POV: Nicole
I stare at my updated Noospheric profile as I make the last few tweaks that Master Doll and the Magi recomnded. A few of the rankings ca as a surprise, while in other areas, I know deep down that I could do better. Earning Magos in two fields makes the ti and effort I expended in the exams feel worth it. My elevation to Magos is a private affair, albeit a small one.
Ranks: Princeps Senioris of Legio Tempestus, Emissary
Magos-Artisan, Magos-Technicus, Archimandrite, Xenologist-Major, Mandati
*Sequestered Ranks: Archeos, Astrologi, Voidwright, Biologist, Xenolinguitor, Digitalist, Electro-Avatar, Explorator Minoris, Fabricator, Genetor Primus, Cyberseer, Arch Calculus Logi, Logistician, Militarist, Archeotransistor
Titles: Machine Touched, Living Relic, Matriarch of House Cavalerio, Seeker
My eyes linger warily over both 'Seeker' and 'Emissary'. The concealed portions of both are hidden deep within the code and require my explicit permission to access, it also takes considerable effort on my part, not even Master Doll has seen them yet. The sequestered ranks can be accessed by anyone with enough authority; they just need a rank above Magos, or a rank equivalent or higher status.
"Alright, the modifications are done," I tell the Magi with a smile. A full ten days spent on tests and exams, a third of the estimated duration of our Webway return journey.
Doll has a servitor bring him a crate. He pulls it open and removes sothing which he conceals from . It's only when he turns around that I get a look at the small, lead-lined, matte black gun case. "Your present." Doll presents it to .
I wasn't expecting a gift, but Master Doll appears to have planned this. The little case contains a pistol. An Archeotech Tac-Nuke Pistol.
"Where did you find this?!" I ask excitedly and only barely manage to restrain myself not to pick up the pistol from its case.
"I picked it up in the Processional. I figured you might like it." Doll explains with an amused and pleased tone.
"Thank you! It will make a fine addition to my collection." I purr as I close the case gently and hug it to my chest.
Xor is the first who moves to leave, but I quickly interject. "While I don't have any gifts on hand. While you are all here. There are so things we need to discuss about Cypra Mundi."
If I didn't have their attention before, I certainly did now. "I expect we will be doing a large amount of trade, and we have a number of extrely important relics, data caches, and several STCs. However, we will need to be on guard. I have reason to believe the Cypra Mundi system has an underlying Genestealer infestation. Not just there, but Mordian, Vigilus, Chancers Vale, and others. I have compiled a list of planets to pass along to the Ordo Xenos. Thankfully, the Inquisition should have a presence in the Segntum Fortress."
"You're certain?" Doll asks softly as he grimly processes the ramifications.
"As certain as I was about this excursion," I reply confidently.
Xor hisses, "I will need to make a thorough report to the local Venatorii and Inquisition. If they have not already been inford."
"I did inform Lord Striker of a few key locations requiring intervention. It is best we are thorough given the underlying threat," I admit.
Gertrude shares a glance with Magos Altair. She has predicted what I am about to say.
"Now, A's advanced sensors can pick up most Genestealer strains and generations; the main downside is range. I am still in the process of replicating them in a form we can reproduce and distribute, however, I am optimistic we can manage in ti for our arrival. This does an that anyone coming onto our ships needs to be checked, and anyone who takes shore leave gets checked when they return. There will be no exceptions. I will have to run so tests to see if the sensors on the Cobalt Coatl are capable of similar feats of identification or perhaps if her vaults possess data on a device for such a purpose." I explain, reaching up to give A a few scritches as she preens.
"While that does add so minor complications, given our goals to acquire a large number of crew, it is a surmountable one," Xor replies, his voice low and calculating. "In fact, exports of such a scanning device would be a boon."
"Unfortunately, it will likely be sowhat costly to produce," I warn them. "We need to do a full inventory of what we are willing to exchange and what we plan to retain. I plan to offer up copies of the cartographic data from Balto… err, the Probe, and depending on the reception of the local Legios, I may share the Mars-pattern titan schematics or Legio Interfectors' unique static shells. The Imperator weapons are useless without an Engine, so those will likely be exchanged." I look down at my dataslate and then to Master Doll.
"That is rather generous of you," Doll replies.
"We have the relics from my Uncle's vault. You will need to decide if we plan to retain Vesuvius." I remind him.
He blinks and then cocks his head. "Ah, yes, sothing to be considered, the Centurio Ordinatus will have a presence on Cypra Mundi. Most of the major forge worlds from the Segntum will have representatives there. The head Lathe representative should be a forr contemporary of mine, from one of the neutral factions. Mars will also have at least one representative. Lastly, an old rival of mine may also be present. Unfortunately, despite our holds stuffed with riches, we will have to play politics and be cordial; despite being a Forge, there is a significant Imperial presence. I will suggest we withhold from transmitting the exact nature of our wealth until after we have spoken with the Fabricator-General of Cypra Mundi.
Zephyr and Altair both make sour expressions. They both love the little Ordinatus.
"What's the current Fabricator-General like?" I inquire.
"Efficient," Doll replies with respect. "The man holds efficiency above all. Archmagos Aptimos Mundi phi
Reviews
All reviews (0)