"Long time no see, Morgan."

"How's the war going there?"

[On the whole, it went well: the part that can't be revealed has basically ended, and the part that can't be described is about to begin.] 】

“……”

"That looks like it's going to take a little while."

Killyman pursed his lips, trying to maintain a most dignified countenance.

Through the constantly shaking holographic projections, the solemn figure of the Lord of Otlama crossed most of the galaxy and came to the pupils of the Spider Queen, and the golden eagle and laurel wreath carved on the cobalt blue armor were the most significant symbols of the genetic prototype of the Ultramariner Legion.

The Lord of the Second Legion was entrenched in her silver-white throne for the first time in a long time, and her blood relatives were sitting behind their desks in the holographic projection, and the two leaders of the mighty kingdom remained paused and embarrassed for a moment, and their further conversation was arranged after a constant smile, careful thinking, and a variety of reasonable greetings.

It seems that it is difficult to see such a high-level conversation between the two emperors' heirs, but the two parties do not feel abrupt: in fact, they even enjoy such a state, enjoying the feeling of joining hands to build an orderly negotiation platform.

At the very least, Killiman enjoys it.

There are no temptations, no lies, no rude emotional measures, only thoughtful and rational speeches, and all kinds of clear but not cold terms of the deal, so that the friendship between blood relatives and the interests of kingdoms can be separated as much as possible, so as not to cause an embarrassing situation or create a sharp gap in their family relationship.

The overall scope should be delineated, all kinds of small details can not be let go, and in the negotiation of absolute rationality, the relationship of family affection should also be as ubiquitous as snowflakes in the winter wind, with respect, smiles, concessions and empathy, so that each other's hearts remain warm.

It was not an easy task to create and maintain such an atmosphere, but the Spider Queen was adept at it: even through the vague holographic projections, Morgan could clearly see that Killiman's eyebrows were stirred up by his good mood, becoming small cracks in his serious countenance, telling his true attitude.

He was even willing to make a few jokes about it: after all the main topics they had discussed were over.

"I've heard you're going to fight alongside Johnson and Riemannus, Morgan: please accept my condolences to you, for it may be more difficult to get along with them than to win the war itself."

[You've forgotten a Conrad, my dear Robert.] 】

With a slow-blooming smile, the Spider Queen responded to Killiman's not-so-successful warm-up words.

"Oh yes, Conrad......"

The Lord of the Five Hundred Worlds smacked his lips.

"He's still ...... The old way? ”

[Much better: At least Ruth and Luthor have a good opinion of him.] 】

"yes, it looks like your education is still very successful, my blood relative."

"Congratulations, Morgan."

Killeman raised a glass as if to pay homage to Morgan, and the smile under his blonde hair spoke of the joy in his heart: it seemed that a successful negotiation and meeting had made the Prince of the Five Hundred Worlds feel good.

"What about Johnson, how is he?"

【Johnson...... It's still that Johnson. 】

You know. 】

"Ah...... That's right. ”

Thousands of stars apart, the two genetic primitives glanced at each other, and at the same time left a laugh that did not need to be said.

"I remember you telling me that Johnson would be the commander of the war?"

[Yes, his ability and will are very suitable for this position. 】

"That's true."

The Lord of the Five Hundred Worlds nodded, and he responded to the blood relatives with some interest, and he seemed to be hesitating about something.

【……】

[What's the problem, Killiman?] 】

"Ah...... Not a problem. ”

Killiman's face became a little serious.

"I just have a piece of advice, a suggestion that you can take to heart or ignore: if you can, Morgan, don't let Johnson fully command your legion, no matter how urgent the war, you must make sure that your legion has a portion of it...... Independence. ”

【……】

[You seem to be a little worried about our brother Johnson, Robert?] 】

"Not a worry."

Killeman shook his head solemnly, his pupils glowing with wisdom, as if he were telling a truth.

"Our brother Johnson is a very mysterious and dedicated man, he and his legion are a product of a mold, no one knows what they are up to, but one thing I am very sure of is this: if Johnson had the opportunity to use your legion as his bargaining chips and consumables in the war in exchange for a negligible chance of victory, he would do so."

"I do revere him as much as I revere Horus, but I will not deny that Johnson does not understand the value of creation and cooperation, he only sees savage and destruction in his eyes, he was born to be a figure who should be stagnant in the dark, you should not give him more trust."

"Don't trust him completely, don't give him your legion completely, and most importantly, don't put all your hopes in him in those life-or-death moments: even if you choose to trust Riemanrus, because he will stop at nothing to support you."

