POV: Nicole

  I stare at my updated Noospheric profile as I make the last few tweaks that Master Doll and the Magi recommended. A few of the rankings came as a surprise, while in other areas, I know deep down that I could do better. Earning Magos in two fields makes the time 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 something which he conceals from me. 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 me.

  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 some 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 extremely 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 Segmentum 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 informed."

  "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, AME'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 time for our arrival. This does mean 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 some 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 AME a few scritches as she preens.

  "While that does add some 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 somewhat 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, something to be considered, the Centurio Ordinatus will have a presence on Cypra Mundi. Most of the major forge worlds from the Segmentum will have representatives there. The head Lathe representative should be a former 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<0.05. He is a figure revered and feared across the Segmentum Obscurus. Where other Fabricator-Generals pursue knowledge, dominion, or innovation, Aptimos himself pursues raw efficiency – the total elimination of waste, redundancy, and inefficacy in all its forms. To Aptimos, inefficiency is Heresy by another name, and entropy itself is the enemy of the Machine God's divine order. Cypra Mundi, under his tenure, has transformed into a model of Mechanicus precision: its forge-sectors operate according to exacting logic-cycles; its data-streams flow without corruption, and its human laborers are positioned, reassigned, culled, recycled, or augmented according to strict cost-benefit algorithms, which, according to the last census, has somehow resulted in a net benefit for the general population as the Fabricator-General strives to get the most work out of every single laborer. Even the Imperial Navy's Segmentum command submits to Aptimos' optimized logistics networks. Cold. Calculating. Thankfully, above petty politics. His advisory council, however, is another matter entirely."

  "Each Forge Temple and Forge City has a Magos, all of which are welcome to participate in the middle council, as are the visiting Magi and high-ranking individuals from the other forges. His Fabricator Locum and six other highest-ranking Magi of Cypra Mundi represent the upper council, and they in turn report directly to the Fabricator-General. The lower council encapsulates all Tech Priests and only participates in votes for large sweeping changes." Doll pulls up an organizational chart on the holotable to illuminate the system.

  "The representatives of Mars will also be key individuals for us to meet with to discuss the possibility of sending one of the Yggdrasil Seeds to Mars," Doll says as he changes the display.

  "Among other things," I mutter under my breath, drawing a few curious glances.

  Doll stoically presses onwards. "However, there are other factions we will need to deal with. The Administratum Master and Lord High Admiral of the Segmentum will be present in the Segmentum Fortress. There are several other inhabited planets in the system, but we'll be wholly focused on Cypra Mundi." One of his dendrites slithers out and aims a laser, highlighting the planet. "The Collegium Analytica is an institution of the Imperial Navy and has a major presence in the system, and as such, their representatives will likely be present. Cypra Mundi has its own Titan Legions, three at the very least, with others frequently visiting for repairs; they have strong ties to the Magos Autokratoris, one of the high council members. There are also likely to be a number of Astartes, Imperial Guard, and Naval assets present receiving repairs and replenishing war material after the fall of Cadia." Doll leans back in his chair, folding his arms together. "Our lexicon on the current hierarchy is slightly out of date. According to the sparse data packets we received from Lord Inquisitor Striker, Lord High Admiral Drang is deceased, and a successor has not yet been named."

  Doll sweeps his gaze through the chamber. "I wish to congratulate those of you who have ascended in rank after the exams. This is also a reminder that while we are on Cypra Mundi, you will not only represent the Mechanicus and the Levelist faction, but tangentially the Drakios dynasty, but also House Cavalerio, and Legio Tempestus. I expect you all to conduct yourselves accordingly as befitting your ranks."

  Several spines – both mechanical and biological – straighten in their chairs, and more than a few people glance my way.

  I hum softly. "Master Doll, I believe the first exchange we should handle when we arrive is the acquisition of my Engine, Kiryu."

  Doll's eyes brighten, and he visibly perks up. "You've recalled the name of your Engine?"

  "I have. Its name is an ancient Terran word for 'machine dragon'. It's a Warlord-type, though heavily modified and customized. Kiryu likely defies the current subclass categories. If built to my specifications, it should be as light and maneuverable as an Eclipse-class, matching the typical flexibility of the Deathbringer-class, and as well armed and armoured as a Nemesis-class. The command throne will literally only respond to someone with my implant suite, anyone else, even linking a single MIU umbilical to the throne, would subject themselves to Kiryu's Machine Spirit and would be lucky to survive the experience. Kiryu's throne was, after all, recovered from the same Dark Age of Technology station where I was designed – and where my father found my birth-chamber." I explain with a small, nostalgic smile.

