Warhammer: In the Name of Nirvana

"Forgive me, mother, but I still don't understand: because you are always so enthusiastic about the Iron Warriors? Especially when it comes to the issues concerning Lord Dantioch and his Salamas camp."

A question that had not been heard for a long time pulled the Spider Queen out of her [quantum state superposition of work and meditation] and back to the cold marble desk in reality: the Primarch's dull eyes paused for a moment on the mountain of documents, and then realized that the person who asked the question was the person she trusted most in the world.

[Why are you suddenly interested in these things, my Aniya? ]

"Because of the rumors on the ship: my cousins ​​are also discussing these things."

Morgan's daughter turned sideways and glanced at the distant view outside the porthole: Ullanor's scarlet figure was gradually swallowed by the deeper void barrier in her eyes, until it became an inconspicuous dim Mars at the edge of her vision. At most two or three hours later, it will disappear in a vast gray-black fog, and be left behind by the Spider Queen and her offspring.

From now on, they may never visit this world again.

But just a few weeks ago, this celebration world was the pearl of the entire empire. Billions of warriors and thousands of warships came here to pursue their own glory and witness the moment that was destined to be written into the epic: and with the end of the Warmaster ceremony, the Emperor and his trusted Terra team left in the first batch, followed by the rolling of countless steel torrents.

Countless powerful warriors from all over the galaxy gathered in the square of Ullanor, doing nothing, waiting for shuttles and transport ships to send them back to all corners of the empire: it would take at least several weeks to arrange landing craft and send them back to the transport fleet in low-Earth orbit one by one, and the handover work has not been completed until now.

During this period, almost all the bigwigs had left first. Except for the Sigillite Malcador and a few Primarchs, most of the imperial dignitaries followed the Emperor's steps closely in one to two weeks, arranging their ships as early as possible and rushing to the next voyage destination.

Nicaea.

A grand ceremony that is no less grand than the Warmaster Ceremony of Ullanor will be held on that desolate volcanic world in a month. Unlike the grand military parade and Warmaster Ceremony that are purely used to celebrate the victory of the Great Crusade, show off the Empire's military prowess, and commemorate the departure of the Lord of Mankind: the open and secret struggles on Nicaea are undoubtedly more likely to affect the internal power struggles of the Empire in the next few decades, or even longer. The fate of millions of worlds and organizations will be turned upside down because of it.

In the face of practical interests, every ship is fully loaded with its own warp engine.

More than half of the Primarchs and their legions are the same. Every day, countless fleets abandon Ullanor and go directly to Nicaea, or take advantage of this period to sail to other places to settle some private matters: the Spider Queen belongs to the former, but she is not in a hurry.

Morgan and the Dawnbreakers boarded the deck slowly after more than three quarters of the legions and their primarchs had disappeared beyond Mandeville Point: it had been almost a month since Horus ascended to the throne of Warmaster.

During this period, the entire Second Legion, including Morgan, indulged in various social gatherings, competitions, and reminiscing banquets on Ullanor, drinking and chatting with guests from other Astartes Legions, other cosmic domains, and even Holy Terra, either to enhance friendship or resolve past conflicts.

The primarch himself could be the guest of honor of her blood brothers, the most powerful dignitaries in the Empire, and the High Lords of Terra headed by Malcador. They had too many things to compromise with the Spider Queen in person, and decided the fate of five hundred worlds or two thousand ships while drinking and exchanging cups, and from time to time, seven or eight large organizations with interests at stake were involved.

What relieved the Terran spectators who had been terrified throughout the whole process was that Morgan had always limited her tentacles to the land of the Far East Segment and never crossed the border. In contrast, a certain Macragge who was willing to make friends with the governors of the Solar Segment naturally attracted more attention.

The Sigillite listened woodenly to his high lords and confidants discussing the focus on the Five Hundred Worlds: Morgan and her Far East Frontier had already shown their harmlessness and restraint, so they had reason to believe that the Spider Queen was relatively loyal to Terra, right?

Malcador did not express any opinion of his own.

On the other hand, Morgan's most senior warriors could find those old immortals who had also survived, and they could sit down and reminisce about their glorious years in the early days of the Great Crusade or even longer ago.

Even the young Dawnbreakers and mortal officers from Avalon also have their own circle of friends: whether it is the joint operations of the various legions before, or the "study abroad system" that has never declined in the Far Eastern Frontier, Morgan's descendants are actually quite popular among the same generation of battle brothers. At least they have a thorough understanding of the internal situation of the empire.

