Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 464 The Empire's Benevolence (4K)
A pale blue halo emanated from the holographic projection device, outlining the D-7 mutant housing area on the silver-gray metal control panel.

Judge Chen Xi stood at the edge of the light and shadow, his gaze calmly scrutinizing this scene of people struggling to survive under the iron order.

The projected light illuminated his sharply defined face.

He wore a well-tailored black uniform, a symbol of the absolute authority of the court, with a short cape with a scarlet lining draped over his left shoulder.

A column-shaped Inquisitor's Rose, cast in fine gold and inlaid with scarlet gemstones, was pinned to the front of his uniform, reflecting a cool luster in the dim blue light—a symbol of imperial loyalty and the purification of heretics.

The heavy explosion-proof door slid open silently.

Sister Figueisen appeared in the doorway, her entire body encased in pristine white terracotta power armor, the smooth surface only stained with a speck of dust at the joints.

She walked in with steady steps, her power boots making a clear, rhythmic thud on the metal floor.

About three steps behind Chen Xi, she stopped abruptly and gave the judge and sub-sector governor a solemn Imperial Eagle salute.

"In the name of Her Majesty the Holy One, I salute you, Your Excellency the Inquisitor." The voice came from the helmet's loudspeaker, clear and pleasant, with the calm and penetrating power unique to battle nuns.

Chen Xi turned his gaze away from the projection and nodded slightly.

“Sister Figsin, report the situation.” His deep voice carried its usual authority, and his well-defined fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the edge of the control panel.

Figesin quickly unbuckled the helmet and removed it.

A strand of pale gold hair fell from her temple, brushing against her young and focused face. Her clear and sharp gaze fell on the judge's broad back as she firmly attached her helmet to the magnetic buckle at her waist.

"Your Honor, Sector D-7 is operating smoothly overall." Figsin's clear and pleasant voice rang out in the room. Her pale golden braids swayed gently as she looked up, and the projected light shone on her focused face: "The investigation into psionic contamination at the core pipeline nodes has been completed, and all treatments are within safe limits."

The resident mutual aid network is operating smoothly, and reports of unexpected chaos have decreased significantly.

I recommend implementing a secondary food ration incentive program for individuals and units actively involved in maintaining order, in order to consolidate the results.

Her nail-covered fingers habitually brushed against the handle of the rose-shaped explosive gun, a symbol of purity and combat, on her side, and she continued calmly: "However, the physical damage caused by continuous high-intensity labor deserves attention, mainly manifested in joint wear and tear and skin problems."

We have coordinated efforts to increase the supply of protective equipment and to increase the frequency of medical monk patrols.

"Based on the latest principles of the Rostov Mutant Population Management Regulations, three cases of Level 4 critical state mutations have been confirmed." Figesin raised his head, his gaze fixed on Chen Xi's broad back: "Due to the irreversible deterioration of the mutation, the individuals involved have basically lost their ability to work, and there is a risk of passive spread."

Therefore, in accordance with the spirit and charter of the regulations, we request the immediate initiation of the 'Imperial Mercy Procedure' to completely eliminate the risk of pollution.

A short distance away, the sage Olivia stood quietly.

The red, finely crafted robe accentuated his serene expression, making him appear no different from an ordinary person at first glance.

Only a few slender, multi-jointed mechanical tentacles on its back subtly swayed and adjusted their angles with almost imperceptible movements, revealing its identity.

Several servo skulls with brass casings and eyes that glowed slightly red floated around her like dutiful acolytes, emitting soft hums.

“Sister Figesen’s observations are highly correlated with my data analysis.” Olivia’s smooth and efficient synthesized voice rang out, and the spotlight of her mechanical eye focused on Chen Xi: “Integrated analysis of the vital signs monitoring network in Zone D-7 shows that individual B-7-09 exhibits significant inert resistance to secondary promethium radiation in its somatic cells. It is recommended that it be placed in the outer area of ​​the airport secondary reactor for extreme tolerance testing to assess its potential utilization rate under the maximum tolerable radiation value.”

The mechanical tentacles stretched slightly as the thought process progressed: "Case D-7-42, its skeletal muscle exhibits extraordinary strength under specific stress, and it is recommended to include it in the heavy vehicle component handling sequence, conduct special tests on extreme load-bearing capacity and fatigue, and quantify its ultimate extractable value."

It is worth noting that, under the current management framework, the estimated overall survival probability of the target group over the next five years has steadily increased from the initial 24% to 43.7%, showing a positive trend in survival stability.

She paused briefly, and the servo skull emitted a soft hum of computation in sync: "Based on this trend, we propose the following optimization suggestions: establish a pre-set job conversion mechanism and supporting system for individuals approaching the level three mutation threshold; construct a dynamic monitoring and early warning network for accelerated deterioration of regional mutations; and strengthen the reproductive health support system for the reproductive-age population."