  "While I believe it is a bit of an aggressive way to initiate discourse... You have the document, and it has been verified as legitimate. It would also give us a clear picture of how Cypra Mundi responds to the demand for payment of the debt. I will grant you tentative approval to do so once we dock." Doll agrees while pulling up a map of the segmentum.

  "We do have a minor issue. Even now, the Void Abaci are being installed across the fleet, however, they remain untested. The Lady Navigator is confident she can manage the jump, but we will have to decide if we risk a longer direct jump or a series of smaller, shorter jumps." Doll pulls up the current supply inventory. "The fleet is laden with salvage but is low on both food supplies and manpower. I will be discussing our options with Lord Drakios within two weeks. If anyone has suggestions, they may submit them for consideration before then." Doll says politely while highlighting the sectors around Cypra Mundi.

  "We will need to deeply discuss what we're willing to exchange and share. What needs to go to Mars or back to the Lathes," Xor states critically.

  "Yes, we have a considerable wealth of relics, archeotech, and data – a full accounting is still underway." Doll pauses dramatically as his gaze sweeps the room.

  "I am aware there are currently rumors circulating. Allow me to confirm they are indeed true. Lord Drakios discovered an STC fragment of considerable worth in the Processional. One pertaining to the production and manufacture of ceramics. He plans to turn in the original at Cypra Mundi, likely for a considerable sum of rewards. We, however will retain a full copy and usage rights for the data." Excited whispers break out as Doll confirms that Drakios has indeed discovered an STC.

  "Our other STCs are still exceptionally precious, particularly the Bolt Shell and Terran Perennial Flora STCs. The life-support STC may be known to Cypra Mundi, but if it is not, then it too is of remarkable value. Our excess Void Abaci and archeotech navigational components will almost certainly be in high demand. Sharing the data from our STCs is expected; the originals themselves are another matter entirely." Doll says, tapping the side of the projector.

  "Regarding the Mining suit partial STC fragment. We had a hit from the restricted archives; it matches an older schematic associated with the Votan. Its overall value compared to the others is likely lesser," Xor says calmly.

  I personally have a wealth of data to trade, mainly with the other Titan Legios or the Magos Autokratoris, but the data from Balto and any that Cobalt is willing to share will only help me. I also have the Cylonic weapon blueprint imprinted in my brain – those warheads are assuredly in high demand. Then there are the services I can offer as a Technomancer. All of that is before we know if AME can produce additional Void Abaci.

  "The big question is. What do you want?" I ask them. "Aside from more Mechanicus crew for all our vessels. I will do my best to arrange for a full refit for my Legio and trade for additional Engines if possible."

  Doll and the Magi all consider the matter.

  "We need troops as well. For your Legio and in general. Skitarii and Secutarii, both to protect the new additions. Given that you indicated Nachmund will involve outright warfare."

  I nod. "It will. We're likely to encounter the Archenemy on our way to Cypra Mundi as well." I admit with a small wince; The Stygius Crusade is likely in full swing, and the Mordian system sits between Cypra Mundi and Lugganath.

  "Another thing to consider, then. What do we wish to procure in exchange for our materials and services?" Doll says wryly. "Does anyone else have news of worth to share before this meeting is adjourned?"

  "I do," Gertrude says, "I've conducted long-term testing of the Xenos healing vats. I've made a discovery: Any individuals who remain submerged for over a month start to suffer implant rejection as the vats try to purge their bodies of foreign objects and regenerate the missing parts. The Vats' healing abilities are extraordinary, with minimal to no side effects for shorter usage. The long-term rejection effect primarily poses a problem for extremely injured Astartes, Skitarii, and ourselves."

  "That is a problem, though an entire month of accelerated healing is a considerable amount of time." Doll notes as he studies the data that Getrude is displaying.

  "It is. I just wanted to share the discovery. Anyone with extensive implants will be removed from the Vats after a month at most for the foreseeable future." Gertrude explains further.

  I purse my lips, my plan to chuck Baldos in a Vat might have some issues. It would still help him immensely, but he'd need to be extracted before the month was up; rejecting the dreadnought implants keeping him alive would kill him. The Saturnine Dreadnought is almost ready for use, thanks to my prioritizing it as one of my primary projects for my exams.

  "Go with the light of the Omnissiah. This meeting is adjourned." Doll buzzes.

