Warhammer: In the Name of Nirvana

"Here comes a brother of mine: a brother who theoretically has not returned."

"He took advantage of the chaotic situation that just happened on this ship to land quietly. I can smell the reptilian smell on his body. The smell is similar to ammonia and is undoubtedly poisonous."

"Right now, he is hiding on a hidden micro-parking pad on the left side of the ship. The guards there have forgotten their duties because of this sudden chaos. In a short period of time, they may not be able to find him in the room. There’s an extra Thunderhawk in the corner.”

"What a nice sneak, isn't it?"

Conrad laughed. He stretched out his long and smooth tongue and licked his dry lips. His dark pupils were glowing with satisfaction because of the long-lost killing and violent exercise.

At this time, Midnight Ghost was fully armed. The dark blue armor decorated with skulls and lightning was already stained with blood, telling of his victory. Also dirty were the pair of quilts. The claws he wears on his slender fingers: in the past half a Terran standard hour, the lives harvested by these claws have filled the slender corridor and intersection in front of the throne room.

At this moment, Conrad was standing at the connection between the corridor and the throne. This ferocious-looking Primarch stopped his atrocities in time and did not continue to harvest anything else. Instead, he seemed to be stationed at Like loyal guards in front of the temple of the gods, they stood guard in front of Morgan's throne room: in front of him were piles of corpses, but behind him was the spotless, smooth holy land.

"What are you talking about, Lord Conrad?"

"It's nothing, it's not something you should know, little one."

Stationed at the end of the corridor with Conrad were Lana and more than a dozen of his Old Guard subordinates. For more than half an hour, they had been guarding the original body's room, allowing everyone to The legion company captains and senior mortal officers took it upon themselves to handle the various riots on the ship.

And these powerful people who had been given high hopes by Morgan finally lived up to their mission. The last chaotic area on the ship was cleared a few minutes ago, and casualty reports and property damage reports are being carried out in an orderly manner. Statistics, although the atmosphere of sadness and confusion lingers in everyone's mood, it does not interfere with their work efficiency.

And on the miniature electronic projection placed by Lana's eye, the report sent to him by the Legion Council flashed from time to time: Not only the [Dawn Goddess], but also every incoming battleship of the Dead Stars. , similar riots occurred almost at the same time.

There is an obvious difference between these riots: on those ships with more Dawnbreaker warriors or psykers, these riots are without exception more or less sensed in advance, while on those ships with more mortal warriors, On the main ships, the damage caused by the riots was much greater, and many ships even had to ask for outside assistance. The Legion Council was extremely busy because of this.

But Lana has no time to deal with these things. What he cares about most now is when the Gene Mother in the room behind him will wake up. By the way, he also wants to express his gratitude to the Gene Primarch next to him. : Without the help of this midnight ghost who was awakened in time and voluntarily joined the defense work, Lana and the others would not have been able to hold on to this last line of defense unscathed.

Thinking of this, Morgan's Praetorian Guard bowed for the first time to the Primarch who was temporarily living on their flagship. His companions behind him were also performing the same action.

"In any case, we would like to thank you for your help, Lord Conrad. Without your help, the battle that just happened might have been even more bloody."

Conrad accepted the acknowledgment: with a smile.

"There is no need to be so serious, my dear nephews."

Midnight Ghost pulled out a wet wipe from somewhere and was carefully wiping his adamantine claws stained by blood. He turned his head. He gave Lana a more or less kind look: It seemed that the original gene was in a pretty good mood at the moment.

"It just comes naturally to me, and you know what: I haven't killed so legitimately on this ship for a long, long time since a battle and a bathing job many years ago, not to mention, Still next to the bedroom where I live.”

"This is a very wonderful feeling. I don't hate this feeling: just like the beasts at the top of the food chain who will hang the remains of their prey high to frighten other beasts, this kind of performance killing is Something I’ve really needed growing up.”

"It's just that before, it was a necessity for me, but now it's not: but that doesn't mean I hate this kind of killing, after all, I was born to like the smell of blood."

"..."

Lana paused. He didn't know how he should pick up this somewhat bloody topic: In fact, if it weren't for the fact that Conrad had just helped them solve a big trouble before saying this, the Chief of Guards would have definitely Because of these too dangerous words, a large number of people will be dispatched to supervise the temporary primarch.

"Okay, sir..."

"I told you, don't be so serious."

Midnight Ghost's tone was a little vague, as if he was humming a cheerful slaughter song with his nose.

"You can call me uncle, my dear nephew, or uncle too."

"……cough……"

The Chief Guard paused for the second time. An indescribable embarrassment was circulating between him and his companions behind him. In Rana's previous memories, Lord Conrad did not seem to be such a person... ...A kind person?

