Chương 29: Chapter 28: Best made plans

POV: Lord Cornelius Aarark Cornelius looked out at the pristine rows of tables as he adjusted his attire. Everything was nearly ready for the reception and banquet. He didn't realize one of his secretaries was briskly approaching until she was right next to him.

"My Lord, you look great, however, we have two minor issues." She whispered. Cornelius sighed and asked "What is it now, Bethany? Did we forget to invite someone?"

"Not exactly, My Lord, the Cannonness is now requesting permission to attend. I am not sure what brought this on as she declined earlier. The bigger issue is you invited all the nobles, including House Blunderstead."

"Blunderstead?" Cornelius tried to recall the family in question.

"Refresh my memory, Bethany."

"The House that joined the Death Cult." Bethany replied with a sigh.

"Oh. Them." Cornelius wrinkled his nose and scowled.

"Just put them in one of the side chambers with the middle or lesser nobles."

"They will almost certainly get involved with duels, My Lord." Bethany warned.

"We will deal with that later. Dueling has unfortunately seen a resurgence in popularity recently… Let's ensure a neutral proctor is present to enforce dueling law in a few of the rooms. Perhaps someone will solve the issue of that house for us." He checked the time and got ready to head towards the landing pads.

"Let the Cannoness come if she wants. Was there anything else, Bethany?"

"Your wife has arrived, she looks marvelous and she has changed her hair for this event. The security teams from the Rogue Trader have finished their sweep. We also reinforced some of the seating for the Astartes."

"Excellent work, dear. Remind me to give you a raise next month." Cornelius said as he went to rendezvous with his wife.

"Yes sir!" She said happily as she scampered off. Up high above a dozen bright dots of the transport craft arrayed in formation began their descent. Accompanied by a salvo salute from the main guns from Halo station. —------------------------------------------------------------------ POV: Zeta 9-Kane Zeta was still processing the fact that not one but two Heretek cells had infiltrated his station. He had expunged the remaining members of each with extreme prejudice.

Archmagos Doll and the other Magi had allowed him to take the lead with the second cell, which he was grateful for. The two leaders had been Tech Priests with access to the majority of the station. Their efforts and plans for sabotage had been considerable. Due to their early reveal a majority of their plots had been foiled before they could be enacted. Zeta had thoroughly scoured his command staff for any signs of corruption. Thankfully, no other discoveries had left his station compromised.

Checking the entire station for further sabotage was going to take weeks.

"I think we should test-fire all the primary weapons. You can use the excuse of giving a salute to the Rogue Trader or myself when we descend to visit the city." Doll advised as they stood in Zeta's primary office.

"I agree. It shall be done, Archmagos." Zeta said with a bow.

"Despite the discovery of the Hereteks, I believe you have earned our trust, Zeta 9-Kane. When we return from the surface we would like your assistance as a Voidwright." The data on the specific hull location was partitioned and transferred to Zeta.

"In a disguised, armored portion of the hull of the Argent Drake, there is an Ordinatus Sagittar that we must recover." Doll explained. Zeta sat at his desk frozen for several long seconds as he processed the ridiculous statement that the Archmagos had just uttered. He even replayed the statement just to affirm that he had indeed inloaded the audio information correctly.

Zeta examined the data packet and as stated there did appear to be an Ordinatus Sagittar hidden inside the hull section with only the barrel of the Volcano cannon sticking outwards.

"I… yes… I would be honored to assist with this project, Archmagos." Zeta said slowly "Reclaiming a lost Ordinatus from the hull of an ancient and wondrous Grand Cruiser… by the Omnissiah."

"Indeed, a noble labor to be completed for the Omnissiah." Doll spoke placidly as he recognized that Zeta was feeling a little overwhelmed.

"Archmagos, we must depart if we wish to keep on schedule.." Xor reminded the Archmagos with a calm tone. —------------------------------------------------------ POV: Idolitrex Magi, Eligael, Scion of Tzeentch Eligael loomed over the bizarre communications device as it crackled with warp energy.

"Why have you dared contact us, Mon-keigh?! Your tainted presence offends us and has ruined my wine! You reek of the Schemer and have the social grace of an Illith-rauch! I must now break this webway portal just to be rid of your corrupted stench!" The figure on the other end yelled from where they languished on their spike-covered throne.

"Reaver, I bid you listen, for a vulnerable planet glistens. Rife with strife for your knife." Eligael purred as his mutated tentacles undulated.

"Cease your pathetic prose, you tainted tentacled machine. Your pathetic attempts to wax limerick offends my translator!" The dark eldar spat. Eligael twitched and growled as if the effort pained him.

"A planet in civil war ripe for plunder rests within the Antimar Subsector. It would aid my plans were you to raid it."

"Why would we bother?" the Drukhari scoffed, and he waved a hand.

"There are hundreds of worlds ripe for the picking."

"There is something that may interest your masters hidden in that system. An STC fragment that may offend them nearly as much as Panacea." Eligael explained calmly. The Drukhari sat up on his throne and narrowed his eyes.

