This is our Warhammer journey

Chapter 209 Restraint, Communication, Consensus (4k)

“During this period, we became involved in the administrative affairs of the Otlama space region, on the one hand to provide support for the subsequent reconstruction operations, and on the other hand to investigate and deal with the problems.”

The calm voice of Interior Ministry representative Amotalion echoed before the Makuragh Heroes Monument.

The towering monument, engraved with the names of countless Ultramarine warriors, gleams with a cold metallic sheen under the starlight.

A gentle breeze carried shouts from the distant training field, but it couldn't dispel the slightly tense atmosphere between the two.

"But after completing the investigation, we found that the Primarch's intelligence was sufficient to handle all kinds of difficult matters, and the functions that the investigation team could have performed were completely replaced, and performed even better—"

Amotarion paused for a moment, then spoke to the chapter commander, whose face was still somewhat pale and who could only move with the life support devices built into his armor.

"But according to Lord Romulus, they will eventually leave, but Terra also hopes that the wisdom of the four Primarchs can reach more areas."

"Therefore, I would like to recommend Lord Romulus to take charge of the affairs of the Greater Altera Marian region. I wonder if you would be interested?"

Calga frowned almost imperceptibly.

If the radiation really reaches Terra, you guys won't be happy about it.

"."

Calga took a deep breath, the pump chamber in his chest emitting a clattering sound of gears churning.

After the battle that nearly took his life, both of his hearts were completely destroyed, and the Ultramarines' pharmacists urgently cultivated replacement organs to barely keep him alive.

When the wise man Calder came to inspect the situation, he was furious upon seeing these temporary measures and rebuked these unorthodox methods without reservation.

Now, the Ultramarines' apothecaries have been transferred to the Dawnwings for systematic training, and until they return, Calgar can only continue to rely on this life support device, enduring the mechanical stiffness with every breath.

Original Space Marine Surgery
The thought wouldn't leave his mind.

The war with the Tyranid swarm made him realize that the Ultramarines, and indeed the entire Imperium, were about to face an unprecedented threat.

Whether it's upholding the principles of the Astartes Codex or appeasing the conservative sentiments within the chapter that have almost become a religion, it's extremely difficult to carry out reforms before Lord Guilliman awakens.

Not long ago, after bidding farewell to the expeditionary fleet, Kalgar proposed at the chapter council the formation of the 'Zerg Veterans', an elite force dedicated to researching and combating the Tyranid swarm in order to prepare for future large-scale invasions.

However, conservative voices immediately drowned out his proposal.

Therefore, the widespread adoption of a surgical procedure that can reliably enhance the combat effectiveness of the Astartes is imperative.

Research on the modification surgery was being conducted in secret by the apothecaries of almost every warband, but most of the experiments were somewhat sinister and not suitable for public discussion.

The original Space Marine surgery.

Calga reviewed the entire plan and was well aware of its value.

Two sets of enhanced biological organs and one mechanical implant for coordinating the first 21 surgeries—this system not only comprehensively enhances the soldier's physiological functions, but more importantly, every step of its modification is based on rigorous scientific evidence, rather than some shady adjustments made privately by certain combat groups.

The Black Templar and other warbands have been widely adopted, with significant results.

With these precedents in place, the resistance within the warband should be much less.

This is why Calga's own organ repair surgery was repeatedly delayed.

He must be the first among the Ultra Warriors to undergo modification, setting an example to dispel the conservatives' doubts.

Fortunately, the new MK10 power armor far surpasses previous models in performance, and even though his body has not fully recovered, the armor's enhancement system can still compensate for his weakness.

However, the inability to remove his armor for an extended period of time still made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

He hadn't been able to set foot in the hot springs of Macurag for a long time.

"grown ups?"

Seeing that Calga seemed a little distracted, Amotarion politely inquired.

“I’m sorry, Lord Amotalion, I have no interest in that.”

Calga snapped out of his reverie and, after a moment's thought, rejected the suggestion from the Interior Ministry representative.

He certainly hoped that Lord Romulus would stay; apart from certain secret cousins, no chapter would refuse the presence of a Primarch.

