"Leading an expeditionary force is not an easy responsibility. All responsibilities fall on his arms. He not only has to deal with the turmoil caused by enemy plunder and attacks, and ensure the logistics and recruitment of the expeditionary force, but he also has to constantly suffer To seek a precious balance between threatening galaxies and attacking galaxies occupied by enemies. History is not a responsibility that any man or woman can shoulder alone, but there are always some people called by history to deal with its special Challenges, they all have the same characteristics, faith, neither humble nor arrogant, firm and courageous, and fearless. Only such people can perform their duties excellently, and this is not all. The hero Malcador once said a famous saying - almost All men can endure adversity to varying degrees, but if you want to test a man’s true character, give him real power, for power is the easiest honey to get lost in.”
“Only a true hero can face huge power without being complacent and arrogant, and only a person who can always remain calm in the face of power can lead such a great expedition. So, ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome the return of the Maelstrom. Conqueror, Destroyer of the Red Corsairs, True Hero, Chapter Master Soshyan Alexei!"
In an instant, everyone stood up, faced Soshyan, and applauded thunderously.
Then a speaker rose in front of Soshyan. Fortunately, he was also prepared to speak, although it was not very long.
When the applause gradually stopped, Soshiyang said calmly:
"Dear Chancellor, High Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, as a loyal warrior and servant of the Emperor, I am deeply honored to come to Holy Terra and the Holy Senate. At the moment of accepting the order of the expedition, The first thing I felt was fear, not fear of the enemy, but fear of failing the throne and mission. As an Astartes, I have served for more than a hundred years, and I have served the throne every moment, eliminating heretics, aliens and traitors. Our natural mission, our existence means fighting, but I never thought that I could bear such an important responsibility. However, whether I am ready or not, I must accept this responsibility, as the motto of our Astartes, When death is the end of our duty, we have no reason or excuse to shirk the mission entrusted to us.
"The enemies are cunning. They were once our kind, but they betrayed everything they were supposed to protect. Huron, this name should be cursed ten thousand times. It is the most evil and depraved traitor, but it is also very familiar with us. , because it was once one of us, in a sense, it can even be said to be the best part. This expedition is destined not to go smoothly. We must fight in the void, on the ground, on the front line, in the rear, and even in the The expeditionary forces fought against them within. The Emperor showed mercy and allowed evil to fall under justice. But I never considered this expedition to be another victory for me personally or for the Astartes. The most heroic sacrifices came from those who The greatest contribution of the men and women of the Maelstrom is made by every loyal citizen of the Maelstrom. It is their courage, dedication and fearlessness that allowed this expedition to defeat the enemy in such a short period of time. Their will is what makes the Empire Roots that stand strong.”
With that said, Soshyan picked up the beam stick in his hand.
"Now, I have completed the mission entrusted to me by the Throne and the Council, and the Maelstrom Expedition has completely concluded its journey. Under the authorization of the Imperial Council, I have performed the duties of the Supreme Lord Commander for a long time. Out of my respect for the Holy Ah With all due respect to the Codex of the Astartes, I shall return to a position belonging to the Astartes, and I hereby relinquish all commissions and resign all my public offices."
Soon, an attendant came over. Soshyan turned around and put the wand on the red silk cushion. Tirian then said loudly:
"Chapter Master Soshyan Alexey, you defended the Emperor's sacred realm in the Maelstrom. You saved countless people who were oppressed by heretics. You gave the traitors a fatal blow. Although the Maelstrom Crusade is over. , but you still have more battles and missions to complete. Your glorious virtues and great deeds will not disappear along with your position. It will continue to inspire future generations of the human empire, and your statue will also be associated with countless heroes. The same, standing at the gate of eternity."
Then, Imperial Prime Minister Tyrion raised his hands.
"Gentlemen, let us once again pay our highest respects to Chapter Master Soshyan Alexei, the great reconqueror of the Maelstrom."
Suddenly everyone stood up and applauded.
After about ten seconds, the applause stopped and everyone took their seats again, and Tyrion also sat back on his chair.
Now it is time for the High Lords to speak.
The first person to stand up was Itu Hamotarion, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the head of the Supreme Lord's peers, the most powerful man in the empire, looking at Soshyan with his cold eyes, his face was long, The skin is grayish-white, which is the result of lack of sunlight. The eyes are in deep-set eye sockets. He is wearing thick Chinese clothes and countless medals on his chest. The bronze, black and gold Chinese clothes are painted with gold threads from Martian technology on the surface.
In other years, the empire should have been managed by those who could directly participate in the war, but now is an era of rampant bureaucracy. Power is suppressed by complex rules and processes that are unknown, which results in the controller of the bureaucracy actually becoming The status quo and fact of being the true master of the human empire.
In other words, Itu Hamortarion is the real "Lord of Humanity" in a sense, which is quite ironic.
According to Tyrion, this man is considered the wisest among the Supreme Lords and a master of word games and political procedures. However, he is also a severe conservative who advocates the static political theory of rule by inaction and believes that the empire In a perfectly well-established state, any attempt at reform would be a betrayal of the Empire.
More importantly, this is a very strong person who values first mover advantage.
"On behalf of the Council of High Lords, I would like to pay tribute to the great expedition heroes. It is your heroic dedication and sacrifice that restored long-term peace and stability in the Maelstrom area, and allowed the abominable traitor to be exiled again."
Soshyan just replied lightly.
"Everything is as the Emperor wishes."
"And I personally must thank you for your efforts. It is the victory in the Maelstrom Theater that can unblock the tithe route that has been congested and delayed for a long time."
Hamotarion continued, looking at Soshyan with sarcastic eyes.
"For ten thousand years, the balance of our power has been maintained by Imperial law, dictated by the instructions of the Primarch Regent Robert Guilliman, who imposed the Code on all of our Astartes battle-brothers. The fragile balance between Space Marines and Terra, however, there will always be Space Marines who try to break this balance. Huron is a very typical example. His transgression eventually turned into the most shameful betrayal, and he also became the cause of destruction. Slaves of strength, we should learn enough lessons from here, for example. All of Huron's treasonous acts originally came from his "force" and "expediency" under the pretext of war, as well as his arbitrary use of the empire's institutions and laws. The act of interfering and modifying is the beginning of all betrayals.”
The expressionless Soshyan said nothing, but quietly clenched his fists.
(End of chapter)
