Chương 46: Chapter 44: Forging Connections

POV: Nicole I find myself in the forge. Giving my new pistols a good cleaning and a once over taking note of any minor imperfections or wear on the weapons that need rectifiying or repair before I add them to my collection. The wine I will keep for now in a trunk in my room I do however use one of the scanners to record the exact chemical composition of the vintages. My personal analysis of the lifter takes a little longer, parsing out Archeotech is by no means a simple affair.

Once I have mostly figured out the operation and properties of the item I have decided to share it. I pass it over to a few of the Tech Priest artisans to study for now. Despite our attempts to keep the information about the incoming Inquistorial vessel secret the news had spread like wildfire amongst the Rogue Trader's fleet. This however didn't seem to bother the Argent Drake or her crew. I am in the forge because of Argent. I finally finished decrypting her hint, or rather hints.

The data she gave me is not a blueprint. Argent has given me a packet of various armour-making methods and techniques, many of which are divergent from one another. I examine each file and method with a critical eye. My goal is to incorporate the best effects of the Mechanicus Dragon Scale power armour and the miniature layered conversion field effect of the Archeotech Draconic Scales bodysuit.

The bodysuit's protection comes from multiple overlapping conversion fields, and the power armour's from hand/mastercrafted scales of an adamantine-ceramite alloy plating woven with Prayers of Permanence and further nano-etched with fractal Incantations of Defense. I could just wear the bodysuit under a set of regular Dragon Scale armour but I also don't want to trade out my Synskin underlayer.

I've decided to use my Synskin underlayer as a pseudo-black carapace, I can interface the suit with my extensive subdermal electoo system to achieve a nearly identical effect. The problem is in the combination. I need to miniaturize the scales, find the ideal material composition for the full armour, and figure out how to maintain the conversion field scale layer.

After spending an entire day running simulations - mundane and more esoteric both - I finally end up with a sleek yet functional design that's currently projecting from the central simulator table and I can't help but grin in triumph. I spend a moment admiring the clever if slightly exotic fractal pattern the simulator selected.

"Finally!" I cheer and do a quick fist pump, but the grin quickly fades as I spot a small, tiny problem with the required material components. The base scales are an adamantine alloy with the outer ablative layer being ceramite with minor amounts of plasteel and diamantine... and in-between the ceramite and adamantine is a thin layer of auramite.

"Where the heck am I supposed to get Auramite!?" I cry before I slump forward and drape myself over the table, pouting and glaring up at the requisite material amounts as if they would change.

"I guess I can have one of the machines start production of the base Adamantine scales, those will take a while to forge. While I try to source some freaking Auramite." I grumble as I slowly get up. I need something to distract me from my auramite-related problems. I snap my fingers as an idea, one that is guaranteed to cheer me up comes to mind - manufacturing some WMDs! The frames for the Cyclonic torpedoes should be ready by now. I ping Master Doll to inform him of my intentions.

"I am going to spend the rest of this afternoon working on a few of the ship-grade Cyclonic torpedoes. Also, Master Doll, you wouldn't happen to have Auramite anywhere would you?" I ask politely.

"Alright, the Deuterium should be ready for you… What? No, I do not. What purpose do you require Auramite for?" Doll replies his tone confused and curious.

"I have derived the ideal pattern for my personal power armour. However, the fabrication requires an Auramite layer between the Adamantine and Ceramite layers of the scales. The alternative would be more of the material my implants are made of but we don't have the means to produce or even know its full composition. I can send you the schematics and simulated performance data if you like." I explain with a sigh.

"I see. Please send me the schematics. I do not believe anyone onboard has any Auramite. Sourcing some will be incredibly difficult. I will put out a bounty that we are looking for Auramite." Doll says considerately.

"I figured as much. Thank you." I reply as I forward the schematics to Doll just as I get to the area set aside for making the massive torpedos. The warheads are so massive that I can walk inside them. Working on the larger ship-grade Cyclonic warheads is far easier than the smaller, man-portable version. The macro scaling makes almost everything easier. The only annoying part is moving everything into place and processing the raw materials.

"Servitor, move that six-point-three degrees towards the nose. The induction port in slot twelve is cracked and needs to be replaced." I transmit a constant stream of instructions to the various servitors and individuals helping prepare the rest of the torpedo as I slowly put the warhead together. —--------------------------------------------------------------- Location: Inquisitorial Black Ship, the Purest Shadow POV: Agatha Striker, Lord Inquisitor of the Ordo Hereticus.

Agatha looked across the table, her eyes boring into the placid expression of Farseer Anvial Veilwalker, "You are certain that our arrival was not expected?"