Similarly, there are also mortal auxiliary troops who have served the Spider Queen for generations. When the champion swordsmen of Astartes compare their past achievements and personal martial arts, the "private armies" loyal to each primarch actually have a mutual contempt chain: the combat effectiveness of the legion is the only benchmark.

As early as decades ago, the mortal auxiliaries who served the Spider Queen, under the leadership of a generation of military officers who followed the original body and opened up the vast foundation of Avalon, stood firmly. Stabilizing the top of this chain of contempt

In the simulation training ground with long yellow sands in Ullanor, the second generation and even the third generation from Avalon further confirmed their strong status among their colleagues: even the Aqite Royal Court Army who is as proud as the Emperor's Son , or the powerful Cthunian headhunters under the Wolf God, or even the guards of Prospero's Spire who claim to be able to confront the Legion of Astartes in a short time, they are all at odds with the Queen's personal guards. If they are defeated in a large-scale simulated attack, the more stubborn ones may even end up with their entire army annihilated.

Avalon's reputation as the mightiest mortal army has shone for a hundred years: perhaps another hundred years await them.

However, these large-scale sparring exercises, which lasted for more than a month, did not cause much disturbance between the original body and the Astartes. Only the Dawnbreakers sent dozens of military advisors to observe them in accordance with ancient traditions. Recording the development and changes of the mortal auxiliary forces of each legion over the years: but even on the Dawn Goddess, news heat such as this had to give way to the return of the earliest batch of Dawn Warriors.

Or: Go back?

"These Salamanders, who were the first to choose to take root in the Iron Warriors decades ago, took advantage of Ullanor's opportunity to return to their hometown aboard the Dawn Goddess. Many of them are quite popular within the legion. It has connections and is topical, so it has become the hottest topic within the legion recently.”

"It is also the first time for many newly recruited warriors to know the existence of these Salamas, or Dawn Warriors: this nickname was given by them. They do not reject these seniors who have been away from home for a long time, but they also I’m very curious as to why we have to be connected with the Iron Warriors Legion, which we have no connection with.”

"And it's been so long: the Legion has invested enough in materials to expand the territory of the Far Eastern Frontier. Hundreds of worlds can bring tangible benefits, but now, we seem to have gained nothing."

[So, they have doubts? 】

"The Dawnbreakers will never question you. The topic of this has always been kept under control. Those company commanders and veterans who have served for hundreds of years can always handle small things like this, but even they can't give an answer: so Rana and the others asked me to ask you."

"They want... to have peace of mind."

While Virgo answered truthfully, she piled the last pile of rickety paper towers onto Morgan's desk: Whenever she saw these snow-white behemoths, Morgan couldn't help but begin to hate herself decades ago. , why should she firmly hold the military and political power of the entire Far East border in her own hands?

It is true that she has indeed trained countless mortal confidants and even semi-retired children to take on the work of the entire Far Eastern frontier for her, but these capable bureaucrats are just shepherds. Without her personally signed permission, they will not be able to shake the core. Military power: The remote eastern frontier is a behemoth, and the daily military dispatches are so numerous that it makes people feel numb.

So there was an endless supply of documents on the Primarch's desk.

Yes, Morgan's behavior seems to be purely to cause trouble for herself, but Morgan also knows very well that no matter how reluctant she is now, as long as she dares to let her grip on power loosen slightly, , then she will regret it in the days to come.

After understanding this, the original body wisely picked up the pen, and Virgo's narration in his ears was regarded as music to relieve boredom.

"What they really care about is: If it's just policy bias and assistance, that's fine, but why do you have to meet the Salamasians in person at least once every time they return to the Fourth Legion? , and ensure that they live on the Dawn Goddess for a period of time?”

【……】

Morgan's pen paused.

[Compared to the huge amount of supplies, they actually care about this kind of thing. 】

"There are still a small half of the Dawnbreakers who have never received much audience from you."

"There will naturally be unfairness like this when one favors one over the other: Does this do us any good?"

【benefit. 】

The original body chewed the word, followed the smearing with his pen tip, and approved a military application to mobilize troops to the northwest of the Far Eastern Frontier to strengthen defenses: the pirate attacks in the Maelstrom are expanding in scale at an extremely unnatural speed. , even Fulgrim and Vulkan must return first, and then go to Nicaea after solving the problems of their respective home planets.

In this case, the defense on the small border between the Far Eastern Frontier and the Maelstrom should also be strengthened. She and the Seal Master also tacitly ended the shadow war here and chose another place to train their troops. : Having fought against each other for decades, both Malcador and Morgan actually trained a group of ruthless mortal agents from each other.

