Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 654 Azure Dawn
The subspace journey of eleven standard days finally ended uneventfully, protected by the constant and low hum of the Gellé field.

The black ship of the Tribunal that Chen Xi was on glided out of the strangely colored and turbulent sea of ​​subspace like a slippery shadow, returning to the cold and orderly world of the material universe.

The giant armored light filter panels of the main observation window rise up layer by layer, bringing real light from the outside into the cabin.

A planet is suspended above a dark, velvety curtain, rotating slowly and solemnly.

It truly deserves the title of "Azure Dawn," and is more like a colossal sapphire meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, lying quietly in the display case of the universe.

Its surface is almost entirely covered by a deep and pure azure blue, with distinct layers. Near the equator, it is a bright and lively azure blue, while at the poles it gradually turns into an almost inky imperial blue.

Only a few scattered patches of green, like drops of paint accidentally spilled from the finest brush, are found on the island completely covered by lush vegetation. They are like emeralds inlaid on this huge piece of blue velvet, precious and lonely.

The white cloud bands take on countless shapes, sometimes like a soft, ethereal veil, sometimes like a powerful, swirling vortex, wrapping around and enveloping the planet, adding a touch of dynamic, gentle vitality to its tranquil beauty.

"The sensor has completed a full-band scan and no abnormal energy fluctuations or unauthorized ship signals were detected."

The captain's voice came through the communicator, as calm as ever, reporting on safety and order.

"The planetary defense network has identified our security code, issued a welcome message, and guided us to the pre-designated 'Peak of Tranquility' private island airport."

The track environment is clean, allowing for safe access.

"Maintain standard alert procedures; there is no need to escalate to combat readiness."

Chen Xi gave the instructions, his gaze still lingering on the breathtaking scenery outside the window, the fatigue accumulated over the past few days seemingly being quietly washed away by this pure blue expanse.

Olegana stood silently beside him, her molten gold data eyes blinking silently as she meticulously captured and analyzed all environmental parameters, such as spectra, atmospheric composition, and gravitational readings, conducting her unique and thorough risk assessment.

The mechanical cat on her shoulder poked its head out and made a soft, confused meow, seemingly unable to connect this enormous "water sphere" with the normal world it perceived, made of metal and data.

Guterres stood a step back, and almost instinctively, his rough fingers checked once again to make sure the holster strap of his explosive rifle was secure—a habit ingrained in his bones after countless life-or-death moments.

The transport ship detached from the mothership and, like a gentle meteor, smoothly cut into the atmosphere of the blue planet.

A streak of intense, ionized light flashed past the porthole, only to be replaced by endless blue.

As they descended, the ocean below revealed increasingly stunning details.

The seawater was clearer than anyone could imagine. From above, sunlight pierced through the water's surface, outlining the fantastical world below.

The enormous, colorful coral reefs are like an alien garden blooming on the seabed, with schools of fish of various shapes and sizes, shimmering with silver or colorful scales, swimming leisurely among them, stirring up tiny halos of light.

Occasionally, one can spot large, gentle creatures swimming slowly in the deeper waters, casting huge shadows.

The private airport is situated on the edge of a sizable island.

At the center of the island is a cone-shaped mountain covered with lush green vegetation, its summit gently disappearing into the surrounding clouds.

The pristine white sand beach, like a delicate and flawless jade ribbon, encircles the entire island, while its edge is bordered by a ring of crystal-clear waters that display emerald green, peacock blue, and amber hues due to the shallows and coral reefs.

The waves gently and continuously lapped against the shore, leaving fleeting patterns of foam.

The transport vessel landed smoothly on the designated platform.

As the hatch opened, a warm, humid breeze, carrying the fresh scent of plants and the unique salty aroma of the ocean, immediately rushed in, brushing against everyone's cheeks, a stark contrast to the constant-temperature air that had been circulating and filtered inside the spacecraft for more than ten days.

A man in a crisp white uniform, with every strand of hair meticulously combed, was already leading a small delegation and waiting respectfully.

