Chapter 198, From today on, I am a phoenix
In an era that cannot be verified, the Emperor, who was still on earth, created gene seeds and created Space Marines.
Today, this technology has long been lost.
In the current era, gene seeds can only be produced by Space Marines themselves. Moreover, due to the long separation, the gene seeds of each historical war group have slowly produced some subtle differences. After the genetic surgery is completed and the Space Marines are created, their characteristics will also be different.
The gene seed bank accumulated by the Phoenix Chapter over the long years has been destroyed.
According to the history of the Chapter that Martins once told, in the final battle that ended the Centennial Atonement Crusade, their flagship, which brought the Chapter's arsenal and the Chapter's gene bank, had completely ceased to exist in a big explosion.
If you want to see the gene seeds of the Phoenix again in this world, apart from the ones picked after the death of the seven living warriors, the rest can only be found in the Imperial Gene Seed Vault.
Space Marine Chapters also need to pay taxes, which are called 'Gene Seed Taxes'. Periodically, 10% of the new seeds produced by the Chapter during this period need to be paid. The Adeptus Mechanicus and the Imperial Church check whether the genetic seeds of the Chapter are still pure. In this way, they can ensure that there are no problems with the Chapter.
Seeds that pass the test will enter the Imperial Gene Bank and will generally be used to establish new war groups.
In this way, the Phoenix Chapter could theoretically request assistance from the Empire to rebuild the Chapter through the gene-seed taxes they had paid in the past.
But in reality, this is impossible.
First, Phoenix applied, but nothing came of it. The empire does not have this rule. There has never been a rule that says that if a war group suffers heavy losses, it can replenish its troops from past seed taxes.
The empire really does not have the motivation to do this: why should it replenish the combat power of the old war group?
From Gu Hang's perspective, if he were a member of the Empire's Supreme Council, he would not agree either.
Space Marine chapters are within the Empire, and according to the regulations of the Holy Code, each one is the same as an independent warlord. Most have their own home planet and do not pay taxes on their home planet; Space Marine chapters are generally obedient, but there are also many who follow the instructions but do not listen to the propaganda;
The empire doesn't even have an agency with the power to specifically govern the Space Marines. Letting the Space Marines do their work is like the relationship between Gu Hang and the Phoenix. They have to issue orders and commissions. If they really don't want to do it, or they need someone else to do it, If you don't do anything, there are no conventional means to punish or restrict you unless you fall out and call the referee a traitor.
Moreover, it is not that simple to call someone a traitor. Which battle group with a long history doesn't have a bunch of comrades, good friends, the planet they saved, etc. It's all about connections, it's all about political backers, and it can be judged at will? After the judgment was over, the family's parent group and the war groups from the same sect emerged one by one to fight against the injustice.
If there is real evidence, that is another matter; if there is even a little bit of controversy, this matter will not be resolved.
In this case, why support the old war group? If there is really a need, just create a new group and that's it.
Let the old group find its own way.
Especially the Phoenix Chapter, which had a criminal record and was actually sentenced to a redemption expedition. Their political connections were almost wiped out, let alone support. If I don't have the time to save you, it's better to build a new group. It's not like the Phoenix with a lot of unclear historical issues.
With their hope of getting new seeds from the empire cut off, all they could rely on was themselves.
The sacrifices of three soldiers brought three seeds of hope, but all operations failed.
This means that the seeds of the Phoenix Chapter are only left in the four people who are still alive.
In theory, it couldn't be anywhere else.
In this case, Gu Hang took out one.
What does it mean?
Are you related to the above and obtained the gene seeds, or what?
Gu Hangbian couldn't explain this matter no matter what reason he had. It was impossible for him to say that the Imperial Gene Bank had authorized him to obtain a batch of phoenix seeds. What a liar. Such a thing had never happened in the entire empire's tens of thousands of years of history.
But continue to act stupid and refuse to admit it?
Something doesn't seem right either.
