RoleplayNovel Chapter 46: Should I Be a Judge?
Chapter 46: Should I Be a Judge?
Admiral Caius Raven and the Mechanic Fastus exchanged a glance, their usual composure gone.
They knew exactly how many people Deyan had brought.
A regiment-sized stormtrooper unit, a squad of combat nuns.
Gone.
With this small force, and in cooperation with the Planetary Defense Force, they suppressed the rebellion of two knight families.
That's an armed force with nearly 400 knight mechs.
They are enough to wage a holy war that will determine the fate of a star sector, or become the core strike force of a great expedition spanning multiple star systems.
As a seasoned judge, Alonso knew exactly what 400 Knight mechs meant.
With 400 knight mechs and supporting troops, they are sufficient to directly confront a medium-sized green-skinned Waaagh, a large army of Chaos Warbands, or a ground invasion by the main fleet of Tyranid Hive Tentacles.
Honestly, if he put himself in Dejan's position, he couldn't do that.
Even if he brings his entire fleet, gains the support of the Astartes Legion, and receives the full assistance of at least one loyal knightly family, taking down the tough nut of Catafrax will inevitably be a brutal tug-of-war that will last for months and involve a bloodbath.
On the other hand, what about Deyang?
With that small team, they finished the job in less than a month!
A complete fantasy!
The more Alan So thought about it, the more bizarre it seemed.
He sent Dejan Davent to Catafrax with the intention of a high-risk reconnaissance mission, a trial balloon, and even with a cold, probing purpose.
Unexpectedly, Dejan exceeded the target.
Send him to investigate the rebellion, and he quelled it directly!
In his excitement, but out of a judge's caution, Alonso couldn't help but have doubts.
"Could it be a trap?"
"The rebels are spreading false information, trying to lure us to the planet's surface and wipe us out in one fell swoop."
No one dared to speak.
Such tricks are not uncommon in a galaxy rife with deceit and treachery.
A few days later, the fleet arrived at Cataflax orbit.
On the way from the airport to the temporary office of the court in Wangcheng, the scenery along the way silently tells the story.
Streets ravaged by artillery fire, towering spires collapsed, and magnificent palaces were reduced to ruins. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning corpses and lingering blood.
A quick glance was enough for Alonso to imagine how fierce the battle that had broken out here must have been.
Subtly and gradually, his attitude toward Deyang changed.
The doubts subsided.
There was more recognition and satisfaction.
The atmosphere in the temporary office became tense and solemn with the arrival of the judge.
Local officials are worried about liquidation.
Dejan didn't have this concern. Having had plenty of rest and about to get rid of the mess that was Katafrax, he was in a good mood and gave a brief report on the entire evaluation process at the meeting.
When Alonso heard Dejan deduce the true culprit behind the attack on the Imperial World from Arthur Fisher's personal crest, and later turn the tables on Arthur Fisher, his usually calm eyes could no longer conceal his admiration for Dejan, and his evaluation of Dejan rose to a new level.
To turn the tide when all hope is lost, and to prevent the collapse of an already crumbling edifice.
This is Alonso's evaluation of Dejan after listening to the report.
Doubts about Dejan's loyalty had long been forgotten.
The meeting ended, and everyone dispersed.
Alonso left Dejan alone and went straight to the point: "You transformed into a giant... that's psionic power, right? You're a psionicist too?"
Dejan shrugged, without denying it.
This is the most reasonable explanation.
The other party is also a psionicist, so we should be more tolerant of psionicists, especially since he has performed meritorious service.
"Psionic power is both a blessing and a curse." Alanso glanced at Deyan's head, which wasn't wearing a psionic suppressor, his words carrying a strong warning. "I've seen psionicists go out of control, and that's an absolute disaster. You should use this power with caution. A psionic suppressor would be a wise decision."
"I'll consider it." Dejan changed the subject, "Sir, is there something you've forgotten?"
"What?"
"For example, reward a lowly servant who made great contributions to quelling the rebellion." Deyan puffed out his chest, his expression full of self-satisfaction.
The nonsense that "loyalty needs no reward, loyalty itself is the reward" should be reserved for fooling canned goods.
He wants a reward, and he really wants it.
A trade license would be a good option.
Alonso remained silent, his arms crossed, staring blankly at Dejan with dead fish eyes.
Deyan felt uneasy under his gaze, wondering if this guy was planning to renege on his debt.
"At least I helped you solve such a big problem."
"It is your duty as a human being to bargain with me and fight for the Empire," Alonso said calmly.
Deyang was so angry he almost overturned the table.
That bastard really wanted to get something for nothing.
None of the judges were any good!
"It must be so wonderful to be your subordinate!" Dejan gritted his teeth, speaking sarcastically.
However, what Alonso said next stunned him.
"Would you like to be a judge?"
ha?
Judge?
This is... a bit sudden.
Deyang swallowed his complaints, subconsciously sat up straight, and became conflicted.
Being a judge is indeed a promising career.
They were directly responsible to the emperor and possessed supreme power.
Equipped with the Empire's most advanced weaponry.
It is the sharpest weapon that the human empire has against threats.
But he still couldn't muster any interest.
Judges deal with all sorts of monsters and demons every day.
After all, it's still under the imperial political system; it's not as enjoyable as being a wandering merchant or a ronin.
Seeing Deyang's troubled expression, Alang was furious.
Judges are typically appointed through a mentor-apprentice system.
In other words, he intended to pass on his mantle to Deyang, but Deyang did not appreciate it.
If it were anyone else, they would probably be kneeling down to pledge their loyalty.
"Don't be ungrateful!"
"I may have to disappoint you." After a moment's thought, Deyan chose to decline.
"Why?" Alonso asked, barely suppressing his anger.
Dejan remained unfazed and said frankly, "I would much rather be a wandering merchant than a judge. If possible, I would be extremely grateful if you could grant me a trading license."
"you…"
Alonso laughed out loud without saying a word.
He was amused by Dejan's foolishness.
That idiot actually abandoned his role as judge to become some damn traveling merchant.
"I overestimated you. Get lost!"
"Okay."
Seeing that Alang was about to get angry, Deyang didn't want to provoke him, so he quickly excused himself.
Unfortunately, I didn't get the trade license I'd been longing for.
However, Alonso was not as cold-blooded as he appeared. A few days later, on the anniversary of the victory in Catafrac, he awarded Dejan a Terra Cross.
This is what people commonly refer to as Terra Star.
It is the highest level of military honor the Empire bestows upon non-Astarte combatants.
Sly Marbo, Sebastian Arreck, Sergeant Lucas Bastoni…
These are all recipients of the Terra Star.
This is enough to prove the value of TerraStar.
"From now on, I don't need to bow to those Astartes anymore." Standing on the awarding platform, holding the heavy Star of Terra in his hands, Dejan's thoughts drifted.
If Alonso knew his true thoughts, he would probably kick him and curse as he took back TerraStar.