Broken Expectations

Jon Lawrenz frowned as he read over the newest reports. Although he no longer commanded a legion, his Primarch’s inattentiveness toward the galactic strategic situation meant he had to keep abreast of what was happening.

He wasn’t sure what to make of it.

On the surface of it, things were going well. Nine months after the Conclave, the worst rebellions had been quelled. That alone might have been impressive due to how lengthy Warp travel could be. However enlightenment arrived when one understood that decisively dealing with the first two major rebellions had caused a cascade effect on the others. Alexandros may not have been the Emperor, but he did not provide a new opportunity for successful revolt. The Serpents and the Riven’s strong efforts had resulted in dividends in successive campaigns.

This had a twin effect. No rebellion could truly threaten Imperial unity, however the remaining rebellions would not die simply or easily. This was going to be a lengthy period of quelling the last, stubborn embers of dissent. Frustrating but not unexpected.

No, what was bothering Jon was the more subtle development. The superhuman giants that were the Emperor’s sons did not act with one purpose. Oh, yes, they all mouthed, most of them, loyalty to the new silver throne. But after two centuries of warfare, Jon could not help but spot the small differences in efforts.

Some remain devoted to the defense of the realm, others portrayed themselves as consummate administrators, and others traveled across the galaxy making war. The differences in objectives were small but clear to the observant eye. He did not know if the Regent tolerated these differing motivations out of strength or weakness. In truth, it might not matter. If the Emperor returned soon, these efforts would be washed away under true unity.

If he didn’t?

Each effort would invest and compound upon itself. The consequences would become apparent in decades. Assuming no crisis or outside force intensified what was happening.

With a sigh, Jon, not for the first time, regretted that he could not shape events with greater finesse than his Primarch. [[Category:B]]