Warhammer: In the Name of Nirvana

As a Primarch, Morgan has many advantages: and rigor is the one she is most proud of.

Morgan's rigor, just like Magnus' thirst for knowledge, Dorn's conscientiousness, Guilliman's greed and Konrad's justice, is an innate attribute engraved in her bloodline genes. Almost impossible to erase.

When she disguised herself as a mortal and played the role of a bloodless and tearless soul reaper; when she learned the value of emotion in the black array of the First Legion; when she took control of her own legion and country, and When she regards them as precious private property that can be protected through war and betrayal; her rigorous attitude and absolute rationality have always been with her. They have almost never failed to make a judgment, and have even saved Morgan from countless times. life.

Now, rigor and rationality have become the instinct, dependence, and even necessity of the Primarch as much as breathing. She is used to making well-organized plans for everything around her, whether it is the actions of the legion or the construction of the territory. , or the so-called family relationship between her blood brothers that is as complex as the responsibility system of the Imperial Ministry of Internal Affairs.

But even though the Spider Queen has made preparations for all her brothers, there are always some skeletal Primarchs who can use their wonderful actions or worldview to take the Lord of Avalon's life from an angle never imagined. Rigorous planning is torn into pieces, letting the cloud of anger cover the flawless smile.

Fortunately, there aren't many Primarchs who can do this: maybe a dozen.

But unfortunately, in this regard, a certain knight of Caliban is definitely on the list.

Jonson can always shock Morgan. From different angles and with different performances, he hits the Spider Queen's fragile heart and makes her fall into a mess of confusion.

For example: now.

Morgan couldn't even figure out why Jonson and Guilliman, two heirs of the Emperor who had never met each other, were filled with such deep malice towards each other: in their mouths, the other's The reliability is not even as good as Leman Russ.

This was a somewhat serious indictment for any Primarch.

And if the accusations made by the Lord of the Five Hundred Worlds were restrained and full of statesmanlike official explanations, then the Lord of Caliban's evaluation of Guilliman was quite... straightforward.

"Guilliman!"

"I should have realized this a long time ago: this was my negligence. The long war distracted me too much and made me unaware of those equally important things, which made me make such a serious mistake."

"I should have warned you a long time ago, to remind you to be careful about that guy Guilliman!"

Even the extremely protracted siege of Randan did not ignite such strong anger in the Lord of Caliban: When the Spider Queen raised her eyebrows slightly, Jonson almost jumped up, and he slapped himself angrily. table, and the dull sound made the whole room tremble.

Compared to the Macragge's hesitation, the Caliban was much happier: when the Lord of Dark Angels walked around his desk and walked twice behind Morgan, he had already figured out how to stand out. Hostility in the heart.

"Tell me, Morgan."

Jonson patted Morgan on the shoulder.

"After you and your legion arrived at the Far Eastern Frontier, what did our brother, the King of Ultramar, do: Did he invite you to visit his country and show off to you the wealth and power of the Five Hundred Worlds? , use alms from above to coerce his oppression, and use all means to spread Macragge's influence to the worlds you manage?"

"Diplomacy, trade, or learning from each other that he has always talked about? Sneaking the advantages of the Dawnbreaker Legion back into his legion, and carrying out so-called transformation in a mysterious manner, turning those traditions and experiences into ultramarines That nondescript appearance, and then bring the finished product in front of you, and pretend to thank you for all your efforts?"

"It's all your fault, Morgan: I guess that's all he said, right?"

【……】

【……】

[Exactly, Jonson. 】

Morgan blinked.

She did not object to Jonson's words: because to a certain extent, all the accusations made by the Calibans seemed to perfectly fit the reality. Even if Morgan wanted to defend Guilliman, she could not find one. Entry point.

"I knew it!"

The lion of Caliban waved his iron palm in annoyance, making a harsh tearing sound in mid-air. The strong air waves rolled up the Spider Queen's high ponytail, disturbing the silver-white hair. : Just like Morgan's heart that is still a little confused.

"This is his usual method!"

"You have been fooled by him, Morgan: he will greedily take away the experience gained by your descendants in sacrifice and dedication, and take it back to feed his legions, just like blood-sucking mosquitoes clinging to those giant beasts. , many brothers have encountered this situation, behind Guilliman's friendly mask is his never-ending greed and ever-expanding ambition."

"Let me tell you: when you fought alongside him, did he show any unusual interest in the Dawnbreaker Legion, or any aspect of Avalon?"