It's a small reward.

Everything was racing inside the Primarch's mind, but she could still hear Virgo's words and give her answer after some thought.

[It’s a very simple truth, my innocent little Aniya, have you ever heard of an ancient term called: convert fanaticism? 】

"Converts..."

[Ah, no, using this word is still a bit inappropriate: let’s put it this way, do you know that there is another ancient term called color revolution? Words that are often paired with it include fifth column, ideology, or cultural position. 】

"Of course I know, mother, but as far as I know: in the history books of mankind, the role these words play is not glorious. From their roots to their inner meanings, they are wrapped in a rather dark color of interest disputes. It is part of the unrestricted war."

After instinctively speaking the words in the memory array, Virgo was stunned for a moment.

"Wait, you mean..."

【Yes. 】

In the blink of an eye, several piles of approved documents were piled up on the left hand of the original body. She was dealing with problems from various sectors in seconds or microseconds at a speed dozens of times faster than that of the Astartes warriors. Miscellaneous diseases, then what is not important are placed on the display screen not far away, appearing one after another like an assembly line, and the original body will allocate its energy to ensure that they are implemented correctly.

At the same time, Morgan was still thinking about the issue about the Fourth Legion that he accidentally remembered because of Virgo's question, and contacted several other brothers, as well as what happened on Nikaea soon: in such a After multitasking, the original body spared some energy to confirm his daughter's inner guess.

[The relationship between Perturabo and I is far from reaching the point of war, but Olympia is too dangerous. If I can have a close relationship with the Iron Warriors, Perturabo's country will become the entire Far Eastern frontier facing the west. The biggest shield: His guidance can easily reverse the balance of power between me and Terra, or anyone else. 】

[Considering his character, I naturally cannot expect to be able to ensure the safety of Avalon by relying on my personal relationship with Perturabo. In contrast, taking advantage of Perturabo's opportunity to completely abandon the legion, As well as Dantioch's belief in repaying the Legion, in the Fourth Legion's The leadership has cultivated a group of Dawn Warriors who were simply born in the Far Eastern frontier. They identify with the culture and values ​​of Avalon and Dawnbreaker from the bottom of their hearts, and want to build Iron Warriors into the appearance of Dawnbreaker. This is a group of Dawn Warriors. Pretty good idea, isn't it? 】

[At least, even if my Iron Brothers decide to be my enemy in the future, I will not be unprepared for it: over the years, I have exported thousands of Dawn Warriors to the Fourth Legion, and there will always be one willing to fight against me. I tipped off the news. 】

[Of course, a better situation is that they will work hard to make the Iron Warriors Legion more in line with the appearance of the Far Eastern Frontier, and even in turn affect my Olympian brother who is undergoing drastic psychological changes, so that he will be in the next step. In the midst of chaos, choose to be on my side. 】

[At least we must remain neutral. As long as the Iron Warriors choose neutrality, there are only two ways for outsiders to attack the Far Eastern Frontier: either pass through the territory of Sanguinius and attack the border area between the Dawnbreakers and the Night Lords. Or go south to the Five Hundred Worlds, either way will give us plenty of choices. 】

"So, you plan to bring the Fourth Legion under your influence?"

[Not really, this is just a casual move at best: Perturabo and Angron are the same type of characters. If I try my best to influence them, it will definitely have the opposite effect. By then I'm afraid it will force them to the opposite side. 】

[But on the other hand, the two of them and I have maintained our current friendship. We have a deep relationship but no more requirements. Then it will be difficult for them to cross the hurdle in their hearts. Whether it is out of friendship or pride, they They will not abandon me for no reason, at least they will not drive their troops towards my territory: then I will have two steel shields facing the west. 】

[As long as I don't foolishly extend my sphere of influence to the Maelstrom like Guilliman, these two shields will be enough to protect the entire Great Avalon: and the relationship with these two countries will become increasingly close in the future, Then it is not impossible to form an offensive and defensive alliance like the Five Hundred Worlds or the Ghoul Kingdom. 】

[But not now: the union of the five primarchs is too eye-catching after all. 】

"So, is Ms. Kelly Finney also part of this big plan?"

[No, she and I are real friends, but we just happen to be able to help each other. 】

[Give an example. 】

The Primarch absentmindedly put his name on a commercial development agreement.