"If you suspect that Johnson is squandering your legion without a bottom line, then put your suspicions away immediately, because he must be doing just that, and he will not pity even his own heirs and legions, let alone yours."

"No matter how much he trusts and respects you, Morgan, he will always put your legion in danger for the sake of mission and the possibility of winning war: he is such a character, a sharp double-edged sword, who will mercilessly kill his enemies and any friend who is too close to him."

【……】

The Archon of Maculag's warning was formal and serious, and if any of the Dark Angels heard it, it could be regarded as the beginning of a break between the two legions: with Killiman's usual personality, it was impossible for him to be so open about his negative attitude towards a brother.

So, when the lengthy admonition of the Genogen of the Ultramarines flowed into the ears of the Spider Queen, it was a careful playfulness that first appeared between Morgan's eyebrows rather than anger or consternation: and when the Lord of Avalon raised the corners of her lips for these words, Killiman slowly stopped his admonition.

He coughed, looking embarrassed and remorseful: Morgan's sincere smile diluted the emotion.

[Robert, I never thought you would do the same...... Straightforward? 】

"Ahem."

Killeman shifted his gaze.

"It's just ...... It's just a prevention. ”

[Prevention? 】

"Yes, considering the current cooperation between our two legions and the possibilities for the future, I just want to help you preserve your strength as much as possible: it will not be easy for you to expand the Dawnbreaker Legion and the Far Eastern Frontier to this point, Morgan, although I don't know much about how you did it, I can guess your hard work and toil."

"So, if you and the Dawnbreaker can continue to grow in the future, it will also be a good thing for me, the Ultramarines, and the Five Hundred Worlds: it turns out that there is a strong foundation for cooperation and friendship between us, and it can go back a long way."

"And the people of Macullag have always been the most honest with their friends, my blood relatives."

【……】

Killiman was not lying: he was as sincere as ever, attaching all his thoughts and attitudes to his words, exposing herself to the scorching sun, so that she could once again be illuminated by the noble heart of this Makurag, and shed tears of irritation.

Morgan just blinked, she was sure of that.

[Okay.] 】

The Spider Empress took the glass from Virgo, which contained a reddish liquor, and she raised it slightly, saluting her brother in return.

[Thanks for the reminder, Killiman: In fact, I am doing the same, the soldiers I brought with me have lost about a tenth of the previous wars, and the mortal auxiliaries have also suffered a quarter of the casualties, which is enough to keep my alarm bells ringing.] 】

[But I must stay here: for this is the Emperor's mission.] 】

"I understand that the will of the emperor cannot be violated."

Killeman nodded.

[But there is one thing I am very curious about, Robert: Is the description you just made of our brother a true idea, or is it a work of art that you can't help but have?] 】

When Morgan lowered her glass, her pupils flashed with a foul color.

Killiman was silent for a moment, as if weighing the pros and cons, and when he spoke again, his voice was noticeably lower, but still firm.

"I'm sorry, Morgan, but if you ask me about my attitude toward Johnson, those words are my answer: I respect his merits and abilities more than anyone else, and his willingness to fight in the dark, but I also don't think he is a trustworthy comrade and commander."

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

【……】

Thank you, Killiman, and I'll remember your opinion. 】

"It's for the best."

The Lord of Maculag laughed, and outside of the holographic projection that Morgan couldn't see, he was unconsciously clenching his fists, his fingertips covered with a nervous sweat: Otrama is on top, he really doesn't want to judge his brother casually.

Hopefully, Johnson won't know this: although Killyman doesn't regret it.

After all, as he had said before, if a few [incorrect] words could alert his friend Morgan to the Daybreakers from even greater damage, then he would do so no matter how many times he turned back the clock.

Yu Gong: Letting the Dawnbreaker Legion maintain their power is good for the long-term planning of the Five Hundred Worlds.

Privately, Killeman didn't have many friends, but Morgan was definitely one of them, and Johnson was certainly not his friend.

He is selfish.

Killeman admits this, and is ashamed of it.

——————

[So, let's pause this topic for now: May the Emperor forgive you and me for the guilt we share in our hearts.] 】

Realizing that the face of the Lord of Maculag had become gloomy, Morgan let out a few chuckles in time, and she tapped her fingers on the armrest of the throne, picking out a new topic in her thoughts.

[Speaking of our country, I have forgotten one thing: how is the think tank delegation I sent doing, Gilliman? 】

"Ah, very good."

When it comes to official business, the people of Makullag are almost resurrected with full blood.