【Um……】

[I think it’s psychic energy, and the cooperation between my descendants and the mortal auxiliaries: Guilliman has sent people to investigate these two points. He even wrote a letter about these two points himself, asking me to answer some of them. question. 】

"Psychic and mortal armies..."

Lord Caliban snorted, full of anger and disdain.

"These two points are indeed not the areas that the Ultramarines are good at: it seems that our Ultramar brother is no longer satisfied with his dominance in the traditional field. His greed and ambition now have a new direction of expansion. .”

"Be careful, Morgan: maybe your Avalon is one of his targets. When you and I are fighting bloody battles for the fate of all mankind at the edge of the galaxy, maybe his claws are taking the opportunity to reach your land. .”

【……】

The Spider Queen blinked.

[Jonson, maybe the situation is not as bad as you think? 】

[After all, Guilliman is also our brother. Even a slightly flawed flesh-and-blood relationship is the most precious thing in the galaxy. If he is really greedy, it is impossible not to know the value of his family relationship with us. 】

After much thought, Morgan decided to say a few words for Guilliman: Although it was Morgan's plan to let Archon Macragge's thick and powerful back carry the darkness of the Five Hundred Worlds and the Far Eastern Frontier at the same time. One, but Morgan still felt a fleeting pang of guilt at hearing an innocent Macraggean so maligned by his brother.

Well, just a little bit.

"Morgan, I never denied that Guilliman is our brother: and this is why I am so disappointed in him. If he was just one of those stupid mortal rulers, then I would not pour out any emotion on him. .”

Low words flowed between the lips and teeth of the Primarch of the First Legion. Jonson paced slowly in his office, and then walked to the cupboard on the left side of the room: from here, the Caliban unexpectedly took out A bottle of wine, or two glasses, returned to Morgan.

【……】

[When did you have these things in your room? 】

"What you left behind: Do you still remember that time when Brother Vulkan came to visit?"

Jonson gave Morgan a glass, then filled both of them with wine. He didn't seem to want to drink, but slowly shook the glass, and silently stared at the bright red vortex, sinking into it. Food for thought.

"Like I said."

"I never deny that Guilliman is our brother and the son of the Emperor, and I never deny that he has outstanding abilities and skills, even better than most of our brothers: in front of him, Even Horus would feel real pressure."

"Facing Guilliman, who holds the Five Hundred Worlds and the Ultramarines Legion, no one can do it without any fluctuations, even me: whenever I think of the power he possesses, I feel instinctively uneasy and powerlessness.”

"Especially when such a huge force will not dedicate their loyalty to the Emperor at all: Guilliman is indeed very talented, but his talent is not for the Emperor and the Empire. He only holds the territory of five hundred worlds in his heart, and only sees the crown of Ultramar in his eyes. He does not understand the value of loyalty and dedication, nor does he want to understand it, let alone pay for it."

"Under his rule, the entire Macragge was a separatist and greedy land. They did not consider themselves to be subjects of the empire, and they would not bleed for the great cause of the empire. Once riots and wars broke out in the center of the galaxy, , then Five Hundred Worlds will definitely not be a force we can count on: they will definitely choose to isolate themselves outside the empire’s territory and enclose the territory for self-protection.”

【……】

[Do you feel that these accusations are too harsh, Jonson: If Guilliman hears it, then you will face a duel from Macragge. 】

Morgan crossed her legs, and she was also shaking the red wine in the glass. She had no interest in these fine wines from more than ten years ago: compared to the wine in the glass, the words from the mouth of Caliban had more impact. sex.

"harsh?"

The Lord of Dark Angels let out a short, rough laugh.

"Let me tell you, Morgan, I have met mortals from five hundred worlds, and I know what they are thinking. I can even assure you with certainty: If the empire really encounters a crisis that requires our all-out efforts, , then the first thing the Macragges will do is to ask Guilliman to draw a clear line with the entire empire and ask the Ultramarines to stay in their state within a state."

"I can even trust Guilliman's fundamental loyalty to the Emperor, but I have no expectations of the Macraggeans: and our brother, he will be bound by his people, He lived up to all of our expectations.”

"What can you expect Guilliman to do?"

"Even if you give him the clearest task, he will keep saying that he must be fully prepared, lay a good foundation, and be delayed by any unexpected situation: and then nine times out of ten he will be late."

"But I can tell you, Morgan, these are not the most serious: the most serious is that our brother Macragge put his five hundred worlds in front of the entire empire. In his heart, he Macragge is far more important than the Emperor's Holy Terra."

"Don't look at what he says, look at what he does."