But Altramah was ultimately Robert Guilliman's territory, the soil where the bloodline of the Thirteenth Army was rooted.

Romulus can control and modify the sector through certain measures, but if he is trapped in this occupied territory, he will undoubtedly be restricted by various rules and regulations, and there will always be a Guilliman between him and Altramar.

Putting himself in the other person's shoes, Calga believed that this was completely unacceptable for an aspiring politician.

As Amotallion said, the Primarchs' wisdom far surpasses that of mortals, and even far surpasses that of the Astartes.

If that's the case, what right does Calga have to make decisions for Romulus?
Can I ask you why?

Amotarion's voice carried a hint of inquiry.

"The Primarch of the Ultramarines still exists in the world, Your Excellency."

Calgary raised his hand and pointed to the maglev vehicles parked by the roadside.

The streamlined government taxis were neatly lined up, each bearing the emblem of the Otlamah Administrative Court.

"You only need to spend 13 astas for a government-provided taxi to go to Hera Fortress to admire his glory, and there is no entrance fee."

Guilliman's existence is not merely a symbol, but the cornerstone of Ottara's laws and order.

Even though he is now asleep, his will still flows through this star system, engraved in every monument, every decree, and in the genes of every soldier.

Otlam has always been a place with its own people.

"That's it"

Amotarion pondered for a moment.

During this period, he communicated with many warbands, including Black Templar and Nemesis.

It's fair to say that the results were not ideal.

The Black Templar zealots were rather indifferent to this; they had all left behind an expeditionary fleet and would certainly not leave until the Primarch drove them away.

The Nemesis Chapter even planned to relocate directly to Alteramar and choose a homeworld, because they genuinely believed that the Ultramarines were unreliable.

The Holy Blood Angels are too obedient; they consult Karna on everything.

"grown ups."

An accompanying Interior Ministry guard whispered a reminder.

"The next meeting will be in 13 minutes."

Amotarion paused for a moment, then shook his head.

“I’ll refuse—no, I’ll personally come to apologize.”

"?"

Several other officials from other departments who were accompanying them exchanged puzzled glances, and one of them even subconsciously frowned.

Amotarion noticed their reaction, glanced at Calga, and then calmly explained:
"After the members of the initial groups and their secondary formations refused, there was nothing more to say."

“You should all be insightful. The Astartes are an extension of the Primarch’s will, and their status will inevitably rise in the future. We are all aware of the sordid affairs in the various sectors. Do you think they can be better than the Primarchs?”

The Ministry of the Interior's thinking is actually very clear.

I. The Empire's constitution has proven perfect over millennia; any attempt to change it is a betrayal of the Emperor himself. II. Taxation.

Apart from that, everything else was merely done incidentally.

If it doesn't work out, that's fine; it's far from enough to make them risk offending the Primarch to force it.

The changes brought about by the Primarch are positive, and even conservatives cannot deny this, so it is even more important to strike a balance.

Some things you can do, and some things you can't.

Only in this way will the Primarch not become alienated from the Empire.

Although Amotarion did not know exactly what the Primarch intended to do to enhance the Empire's command and military strength.

But since the other side has no intention of going to Terra to seize power, the high lords don't need to treat everything as an enemy like a stressed cat.

Politics is the art of compromise.

"Look at Huron, then look at the four Primarchs, which side do you think we should trust more?"

Ultimately, both are powerful entities, but the existence of the Dawnwings has brought much stability to the Highlord Council.

Loyal, restrained, willing to pay taxes, and highly capable, he is both a formidable fighter and a capable administrator—a high-end version of Marcarius combined with the hero Macardo.

You expect the High Lords to consider such an entity an enemy before they actually intend to take action against Terra?

At that point, it won't be something that can be resolved through the current political wrangling.

“Until the power of the Throne World is truly challenged, we have no reason to reject the Primarch’s friendship. We will not create an enemy for ourselves out of thin air. Do you understand what I mean?”

His gaze swept over the accompanying officials, and those civil servants who had previously looked puzzled now lowered their heads and silently showed their obedience.

