Editing Parchments and Bolters (section)

=== A Conversation ===

“Malcador, what are you doing here?” 5552 said venomously.

“Our Emperor wanted the state of the primarch project.” Malcador said.

“Perhaps it was the Emperor’s wise decision to deny a mother to see her children.” 5552 said. “A

“Where is Erda?” Malcador said.

“I don’t know, she has been practically invisible for the last few days.” 5552 said. “Even if I knew I wouldn’t tell you. I know what the Emperor’s plan for the primarchs are.”

“His plans? What would you know about his plans?” Malcador said.

“His plan after the Great Crusade, he plans to make his children kill off one another so he could rule all on his own in the end!” 5552 said. “Erda showed me what he had done to the thunder warriors, the only reason I’m still here is that I want to speak with the Emperor. Just how much more are you hiding? I demand to speak with the Emperor! If he truly planned this madness he will fall, betrayed by his own sons. Let me speak with him.”

Malcador remained silent, staring down at the perpetual’s baleful glare.

A bright golden light showered the room, and 5552 watched as she felt the Emperor’s presence descending. The comforting light lost its touch against 5552’s silent rage. Should the children not be here, and her belief that the Emperor could be convinced, she was certain her voice would lash out. Most important of all, the children were here. Their psychic conversation began.

“Enough with the theatrics.” 5552 said. “Answer me Emperor. Was this not your plan?”

“You are angry.” The Emperor said. “Calm your mind first then speak.”

“How astute. Was this or not your plan like Erda said?”

“I only intended half of their destruction. She has deceived you.” The Emperor said.

“Deceived me… are you mad?” 5552 gritted her teeth. “Humans are not something you can manipulate, I have said this so many times to you!”

Malcador, stuck between the argument only listened, as she knew this was the best he can do. He was well aware of the difference of the two perpetual. The Emperor’s intention was to lead mankind as its master. The former-slave’s hope was to raise humanity into species that would aspire to higher morals, an impossible goal paved with wasted hope.

“And should I spare them, what guarantee do you have that they will not betray me or fall to their flaws?” The Emperor said. “With or without my plan, they will rebel.”

“That’s because you have set them to by implanting faults in the beginning!” 5552 finally shouted psychically. “I promise you, Emperor. If you do not listen to me on this matter you will fall, as all manipulative and paranoid kings have. You have seen it, I have seen it. Your God damned arrogance is something to behold, to plan against mere infants. You call them sons but they are tools, even techno-warlords don’t betray their own children. Heed my words now, Neoth. Not as your companion but as your elder.”

There was silence, a brief yet painfully tense silence.

“I will concede, only this once.”

Relief flooded in her heart, knowing full that her fear began to dester in her courageous stand. Even Malcador seemed impressed by this judging by his slightly wide eyes.

“It’s the first time that I’ve witnessed the Emperor take an advice other than myself.” Malcador said. “I only hope you are right. For all of mankind.”