It has been half a year since Gu Hang obtained the ability to exchange gene seeds. It is impossible to say that he is not itchy. He has also been planning for this opportunity to use the exchange ability of gene seeds.
If he hadn't had this idea, when the beautiful girl's caravan was there, he was so full that he spent a lot of money to buy 20 sets of power armor?
Isn’t that just for that day!
According to Care Hang's original plan, he wanted to wait until Wu Jiarong found time to let the priest of the Mechanicus study how to perform gene implantation surgery.
This work does not have to be done by Space Marines. In fact, when the Empire wants to form a new chapter, it is also the Adeptus Mechanicus who takes charge.
The only problem is that Wu Jiarong does not specialize in genetic engineering. In comparison, Hu Ke is a better choice, but if you consider the level of trust, Wu Jiarong is the best choice.
Let her study it, and then Gu Hang will find some qualified and potential young people, train them to the T1 level using the [Weapon Card] system, and then exchange them for gene seeds. The total cost is 211 gift points, plus the life of a potential young man, as the price for Wu Jiarong's practice.
Even if you fail, you should be able to do it after practicing a few times.
Anyway, gene seeds are not precious to Gu Hang, they are just a gift of 100 points. Nowadays, if you want to get a technology, it will cost far more than this amount.
The only concern is how to explain it after it happens.
If now, we take this opportunity to reach an agreement with the Phoenix Chapter... then it will be almost a perfect situation.
Moreover, when people came over, they almost clarified the situation, and there was not much room to continue pretending to be stupid.
Sitting on his governor's throne, Gu Hang looked down and looked down at the four Space Marines, focusing especially on Martins and Rizzo.
He could see the relief and tension on Martins' face.
He could also see that Pastor Rizzo had opened his eyes at some point, and his expression was full of expectation at this moment, even a little fanatical!
Recalling what Martins had just said, that they were led to the Raging Owl because of Rizzo's prayer to the Emperor, he gritted his teeth and decided to give it a try.
He thought clearly that in a desperate situation, this group of phoenixes, who were focused on how to continue the war group, faced the gene seeds that came from unknown sources but were indeed descendants of the phoenixes. It is very possible that they will really give up searching for the reason and just hope that the chapter can survive.
The Space Marines are known as the Emperor's Angels of Death, and it is true that they value loyalty. But...there are no Space Marines who rebel?
That's not true.
Traitor Chapters, Chaos Space Marine Warbands...these are real things.
Isn't that just a branch from the Loyalist Space Marines?
With the Phoenix like this, if they don't want to keep the war group alive, they have a high chance of agreeing to rebel directly, let alone what Gu Hang wants them to do next is not to make them rebel.
Furthermore, Gu Hang looked at Rizzo and always felt that the head priest would become a key, and maybe he would become his internal agent.
Thinking of this, Gu Hang took a deep breath and said seriously to the four space warriors below: "If you put it that way, I have indeed thought of a way to possibly help you..."
Starting from the beginning, Gu Hang did not go into details and left some room.
He spoke slowly and didn't forget to observe the expressions on Martins and Rizzo's faces.
The longing look on Martins' face suddenly became full of hope.
The Chapter Master looked at him with longing eyes, eagerly awaiting his next words.
And the fanatical look on Rizzo's face became even more obvious. The two people's reactions made Gu Hang feel relieved.
Their first focus was not on 'why this governor can help us obtain gene seeds', but on 'any condition can be agreed to', which in itself explains a lot of problems.
He continued: "But this matter is too important and special, and involves some secrets. I will also pay a big price for it, which exceeds the level of my support for you. So, if you need this kind of If you want special help, I need you to agree to a few conditions.”
Martins couldn't wait to speak: "You tell me! I will definitely agree! No matter what the conditions are, I will agree!"
He was indeed ready to pay any price in his heart.
Gu Hang raised a finger: "First of all, the Phoenix Chapter needs to be loyal to me."
Just this first one made Martins stunned.
A Chapter, loyal to a Planetary Governor?
Has anything like this ever happened in the entire history of mankind?
