, I completely understand your concerns. However, the situation in Rostov is complex, and our understanding of the Space Necrons is limited. If I were to command, perhaps we could better utilize the existing intelligence and resources."
Inquisitor Wien was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
Finally, he nodded, his voice firm: "Inquisitor Alex, you are right. You have a better understanding of the situation in Rostov, and you have already established a comprehensive defense system here.
I have decided to relinquish command, and you shall serve as the supreme Commander of this expedition."
At these words, the conference room erupted in a stir.
The Star Realm Army Lord General and the Navy Lord General exchanged glances, clearly surprised by this decision.
The Cardinal Bishop nodded slightly, seemingly approving of the outcome.
Alex stood up and solemnly bowed to Inquisitor Wien: "Thank you for your trust, Inquisitor Wien. I will do my utmost to ensure the success of this expedition and will not fail the Emperor's expectations."
Inquisitor Wien waved his hand, his tone indifferent: "No need for formalities, Inquisitor Alex. We all serve the Emperor; as long as we can eliminate the xenos, it matters not who commands."
Inside the conference room, the atmosphere finally eased.
Alex sat down again, his gaze sweeping over everyone present: "Now that command has been settled, next we need to discuss the specific operational plan. First, we need to clarify the extent of the Space Necrons' threat, and whether their main forces have already awakened..."
As the meeting progressed, various factions began to discuss specific tactical arrangements.
As the supreme Commander, Alex displayed his excellent command ability and strategic vision.
He not only analyzed the current situation in detail but also proposed several feasible operational plans.
After the meeting, Alex arranged a dinner to entertain everyone, and the sanctus wine, already famous in the Star District, was naturally the highlight of the banquet.
And everyone who tasted it naturally praised it highly.
However, although the atmosphere of the banquet was enthusiastic and the hosts and guests enjoyed themselves, Alex felt a heavy pressure in his heart.
He walked out to the balcony next to the banquet hall, gazing at the dark and silent starry sky, his mind somewhat in a trance.
Inquisitor Wien walked up to him and whispered: "Inquisitor Alex, the success or failure of this expedition is now in your hands! I will fully support you, but you must also proceed with caution; the Space Necrons are not so easy to deal with."
Alex nodded, his gaze firm: "Rest assured, Inquisitor Wien. I will not disappoint the Emperor."
Inquisitor Wien patted him on the shoulder and turned to leave. Alex took a deep breath, silently praying in his heart: "Emperor above, may you bless us, help us defeat the xenos, and protect the Imperium."
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