The Fabricator really likes the new Land Raider tanks, and mostly everything I have for sale, including the Glaive relic I got from the Scythes, and all my variants of STCs including multilasers, personal missiles launchers and upgraded lasguns.
I almost feel he wants to lock in his basent to produce more upgraded templates for the glory of Omnissiah.
In fact, he tells this to my face, but I pretend it's a good joke.
"I wouldn't be able to explore the vast galaxy from a secure research facility, Archmagos. Still, I wonder if you would be interested in another type of collaboration." I ask in a jovial tone, and sip so hugely expensive wine imported from Terra itself.
The tech-priest blinks from his still human eye, and nods cautiously.
"My mother is a Blank, and so am I. Also my son is a Blank too. Very useful trait, for a special machine that could withstand the Warp...or psykers. If you could gather so Magi Biologis and set them on this task, I am certain everyone in the Imperium would be interested in Blank Machine Spirits. Your renown as a great Forge World would grow as well, if it works." I whisper and hold my hand out for a blood sample.
The Fabricator hesitates for a whole minute, no doubt cogitating deeply on higher implications of such machines, and the risks involved.
"And in exchange?" he asks in a wary voice.
I just shrug. My purpose is not equal trade after all. rely providing humanity with the ans to defend itself.
"My mother is also here, the blonde woman in the Inquisitor's retinue. She could use so chanicus upgrades for her difficult job." I ask after a second of deliberation. Not asking for anything would be too suspicious.
Another long minute passes, then the Fabricator opens his cogitator for a trade window, filled with nice goodies.
"Filial duty is rare...but you show humanity and modesty. Nothing for yourself, but only the best for your mother. If only more people were like you, Lord Pef." the Archmagos says and plays so cants and hymnals from his vox speakers.
I nod and start scrolling through the list. A , yet another Forge World here in the Ultima sector.
I imdiately return to my normal routines, spending my evenings impregnating my concubines and wives, even my Rose.
The rest of the schedule is split between officer training, redial training for my body and STC heresy.
I decide to create a better Sentinel walker, with a quad-multilaser in a diamond pattern, and the nice and helpful missile launcher. I also widen the feet for better traction and grip, and install a pair of chanical arms to the sides.
It's not a Knight, but at least it's sothing. The hands are inspired by the Magi cyborg arms and can be used for lifting or digging, or holding heavy weapons. But the largest advantage is simply better balance and lee combat.
Plus they can now stand up if they fall, which is always a problem with bipeds of any origin.
Perhaps my aid can sohow change the fate of the Triplex Phall, if they are better prepared. But if not, I'll make sure to rescue as much as possible before the Tyranids engulf the system with millions of bioships.
Deep in the Litany's vault, the rescued Sounding Board lies in secret and stasis, for better days. I can't even try to comprehend the deep secrets of the xeno artifact, but I have ti. With the helpful life extension treatnt on Estaban, I should reach 1000 real ti years without problem. Pair that with constant Warp travel and I might live even 5000 years later.
And when that ti cos, I should have more options available. It's true that every man has to die, but here in the dark and crazy future, one doesn't have to stay a man.
I don't consider those options just yet. To be noticed by the Ruinous Powers so soon wouldn't be very healthy, Blank or not.
Mother listens to my advice and seduces Lord Whitelance, and a dozen of my new Biologis Magi from Estaban eagerly begin gestating a new Knight House for , even a few Blank brothers among them.
Knights might not be Titans, but I'll take what I can get.
Justine even admits liking Whitelance a little, as he reminds her of my brave father. My clan grows slowly in numbers and ships and overall influence, and soon I might achieve my first objective.
The Blood Angels are in dire need of a cure, and back on Ilevar my future Blank concubines are growing up into their teens.
I'm not certain what will result from this trial, but I expect good things.
With a lurch, the Litany drops out of Warp a bit too far from the Forge World. "The Silence is here" Rose announces with a pained voice.
Damn it. I hope I'm not too late.
The void is filled with tyranid organisms, even a large Hive ship possibly containing the Queen. Larger than a battleship, and with claws longer than the Litany, a Hive Ship is a formidable opponent even for a Segntum Fleet.
There is no such fleet here, rely a ramshackle gathering of chanicus, Astartes and other ships, possibly Rogue Traders or a local Naval squadron.
I lean back in my command chair and exchange a glance with Rose. She has the sa idea, obviously.
Reviews
All reviews (0)