Chương 101: Chapter 97: Orbitalis

POV: Nicole I study Senioris Khouri, and he studies me just as intently through our secure connection. The elder Princeps and Magna Mundi have earned Kiryu's regard, which bodes well. My only concern is the latent signs of the nascent gestalt forming between their spirits. I nod politely and smile, "I do happen to have a rather nice set of Emperor-class weaponry. Are your current arms not sufficient?" I ask politely. Senioris Khouri exhales sharply, sending bubbles out of his regulator.

"The last two have been fickle and unreliable, requiring far more maintenance than they should, and I would not trust them in a prolonged combat theater."

"Well, I am looking to trade, Senioris Khouri. If the parts pass muster and meet your standards, I have no issue giving you first right of refusal," I explain with a respectful nod.

"Excellent. I shall look forward to the upgrade," he rasps, sounding pleased. His tone is professional and critical, "I've read the reports on you from both Legate Ozkan and Autokratoris Dravane, Senioris Cavalerio." He paused, turning his head to peer into the distance, "Walk with me?" He offers as Magna Mundi slowly begins turning.

Only one of the Warmasters, the Magna Reductor, piloted by Princeps Majoris Cassian Dravus, moves to follow the Magna Mundi, as he dismisses the rest of the Engines to return to their posts around the hangar complex.

"I would be honored," I reply as I guide Kiryu to stand on Magna Mundi's flank while the Magna Reductor takes the opposite side.

"Your offer intrigues me. You seek access to the vault we call… The Mausoleum?" Khouri rasped softly.

"If that is where you are storing your Engines that have been damaged but not fully decommissioned, stripped down, or recycled for parts? Then yes, I do," I reply as we take our engines along the perimeter of the Orbitalis fortress.

"I find myself leery of that which I do not understand. Can you truly repair them?" he inquires.

"It will depend on the individual Engines and the nature of the damage, but I anticipate being able to repair a good number of them. However, the effort to do so is not without cost. The amount of energy I must channel is considerable and quite taxing. I know my methods are not easily replicable." I hold eye contact with Khouri.

"Which is why my initial offer was so demanding."

"Yes, half of the repaired Engines would be… difficult to arrange, especially if we pool together and allow you to use the vault-graveyards of Legio Bastionis and Legio Clypeus Obscurus. There are some ancient and venerable machines resting here on Cypra Mundi," he trails off, and we walk in relative silence for several minutes, the rumbling thrum of our Engines' reactors and the distant booming steps as they walk and Khouri considers the issue at hand.

"If you would be content with one Engine for every three repaired. I believe we can allow it." Senioris Khouri paused and tilted his head minutely, "It may require you to give a little bribe to the other two Legios. Clypeus won't tell you, but those legs you found would be well received; they have an Engine hidden away that can utilize them. They think I don't remember, bah!" The offer is a fair one.

I eye my fellow Senioris cautiously at his unusual show of generosity: "One Engine in three, with Cypra Mundi providing arms and full refurbishment for the resurrected Engines – with an allowance for equal distribution of value based on tonnage? It would not do for me to repair two Emperors and a Warhound, and be stuck with just the latter," I say, keeping my tone playful.

"Of course." He nods, "That sounds equitable to me. Will you gainsay me on this, Cassian?" He asked of his second in command.

"No, Lord Khouri," came the instant deferential reply from Princeps Dravus.

"I am the Senioris Princeps of Legio Orbitalis, and we reign supreme. The deal will stand," Senioris Khouri says confidently.

"All we'll need is for you to provide the Punisher Titan legs as a… gift and perhaps a set of your novel MIU implants as the other gift," he muses. I nod politely.

"That is acceptable to me. I'll even throw in the Imperator Plasma Annihilator – It would not do for me to give two of the three Legios a gift and neglect the third and most powerful," I reply with a small grin. This should net my Legio a few more Engines, hopefully some of the heavier Engines, like Warlords, and if we are lucky, something larger. Magna Mundi rumbles contentedly in response.

"Generous of you," Senioris Khouri replies, pleased.

"Don't thank me yet. We've not discussed the cost of the Hellstorm Cannon or, more importantly, my entire library of Mars pattern production documents," I remind him.