"Indeed, " he replied.

"I have foreseen that my presence is required to aid my brethren trapped on the surface. You should prepare yourself; you have some intense negotiating to do as well." He said this with an annoyingly comfortable smile, as if the five Deathwatch Astartes that loomed behind him were not even there.

"I honestly could care less about you or your wayward Ynnari. I want to know why the system seems so tense." Agatha pressed.

"The future of this system is in flux. You should take care, Lord Inquisitor." The farseer spoke, glancing off into the distance for a brief moment. Agatha pursed her lips and frowned. She would need to negotiate? Her eyes drifted over to her team, they looked weary after spending the past two days straight gathering information.

"We are ready to present our findings, My Lord." The team lead, Interrogator Ivan Defar spoke up.

"Do so." Agatha nodded leaning forward to rest her elbows on the table and interlace her fingers.

"We have identified the vessels in orbit. Two are local trade vessels, their IDs have been verified, and there are several ships in progress in the shipyards. Ur-Haven is known for producing a popular class of Clipper. There are three vessels marked as belonging to the Drakios Rogue Trader Dynasty. Including their flagship, the Argent Drake a… Grand Cruiser. They also have a Goliath Class Factory Ship and a Firestorm. They reported the loss of two vessels in their transit."

He paused and seemed to hesitate from adding his additional thoughts.

"What do we know about their flagship?" Agatha asked, encouraging Ivan to continue.

"It's been in their family for quite some time. The vessel was originally wrested from a space hulk with the help of the Mechanicus. The vessel itself hosts significant Mechanicus presence due to the frankly absurd amount of Archeotech the ship carries. Rather than a Grand Cruiser, it might be better to classify the vessel as a pocket Ark Mechanicus." Ivan gestured and an aide pulled up a display projection of the vessel in question.

"Could we take them if necessary?" Agatha asked. The Purest Shadow was effectively a Battle Barge, combining the power of a Strike Cruiser with a Navy Battlecruiser. She was confident the ship could match and best vessels up to the size of battleships in a duel." No." Was Ivan's flat reply which made Agatha blink.

"Explain." She prompted him.

"The Argent Drake sports an Archeotech Godsbane Lance Array on its dorsal turrets. Their range is estimated to be above ten VUs. The ship also sports Turbo Hecutor-pattern Plasma Broadsides, also Archeotech. This is in addition to a fully stocked and armed Lathe Pattern Landing bay. Archeotech Void Shields, Point Defenses, and Torpedo Launch Systems. Under no circumstances should we engage in hostilities with this vessel. Lord Admiral Drakios is known for being an expert duelist, naval strategist, and trader.

Their House forces are well trained, well armed, and of a considerable number. In addition, the Mechanicus onboard also field a full complement of Skitarii, they are led by Archmagos Akellonon Doll, hailing from the Great Lathes, he is the head of the Levelist faction. The Archmagos is a renowned craftsman and their faction is known for being less abrasive than most. Our records indicate he has an entire team of skilled Magi working under him. Though the recent reports we received from our local agents are…

concerning." Ivan explained with a wince. Agatha nodded slowly, "Concerning how?"

"Some of the debris we passed on the way here has been confirmed to have once been the Hollow Star: Vanguard-Class Light Cruiser of the Star Dragons Chapter. Lord Drakios rescued their entire ninth company and they are currently residing on the Argent Drake. Their vessel had also been in the warp during the formation of the Cicatrix Maledictum." Ivan said, glancing over at the Astartes. One of the black-armoured individuals said, "The Star Dragons are a second founding Iron Hands chapter.

They are known to us and are a loyal and Codex-compliant chapter."

"Our agents' reports all confirm and corroborate that the Drakios fleet arrived in the system less than a standard month ago. The Star Dragons were pursued by chaos forces which arrived in the system a few days after the Drakios fleet, though only half their vessel made the transition. The Argent Drake eliminated one enemy vessel immediately causing the rest of the raider fleet to flee.

The Drakios fleet then entered the system and docked at the Halo, the large orbital station that sits above the capital," Ivan cleared his throat "In addition to the Imperial assets in orbit is a Drukhari light cruiser that appears to be derelict. With no life signs aboard." The Farseer nodded, "That is the vessel I seek to acquire for the Ynnari."

"What's it doing there?" Agatha inquired, making Ivan grimace.

"That requires a considerable amount of context, My Lord. If I may?" Ivan waited for a nod before he continued.

"According to reports an individual masquerading as Radic Dhamne was present in the system when the fleet arrived. This individual was a heretic biomancer known as Tharius Grimn who facilitated an uprising in the second hive of Cycladon. Unfortunately, this confirms Inquisitor Dhamne is deceased. The imposter was reported to have been wearing his face." Ivan said with a bow. Agatha's fist clenched for a moment before she sighed.

