Chapter 197, Am I Exposed?
Phoenix Monastery in the suburbs of Weixing City.
After more than half a year of construction, the Phoenix Monastery no longer looks like a large construction site - at least not the core area.
The main part of the chapel has been completed, and a larger cathedral is under construction next to it; the residential area has been completed; and the training land has also been planned.
With the exception of the larger and more imposing parts, the main utilitarian buildings of the monastery were already completed.
There was even a statue of the emperor in the chapel, shining with gold.
It is indeed made of gold. Currently on the Angry Owl Star, the value of the precious metal is only used as decoration besides a part needed for industrial production. It has no currency, savings, or circulation capabilities. It is just right to use it to decorate chapels and statues of the emperor.
And just in front of the statue of the Emperor, an old but tall and strong figure was kneeling on one knee, with his eyes closed. He had maintained this posture for a long time.
Reverend Rizzo was always like this. Even for a pastor, he closed his eyes and prayed too long.
It was not like that in the past, but after arriving at the Angry Owl Star, the time he spent praying and trying to communicate with the Emperor became longer and longer.
The other two members of the Phoenix have been feeling lost for a long time recently.
After three consecutive failed gene-seed implantation operations, their Chapter Master had locked himself in the confessional and had never come out. And their Chapter Chaplain was in this state again.
The atmosphere was depressing, and pain and confusion were also in their hearts.
But today seems a little different.
Although the head priest was still kneeling in prayer before the Emperor's statue, the door of the confessional not far away opened.
The Chapter Master finally came out.
But it doesn't make people feel reassured.
They could see that Martins' huge body was a little hunched, a little tired, and hid some despair.
An ordinary person could cause considerable damage if he was desperate and reckless, let alone a Space Marine.
They looked at the Chapter Master with great concern and walked closer to the Chief Priest step by step.
They could sense that what was about to happen next would determine the future fate of the Chapter, but they didn't know what would happen.
Martins stood behind the chief pastor and stared for a long time.
During this process, his fists clenched and relaxed several times.
Finally, he exhaled deeply, and like Rizzo, he knelt before the Emperor's statue, muttered something, and then said with a look of disappointment: "Chief Priest, more than half a year ago, you said that you foresaw the vitality of the Chapter, on this planet called Wrathful Owl..."
Martins' voice at this moment sounded hoarse and unpleasant.
He had hardly drunk any water in the past period of time and his throat was very dry.
When questioned, Pastor Rizzo opened his eyes and smiled faintly: "Yes, I did have such a foresight."
"Now, do you still stick to what you foresaw?"
"Of course, I never doubted it."
"Even if..." Martins took a deep breath, "Even if the regiment has become what it is now?"
When it came to this question, Pastor Rizzo did not give a direct answer.
He asked back, “Are you blaming me?”
Martins was silent, but the way he stared at Rizzo with bloodshot eyes told the answer.
Rizzo sighed and said, "It seems that you are indeed blaming me, but do you still remember what I said at that time?"
"You said that the hope of saving the chapter lies on the Wrathful Owl..."
"No, that's not what I said."
Martins was stunned.
The Space Marine had a very good memory. He immediately recalled the scene at that time to make sure he was not mistaken.
What does that mean, Chief Pastor?
Rizzo continued, "What I'm saying is that the chance for the Chapter to be reborn is right there, in the Governor of that planet."
"What's the difference?"
"Of course." Rizzo's smile returned to his face. "Hope is never in a certain place or a certain planet, but in a certain person. I have made it very clear."
"But..." Martins immediately spoke up, "The governor has done his best to help the regiment. What else can he do?"
This was indeed what Martins thought, so he did not have much resentment towards Gu Hang.
The Phoenix Regiment and the Governor of Wrathful Owl Star always had an equal cooperative relationship. They chose to carry out the tasks entrusted by the Governor, depending on the circumstances; if the tasks were really outrageous, they could of course choose to refuse.
Despite the sacrifices, it was only natural to fight against the enemies of the empire, whether they were followers of the evil god or the green-skinned orcs. Governor Gu Hang did not harm them in this matter. The intelligence that should be clear was clear, and the support that should be in place was in place. The sacrifice of the fighting brothers was caused by the fight with the enemy in the battle, and Governor Gu could not be blamed.
While they were carrying out their mission for the Governor, the Wrathful Owl Star also gave them something in return. They built a monastery for the Chapter and allowed them to freely select candidates from the young men of the planet. When they needed surgical equipment, they bought the latest one; they replenished their arsenal and even gave them a set of precious Terminator power armor!
What else is there to say?
Gu Hang has done everything he could.
If the regiment wants to develop, what else does Angry Owl Star need to give them?
It's no use giving anything!
What they lack most now are people, battle brothers, and gene seeds!
In this matter, is there any way Governor Gu can help?
But Rizor said at this time: "Governor Gu has indeed done his best to help the 'current' Phoenix Regiment. But for the future regiments that will be saved, it is far from enough. He can do more."
"What do you mean?" Martins asked anxiously, "Have you foreseen something else? There are only four of us in the chapter, and we must unite for the survival of the chapter! Why are you still hiding it at this time?"
"I just don't know how to say it." Rizzo sighed, "What kind of help does the chapter need most right now?"
"Is it... gene seed?" Martins was so confused that he even gave this answer hesitantly.
"Yes, now that we need gene seeds, why don't we go to Governor Gu for help?"
"Huh?" Martins felt very puzzled. "He may be able to help us in countless places, but this place..."
