Chapter 142: Justice and Evil
The mysticism of the Alpha Legion had existed long before Omegon's return.
Alpharius, the newly returned Primarch, had been the first to establish the Legion's clandestine culture. Furthermore, the Emperor and Malcador had announced Alpharius's return in secret, a contradiction that, coupled with the shrouded mysteries, left everyone deeply unsettled.
At the grand feast, the assembled Primarchs watched Omega eat and drink with evident gusto, their expressions baffled.
Roboute Guilliman decided to seek answers directly from Omegonn. The two conversed over dinner, their discussion ranging across subjects from astronomy and cartography to philosophy, mechanics, governance, military strategy, and the humanities.
They explored countless topics, all circling the central idea of establishing robust rear-echelon logistics to support expeditionary operations. Despite the apparent breadth of their discourse, their mutual understanding was crystal clear.
Guilliman had been impressed by Omegon's rhetorical skill during the earlier exchange, and now discovered they shared remarkably similar philosophies. It became evident through their dialogue that Omegon would make an excellent ally.
However, Guilliman's exceptionally fortunate upbringing stood in stark contrast to the tragic early experiences of many Primarchs.
When Guilliman's excellence manifested through words, it came across to several brothers as boastful, breeding resentment, particularly from Lorgar, who had no desire to see Guilliman gain reliable allies.
As the two engaged in spirited conversation, Lorgar interrupted. "Omegon, brother, could you explain why you employed nearly ten billion convicted prisoners to develop the Medias Sector? They are all guilty and should be imprisoned to receive their rightful punishment. Granting them freedom merely condones wickedness."
"Or do you believe there exists no clear boundary between prisoners and civilians, between justice and evil?"
Silence fell across the hall as attention shifted to Omegon. Roboute Guilliman remained quiet, hoping for a reasonable explanation. At the head of the table, Malcador looked up with interest.
Mortarion's curiosity was piqued, and he laughed. "How rare! Omegon, engage in proper debate with Lorgar. Let us witness your reasoning."
The Lion, Primarch of the First Legion, declared loudly, "Justice and evil cannot be conflated. We must uphold justice and punish wickedness without mercy. I will not tolerate evil being excused. You need to explain yourself properly."
"If necessary, I should be the first to execute justice. I've been waiting for this opportunity," Konrad Curze added with an excited, predatory smile.
Seeing Omegon's continued silence, Guilliman couldn't help but prompt him. Everyone else wanted to hear his response. Omegon studied Lorgar's composed expression, recognizing precisely how pointed the question had been.
Magnus the Red, Primarch of the Thousand Sons, smiled knowingly. "Brother, speak freely. I, Magnus, am eager to hear your position. Perhaps we could engage in a formal debate sometime."
Alpharius, observing from the side as his brothers turned to him, said quietly, "I cannot assist you in this matter. I assumed you were jesting initially, but clearly you were serious."
Everyone was surprised by this revelation, realizing that the Media Sector's development predated Omegon's official return.
Horus regarded the twins meaningfully. "You two have kept your secrets well concealed. Omegon, brother, address Lorgar's challenge properly."
"There can be no reconciliation between justice and evil. Sinners must be severely punished; this is a fundamental principle."
Omegon considered for a moment, then replied calmly, "I decline to explain."
"......"
For a moment, there was absolute silence; no one present even processed what came out of Omega's mouth, then...
"WHAT?!!"
Astonishment rippled through the assembly. None had expected Omegon to refuse engagement entirely. Why would someone usually so eloquent remain silent now? This only intensified their curiosity.
Lorgar smiled softly. "Refusing explanation suggests you possess no clear distinction between justice and evil in your conscience, which constitutes a dangerous philosophy."
Seeing the grave expressions around him, Omegon spoke calmly. "You're mistaken. Just as no one can prevail in a theological debate, no one present can comprehend my perspective on this matter. Therefore, I refuse to answer."
"I possess a clear understanding of justice and evil, and I know the principles of right and wrong, virtue and wickedness. I need not prove anything to you."
Shock registered on every face. The Lion, Guilliman, and others stared at Omegon in disbelief. At the table's head, grey-robed Malcador spoke quietly.
"Can I not understand your thoughts either?"
Omegon answered lightly, "Correct. Every era possesses its own standards of knowledge and comprehension. The understanding of our own time shapes our current concepts of justice and evil. Sigillite, you would disagree with the moral frameworks of past ages."
Malcador found this intriguing and regarded Omegon with an amused smile. "I might assume you govern the Medias Sector using moral standards from humanity's past, but even in humanity's history, justice remained justice, and evil remained evil."
"This still fails to explain why you blur the distinction between justice and evil."
Omegon replied evenly, "If this moral framework existed earlier than you assume, in humanity's primitive, ancient past, would you still say that?"
Grey-robed Malcador paused, studying Omegon with renewed scrutiny before exclaiming with fascination, "Interesting indeed.... "
"Fortunately, the Medias Sector hasn't suffered major catastrophes under your administration. It seems you've contemplated this matter more deeply than we imagined."
The two were conversing in ways the Primarchs couldn't fully comprehend. Konrad Curze, still confused, interjected, "You speak of different eras, but justice is justice, and evil is evil. I propose that I, Konrad Curze, lead the Night Lords Legion to address the countless prisoners in the Medias Sector."
"I have waited for this opportunity for years. Don't attempt to deny me, or I shall show no fraternal consideration."
Everyone understood Curze simply wanted to kill.
Guilliman stated firmly, "I disagree. This matter requires careful consideration."
"I will not approve your proposal, Curze," grey-robed Malcador declared. "The Medias Sector operates under Alpha Legion authority. I leave such matters to Alpharius and Omegon."
Many Primarchs voiced opposition to Curze's handling of the situation. Curze retorted angrily, "Malcador, even you cannot discern where the line between justice and evil lies?"
Omegon remained silent briefly, then said, "Curze, explain your standards for righteous judgment, and we'll see if everyone agrees. I'm not hurrying to execute anyone, so why are you so eager? You make it sound sinister."
Curze snorted. "Fine. I shall explain, and you will determine whether I, Curze, am righteous or evil."
The Night Haunter then enthusiastically outlined for the assembled Primarchs and Malcador his standard for administering justice: any evil deserved death, killing until blood flowed, ideally making entire worlds tremble in terror.
His almost pathological obsession with righteous slaughter left everyone tasting copper and feeling nauseated mid-meal. Curze's methodology was unacceptable to all present.
The Lion, a devotee of chivalric virtue, slammed down his utensils and roared, "Curze, your methods are not the justice I uphold! Justice does not mean slaughtering the innocent! Your philosophy is dangerously flawed!"
Curze countered, "What's wrong with fighting for justice? True justice lies in ruthlessly eliminating evil. The one at fault is Omegon, this man who conflates justice and evil. His talk of different moral standards across different eras is utter nonsense."
The Lion argued his position with impeccable logic, articulating his own conception of justice. His noble chivalric ideals impressed many, who nodded in quiet approval while pointing out the flaws in Curze's philosophy of justice.
Curze refused to acknowledge the error and continued arguing with the Lion, while Omegon quietly drank and ate amidst the growing tumult.
Horus intervened, allowing each brother to express their perspective on justice to understand their philosophies better. He welcomed this discourse on justice and evil.
The debate over justice versus evil grew extraordinarily heated, for each Primarch hailed from a different homeworld and upheld vastly different standards of righteousness.
Some argued endlessly because others held different standards, each believing themselves correct and attempting to persuade their brothers.
[End of Chapter]