Warhammer 40k : Space Marine Kayvaan

The office was steeped in a heady air of passion. The Countess, unfastened a series of concealed buttons on her gown. The intricate fabric slipped silently to the floor, unveiling the allure beneath. Black stockings complemented her elegant curves, accentuating her long, beautiful legs. The mere sight could set one's blood aflame.

The office's soundproof walls held their secrets well, muffling even the wildest moments. The Countess, exhilarated after three months of absence since Edward's arrival, indulged in reckless abandon. Their fervent escapade spanned from the desk to the chairs and finally to the guest sofa, leaving both of them breathless and drained. "It was marvelous," the Countess whispered, tracing lazy circles on Kayvaan's chest with her fingers. Her voice carried a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. "Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn't met you… or if that old fool hadn't passed away. Just imagining it sends chills down my spine. It's terrifying. Thank the stars I found you."

Kayvaan responded with a quiet smile, saying nothing. "So, Mr. Kayvaan," she continued, her voice playful, "did you call me back just to discuss the orphanages?"

"Can't it be that I simply missed you?"

"That would make me very happy," she teased, "but it doesn't seem like your style."

"Fine," Kayvaan admitted, smirking. "I do have something to discuss. But can't it wait until dinner?"

"I'm curious now. Just tell me."

"All right, but only at the dining table. It's not something to rush." 

Dinner was a modest spread: grilled oysters, escargot, sashimi, and tender steak. Mordaine, ever the connoisseur, chose aged red wine, while Kayvaan stuck to his usual—beer. "How many times have I told you?" she sighed, cutting into her steak. "A formal dinner like this deserves a fine vintage, but you always choose beer. It's… disappointing."

"I've no interest in red wine," Kayvaan replied bluntly. "It's sweet, comes in tiny sips, and isn't satisfying. Besides, I've never been one to bend to other people's customs."

Mordaine sighed but let it drop, shifting topics. "Fine. So, what is it?"

Kayvaan leaned back, his expression turning serious. "I'll be setting out with the fleet soon. You and Black Rose should start preparing to expand our galaxy trade operations."

"Trade?" Mordaine's brows shot up in disbelief. "Why? Are you short on money?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Kayvaan admitted with a wry smile. "I'm in desperate need of funds."

"You? Poor?" Mordaine laughed, as though it were a joke. "If you're poor, then I should be out begging!"

Kayvaan chuckled but shook his head. "Wealth can mean many things. And while I may appear wealthy, my expenses are astronomical. That's the reality of my position."

"Expenses? Like what?"

"You've heard about the Forge World project, right?"

"Yes, but only in passing. Something about large-scale space construction?"

"That's right," Kayvaan said, his tone growing more focused. "I'm building a massive orbital defense system in space. It'll include a spaceport, station, military docks, cargo warehouses, factories, satellites, and countless military facilities. When completed, it will form a sprawling, cross-shaped fortress, centered around an arched core. It'll serve as the base for Reach's fleet, a hub for space trade, and a vital defensive stronghold."

Kayvaan gestured with his hands as if sketching the structure in the air. "I call it the Guardian of Reach. Once operational, it'll be our shield—a floating city in the void. Even if an enemy sneaks past our outer defenses, this fortress will hold the line, raining destruction from above."

Mordaine's eyes lit up. "That sounds… incredible."

"It is," Kayvaan agreed, "but it's also unfathomably expensive."

"How expensive?" Mordaine asked, cutting another piece of steak. "Don't tell me you're afraid to say."

Kayvaan sighed, setting his utensils down. "If you insist…"

When he named the figure, Mordaine froze mid-bite, her eyes widening in shock. "That much? You can't be serious!"

"I wish I weren't," Kayvaan replied grimly. "Wars are expensive. Personnel, resources, infrastructure—it all adds up. And building a fortress like this is a monumental undertaking. I didn't realize the full scope of the costs until now. It's a challenge even for me."

The galaxy's internal defense system was already a monumental undertaking, with construction costs spiraling out of control. Kayvaan couldn't help but feel a pang of dread thinking about the future. If a single project drained so many resources, what would happen when they expanded beyond this galaxy? The Foundry World's economy didn't offer much hope either. Low-end goods brought in little profit, while high-end items were priced exorbitantly. For example, the cost of a standard blade compared to one crafted with the monomolecular edge process was worlds apart. To make matters worse, the entire market was dominated by a single super-monopoly, with only a few secondary chain stores offering any alternatives.

What about cross-galaxy warfare? What about acquiring advanced, game-changing equipment? And how would they sustain the relentless investments demanded by war? Kayvaan's stomach churned as he contemplated the financial abyss before him—a pit with no discernible bottom. "This isn't about affordability," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "It's about principles. Offering such outrageous prices doesn't exactly scream 'fair business practices.'"

Mordaine, seated across from him, gave him a skeptical glance. "You can't really accuse the Mechanicus of insincerity, can you? They're eager to sign contracts, but once you agree, you're as good as indentured to them. If you manage to survive for the next ten thousand years, maybe you'll pay off the debt."

Kayvaan sighed, his voice tinged with self-reproach. "I won't deny it. They're being fair, in their own way. I was naïve to think I could undertake a project like this without incurring extra costs. But we're not past the point of no return. We can adjust our approach—take it one step at a time."

Mordaine arched an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you propose we take it 'step by step'?"

"By building a large-scale mining and trade operation," Kayvaan explained, his tone growing more animated. "Right now, constructing anything in space involves manufacturing components on the ground, then transporting them into orbit for assembly. That logistical chain alone drains an obscene amount of resources. Instead, we'll relocate the bulk of our shipbuilding and armament production to space. We'll mine, refine, and manufacture everything in orbit. But for that, we need raw materials—and that's where a mining company comes in." He paused, gesturing to an invisible map. "The asteroid belt is rich with resources. Some of those minerals are incredibly rare. I plan to establish three mining stations around the belt, positioned in a triangular formation. These stations will collect and process materials, some of which we'll keep for our own use to kickstart a space-based smelting industry. The rest we'll sell to the Foundry World."

Mordaine gave him an incredulous look. "Sell to the Forge World? Are you serious? The Mechanicus doesn't exactly have a reputation for being easy to work with. Every merchant that's tried dealing with them has ended up bankrupt, their operations reduced to ashes. The Forge World has survived for millennia because it crushes all competitors."

Kayvaan chuckled. "I'm not trying to fleece the Mechanicus, Mordaine. I'm offering a partnership. By supplying them with raw materials, they'll have the resources to expand their production lines. That, in turn, increases their output and revenue, enabling them to rise to the next tier of Forge Worlds. A higher-level Forge World receives greater technological support from Mars itself. Everyone benefits."

"And Gustav just went along with this?"