Chapter 1044: This Part of the Memory Must Be Sealed

Ximao Star, "Jianbao" main base.

Medical personnel were busy treating the wounded, among whom were both ordinary Astra Militarum and scarred Blood Angels.

In a relatively quiet corner of the base, an area had been designated as the temporary rest zone for the White Scars 9th Company.

Company Commander Kurgan and his assault troopers were receiving basic treatment and physical recovery.

Company Commander Kurgan sat on an empty ammunition crate, letting a Techmarine inspect a deep gash on the arm guard of his Power Armor.

In his mind, the battle inside the Mother Ship kept replaying, especially Ulton's final desperate psionic outburst, and the Burning Warriors that appeared afterward.

Who were they? Where did they come from? Why did they leave quietly after helping?

Just then, a wave of pure psionic energy swept across the entire rest zone.

Two Space Marines, wearing Power Armor unlike any known Legion's standard issue, were walking through the base corridor, heading straight toward the White Scars' rest zone.

Their Power Armor was pure silver-gray, engraved with complex and ancient Runes, flowing with a faint psionic radiance.

"Grey Knight..."

Company Commander Kurgan spat out the title in a low voice, his tone carrying... a hint of disgust.

The two Grey Knights stopped a few meters away from the White Scars squad.

The leading Grey Knight stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Kurgan and the others, finally settling on Kurgan.

"White Scars 9th Company Commander, Kurgan Baizhua.

I am Dabeiwenqiao. This is Taigehe'er. We have come under supreme orders."

Kurgan slowly stood up; he was slightly taller than Dabeiwenqiao.

"Grey Knight."

Kurgan's voice was equally flat.

"I recall that the combat report we submitted was detailed enough. The Insect Hive Mother Ship has been destroyed, and the Task is complete. I wonder what business you have here? There does not seem to be any Heretic filth here that needs 'purifying'."

The surrounding White Scars Space Marines also silently gathered around; although there were no hostile actions, the silent sense of rejection was not concealed in the slightest.

Dabeiwenqiao did not care about the White Scars' hostility at all and continued to speak.

"We have reviewed your report. But some of the details involved concern the highest secrets and stability of the Star Alliance. The unconventional phenomena you witnessed in the core area of the Insect Hive Mother Ship... their very existence may bring unpredictable risks."

Taigehe'er added from the side.

"This is not to question your Loyalty or courage, Company Commander Kurgan. But the wisdom of mortals, and even the heart of an Astartes, can hardly fully bear the imprint of certain existences that transcend understanding. To ensure information security and avoid unnecessary... trouble, we are ordered to come and perform the necessary memory adjustment procedure."

"Memory adjustment?"

Company Commander Kurgan's eyes narrowed slightly, and a surge of anger rose in his heart.

They, the White Scars, had fought a Blood Bath inside the insect ship and only managed to complete the mission thanks to unknown assistance, and now these Grey Knights wanted to "adjust" their memories?

This was simply an insult to their sacrifice and honor!

"Do you mean to wipe the memories of those Burning Warriors from our minds?

On what grounds? They were reinforcements sent by the Emperor! It was they who helped us destroy the Mother Ship's core! This is a Divine Miracle of the Emperor! Why cover it up?"

"Whether it is a Divine Miracle or not is not for you or me to judge."

Dabeiwenqiao's tone remained flat.

"We only follow orders from the highest level. The nature and origin of those existences fall under the category of top secret. The leakage of such information could lead to panic, heretical worship, or attract deeper gazes. For the overall interests of the Star Alliance, this part of the memory must be sealed."

"For the interests of the Star Alliance?"

Kurgan sneered, stepped forward, and a powerful aura permeated the area.

"Where were you when we White Scars were fighting in the insects? Now that the battle is over, you come running to tell us that what we saw with our own eyes and experienced ourselves needs to be 'adjusted'?"

The White Scars warriors behind him subconsciously placed their hands on the hilts of their weapons.

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

Facing the White Scars' anger, Dabeiwenqiao did not adopt any defensive posture, merely responding calmly.

"Company Commander Kurgan, please mind your words. Questioning the supreme order is equivalent to questioning the will of the Emperor himself."

Dabeiwenqiao deliberately mentioned the "will of the Emperor," which caused the momentum of Kurgan and the warriors behind him to stifle.

"I understand your emotions. But sometimes, ignorance is not a misfortune, but a protection. Knowing secrets one should not know is a heavy burden for individuals and groups, and may even be a curse. Memory adjustment is not a punishment, but... a protective measure."

Just then, Ulton, who was in a coma, let out a faint groan.

Dabeiwenqiao's gaze also turned toward Ulton.

"As a Psionic, Ulton bore a greater information shock and mental load. His memory adjustment will be the first and necessary one."

Company Commander Kurgan looked at the unconscious Ulton, then looked at the two stubborn Grey Knights before him, and said word by word.

"White Scars, loyal to the Emperor, obey orders. We will cooperate with your... 'procedure'."

"However, this process must be carried out under my supervision! And, it must not cause any additional, permanent harm to my brothers! If Brother Ulton suffers any problems because of your operation, I swear by the honor of the White Scars, I will not let this go!"

Dabeiwenqiao nodded slightly.

"Very well. I will only target specific memory fragments for sealing and blurring. Then, let us start with Ulton."

Kurgan nodded, signaling the Techmarine and medical personnel to step back.

He stood personally by Ulton's bed, watching Dabeiwenqiao and Taigehe'er walk forward.

The two Grey Knights stood on either side of the medical bed, complex psionic Runes lighting up on their gauntlets, emitting a low hum.

Kurgan could see Ulton's brows furrowed in his coma, his body trembling slightly.

The entire process lasted for several minutes.

Then, it was the turn of Kurgan and the other troopers who participated in the assault.

Although they were extremely unwilling, the White Scars still kept their promise and discipline.

When everything was over, the two Grey Knights did not say another word, simply nodding slightly to Kurgan before turning and leaving.