Just when Lana was a little troubled by this, Midnight Ghost had neatly cleaned off the claws. He stood up, and his tone finally washed away the joking and became more serious.

"Okay, boy, let's talk about something serious: I asked you to issue an order, have you issued it?"

"It has been handed over to the Legion Council."

"Then let them pass quickly. Don't think about the source of this order here, boy: even if my biological sister wakes up, she will give the same order."

Conrad frowned, and Rana's answer did not exceed his expectations.

"After all, even you must have figured out that this commotion was caused by too many people on this battleship thinking about something in their minds that they shouldn't think about."

"And we can't even mention that thing in our mouths or in our minds now, otherwise, riots like this will only happen again and again: You don't think this is a one-time raid, boy, this is A long show about the power of profanity.”

"As soon as we think of that name, of my brother who has been erased, our minds are tainted: Primarchs like me, and Astartes warriors like you, or those minds Agile psykers can be aware of the existence of this kind of pollution and avoid it in advance, but most mortals in this fleet do not have the ability to resist it. They will be easily polluted. Manipulating and triggering riots like this again and again."

"I have to say that his move is indeed good. Just making one of his names a taboo in the subspace is enough to destroy 99% of the strength of the crusade fleet: Even if we have three legions, if Without the help of mortals, we would never be able to carry out this expedition."

"He is worthy of being a military master: I just don't know how much of his military strategy is left now?"

"..."

Conrad's words did not sound like a serious message, but more like a soliloquy, but the content of these words was enough to make Rana remain silent and secretly urge the Legion Council to hurry up. The corresponding order was issued: from this moment on, no one in the Dawnbreaker fleet is allowed to think, discuss or even mention anything about the crusade goal of this expedition in any way, and those who violate it will be The severest punishment will be imposed.

Rana was not worried about whether he would be punished for issuing this order privately. After all, as Conrad said, even after his genetic mother wakes up, she will definitely issue the same order. What the Chief Guards are really worried about is Is it: No matter how harsh their ban is, it doesn’t seem to make the situation fundamentally change?

Can they still restrict the thoughts of everyone in the fleet?

"Of course we can't limit it."

Conrad could see the worry of the guard chief at a glance, and he just shook his head.

"That's why I say that this is a very beautiful blow, because thinking cannot be grasped or controlled. Even the thinker himself cannot control the divergence of thinking. Maybe it is just a stupid effort. They just The forbidden name will be briefly thought of, and then tainted and give rise to new insurrection."

"After all, the thinking of mortals is still too fragile when facing the memetic pollution with my brother as the core: they are not opponents of the same level at all."

"So, be prepared, warriors of Morgan: until the end of this expedition, our fleet will probably endure a long period of non-combat attrition."

"Now I understand why the emperor and Malcador want to wipe out the memories of so many people in a big way. After all, compared to expecting the self-restraint of mortals, tough methods can make them feel more at ease."

The Midnight Ghost was chattering. It seemed that he was rarely attracted to the conversation, but it was a pity that there was only a silent guard chief beside him. Compared with the other more silent old guards, Conrad With all the emotions in his mouth, Lana was more concerned about other things.

"Your Excellency Conrad, since all these riots are due to the tricks of the rebel primarch, is this also the reason why our genetic mother is sleeping?"

Midnight Ghost cast an appreciative glance.

"In a sense, you're right."

"But don't worry too much. My dear nephew, my sister is not as fragile as you think. She should wake up within an hour. What's more, this tragic scene that happened in front of us should not happen. It won't be what she expected: of course, she'll get a little angry."

Hearing this, Lana blinked, and his eyes focused on Conrad's face. He seemed to have thought of something, and the sight in his pupils became a little dangerous.

"Then...why weren't you similarly affected?"

"...Are you doubting me?"

"I'm sorry, Your Excellency, but I have to take this assumption into account."

"Ah... Indeed, as her guard leader, you should do this."

Conrad grinned.

"Maybe it's because that person doesn't know that I exist. When he made those decisions, I was still stroking my gargoyle in Nostramo. Although as a brother who inherited the same blood, He should have noticed me the moment I entered the Dead Stars, but it seems that he is not that interested in me."

"I'm really looked down upon..."

Although he was pouring out his complaints, Midnight Ghost didn't look very angry. He cleared a path among the corpses and blood on the ground, and he was still looking towards the company captains and mortal officers who were gradually approaching from the distance. Waving.

"It's up to you to deal with them, my dear nephew, and I have to deal with that uninvited brother. This may be a long hunt, but this battleship is now half of me. Home: If my sister wakes up later, tell her and I will bring the visitor to her in half an hour.”

"Oh, by the way, one more thing."

Conrad seemed to have thought of something. He turned around, bent down, patted Lana on the shoulder, raised a finger, and whispered in front of the head guard like an adult educating those children who made mistakes. With.