"Here, I have an opinion to tell you, and you must listen to it: when you get along with Guilliman, you must remain completely cautious and rational, carefully discern every one of his political clichés, and don't believe him easily. Any promise from your mouth."

"Believe me: If Guilliman has the opportunity to add sand to your legion, allow the forces of the Five Hundred Worlds to penetrate into the Far Eastern frontier, and allow your country to be gradually eroded by his smile, then he will definitely do so. .”

"When you think Guilliman has something else on his mind: then don't hesitate, he must have something else on his mind."

"Don't trust him completely, don't reveal your details to him, and the most important point: if you fight side by side, absolutely don't place any hope on him. You'd rather believe in Leman Russ than him. .”

"At the very least, if Leman Russ promises to help you, then he will bring everything he has from the Space Wolves to fight for you, but Guilliman will not, nothing, compare to his five hundred The world is more precious, and even if he makes the most solemn promise, he will still hesitate to move forward because of the safety and prosperity of the five hundred worlds."

【……】

【……】

These words……

Why does it sound familiar?

Morgan frowned slightly, and she glanced at Jonson's face: Lord Caliban's serious eyebrows had turned into a kind of daunting coldness because of the vicious accusations in his mouth, even if It was the most brutal war, and it was difficult for the Dark Angel's Primarch to show such a face.

【……】

It seems like he really hates Guilliman.

This caused huge confusion in the Spider Queen's heart: Although Guilliman's ambition, like Perturabo's beloved soldier as his son, has become a very familiar and inherent impression in Morgan's eyes, but compared to other As a blood brother, Jonson's fear and hostility towards Guilliman seemed to be stronger.

It's just like……

If the Lord of Mankind now issues an order for the Dark Angels and Space Wolves to destroy the entire five hundred worlds at the same time, then Leman Russ will definitely hesitate for a long time and look for a way to prevent the tragedy, while Jonson There won't be any hesitation.

Morgan didn't even doubt that the Calibans could unflinchingly launch extermination orders on every world in Ultramar: he must have enough reserves to carry out such a huge project.

【……】

So: why is this happening?

Is this because of his personality or because of his hidden position?

Is the difference between a military policeman and an executioner just this kind of ruthlessness that can be called crazy?

Morgan stroked her chin. She spent a moment thinking about these issues, and then looked at Jonson, who was still in a state of thinking: When the Caliban told these destructions without changing his face, he There was neither the slightest pause nor hesitation, nor did he show any morbid aura because of the bloody nature of these [vocations] like Conrad did before.

He seemed to be saying something that was taken for granted, and was therefore naturally hostile to one of his brothers: even though they had never formally met or had a long conversation, all they knew was through those distorted rumors and smashed rumors. The extremely biased reasoning and speculation in their hearts.

【……】

Perhaps this was why her Primarch brothers had such a strange relationship with each other: their arrogant natures, minimal communication and bizarre rumors combined to create a wall of despair between the Emperor's children.

When this high wall was briefly broken through by them, even Jonson and Conrad could sit down and share barbecue, stories and wine. And while this high wall remained standing, a certain Markkula The unlucky melon farmer started to top the list of Galaxy Careers.

In a daze, the Spider Queen figured this out, and she showed a rather ironic smile: Maybe, even if she breaks this high wall, with the shining humanoid form of some genetic primitives, It's enough to make them separate themselves from other brothers, and even gain an even worse reputation and evaluation.

But even so...

【……】

If she had the chance, she still wanted to try it: if she gathered her group of blood relatives, what kind of human-like star would shine.

The corners of Morgan's lips curled up, and she raised the wine glass in her hand to salute Jonson.

[In any case, I still want to thank you for your reminder, brother: Although due to practical considerations, I cannot stop trade and exchanges with Ultramar, I will definitely take your warning to heart. 】

"So much the better."

Johnson nodded.

[But I'm still a little confused, Jonson: Does our brother Guilliman really have no redeeming qualities? 】

"of course not."

Caliban's tone was calm.

"As I said before, Guilliman is a man of great ability and skill. These advantages of his are definitely worth learning from: If you can build the Far Eastern Frontier into what it is like in the Five Hundred Worlds, then what will happen to you? It’s definitely a great thing for the empire.”

【Really? 】

[For Holy Terra, is the second five hundred worlds really a good thing? 】

"Don't care what those mediocre people in the Terran government think, Morgan: You and Guilliman are different. You will fight for the interests of the empire in the Gothic sector, and you will also suffer unknown sacrifices here. Your Far Eastern frontier has never expanded into the hinterland of the galaxy, and has always been dedicated to developing the wilderness on the edges."

