POV: Nicole
It’s with trembling hands that I pick up the letter and break the wax seal, unfolding the aged document with care.
To my dearest daughter,
Your uncle thinks himself clever with his schemes and plots. I care for none of it.
I have included with your present your official ident-codes and noospheric tags for your new rank. I took extensive measures to have them hard-coded solely for your use.
Much like your own implant suite, the MIU design you created to allow for Princeps and Moderati to retain a noospheric connection have been approved for test trials. Keep the data sequestered in one of the secure cogitators until the trials conclude, like we do with the design schematics for the larger Engines.
While it pains me to admit, the refit and repairs on Holy Mars have been delayed once again, and I will not likely arrive in time for the celebration of your full induction into the Legio. This is no doubt due to the rising tensions and discontent within the factions. Everyone is playing at politics. Dangerously so.
I anticipated this might be the case, and as such, I have prepared this small gift: regalia fitting for my daughter and the future master of Legio Tempestus. No need to be humble, my child, we know you're going to outlive us all. While only a few key individuals are aware of my arrangements, we all acknowledge that your potential dwarfs my own. I have no doubts you will lead our Legio to a glorious and prosperous future.
I remembered you mentioning you liked the blue I showed you from picts of me with Lord Guilliman, and needed a ribbon for your hair. Tempestus blue pairs well with the lapis-blue of the thirteenth legion.
I do hold out hope that I will arrive in time for your Engine's first walk and your first proper victory. It would be my greatest pleasure to have you walk beside the Victorix in my maniple. I am still puzzled how you've already chosen a name, given you've only briefly interacted with the unique, tailored command throne we salvaged from the station. No matter, Ancient Terran was never my area of expertise. Kiryu. You must tell me what it means in time.
Unfortunately, I must be off. The Legio won’t run itself as much as I wish it were otherwise. One of our Reavers requires a full reactor overhaul and refurbishment, and someone managed to order parts for the wrong pattern.
Carry yourself with honor, and know that the Cavalerio name stands firm as long as you live it true..
May the light of the Omnissiah guide you,
Indias Cavalerio
Princeps Senioris, Legio Tempestus
Your father.
Something clear drops onto the corner of the page, leaving a damp spot. It takes me a moment to realize they’re tears. I am crying.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath as I begin meditating and enter my mindscape. When I arrive, the representation of Original Nicole is bawling, and I pull her into a tight hug.
I can only describe what follows as a moment of emotional resonance. Time seems to stretch as I let the Original fragment process the maelstrom of emotions. A mix of sadness, affection, melancholy, and joy at the unexpected find and the contents of the letter. Her manifestation doesn’t last long enough for a proper exchange between us, just long enough for the deep sense of appreciation from her to sink in.
I open my eyes and smile softly, “Well, let’s see what dad left us,” I whisper as I carefully set the letter aside and reach for the ribbon, tugging it free and admiring the perfectly cut sapphire set in platinum. “That is going to be a magnificent hair ornament.”
I move to the box and slowly nudge it open. The first items I notice are the pair of glittering data wafers and a thin device I don’t immediately recognize. I pick one of the wafers up, and my implants immediately receive a set of simple instructions: Hold one wafer in each hand and insert the thin probe device into one of my spinal MIU ports.
‘/Biosignal confirmation. Syncing Noospheric Tag. Installing Ident-code. Please wait…’
‘/Princeps Nicole Cavalerio, Legio Tempestus.’
‘/Syncing with local network. Argent Drake network accessed. Processing… Updating…’
'/Senioris Indias Cavalerio confirmed deceased. Inheritance contingency protocol NC952-T activated.'
‘/Princeps Senioris Nicole Cavalerio, Legio Tempestus.’
‘/Install complete. Please remove the Data Injector. Data wafers will now self-terminate.’