"I will buy the cannon," he says without missing a beat, "Cypra Mundi will be the purchaser of the Mars-pattern documents for local distribution. You'll be dealing with Autokratoris Dravane for that sale." He paused and exhaled another stream of bubbles.

"If he is anything less than fair, you will tell me, and I shall have… words … with him. We need the Reaver schematic. The Mars pattern schematics for many of the other Engines are highly desirable, but not necessary, as most designs are derivatives of the original Mars patterns – with a few notable exceptions," he admits openly as we continue along the circuit.

"I plan to share, but I will not tolerate being taken advantage of. I will extract value from the exchange." I pause briefly and smile.

"After all, knowledge is sacred," I say pointedly before I continue, "Rebuilding my Legio is by no means a cheap endeavor." I feel the Magna Mundi sweep its long-range auspex over the Coffin Ships landing at the starport hangar.

"Indeed, Senioris Cavalerio, your Legio is significantly underweight and understaffed at the moment," Senioris Khouri says this as a matter of fact, with no malice or ill intent behind his words.

"Omnissiah willing, we may yet rectify that."

"Yes, I was hoping we might have time for a more personal chat, Senioris Khouri. Face to face, so I might speak with you about a sensitive matter regarding staffing," I inquire as tactfully as I can.

"Is this regarding the Xenos you've been scanning for or another matter?" He asks me bluntly. I incline my head.

"Another matter, though, I had intended to bring up the issue of the Genestealers," I admit candidly, only slightly surprised he has been made aware of the situation, though in hindsight it makes sense for him to be in the know.

"I will make time for it then – I'll have Ozkan join us." He waves one of his pale, shriveled hands.

"Your security measures have already been spread and implemented. On my honor, you shall not find the hospitality of Orbitalis wanting, Daughter of Tempestus," he rasps out, his voice firm yet welcoming. —---- By the time we complete our circuit, most of my Legio's Engines have been unloaded and are being shipped to their berths in the Orbitalis facilities for their respective refits and restoration.

As Senioris Khouri and Magna Mundi park themselves inside the bastion of the fortress, I receive a high-priority message confirming my invitation to meet with him in person aboard the Magna Mundi itself within the hour. Meanwhile, a berth for honored guests has been prepared for Kiryu, and the banner of Legio Tempestus flies proudly above it. I pause and muse for a moment, the banner is from my vaults, it has likely been Millenia since that banner has flown like that.

I decide to put poor Robin on the spot and force her to park Kiryu mostly on her own. She succeeds, though she wisely takes her time and refuses to rush the process.

"Well done, cadets," I praise them all through the Manifold once Kiryu is good and settled. His spirit is content for the moment and more than willing to take a nap. Outside, a veritable swarm of red-robed adepts is preparing to service Kiryu.

"You six performed admirably for your first real outing in a true Engine. Kiryu is by no means the standard, but I foresee this experience being valuable for you all, regardless… and yes, Yip, while you are linked to the Manifold, we can still hear you, and yes, you will have to compile a report on your experiences. You may all disconnect now and go rejoin the rest of the cadets for the next lesson," I tell them as I settle back into the command-throne and start powering down Kiryu's various systems.

Robin gets up first, and she stumbles a little at first as the desync between reality and what she felt in the Manifold hits. Genta stands up to hold Robin steady, and I am not surprised to see that Genta shows no sign of strain or dizziness. Robin thanks Genta before approaching my command-throne and bowing deeply, "Thank you, Senioris," she says with a bright yet tired smile. Genta follows her lead after a moment.

"This was truly educational and an honor, Senioris Cavalerio."

"You are both quite welcome. Your cadre is at the top of your class, but still, you all performed above my expectations. I do not doubt that you will all make Princeps in due time," I tell them earnestly.

"Now get going," I politely shoo them both out, and their group leaves together through the main access corridor. Once they depart, I start to disengage my umbilicals one by one. Knowing this will take a few minutes, I call out for my new secretary: "Victoria, I'm going to send you some data on a deal I have arranged with Senioris Khouri. Would you mind putting together a document for me?"

"Yes, Lady Cavalerio," she replies immediately. An instant later, her presence blooms within the Noosphere as she works on the task I've assigned, her mind partitioning itself with effortless precision expected of someone from her Ordo.

