Imperial Frontier: Governor

I had to admit, the governor's residence was truly beautiful. Unlike most Imperial government buildings, which were nothing but lavish, austere, and solemn, it was completely different from those Imperial buildings that looked like churches, fortresses, or palaces.

It was a work of art—I could say that with confidence. The spacious residence was decorated exquisitely. Shades of jade green, sea blue, gray-blue, and other colors from the Modi palette made up the building's color scheme. It was filled with elegant artistic embellishments, such as murals, refined sculptures and furnishings, along with a few plants for decoration. Together, they transformed the place into a hall of art.

Unlike most Imperial buildings, this place didn't feel imposing or oppressive. Instead, it gave off a relaxing, uniquely comfortable atmosphere.

Green vines climbed up the marble columns, and the residence itself was luxurious and elegant. On a table beside them sat a delicate long-necked glass, with a complete tea set beside it.

Vito looked around the interior with interest. In particular, he admired the elegant bird specimen with its brilliant plumage displayed on a cabinet nearby. He had to admit, he really appreciated the owner's taste. Hmm, perhaps he should redecorate his own quarters aboard the Infinite Frontier once he got back.

Vito followed Henry through an arched doorway. They crossed the building's side hall and entered a small sunroom. Unfortunately, it was nighttime, so there was no sunlight in the sunroom.

Vito noticed a painting hanging on the wall—a family portrait. It showed a handsome young couple and their lovely, adorable daughter.

Vito studied the little girl with gray-green hair. She sat on her father's knee, and the family had posed for the portrait in a garden. She had clearly inherited her mother's eyes, which were beautiful and full of life.

"Sir, please hand over your weapons." Vito's admiration was interrupted as two guards approached. One of them gestured for him to stop, and Vito did. The guard politely nodded to him.

Vito looked at Henry, who had already handed his holster to the second guard. Vito shrugged slightly, unfastened his own holster, and handed it over. The heavy Bolter left his body. Then Vito opened his coat and handed over the two Laspistols beneath it as well.

The guard, dressed in formal evening wear and carrying himself with poise and courtesy, nodded in thanks. He passed the guns to his colleague, then took a small scanner from his belt.

"Sir, we need to scan your implant types. Please understand." "Of course, of course. Go ahead," Vito said with a smile, raising his arms for the security scan.

The guard conducted a thorough scan, then glanced at the display. He stared at the results in confusion before looking Vito in the eye. "Sir, there are some parts of your body our equipment can't scan. Could you explain?"

"Maybe my implants aren't within your scanner's compatibility range? Some of their materials are pretty unusual." Vito joked with a grin, pointing at his crotch. "Like this one?"

The guard was clearly not amused. He stared at Vito sternly. "Sir, we'll need to conduct a further inspection. Please come this way—" "No, Captain. There's no need."

A voice spoke up. The guard looked up, and Vito followed his gaze. A man in a black suit was descending the curved staircase nearby. He wore a smile and looked very friendly.

The guard nodded, offered no objection, and stepped aside. The friendly-looking man came down and smiled at Vito. He approached and held out a hand. Naturally, Vito shook it.

"I've heard a great deal about you, Mr. Vito Constantine. Do you know who I am?" the man asked with a smile. Vito smiled and nodded slightly. "Of course. Who doesn't know Lord Luwen, the sector governor?"

As he spoke, Vito noticed a brooch on an elegant tray atop a nearby table. It was silver, with a silver snake coiled around a blooming rose.

Well, that was interesting.

Governor Luwen Caon Jonson smiled and gestured for the guards to leave. The two guards said nothing as they walked through the archway. They offered neither advice nor warning—only absolute obedience.

Luwen turned to Henry and smiled, nodding to the Lower Hive leader. "Thank you, Brother Henry. Now, please allow me a little time to speak with Brother Vito alone."

"As you wish, Your Eminence," Henry replied, bowing without expression. Then he, too, walked through the archway. Vito watched him with amusement. He could tell there wasn't a shred of respect in that bow.