Planetary governors, aren't they all mortals appointed by the war group to help them manage the planet? They play the role of a steward at best, and they are replaced at the drop of a hat if they don't do well.
Now, the Chapter pledges allegiance to the Planetary Governor?
He couldn't accept it.
Gu Hang's expression calmed down: "I think what I want to say is more clear: This has gone beyond my ability to help my allies, and you should understand it too. Only for my own people, my true own people, can I pay the price .”
After a pause, Gu Hang leaned forward and stared at Martins: "I am ready to pay the price for the revival of the Chapter, but the premise is that this is 'my Chapter'. So, Martins Chapter Leader, you said you are willing to pay any price, but does what you just said still count?”
"I..." Martins looked at Rizzo again.
But he only saw Pastor Rizzo's encouraging eyes.
"I agree." Martins lowered his noble head.
"Then take the oath." Gu Hang said.
Now that you have agreed, what else is there to say?
Martins knelt down on one knee to Gu Hang, who was sitting on the governor's throne in front of the golden statue of the emperor, and at the same time lowered his proud head.
Following his movements, Rizzo and the other two Space Marines also knelt down.
Next, it should be the oath-taking session.
But Martins pursed his lips tightly.
He didn't know how to speak.
At this time, Pastor Rizzo spoke: "It is my job to lead the regiment in swearing oaths and singing prayers. I will do it."
Martins breathed a sigh of relief,
The chief pastor was still somewhat useful at the critical moment, at least taking his place in this most embarrassing link.
But soon, he stopped laughing.
"From today on, I am the Phoenix..."
The first words Rizzo spoke made the DNA of the three Martins move.
This is the Chapter Oath of the Phoenix Chapter, which every battle brother must memorize when officially joining the Chapter, and must recite when swearing an oath to the Emperor in front of all battle brothers. After that, almost every banquet, dinner, or prayer of the war group would start with this.
I've already memorized it by heart.
In the past war groups, including the current war group, every time they held similar prayer activities, Rizzo, the chief priest, took the lead. Everyone was already very familiar with this, so the three of them chanted it almost instinctively.
"From today on, I am the Phoenix..."
"I am the emperor's sword, and I am also Gu Hang's sword."
The three people's eyes widened for a moment, looking at Rizzo in disbelief.
What the hell? Did you just change the group oath?
If you swear allegiance, you swear allegiance. Why change the oath that has been passed down by the entire Chapter for thousands of years?
No, you should also discuss it with us!
However, Pastor Rizzo looked at them with a determined and fanatical look, which was obviously urging them to read along.
What else can Martins and the two remaining warriors do?
Things have come to this point, and there is still a way to stand up and say I quit?
They just paused for a moment, but finally bit the bullet and continued reading along with the chief priest.
"I am the emperor's sword, and I am also Gu Hang's sword."
"I am the emperor's shield, and I am also Gu Hang's shield."
"I will bring death to the enemies of mankind, and I will bring back glory to the emperor and Gu Hang!"
"I will die for the Emperor and be reborn from the ashes because of Gu Hang!"
"From today on, I am an immortal bird and will fight forever!"
……
Gu Hang felt awkward for a while.
This oath forcefully adds his name, which sounds awkward.
In addition to embarrassment, the more important point is... guilty conscience.
How can I be so virtuous and capable as to stand side by side with the emperor in an oath?
How much trouble would it cause if others heard this?
But it was hard for him to stop him, and it was hard for him to express his feelings.
There is really no secret pleasure at all, that is impossible.
A war group swore allegiance to him and even changed the war group's oath. How could he be unhappy?
Although there are only four people left in this battle group, from this moment on, he can finally use that repeatable event to exchange gene seeds without any scruples.
After the seal is lifted, do you still need to worry about the speed of the explosion?
However, Gu Hang was not dazzled by this secret feeling of pleasure.
He still remembers business.
After the Phoenix Chapter completed their oath, Gu Hang raised his second finger...
(End of chapter)