"Your chief think tank, Zosimus, has an in-depth grasp of the psionic codex, and all the psionics of Otlama will benefit from his teachings: thank you, Morgan, the Ultramarines will sing your name, and your efforts in institutionalizing psionic energy have directly helped the entire five hundred worlds of Otlama."

"It's like a surprise, Morgan."

【……】

Morgan blinked.

Yes, it was a surprise: she didn't expect the Ultramarines to benefit so much from her efforts that they would even exceed the other legions combined.

[If only they didn't cause you any trouble, Killiman, you don't have to praise my heir too much: I know very well that Zosimus and my other descendants are not very talented in psionic powers, and if they are to be used in the subspace realm, the Ahriman in the delegation is the strongest one. 】

"Ah, the son of Magnus, he is indeed impressive, both in his understanding of psionic abilities and in the study of swordsmanship: his name has already begun to be sung in the arenas of Maculag, and he has defeated many of my children, but he has stopped at the sword of Orfeo."

At the mention of those Astarte warriors, Killiman's smile was lighthearted.

Morgan, on the other hand, slowly crossed her fingers, and she didn't have any more temptation.

[To put it bluntly, brother, not long ago I discovered two areas worthy of in-depth communication with our Legion, the first of which is that I have a request for you. 】

"Just say."

Killyman spread out a hand.

[Here's this: I've been thinking about reorganizing my legion lately, formalizing all the legion systems and systems, finalizing the chain of command and management, and all of this requires a lot of references and successful experiences, such as your extreme warrior. 】

You'll help me, won't you? 】

On that Macurag's face, there was sincere joy and pride.

"Of course no problem, my blood relative."

"I'm going to sort out all the systems of the Ultra Warrior Legion, and try to bring back the experience of the five hundred worlds when your visit is over: if you don't mind, I can also send some of my heirs to help you, or you can send your heirs to the Thirteenth Legion for an expedition, and I will receive them personally."

[How about we send some more legion exchange students to each other?] 】

"It couldn't be better."

Killiman was overjoyed, but his joy was soon interrupted by a hesitation that was parasitic in the shadow of his eyebrows.

"Still, I hope it's an unofficial action, you know why."

Killeman gave a smile tinged with political implications, and Morgan understood.

[Ah, of course I do.] 】

[Rest assured, the Far Eastern Frontier and the Five Hundred Worlds will only be pure partners of interest: they will not be close enough to worry the big men of Terra.] 】

"It's for the best."

Killyman took his glass and drank it down.

"It's always nice to talk and work with you, Morgan."

[Probably because both of us souls reek of the hopeless greed of politicians, Robert: like the fragile hearts of those big Terras.] 】

Hearty laughter spanned the galaxy and surrounded the two genetic primitives.

"And what about the second thing, Morgan?"

[The second thing is actually a question about investment. 】

"Do you want to ask me about the progress of the research on the Sikaran tank?"

[No, it's another.] 】

The Spider Queen's fingers waved haphazardly in midair, revealing symbols that Gilliman had never seen before.

[To put it simply: Ruth and I have reached a collaboration on psionic energy and the runes on Fenris, and I intend to use these runes as the core to construct a method aimed at systematically strengthening the psionic power of the mortal support army.] 】

“…… Mortal auxiliaries? ”

Killiman leaned forward, his pupils glittering brightly, even better than the stars in the center of the galaxy, and when words like "systemic", "enhanced" and "mortal auxiliary" came together, they ignited the enthusiasm of the people of Maculag.

"Can you be specific, Morgan?"

[To put it simply: a set of runes with fixed psionic effects and fixed psionic power, their engraving methods combined with the psionic code I wrote earlier can be created by any normalized psionic person, even a mortal psionic person.] 】

“……”

"Is it standardized?"

[Do you know the alphabet, Robert?] 】

“…… Hiss ......"

Killeman took a deep breath: for a split second, he fully understood the meaning of Morgan's words and the possibilities that those few words would bring.

"Did you succeed? Morgan? ”

[It's not difficult to study these, but what I need now is the conditions for large-scale experiments, as well as the corresponding hardware requirements, which is also the ...... I contacted you after communicating with Ruth]

"Leave it to me!"

Before he could finish speaking, the Lord of Maculag slapped his table, his eyes burning.

"Tell me what I can do for this experiment, Morgan, and I'll be there for you!"

Thank you for your generosity, Robert. 】

"Don't thank me: there are thousands of mortal psionics in the auxiliaries of Otlama, my blood relatives, and the help your experiments will be unimaginable to them, anything standardized will be accepted by Macurag."

【……】

[I'm glad to hear that.] 】

The Spider Queen smiled, her voice gnashing her teeth.

