Chapter 180: Chapter 180: The Legion "Firstborn" Goes Public
Samuel Young was well aware of Alexia's personality, particularly her meticulous focus on safety and stability. Over the more than ten years she had worked for him, not a single accident had occurred under her watch.
After all, in the parallel world of Resident Evil: Code Veronica, had it not been for the Redfield siblings, Alexia Ashford would have long become the "perfect being."
"There are a few more points to note," Alexia said as she dispelled all the screens. "Due to hormonal factors, only male adolescents can be selected as candidates for the gene seed.
Additionally, studies on Subject 001 show that mass production through cloning would be extremely costly, on par with the Rebuilt Soldiers. So, the best way to mass-produce Astartes would still be to attract families willing to commit deeply to the military.
We can start by issuing an internal company announcement. I'm sure many colleagues will respond enthusiastically."
"I have my own plans," Samuel replied, not commenting on the internal announcement suggestion. Instead, he asked Alexia, "Based on your statements, can I assume that the gene seed is ready for use, with both safety and stability guaranteed?"
Taking a deep breath, Alexia's eyes were resolute. "Yes, I can guarantee that."
"Very good."
Samuel nodded lightly and stopped asking further questions, turning to leave the observation room. Alexia followed him out, and as soon as they passed through the automatic doors, they saw the hallway's light blocked by two "mountains"—Sanguinius and Guilliman, both clad in Mithril-powered armor.
"Guilliman, my boy! What brings you back suddenly? Let me have a good look at you."
Upon seeing Guilliman, whom she hadn't seen in years, Alexia first looked surprised but then broke into a warm smile, approaching the son she regarded as her own.
"Dr. Ashford," Guilliman, who was nearly as tall as his father, crouched down slightly so Alexia could brush her hand through his short golden hair. He smiled and said, "Father asked me to come back."
As Alexia looked at the now fully grown Primarch up close, memories of when Samuel had first brought back Guilliman and Sanguinius flashed through her mind, along with Samuel's words, "Take good care of them for me."
From those early days of "first-time motherhood" to becoming skilled at changing diapers, Alexia couldn't help but feel a flood of emotions. Finally, she spoke with heartfelt concern:
"You've worked hard these years. Don't forget to rest whenever you can. I know you want to say you're like your father and don't need sleep, but even a few minutes of rest will improve your efficiency. Do you understand?"
Guilliman hesitated for a moment but, hearing this familiar, almost motherly command after so many years, immediately agreed.
"I understand, Doctor."
"Good."
Alexia stepped back, and as her view shifted from eye level to looking up at her now fully grown "son," she added, "I won't say more. I need to help your father study those Reapers."
Then, turning to Sanguinius, she added, "You too—remember to rest. Don't just rely on your supernatural body and push yourself too hard."
"Understood, Doctor. I will," Sanguinius nodded immediately.
After finishing her reminders, Alexia gestured to Samuel, giving the father and sons space to talk, and then returned to the observation room.
As the automatic doors closed behind her, Guilliman turned to Samuel and asked, "Father, did you summon me back to assist the company in handling the Reaper captives?"
"The plan for the captives is still under consideration."
Samuel led his two sons down the hallway. "But I've already instructed Dr. Ashford and the entire biolab to use the remaining biological material from the Queen to attempt deciphering their telepathic abilities."
The Reaper Queen had been incinerated within seconds by psychic flames after being impaled by the Spear of the Empire. However, before the flames reached their peak, Sanguinius had taken Vulkan's suggestion and swiftly decapitated the Queen, handing the head over to the biolab for research.
"Telepathy..."
Guilliman stroked his chin thoughtfully as he and Sanguinius followed Samuel into the elevator. "I've reviewed their files. If the Doctor manages to crack their telepathic patterns, we might be able to use them as low-cost labor, further speeding up infrastructure development in the main universe."
"Low cost?"
Sanguinius raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly not thrilled about the idea of spending even a penny on alien prisoners.
At this moment, the elevator, carrying the three of them—whose combined weight exceeded a ton—began its ascent toward the transportation hub.
"The idea of repurposing captives is on the table," Samuel said, not dismissing Guilliman's suggestion. "The value they could generate far exceeds their individual worth. However, I didn't summon you back to help with prisoner management."
His tone grew serious, and Samuel glanced at his two sons with a stern expression before continuing:
"I believe the time has come for all the nations of the main universe—and indeed, all of humanity—to understand the true strength of this company. It's also time for you brothers to step into the public eye."
The brothers exchanged puzzled glances.
They knew their father's goal was likely to unify the main universe once and for all, especially since Atlas had already deployed its space fleet.
However, even with Atlas' overwhelming technological superiority, the main universe's networks were still rife with slander and misinformation.
For example:
"Why doesn't Atlas share its advanced technology with all the countries?!"
"How does a corporation have more firepower than entire nations? What are they really planning?!"
"I bet that after Atlas defeats the Reapers, they'll show their true colors! We're all going to live under their thumb, without any freedom at all!"
There was no need for the company's network department to investigate thoroughly; the brothers could easily guess that certain "elites" from various nations had grown desperate and resorted to such smear tactics.
Yet, Sanguinius, who had been stationed in the main universe, had noticed earlier than Guilliman that the network department wasn't handling this negative publicity as they normally would. Instead, they were allowing it to spread.
Additionally, the department had even released edited battle footage, and in one blurry frame, they had deliberately shown Vulkan wielding his Frost Hammer.
Such a "mistake," combined with their father's recent words, made Sanguinius instantly realize that their father likely intended to use them as templates for a public-facing "Legion" and might be preparing to recruit soldiers from the general population.
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