"Thanks!" I say as I finish disconnecting. I am already appreciating having a skilled secretary around. I stand up and do a cat-like stretch. My tail mechatendril snags my robes, and AME fetches my jetpack from the rack behind my command-throne. I turn to Delta-A3 Raptor and give him a firm stare, "I am going to visit the Magna Mundi, and none of my security team will be permitted aboard the bridge. It would be a grievous insult to Senioris Khouri for any of you to accompany me."

My tone softens, "He has shown me considerable respect today, and I will reciprocate." Delta-A3 tenses, and I hold up a hand even as I slip on the jetpack. I give him an amused smile.

"I will be fine, this detour will not take long. Instead, you will proceed to the gathering point. If I am delayed, you can proceed to check and clear the guest wing Tempestus has been assigned." Delta-A3 Raptor glances back at Brother Silverwalker, who just shakes his head.

"Order acknowledged, Senioris." He says calmly. I fold my robes in my arms and begin walking towards Kiryu's exit.

"Princeps, what are you doing?" Brother Silverwalker inquires as he follows.

"Well… The Magna Mundi is right over there. I figured it would be expedient to simply fly over and land near one of the secure entrances closest to the bridge," I explain as we step out onto the gantry. I extend the silver wings of my jump pack and run through a quick diagnostics check.

"I was not aware you had this capacity. I will require a flight pack of my own in the future." I can practically hear Victoria pouting behind her mask. Delta-A3 Raptor shrugs, and a pair of bladed wings erupt from his back.

"I will escort her over." His glowing eyes find mine:"Your orders do not preclude me from this action."

"Everyone is so cheeky today," I titter as I spool up the jets.

"Let Baldos know they have a firing range for Knights here. We can play around with his loadout later." I leap from the gantry and shoot up into the air. Delta-A3 Raptor follows as I climb up and then glide down towards the Manga Mundi. I can sense the Engine's Auspex tracking me. A few of the AA-installations attempt and fail to lock on as I land gracefully on the upper parapet between two tense and confused-looking Secutarii. The automated turrets swivel around on their mounts but refuse to lock on to me.

Delta-A3 Raptor doesn't land; instead, he hovers a few meters behind and above me, flexing his adamantine talons like some horrible mechanical airborne predator. A credit to the Orbitalis Secutarii; they do not cower.

"Senioris Cavalerio here to see Senioris Khouri. I am expected," I blurt in binaric along with the various relevant identification codes as I fold up my wings and slip on my robes.

"Acknowledged. Please wait for verification," the lead unit requests. However, Magna Mundi has other plans, and the door slides open on its own. The guards all snap their heads to the door.

"Thank you, Magna Mundi," I say over the open Noospheric channel as I walk forward while poking Delta-A3 to leave. He waits until I have fully entered the Engine before he finally jets away. My walk to the bridge is remarkably swift and uneventful. The interior guards have all been forewarned of my arrival and stand at attention as I walk past. The bridge of the Magna Mundi is a vast space, with numerous consoles and seats for various crew positions, a far cry from the cramped cockpit in the head of Kiryu.

In the center is the amniotic casket replacing the normal command throne. Several of his Moderatii glance over as I enter. His casket is ornate; an engraved plate rests near the top with the Legio Orbitalis motto in a flowing script:'From Orbit, Dominion.'

"Senioris Khouri," I greet him with a mechadendrite curtsy and the sign of the cog.

"Senioris Cavalerio, welcome aboard the Magna Mundi," he says, his eyebrows rising subtly as both he and the Magna Mundi discreetly probe at my presence. His eyes briefly flicker to AME perched on my shoulder.

"You may speak freely here." While they probe at me, AME discreetly sweeps her sensors over him and his amniotic casket. I notice a few imperfections and signs of wear around his MIU ports that make me purse my lips in displeasure.

"Senioris Khouri, I do not intend to waste your time. My inquiry was simply one I wanted to discuss privately. I understand the other Legios of Cypra Mundi are not at full strength, and most of it is due to a lack of Engines, not personnel… As you are well aware, Tempestus has the Engines but few crews. I did not want to offend before getting your thoughts on… poaching talent," I admit with a small and polite smile. This novel is published on a different platform.