"When you explain all this to my sister, never mention the name of my brother. You can give him a more ancient nickname, such as [The One Who Cannot Say]"

"Those who cannot speak..."

"Yes, that's it. I think my sister will understand your difficulties, and maybe she will prepare some magic props for the next war."

"...Magic props?"

Lana frowned.

"Yeah, magic props."

Conrad smiled.

"It's like...a sorting hat."

"...?"

"what is that?"

"It's just an ancient literary gag on Holy Terra. I learned about it during a study on the history of ancient literature: Boy, I'm not saying that you should really read more books."

——————

[Is that what he said? 】

"Yes, my lord."

[The Sorting Hat... is really an unpopular meme. This guy seems to be in a good mood. 】

The Spider Queen leaned on her throne. She woke up sixteen minutes after Conrad left, and the Praetorian Guard was summoned by the original one minute later, and spent five minutes telling the story of Morgan's miss. everything of.

During this process, the Primarch just silently flipped through the data pad that recorded casualties and property losses. Her expression seemed to be in a trance, as if she was thinking about some difficult problems.

Rana, who was standing in front of the throne, was a little hesitant.

"Sir, regarding the order issued by Lord Conrad..."

[Just do as he said, forbid everyone to mention that name again, and at the same time, tell the think tanks in the legion to assign personnel to each ship to supervise the execution of this order together with the preacher, and check at all times Psychic movements on the ship: If the think tank does not have enough manpower, let those mortal psykers or even navigators be mobilized. This is an urgent moment when all difficulties need to be overcome. 】

"Understood, sir, I will do it right now."

【Go. 】

Morgan pinched her brows and sighed silently. It wasn't until the sound of Lana closing the door reached her ears that the Primarch casually threw aside the data pad that shocked her soul. Then he leaned on the armrest of the throne, resting his face on his arms, and remained silent for a long time.

It wasn't until she finished contemplating that Morgan asked her personal maid to fetch the holographic projection and communication device: through these devices, she called her two blood brothers far away in the stars.

Both Jonson and Leman Russ responded to Morgan's call at an extremely fast speed. Obviously, they had been waiting for a long time, and may have even communicated in advance.

When the projection was turned on, the expressions of the two primarchs were unusually gloomy. Without exception, they were fully armed, and the weapons they clenched were even stained with blood, and from time to time, hurried steps flashed behind them. figures of soldiers and senior officers.

Morgan was not surprised at all.

[It seems that you have encountered the same situation there: that guy really gave us a beautiful blow to welcome us, didn't he? 】

Zhuang Sen had a cold face and snorted in response.

Leman Russ's face had already become ferocious. He was gnashing his teeth and cursing something. It seemed that he no longer had the silent sadness of killing his blood relatives.

"I already knew he was a bastard more than ten years ago, but I didn't expect that he would find new ways to do it, which makes me hate him even more now... this bastard!"

The Wolf King of Fenris lowered his head, and the scattered blond hair obscured his face, and the Spear of Dionysus was firmly held in his hand. Even through the holographic projection, Morgan seemed to be able to hear the creaking metal. Voices.

Compared to the Wolf King's rage, the Dark Angel's Primarch is much calmer.

"How are the casualties there? Will it affect the next operation?"

Jonson was obviously more concerned with practical issues.

Hearing these words, the faces of the other two originals became a little bitter. Morgan first glanced at the data pad next to her, and then calmed down.

[As far as I am concerned, there are still some mortal losses, and they are large in number, but they are not enough to completely affect the operation of the fleet. As for the Dawnbreakers under my command...]

The Spider Queen paused, and then spit out a number that made her feel a little distressed, although this number was not too much anyway.

Zhuang Sen and Leman Russ had strange expressions after listening to Morgan's words.

Zhuang Sen spoke first.

"My side is twice as good as yours."

Leman Russ grinned.

"I have a little more here than you, Zhuangson, and one of my wolf masters has been attacked. He may have to lie in the infirmary for a while: just thinking about it makes me miserable."

Neither of these answers exceeded Morgan's expectations. After all, the Dark Angels and Space Wolves had completely entered the Dead Stars, while the Dawnbreakers still had part of their forces outside, so the casualties on both sides were naturally different.

[So what should we do next: Even if the strictest ban is implemented, it is impossible to completely prevent this situation from happening. In other words, the only solution is to cut off the person’s head as early as possible to eliminate the source. Stop this. 】

"That's what we planned, isn't it?"

Leman Russ gave a wild smile, while Jonson was supplementing on the side.

"According to Riemann and I's preliminary investigation, there are not too many worlds with traces of fortifications and civilizations among these dead stars. Calculating based on their distribution patterns, we can easily deduce that bastard's most recent There are several bases where you can hide.”

"As long as we check them one by one, it will only take a year at most. We can get rid of his lair."