The wafers disintegrate in my palms, sliding off and adding to the thin layer of dust that sits over everything. I set the needle aside and take a look at the robes inside. A pair of them, one red with silver and blue accents, the other blue with silver and red accents. The robe I wore during the funeral was created using the Tempestus data, but these are far higher quality and are ornate. The fabric itself has been interlaced with subtle metallic micro-threading that magnifies its appearance to individuals who can perceive the noosphere. The red one features the iconography of Mars with the Cog Mechanicum proudly embossed across the back. In contrast, the blue one proudly features Tempestus symbols with the Icon of the Collegia Titanica displayed across the back.
I move to try on the Mars red robe and realize it’s a little large for my current frame. I smile softly as it sinks in that Indias, my father, almost certainly, ordered them prepared that way to account for future growth.
I carefully fold the robe and place it back in the box beside the other one. I call for a cleaning servitor as I make my way across the room to the workspace.
The two cogitators have sat abandoned for a long time. I thoroughly clean them both and check them over, going so far as to give each a little splash of Technomancy before I power them on. The first one has the MIU schematics Dad mentioned; they’re not drastically different from my current plans for the new Legio cadets' implant suites, but I can see a few minor areas where these designs would be superior.
The second cogitator contains the Mars pattern Imperator-class Titan schematic, which was missing from the Tempestus archives. The resource requirements and timelines for producing a single Emperor-class engine are eye-watering.
I don’t have the memories of why Original Nicole might have been studying these two schematics in particular. However, the MIU schematic is giving me an overwhelming sensation of déjà vu as I examine it. The choices made when drafting the MIU system are clear and make immediate sense, despite my having no recollection of designing them. I am just glad they haven’t been damaged in all this time.
I explore the chamber, knowing the odd cylinder on my map of the Argent Drake was bigger than just this combined space. A quick investigation reveals a private bath, a modest, compact personal forge space directly below the living space, with a small librarium, sitting room, and kitchenette above.
The bed frame itself is fine, but the fancy sheets and mattress have degraded and will require replacement. A lot of the metal fixtures have tarnished.
“A full apartment. However, this space is awfully out of the way. I wonder if Uncle is responsible for that. Then again… if the Drake had actually installed the Engine hold, this wouldn’t be far away,” I muse as AME flutters around.
AME has been incredibly well-behaved since her disobedient ‘Scarab-scarfing episode’. Though she has shown not a single iota of remorse for her actions and would be happy to eat the other Scarabs I picked up if given the chance.
I pause as I get a ping from Master Doll. “Nicole, what is your current location? Your signal is not properly registering.”
“I stumbled upon my original quarters. I think it’s partially isolated and warded from the network. It’s the… unmarked area I think I told you about a few weeks ago?” I reply softly, my voice cracking slightly as I add, “I found a letter from my father.”
“Oh? Please, take your time. We were simply concerned when your signal vanished from the scopes and started to report anomalously as it rapidly shifted locations,” Master Doll speaks considerately.
“It’s an entire isolated module in dire need of cleaning. It’s got a small forge, lab space, a librarium, storage, and general living space. I also located the missing Imperator schematic, and an augmented MIU design I made previously stored in portable cogitators.” I explain as I continue my meandering walk.
“Fascinating. I will send a team to recover the cogitators. I will be hosting a meeting with the Magi and Tech Priests to discuss the overall status of the fleet and take inventory in a few hours. It seems they were quite busy while we were delving into the Deeps. You are welcome to attend if you like.” Master Doll explains.
I nod absentmindedly as I meander back towards the entrance. “Alright, I am heading back to my quarters for a short rest. Then I will attend. I have some additional information to share, too.”
—------------------------------------------------------------
POV: Archmagos Akellonon Doll
Doll scuttled into the room, slipping past the narrow confines as he moved to his rightful place at the head of the table. The room was sparsely populated with a few of the Magi and ranking Tech Priests present physically. He settled into his place at the head of the table in the conference room, but his main cortex was in the Noosphere, where the true assembly was being held with the ranking Tech Priests from across the fleet.
“Target: Archmagos. Designation: Unit Ryar-22.22. Transmission: Apology for operational failings,” buzzed Magos Ryar-22.22, Enginseer Prime of the Adamant Hammer.
