"Even if you go to hell after death, the tax collector's bill will follow."
This sentence is a well-known Warhammer meme, used to mock the Imperium's rigid and hopelessly inefficient tax department. In the past, I just got a kick out of the memes.
Now, after personally experiencing the bureaucratic nightmare of the Imperial tax department, Daniel was at a loss for words.
God knows how many victims are caught in the crossfire of this rigid system!
When it comes to persecuting humans, the Chaos Gods can't hold a candle to the Imperial bureaucrats. Even if a world is about to become a living hell, those guys will still mercilessly demand their pound of flesh and then leave the innocent to perish.
"Just ignore it," Daniel signaled, telling Fax not to pay any attention to the notice from the tax department. "Planet Atomal is in ruins, half of it hasn't been recovered, and the people are starving. Where would the tithes even come from? You can't get blood from a stone."
Fax hesitated. "What if the Sector Government blames us?"
Daniel waved his hand and said nonchalantly, "Then tell them it's the God-Emperor's will."
"Sir, why don't we pony up a portion first?" Fax looked anxious. "The Ecclesiarchy of Calixis is extremely fanatical. If they refuse to acknowledge your identity..."
Fax didn't finish, but Daniel knew what he meant. He was worried the state religion wouldn't recognize Daniel as a Living Saint, or worse, would write him off as a heretic. Given the mindset of those religious zealots, that might actually happen.
Daniel had been studying the forces in the Calixis Sector. The state religion's influence there was second only to the Terran government. If they genuinely believed Daniel was a dark god's trick, they would absolutely sail their warships over and execute Exterminatus on Atomal.
Daniel smiled, trying to calm Fax down. "If they insist on disobeying the God-Emperor's will, then I will have no choice but to excommunicate them in the God-Emperor's name."
Given the Imperium's impressive lack of efficiency, he could completely defeat the local enemies and secure the planet before any punitive fleet even arrived. Once he unified Atomal and had the resources to pull strings and exchange Exp Points for the Emperor's power to perform miracles, it would be anybody's guess who the heretic really was.
"I understand. No matter what happens, the Valancius family will stand squarely with the Guide." Fax once again expressed his loyalty.
Daniel then asked about the reconstruction of the Tyrion Hive.
"Everything is on track," Fax reported. "Each noble family has sent their children to fill various positions and serve the Emperor. Those factories will also be handed over to those big families to manage. They have vast experience and know how to boost production."
Daniel frowned at the report. Thank goodness he asked. Otherwise, the recovered Planet Atomal would be carved up like a Thanksgiving turkey by those vultures.
Loyalty can't feed you or serve as a gun. The loyalty of most of these nobles was based purely on self-interest and was completely unreliable. Daniel had no intention of going the route of power and wealth; he planned to focus on the grassroots, building the strongest army through pure faith.
"Officials in Tyrian Hive cannot simply be appointed from those families," Daniel stated firmly. "Two-thirds of the positions must be reserved to select suitable talent from the middle and lower hives."
"Also, the reconstruction of industrial facilities must be done through open bidding and managed by capable people. No backroom deals allowed. Not just in Hive Tyrion, but from now on, all recaptured areas will follow this order."
"Ah!" Fax looked uneasy and began to warn, "Sir Guide, this will ruffle the feathers of those families. Their power is complex and touches every part of the hive city. Without their support, your authority might be undermined."
"If they're not satisfied, then let them eat cake," Daniel said in a stern tone. "The High Lord of Terra was very dissatisfied with the Great Plunderer, but didn't the Great Plunderer still break through the Cadia Fortress? Go tell those families that everything in the Imperium belongs to the God-Emperor. If they object, I don't mind executing them for heresy."
Daniel paused for a moment and added: "In addition, the Saints (players) will also participate in the bidding competition for various factories."
Players were Daniel's core base. Naturally, they couldn't just be treated as mere soldiers or cheap labor. Daniel planned to formulate policies based on the players' abilities, provide them with resources, and allow them to develop, gradually pushing reforms throughout the area.
After explaining the matter, Daniel cut communication with Fax. After thinking for a moment, Daniel opened the console and began to edit a new announcement. Fax's words made him realize that he had to get the ball rolling on reforms as quickly as possible.