Support the original author by finding the official source. Senioris Khouri blinks at me before he leans back and starts to laugh. He laughs so long and hard that all of Magna Mundi starts to vibrate with him in his mirth.

"Ahhh, you are quite right, Senioris Cavalerio. That is indeed something that would not be proper to discuss in public. I will ask you to refrain from stealing my senior Princeps. If you can lure individuals away from their current assignments, then you are by all means welcome to do so. In fact, Legio Clypeus Obscurus could do with some pruning. There is talent being neglected in their ranks due to nepotism and politics. Though I will deny having said such a thing if ever asked," he chortled, giving me a wink.

I smile brightly and nod, "I understand, Senioris Khouri. Thank you for your wisdom. If I may, as a sign of appreciation, I can provide a small demonstration for you personally regarding the Engine repairs I will be undertaking." Senioris Khouri is clearly curious, and he nods, telling his guards and staff to stand by. I place my hand against the tank's worn exterior and let a burst of Technomancy flow through me into his amniotic tank.

I feel the vast machine spirit of the Magna Mundi beneath my palm – a vast lattice of impulses and instincts that manifests as vibrations, warmth, and half-formed emotions. The Engine is suffering from old aches and pains, damaged components scream in frustration as commands fail to reach broken systems, the spirit straining against a body that no longer obeys as it should.

"We banish fault and wake the spirit. Man and Machine, two spirits of one will. Let them be whole once more. Let thought flow true through steel and fire. Machine God, guide these circuits. Omnissiah, steady this throne. May command be restored, Let this Engine walk unbroken. Mend!" The pulse of Technomancy radiating from my palm spreads beyond the amniotic tank, racing through Senioris Khouri's casket and into the bridge itself.

For a fleeting moment, I feel every minor machine across the bridge – the casket, the consoles, the cogitators, even the aging lumen strips overhead. They are worn, damaged, but alive. I guide the flow of energy to where it is needed most. Khouri's implants mend as fractured interfaces reconnect and corroded pathways clear. The casket's ancient mechanisms ease back into alignment, while all across the bridge minor faults quietly correct themselves.

Cracked housings seal, seized servos free, and dormant systems hum back to life. Senioris Khouri lets out a long rasping gasp as he arches his back and convulses. His pupils dilate as I use my aura to separate his soul from Magna Mundi, forcibly parting their nascent gestalt. His eyes close slowly as Magna Mundi rumbles loudly, and several crew members jump to their feet. Their two spirits, well known to one another, swiftly reach equilibrium once more.

Senioris Khouri's eyes snap open and fixate on me with an intense level of clarity that was not present moments before. He rolls his shoulders and cracks his neck, "You just repaired my secondary clavicle port… I've had that replaced three times, and the ache always persisted… until now." I withdraw my hand and nod.

"I've provided some repairs and helped replenish your and Magna Mundi's individual spirits," I say, giving him a knowing look. He returns the look with a slight nod of acknowledgement.

"It is one thing to read in a report, another entirely to see such a wondrous effect in person and experience it firsthand. Your generosity is appreciated, Senioris Cavalerio."

"I like my allies strong and my enemies dead, Senioris Khouri. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go take a quick nap. I have to meet with Autokratoris Dravane later this evening," I say with a polite bow. —-------------------------------------------------------------------- POV: Princeps Senioris Khouri of Legio Orbitalis"So that was the daughter of the Stormlord," Khouri mused within his amniotic casket; the Magna Mundi rumbled in mirrored acknowledgement.

Through the Manifold, he reached out to the Princeps assembled to meet Senioris Cavalerio.

"So, my children. I gathered the strongest among us to greet Senioris Cavalerio and her Warlord. You met her. You felt her. I had hoped for a better showing." A hint of amusement crept into his voice.

"Yet under Kiryu's spiritual pressure, every single one of you balked."

"Senioris, that is hardly fair. That spirit is…" one Princeps began. Khouri cut him off sharply.

"That spirit is old and powerful, yes, but it is untested and unblooded. It lacks the weight of years spent upon the battlefield, the burden of lives reaped in war. It has sat dormant for millennia awaiting her," he hissed the last words, bubbles escaping from his regulator.