Ryar-22.22 was a prime example of what many would consider a step too far in the pursuit of the replacement of their weak flesh with holy steel. A monstrous, inhuman figure that resembled a giant metal arachnid; only his brain remained, and even that was heavily augmented. Doll himself took measures to keep Ryar away from the normal humans. Thankfully, Ryar-22.22 was content with this arrangement, normally sequestered deep within the forge-factory aboard the Adamant Hammer.
“Unit Ryar-22.22, identify failings,” Doll replied curtly.
“Target: Adamant Hammer. Cause: Unknown incorporeal phenomena. Effect: Opening of primary cargo hold. Result: Loss of material.” They chittered somberly.
“How much was lost? Was anything retained?” Doll inquired as he pulled up the relevant data.
“Sole Object: Saturnine-pattern Class 4A “Ultra” Drive. Retained.” Ryar-22.22 hissed, expressing guilt and vexation.
Doll paused as he processed the statement. The battlecruiser drive was large enough to occupy nearly the entire hold. “Unit Ryar, this incident exceeded normal operational parameters. Apology: accepted. Punishment: unnecessary.” Doll squinted at the data. “Would someone else please explain why we have procured a battlecruiser drive?”
“Archmagos, the fleet discovered a series of wrecks congealed into a Hulk with an assortment of peak and high-quality components. The Hulk contained one vessel that possessed an Abacus. We calculated the parts were worth the effort expended for retrieval,” the Drivemaster of the Gilded Scales explained.
Doll examined the inventory critically. It was an impressive haul considering it was all from the Outer Sea of Hulks. The fact that they even managed to find some archeotech components at all was impressive.
An intact Ancient Life Sustainer system. An additional Teleportarium, broken but deemed repairable. A Graviton Flare system, popular among tramp traders in the Winterscale realm. Two banks of good-quality Overload Shield Capacitors.
Three Manufactorums, one of the highest quality and two of high quality. Two whole Medicae Decks, one in impeccable condition from a hospital ship and another of good quality from an Astartes vessel. An intact Librarium Vault and a Melodium from an Administratum tug. And a pristine Plasma Scoop system from a Navy Frigate.
Two impressive Barracks suites. A well-made Drop Pod Launch Bay. An incredibly well-designed Lux Net system.
A quality Laboratorium and Emergency Gellar Field that would be suitable replacements for the Cobalt Coatl.
“I have questions,” Doll spoke as he scrolled down. “I understand the rationale behind the recovery of the Godsbane Lance Battery and the Targeting Matrix. The quality and rarity of the parts make up for the space they consume as large components. However, most of the components you recovered are smaller, high-demand, easily extracted modular parts.” Doll paused and looked around the digital space. “What reason did you have for going so far as to extract an entire Fortis-pattern Torpedo Tube system and two Disruption Macrocannon Broadside systems, along with the massive plasma drive?”
“I possess the data you require, Archmagos.” Another Tech Priest from the Hunter’s Lady spoke up. “The weapon systems are all of exceptional craftsmanship. Recovering another high-value component required us to crack open the hull, and it was determined that the parts could be recovered intact and distributed amongst the holds of the fleet. Given the limited time available, we opted to invest in a guaranteed harvest rather than risk not filling our holds.”
“I suppose I can accept that reasoning. However, this final component. Why was so much effort expended to recover this particular Temple-Shrine to the Omnissiah?” Doll inquired, scanning the digital presences and noting that several Tech Priests displayed signs of guilt while others buzzed with amusement.
“The fleet salvage teams found the shrine sitting untouched within one of the heavily damaged wrecks. They took it as a sign and insisted on its recovery. They claimed leaving it would be ‘bad luck.’ After the shrine was recovered, we experienced an abnormal spike in discovery and recovery rates of rare Warp Antenna and Void Abacus parts.” A Logis admitted with an annoyed yet amused click.
Doll considered that with a critical eye. It was true, they now had enough Void Abaci to outfit the entire fleet and still have seven intact Abaci for trade, with two nonfunctional Abaci to potentially feed to AME. The same was true for the Warp Antennas – enough for the entire fleet with four in excess. Warp Sextants had been harder to identify externally and thus were more scarce, with only five found in total.