[Kelly Fanny's Olympia exported some exclusive technological products and unique stones to Nostramo, and Conrad allowed the opening of metal trade with Olympia. The two of them simultaneously transported raw materials to the Five Hundred Worlds, and from Five Hundred Worlds has mature industrial products and sufficient food supplies. 】

"Then what are we responsible for?"

[Almost all of the most important transportation routes in the tripartite trade are within Avalon. Moreover, these three countries that are not in contact with each other also need the credit of the Far Eastern frontier to endorse each other: and our reward is considerable tariff revenue, and A more central position in the economic alliance. 】

[How about it, does it look familiar? 】

"This was the basis of the initial alliance between Avalon and Macragge decades ago: first to achieve economic and military cooperation, and finally to form a permanent cultural alliance, but this time with the addition of Nostra Mo and Olympia, and it runs more smoothly.”

[Yes, Dantioch and his Dawn Warriors are just a small part of this grand plan. Compared with the income we get from Olympia, a small long-term investment is nothing: just follow this thinking Tell Rana and the others what to say. 】

"clear."

Virgo lowered her head, the first pile of papers she had received from the Primarch: the top one catching her attention.

"Well, are you really not going to consider the current chaos in the Maelstrom?"

[I have already asked the Far Eastern Frontier to strengthen defenses in the west, what else can be done? 】

"What I mean is: you still have a lot of interests in the Maelstrom."

[They are all indirect benefits. 】

The Primarch blew iron filings off his fingernails: the result of accidentally pinching a pen while he was distracted at work.

[My core interests in the Maelstrom are only Reza and Catachan. Reza is only my ally, not my subject. If they ask, I will definitely help, but other than that, I have nothing to do with them. internal policy dictates. 】

"They won't say no."

[But there is a gap in understanding: the abuse of power will eventually lead to the loss of authority, and prestige is not created by the use of violence alone. 】

"Nakatachan..."

【Catachan? 】

Morgan smiled, and she touched her daughter's forehead lovingly.

[I admit, Anya, the level of pirate activity in the Maelstrom during these days has indeed reached an incredible level. They were able to attack hundreds of imperial worlds at the same time and dispatch thousands of ships. This was unprecedented in the past year. This has never happened in more than a hundred years. 】

[But even so, they are probably not crazy enough to take the initiative to offend Catachan. Did you know that my friends in Catachan even sent me a message, saying that they will be able to provide more recruits this time? : Because many young people have received good training. 】

Virgo was speechless.

She thought again.

"In that case, why don't we hurry up and get to Nikaea?"

[What to do in Nicaea? 】

“Arrange everything in advance: just like you would here in Ullanor.”

[The situation is different, Anya. 】

Morgan waved his hand, showing extremely little interest in Nikaia's affairs.

[Today is different from the past. I am half a party to Nicaea. The psychic meeting will definitely involve my interests, so I can't get involved too much: the Emperor and Malcador have hinted this to me. They don't want me to be secretly involved in the development of Nicaea like I am here in Ullanor. The Emperor has already planned the ending for Magnus and Mortarion. 】

"You have no objection?"

[Why you should have an opinion: My dear old man rarely decides to be independent for once. 】

[How to say that: We must cultivate children’s ability to think independently. 】

"..."

[So, this is what happened. 】

[In the land of Nicaea, the role I need to play is just the audience. Anyway, they have promised my interests, and I have also received benefits from the Thousand Sons. Ahriman’s performance is reassuring: For Magnu I actually don't care that much about the fate of Si and his remaining heirs. 】

[What should be said, I told him decades ago, and the rest is nothing more than his own choice. 】

"You... decided to abandon Magnus?"

【……】

#A moment of silence that was unimaginably long for Morgan, and a sigh#

[It was he who abandoned himself first. 】

The original body shook the tip of her pen. She still looked a little upset.

She wanted to sigh, but she forced her lips shut.

That's the early sentencing of Magnus here in Morgan

But then, a strange smile suddenly appeared on his face.

[Ah, right. 】

[If you don’t tell me, I almost forgot. 】

[Look at this, Anya: This has something to do with Nikaea, who is dear to your heart. 】

"Um……"

Virgo took it, glanced at it a few times, and then opened his pupils in shock.

"This...this is..."

【Yes. 】

Morgan smiled.

[It’s surprising, right: that person would actually make such a choice. 】

【My brother. 】

[Mortarion: Mortarion, who despises psychic power the most, and has the worst attitude towards me, actually condescended to edit a book for me personally, hoping that I can find time to visit his Endurance. Go up and have a chat with him...]

[An alliance on Nicaea? 】