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“We are requesting this change for we have served you loyally for almost two centuries.” Kelbor Hal told the Emperor outright.
“We have worked in accordance with the treaty.” The Emperor clarified without a second thought or display of new emotion, “Does such accordance require the drastic change you are asking for?”
“There is precedent when we consider the past.” Kelbor brought forward such words with the ability one would expect of a state head, “When machines were starting to appear upon Terra the continent which had seen so much bloodshed formed themselves together into a bulwark against their enemies and each other. This progressed in the coming years to true unification. As I understand it, that organization was started with a free trade treaty just like the one we host today.”
“Circumstances are different from the era of Europan Unification and today.” The Emperor declared as he had opened himself to the first strike. Such a strike seemed to hit home as TalOS could recognize the subtle changes within his father’s soul, “A better comparison from those days would be the Caliphs and the rest of the world in their time.”
The Emperor did not say what that meant but TalOS quickly realized it. He was essentially saying that because they were religious, that they will not mesh with the rest of the Imperium.
“Father, I believe you are ignoring the needs of the Mechanicum simply because you do not believe us to share further interests.” It was at this moment that TalOS decided to come into the conversation, “Have we the Mechanicum not assisted you in your conquests. Have I, a Fabricator General, been against you during the times of conquest?”
The Emperor turned towards TalOS and for an instant he could feel the change from his Father. Anger that was seeping within the surface of his being was now being drawn out and drain from the reservoir that was his Father.
The one to respond to this was not the Emperor however, but Malcador, “TalOS, what was the reason that the two of you have come before us here today? You are correct that the Mechanicum, as well as yourself, have served us with utmost loyalty since the Emperor touched Mars. For these deeds and actions, I will hear you out.”
TalOS gave a nod as he heard those words, “We fear that while it might not be immediate, that the Imperium and the Mechanicum will find themselves at odds with one another. We wish to rectify that and settle issues now before the days begin to darken.”
