(Bonus update 2/5, with thanks to .The God-Emperor's Mold Blasted Out the Loyalty Gene. for the tip.)
Li Qinwu had said that to give the other man a way out.
Otherwise, if the Agent Orange Incident on Savage World were truly weighed in the balance, even a thousand pounds would not begin to cover it.
Under the prevailing political climate since Lord Regent Guilliman had taken power, this could be classified as a rebellion and get an entire Chapter sent on a Penitent Crusade.
But Li Qinwu saw the bigger picture. The Red Star Chapter's defense zone was nearby. If they were sent on a Penitent Crusade, that zone would be left exposed, and incidents involving xenos and heretics would skyrocket, to the detriment of the entire sector.
So Li Qinwu could only demand that the Chapter abandon its super-Astartes ideology and improve its treatment of mortals. Then the matter would be settled.
What else could he do? Really send them off on a Penitent Crusade?
After hearing Li Qinwu out, the Dreadnought Veteran remained silent for a long while. Then he looked Li Qinwu in the eyes and asked with utter seriousness:
"Lord Inquisitor, I'm curious. You went to such lengths, risking the wrath of an Astartes Chapter and even your own life, just to stand up for those mortals on Savage World? What for?
"Do you realize that countless people are suffering across this vast universe right now? The handful you saved is a mere drop in the ocean. It cannot change the bigger picture."
Li Qinwu picked up the Rosette pendant on his chest and waved it in front of him.
"If you take the government's pay, you do the government's work.
"I enjoy the prestige and power of an Inquisitor, so I have to fulfill an