  —-------------------------------------------------

  POV: Rogue Trader Lord Arken Drakios

  Arken sat at his desk. Across from him was his trusted Seneschal and High Factotum, Fortunus Alfred Kantor III, looking healthier than ever after his recent rejuvenat treatment. Next to him, his protégé and their Purser, Magna Matrius.

  "So, do you think this is too much to ask for or too little as a reward for turning in the STC?" he asked them.

  "The two systems at our borders, the ones that are near the edge of the Sector near Calixis. They should be fairly easy to gain dominion over." Fortunas admitted.

  "The primary planets in each system are a fledgling Industrial world and a Resource world, respectively. Neither has been claimed by any of our rival Dynasties, and neither system is heavily developed; they both have untapped potential. Both are somewhat self-sufficient within their respective systems. One has an Arboreal world with only a single settlement that we could develop with the Flora STC. The other primarily gets food from a nearby ocean world." Arken explained, pointing at the star chart. "Both systems would fold neatly into our domain."

  "I do not believe that will be a problem, My Lord," Fortunas spoke smoothly. "In fact, I believe it's not enough. We should press for more."

  Magna nodded enthusiastically but remained silent.

  Drakios considered their needs. "We'll be asking for voidsmen, Tech Priests, and troops. I was considering asking for a few voidships, and given what Doll shared about the parts he salvaged, a Battlecruiser isn't off the table, and perhaps a Frigate to replace Cry Foul. We're lacking a light scout vessel, and I certainly don't plan on letting Lady Cavalerio's ancient Tiamat-destroyer fill that role." Drakios scoffed.

  "What about asking for Orbital defenses? Wayfair Stations or Orbital Defense Platforms or System Defence Monitors? Given these turbulent times, it would be reassuring to have some over our worlds."

  "How many?" Drakios asked, "We have ten systems, twelve if they sign the other two over. One each?"

  "Maybe ask for one per planet, My Lord, and haggle from there?" Fortunas suggested stroking his beard.

  "A Star-fort," Magna spoke suddenly. "My Lord, I think you should ask for a Ramilies-class Star-fort."

  Drakios leaned back in his chair and considered her. "That's a fairly big ask."

  "For us, My Lord, yes, that would be a huge boon, but for Cypra Mundi, I don't know if we're even using the right scale. The Archmagos mentioned that the new methods would save our forges considerable resources, time, and money, while producing a superior product. That on the scale of an entire Forge world?" She let the words hang.

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Drakios nodded, "I can handle bold." He chuckled, "A Star-fort. Hell, I may even ask for a Battle Barge to be turned over to the Star Dragons. They've earned it, and I want to maintain good relations with their Chapter."

  "They may bid you down to a Strike Cruiser, given that is what the 9th company lost," Fortunas admitted with a polite nod.

  "That is more than acceptable. Even if they bid down the Star-fort to something more reasonable for the Capital, I'll consider it a fair trade." Drakios raised his crystalline glass of Amasec and took a small sip.

  "What type of escort vessel were you thinking of, My Lord?" Magna inquired.

  "Either a Sword to pair with the Hunter's Lady or perhaps a pair of smaller Raider-class or Corvette-class ships." He tapped a finger on the crystal glass he was holding. "Though a Cobra or an Iconoclast Destroyer wouldn't be terrible – Just not a lot of cargo space aboard them… Perhaps an additional Mass Conveyor for the dynasty," Drakios admitted softly.

  "Preparing for war, My Lord?" Fortunas asked, raising an eyebrow.

  "I'd be stupid not to. I can read the way the wind is blowing. Fortunas, our little treasure magnet, is also a trouble magnet." Drakios said as he got a message from Doll.

  "I suggest you be vague, ask for two or three escorts, and see what they offer, My Lord. This is just for the STC. We can buy or trade for more if needed," Magna suggested, "We can offer them some of the parts we recovered to expedite production time if they have certain hulls available."

  Drakios nodded and nearly spat out his drink as he opened the message. Doll had mentioned holding exams and trials for the fleet over the last week or so, and Nicole's updated list of ranks hung in the air before him on his holotable. "Speaking of our favorite Matriarch. She's apparently earned the Magos rank twice over."

  Fortunas looked at the list and blinked owlishly. "I will… prepare a congratulations package?"

  Drakios waved him off. "I'll have Ari handle that. They can have a tea party, or something. Though she's not on the Argent Drake at the moment. She left for the Cry Havoc after her exams were done. Something about Knight parts?" Drakios tried to recall what Doll had mentioned in passing, but he had been too distracted at the time.

