"Forget I said that. First, how many casualties from the war?" Bastion asked, his question not directed at anyone in particular.
To defend the planet, all major forces had committed as many soldiers as they could to halt the invasion. The Planetary Defense Force, the Astra Militarum, the Skitarii forces of the Mechanicus, and even the Sisters of Battle had all been present during the war. No matter the faction, the losses were catastrophic.
"We lost twenty billion soldiers, Your Grace. However, we have managed to refill our ranks," General Draven replied almost immediately.
"Already? That's good. Cardinal?" Bastion turned to the portly man standing before him.
"The Fritaris Militia fought hard and well, but they remain civilians at the end of the day. As for the Adeptus Sororitas, they…" The man began, only to be interrupted by a woman who stepped out from behind him.
Dressed in full body armor that gleamed like gold, her steps echoed through the room. Her presence felt holy, yet measured.
"By your will, Your Grace, I deliver my report. The Mordaxisian Subcontinent is lost. The Orks have overrun it, and their corruption spreads like wildfire. We fought to the last bolt round, the last prayer, the last breath. It was not enough." Her voice was steady, yet heavy with the weight of defeat.
Bastion sat upright, compelled by her words. He knew little about the Adeptus Sororitas, but he understood their zealous nature. If any group's support could legitimize his position as a saint, it was theirs.
"Of the sixty-two thousand Battle Sisters deployed, fewer than five thousand remain fit for combat. Forty-seven thousand perished in His name. The remainder are wounded, missing, or executed for failure," she continued.
"The Imperial Guard held as long as they could. Their courage was without question, but courage is no armor against the green tide. The Orks butchered fifteen billion soldiers and over five trillion civilians before we could evacuate what little we could. The hives of Solmnus, Halka, and Feradun no longer stand. The Ecclesiarchy's great cathedrals, the monuments of faith, the holy reliquaries—all desecrated or reduced to rubble. His light still shines, but we have been forced to retreat beyond its reach."
The mood in the room soured as Draven looked away. Though he appeared nonchalant, the losses clearly affected him deeply. He bore the weight of their sacrifice, knowing they had died fighting for his people.
"I see. Thank you, Sister," Bastion said, cutting her off with a wave of his hand.
Her report was even more grim than what he had read on paper. The Adeptus Sororitas had lost over 60,000, matching her account, while the Militarum had lost 12 billion soldiers, as Draven had stated.
Bastion turned to the beings of ones and zeros who had remained silent throughout the conversation. "What about you, Lord Fabricator? What losses did the Mechanicus suffer so that we may aid in your recovery?"
"By your command, Lord Governor, I deliver the assessment of Mechanicus assets and losses following the xenos incursion. The statistical probability of planetary loss has increased by 72.43%. Full reclamation is improbable without radical strategic recalibration. Initiating transmission." The Fabricator's voice was cold and mechanical, as always. A heavy whirring sound filled the room, as though a machine had awakened.
They watched as a piece of paper emerged from the being's body. It walked over and handed the document to Bastion.
"Here is a detailed report on all Mechanicus losses," the creature said before turning and leaving the room.
As the sound of its steps faded, Bastion allowed himself a faint smile. This world was going to be far more problematic to manage than he had anticipated.
"What about the survivors? What steps have been taken to aid them?" Bastion asked.
"My lord, the continent is lost and overrun by xenos hybrids. However, we managed to evacuate over 400 billion civilians during the conflict. With your permission, I would like to order Exterminatus on the lost continent to prevent the spores from spreading," Draven explained, stepping forward.
"Spores?" Bastion asked, confused.
"Yes, Your Grace. Orks, no matter how thoroughly eradicated, always leave behind spores that ensure their return," the Cardinal explained.