"What you felt – what caused all of you to recoil – was the weight and pressure of a true Senioris, one who is completely in sync with their Engine's spirit. I expect every one of you to acknowledge that. None within Orbitalis shall question her right to that title." His steely gaze swept across the faces projected within the fluid-filled confines of his tank. Leaning back, he relaxed slightly.

"Do not let her size or demeanor deceive you. That child is dangerous; she possesses a will of adamantine capable of taming that ancient predator of an Engine. Her Legio is weak for now, yes, but tell me this: if I alone remained, would I permit Orbitalis to fade into the footnotes of history while my enemies still yet walked?"

"No, Senioris!" came the unified reply.

"Good. She is the same. She will rebuild; of that I have no doubt. Already, she gathers and cultivates talent wherever she finds it. Our own will train alongside hers for a time, together with cadets and tutors from the other Legios. I believe the exchange will strengthen us all." He paused thoughtfully.

"Senioris Cavalerio possesses a wealth of ancient knowledge. Knowledge she is willing to share – or sell. I have already reached a favorable arrangement with her, one that will likely earn us several notable Engines." There was a short discussion as he forwarded the initial draft of the basic agreement transcript to the various Engines. Some of the older Princeps began pulling up data on the various Engines resting within the Mausoleum and which might be salvageable using her Technomancy.

"Ozkan," he called, ignoring the discussion.

"Yes, Senioris?" the Legate replied nervously.

"You handled your initial dealings with her well. You offered equitable, transactional arrangements. Attempting to force concessions from her would have been… foolish." Khouri's lips curled faintly.

"The agreement regarding the schematics will be critical. Are you and Autokratoris Dravaine prepared to oversee the negotiations?"

"I believe so, Senioris. Fortunately, the Fabricator General has declared that Cypra Mundi as a whole is willing to commit substantial resources to the exchange. Her Legio possesses minimal ground forces at present, having largely elite units and specialist personnel. I suspect she will request hundreds of thousands of Skitarii, elevating many worthy among them into the Secutarii ranks. Manpower, vehicles, and voidships should provide considerable leverage," Ozkan spoke with growing confidence.

"Do not hesitate to dig deeply into the vaults," Khouri counseled.

"The vaults of Cypra Mundi run deep indeed. Some of the more ancient weapon platforms may be more familiar to her than they are to us." He considered the implications carefully.

"According to the datastream, her Legio has already procured a planetary assault ship from the Imperial Navy."

"Does she intend to raise a combined-arms Legio?" one Princeps asked.

"Can she even do that?" another murmured.

"Perhaps," Khouri replied.

"Such arrangements were far more common in her era, only becoming forbidden long after the Schism. Permitting it would be simple enough. Everyone merely needs to do nothing." A low chuckle escaped him.

"And it presents a rather fascinating opportunity – to compare modern doctrine against that of a far older age." Princeps Dravis, ever sharp-eyed, was studying him intently.

"Senioris… you feel… different." The Princeps Senioris let out a chuckle, "Observant as ever, Dravis. I have not once regretted naming you my second. Senioris Cavalerio graced my bridge with a demonstration of her capabilities. You all know the strain that comes from extended linkage with the Manifold. I am old, and eventually I will lose myself to Magna Mundi, I cannot explain how, but she has… reasserted the boundary along with restoring my implants and my bridge to their prime."

Dravis's eyes widened, and he sucked in a sharp breath.

"Senioris, are you saying!?"

"That you will have to suffer under my leadership for quite some time yet? Unfortunately so," he said wryly, shaking his head at the looks of joy and relief that spread amongst his Legio. —------------------------------------------------------------------ POV: Inquisitor Van Vuygens of the Ordo Xenos Van Vuygens stood hunched over the corpse of a third-generation Genestealer, prodding at the twisted body with a long metallic probe.

The creature's chitinous hide was cracked and scorched, its clawed limbs splayed awkwardly across the bloodstained floor. Behind him, the stormtrooper kill-team methodically executed the last surviving prisoners within the genestealer cell. Suppressed gunshots echoed throughout the chamber, followed by silence. The sound of hurried boots broke the stillness.

"Sir!" One of his Interrogators approached at a brisk pace. What was his name again? S... S something... Salin! There was a datapad clutched tightly beneath his arm. Van Vuygens blinked owlishly, withdrawing the probe from the corpse.

"Oh?" he said mildly.

