Preparing for Future Taxation

That position doesn't mean much to me.

Nimrod knew that although the Old Man in Yellow was now considering establishing Warmaster, the candidate would not be determined until the year 3100.

Horus Lupercal succeeded as Warmaster and launched a rebellion in his seventh year.

Afterwards, the Warp Storm that swept across the Galaxy made it difficult for the orders to reach other legions.

In other words, the command of the Expeditionary Fleet may only be valid for seven years.

The Primarch brain operates at high speed, taking into account three major factors:

First, Horus spent considerable time gaining recognition, which incurred the resentment of some Primarch.

Secondly, the Warmaster is not even a member of the Council of Terra led by Malcador, so his power is limited and he has to deal with various parties.

Finally, Lorgar Aurelian and the Four Gods, in order to launch a rebellion, will set their sights on the highly influential Warmaster position.

Taking everything into consideration, the position of Warmaster is one with limited power and a short lifespan, requiring much effort but yielding little reward and attracting attacks. He had no interest in the position of Warmaster.

If I were to dedicate myself to stopping the Great Birthday Celebration, I would scheme for the position of Warmaster and use my power.

But stopping the Great Birthday Celebration was never my goal; on the contrary, that was my opportunity. With the Warp Gate combined with the Carium Gate, I could launch a targeted attack.

Seizing resource-rich territories, raiding the homes of traitorous Primarch, and plundering resources and technology offer substantial benefits.

Nimrod knew even better that after the Great Birthday Celebration, the Imperium would have few loyal Primarch left, and might even gradually disappear as he remembered.

At that time, he will naturally be able to seize considerable political power.

Once he has enough strength, his trusted confidants have grown into High Sequence powerhouses, and the backbone of his legion are all Mid-Sequence, he will establish his own kingdom after accumulating enough power.

Nimrod gathered his thoughts and continued.

"Not just Gardinal, but all territories like Gardinal that are not located in key areas of the Warp Route must conceal their true situation from now on."

"The Second and Twelfth Chapter are responsible for expanding into neighboring star systems and constructing jamming devices on satellites throughout the entire star system to interfere with the Auspex's scanning."

"If any ships appear, immediately expel them, citing the fact that the galaxy holds a major secret and I have ordered a blockade."

Nimrod recalled that the Gardinal system was originally to be explored by the Rogue Trader ship, the Wayfarer, in 858, which immediately attracted the attention of the War Council and the Old Man in Yellow.

"My lord, I understand. You intend to conceal the strength of the Gardinal system."

"Arsena said thoughtfully."

"That's right, but it's not just that."

"The Imperium's expeditions consume a great deal of resources, and Malcador had previously requested that I provide temporary supplies."

"Although more and more Forge World are emerging, it is still difficult to meet the needs of the increasing number of Expeditionary Fleet. Sooner or later, Malcador will extend its reach to the worlds we are conquering."

Nimrod recalled that after Horus became the Warmaster, Malcador dispatched officials from the Administratum to begin assessing the conditions of each world and to start collecting taxes.

Horus believed that it was not the right time, as imposing taxes would incite resistance from all the worlds and destroy the achievements of the "Great Crusade".

Therefore, he delayed the Administratum's actions.

Of course, the discontent sparked by Malcador's taxation also became a powerful tool for his later rebellion after his downfall.

Nimrod believed that the future Imperium would begin to levy taxes on all worlds in order to maintain its rule.

He was about to begin preparations; concealing his territory was just one method, he had many other ways to "avoid taxes."

"Worlds like Cepra Mondi, Alicia, and Abyss Port, where concealment is impossible, should be used to hide production capacity and wealth as much as possible."

"In the newly constructed world of the Colonid Sector, remote areas are not reported, and even those that are reported are required to cover up the actual situation."

In the future, Nimrod will employ various methods to avoid paying Tithe on its territories, such as establishing defensive perimeters like the "Iron Hands."

They claim that their territory does not belong to them, but that they provide protection, collect taxes, and satisfy their resource consumption.

All rules can be used to one's advantage.

After receiving the order, the Primarch's Attendants spoke.

"I understand. I will obey your orders and keep our territory hidden in the shadows as much as possible."

"My lord, which Chapter commands Gardinal?"

"The Second Legion." Nimrod had already decided.

The caste system has been rooted in Gardinal for five thousand years, and its transformation is not something that can be accomplished overnight. The Second Legion, which takes the "Sun" Pathway, is the most suitable.

The "Bard" will transform the object of the Gardinal people's piety and obedience from the High Lord into themselves.

"Light Worshipper" can also bring light to this predominantly gray world.

The "Solar High Priest" can further proclaim their faith and establish a kingdom based on their own beliefs on the Eastern Galaxy, beyond the reach of Imperial Truth.

"I will inform the Lord of Light and send him a copy of the report submitted by Diana Pauline," the silver-haired Arsena continued.

"The Lord of the Forge dismantled the tanks of the Gardinal and found that the Rhino Tank was not much different from the ones we had, but the Predator Tank was different."

"Unlike the Gabriel-pattern Predator, which focused more on killing infantry and light vehicles, the Gardinal Predator had more versions designed specifically for armored firepower."

"This newly discovered Standard Template Construct will use Autocannon, and even Graviton Cannon that have not yet been discovered by the Adeptus Mechanicus, to launch attacks."

"A good discovery," Nimrod in satisfaction. "After the Lord of the Forge makes targeted improvements to the Standard Template Construct, mass production can begin."

The Gardinal's creations are designed for the Warrior caste and require specific modifications before they can be used.

He thought of the battle with the High Lord not long ago and asked again.

"How is the research on the Reliquary Armor and the Tripod Walker progressing?"

"The Lord of the Forge's research on the Reliquary Armor is still in its early stages. That war machine is far too complex; it is the culmination of Gardinal Industries' efforts."

He believes that after studying the Reliquary Armor, the Tripod Walker can be improved into a larger war machine than the Dreadnought, for use by the Shadow of Order.

Nimrod, who had personally fought the Reliquary Armor, knew that Rosicky Czech needed a long period of research.

"First, upgrade the Rhino and Predator units, then research the Reliquary Armor."

What about the other three High Lords?

"The Chief Librarian has taken over my duties," Arsena replied. "Mathis's mental defenses have collapsed, and I will hand him over to the Lord of Light. With his cooperation, I believe the entire administrative system of Gardinal will soon be back in operation."

"The Chief Librarian is digging into the Mystery held by Beliso, with the methods of designing genes and creating Psyker being a key focus."

"Malena and he worked together to uncover the genetic and biochemical Mystery possessed by Uria, and their ultimate goal was to create different castes through biochemical means."