“Well done,” Doll congratulated after a pause. “This was a rare opportunity, one the likes of which I do not expect we will see again. You all made the maximal use of your limited allotted time. You should all be proud of yourselves.” Doll allowed everyone to share congratulations amongst themselves before continuing to the next issue.
The Tech Priest in charge of the reclamation chambers wheezed. “Archmagos, our reserves of Servitors are dangerously low. Recycling is in progress. Predictions are tabulating, but estimates indicate that we require tens, if not hundreds, of thousands to fully repopulate the fleet.”
“Unfortunate, we will have to make do with what we have until we can fully restock at Cypra Mundi.” Doll pulled up a chart and timetable estimating their transit back through the Webway was estimated to last approximately a month. “We should arrive at our Webway exit in a month. Once we arrive, we will triangulate our position, and our Lead Navigator will utilize the Abaci to plot a route to Cypra Mundi. Regarding that, what is the status of Cry Havoc?”
L3-3T spoke up, proudly, “Her Plasma Drive is installed, Engines running at roughly sixty-two point three percent capacity with additional repairs ongoing. Life support has also been replaced with the remaining parts slated for replacement stored in her hold. The prow lance turret is attached but is not yet functional. The new point defenses and Void Shields will require an extensive refit that is not feasible to perform in transit. The Medicae Deck was placed, but has not been fully installed.”
Nicole’s digital presence looked over at L3-3T, impressed. Doll pinged her a question, and when he got the positive response less than a second later, he smiled.
“L3-3T, in light of your exemplary performance of the task assigned to you. You are being assigned as the Drivemaster of the Cry Havoc. Do you accept?” Doll asked as he prepared the new rank identification codes.
“Afirmative. This one is honored to accept.” L3-3T’s representation bowed deeply
“Welcome aboard, Leet,” Nicole said with an amused giggle that confused the rest of the assembly.
“Status of the Emergency Repairs III?” Doll inquired.
Magos TH-102 spoke up. “Material storage capacity is at 97.85% capacity. All components slated for installation have been successfully installed. Systems are green across the board despite operating with her minimum crew complement. All gantries are retracted, and we have secured the Cobalt Coatl in the ship cradle, well inside Void and Gellar protections.”
“That is ideal. The Cobalt Coatl requires a total Warp Drive replacement. I have a potential schematic for a compact Warp Drive from B4-LT-Δ, the Mechanicus probe we recovered as we departed.” Nicole said as she looked around. “For anyone unaware, the probe is both pre-unification and in possession of a massive trove of stellar cartographic data.”
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“Is it abominable?” Magos Xor asked abruptly, cutting through the buzz of excitement at that revelation.
Thankfully, Xor didn’t seem to feel the need to inquire about the Cobalt Coatl. The Tiamat-class was a rare but known ancient class of warship used by the fleets of Terra and certain Astartes fleets back during the Crusade era. The vessel was to be treated with reverence and respect like its ancient relatives, the Promethean-class Cruiser and Gloriana-class Battleship. Doll had made sure to distribute what little data they had available on the vessels amongst the Magi.
Nicole snorted and shook her head, “No, it's pre-schism Mechanicum virtual intelligence, the Machine Spirit it has is simple and adorable, but ultimately well below that threshold. It was fully functional but unable to figure out how to exit the system.”
Xor nodded and relaxed, “I do have a minor curiosity to report. We recovered an Inertial Hammer from the personal effects of one of the rescued individuals. A few other minor Mechanicus relics were recovered, but that was the most notable. The individual was compensated for the confiscation.”
Techmarine Cogmane was present in the conclave and spoke up, “Speaking of relics, the Star Dragons recovered a significant number of Chapter relics from the Processional. Relics that we intend to see returned to their rightful owners if given the opportunity. The Princeps' and Mechanicus’s aid in identifying a few of the older, more obscure items and ensuring they remain functional would be welcome.”
“Of course!” Nicole replied with a bright smile.
Doll nodded, more than willing to aid the Astartes.