Upon seeing Chen Xi and his group descend the gangway, he immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply with impeccable posture, displaying utmost humility.

“Your Excellency, the Supreme Judge,” his voice was a mixture of deep reverence and carefully crafted flattery, “I am Kroso, the Administrator of this sector, and it is a great honor to welcome you and your distinguished entourage to our Azure Star.”

The insignia of the court, no matter where it appears in the galaxy, is enough to make the local power structure on edge and extremely humble.

Chen Xi nodded slightly, adopting a slightly aloof but still approachable expression that she usually wore in public.

"Manager Crosso, thank you for your welcome. My purpose in coming here is solely for private retreat and meditation, to escape official duties and restore my spiritual energy."

All ceremonies will be kept simple, requiring no formal reports, and all visitors will be declined.

"Everything has been arranged according to your instructions, sir!"

Crosso hurriedly assured him, bending even lower.

“This ‘Peak of Tranquility’ island has been completely cleared out, ensuring your privacy and peace.”

Apart from the bare minimum of service personnel—who have all undergone rigorous checks and purification procedures—no one will disturb them.

The island has complete facilities for your enjoyment.

If you have any needs, please contact me directly through this top-secret communication channel. It connects directly to my private office and is available 24/7.

He presented a small data chip with both hands.

Chen Xi gestured for Olegana to take the chip and nodded.

“Very good, Manager.”

Your efficiency is commendable.

After a streamlined handover process, a sleek, silent anti-gravity hovercar transported them to their home deep within the island.

The vehicle wound its way through lush tropical vegetation, with huge, broad-leaved plants brushing past the windows, interspersed with exotic, brightly colored flowers. The air was filled with the rich fragrance of nectar and humus, mixed with the scent of the distant ocean.

The residence is a group of low-rise buildings cleverly nestled between the hillside and the coastline, using local native wood and light-colored stone. The design is simple and open, blending into the natural environment to the greatest extent possible.

The huge floor-to-ceiling curved glass wall brings the outdoor scenery into the interior without reservation.

The most eye-catching feature is the infinity pool, whose surface blends perfectly with the distant sea, seemingly extending directly to the horizon, creating a magnificent and breathtaking scene where the sea and sky merge into one.

After putting away their simple luggage, everyone gathered on the spacious terrace facing the sea.

A warm sea breeze continued to blow, bringing a relaxing warmth and a sense of humidity.

Sunlight pierced through the sparse clouds, casting almost tangible beams of light that shattered into countless shimmering golden fragments on the sea surface, so dazzling that it was almost blinding.

The sounds of nature are constant yet ever-changing: the gentle lapping of waves against the beach, the clear calls of various seabirds in the air or on the water, and the rustling of the wind through the dense palm leaves and forest vegetation...

All of this stands in stark contrast to the ceaseless roar of heavy machinery, the screeching of fleets taking off and landing, and the shouts of millions of soldiers drilling on Rostov Main Star, as if it were another completely opposite extreme in the universe.

"Wow……"

Guterres couldn't help but let out a long breath and exclaim in genuine amazement. The hand that had been unconsciously pressing the explosive pistol finally loosened and hung down at his side.

"This place... is really... the best."

The data processing light in Olegana's eyes gradually faded. She stood there quietly, facing the sea, seemingly temporarily shutting down the analysis and evaluation that was constantly taking place, and simply immersing herself in the pure sensory information brought by this scenery with her unique way of perception.

The mechanical cat on her shoulder took a keen interest in a fallen leaf that had been blown onto the terrace by the wind, and was carefully poking at it with its nimble metal claws.

Chen Xi took a deep breath, letting the pure, free, and vibrant air fill his chest, as if even the fatigue and dust accumulated deep within his spiritual energy were carried away.

A truly relaxed and joyful smile, which had not appeared for a long time, finally slowly bloomed on his face.

“Alright, my friends,” his voice became a little lighter.

"Here, forget war, forget heresy, and forget those endless official documents."

In my capacity as governor, I order—from this moment forward, our sole and most important task is complete relaxation.

(End of this chapter)