(Thanks to .Galaxy Encounter. for the bonus chapter donation.)
Li Qinwu understood.
"You want to exile your father?"
The young Tech-Priest nodded.
The universe was too vast. Once many people left their planet, they would never return for the rest of their lives.
Take Inquisitor Thraxol. He had left Earth to pursue his career as an Inquisitor, struggled out in the wider galaxy for over twenty years, finally got a chance to return to Terra—and died right at the doorstep.
So for irreconcilable conflicts like the one between a planetary governor and the young Tech-Priest, ancient times would have left only patricide. Now, though, exile was an option.
Exile into outer space basically meant never returning in one's lifetime. Even if they did return, it would be twenty or thirty years later.
After so many years, the political conflict would have disappeared anyway. If he came back then, he came back.
After considering it briefly, Li Qinwu asked:
"Since I'd be helping you solve a major problem and preserve your reputation, how are you going to thank me?"
The young Tech-Priest asked:
"State your price. I will assess it."
Li Qinwu began considering what price to name.
Taking away someone's father was not much of a favor. At most, it solved a minor nuisance. If he demanded something too outrageous, the other party certainly would not accept.
But if what he asked for was too worthless, he would feel cheated himself.
After some thought, he remembered the Astartes aboard the Explorer.
"How about this? Give me a production line for Astartes Boltguns and Bolt Rounds. I'll take away the nuisance that is your father and make sure he never returns.
And no matter what nonsense your planet gets up to, I'll pretend I never saw it. How about it?"
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