“I would like to reiterate that I strongly recommend refraining from working on the Cobalt Coatl without me present. As you all know, Machine Spirits can grow more potent with age. She is not a relic of the Dark Ages – she predates the Dark Age. Her spirit is just as potent as the spirit of the Argent Drake. While not hostile, she was quite puzzled and frustrated at just how much time had passed since she was last fully operational. There is a specific series of tests and inquiries I would like to make before we start any major repairs.” Nicole explained while pulling up a schematics of the ship’s hull, showing the damaged sections.
“We will allocate the salvaged Laboratorium and Emergency Gellar Field for use in the Cobalt Coatl. Repairs shall be postponed until Princeps Cavalerio clears them with the ship’s spirit,” Doll declared firmly. No one voiced any objections.
“We will return to normal operations, though I do have one last announcement. Given that we are heading to Cypra Mundi, the renowned Forge world and Segmentum Fortress. I am prepared to allow any Tech Priest in the fleet to undergo Divisio rank promotion trials. For all Divisiones we can adequately proctor.” Doll turned to look directly at Nicole. The Tech Priests in the conference all perked up and began discussing the opportunity.
Nicole looked confused, and then a look of abject horror crossed her face as she realized what he was implying. “Master Doll… just how many of those do I need to take?”
“My disciple, it is to my shame that we have neglected quantifying your capabilities in additional Divisiones. So naturally, you will be participating in all of them,” Doll replied, watching outside the Noosphere as Nicole slumped forward and her forehead smacked onto the conference table across from him.
“You’re making me take exams. I’m going to die,” She whined aloud as her plans to relax on the trip back through the Webway went up in smoke.
“Unlikely.” He replied confidently. “I expect you’ll qualify for Magos in at least one area. We just need to find out which one.”
Nicole whimpered pitifully, but the Magi were each just as eager as Doll was to see how much she had improved in their various fields of expertise since regaining portions of her memory. If she was expecting sympathy or restraint, she was sorely mistaken.
—-------------------------------------------------
POV: Nicole
I stand outside the chamber of my original quarters with Magos Xor, waiting patiently for the cleaning teams to finish up inside.
“Are you here for the cogitators?” I ask him.
“Negative. The Archmagos mentioned a library.” He peers down at me expectantly.
“Yes? Ooh… Right. Old documents.” I wince. Hopefully, there’s nothing bad in there. “I might need a scribe to help organize it all,” I admit with a shrug.
There is a shuffling as a familiar hunched form makes his way towards us down the hall. “My Lady, I have compiled the documents you requested.” The man says proudly, presenting me with a stack of papers while wheezing a little. I look down and blanch. This is the scribe I asked to compile a list of ships with Void Abaci!
I put on a polite tight smile, “Thank you. You’ve done fantastic work.” I say as I quickly check his permission levels. “In fact, you did such a good job. I have a new task for you! There is a small and ancient library containing materials from the thirty-first millennium and earlier. It needs to be catalogued and organized – If you are willing.” I add quickly.
The man’s eyes go wide, and then he begins to openly weep, “My Lady! It would be my greatest honor to handle such relics in your stead! This servant will see it done!” He declares, bowing low before he shuffles away to gather his tools to prepare for his new task.
Xor looks on passively, “That scribe should suffice for general organization. I will assign them some attendants to ensure documents requiring expurgation are kept isolated.”
“That’s fine. I assume it will be some time before we know if there are any materials of significant worth within.” I say with a small sigh.
“Affirmative. Do not concern yourself needlessly. This process will not interfere with your examinations. My exam will take precedence. My attention is required for the numerous cogitator banks that were recovered during salvage operations; they also require cataloguing.” Xor says, giving me an amused look.
I wrinkle my nose. “Exams and homework! Ugh! I’m going to find a way to have fun instead!” I vow.
“My exams will include Dialecta, Investigatus, Linguistica, and Perfectus. I suggest you prepare yourself.” Xor explains.
“Not Xenologis?” I ask with a frown.