"So you say. What is it?"

"The designation it was given is: Yggdrasil." —--------------- Adjusting his communication device he changed his target to another one he had encountered long ago.

"Machine." Eligael hissed out with a click of his tongue.

"Corrupted failure of man."

"Man of Iron, abominable thing that can think and feel, made of naught but plastic and steel. I have a warning for thee on the planet Ur-Haven your better may be." The Machine scoffs"You seek to goad me into investigating or killing something for you. Your attempt has been logged."

"My intentions may be clear, you can hear. Divinations unclear. Something loiters on Ur-Haven you should fear." Eligael said with a wheeze.

"We shall see. Do not contact me again or I will destroy you." The machine cut the call abruptly before Eligael could speak further. Eligael smiled as he leaned back and turned off his device. The opening moves had been made, and two pawns had been goaded but the castle remained slumbering. His gambit was now in motion. Despite the fickle winds of fate and chaos remaining in flux. He turned to observe the hololithic projector. The forces of his gathering fleet arrayed in the display as they assembled.

Soon he would move personally to expunge the unknown variables. —---------------------------------------------------------------- POV: Nicole I look up and down at the Saturnine Terminator Armour. I am not entirely certain why Baldos wanted me to make sure it was working but it's been a fun little side project. I even tried my new repair power on the armor, which in turn left me mentally drained with a headache for a few hours. The armor is ready for use, though Master Doll and I did make some adjustments.

Two storm bolters are now arm-mounted, freeing the hands for power fists, power claws, or just to hold a melee weapon. Picking what to put on the back for the mounted weapon was a little difficult but I found something spiffy in the depths of the armory. The fancy Assault Cannon fits quite well, with the dragon mouth design on the barrel. It helps break up the roundness of the suit with room for more add-ons as needed.

"Alright, you guys can go ahead and paint the armour" I tell one of the nearby Tech Priests who nods and beeps an affirmative. I depart, after all, I need to make my preparations for the event. Mainly with my guards while I am allowed to bring them I can't take the full cadre. Lael and Delta-A3 are going of course, Brother Silverwalker makes three, he volunteered. I can fit three of my Thallax and two of the Scyllax before hitting my cap of eight for the event. Stolen novel; please report.

TOOB, the special missile, and a few normal Krak missiles I made are in a biocoded and scan-blocking weapons case that I can hide inside the hollow portion of the armored shell-like back of the Scyllax. The second Scyllax is going to carry my Conversion Beamer. Making the two new holders for my lower back lets me bring two more of my beloved pistols. Some people might say five pistols is far too many. Those people are probably dead.

If I want to carry around a Melta, Plasma, Bolt, Archeotech Hell, and Las pistols I can, barely, without burdening myself when added to all my armor and equipment. If I tuck most of the spare ammo into the Scyllax so it's not a problem. I don't have to change my attire for the party, a nice perk of being in the Mechanicus. Nice red robes are suitable for all occasions. I can wear my carapace armor with my helmet to hide my face.

I'm looking forward to seeing the city and planet more than I am to interacting with the local nobility. I use the mirror in my room to put my hair in a Dutch braid and after checking myself over I decide that's good enough. Not that anyone else would recognize that it could be called a Fenris braid or something now. I snag the Phased Plasma Rifle and message Delta-A3"I have a weapon I would like you to carry for our visit."

"Thank you, Princeps" Delta-A3 Replies right away.

"Preparations for departure have been completed. Please make your way outside and we can go to the hangar when you are ready."

"I'm almost done. I just need to call Master Doll." I tell Delta. I ping, Master Doll.

"Master Doll, If I wanted to go shopping at some point while planetside how would I go about doing so?"

"I have arranged a personal account for you which holds value in thrones. You will have access to your House fund account and a Mechanicus account. Keep in mind anything purchased on the Mechanicus account you will not retain ownership of, you will also require approval for large purchases. Alternatively, you can offer your services instead of currency. Your crafting talents and ability to repair machines are more valuable than you may think." Doll explains.

"Oh. I'm glad I asked." I reply as I get the encrypted digital keys for all three accounts. One of which is flagged as having a recent transaction.

"Um… why do I have a recent payment from Halo Station?"

"Magos Zeta 9-Kane insisted he reward you for your work after he reviewed the repairs you performed on the station. That was the minimum amount I negotiated him down to. As I said, your efforts have value. Additionally, as an ally of House Drakios, you can request a trade or loan from them at any point. Their wealth is… considerable. My funds are not negligible should you need assistance with a purchase." Doll admits with a small chuckle.

"Oh shoot, I should probably pay Lael." I realize as I look out of my room into the hall where Lael is standing with Delta-A3.

"We have already taken care of that for you." Doll says wryly.

"Please avoid purchasing large amounts of land or property. Items, materials, vehicles, and people are all acceptable purchases."

"People? Oh right, yes. Thanks for letting me know. I didn't want to step on any toes." I admit as I move towards my guards.