"indeed so."

Leman Russ nodded.

"The only question now is whether our three legions should act together or search separately: I don't need to say more about the pros and cons of these two options. Zhuang Sen and I have been discussing this issue just now."

"What do you think, Morgan?"

Zhuang Sen looked at his most trusted blood relative, but the Spider Queen did not respond immediately. She just lowered her head and thought for a while, with caution in her eyes.

[I personally suggest that your two legions gather together and act together. As for me and my Dawnbreaker legion, we can’t decide yet: I still need to consult some relevant people for advice, and they will be here soon. 】

"related person?"

Zhuang Sen raised his eyebrows

"You mean Conrad?"

【……】

[That’s right. 】

——————

Midnight Ghost did not breach the contract or time out. Thirty minutes after he set off, Conrad successfully brought the uninvited guest to the throne room. There were some unfriendly frictions between the two of them. mark.

"He was a little dissatisfied with my welcome ceremony. He is such a picky guy."

Conrad explained this, and the guest just showed a humble smile.

"I just don't want to make too much of a show and disturb you, the monarch of this place."

【……】

Faced with this answer, Morgan just snorted, and then she showed the uninvited guest a smile that did not involve any muscles.

[Compared with what this battleship has just experienced, your visit is indeed not a disturbance: Why don’t you introduce yourself to me, Your Excellency Unknown? 】

The visitor bowed.

"It's up to you, sir. You just need to call me Alpha. After all, I am just an ordinary member of the 20th Legion. I only represent my legion, the goodwill I have brought to you, and the goodwill you are now What is needed.”

Morgan's smile disappeared: or her smile itself was extremely cold, and those blue pupils were now concentrating on observing the ordinary face in front of her, eager to find some clues from it.

Such a scene almost inevitably brought back Morgan's memories: Once upon a time, she also experienced the same situation as now, but at that time, Morgan was the one bending down under the throne, and the one sitting on the throne was It was Jonson or Perturabo.

But even Morgan is not confident that he can perform better than the guest who calls himself Alpha.

[You said you were from the Twentieth Legion: a legion I've never heard of? 】

"The Twentieth Legion really exists. Sir, you have witnessed its existence with your own eyes now. Although we have not yet welcomed back our original body, this does not prevent us from fighting for the entire human empire in our own way. war."

[The way you said it includes deciding on your own what I need now? 】

The Spider Queen was leaning on the throne, her legs crossed, and a smile that was familiar to Conrad appeared on her beautiful face: a smile that would make other people's hair stand on end.

The visitor who called himself Alpha just bowed again. He was too calm, which attracted the joking eyes of Morgan and Conrad. At this time, both Primarchs could confirm that this The true identity of the uninvited guest.

"We are not acting on our own initiative, Lord Morgan. On the contrary, our arrival is a manifestation of a greater will: as you know, you three Primarchs are not the only ones paying attention to this distant war. On the Holy Terra and the Emperor's Dream, some orders from higher levels were the ultimate reason for me to appear here."

"According to their orders, I will lead you and your fleet to a world on the edge of the dead stars. In that world, there are the deepest secrets about this war and how to end it."

[How can I make sure your words are true and not a lie? 】

"You have your own way of contacting the Emperor, don't you?"

【……】

Morgan looked at the person in front of him seriously. Alpha just responded with an unusually indifferent smile, and their conversations had a distant sense of similarity, as if these words were just duckweed on the water, wandering around to cover up the really important information.

【When to set off. 】

"The sooner the better, you don't want to know what that person will do if you give him enough time. This anxiety is also the reason why the Emperor sent me here: we must solve this as quickly as possible .”

【……】

Morgan's fingers tapped regularly on the armrest of the throne, and she was silent for a moment, not long, maybe only a few seconds.

[Okay, give me half an hour, and then I will order the entire fleet to adjust course: I hope you are not pointing the wrong way. 】

"No need to worry, my lord."

Again, take a bow.

"Then, please allow me to retire..."

【etc. 】

Morgan stretched out her hand to stop her, and a smile suddenly appeared on her face that made Alpha feel a little uncomfortable for the first time.

[This is destined to be a day-long trip, isn't it? 】

Faced with Morgan's smile, Alpha just nodded.

"certainly."

[Then...how can I let you, a distinguished guest sent by the emperor himself, not have a place to rest? In order to express my respect for you, I decided to open this second most noble place on the ship to you. 】

"……Thanks you……"

[Conrad. 】

Morgan interrupted Alpha.

[Be well received by your new roommate. 】

"..."

"Of course, sister!"

Midnight Ghost let out a shrill laugh, he responded loudly, and then involuntarily put his arms around the shoulders of Alpha who wanted to refuse this [kindness].

"Come, my dear guest."

"Do you want to sleep on the upper bunk or the lower bunk?"