Chapter 34 — Orks
If one word could define the Orks — the Greenskins — it would be:
WAAAGH.
Engineered in the distant past by the Old Ones as living weapons against the Necrontyr and their star-gods, war is not culture to the Orks — it is biology. Conflict is encoded into their species at the genetic and psychic level.
Though diminished from their ancient zenith, they remain among the Imperium's most dangerous foes.
Their most infamous trait is the WAAAGH! field — a gestalt psychic phenomenon generated by Ork belief.
In simple terms: reality bends when enough Orks believe something should work.
A weapon out of ammunition may continue firing if its wielder believes it still can. A ramshackle aircraft made from scrap may fly if the Mek who built it is certain it will. Their technology is crude, irrational, and frequently impossible — yet functions through collective psychic reinforcement.
Couple this with:
exponential spore-based reproduction
instinctive mechanical intuition
perpetual war drive
…and the result is one of the galaxy's most persistent existential threats.
A Border War Ignites
At the edge of Imperial territory, the Emperor had discovered a developing Ork presence — a tribal aggregation approaching twenty million Greenskins spread across several worlds in a peripheral system.
Left unchecked, such a force could mature into a full Waaagh! and threaten multiple sectors.
He chose preemption.
They would be destroyed before they could unite.
War Council
Inside the Severus, the Emperor studied the star map as his children approached.
"Father."
"Dad!"
He gestured them closer.
"Tell me."
Yuki remained silent, watching Horus instead.
This was clearly a test.
Twenty million Orks posed no meaningful threat to the combined might of the Emperor, Horus, and Yuki. The exercise was one of command judgment.
Horus studied the display.
After several moments:
"Father, we deploy a fast strike element to provoke and draw the Orks into void pursuit. While they mobilize, the main fleet executes Exterminatus protocols on their breeding worlds. With their Waaagh! field destabilized and command cohesion broken, our remaining forces strike the pursuing fleets from both flanks."
The Emperor nodded once.
"Agreed."
Horus lowered his gaze, attempting to read his father's expression.
Yuki elbowed the Emperor lightly.
He glanced sideways.
She flicked her eyes toward Horus and winked.
"…Horus," the Emperor said at last, "you did well. You are my finest son."
Horus looked up, radiant.
"Thank you, Father."
Why Boarding Actions Matter
In theory, the optimal solution to Ork infestation is planetary sterilization.
In practice, their Waaagh! field can partially shield core breeding worlds from extermination weapons. The psychic cohesion of massed Orks dampens atmospheric ignition and tectonic destabilization.
Thus, boarding and ground assaults are essential.
Kill enough Orks, weaken the gestalt field, and extermination becomes viable.
Pre-Assault Rivalry
Abaddon stood in the embarkation bay, arms crossed, glaring at an orange-armored Astartes.
His topknot bobbed with every indignant movement.
"Just you wait! The glory belongs to the Shadowmoon Wolves — to Horus! We will be the brightest blades in this war!"
He was deeply irritated.
A few greenskins were hardly a challenge. Why involve the Zero Legion? Were they here to steal credit?
Company Commander Kadis of the Rising Sun Angels scratched his helmet.
"Brother… didn't anyone tell you? Our legion is operating in support. All primary honors go to the Sixteenth. We're here to ensure mission success."
If you argued with Abaddon, he might fight you.
If you explained things calmly, he listened.
Abaddon's scowl faltered.
"…Oh."
He scratched his head.
"I may have misunderstood."
"It happens," Kadis said with a relaxed wave. "You're a good fighter. Come visit the Zero Legion sometime."
Abaddon blinked.
Visit?
Was their legion really that informal?
A crimson warning rune flashed.
Deployment imminent.
Kadis clasped his shoulder.
"See you on the battlefield, brother."
Abaddon waved absently.
Nearby veterans watched with mixed expressions.
They had expected entertainment when the recruit challenged a Zero Legion officer.
Instead, he made a friend.
Why was this newcomer so lucky?
The Wolf Speaks
Horus entered the embarkation chamber clad in pearl-white warplate.
His warmth vanished.
In its place stood a warlord.
Horus loved his sons like a father.
He used them like weapons.
"My sons," he began, voice echoing through the launch bay, "I have long heard of your ferocity. You have broken enemies and carved victory after victory for the Imperium."
"I regret that I was not there to witness those triumphs."
"Today, for the first time, I fight beside you."
"Will you stand with me… and win greater glories for the Emperor?"
Tens of thousands of Astartes thundered as one:
"We will die for you!"
Horus returned the aquila salute.
"For the Emperor."
"FOR THE EMPEROR!!!"
Operation: Sever the Waaagh
The plan unfolded.
Horus would lead a strike force to provoke the Orks, drawing their fleets into void pursuit.
Once the Orks committed, the Emperor and Yuki would unleash extermination strikes against their breeding worlds while encircling the pursuing armada.
Horus's role was the most dangerous.
He would face millions of Orks at the outset.
To ensure his success, Yuki attached the Zero Legion to his command and ordered accompanying Thunder Warriors to deploy at full strength.
If the Emperor had not intervened, she would have descended personally.
"You have awakened half your warp nature," the Emperor said quietly when Horus departed. "If you fight beside him, the trial becomes meaningless."
She folded her arms.
"And if something happens to him?"
"…I believe in him."
Yuki rolled her eyes.
"Dad, you're absurdly calm."
The Emperor smiled.
A flick of psychic force struck her forehead.
"Ow!"
She rubbed the spot.
"You used telekinesis! I'm telling Mom!"
A newly assigned Custodian whispered to a veteran beside him:
"Should we intervene?"
The veteran gestured subtly.
"No. This is a father-daughter dispute. Do not interfere."