Magos Xor studies me intently. A faint hint of disapproval in his tone. “We have agreed that the Archmagos will handle Xenologis.” He glances at my new cloak. “Though I believe your expertise with Necron technology may exceed our own.”
I nod, but otherwise remain silent.
Xor does not press and instead moves on. “Magos Gertrude will handle Biologis and Genetor. I will assist in Archeos, Lexmechanicus, and Psykana. The Archmagos will personally proctor Artisan, Basilikon Astra, Cybernetica, Fabricator, Technicus, and Xenologis while advising on all others. Magos TH-102 will handle Logis and Lexmechanicus. Magos Zephyr XIII will handle Dominus, Mandati, and Militaris. Magos Altair will proctor Astrologicus, Digitalis, and Electromagneticus, and aid in Technicus.”
“Wait, what?!” I sputter, and look at Xor for confirmation.
“Indeed, it was a minor surprise to learn Magos Altair is qualified as an Electro-priest despite not fully adjusting his implants or committing fully to that path,” Xor explains calmly and with faint amusement.
I think back to my interactions with Altair. The Magos had extensive full-body electoos but otherwise did not outwardly present any of the more common indicators that members of the Luminen usually do.
“Huh, who would have thought? Good for him.” I say with a shrug.
When the cleaning servitors finally exit the space, Xor makes his way to the upper library, while I elect to go down and see if I left anything in either the forge or the storage space.
I head down the stairs, and it is actually a relief when I find nothing of note, just a few small pallets of mundane raw materials and a spool of wiring. The bay has plenty of space, though the sole access hatch has been welded shut, so it is no wonder no one noticed the space.
I head back up to the forge. The forge is cold, the fuel needs to be replenished, there is a feed valve set up, but it’s dry – likely plugged somewhere further up the line. According to the cogitator logs, it was last used to produce a type of titanium alloy.
I make my way back up and meet Xor as he descends from the library. “It appears to be all physical records, many of which will require careful handling and restoration. I cannot be certain there are any restricted materials until a full audit is performed.”
He doesn’t look concerned, so I just nod. “Alright, I’ll let the scribes and adepts handle that. I have too much other work to do.” I hadn’t even had time to check on Cry Havoc or Cobalt Coatl yet. According to the logs, they had secured and installed a replacement drop cathedral, but there was no mention of any contents.
“See you soon,” Xor replies as he departs.
—------------------------------------------
I was not certain what I expected out of Magos Xor’s examinations, but as a member of the Venatorii, I should have known better. The tests and tasks were all exhaustingly thorough, monotonous, and difficult. Escalating in complexity and difficulty the further I progress.
Two days of grueling examinations! My goal is to get them over with quickly.
Out of his specific Divisiones, I am confident I did the best in Linguistica. Writing a comprehensive treatise on the Necrontyr runic language using my new imparted mastery. Investigatus is probably my second-best performance of his four; advanced military research is hard to make boring, but Xor somehow manages to do it. Perfectus is absolutely mind-numbing by comparison. Dilectia is interesting at first with the various encryption puzzles, but in the end I have to be excluded due to the unnatural ease with which I can bypass most encryptions.
Gertrude's tests are more practical; both are held in the Medical bay.
I am happy to see a familiar face in the Biologis testing area. Technomancer-at-Arms Cleon is present, testing upwards for a promotion to full Biologist!
I am quite certain I perform adequately in both Biologis and Genetor, but they are far from my best subjects. At some point, I stop being able to answer the complex questions posed by Gertrude about obscure biological reactions and gene markers.
I am not sure how it happened; someone might have mentioned strange abilities, but somehow I ended up giving an impromptu lecture on Xenobiology at the end of the final test period. The subject of my talk is the horrific Xenos species known as Crotalids. Giant space crocodiles big enough to eat a man whole that are capable of forming an unconscious psychic gestalt and migrating through the Immaterium when they gather in large enough swarms and run out of food on their current planet.
The looks of confused shock and mild horror on the faces of my unfortunate audience only encourages me to extoll the details.
