章節 68: Chapter 68: Negotiations (Part 1)
*Endurance*, Concealed Conference Room.
Now.
It wasn't a vast space.
The austere meeting room had an outdated mechanical clock ticking monotonously on the white wall. A flag hung from another wall, devoid of any emblem, just a plain color, its edges slightly yellowed.
In the center of the room stood a long table. Six Company Captains sat on either side, and at the head of the table, facing the door, was the Chief Commander of the Deathwatch, the Captain of the 1st Company—
Barasin.
Before each individual was a small lamp, the room's only source of light. Its dim, yellowish glow barely illuminated the already dark room.
"Please, sit."
Barasin, across the table, spoke. His Barbarus dialect, delivered in High Gothic, sounded peculiar. The light syllables were stressed, making the phrase sound choppy.
He gestured for Hades to sit opposite him.
"Thank you," Hades replied smoothly in High Gothic.
After a brief silence, the clock continued its march.
"You don't seem surprised," Barasin observed, his tone even.
"Given the unique training methods, I've somewhat realized," Hades responded fluidly.
"We were abrupt, not planning it well," Barasin admitted, catching Hades off guard with his politeness.
"No, I've enjoyed training with those from Terra. I've learned many different tactics," Hades assured.
Hearing this, Barasin's face remained impassive, revealing no thoughts.
"Let's be frank with each other," Barasin began. "Hades, you're a ghost from Barbarus, right?"
Hades nodded.
It seemed Barasin had thoroughly researched Hades' past on Barbarus. This was both a sign of goodwill and a subtle display of power.
Hades was the prey exposed in the sunlight, while Barasin was the hunter lurking in the shadows.
But there was no malice. This display was merely to strengthen their bargaining position.
The hunter spoke, "As the temporary Legion Commander of the original Twilight Raiders, the current Chief Commander of the Deathwatch, and the Captain of the 1st Company, I hope we can come to an agreement."
"Go on."
"First, let me explain our reasons. As you might know, after a Primarch returns, the legion's recruitment planet typically changes to the Primarch's homeworld, no longer recruiting from Terra."
"This means those of us from Terra are becoming a thing of the past."
Hades waited for Barasin to continue.
"But the transition of a legion isn't instantaneous. It's a long process, possibly spanning centuries. During this time, every battle, every change, means a reduction in the number of Terrans."
"Our position will become more marginalized."
Hades, his throat feeling dry, ventured, "So you hope that after this, I can... look out for these Terrans?"
The other figures at the table stirred. Some blinked, others averted their gaze, but Galor remained still.
Barasin, however, smiled, "It seems you're as perceptive as they say. This will make our conversation smoother."
"Yes, that's part of it, but there's more."
His rare smile faded, and Barasin continued, "In fact, we need your help now."
All eyes turned to Hades.
"In our interactions with the Primarch, we've realized he might not appreciate us."
He didn't use "Legion Commander," "Lord Mortarion," or "Father."
Barasin simply said, "Primarch."
A subtle act of defiance.
Hades raised an eyebrow, "So... you want me to speak with Mortarion?"
Barasin paused, then replied, "In a manner of speaking, yes. We hope you can improve the Primarch's attitude towards us."
Hades pondered, "Such matters aren't immediately evident. How can you ensure I've spoken to Mortarion?"
Barasin looked at Hades, calm as ever, "We trust you won't deceive us."
If Hades was sincere, he'd naturally help the Terrans. If he was pretending, that was even simpler. It meant Hades had accepted their proposal and was waiting for Barasin's offer.
"If you help us, we can gradually transfer some control of the Terran forces to you."
Barasin understood why he initially chose Calas. He had a good relationship with Mortarion and was greedy.
Barasin knew everyone had their desires. Because of greed, one wouldn't easily give up what they had.
But Hades wasn't like Calas. He seemed less power-hungry, more concerned about the Terrans' fate.
Barasin sighed internally.
He hoped Hades was also power-hungry. Otherwise, he'd have to appeal to the intangible bonds of "loyalty and righteousness."
And that wasn't his forte.
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-- 推薦票
榜單 
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