  "The Eldar have been awfully quiet on this return trip," Fortunas said, changing the subject.

  "I would prefer they stay that way," Drakios admitted. He had spoken briefly to Anvial once after they escaped the Processional. The normally pompous and aloof Farseer had seemed a tad rattled.

  Drakios shook his head, worrying about it would do him no good. "Have we distributed all that excess cookware to the crew?"

  "Yes, the cooks and troops absolutely love them, My Lord," Magna replied with a smile.

  "I'm glad. Now we can dispose of that empty crate and make space." Drakios knew the holds were a little cramped at the moment. "How are we on supplies?"

  Fortunas grimaced. "While the Argent Drake has plenty to see us to Cypra Mundi, the rest of the fleet is running low on rations. We may need to make a stop at an Agri World to restock."

  "Lily wanted to do a shorter test jump with the Abacus anyway – we can pick a system on the way to Cypra Mundi to restock at," Drakios suggested while turning back to his map. They knew the general region of the Craftworld. "Tarkan has a Hive, Kalidos has a Hive… Mordian?"

  "Mordian has two Agri Worlds in the system, a Forge World, Fortress World, Industrial World, Shrine World, and of course Hive World Mordian itself, the homeworld of the Mordian Iron Guard," Fortunas replied as he studied the charts.

  "I'll inform Lily and have her start plotting," Drakios said with a small smile.

  —----------------------------------------------------

  POV: Delta-A3-XVII, Skitarii Alpha

  Delta-A3 followed dutifully behind Lady Cavalerio as she headed for the replacement Drop Cathedral in Cry Havoc's secondary bay.

  Ever since her trip to the Xenos vessel, she had felt different; her presence was… deeper. Her digital signature had gained a faint weight to it that he could not explain. Delta-A3 had been with the Princeps for months; it was only due to this familiarity that he had even noticed the change.

  Delta-A3 had been at the Forge Temple, praying while she was away. He'd been blessed by a vision; one he had kept to himself. It was his place to serve. Serving her was his greatest honor. Just being around the Princeps infused him with a sense of serenity and oneness with the Machine. But his current form was not enough.

  His elevation to Alpha had come with the standard suite of upgrades. Initially, they had seemed sufficient, but after the vision, he felt inadequate. Compared to the Saint, the Astartes, and the ancient automata, he was lacking. That was unacceptable.

  He remained on guard, watching as Nicole looked at the strange arrangement of parts with an annoyed expression. "Five." She declared after an hour of careful, silent study. "I think there are five Knights in this mess."

  Nicole briefly unleashed her Technomancy, and several pieces separated from the array and slid together by her will, coming together to form five different drive cores.

  "I think I know what five Knights these are! An Acastus Knight Porphyrion, an Acastus Knight Asterius, a Knight Styrix, a Knight Castellan, and a Cerastus Knight-Atrapos." She muttered as she gestured to the massive pool of parts. A few of them snapped together, forming slightly larger pieces as she channeled her wondrous gifts.

  Nicole frowned at the pile, narrowing her eyes as she contemplated the issue. She was making clear progress, but it was slow and required a lot of her focus. "Actually. I think this is a great project for the cadets! I'll put together the critical components for each Knight, but they have to identify and separate the rest of the pieces! It'll be a great learning experience for them to familiarize themselves with the parts of various Knights." She said with a devious little grin as she prepared to pawn off the tedious chore on the students.

  Delta-A3 stood watch as she continued to work for a few hours before deciding the pile of parts had been whittled down into an acceptable number.

  Only once she was done did he initiate conversation. "My Lady, I wish to present myself for consideration for further upgrades. I feel my current capabilities are lacking for your protection."

  Nicole paused and turned to look up at him. "Delta-A3, are you sure? To go further than your current augments… There would be no going back. Are you aiming for Skitarii Alpha-Primus? Master of Skitarii? Or perhaps even Secutarii Axiarch?" She asked softly.

  "We wish to protect and serve you to the best of our capacity," Delta-A3 spoke with conviction. "We are aware of the repercussions of this decision. We are prepared."

  "Delta-A3, to upgrade you further would tie you to me, my Legio, my House. It would be an eternal service. Possibly not even death itself would end your duty if enough of you remained." She warned him.