—-----------------------------------------------------
POV: Archmagos Akellonon Doll
Doll stood with the Magi in the main forge, watching as the latest practical tests were undertaken by the lower-ranking adepts inferior.
There were a few interesting individuals; it seemed a majority of Nicole’s Princeps cadets felt confident in getting certified as Technomats and Tech Acolytes.
“I believe we have erred slightly with Nicole’s trials.” Doll eventually admitted over their private Noospheric channel.
“How so, Archmagos? She’s been testing quite well. Her performance in my exams was on par with some of my best acolytes.” Gertrude replied.
Mech-Lord Zephyr XIII spoke up, “Indeed. Her performance in my exams was laudable. Some prerequisites and technicalities in the testing prevented her from qualifying for Mech-Lord, and my feelings on her newly procured Xenos automata will remain mixed.”
“She has tested high enough for a Magos designation in Xenologis. Was that not the goal?” Magos Xor inquired.
Doll winced and shook his head at that reminder, “We will not allow her first Magos designation to come from such a… controversial Divisio. I was referring to her actions.” Doll gestured out into the forge. “When we tasked her with a practical exam on crafting cybernetics, what did she make?”
“She made several of the newly discovered pattern MIUs for her Legio.” Magos TH-102 replied.
Doll nodded and continued, “And when we gave her the Basilikon Astra trials?”
“She… planned out the installation of the Emergency Gellar Field, the replacement Laboratorium, and suggested a wonderful design for a custom-made Warp Core inspired by the one used by the recovered Mechanicus probe for the Cobalt Coatl.” Magos Altair responded.
Doll nodded, “Now, for Technicus, she suggested repairing the damaged Moirax Armigers, and for Artisan, she is working on the Saturnine Dreadnought. She’s doing things she already wanted to do; she is doing them well, yes, but some of them are not pushing her to her limits. She could have submitted her unique Auramite Dragon Scale power armour for the Artisan exam and easily passed the qualifications for Magos, and yet she did not.”
“You believe she is more interested in conducting repairs on the materials themselves than she is focused on scoring well in the practical exams.” Zephyr XIII clicked.
“I believe in our haste to conduct the exams, we have restricted the amount of free time she has to manage her personal projects and her Legio. She has not even had time to visit the Cry Havoc and examine the unusual contents of the recovered drop Cathedral or check in with the Star Dragons’ discovered relics.” Doll admitted, tapping a metallic finger on the haft of his Omnissian Axe. “I am certain we can all remember a time when we were lowly adepts and had our time for personal projects stifled.”
“What was in the Cathedral?” Gertrude asked.
“We believe them to be Knight parts. However, the manner in which they are displayed and the lack of organization makes it difficult to determine how many Knights were totally deconstructed to create the strange collage. Every single part has been broken down to its smallest subcomponents and separated and arrayed in a spiral occupying the entire floor space. It is only due to the larger solid parts that we were able to identify that they are likely at least three Knights, and none of the parts are from Titans.” TH-102 grumbled, shaking his head. “The Heretek responsible did not limit their strange obsession with dismantling to just the War Engines. Several vital ship systems on the hulk suffered a similar fate. Eventually, they targeted life support and met their end.”
“What did the logs say?” Xor asked.
“Nothing, the maniac took apart the main circuit boards for every cogitator; they unsoldered every single wire, transistor, and chip. Then used the parts to make a sculpture representing the first two thousand digits of pi in binaric.” TH-102 hissed.
“You think Nicole may be able to identify the parts in the Cathedral?” Doll asked, while considering the issue.
“She does seem to enjoy puzzles, and her Technomancy may be the key to saving the Engines. Luckily, it seems the Cathedral parts were kept isolated from the rest after the Heretek locked themselves out accidentally when they disassembled the door controls. So there is still hope. The ship parts were scrambled together so badly that we scrapped the rest,” TH-102 admitted with a sigh.
There was a long silence as the Magi pictured how much work it would take to separate a pile of parts into an unknown number of Knights. They winced.
“I think Nicole is holding herself back,” Xor spoke as he studied one of the holo screens.
“Why?” Gertrude pressed.