Furthermore, the "Emperor's Mercy Procedure" containment process will be further standardized to ensure that all remaining physiological potential of critically ill individuals is fully utilized before final disposal, thereby maximizing resource recovery rates.

“Sister Figsin,” Chen Xi finally looked away from the projection, his deep pupils turning to the combat nun who had removed her helmet: “Was your application for the ‘mercy procedure’ based on the risk of pollution or purely for survival?”

Could the job rotation mechanism proposed by Sage Olivia cover some similar cases and delay the entry into the quarantine phase?

Figsin straightened his back, his young face showing no hesitation: "Your Honor, risk is the primary consideration! The regulations clearly state that there is a possibility of uncontrollable passive diffusion in the Level 4 critical state."

While job rotation mechanisms have their value, the extent of variation and the rate of deterioration in these three cases have exceeded the current scope of the mechanism.

"Imperial mercy" is a necessary means of purification. I also suggest attempting enhanced medical intervention before proceeding; this is a final solace for suffering souls and a manifestation of procedural 'mercy.'"

Chen Xi nodded slightly and turned his gaze to Olivia: "Sage, the survival rate of 43.7% is a significant improvement, but what is the cost?"
Is the physical toll that Figesin mentioned part of the cost of the 'effective management framework' in your report?
Do your suggestions for upgraded protective equipment and medical support align with Figuesin's needs? How can resources be balanced?

Olivia's mechanical eyes seemed to flicker for a moment, but her synthesized voice remained steady: "Losses are an inevitable byproduct of efficiency, Your Honor."

Raising the level of protection and the frequency of medical care requires additional resource investment, and Sister Figueir's demands are supported by data.

My core optimization suggestion is to increase the slope of the overall survival rate curve and invest in preventative resources, such as protection and early warning networks.

In the long run, this will reduce costs and the trigger rate of the "merciful procedure," increasing the average effective working hours of the group. This aligns with Sister Figueir's short-term goals of strengthening protection and standardizing procedures, representing complementary strategies across different time scales.

“Long-term?” Figsin’s voice involuntarily rose half an octave, his clear blue eyes staring directly into Olivia’s inhuman mechanical pupils: “Sage Olivia, I respect the logic of the God of Machines.”

But you mentioned putting B-7-09 into the radiation zone for extreme testing and D-7-42 into extreme transport testing—isn't this just accelerating the depletion of their lives and pushing them to the end of the 'merciful process' even faster?
Does your optimization of 'efficiency' equate to squeezing out the last bit of value from them, completely stripping away the fundamental compassion for the soul that 'imperial benevolence' should embody?

Her knuckles were slightly tense beneath her power armor, and her tone carried the skepticism characteristic of a battle nun.

Olivia's mechanical tentacles stopped their subtle movements, and her synthesized voice gained a touch of sharp, calm defiance: "Sister Figsin, your questioning is based on emotional projection."

'The emperor's benevolence' is the inevitable and necessary end point.

My proposal aims to maximize the usability of individuals and the amount of test data acquired before reaching the finish line, which is responsible for the resources of the Empire.

B-7-09’s radiation inertness is a verifiable and usable unique asset; D-7-42’s exceptional strength contributes far more to specific roles than standard laborers.

Ignoring these potentials would be irresponsible towards the overall survival rate.

The 'basic compassion' you mentioned, in the resource-scarce wasteland, is most realistically manifested by improving efficiency and ensuring the survival of more individuals.

Overprotecting inefficient individuals ultimately undermines the very foundation of the group's survival. Clearly, Olivia, as a mechanical sage, possesses an impeccable logical chain.

Figueir's jawline tightened for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.

Instead of directly refuting Olivia's logic, she turned to Chen Xi and said in a deep voice, "Your Honor, I am not against efficiency."

But 'the emperor's benevolence' should not be merely a discarded process after resources have been squeezed dry!

Olivia's job rotation mechanism has its value, but its 'extreme testing' orientation must be strictly constrained!
It is essential to set clear and insurmountable physiological tolerance limits, and to provide supporting medical care that can truly slow down deterioration rather than merely record the process of collapse.

Otherwise, how is this any different from a cold-blooded selection process? Does it contradict the spirit of 'benevolence' in the regulations?

For these three irreversible cases, I insisted on immediately implementing the 'compassionate procedure' and providing the maximum possible medical care in the final stages of their lives.

Olivia's servo skull emitted an even more intense buzzing.

Instead of responding directly to Figsin, she refocused her mechanical eye on Chen Xi, her synthesized voice supported by data: "Your Honor, the physiological limit threshold is quantifiable and definable."

My draft will include an early warning mechanism based on real-time monitoring of biological signs to ensure that job transitions operate within a pre-set safety margin until their value is fully realized or a critical threshold is reached.

Healthcare support is part of an efficiency investment.

However, for individuals who have lost their ability to work and pose a risk of spreading the disease, the optimal solution is still to initiate the 'compassionate procedure' in a timely manner.