Amotallion finally looked at Calga and performed a noble gesture.

"Thank you for your response, Chapter Master Calgar."

Without any further pleasantries, the Interior Ministry representative turned and left decisively.

His entourage immediately followed, their orderly footsteps fading into the distance across the square.

Calga stood there, watching them board the shuttle parked not far away. The roar of the engine soon tore through the tranquil sky of Macurag.

Silence returned to the monument, with only the eternal wind blowing across the metal surface engraved with countless names of heroes, emitting a faint murmur.

Calgar looked up at Guilliman's statue, the Primarch's figure holding a power sword gleaming in the sunlight.

Calga turned his gaze from Guilliman's statue to the figure standing silently before the monument.

The black and red power armor gleamed with a dull luster in the sunlight, like congealed blood and night.

The knight stood there the whole time, as if he were part of the monument himself.

"It seems he has passed the test?"

Calga asked.

"Those who fail the test will not be allowed to come before us."

Arthur tilted his head slightly.

Beside Arthur, the seemingly ordinary Ottara civil servant maintained a respectful demeanor, but Calgar knew it was merely a perfect disguise for the Calidus assassin.

It's perfectly normal for members of the Assassin's Court to infiltrate the Terra delegation, and there might even be more than one. After all, investigation teams always need special methods to deal with special issues.

Similarly, the Terra authorities also need to ensure that the investigation team itself does not become a new problem.

This delicate balance of power is the foundation upon which the empire has operated for millennia.

The Assassin's Court already had independent communication channels with the Dawnwings, and the two sides had already reached a general consensus on a series of plans under Aglaia's witness.

The purpose of this meeting was, in essence, to reach a consensus; neither side's demands were for war.

Anyone who really wants to cause trouble doesn't deserve to come in front of them and pollute their eyes.

Arthur then handed a storage device containing the genetic seeds to Calgar.

"I'm sorry, but because of my position, I don't think I can prepare a solemn ceremony for him."

This is the final legacy of the Ultramariner apothecary who fought against eight opponents and only fell when Arthur's reinforcements arrived.

Arthur never forgot to return the genetic seeds he left behind.

A gentle breeze swept across the square, swirling up a few fallen leaves that drifted down between the two of them.

Now, only he is left.

"Your existence makes our deeds shine even brighter."

Calga accepted it solemnly.

"Hiffers has not disgraced his name, and I assure you that the Ultramarines will select the best warriors to carry on this glorious history."

The name Gage can be traced back to the founding of the Ultramarines Legion, to Marius Gage, the Legion's leader.

He was the second person in power in Ultramar after Guilliman, and also the first Chapter Master of the Ultramarines Chapter.

As a member of the Terra lineage, Marius did not leave any descendants in Macurag, but this did not prevent the people of Otramama from changing their surnames in remembrance of his deeds.

Such a culture is perfectly normal for the people of Ottara.

After all, it was Calgar, whose surname was also that of a dear friend who had died during the Trials of Astartes.

Despite the various exaggerated legends circulating, the truth is actually much simpler: Calgary was not born a serf as rumored, and that past event was not as thrilling as the legends portray.

"Every warrior who fights for humanity deserves respect."

Arthur then looked at the towering monument.

Calgary remained standing, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the ceremonial swords displayed beside the monument's base.

These weapons, crafted entirely by hand, are meticulously made and only reveal their dazzling beauty under the sunlight, exuding a restrained elegance.

This Primarch is very mysterious. He either keeps an eye on the safety of the visiting students from the shadows, or, after confirming that Macurag is not a threat, spends almost all his remaining time at the monument, quietly gazing at it.

"After the Ministry of the Interior's talks conclude, there will be a meeting of Astartes' representatives."

"Ah."

Calgar nodded, then asked, "Lord Romulus?"

"I am in charge of military affairs, which are carried out in parallel with Romulus's affairs."

A flash of understanding crossed Calga's eyes.

This is the War General.

"understand!"

　P.S.: I posted 9,000 words in one go yesterday, which was too much. I simply didn't have enough time to write more. But I'm resting today, so I'll be able to post more later.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)