"That position holds little significance for me."
Nareth knew that although the Emperor was now beginning to consider establishing the position of Warmaster, it wouldn't be finalized until M31.
Horus Lupercal became Warmaster and launched his rebellion just seven years later.
After that, galaxy-spanning Warp storms would make it difficult for orders to reach other Legions.
In other words, direct command authority over the Crusade fleets might only be usable for seven years.
Nareth's mind raced, considering three major factors:
Firstly, Horus spent considerable time earning recognition, attracting envy from some of his brothers.
Secondly, the Warmaster wasn't even a member of the Council of Terra led by Malcador, had limited power, and would have to haggle with various factions.
Finally, Lorgar Aurelian and the Four Gods, to launch their rebellion, would target the highly influential position of Warmaster.
Considering all this, the Warmaster was a position with limited power, a short effective period, unrewarding for the effort, and prone to attacks. He had no interest in it whatsoever.
'If my goal were to prevent the Triumph of Ullanor, I might scheme for the Warmaster's position to wield that power.'
'But preventing the Triumph was never my objective. On the contrary, it is my opportunity.'
'With the teleportarium combined with the Kalium Gate, I can launch targeted strikes. Seize resource-rich territories, raid the homes of traitor Primarchs, plunder resources, steal technology; there are great benefits to be reaped.'
Nareth also knew that after the Great Slaughter, the Imperium would be left with few loyalist Primarchs, perhaps even disappearing gradually as in his memory.
By then, he could naturally secure considerable political power for himself.
Once he possessed sufficient strength, with his confidants grown into high-ranking Sequence powerhouses and the Legion's core all at middle Sequences, having accumulated enough power, he would establish his own realm.
Nareth reined in his thoughts and continued.
"Not just Gardinaal. All future territories like Gardinaal, not located along key Warp routes, must have their true conditions concealed."
"The Second and Twelfth Chapters are responsible for expanding into neighboring star systems, constructing interference devices on moons throughout the system to disrupt augur scans."
"Should any vessel appear, immediately expel it on the grounds that the star system harbours vital secrets and has been sealed off by my order."
Nareth remembered that the Gardinaal system was originally detected in 858.M30 by the Rogue Trader vessel Far Voyager, immediately drawing the attention of the War Council and the Emperor.
"My Lord, I understand. You wish to conceal the strength of the Gardinaal system."
Arsena said thoughtfully.
"Correct, but it's more than that."
"The Imperium's Crusade consumes vast resources. Previously, Malcador demanded I temporarily provide supplies."
"Although more Forge Worlds are emerging, they can hardly satisfy the needs of the increasing number of Crusade fleets. Malcador will eventually reach into the worlds we conquer."
Nareth recalled that after Horus became Warmaster, Malcador dispatched Imperial Administration officials to assess various worlds and begin taxation.
Horus believed the timing was not yet appropriate; taxation would incite rebellion across the worlds and undo the achievements of the Great Crusade.
For this reason, he delayed the Imperial Administration's progress.
Of course, the resentment caused by Malcador's taxation also became a useful tool for Horus to foment rebellion after his fall.
Nareth believed the future Imperium would begin taxing its worlds to sustain its rule.
He needed to start preparing now. Concealing territories was just one method; he had more ways to avoid taxes.
"Worlds like Cypra Mundi, Elysia, and the Abyss Port that cannot be hidden must conceal their production capacity and wealth as much as possible."
"Newly established worlds in the Coronid New Zone: remote ones will not be reported; those reported must also mask their true situation."
In the future, Nareth would employ many methods to avoid paying the Imperial Tithe from his territories, such as establishing defensive perimeters like the Iron Hands.
Claiming his territories do not belong to him directly, that he merely provides protection and collects taxes to meet resource needs.
Every rule could be utilized to serve his own purposes.
After understanding the order, the Primarch's attendant spoke.
"I understand. I will follow your command, concealing our territories within the shadows as much as possible."
"My Lord, which Chapter will govern Gardinaal?"
"The Second Chapter." Nareth had already decided.
The caste system had taken root on Gardinaal for five thousand years. Change would not happen overnight. The Second Chapter, primarily following the Sun pathway, was most suitable.
"Bards" would shift the object of the Gardinaals' piety and obedience from the High Lords to himself.
"Light Suppliants" could also bring light to this world dominated by gray tones.
"Solar High Priests" could further propagate faith in him, establishing a nation that worships him on the eastern fringes of the galaxy, beyond the reach of the Imperial Truth.
"I will inform the Light lord and forward Captain Diana's report to him." Arsena continued.
"The Forge Lord has disassembled Gardinaal tanks. He found the Rhino variant differs little from what we possess, but their Predator patterns are different."
"Unlike the Gabriel-pattern Predator, which focuses more on anti-infantry and light vehicle roles, the Gardinaal Predator has versions designed with more anti-armor firepower in mind."
"This newly discovered Standard Template Construct utilizes autocannons, and even gravity cannons not yet discovered by the Mechanicum."
"Excellent find," Nareth nodded with satisfaction. "Order the Forge Lord to make targeted improvements to this STC, then initiate mass production."
Gardinaal manufacturing was suited for their Warrior Caste and required targeted modifications for his forces.
Remembering his recent battle with the High Lord, he asked further.
"What is the progress on research into the Reliquary War-Suit and the tripodal walkers?"
"The Forge Lord's research on the Reliquary War-Suit is still in its early stages. That war machine is exceedingly complex, the pinnacle of Gardinaal industry."
"He believes studying the Reliquary War-Suit could lead to improvements in the tripodal walkers, allowing them to serve as war machines larger than Dreadnoughts for the Shadows of Order."
Having personally fought the Reliquary War-Suit, Nareth knew Rosicky would require a long time for research.
"Prioritize modifying the Rhinos and Predators. Research on the Reliquary War-Suit can come later."
"What of the other three High Lords?"
"The Chief Librarian has taken over my work," Arsena replied. "Matiss's mental defenses have collapsed. I will transfer him to the Light Lord. With his cooperation, I believe Gardinaal's administrative system will resume operation swiftly."
"The Chief Librarian is delving into the secrets Berithor held. Methods related to genetics and creating psykers are his primary focus."
"Marlena is working with him to uncover the genetic and biochemical secrets Uriah possessed. Creating different castes through biochemical means is what she desires most."
.....
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