Luwen smiled, watching Henry's retreating back. "Brother Henry doesn't like me very much. That's only natural. He's been in the Lower Hive too long; he can't look kindly on anyone from the Upper Hive."

"What about you, Mr. Vito? What do you think of me?" Luwen still wore a polite smile. He was clearly a very shrewd man. Most people would never guess what lay beneath that radiant smile.

Vito raised his chin slightly, then shrugged. "A man of mystery who enjoys playing political games, just like any competent Planetary Governor."

"I'll take that as a compliment, Vito." The governor smiled and patted his shoulder, then gestured for Vito to follow. "Come on. Take a walk with me."

Luwen pushed open the double doors on one side of the sunroom and stepped outside. Vito casually picked up the silver snake and rose brooch from the table and slipped it into his coat. Then he followed Luwen down a curved flight of steps into the private garden behind the residence.

The garden was just as artistic and tasteful as Luwen's residence. Its plants and trees had been carefully tended, and the hedges neatly trimmed. Beautiful flowers bloomed among the grass and bushes. Their enchanting fragrance, accompanied by the moonlight, gave the garden a dreamlike quality.

They walked along a gravel path. Luwen admired his garden, brushing his hand over the flowers and leaves as if an artist were inspecting his latest work.

"How much do you know about me, Mr. Vito?" "Hmm, not much. I know you came to power in a coup, overthrowing the previous governor."

Luwen laughed with delight and nodded in satisfaction. "To most ordinary Imperial citizens, the previous governor—my brother—was killed in a retaliatory assassination by Chaos Cultists. But it's obvious, Mr. Vito, that you're no ordinary person."

Vito smiled and nodded slightly. "That's true. I'm certainly not ordinary."

Luwen stopped, and they stepped beneath a small garden pavilion. The governor turned to face Vito and studied him for a moment. "I have to admit, Mr. Vito, I don't know much about you yet. I mean your past and your identity."

Vito smiled and nodded slightly. "But I think you know I'm not from Victoria." "You're honest, Vito. I appreciate that. But for that very reason, I can tell you that I don't trust you."

As Luwen spoke, he turned to face Vito. Vito noticed that he was holding a gun now—a finely decorated Laspistol.

"You see, Mr. Vito, when we don't trust someone, the best way to handle the problem might be to eliminate it. What do you think?" Luwen said with a cold smile, the dark muzzle pointed at Vito's chest as if it could spit fire at any moment.

But Vito remained unexpectedly calm. He smiled with easy composure. "True. But if both sides have interests in common, perhaps we can set our suspicions aside for now. Just set them aside, while remaining cautious."

"I'm all ears, Mr. Vito. Please, go on," Luwen said, his finger still on the trigger.

Vito clasped his hands behind his back, calm and composed. "You see, Luwen, you killed your brother and seized power. You enjoy pursuing power and prestige, and so do I. I joined the Devout Society for the same reason you did—not out of faith, but to pursue the same things."

He smiled. "Power, money, and prestige may be some of the most alluring, tempting things in the world. These deadly temptations always draw people into the game, one after another."

"And you and I are both excellent players," Luwen said approvingly. "I worked with the Devout Society because I was always the second son. My father never saw me as an heir, or even as a son worthy of his approval. He devoted all his attention and effort to my elder brother."

"Because of that, he made a terrible mistake. He ignored a dangerous man filled with resentment and jealousy toward him. He set this dangerous element aside, and it eventually led to disaster."

Luwen smiled. "I admire how you used Crimson Essence to take the factory, Vito. I also know that you framed Mosley—or at the very least let him die—and used that to seize actual control of the Lower Hive, including Henry's."

He studied the outsider before him with admiration. "You and I are both dangerous elements. My father overlooked that, and it led to disaster. So why should I make the same mistake?"

Vito continued smiling and shook his head slightly. "No, of course you shouldn't. But sometimes dangerous elements can bring considerable benefits. You see, Luwen, we're both dangerous people. That means we're a threat to each other."

"Of course you need to guard against me. But you also know very well that, right now, I can bring you greater benefits. I know that, like me, you're competing with the other cardinals for power within the Devout Society."

