Terra.
The Imperial Palace, situated atop the Himalayan Mountains.
The Himalayas—this continuous mountain range was said to be the highest on ancient Terra. Legends told of Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak, nestled among these crags, a place once worshipped and feared by mankind.
In even older eras, many believed these pristine, snow-capped mountains were the dwelling place of gods, a sacred realm forbidden to mortals.
Now, in the 30th Millennium, the unstoppable force of the Master of Mankind had unified Terra, and the Himalayan plateau fell into the Emperor's hands. As the world unified under His banner, the Himalayas—one of the few regions not yet fully developed—became the site of the Imperial Palace, the seat from which He governed the entire Imperium.
As the Imperium secured Terra and the Great Crusade expanded beyond the Sol System into the distant galaxy, the ever-growing domain provided the Emperor with the manpower, material, and resources to renovate and expand His palace.
Thus, when Perturabo arrived on Terra, the core areas of the Imperial Palace were complete, housing the Emperor and the various administrative branches of the government. Simultaneously, however, countless construction projects, both major and minor, remained underway. Terra was, in essence, a colossal, thriving construction site.
"The urbanization project in Merica is 80% complete. Although several radioactive zones from the Unification Wars remain un-cleansed, I believe the Tech-Priests from Mars and the local Terran artisans will finish the task soon."
"Re-migration efforts for the Old Ruins of Oryk, cleared by the XVII Legion, are still ongoing. The XVII Legion's destruction of the infrastructure was too severe; it will take time for the migrants to restart local functions."
"The situation in Hy Brasil remains stable. Under the autonomy promised by the Emperor, their hive cities are functioning well. However, their leaders are still attempting to gain seats in the Council of Terra, despite your various efforts to block them, Regent."
"Conscription in the Achaemenid Empire is going exceptionally well. The majority of recruits have been approved for induction into the XV Legion."
Under the supervision of Malcador the Sigillite, the officials responsible for governing the Imperium's primary domain—Terra—were reporting on their respective departments. Each sought the Regent's approval or denial for their budget requests.
"Regarding the radiation cleansing in Merica, I am concerned. Merica was once a developed nation; its restoration is vital to Imperial rule. I authorize an increase of roughly fifty percent to the original budget. We must see more ruins reclaimed and inhabited."
"Oryk received what it deserved. The XVII Legion's actions were appropriate, but I understand your predicament. I will order the Mechanicum and the Terran guilds to dispatch more engineers to assist the migrants in repairing the infrastructure of the former Oryk zones."
"The ruler of Hy Brasil's thirst for a seat on the Council helps the Imperium control him. It makes him willing to surrender more power and assist in governing his nation. Let him continue. Let him cling to his unrealistic fantasies. If appropriate, grant him minor boons to keep his hopes alive."
Malcador sat in his designated seat, listening to the reports with a calm expression before delivering his assessments.
Occasionally, Malcador glanced toward the skylight in the ceiling as if searching for something. The officials present simply assumed the Regent was checking the Terran weather and thought little of it.
Hidden upon that very skylight, high above the busy meeting room, was a man—or rather, a Primarch—watching the proceedings with intense interest. It was none other than Perturabo, recently returned to Terra by the Emperor.
Why was Perturabo lurking on a rooftop to spy on the Regent and his officials? As a Primarch, it would have been perfectly normal for him to walk in and observe the Chancellor's Office. Why choose to hide?
To Perturabo, only by observing in secret could he see the Imperial bureaucracy working with total sincerity, devoid of performance or falsehood.
Had he appeared before them as a Primarch, these mortal officials would have undoubtedly performed for him, hoping to leave a "good impression." Such a display would have masked the true mechanics of how the Imperium functioned.
Thus, Perturabo chose the roof of the administrative building, peering through the massive transparent skylight at Malcador and his subordinates to better understand his father's empire.
"I see. Imperial politics is a labyrinth of complexity. Numerous departments perform their duties, independent of one another. Their only true connection is their shared subordination to Malcador, the Regent. Every head reports to him, just as they are doing now."
"No wonder Father values this slender old man so highly. Without him, Father would be buried under this mountain of paperwork. Malcador is indeed a formidable figure."
Watching the various personalities in the meeting room through the glass, Perturabo nodded and whispered to himself. Having gained an initial understanding of the political and organizational structure, he began to respect Malcador, even if he still didn't particularly like him.
"Regardless, Terra is incredibly advanced—truly the cradle of mankind. Even after countless wars and chaos, its legacy far surpasses anything in Kislev. There is much here to be learned."
"During my time on Terra, I must study diligently. When I return to Kislev, I will not hesitate to demand that my people learn from their Terran kin and adopt their strengths."
Perturabo rested his chin in his hand, lost in thought. Everything he saw on Terra drove him to think deeper—to consider how to transform Kislev into the world of technology and reason he envisioned. Now, he felt he had found the way.