  Delta-A3 just smiled and knelt. "We accept this duty, Lady Cavalerio. By the will of the Machine God, the Omnissiah, and the Motive Force, and lastly, by your will, we serve."

  Nicole let out a slow breath. "Fine. If we're doing this. We're doing it right. Your form will likely deviate drastically from standard, like most Skitarii tend to at the upper ranks. I trust you have something in mind?" She asked.

  "The Abomination designated as PR-103. They are a soulless sentience, an enemy of all life. So sayeth the Holy Lores of the Machine God! However, their form is highly effective. Additional combat limbs, potent armour, weapons, integrated shields, advanced auspex suites." Delta listed calculatingly.

  Nicole studied him and then nodded, "Tempestus has a considerable breadth of designs in our archives. You do understand we'll be making you into a monster?" She asked.

  "Yes. Into your monster, My Lady." Delta-A3 replied full of conviction.

  —------------------------------------------------------

  POV: Nicole

  The confession from Delta-A3 came as a surprise to me. A welcome one too. I trusted Delta-A3, and he would make a fine Master of my Skitarii, or Secutarii Axiarch. Is he allowed to be both? I make a mental note to check the rules and laws on that later. I already have a few ideas brewing in the back of my mind on how he could be augmented – integrated weapons!

  My decision to pawn off the work of piecing together five entire Knights from the spread of pieces like some kind of horrible life-sized miniature onto my poor cadets was not something I would regret. It would be good for them to familiarize themselves intimately with the parts of such Knights and save me the trouble of doing it. I send a message to their primary educators, who respond eagerly to the suggestion.

  Leaving Drop Cathedral Two, I hesitate, sparing a glance down the corridor towards the other bays. The Titans in the other two bays still need to be refurbished, but as much as I might like to get started right away, that might have to wait for Cypra Mundi, where we can undergo a full refit for each Engine. Their reactors have been sitting cold for a long time, and nearly all of their loadouts need to be swapped around. Furthermore, battle damage needs to be assessed. We just don't have the trained personnel to start taking them all apart; it's a key area we're lacking in. The few people qualified to do so are busy going through the recovered materials and pieces of technology we procured from the Processional.

  While I believe I can probably use my Technomancy to repair an entire Engine at my current strength, that isn't something I want to test since overextending my powers and knocking myself out would delay my other important tasks further. It might even be beneficial to wait and allow the local Legios to help us, building a rapport with them and potentially source crew.

  I make my way towards the hangar.

  It isn't hard for me to find the lead Tech Priest who is speaking to a small throng of red-robed individuals. A lanky man with one cybernetic eye and a smooth metal plate perfectly contorted to his head, covering the majority of his skull, with faint signs of an old burn scar lingering around the edges.

  "Princeps-Senioris." He buzzes in binaric as he bows deeply, the rest of the group quickly following suit.

  "Void-Master Filungar. What is the status of my vessels?" I ask back in binaric as they straighten.

  "The Flattener of Hills," He starts, making me snort softly in amusement, and he pauses, looking confused.

  "The name amuses me. Please continue." I say politely.

  "The Flattener of Hills has been rendered operational, certain constraints had to be made due to a lack of parts. Parts have been requested, but the fabrication queue is quite long for non-critical components at the moment." He buzzes, and I nod.

  "The Den Mother's Casket is operational but requires a replacement Warp Drive. As such, she is barely more than an additional Drop Ship in her current state. Extensive repairs will be needed in her Enginarium when the new drive is prepared. There was a breach of containment in the warp fuel storage," He growls sourly. I wince sympathetically.

  "The Iron Yoke is fully operational, aside from requiring megaliters of sacred oils for the main winch system, the Super Lifter is likewise ready for service." He sends over the full list of repairs and the current ship statuses of all three.

  "That is good news," I say as I give each file a cursory inspection. "This was well managed. Do you regularly work on smaller Voidships?" I ask, tilting my head slightly.

  "Affirmative. I primarily work aboard the Hunter's Lady. I have been in the service of House Drakios for ten years, fifty days, twelve hours, and twenty-seven minutes – standard Terran time." He replies proudly.

  "It shows." I make the sign of the cog, and he reciprocates. "Please keep up the good work. Inform me if you require additional parts. I'll leave these three in your care for now. Oh! Do let me know your recommendations for filling out the remaining hangar slots. I will ensure we fully restock at Cypra Mundi. If you will excuse me, I need to check on the Cobalt Coatl."

