Chapter 143: Another Story
After some discussion, everyone gradually came to understand Omega's differing standards of justice and of good and evil across eras.
Horus was somewhat surprised that Omega had such insight into this matter. He smiled gently.
"Omega, brother, we now understand your philosophy to some extent. I believe everyone here is now qualified to hear more. Could you explain in detail? I'd really love to hear it."
Sanguinius laughed. "Without this discussion, I wouldn't have realized that everyone's standards of justice are so different. This topic is so interesting. Don't worry, we Primarchs are all geniuses and can understand your thoughts."
"There's nothing I, Perturabo, can't understand!" Perturabo retorted, unconvinced by Omega's confident assessment.
"Okay, I'll tell you a story."
Everyone chuckled when they heard that Omega was going to tell another story. The angels, Horus, and Malcador were somewhat surprised but indicated that they were willing to listen. Omega smiled and slowly began.
Long, long ago, thousands of prisoners escorted by soldiers escaped to a deserted island. To survive, they built their homes from scratch, gradually forming villages and towns.
The thousands of prisoners on the island lived a fulfilling life for ten years. Many escaped prisoners from the mainland came to the island one after another, and the village grew into a small city. As a result, the island gradually became famous on the mainland and became a place for many people to flee to.
Eventually, the entire island was transformed into a city of beautiful buildings, and everyone lived happily there. However, because too many prisoners had escaped here in the past, the kingdoms on the mainland grew increasingly displeased with the place.
So they launched a military campaign. A large army aboard hundreds of warships sailed into the harbor, easily defeating the island's defenders.
The commander of the army stood at the highest point after swiftly occupying the island, watching the bustling and beautiful city and the sun rising from the sea. He felt extremely pleased. He faced several choices about the city: either follow the king's order to destroy it completely, or incorporate it into the kingdom's territory and collect taxes.
Ultimately, the commander did not deal with the city lightly. He sent a letter to the king outlining the island's benefits.
Without the slightest hesitation, the king reversed his initial order to completely destroy the island city. He incorporated it into his territory and appointed a special minister to govern it.
In the years that followed, everyone seemed to forget that this city was built by countless prisoners.
The island city's residents gradually stopped mentioning that prisoners had built it, because it would make the ministers and the kingdom's soldiers feel that the city under their rule was filthy.
A hundred years later, the story of countless prisoners building this beautiful city on the island had become a legend, a joke.
The island's city inhabitants did not believe that prisoners could have built such a beautiful city. They attributed it to the wise king and his capable ministers. This became a fact that everyone later came to firmly believe.
After the story was told, everyone stared at Omega in silence.
Sanguinius chuckled softly. "This is the philosophy behind your establishment of the Medias Sector using countless prisoners. If I were that commander, I believe I would have made the same choice. The island was incorporated into the kingdom, paid taxes, and ultimately, everyone lived well."
"I understand your concept of justice and evil to some extent now. Your thinking in this area has indeed reached a level that is difficult for ordinary people to achieve."
Guilliman laughed. "I can understand that, Omega. Your philosophy isn't as profound as people imagine; everyone can understand it. You always think of the most incredible things."
"Some things, if you just say them out loud, people will be willing to listen. Don't underestimate me, Roboute Guilliman. Regarding governance, I don't think I'll lose to you. We can discuss this further."
The grey-robed Malcador smiled, pondered for a moment, and then spoke. "I've heard another good story, but it seems to be part of your philosophy. Islands and kingdoms initially symbolize two different eras of good and evil. After the commander led his army to attack and seize territory, the concept of islands merged with that of kingdoms."
"Why did you deliberately govern the Medias sector using past concepts of good and evil, instead of the current Empire's concepts?"
Omega didn't intend to elaborate further and laughed. "In my understanding, they were pioneers. But I can tell you, Imperial Regent, that they have been severely punished, for they have been exiled to the frontier, far from their homes. For mortals, this should be considered a very cruel punishment, shouldn't it?"
The grey-robed Malcador chuckled. "It's the same in form, but without the Empire's approval, it doesn't count as exile to the frontier. Don't try to twist the facts."
Roboute Guilliman, sensing something amiss, laughed heartily and urged Omega to continue.
Omega thought for a moment, then stopped, because the prevailing perception was one most people wouldn't agree with.
Seeing this, Magnus spoke happily. "From the perspective of intellectual and spiritual attainment, Omega, your midest has reached the level of a temple master. You have constructed your own temple of knowledge. Don't think you're the only one with such extensive knowledge. There are very few people here who can truly understand my research on psionic energy."
Omega was surprised by such praise. "As Primarchs, we've all reached master level in our respective fields, but the path of psionic energy is too unpredictable for me to dare dabble in. Magnus, be careful."
Magnus replied confidently, "That's because you know too little. The more you know about psionic energy, the lower the risk."
Curze did not give up because of Omega's story and still proposed that he lead the Legion to punish the Medias sector.
Everyone "...."
Seeing this, Omega suggested that everyone raise their hands to vote. "Anyone who disagrees with Curze going, raise your hand."
As soon as the words were spoken, Omega and Alpharius raised their hands, followed by the rest of the group.
No one present accepted Curze's decision to sanction the Medias sector. Clearly, Curze's ideology was too extreme for the people to accept. Curze snorted coldly and remained silent.
Seeing this, Horus, for the sake of unity, suggested that he lead everyone to the Medias sector to see the "island" for themselves. This statement was agreed upon by everyone, seeing is believing.
It would be convenient to bring Curze along and make it easier for everyone to grasp Omega's philosophy.
...
After a grand banquet, the Alpharius affair was over.
Upon hearing that Horus was going to the Medias sector, the Emperor, intrigued, decided to join in the fun. The Primarchs marched in a grand procession through the warp to the distant star system.
Inside the Imperial bridge, all the Primarchs, the Emperor, and Malcador were present."
Omega sat to the side and said softly, "Isn't this making things a bit too grand?"
"Malcador knows the situation in the Medias sector very well. Wouldn't it be enough to just let him give everyone a briefing? Don't let this small matter delay the Great Crusade."
Curze chuckled darkly. "You've finally realized you're getting anxious. No matter how nicely you talk, it's not as good as seeing it for yourself. Stories are just stories. Reality is far crueler. Your ideals are simply impossible to realize."
Omega was silent for a moment. "Curze, I suggest you study at the Imperial Ministry of Justice for a while. With so many Imperial laws, I believe it can help you refine your understanding of justice."
Curze snorted coldly. "No need. My path of justice was perfected long ago on my homeworld, Nostramo, where it flourished under my rule. I can take you there to see it sometime. Don't think that only you and Guilliman know how to govern a planet. As Primarchs, we've all ruled our homeworlds."
These words resonated with the Primarch brothers around him. When it came to governing a planet, none of them were willing to concede to the others.
Angron snorted and glanced at the Emperor. Guilliman remained silent.
Omega chuckled. "I must state upfront that the governance of planets in the Medias sector is certainly not perfect and has its flaws. It's only fair to say that it's generally alright."
Seeing this, Fulgrim laughed jokingly. "Generally speaking, it's alright? Omega, what kind of standard are you using? I'm going to your sector with high hopes, don't disappoint me."
Horus chuckled silently. This was exactly the kind of thorough investigation the Alpha Legion situation needed. Otherwise, it would be too easy for them to confuse truth with falsehoods.
[End of Chapter]