"That is unfortunate, what is the status of the heretic? Please continue." Agatha spoke with a sharp look in her eye.

"Deceased," Ivan replied with a small chuckle.

"Oh?" Agatha let one of her eyebrows quirk upwards.

"Confirmed. The deceased head was interrogated and resides in the care of Lord Xor, a Magos of the VenatorIi. We do not have everything that was reported or acquired, but the rebellion was supposed to soften the planet for an incoming chaos invasion. That did not happen. The rebellion was quelled within a week after the local forces managed to antagonize the Drakios Dynasty and the Mechanicus." Ivan explained.

"How did they manage to do that?" Agatha wondered aloud. Ivan took a deep breath and sighed, "This is where the reports start to conflict slightly. All the reports report that there is a Princeps present on the planet. The Matriarch of House Cavalerio, she is described as being young with a lithe, petite build. Silver hair, silver eyes, pale skin, subtle yet high-quality cybernetics. According to the reports, she is the personal disciple of Archmagos Doll and a living relic?" Ivan scratched the side of his head.

"What do we know about that house?" Agatha asked not missing that one of the Astartes glanced over at Ivan when he mentioned the name of the House. Though they didn't speak up.

"That's the strange thing, the House of Cavalerio in our records is tied to Legio Tempestus. The Cavalerio House has been defunct for Millenia. Tempestus was devastated during the Heresy and while the legio still operates, but nowhere near here. Only one of our agents, the one in the governor's staff, was able to give a thorough report. The Princeps and a handful of others were found in stasis aboard a secret compartment inside the Argent Drake. She recently signed a house treaty with the Drakios dynasty.

So when the cultists attempted to detonate scrap code in Halo Alphos the Princeps and Archmagos took extreme offense. There are confirmed reports of a Knight and an Ordinatus Engine taking to the field along with the Star Dragons' ninth company. Which includes four dreadnoughts and an entire squad of Terminators." Ivan paused to take a deep breath.

"That is not the strangest thing in the reports, My Lord. There is a giant tree currently overgrowing the main hive spire Cycladon. The Mechanicus have declared it a holy relic. Less than a week ago the planet was attacked by a… Man of Iron which temporarily disabled all the orbital defenses that in turn prompted the Drukhari to take advantage of the chaos only for the Man of Iron vessel to perform an emergency warp jump while in orbit. The planet is in the process of dealing with the aftermath of the jump.

There are reports of Eldar holed up in Cycladon. Oh, and one of the Princep's guards, a living M30 Solar Auxilia, has been declared a minor living Saint by the local Sisters of Battle," Ivan scrolled through his data slate trying to determine if he forgot to mention anything important, "Ah! Apparently the Drukhari and the Man of Iron were both sent here by the leader of the Chaos forces. Idolitrex Magi, Transmaterium Eligael, Calculating Manipulator of the Sundered Forge."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Agatha was looking at Ivan with a look of consternation, "That… That all happened in the last fucking month!? I don't know where to start!" She yelled, slamming her hands on the table.

"I would like to start with rescuing the local Ynnari." Anvial added his voice amused. Agatha pointed an accusatory finger at the Xenos, "Shut the frak up, Anvial! You're only here because I was begged, begged! To bring you here by a respected colleague." Agatha looked back at Ivan who stood there with massive bags under his eyes.

"Can we confirm any of that?" Agatha asked, feeling an intense headache coming on. One of her eyes unconsciously twitched as she kept her expression neutral.

"Not without establishing communications. Though, I would recommend we do so. Our agents reported that the command staff know more than they do about the current situation." Ivan replied earnestly. Ivan smartly chose to ignore the Xenos and Agatha's comments regarding how Anvial and the Deathwatch team came to be on their vessel.

"Eligael has left his forge and is coming here? What happened to the Man of Iron?" Agatha asked her mind racing from one critical piece of information to the next that had been conveyed in the report. Ivan shook his head.

"Unknown though the governor and his staff have been reported to have recently received Volitor Implants immediately after the attack. Installed personally by the Archmagos." Agatha didn't have enough information. It didn't help that even with the Farseer's aid their warp capabilities were limited.

"Open communications. Transmit my identification codes and politely request a meeting. We only have three days to prepare for this mess we're walking into." Agatha paused and glanced to the side looking at the ship's Magos "What's the ship's overall status?"