"That sounds urgent. What sort of problems are we having?"

"Several, sir." Interrogator Salin hesitated.

"And a high-priority communication request from the Fabricator General." That drew Van Vuygens' full attention.

"Go on."

"Well... the Cardinal was attacked by Genestealers while meeting the new Saintess," Salin admitted with a wince. Van Vuygens scowled deeply and gestured for him to continue.

"The Penal World of Cypra Saxum is in open revolt. Reports indicate widespread Genestealer activity among the inmate population. Rioting has spread to multiple hive districts." The Inquisitor's expression darkened further.

"And Agro Mundi?"

"Likewise, sir. Mass unrest across several continental farming regions. Local authorities believe Genestealer cult elements coordinated the uprisings. The planetary leadership has been subject to extensive assassination attempts, and a number of assets have been compromised."

"What a bother." He stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"Just those two?"

"There have been additional incidents in orbit and here on Cypra Mundi, but they're relatively minor by comparison." Interrogator Salin glanced at his datapad.

"Though there is one matter of concern. The two manufactoria allocated for production of the new scanners have been extensively targeted by terrorists... they have been bombed, my Lord."

"That..." Van Vuygens muttered, "That… would explain the request from Lord Aptimos. Come along, we wouldn't want to keep the Spider waiting."

Waiting for him in the communications vault was a massive quadrupedal servitor. The thing was unsettling even by Mechanicus standards. A mask of polished brass concealed what remained of its human face. Only a single oversized crimson optic remained visible, embedded in the center of its forehead and glowing with baleful intensity. Thick bundles of data-tethers snaked from its skull and disappeared into a twisted, hunched spine crowded with communication arrays, data-tethers, and signal relays.

Every movement was accompanied by the grinding of servos and the hiss of pneumatic pistons. As Van Vuygens approached, the construct's optic brightened, and a few stray arcs of lighting leapt from its spine, muting the smell of fresh blood with the metallic tang of ozone. A speaker grille embedded in its chest crackled to life. The voice that emerged came out as a metallic hiss layered beneath a flat mix of synthetic tones." Ordo Xenos Inquisitor. Designation: Van Vuygens. Identification: verified.

Data connection: secure." A valve on the Servitor cracked open and hissed out a small cloud of steam.

"Inquisitor. We have detected a leak within your organization and our own." Van Vuygens paused and frowned.

"A leak? What sort of leak?"

"Facility 448-2K and Facility 449-3G have been targeted by explosive ordnance and rendered inoperable." The servitor paused briefly and adjusted one of the communication spires on its hunched back.

"Facility 448-2K was known exclusively to personnel under your authority. Facility 449-3G was known only to Mechanicus personnel of the Middle Council or higher. The loss of both dummy facilities is concerning."

"A traitor?" Van Vuygens blinked rapidly.

"Fabricator General..." he said carefully.

"What do you mean by dummy facilities?"

"Scanner production is underway at the true manufacturing sites. The facilities that were destroyed existed as deception assets. Their designated purpose was to produce only minor components while serving as false suppliers within all official records." The servitor admitted flatly. For several moments, Van Vuygens simply stared at the Mechanicus abomination, then slowly nodded.

"Your caution was... warranted."

"It was efficient." The Vox crackled, and the red eye flared briefly. Van Vuygens shuddered; anyone who had read Cypra Mundi's unredacted history knew what that word meant.

"I have scanned my personnel extensively. Every member of my staff has been screened for genetic corruption."

"Logical fallacy: The leak exists. Statistical certainty confirmed. An individual or Individuals may not be genetically compromised." The servitor's optic narrowed fractionally as streams of data scrolled across hidden displays.

"Selfish human motivations remain a significant source of inefficiency." Van Vuygens grimaced. He could not fault the Fabricator General. Greed, ambition, fear, or even ideology, there were many ways to twist a man into a useful pawn. The servitor continued,"The location of the true scanner production facilities will remain classified until such inefficiencies have been identified and corrected. Considerable Astartes assets have volunteered to assist in pacification and purging of rogue elements."

The Inquisitor sighed heavily.

"Wonderful. These Genestealer cults certainly don't do things by half measures; planetary revolts, assassination attempts, and now traitors in our midst." His gaze drifted toward the reinforced ceiling overhead.