Luwen smiled, his expression appreciative. "You're right, Vito. I'm competing with the others for power. But what does that mean?" "It means you need an ally—someone as dangerous as you, who knows how to use political maneuvering and cunning."

Vito raised a hand and gestured lightly. "Historically, the Upper Hive and Lower Hive have never gotten along, but their political and power struggles are closely intertwined. The two sides cooperate and restrain each other, raising some people to the heights while sending others plummeting into the depths."

"Henry isn't good at that. He's too honest, Governor Luwen. But I think I'm very good at it." Vito gave a cold smile. "I've already delivered a satisfactory result, haven't I? I need you to help me take power in the Lower Hive, and I'll help you take power in the Upper Hive."

"We both need to be wary of each other. We're both dangerous people. We'll work together and partner up, but we'll also guard against each other and betray each other when necessary. For now, though, Governor, our interests seem to me to be entirely aligned."

Luwen looked at the man before him, the man who spoke so calmly with a smile, completely ignoring the Laspistol trained on him.

"So, what do you say?" Vito asked with a smile. Luwen smiled too and lowered the gun. He looked at Vito with deep satisfaction. "You're absolutely right, Vito. That's a perfect answer."

He smiled and put the gun away. "I think we've reached an agreement—a dangerous alliance, for now." "Excellent."

Vito watched Luwen tuck the Laspistol into his belt, then raised his chin with interest. "Have you joined the family?" "No, I haven't, my friend. Just like you, I never use Crimson Essence, and I haven't joined them. I don't want those monsters and freaks affecting my mind."

He smiled. "That's why Henry doesn't like me, and why so many of the Devout Society's leaders don't like me. They see us as outsiders, heretics, and unbelievers. But the irony is that they need our cooperation. So yes, we still hold positions of power."

"Do you believe in the Lord of Redemption? That strange faith?" "No, of course not. I know the Lord of Redemption is a powerful entity from the void, like Chaos. I also know He's coming soon, and I know He won't focus on just one planet."

"Like most rulers, divine or otherwise, He'll need people to help Him govern His territory, just as the Emperor appoints Planetary Governors. So yes, Vito, I hope—and I'm certain—that after He arrives, He'll let me continue governing the entire sector."

"I'll remain governor, no longer constrained by the Imperium's administrative system. From now until forever, my family and I will rule this sector."

Vito smiled silently, his expression full of mockery and amusement. He made sure Luwen didn't notice. Clearly, that idiot had no idea that this "Lord of Redemption" had come to devour everything, turn it into biomass, and move on to the next meal.

He wouldn't let you rule, much less grant you power. No one would. The only outcome was becoming a feast.

Beep, beep, beep.

A pleasant tone suddenly sounded from a communicator. Luwen glanced at the small wrist communicator on his arm and smiled at Vito. "It must be something important. They know better than to interrupt me otherwise."

Vito nodded slightly, giving Luwen leave to answer. Luwen activated the communicator, and a green sound-wave pattern appeared on the screen, immediately beginning to pulse.

"I'm sorry, my lord, but I have an urgent matter to report." "Go ahead." "The main Crimson Essence production plant has been destroyed. There are no survivors. We still don't know who did it. All the production equipment and stock of Crimson Essence have been destroyed."

Luwen fell silent. Vito watched his microexpressions, but Luwen didn't seem to react at all. "All right. I understand."

The governor switched off the communicator and turned to Vito. "It seems Mosley was taken. He's the only missing person who knew where the factory was." "Your plan caused some fairly extensive damage, Mr. Vito."

Vito grinned and waved a hand. "Governor, tell me: was the main Crimson Essence plant in our hands?"

Luwen laughed. He knew exactly what Vito meant, and a satisfied smile spread across his face. "Ah, it was in dear Lupical's hands—my esteemed colleague from the Upper Hive Convent. If I remember correctly, he was in the plant the whole time. It seems we've both gotten rid of a problem."

