After a brief meeting, Soshyan asked to discuss some important topics with Captain Hodges in a private setting, and Loken also participated.
After the confused Hodges followed Soshyan to his personal conference room, Loken immediately stated their intention, which surprised Hodges and was very shocking.
An Astartes chapter actually wants to embezzle the navy's property. This matter is considered a rebellion at the most serious level.
Hodges didn't answer immediately, just remained silent.
During this process, Soshyan remained silent and just looked at him.
Hodges was even convinced at one point that he would die from any move the warrior made.
He is not a coward, no one can be promoted to his rank while having cowardice flowing in his veins, especially as a civilian, he has won many wars.
But he still flinched at the roar of Soshyan's power armor joints with every slight movement, and his organs shrank in horror at the loud bang the helmet made on the table.
Suddenly, the Space Marine commander turned around with a full sense of oppression, occupied the other end of the cabin, and distanced himself from him.
The feeling that death was close at hand finally subsided, but it was not far away. It was replaced by a certainty that once the true thoughts in his heart were narrated, he would not be able to leave this room alive.
Hodges was not unarmed, but the idea of drawing his pistol for self-defense was a callous and absurd self-comfort; using his lasgun on a Space Marine was like throwing a rock at a Land Raider. .
Loken easily poured a cup of tea from the closet and handed it to Soshyan, and then poured another cup to Hodges.
"Hodges, you know me. I am not a person who will betray the Empire and the God of Machinery. The choice I made is undoubtedly the right one."
Around these words and the implications contained within them, the final negotiations began.
Loken and Hodges sat opposite each other, while Soshyan stood further away, the joints of his power armor roaring with the change of posture.
"But I have sworn allegiance to—"
"To serve the Astartes is to serve the Emperor."
Loken interrupted Hodges's quibbles, holding the smoking cup in both hands, and said:
"Man, let's be honest here, what future do you have in the Navy? Those people hate you just like my colleagues hate me because they are mediocre and they hate those who are better than they are and who are better born than they are. Low people.”
Hodges made a low hum from his nose, but didn't answer.
"Your talents should not be buried in combating smuggling, Hodges! You should use your command skills to eliminate the enemies of the Emperor. I know you are eager for valuable targets, and you do not want to be trapped on a ship. On the frigate.”
"IMHO."
Hodges glanced at Soshyan.
The faces of the Space Marines looked particularly indifferent against the adamantine collar of the power armor. The granite-like flesh and blood seemed to be solidified on the skull. A pair of dark eyes blinked when watching them, and their lips occasionally made a dry sound. Smiling.
After knowing what the other party wanted to say, Soshyan stared at Hodges across the low tabletop.
"You look at me like this, as if you're expecting me to kill you."
Hodges forced a cautious smile.
"The idea has crossed my mind."
Soshyan continued to stare at him, then raised his chin slightly.
"Say what you want to say."
Even so, Hodges warned himself internally.
Be careful, be more careful.
"Speaking with all respect, my lord..."
He took a breath, as if reading his own death declaration.
"...your so-called fleet doesn't even have a decent frigate."
The next second, there was deathly silence in the conference room.
Soshyan looked back at him indifferently, his eyes fixed and motionless, not even as much as a servitor who could show more emotion.
Loken was also a little nervous. He was also worried that Soshyan would kill his unscrupulous friend in a rage.
Fortunately, things did not develop to this point in the end.
"I believe that judging the development of a thing cannot only look at the present moment."
Soshyan spoke, calm to the extreme.
"Maybe we are still defeated now, but we have firm belief, unshakable determination, and most importantly, absolute justice and fairness."
Silence spread.
Loken then cleared his throat, took a deep breath and wanted to speak, but Soshyan interrupted him.
"You can leave the cabin now and go back to the rest of your life."
Soshyan looked at him intently. He seemed to be judging and considering.
"Let's each have our own opinions. Let's talk about mine first. Let's describe your future prospects together. Before you retire, you will definitely receive a compassionate promotion based on your service career - and ultimately you will only be a commander of the frigate class. , yes, there is no doubt about that.”
The Space Marine had a mocking look on his face.
"But you will be with alcohol and psychotropic drugs for the rest of your life. You know it very well... I see this in your eyes. Although I have no talent for understanding mortal emotions, I promise that I can understand the truth and Lies are as easy as reading the words in a book.
Hodges leaned forward, feeling the rolling flames in his chest. He wanted to refute, but couldn't find any reason to refute.
Because he knew that what Soshyan said was right and that he basically had no future. This was also the reason why he became more and more addicted to alcohol - depression often enveloped him.
"But I know that you are seeking enlightenment with a fanatical fire in your eyes, Greller Hodges. Such fire will burn out a person's soul, and you will ultimately either destroy others or yourself."
"I...I have my duties, that's all."
Soshyan's lips curled up, as if he had tasted something interesting.
"Of course, yes. By the way, I got to know a little bit about your record on the way here, and I found that you are a commander who is very good at seizing the opponent's weaknesses, which is really good."
The compliment was something Hodges never expected.
"I... thank you, my lord."
"But do you know your weaknesses?"
The captain of the Glory Saber hesitated again. He could feel the confrontation passing through his fingers.
But he chose to continue to be candid over false humility.
"Yes, my lord, I understand."
Soshyan tilted his head and examined the mortals in front of him.
"So?"
He decided to end the conversation.
"Again, you can leave now and wait for the future to live a life of despair, Hodges, or you can move into areas that others dare not imagine and get the answers you are looking for."
The Space Marine tapped his knuckles on his breastplate, staring at the increasingly uneasy frigate captain.
"Then, your choice is."