Resources should be prioritized for preventing and maintaining the working population, rather than attempting to reverse irreversible deterioration.

This is the cold, hard logic, and the foundation for maintaining 43.7% and pursuing even higher figures.

Chen Xi's broad chest rose and fell slightly with his deep breaths, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the edge of the cold workbench.

My gaze returned to the projection of the resettlement area, struggling to breathe in the dim blue light.

Figesin's emphasis on order, immediate risk, and adherence to the meaning of "benevolence," Olivia's cold numbers, long-term efficiency blueprint, precise calculation of "usable value," and that doubled yet still cruel 43.7% survival rate clashed violently in his mind.

Figesin's questioning of "cold-bloodedness" and Olivia's defense of "necessary logic" are a microcosm of the Empire's contradictions in this galaxy.

The weight of resource allocation, the boundaries of imperial iron laws, the weight of individual lives under the shadow of mutation... all were placed on the judge's scales after this silent, heated debate.

After a moment of silence, his deep voice rang out, carrying the weight of decision: "Approve the immediate activation of the 'Emperor's Mercy Procedure' for those three Level 4 critical individuals."

Following Sister Figueir's advice, intensive medical interventions were attempted before the procedure was performed.

He turned to Olivia: “Sage Olivia, immediately refine your draft of the job conversion mechanism.”

The core requirements must include the clearly defined and insurmountable physiological tolerance thresholds emphasized by Sister Figueirin, along with a substantial medical palliative care support plan tied to them, and must be submitted within three days.

The core of this mechanism is 'management' and 'extending the availability period,' not 'testing the limits.'

Returning to Figesin: "You will coordinate with the logistics department to upgrade protective equipment and increase the number of medical monks, prioritizing high-risk positions."

Then, to the two individuals: "The early warning network and reproductive health support system proposed by the sages should be incorporated into the long-term planning assessment."

The two of you will jointly draft the detailed rules for standardizing the implementation process of the 'Imperial Benevolence Procedure'.

The detailed rules must clearly demonstrate the absolute priority of risk control, and also include necessary, standardized humanitarian monitoring procedures before implementation.

His fingertips stopped tapping, and his voice was deep and serious: "Remember, every percentage point is not just a number, but a mark of the survival of the people of the empire."

Efficiency versus humanity, order versus survival, and the boundaries you debate regarding 'exploitation' versus 'end-of-life care'—all must find a balance within the cracks between imperial law and this reality.

In the brief silence, the air seemed to freeze, with only the low hum of the projection and the buzzing of the skull intertwined.

Figesin and Olivia's eyes briefly met at the point where Chen Xi finished speaking, one holding onto her insistence on having her demands partially adopted, the other calmly accepting the addition of constraints to the efficiency framework.

The debate has temporarily subsided, but the differences in ideas, like dust under the dim blue light, have not disappeared.

“Sister Figsin, the secondary ration incentive program shall be implemented as approved.” He turned to the representative of the Cult of Mechanism, his gaze sharp: “Sage Olivia, the regional mutation early warning grid shall be constructed according to the Imperial Civilization World Level 3 security standard.”

The cost of the required core equipment will be covered by the special budget of the Novaya Zemlya Airport Authority.

Ensure that all variables in the region are under absolute control, and that any abnormal fluctuations are detected, analyzed, and reported immediately. "Absolutely controllable" and "immediately" serve as a warning against the potential risk of loss of control.

Without hesitation, he decisively activated the personal thinker data panel on his wrist.

A sharp beam of light was precisely projected, instantly unfolding a vast and intricately detailed star map of the Rostov sub-sector above the control panel, with colonies and nodes shimmering like a galaxy.

Chen Xi's gaze swept across the star map like a hawk's, and his fingertips swiftly and precisely selected three strategic nodes on the virtual interface that also contained a large number of mutant populations: the Stalingrad small casting cluster, the Dnipro ecological cycle matrix, and the Kalinin gas planet promethium refining station.

“Immediately at these three strategic nodes,” Chen Xi’s voice carried a sense of caution and deliberation, “implement the ‘Temporary Management Regulations for Mutants in the Rostov Subsector’ on a pilot basis.”

All processes and management frameworks must be executed meticulously and strictly in accordance with the proven standard model of Zone D-7.

The objective is clear: to incorporate scattered mutant populations into the ironclad network of imperial order, and through rigorous selection and effective guidance, transform their potential into tangible and controllable productive forces to support the empire's operation.

Upon receiving the order, he picked up the solid gold pen engraved with a fleur-de-lis design.

The pen tip hovered over the blank space of the blessed parchment, which had been prepared beforehand and exuded a faint fragrance and wax seal—the turning point that had borne witness to the destinies of countless people.

He paused for an almost imperceptible moment, as if the silent debate between Figesin and Olivia had taken on a weight at the tip of his pen.

Finally, the pen fell, and he signed his name smoothly and powerfully.

(End of this chapter)