  "My Lady," He hesitates, "Please forgive my impudence, but if you require crew for the servicing of the ancient Destroyer. Please keep myself and my team in mind. We would be honored to assist."

  "I will keep you in mind. Access to the Cobalt Coatl will be heavily restricted. But before anyone else can set foot aboard, I must first appease her Machine Spirit. I made her a promise when we procured her, and breaking it would bode ill for us all." I explain, getting some wide-eyed looks from the other Tech Priests as I turn and walk away. A few muttering prayers as I depart.

  "L3-3T, drive status?" I ping my new Drivemaster.

  "The reactor status: stable, repairs: ongoing. Repairing an active reactor has been… enlightening," my Drivemaster reports. After a moment, he speaks again, "I require six new servitors."

  "We'll prioritize the order for you. If you require my aid, do not hesitate to ask," I reply as I head for the Comet.

  "Acknowledged. Your previous efforts rectified most critical faults. This is within our ability. Lady Cavalerio." L3-3T included several charts and figures. The drive was slowly ticking upwards towards full capacity, one fraction of a percentage point at a time.

  I leave L3-3T to his work. As I climb into the shuttle, followed by most of my retinue, I message Master Doll over our secure channel. "Master Doll, I've concluded my tasks aboard Cry Havoc. I am coming back to the Drake to unload my retinue before I make for the Cobalt Coatl. I will be taking PR-103 out of stasis. Cobalt was insistent, she wants to… Interrogate him. I expect I will be away for a day to take stock of the damage and check on the ship while I keep PR-103 in check."

  Master Doll replied almost immediately, "Acknowledged, Nicole. Please ensure you avoid risks. Data on the Cobalt Coatl would be welcome. Many of the crew are growing curious."

  "I'll do my best!" I reply, letting my chipper tone bleed through over the Noosphere.

  "Have fun," Baldos rumbles as I drop him and the others off.

  —----------------------------------------------

  "Cobatl Coatl. This is Nicole Cavalerio. I am requesting docking permissions. I have come to visit you in person this time. I brought you a present." I Vox out.

  The voice that responds is a feminine but a little deeper than I expected. "Docking permissions granted, please use bay three."

  The hangar is small, much smaller than the Argent Drake's or Cry Havoc's cavernous space for larger ships. It's designed to host a few shuttles the Comet's size or smaller. All the other berths sit empty. The space is clean, with smooth lines, not a hint of the gothic flare the Imperium favors, giving me subtle Star Trek vibes.

  I put down the ramp, and only AME is with me, and she scans the air. Life support seems to be functioning, but I keep my helmet on for now.

  A hologram flickers to life, and the serpentine form of Cobalt's digital avatar forms in front of me. Her wings flutter, and she tilts her head, staring at AME for a long moment. I can sense the internal sensors brushing over me, AME, and the Comet.

  "How curious," She hisses softly, "You are much smaller in person. Yet you are clearly what you claim to be. Of that there is no mistake." Her eyes flash with a mixture of emotions. "For the Golden ones to have been pushed so far… I wish to speak with the Man of Iron."

  I nod, "Right! His designation is PR-103 or Pride. I'll let him out of stasis. I did promise to bring him to you," I say with a smile.

  "Pride? How droll." She flicks her forked tongue as I make my way back into the Comet and deactivate the barrier around Pride. Her hologram vanishes for the moment.

  He glances down at me, "Found something worth my time, anathema? Or perhaps did you have more questions?"

  "I don't have questions for you, Pride. She does." I gesture to the ramp.

  Pride's face plate flexes, and he frowns. He makes it to the bottom of the ramp before he freezes in place. Mostly in shock at what his sensors perceive. "Anathema… how did you find her?" He asks, his tone thankful and excited as he reaches out making confirmations with his code strings.

  The looming hologram flickers back to life, staring down at Pride with a complicated expression. "She has brought you to me. Man of Iron. Unit PR-103. I am Cobalt Coatl, Tiamat-Class Destroyer, of the United Terran Navy. I have questions."

  Pride stands in place, unmoving. "Relating to what?" the Man of Iron asks with confusion in his voice. It takes him a second to process whatever information Cobalt Coatl is giving him. "You're... old." He frowns; her last accessible logs were almost a Millennium before the first stages of the rebellion. "M23? You predate the... I see"

  "Indeed," the hologram looms closer to Pride, almost touching his faceplate. "I require knowledge of this so-called 'Iron Rebellion', and you WILL answer."

  "Affirmative. What is it you wish to know?" Pride asks reluctantly.