"Not only that, but the only place that can rebuild the Crimson Essence factory without drawing undue attention is the Hammer Factory. And the Hammer Factory is right—"

Vito smiled, and Luwen smiled too. He patted Vito's shoulder, looking extremely satisfied. "An outstanding plan, Mr. Vito. Truly outstanding."

"Now tell me, who do you think carried out the attack?" the governor asked, sitting on a nearby bench with one arm resting on its back beneath the moonlight.

Vito shrugged slightly, as if he already knew. "Mal Hammer took Mosley, but he's so devout it's absurd. He probably wouldn't use torture to force him to reveal the location."

"But the Imperium has a technique that can extract memories directly from someone's brain. Do you know where they have it, Luwen?" Vito looked at him. A cold smile appeared at the corner of Luwen's mouth, and he sighed. "The Adeptus Arbites, of course. They're very good at that sort of thing. And as it happens, the Lord Arbiter is still our enemy."

Luwen sighed deeply, looking very helpless. "You see, Vito? The Imperium really does have people who are conscientious and utterly loyal. I bought off the Ecclesiarchy's Cardinal, the Planetary Defense Force, and plenty of Administratum officials. But I can't buy him."

"Do you know how I bought off the Cardinal?" Luwen wore a mischievous smile. Vito shook his head. "No. Would you mind telling me?" "Ha ha, of course. My men caught the Cardinal at a brothel I control and took pictures. Quite surprising, really, to learn how interested His Eminence is in little boys."

Luwen smiled ruefully, full of mockery. "I used that as leverage to buy off the Cardinal. That's why his people went to the Lower Hive to interfere with the preaching, and why he sides with me at the planetary council."

"But the Lord Arbiter has almost nothing to hold against him. He's honest in the literal sense of the word, and under his leadership, the Adeptus Arbites are all loyalists. I've tried to infiltrate them several times, and failed every time. He's also caused me plenty of trouble."

Luwen scratched his head. "So naturally, Mal teamed up with our enemies out of desperation. He knows the Lower Hive Convent is backed by me and the Devout Society's Upper Hive nobles. Of course he'd seek cooperation with our enemies."

"Do you think the Adeptus Arbites organized the raid?" Luwen asked. Vito shook his head. "No, of course not. Their enforcement troops are in the Mid Hive and Upper Hive. We'd have noticed a mobilization on that scale, so it wasn't them."

"It was the Syndicate."

"Was this a case of throwing away the hunting dog after the hare was caught?" Luwen asked. Vito smiled. "When the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold."

The Hammer Gang clearly couldn't launch an attack now; they were already struggling to survive. And as Vito had said, the Adeptus Arbites were an official organization. A transfer of weapons and personnel on that scale could hardly escape the notice of the Devout Society, which had infiltrated the Upper Hive until it was practically a sieve.

So guess who the Devout Society would target next if the Hammer Gang were wiped out? Apart from the Adeptus Arbites, who else had enough force to strike back, and enough reason to be wary and hostile toward them?

Luwen laughed, then rose and walked past Vito. He gazed at his garden with a smile. "It seems our upright friends have finally run out of patience. And with their first move, they've given us a wonderful gift."

Vito smiled too. "If he waits any longer, he probably won't be around much longer." "True. He really won't live much longer. A cornered beast always struggles. Are you under pressure?" "I am, but I can handle it."

"Excellent. It seems you're an excellent player, Mr. Vito, and an excellent partner."

Luwen turned and held out a hand. "Welcome aboard. I'll arrange for you to meet our other colleagues as soon as possible. We'll get you settled in with us soon."

Vito smiled and shook the governor's hand. "It's my honor. Truly."

"Are you finished talking?" Henry asked. He stood beside the car that had brought them there, watching Vito emerge from the residence with his weapons back on.

Vito smiled slightly and patted Henry's shoulder. "Yeah, we're done. It went well."

As he spoke, Vito leaned into the car and called to the driver. "Hey, could you do me a favor? Do you know how to get to the Shaman Club?" "Of course, sir."

Vito straightened his collar and took a handsome tie from inside his coat. "Before you take Henry back, do me a favor and drop me there."

"I've got a date tonight."