Logical Minds

There were no chairs in the Jade General's quarters. He had always professed that it was practical. Chairs took up space better used for other objects. Yet, he suspected that the truth was it might be more of a holdover from Han's culture. He doubted many would be critical, but the idea his emotional ties might have any influence on his decisions was a constant thorn in his side. Which had its own value in reminding him emotional influence could manifest itself in the smallest ways.

The being seated across from him would agree with much of the General's thought patterns. Although the Fabricator-General of Mars would disagree with the Jade General on one fundamental point. The General believed select emotions did have value, while the Kelbor-Hal had waged war against all emotion.

Three viridian lights peered from beneath Hal's crimson hood, but they hid his features, blinding those who would try to see upon his face. At the moment, the lights focused on nothing as his body remained rigid. For the past two seconds, Hal had been reviewing the fruits of the General's research. The General sipped tea as he waited for the review to conclude. Three more seconds passed, and Hal focused his attention on the Primarch.

"These designs are acceptable to the Omnissiah. The Mechanicum gladly accepts your tithes and will not forget your contributions."

The Jade General offered a deep nod of appreciation. It was another contrast between the two. While he may give emotion its place, the General harnessed logic and was free from the taint of mythology. For all of his hostility to emotion, Hal was forever trapped within his cult. Of course, it would never do to mention this to the Mechanicum in spite of the General's personal irritation. They were too valuable as an ally. His efforts here received a boon from his brother Lukas Keath, who could not restrain his aggressive atheism. A stance which had cost him no small shortage of ire and supply problems.

"I understand your time is limited, but I request a little more of it," the Jade General said. "As a student of information, I am both eager to share it and to receive it. If you are willing, I am curious as to your views on how the Mechanicum has fared under the Regency. News to Obscurus can be distorted by both distance and bias, and I would prefer a source not coloured by emotion and advantaged by distance."

"A logical request," Kelbor-Hal acceded. "The Mechanicum endures. We continue the Quest for Knowledge and overcome the trials installed against us. The obstacles appear to be growing in strength, but nothing will prevent the Machine-God's will."

The General paused before he suggested, "Would it be too much of a leap in logic to presume Lord Keath is the source of this growing resistance?"

"In fraction," came the monotone answer. "His irrational hostility to the Mechanicum is futile, but he has conducted many violations in his baseless drive. The negative impact he has inflicted has been balanced by Lord Morrigar's positive additions, even more so with your own. If he was the Mechanicum's sole opponent, our path to progress would not be as vexing. Several other of the Emperor's progeny have committed themselves to unintelligent courses. Lord Hectarion continues to skirt the boundaries of the Treaty of Olympus Mons, and Lord Tenzin has engaged in questionable actions with the Mechanicum branches in Pacificus. In each scenario, the Mechanicum has taken the appropriate actions to ensure parity and prevent heresy."

The Jade General knew some of that. Any commander who did not pay what the Mechanicum considered proper respect and service often found themselves beset by a number of issues, both logistical and technological. That said, the General also knew that Hectarion was not as inflicted as Kelbor-Hal insisted, but the General knew precious little of this new situation with Tenzin. A show of trust and confidence to a potential ally, the General surmised.

"Lord Keath stands to gain renown now that the High Regent has ordered Ullanor to be purged," the General mused.

Kelbor-Hal took five whole seconds before responding. "The Mechanicum supports the destruction of the xeno empire. Given the large area it occupies, probability states there is a high likelihood that some technology, whatever is not ruined by those mindless beasts, can be recovered on behalf of the Omnissiah. If the High Regent is rational, he will employ Lord Keath's efforts in another, suitably intensive endeavor, so that he is not allowed to indulge in his zealotry. Will you be accompanying the High Regent on this purgation campaign?"

Allowing the unsubtle shift in conversation, the Jade General explained, "I have addressed this matter with the High Regent. Publicly, I've received his call to arms and will be returning to Obscurus to analyse my responsibilities to determine how much I can contribute to the campaign. Privately, the High Regent has already received my sincere apologies for being unable to assist, which include the toxiferran weapon schematics I've developed and shared with you and the High Regent."

"Rational, given the numerous requirements executed by a Master of the Segmentum. It has not gone unobserved the Mechanicum has experienced no difficulties under your administration."

"I would be remiss and dishonouring my post if I did not take care to balance all of my duties and ensure harmony in the segmentum."

The monotone never changed, but the shift was unmistakable to the General. "The Quest of Knowledge would be better served if the Dominion and Lord Hectarion studied and learn from your example. Their... limited understanding of the potential exchange between the Mechanicum and other parties has cost them more than they understand. You do not share this limitation. You have aided the Quest of Knowledge. That offers you new possibilities, should you show the proper aptitude."

A smile hid behind the Jade General's mask.