The Fate of Vigilus Hangs in the Balance
As the forces of Chaos tightened their grip on Vigilus, the Imperium’s defenders found themselves facing an increasingly desperate situation. With the Great Rift expanding towards the planet, the entire Nachmund Gauntlet was at risk of being closed, cutting off Imperium Nihilus from Terra’s aid. Abaddon’s plan was clear: to trap the Imperium and deliver a crushing blow.
A Desperate Alliance
In the face of this grim prospect, the Vigilus Senate considered abandoning the planet and implementing Exterminatus. However, Guilliman himself had ordered that Vigilus was too vital to be abandoned, and Calgar dismissed such plans. The Ultramarines warlord saw an opportunity to form an alliance with the Aeldari, despite their previous conflicts.
Calgar joined the fight at the Rings of Nothingness, calling for parley with the Xenos during a lull in fighting. Saim-Hann Farseer Anvirr Keltoc, eager to avenge the death of Autarch Rhyloor, met with Calgar. Though the Farseer had foreseen disaster for the Eldar race should Vigilus fall, the Saim-Hann Eldar were not known for forgiveness. Calgar’s negotiations were delicate, but ultimately successful, securing a secret pact between the Imperium and the Aeldari.
A Hidden Agenda
The terms of the pact remain unclear, but its consequences were far-reaching. Farseer Keltoc and his senior chieftains accompanied Calgar back to the Governor’s Palace, while the doors of the Vigilus Senate were barred and guarded by the Victrix Guard. Members of the Aquilarian Council who had presided over the death of Rhyloor were never seen again.
A Daring Plan
With the stealthy Eldar vessel Vaul’s Ghost at his disposal, Calgar planned to strike a blow against the Vengeful Spirit. To distract the Chaos forces, the Saim-Hann Eldar led Orks into Chaos Space Marine strongpoints across the planet, employing the “Serpent’s Lure” strategy. Meanwhile, the Mortwald Aerial base sent bulk landers into low orbit, carrying Deathstrike Missiles, including two Vortex Missiles.
A Perilous Gambit
In orbit, the outmatched Imperial fleet, patched together by Calgar, met the greater Chaos armada. Though 80% of the Imperial vessels were lost, the Vaul’s Ghost managed to rendezvous with the vessels carrying Deathstrike Missiles. The Eldar vessel infiltrated the Chaos shiplines and crashed directly into the Vengeful Spirit, detonating all six Deathstrike Missiles and creating a massive explosion that blasted a gaping hole in the side of the Gloriana Class Battleship.
The Duel at Saint’s Haven
The fate of Vigilus hung in the balance as the battle raged on. The outcome was far from certain, but one thing was clear: the Imperium would stop at nothing to prevent the fall of Vigilus and the closure of the Nachmund Gauntlet.
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