"Nicole, the number of individuals you need to be considerate of sits in the lower single digits. Half of which are in our party. Being polite to the Governor, Magos Zeta, and the Inquisitor who is running around somewhere. This is all that is required. The rest of the local nobility is beneath you. Captain Bolaar, Lord Drakios, Lady Arianwyn, myself, and the Magi qualify as your peers as well." Doll reminds me as I make a face.

"Right, I'm nobility. It's easy to forget." I say bashfully.

"I am headed to the hangar, I suggest you do the same." Doll says as he disconnects.

"Lael! Do you think you'll need to fight a tank anytime soon? I can let you borrow the Thermal Lance if so." Lael turns her head and eyes me considerately.

"I would not turn down your generosity of loaning me such a weapon, My Lady." As she straps her hammer across her back I get a strange tingling sensation. I pause to squint at the hammer in confusion. I don't see anything at first until I cycle to my psychic senses. Even then I'm not quite sure what I'm looking at with the little aura on the hammer, sword, and magazines of bolter ammo. It's not hostile, it feels warm if anything.

"Did you do something to your weapons?"

"I had them consecrated, My Lady."

"OH! That… that's a fantastic idea. I should have thought about that. I wonder if they'd consider blessing the Sword of Vengence's sword." I mutter getting an amused snort from Lael as I duck back into my room for a moment and return with the Thermal Lance.

"I can ask for you later. We should get going." Lael says as she uses the shoulder sling to clip the Melta weapon to her side. Our walk is uneventful, when we enter the Hangar it's bustling with a slew of craft sitting ready to launch. A fighter escort, a trio of Aquila Landers decked out in Drakios heraldry.

"Oh! You guys are taking the Stormbird?" I whistle as I spot the other Astartes loitering around the large craft. I have to do a double-take when I spot Captain Bolaar. He's in the Saturnine armor, decked out with his gear, Iron Halo, and all his finery.

"Captain Bolaar?" I ask as I move closer to take a look.

"Oh wow, you look. You look great, that's a lot more intimidating with it on than it was on the rack even with your helmet off..." I admit as I look him over.

"I will admit this suit is more comfortable than I anticipated." Bolaar says as he flexes his hands.

"The manipulator servos are extremely responsive and dexterous."

"You can thank Master Zephyr for that. We upgraded them when we upgraded the fiber lattice with the same stuff I put in Baldos's chassis. I hope you're content with the Assault Cannon. I would have liked a heavy plasma weapon but none of the conduits would fit that style of mounting." I admit with a sigh.

"But those pauldrons can probably shrug off shots from a Leman Russ."

"The cannon is fine. Thank you, Nicole." Bolaar slowly puts on his helmet "Brother Silverwalker will join you in your lander." He finishes as he strides off towards the Stormbird. I move to join my cadre of guards and the other individuals who are riding with me.

"Arianwyn? What are you wearing?" I ask as I spot my friend wearing a very frilly garment that looks like a cross between a ballgown and a riding outfit with pants. Arianwyn rounds on me and groans "Of course you just get to wear your robe! I don't know but Grandfather said it's in the local fashion."

"Shouldn't you be over there?" I gesture to the main Aquila trio.

"No, those are decoys. We can't have Grandpa and me on the same shuttle in case they shoot at us." She adjusts her belt which holds her sword and pistol, I catch a glimpse of the Eldar wristband under one sleeve.

"That would be foolish. The Argent Drake has standing orders to glass anyone who fires on our flight group. I like your hat." I say with a smile. Arianwyn nods "The hat is nice, it's not as uncomfortable as it looks, I just feel silly wearing it."

"Well let's get inside so everyone else can board." I say as I walk up the landing ramp. I find a seat and secure my Axe before I plug into an open port to examine the ship's systems.

"Princeps, please warn me before you do that next time." The pilot complains after I startle them with my sudden presence in the ship's network that they were linked with their MIU.

"Sorry, I was just checking our status." I admit as I pull back my probes.

"All green, Ma'am, we're good to launch as soon as we get the word." They say confidently.

"Alright everyone take a seat, well, not you Brother Silverwalker you can stand and hold onto the overhead handlebar since the seats aren't rated for Astartes. Hatch is closing in thirty seconds." I call out as I strap myself in. Arianwyn does the same and puts on a temporary oxygen mask. The Scyllax simply clamp themselves in while Lael and Delta strap in along with Arianwyn's guards.

"Launching in 3… 2… 1… Launch!" The Pilot announces. Despite the sudden acceleration, the launch is smooth as we sail out of the hangar into space before slowly angling toward the planet. The craft settles into formation with the Stormbird in the center as one of the largest craft and the Drakios transports in front. The central hive spire is high enough that it only takes a minute for us to traverse the upper atmosphere before we level out.

I take a small peek out of one of the little windows to take in the sight of Halo Alphos. The city is massive but that is only to be expected as it houses what is at least ten billion people. Halo station fires the 'salute' as we soar in towards the primary landing pads. We do a lap around the main spire before landing gracefully. Wisps of steam waft from the still-warm hulls as the ramps slowly open and the guards from the lead craft march out and take position.