"If Guilliman could do what you did instead of expanding his five hundred worlds all the way to the Maelstrom and locking his Ultramarines next to Ultramar, I would have no problem with him. Any complaints.”

"But the reality is that from all Guilliman's actions, we can know: in his heart, his country within a country is higher than everything in the galaxy."

"After all, this is my attitude: I recognize his abilities and achievements, but I never think he is a trustworthy brother or a comrade-in-arms worthy of deep friendship."

"Don't trust him, don't count on him, don't rely on him: that's all."

【……】

[I will remember it, Jonson. 】

"You must remember it."

Caliban laughed.

——————

【……】

really.

These words sound so familiar...

——————

About two Terra standard hours after Morgan left, a somewhat tired Luther knocked on Jonson's office door.

"Jonson."

"I have something to report."

"..."

This voice, which had not been heard for a long time, caused the Lord of Caliban to fall into a brief stasis. He immediately let Luthor in, and quickly fell into more stasis.

No matter how many times he had seen it, Zhuang Sen had to admit that when he found that the impression of his adoptive father and right-hand man had lost his old stoop and slowly appeared in front of him with the vitality and vigor of a young man, Something would flash through his steel heart.

Jonson knew why Luther became like this: it was not a secret that the Lord of the Second Legion personally helped Luther regain his youth. Whether it was the whispers of the Dawnbreakers or the reports of the Dark Angels, it was not a secret. Let Zhuang Sen know everything in detail.

Caliban felt that he should thank his blood relatives for this: he had had this idea for a long time, but he had always forgotten to implement it because he was too busy.

"Sit down, Luther."

After being stunned for a while, the Lord of Dark Angels pointed to the seat in front of his desk: Morgan was sitting here two hours ago. She and Luther were the only residents of this chair. After all, Coswayne only Able to report while standing.

"I originally thought that you would come here just before the next war starts: you'd better bring enough reports and work content to make sure that you don't engage in sabotage."

Jonson raised his eyelids and stared at Luther's face seriously: Caliban's old knight still maintained the weathered face that he asked Morgan to keep, but for Jonson, This face was the only memory he could find of Luther.

"Don't worry, Zhuang Sen. I know my responsibilities very well and I haven't neglected them."

Luther spoke his words slowly and firmly, with the somewhat hoarse Caliban voice, which made the irritability in Jonson's heart obviously fade away.

"Why did you come now?"

"..."

Luther was silent for a moment: he did not tell Jonson that if Morgan had not specifically found him and cheered him up, the Lord of Caliban might have had to wait a few days before Luther took the initiative to visit him.

But it’s better not to talk about things like this.

"I've brought a report, Jonson, and you should read it."

Luther did not answer the original body's words. He directly handed the thick stack of documents in his hand to Lord Caliban. Jonson did not pursue Luther's "arrogance". He just took the numbers and tables. summary, frowning without leaving any trace.

"Wrap it up, Luther."

"OK."

Hearing this, the old knight of Caliban just nodded and closed his eyes. He didn't seem surprised at all.

"This document is the final conclusion I reached after using all the power I have, after on-site inspections, personal communication, and reviewing all the relevant information I was allowed to read: Jonson, I say this I just want to tell you that what I say next is extremely reliable and is not groundless."

"Well, tell me."

The Primarch nodded.

"..."

"Jonson, do you still remember, before the Second Randan War, when you returned to the Empire as a Primarch, how many soldiers were there in the First Legion that greeted you?"

"Of course I remember: 60,000 to 80,000. When it was first called out, there were almost 60,000. However, considering that there were still a large number of left-behind troops who did not come back, and the arrival of the Randan War broke the statistical process, it is estimated that the First Army The number of people at that time could be up to 80,000.”

"Yes, 60,000 to 80,000, all veterans recruited from Holy Terra or Gramaya. Most of them have even served in the emperor's court. You are not unattainable to them. Commander."

"..."

"What do you want to say, Luther?"

"I want to say..."

Luther sighed.

"Do you know how many of these Terran veterans who have served in the First Legion before you returned are still there?"

"..."

Zhuang Sen blinked, he was in hesitation, because he couldn't find the accurate answer in his brain, and he hadn't paid attention to this question for a long time.

Luther sighed again.

"One third, Jonson."

"Only a third is left at best."

"In other words, there are only 20,000 to 30,000 Terran veterans left in the entire Dark Angel Legion. With these people as the core, plus 40,000 to 50,000 Caliban warriors who have experienced the baptism of the Randan War, and thousands of immature recruits, It’s already the full strength of the entire Dark Angel Legion.”