"It appears my day has become considerably more complicated. I'll inform the Ordo Xenos and coordinate the purges personally." —------------------------------------------- POV: William Aarark, Princeps Cadet William strode across the flagstone courtyard with the rest of the cadets. He was still a bit jittery from the experience, as were Z0-0M, Yip, and Nyanko. Genta was calm as ever, and Robin was smiling and walking with a skip in her step.

Lady Cavalerio had not been exaggerating about the experience being a punishment and a privilege. His mind felt wrung out from the experience, like he sometimes felt back when his mother or aunt would teach him Ur-Haven inter-noble politics. Still, he kept his posture straight and his stride steady. He would not allow his noble bearing to slip so easily. The experience had given him an appreciation for his fellow cadets.

Yip and Nyanko had accredited themselves well in the Manifold, and while he was still struggling with his biases against abhumans and the lower classes, his friends had helped considerably. He was proud he had managed to maintain his rank in class and befriend the other top-performing cadets. Given that most of them had been elevated in rank by their recruitment, they often turned to him for advice on how to act and use proper etiquette. That had been essential to developing a rapport with them.

His friends were outwardly silent, but the secure private chat room they had set up over the Noosphere was flying back and forth with messages. They made their way towards the designated gathering point. The immense fortress compound of Orbitalis loomed before them. The rest of the Tempestus cadets were assembled by one of the massive sets of doors.

He felt a few of the bolder and more curious students ping them over the Noosphere, but one of the Levelist Mechanicus Tech-Priests that acted as their chaperone shut those down.

"Cadets. Welcome back from your walk. Orbitalis has prepared one of the lecture halls for this evening's lessons. You will join the rest of the Cadets and follow. The Orbitalis proctor is waiting." The Tech Priest buzzed in Lingua-technis. William also took note of the large number of Skitarii and Secutarii that were shadowing them. Twelve units had followed their group ever since they left Kiryu's berth. They formed up seamlessly with the guards around the rest of the class.

The massive doors rumbled open, and they were ushered inside, where a man in gold-and-azure robes marked with the sigil of Orbitalis stood waiting.

"Greetings, aspirants and guests of Legio Tempestus. I am Lexmechanic Wix of Legio Orbitalis. I will be the primary point of contact for your teachers regarding your lessons. You will be attending lessons along with aspirants from Legio Orbitalis, Legio Bastionis, and Legio Clypeus Obscurus, in addition to new aspirants that have come in with the tithes from neighboring systems and individuals undergoing remedial training." Wix paused, and William felt the man brush over them via the Noosphere.

"How… Interesting," he muttered, but the man did not elaborate as he turned on his heel and led them deeper inside. The amphitheater they were led to was quite large, arranged in a half circle with tiered seatings. Over a hundred individuals were already present and seated. That was not what stuck out to William the most, however.

After weeks of getting used to nearly everyone that he interacted with daily having a Noospheric presence, the most striking thing was that, despite being obviously augmented, no one seated within had one. Most of the other cadets had dataslates or physical parchment and quills in front of them to take notes. Wix walked down the stairs towards the front of the class, where a few individuals were already standing. Z0-0M, never one to sit still, took the initiative and claimed a seat in one of the empty sections.

William followed, and before long, the Tempestus cadets had occupied the entire row. The seats were surprisingly comfortable, but there was little time for introductions or idle conversation. Dataslates emerged almost immediately as everyone prepared for the briefing, only for Wix to speak up once more.

"Aspirants, today has been quite eventful, and time is short. I would like to introduce today's guest lecturer. Lady Dune of Clypeus Obscurus." Wix gestured to the old woman standing imperiously by the lectern.

"Hello, children," she huffed, scanning the crowd.

"I expect to be addressed as Lady Dune or Moderatus Primus Dune. Given many of your ages, it is not an exaggeration that I have spent more time linked to the Manifold than most of you have lived to this date in your lives. I have served aboard every classification of Engine at least once. For those of you who came early, yes, my granddaughter is seated amongst you. Now let us begin!" The screen behind her lit up, and she began lecturing them.

William was unsure of how useful the lecture would be at first, but as Lady Dune went on, he found himself leaning forward in his seat and taking copious notes on his dataslate.