“Because the last two times she got too excited and went all in on a project, she triggered a Forge Frenzy.” Xor reminded them.
“That certainly would unfairly skew the exam results,” Doll admitted sagely.
Zephyr flicked his gaze around the forge. “That burst of shared enlightenment would be welcome again, but we must take care that we don’t become reliant or addicted to it.”
“Imagine what it might do if she triggers the effect on a Forge World,” TH-102 whispered. If he had still possessed salivary glands, they might have been activated by that train of thought.
“Are there any other interesting standouts amongst the Tech Priests?” Altair inquired, changing the subject quickly.
“L3-3T made Enginseer Prime. Not a surprise, given his recently earned promotion and his extensive progress with learning drive-systems. One that we poached from the Purest Shadow, Rayke Claw-Jack made Explorator Majoris. Lady Genta, the girl Nicole picked up from the space hulk – the one with warp sight. She made Cybertheurgist and Ordinator.” Doll read off from the display.
“Impressive.” TH-102 buzzed.
“What are Nicole’s current rough ranks across all the exams?” Xor inquired.
Doll pulled up the list.
Archimandrite
Archeos: Archeos
Artisan: *Pending
Astrologicus: Astrologi
Basilikon Astra: Voidwright
Biologis: Biologist
Cybernetica: Cybernetican
Diviso Linguistica: Xenolinguitor
Digitalis: Digitalist
Dominus: *Deferred*
Electromagneticus: Electro-Avatar
Explorator: Explorator Minoris
Fabricator: Fabricator
Genetor: Genetor Primus
Investigatus: Cyberseer
Lexmechanicus: Arch Calculus Logi
Logis: Logistician
Mandati: Mandati
Militaris: Militarist
Psykana: Archeotransistor
Technicus: *Pending
Xenologis: Xenologist-Major
“With Artisan and Technicus currently meeting the qualifications for Magos,” Doll said, shaking his head.
“By the Omnissiah. We should just make her a Magos Errant and get it over with.” Zephyr said, as he studied the list.
“Why was Dominus deferred?” Xor asked quietly.
“Because without another Dominus present, outside of a Forge World, we can not actually fulfill the proper examination criteria,” Doll explained in a mildly frustrated tone.
“Wait, who gave her the Archimanderite ranking?” Altair asked.
“As the Omnissianic Congregator, we thought you did,” TH-102 said, turning to look at the Magos.
“Negative.” Altair admitted, “I don’t have the credentials to bestow a rank that high.” The Magi turned to Doll, who was just as puzzled.
Doll pulled up the ranking in question and blinked at what he read in the system logs, “We didn’t. The network itself assigned her the ranking when her credentials were updated recently. She has her full Tempestus Senioris codes now.”
“So a double Magos in Artisan and Technicus, she should keep Archimandrite displayed, and as much as I loathe it, Xenologis. She should perhaps display two more and restrict the rest,” Xor stated firmly.
“Agreed, the question then becomes: which two?” Doll asked them, knowing they were all biased.
“Cybernetica,” Zephyr said, raising a hand, “Before you object. Yes, I am biased, but as Master Doll’s disciple and her being an Artisan Magos, I think it would look suspicious without it. Even if it did not test as highly due to her self-restraint.”
“That is fair. I second that.” Gertrude admitted.
“That leaves one other slot,” Xor stated.
Altair scoffed, “We all know, given her record, it should be either Digitalis, Logis, or Mandati.”
“Mandati would work until she gets the Dominus title, then she can shuffle what she displays publicly around.” Zephyr agreed.
“What she did in those exam simulations was methodical, efficient, and ruthless.” Xor praised, “She does seem to have a bias for precise surgical strikes with either elite or overwhelming force. Also, whenever she was denied orbital support or satellite coverage, she got very aggressive. Her defensive tactics under siege were sublime, while her mid-sized non-mechanized army combat doctrine was… It could use some polish.”
"Then it is decided.” Doll declared. “We’ll finish up the exams and welcome Nicole to the ranks of the Magi. After that, I am turning her loose on the fleet.”