But Killeman didn't notice it.

——————

With the finalization of one thing after another, the interstellar dialogue between the two genetic primitives has finally come to an end: since the large-scale exchanges between the Far Eastern Frontier and the Five Hundred Worlds began, conversations like this have become a regular monthly activity for the two border princes, because there are countless important matters that they need to negotiate and decide in person, and these matters involve the food, clothing, housing and transportation of countless worlds and peoples: even a war cannot hinder the huge chain of interests behind it.

In the northern frontier of the five hundred worlds alone, there are at least thirteen worlds that have gradually risen because of the trade activities between Otlama and Avalon, and at least tens of billions of families rely on transportation and exports to survive, which is something that the genetic prototype has to consider, and they will even break out into arguments because of this, to defend the interests of their people, and to quarrel endlessly across thousands of stars, but all disputes will eventually cease again, because there is always a greater space for interests to be divided by them, to compensate for the losses caused by the temporary retreat.

And in this sometimes harmonious, sometimes contradictory exchange, the brotherhood between Nengmorgan and Killiman is also rapidly heating up, especially the Lord of Macullag, who almost puts his sister in the position of a symbol of [family], only slightly lower than Lady Yudon.

Because of this, when Morgan mentioned a seemingly unrelated content without warning at the end of the conversation, Killiman, who had always admired efficiency, still sat upright in his seat, postponed his countless work, and listened intently.

"Commander?"

The Lord of the Five Hundred Worlds frowned slightly.

Haven't you heard that word, Robert? 】

"Ah, of course I did."

"In fact......"

Killyman snapped his shell.

"Personally, I think Ferus is a perfect fit for this position: there is no greater war artist in the galaxy, and although Horus and Johnson are equally good, Ferrus is undoubtedly the most suitable person for the battle manager."

[Will you vote for him?] 】

"If the Emperor summons everyone and asks us to vote for a commander, I will indeed choose him, Morgan: But then again, why are you asking about this, do you want to be a commander?"

[No, not at all.] 】

"That's ......"

Killeman nodded, he looked a little pity.

"You're actually quite suitable for a co-ordinating position, Morgan, not the kind of boss who is high-minded, but a lubricant between multiple forces, an intermediary: if the Ultramarines can fight alongside the imperial forces with whom we are not familiar with your coordination, I think I will gladly answer your call."

[Can I see this as a military commitment, Robert?] 】

"Of course."

Killiman smiled openly.

"The Thirteenth Legion is ready to rally for your word at any time: just as you have come to our aid without hesitation, we will see your enemies as our enemies, and will fight alongside you, shedding blood."

[Me too, Robert.] 】

Morgan raised his glass.

[When you're confused, don't forget your friend Morgan.] 】

"I won't forget."

"But ......"

"What are you going to do when you mention the matter of the commander? Isn't it ......"

Killiman's eyes sharpened.

"Johnson came to ask you to be a lobbyist?"

Why do you think that? 】

"His devotion to the commander is like the book that Roga gave him, and even Riemann Ruth can see that Johnson is simply itching for the position of commander: I would not be surprised if he co-opted me for this."

The Lord of the Five Hundred Worlds snorted: whenever he mentioned the Caliban, it seemed like it would always be like this.

[You know, Robert, Johnson is not such a character: it is better to expect him to take the initiative for this than to expect Roga to become a god-hating figure.] 】

Two pleasant smiles flowed from the mouths of the two genetic protogens at the same time.

"You're not his lobbyist?"

[No: but I do want to suggest to you, Robert, would you like to consider the possibility of supporting our brother Johnson as the commander?] 】

“……”

"Your words confuse me, Morgan, and what does it have to do with you?"

[There is a little bit.] 】

The Spider Queen gave a mysterious thumbs up, and she winked at Killiman, smiling like an accomplice.

[Frankly speaking, brother, for a genetic prototype like us who has a relatively independent country, which is the better choice, a Horus-style war commander or a Johnson-style war commander? 】

“……”

[I don't mean to discredit our brother Horus, but as we have seen, the wolf shepherd is a great man with his hands and eyes, he knows how to use his wrist to the fullest, and when he becomes the mobilizer of all the military forces of the Great Expedition, how much power can you and I retain in the face of his prestige, means, and even smile, for the benefit of our own kingdom? 】

“……”

"I'm not against letting the power of the five hundred worlds serve all of humanity, Morgan."