"As I said, I foresaw that the salvation of the Chapter would rest on Governor Gu. Now that we are at the brink of life and death, and we need gene-seed to save our Chapter, let's go find this Governor."
"You mean to say that Governor Gu has our gene seeds in his hands?" Martins narrowed his eyes and countless thoughts ran through his mind.
Rizzo once again did not answer directly, but asked another question: "Martins, are you willing to pay any price for the survival of the regiment?"
"Of course I am willing!" Martins answered decisively, "But this has to do with..."
Rizzo waved his hand to stop him from continuing and turned his gaze to the other two parties present.
"What about you?"
"Of course we are willing to do that!" The attitudes of the two veterans were equally decisive.
Rizzo nodded.
He stood up, faced the three brothers, and said, "Let's go. Let's go meet His Excellency the Governor, meet the savior of the chapter, and see how he saved our chapter."
…
Four space warriors came to visit together, each of them fully armed, which scared Gu Hang.
But after hearing the news, he still met them in his office lobby.
The Gu Hang today is no longer the same as before.
In half a year, not only did his power expand rapidly, but his personal strength also expanded rapidly.
In the system, his personal character interface showed that he was a Level 5 psychic. In the battle on the Quintet three months ago, against the orc fleet warlord, he was even the main force.
He himself assessed that at this level, he might not be afraid of the chapter leader Martins even in a one-on-one fight.
Of course, being attacked by four Space Marines at the same time might still cause problems, but can't he run away if he can't win?
This city is full of his people!
The reason why Gu Hang thought about this aspect at the first time was mainly because these space warriors came too aggressively and too suddenly. He didn't know what happened, so he naturally thought of the worst.
Of course, when they actually met, Gu Hang's face was still filled with a bright smile.
He first welcomed the Space Marines, and then without any unnecessary probing or beating around the bush, he went straight to the point and asked, "I wonder if the four of you have come today to ask for anything specific that you need my help with? The Phoenix has made tremendous efforts and sacrifices for the reconstruction and revival of the Wrathful Owl Star, and I will never forget that. If you have any needs, feel free to ask. I will satisfy them!"
Faced with Governor Gu's question, none of the four Space Marines, who were full of energy, spoke a word.
They don't know how to say it.
The two soldiers naturally didn't say much. They were here just to witness things. Today they only brought their eyes and ears and didn't plan to bring their mouths.
As for the two leaders...Martins looked at Rizzo and found that the latter had no intention of speaking at all.
This has always been Rizzo's attitude: You are the Chapter Master, and all decisions should be made by you.
Is this a good thing?
At least Martins didn't feel that way, he just felt a heavy burden.
Sometimes, he really wishes there was someone who could make some decisions for him. No matter whether the decision was right or wrong, he just needed to follow, execute, and do his best. That would be all.
That would be countless times easier than it is now.
Putting aside his thoughts, he still had to shoulder the responsibilities of the chapter leader and find a way for the chapter to survive.
Martins was also not good at beating around the bush, so he said directly: "We are here for the survival of the Phoenix Regiment. We need the help of His Excellency the Governor."
"Oh?" Gu Hang had already put his mind at ease.
If you need help, please tell me earlier.
You were so angry that I thought my crime had been exposed and you were going to kill me.
Eh? No, there is no such thing as being exposed! I am a loyal subject of the great empire!
However, Gu Hang was a little confused.
He said: "You need help, of course, no problem, but forgive me for being frank. I have always been grateful for your efforts in the past and have tried my best to help you. I don't know how else I can help you. If there is anything I have done wrong, you can also point it out. I am all ears."
Martins took a deep breath and said, "We need gene seeds."
What?
Gene seed?
Looking for me?
Fortunately, he was not drinking water at the moment, otherwise he couldn't guarantee that he would not spit it out in one breath.
He coughed twice to cover up the shock in his eyes, and pretended to be calm and asked: "This... I understand what gene seeds are, but how can I help you? I don't understand."
Martins felt a little discouraged again.
That’s right, as a governor, how can he help with the genetic seed issue?
His eyes once again involuntarily turned to Pastor Rizzo next to him.
Rizzo remained silent.
Martins was furious and said, "Eight months ago, we were wandering in the starry sky..."
He told what happened at that time.
From their predicament, from Rizzo's foreseeing that the salvation of the regiment fell on Gu Hang, to their arrival at the Angry Owl Star.
He even told her everything, including the conversation he had with Rizzo in the Phoenix Monastery.
Chief Pastor, didn't you say anything?
Then I'll tell you everything!
Rizzo's expression remained unchanged, and he let Martins spill everything.
Gu Hang looked at the Phoenix Chief Priest in shock, with an expression of disbelief and complete confusion.
But in fact, he was already calculating quickly in his mind.
Eight months ago, that should be the time when I activated the limited-time event [Phoenix is dying].
Was it the power of the system that mobilized Rizzo, the chief pastor, to foresee something during his prayer?
What's the reason for this?
You are a priest, and when you pray to the Emperor, you are directed to the Wrathful Star and to me?
The implication behind this whole thing made Gu Hang feel terrified.
However, more severe problems lie ahead.
After Martins finished saying all this, he was looking at him with expectant eyes.
Not only Martins, but the two Space Marines behind him also had the same attitude.
And how should I respond?
Gene seeds... Yes, I can give them to you for one hundred grace points.
For him when the event had just been activated, he would never be able to take out the 100 gifts at that time; even if he could take them out, it would be extremely painful.
But for him now, his fixed income is thirteen thousand a month, and he can take any hundred points he wants.
But the question is... should I give it?
If admitted, how big a risk and impact will this bring?
(End of this chapter)
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