Chương 24: The Galaxy
Opening an old-fashioned flat star map of the Milky Way provided only a simplistic perspective. The galaxy was divided into five major regions, as classified by the Adeptus Administratum. At the center was the Segmentum Solar, home to Terra and the Sol System. This heart of the Imperium was densely populated, hosting countless historic and critical worlds. Surrounding it were four vast regions: the Segmentum Obscurus to the north, the Segmentum Tempestus to the south, the Segmentum Pacificus to the west, and the Segmentum Ultima to the east.
Among these, the Eastern Fringe within Segmentum Ultima was the largest, occupying much of the galaxy. However, it was a wild, sparsely populated frontier where the Imperium's grip was weakest. Many of humanity's greatest threats originated there, making it both perilous and promising.
In the Imperial Palace, the Master of the Administratum traced his finger across the holographic star map, pointing to a distant cluster in the Eastern Fringe. "The three star systems are located in this region," he announced.
The Lord Inquisitor frowned slightly. "That's quite far," he said. "Does the Imperium even have control over that area?"
The Master hesitated, then admitted, "Even the Emperor's authority struggles to fully reach such a distant place."
"That's… problematic," the Lord replied, his tone skeptical.
At first, the reward seemed incredibly generous—three entire star systems, a prize of staggering proportions. But as they studied the map, the reality became apparent. These systems, while vast, were strategically insignificant. They were so far from the Imperium's core that even the Emperor's reach grew faint.
"If this is the case," the Fabricator-General chimed in, his voice mechanical and cold, "then I have no objections. The Imperium's presence in the Eastern Fringe is already fragile. We cannot effectively supply resources or provide military protection to such a remote location. A localized force would be necessary to establish any foothold in such a volatile region."
The Master of the Administratum nodded, a faint smile crossing his face. "Exactly. These three systems have been fortunate to remain untouched by significant threats for the past nine thousand years, but the future is uncertain. A stable human presence there will allow us to project influence deeper into the Eastern Fringe, supporting both defense and expansion. This serves the Imperium's interests."
"And he will act as a watchman for the Imperium," the Lord Inquisitor added. "Evidence suggests new dangers are stirring in the Eastern Fringe—green-skinned Orks, the Tau, and other xenos we barely understand. This remains a perilous frontier. Even if Kayvaan turns out to be less than fully loyal, the damage he could inflict from such a distant position would be limited. More importantly, he could help us uncover and assess the enemy."
The conversation seemed to be leaning toward agreement when a deep, gravelly voice broke the momentum. "You're all moving too quickly," rumbled the Lord Commander. He was an imposing figure, with a broad jaw and a chest adorned with medals that told of countless battles fought in the Emperor's name. As the leader of the Astra Militarum, his voice carried immense weight.
"Granting the title of Imperial Commander is one thing," he continued, his tone steady as a war engine. "But the position of Chapter Master? That is not something to be decided lightly."
The Master of the Administratum tilted his head slightly. "He's a war hero—a veteran of the legendary Raven Guard. He carries a direct appointment from the Emperor himself. Why wouldn't he qualify?"
The Lord Commander's expression darkened. "By merit alone, he is more than capable. But have you examined his medical records in detail? That peculiar affliction he endured has left his body weakened, reverting to an almost unaugmented state. While he appears unchanged outwardly, his internal injuries persist. The most recent reports confirm that his body can no longer withstand another surgical enhancement."
A heavy silence settled over the chamber. Finally, the Master of the Administratum broke it with a sigh. "If that is the case, then there is no point in discussing this further. But I must ask—how do you intend to address the Emperor's decree on this matter?"
"Of course, I will honor the Emperor's will," the Lord Commander said calmly. "However, the Adeptus Astartes have their own customs, and I cannot interfere with their traditions. One thing is certain: no weakling has ever risen among their ranks, let alone become a Chapter Master. They will conduct their own trials, as they always have, to determine if Kayvaan is fit to serve. This matter will resolve itself. Let us focus on more pressing concerns."
"I understand." The Master of the Administratum nodded. Without wasting time, he shifted the meeting to the next topic. The Imperium was vast, and new crises emerged daily, each demanding immediate action. There was always more work than there were hours to address it.
"You're saying I have the right to inherit the family estate?" Kayvaan stared at the white-haired man before him, disbelief etched on his face. His voice dropped to a murmur. "Today's been… surreal. First, an appointment letter from the Emperor, and now a notice of inheritance…"
The old man stood tall, exuding an air of dignity and command. Dressed in a finely tailored black butler's uniform, his white gloves immaculate, he appeared as though he had stepped out of an ancient portrait. His silver-white hair was neatly groomed, and gold-rimmed spectacles rested on his nose, lending him a scholarly presence. This was no ordinary butler—he was a special envoy from the Navis Nobilite.
"This should not come as a surprise, Lord Kayvaan," the man said evenly, his gaze unwavering. "The duties of the Shrike family now fall to you. By accepting the name 'Shrike,' you have also accepted its obligations." He leaned slightly forward, his voice unyielding. "This is not a responsibility you can evade, is it?"
"Evade? Certainly not." Kayvaan's thoughts raced. 'Why would I run from something like this? This is an opportunity, not a burden.' A faint smirk played on his lips as he reflected on the irony. The Kayvaan who had once fled his family years ago was an impulsive teenager, a far cry from the man he had become.
The life and legacy Kayvaan inherited were far from ordinary. His grandfather had been a renowned Rogue Trader, granted a noble title and a charter by the Emperor himself, eventually becoming a Sub-Sector Governor. In the Imperium, such titles and roles followed a hereditary system reminiscent of the feudal traditions of ancient Terra. Unlike their Terran ancestors, who ruled over land, Sub-Sector Governors governed entire star systems.
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