[Ah, of course, too, Robert, if the Empire of Man needed the power of the Far Eastern Frontier, I would not hesitate to contribute it: but as I said, Horus was a hard-nosed governor who knew how to extract more value, while Johnson had little talent for it, and he only assigned tasks, but paid no attention to the details outside of his power. 】

[To be clear: a wolf shepherd god who is well-versed in politics and military affairs and seems to have a solitary quest for power, and a Caliban lion who dwells in the dark and knows nothing but military affairs, who would you prefer to be your military commander?] 】

[What politicians hate most is another politician: especially on their own heads.] 】

“……”

Killiman's eyes narrowed.

"You might as well be clearer, my sister?"

[Don't be so serious, Robert. 】

Morgan smiled lightly.

[I just want to tell you: If you want to choose a commander, I will choose Johnson, because in the face of Horus, I also have to worry about the possibility of my territory and legion being eroded by his power: look at the former Dawnbreaker and the current Nineteenth Legion, mobilize your intelligence network to see, what Horus has done, I don't deny that he is a good general and a good brother, but I can't deny that a Horus-like superior will cause me trouble. 】

[He always has some inappropriate thoughts, and the means and ability to translate these thoughts: although such careful thoughts may not befall me, but how can there be a thousand days to prevent thieves? 】

[After all, it is my heir, my legion, my kingdom, and it is only natural for me to be stingy and conservative for this. 】

Johnson, on the other hand, is different. 】

"In a way, he's also a wasteful man, Morgan, and he's even less concerned about attrition and loss than Horus: as I told you before."

Killeman frowned, whispering his concern: at this moment, he was not the genetic prototype of the empire, but the ruler of the five hundred worlds, and he did not refute Morgan's previous words, but swallowed silently the silent approval of some of these views.

Indeed, Robert. 】

Morgan nodded, but in her pupils, there was a different kind of cunning, that is the wisdom and greed that only a king who rules a kingdom can burst out, and that is the same original sin that exists in Killiman.

[Just from another point of view: How is Johnson better than Horus?] 】

“……”

【Good in ......】

[The careful thinking of the wolf shepherd god will trouble us, because he is essentially a smart, skillful warlord and ruler who knows how to use the rules of the game, and when his ideas are strengthened by the power of the war commander, they will turn into orders that make you and me feel distressed. 】

[But Johnson won't.] 】

[Johnson does have careful thoughts, his oppression may even be more ruthless than Horus, but ......]

[Horus Warlord is difficult to deal with. 】

[But Zhuang Sen is marshal, but not necessarily. ] 】

[Even if we turn in the power that is far from the limit, he can't see it. 】

“……”

Killiman was silent, his breathing slowing down, his pupils always filled with reason flickering with excitement, recognition, and guilt: one part of his soul apparently had thoughts, while the other seemed to cling to some honor and self-hypnosis.

"Morgan ......"

[Nope.] 】

[Don't answer me, Robert.] 】

The Spider Empress laughed, and she regained her composure as if it had been an illusion.

[I don't expect to hear your answer, because I didn't ask you what you think: it's just an exchange, a warning, and a return gift of the same rank in return for your previous verbal adventures.] 】

[You have warned me at the risk of offending Johnson, and now, I will tell you what I think, and what is despicable in it: I hope you will keep it a secret for me, Robert.] 】

[Just like I'll keep it a secret for you.] 】

The Spider Queen whispered a finger close to her lips.

She narrowed her eyes.

——————

Silence.

——————

"Why are you helping Johnson run for command, Mother?"

[Campaign? 】

[No, no, no, my Aniah. 】

#摩根式轻笑#

[I didn't bother to help Johnson run for the position of commander: from the beginning, that position would only belong to Horus, and Johnson didn't have any chance. 】

[I'm just ......]

[Just having fun.] 】

"Fun?"

[Yes.] 】

[I didn't run around like Fergrim to canvass for Ferus, nor did I go out of my way to find other primordial support for the sake of the commander: though, if it was just a small talk after a meeting, if it was just a little casual guidance, I would be more than happy to do it. 】

[And there is nothing to lose. 】

"I'm afraid some small talk and guidance will hardly affect the decision of the primorans, right?"

[Indeed, like Killiman: it is impossible for him to consider the possibility of Johnson and Horus unless Ferrus gives up, but as I said before, it is just a worthless pleasure, and I enjoy the feeling of prying the scales in the hands of my genetic father.] 】

“……”

"And what if it really pries over?"

[Johnson Battle Marshal? 】

[The probability is very low: even infinitely close to zero.] 】

"But it's not zero after all."

[Ah......h

【……】

【……】

[Then you'll have fun.] 】

(End of chapter)