Chapter 24: Educational Issues
Complex matters are never resolved simply. The greater the complexity, the greater the difficulty. Wayne attended to his son as thoroughly as possible, like a true father.
A Primarch, a being of such prodigious power and wisdom, could naturally sense another's inner thoughts. Konrad knew Wayne cared deeply for him.
They assisted each other, revealing their intellect and perspectives. At this moment, they were not merely father and son, but genuine companions.
The two then worked together within the Wayne Group. Compared with Wayne managing everything alone, efficiency was undoubtedly lower, but for both of them, it was enjoyable.
Every Primarch in the galaxy is an invaluable asset, yet they are fundamentally singular individuals. A significant reason Wayne disliked the Emperor was His approach toward the Primarchs.
"I have a question, Father." Konrad studied the Wayne Group's welfare program, frowning. "Why do men also receive benefits?"
"If you only provide benefits to women, it will make employment more difficult for women in the future. Welfare should be as equitable as possible. Men and women should be treated equally."
"Equally?"
In Wayne's perspective, men and women were identical. Both were his instruments and his people. Their purpose was to serve the Wayne Group, and the Wayne Group would serve them in return.
While men appeared unyielding on the surface, in reality, they also yearned to be valued.
Or rather, it was impossible for humans not to yearn for affection. The desire to be loved and the capacity to give love were human instincts. Wayne would not suppress human desires in favor of abstract principles, nor would he suppress human nature.
Just as the Emperor and the Imperium of Man in these current times operated as benevolently as possible.
Rogal Dorn had once criticized the Ninth Legion, the Blood Angels, for their mistreatment of prisoners of war. After the Imperium defeated the human factions, it would rescue prisoners rather than resort to the cruelty and extermination seen in later scenarios.
This was a rational and enlightened era. But it was saturated with war.
Just like the war about to erupt on Nostramo, Wayne would not permit men who had never experienced affection to die for him. Providing welfare and security for them was essential. Providing security for everyone was necessary.
"Men are far more likely to walk the path of war than in more numbers than women. In warfare, they confront monsters beyond human comprehension. What compels their voluntary sacrifice?"
"Responsibility."
"Where does responsibility originate?" Wayne regarded his son, answering his own question. "Family. A woman is no less of a warrior on the battlefield with a laser bolt; however, many do have responsibility for their offspring. It is love for family that forges a person's sense of responsibility, which then becomes the strength of our species."
"Is that so?"
"You must remember, humans can rise against damnation because they possess courage and responsibility, and these stem from their families and environment. Although we cannot grant people paradise, we also cannot allow them to dwell in hell."
Konrad absorbed these words, wanting to respond but uncertain how. After all, Wayne was correct. If humanity existed in hell, how could they fight against one perdition for another?
Wayne continued, "Why do you believe I provide hope to the common people? It's about contrast. When others on Nostramo witness what the Wayne Group accomplishes, how will they respond?"
"Envy."
"Yes, and no. I believe it's an aspiration. Only when everyone aspires to a better tomorrow will they resist today's atrocities and exploitation. You still have much to learn, Konrad."
Wayne patted Konrad's head, regarding the child who stood as tall as himself. "You're only six years old and already nearly my height. In a few more years, you will be the tallest person in the world. Although it belongs to me now, to you, belongs humanity's future."
"Father, I understand." Konrad, resembling a diligent administrator, smiled slightly. "What should we do next?"
"........"
In that instant, Wayne realized he had made a mistake.
All his education was instructing Konrad to suppress his innate madness, but a Primarch's instincts cannot be suppressed. Because a Primarch's instincts are intrinsically connected to his Warp essence, the price of infinitely suppressing instincts is their helplessness when confronting their Warp nature.
If Konrad continued this path, what would occur when he matured and faced psychic prophecies and his inherent madness?
Constant suppression was incorrect. Suppression would only accumulate madness, eventually leading him to commit a self-destructive act, just as it did with Perturabo.
Did he intend to transform Konrad into the next Guilliman?
No, Konrad was Konrad. His madness and justice were his instincts, and neither could be absent. How could he accomplish this?
"You may withdraw for now. Your military academy training remains incomplete. That's sufficient for today. We'll discuss these matters further in the future."
The man watched his son depart, and for the first time, a troubled sigh escaped him. He recognized this approach to education was flawed.
He had been leading Konrad to believe that humanity was saturated with hope, but humankind had two aspects. Virtue and wickedness, selfishness and altruism were both human instincts.
Just as primitive communities would spontaneously assist their kinfolk, even without moral frameworks, human ancestors had spontaneously aided other victims. But how did those victims come to exist?
These were all facets of humanity. Blindly pursuing light was detrimental, and denying light was equally wrong. Just as Konrad's suppression of his madness meant his psychic prophecies would become uncontrollable in the future.
If he weren't taught to control his madness, he might indiscriminately slaughter innocents, precisely like the first step of Konrad's fall in the original timeline, killing innocent mortals. Then Konrad had realized he'd become a criminal and began to surrender to despair and self-pity.
Now Wayne resembled someone attempting the impossible, and the problem was that achieving both was extraordinarily difficult.
Balance was what the Primarch and Wayne required.
"Raising a demigod son requires so much consideration. I wonder what the Emperor of Mankind gained by raising the Primarchs in such a hands-off manner?"
Wayne felt immense pressure contemplating Konrad's future. If he had to nurture several more Primarchs, he would spend all his time planning their futures.
"Is the noble council tomorrow?"
"Yes." The failsafe responded. "What's wrong?"
"I will bring Konrad and Adelaine. Arrange the warships and troops. The plan must be prepared."
"Understood."
He had never before wanted to strike the Emperor of Mankind so badly. What kind of father engineered his own children like that?
"I'm still considering." Wayne examined his old photographs. "It's easier to conquer the world than to govern it properly."
In the nobles' eyes, Wayne was a madman, a bloodthirsty doctor, a monster they avoided at all costs. None of this had been granted to Wayne through the nobles' pity. The fleet and orbital elevators controlled by the Wayne Group hadn't been surrendered because of their sudden conscience.
All of this was something Wayne had carved out through the most brutal methods and slaughter, making the nobles and gang lords fear him. He was never a good person, but a tyrant...a tyrant on Nostramo accumulating strength to annex the entire world.
No education compared to personal experience.
"I will teach Konrad what righteous madness means, and that cruelty and benevolence are not contradictory. Remember to prepare his clothes properly."
"Understood. I've already informed Adelaine. She will make the clothes herself. There's still considerable work today."
"Let's begin."
[End of Chapter]