"When the Second Randan War reached its climax, the entire First Army had nearly 200,000 troops, but now, this number has dropped to less than half of the previous number."

"..."

"But we won, Luther."

"The empire has won, Randan has been eliminated as a loser, and their last remnants will soon disappear under our next wave of offensive: Do you have any doubts about this?"

"No, of course not."

Luther shook his head, but from his face, Jonson did not see any recognition of his words: this made his mood fall into gloom in an instant.

"what do you want to say in the end?"

"I want to say, Zhuang Sen: If the war really ends at this time, then I will not come to you at all. Although the losses of the First Army are very huge, it is nothing in the face of a complete victory."

"But the problem is that this will not be a complete victory, because the entire legion is now spreading rumors: We are about to enter a bigger war?"

"This is not a rumor, Luther."

Zhuang Sen had a hard face.

"We are indeed going to join the next war. We will set off tomorrow."

"A more formidable opponent?"

"It won't be easier than Ran Dan."

"With this legion we have now? A remnant army of less than 100,000 people?"

"At no time will the First Legion be a remnant: watch your words!"

"..."

Luther raised his hands: Although the wrath of the Lion of Caliban was so close, Luther no longer had the fear he had a few years ago, and he looked more calm and confident.

"If you must continue this war, I will not stop you, but I have to inform you, Zhuang Sen: With the troops you have, you will face an enemy more difficult than the Ran Dan Empire. , it will be difficult.”

"You think I'm going to lose?"

"Winning or losing is not important, Jonson: What is important is that if we go into war without preparation, we will not be in the best condition to carry out the emperor's orders, which will undoubtedly betray his trust. "

"..."

"Isn't it?"

"..."

Zhuang Sen's eyes widened, and his face turned into "shock" at a certain moment, which did not dissipate for a long time: Luther's words, and his face full of helplessness and persuasion, clearly appeared in his eyes. In front of him, his right-hand man was using the words of the original body to defeat the stubbornness of the original body himself.

He even looked very calm, and there was no longer much fear of the original body in his brows and eyes: If it was the former Luther, it would be absolutely impossible to do this: Jonson was sure of it.

"..."

Damn it, what on earth did Luther go through in Avalon?

Jonson gritted his teeth, and he could hear his words becoming a little oppressive.

"What are you trying to say, Luther?"

"Delay this war, Jonson, until we have replenished enough troops and carried out the necessary rest and replenishment: two large-scale wars cannot be carried out consecutively, and I think you know this very well."

"impossible!"

The Primarch's words were unequivocal.

"..."

Luther was silent for a moment. He didn't seem more surprised. He just seemed to see the face of another Primarch on Jonson's face, and sighed longly.

"Well, I should know you're not going to agree with this: This is my problem, I've been in situations that have been too easy over the last few years, and it's made me slip up."

What does ease mean?

Before such confusion could be answered in Jonson's mind, Luther had already proposed his replacement plan.

"At the very least, you should recruit the remaining troops from Caliban and the new blood who have completed training. The number of the legion must exceed 100,000. This is a necessary condition for us to continue fighting."

Luther leaned forward, and his tone sounded very sincere: this kind of sincerity was what Jonson valued most.

"Please, Zhuang Sen, just put yourself in the shoes of your soldiers and understand that the war cannot continue under such circumstances: we can't even fill the front lines between the stars, we must have more soldiers!"

——————

"..."

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes…

Zhuang Sen blinked: he didn't listen to Luther's other earnest words. They dissipated like phantoms in the water, but this word that was novel enough and could evoke enough memories for him was so... of clarity.

"..."

The Lord of Caliban fell silent for almost a minute, until Luther's words died down unconsciously, and he looked at the Primarch uneasily.

"...Luthor."

"I am here."

"..."

"Do you think we should solve the legion's shortage of troops?"

"certainly."

"..."

Jonson blinked.

——————

So, from Luther's perspective, what should he do?

…

Jonson quickly thought of the answer: for the Primarch, the answer was not complicated.

——————

"Luthor!"

The Lord of Caliban stood up suddenly. He looked ruthlessly at his adoptive father and right-hand man, and with absolute majesty and command, he told the people in front of him the results of his thinking.

"I'm here, Jonson."

"Starting from today, all your duties on the front line are permanently suspended. I order you to return to Caliban to perform the task of gathering troops and recruiting new blood, and complete it as quickly as possible to satisfy the Legion. needs.”

"..."

Zhuang Sen paused and added another sentence.

"From your standpoint, this is definitely the best choice."