"Functional. We can make needed repairs at the Halo station. Current munitions are at twenty percent. We used our entire stock of cyclonic torpedoes in the exterminatus of the daemon world. Troops at eighty percent. A restock would be prudent," The Magos replied before adding, "The Drakios fleet has both a factory ship and the Manufactorum of the Argent Drake. Their aid would be appreciated. Your armour and that of the Astartes require the hand of a true artisan."

"You think they have such an Artisan?" Agatha asked the Magos.

"I know they do. I requested the data stream the moment you opened communications." The Magos replied, punctual and efficient as always. —------------------------------------------------------------ POV: Governor Aarark When communications finally opened with the Inquisitorial Black Ship it was both a relief and a new source of stress for Cornelius. The codes they had received confirmed the ship's identity. Lord Inquisitor Striker had returned.

She had already requested to meet with him, the Archmagos, Lord Drakios, the Astartes, and the Princeps, a gathering for which he had volunteered his estate. He had been more than happy to forward Lady Striker's information request on the Xenos vessel to the Archmagos and the Princeps. However, the orders he got to hold off on interacting with the Eldar occupying Cycladon puzzled him. As did the guest list the Lord Inquisitor provided, her team was expected, but a Xenos, and more Astartes?

It wasn't his place to pry but his political instincts said something unusual was afoot. The presence of the Inquisitorial vessel would be a great boon for their fleet defenses as long as the repairs the vessel needed were feasible for their facilities. He leaned back in his chair and sighed.

"I wonder if I could somehow get out of the meeting?" He mused.

"Sir?" Bethany asked from the other side of his desk where she had been sorting reports.

"Ah, Idle thoughts. There are going to be so many questions that I don't have answers for when Lord Striker arrives. Ensure the cooks are told of her food and beverage preferences. Warn the staff the Inquisitor will have an Eldar with her. Don't let them get caught gawking." He told Bethany while he considered the biggest problem at hand.

"What am I going to do?" He groaned, "How, do I seat them all by importance now?" The Lord Inquisitor was far more important than a normal inquisitor but the Princeps was some ancient human superweapon, he paused as his implant twinged reminding him to not think about that.

"Frak it. We'll use the great round table, and we're serving MY favorite wine, " he decided. He would do his duty as Governor and be a good host, but he had experienced a very trying month that was going to soon get worse. If anyone took exception to that, he was of the mind that they could, with his warmest regards, shove their complaints into the sun.

—--------------------------------------------------------- POV: Nicole I hum as I sit with Captain Bolaar, Master Doll, and Lord Drakios and discuss the recent exchanges between the Inquisitorial vessel and us.

"The good governor has agreed to host the meeting for us all." Lord Drakios replies with a bit of amusement.

"He has proven quite competent and amenable, despite dealing with matters beyond his station." Doll adds with a pleased expression.

"If his world were any less developed and our travel situation less prohibitive I might try to snag him for one of our worlds." Lord Drakios muses.

"The Inquisitor has an Eldar Farseer along and they are requesting a separate meeting to discuss the exchange of the Drukhari vessel and the Eldar trapped in Cycladon?" I mutter staring at the request that had been forwarded to me.

"Indeed. It is quite unusual." Doll replies.

"Did our request for more information glean what faction the Eldar represents? The Drukhari don't have Farseers and I am not opposed to an exchange with most of the other Eldar factions." I say as I consider the idea.

"I am not familiar with it but they said they represent the Ynnari." Lord Drakios says with a frown. Several things click into place when I hear the word Ynnari.

"Ah, I see. I will agree to the meeting. There is an opportunity there. I had intended to dissect and scrap the vessel for warp fuel but perhaps I can get something more valuable." I mutter crossing my arms as I consider my options.

"What sort of thing could be more valuable could a single Xenos offer?" Bolaar asks.

"Favors, particularly the use of their webway gate network," I reply as I tap the table and pull up a map of the segmentum. The others watch me silently for almost a minute as I examine our current location, Cypra Mundi before my gaze drifts towards Calixis. I lick my lips nervously and turn to look them each in the eye one after the other, "Master Doll, Lord Drakios, Captain Bolaar… do you trust me?" Master Doll was the first to reply, "Of course." Bolaar nods a moment later.

Lord Drakios saw something in my expression that made him smirk.

"Oh, that's quite the fun expression you have, Lady Cavalerio. Our house stands by to support you."

"Then please let me handle the negotiation and exchange with the Xenos. I may also need to retrieve and trade some items from the Xenos Librarium and the Star Dragon's Eldar trophies. I promise the potential rewards are worth it. Though it will involve a large amount of risk as well." I say with a calculating expression.

"By all means, Princeps." Bolaar says unbothered by the request.

"The Lord Inquisitor is going to want this back." Master Doll pulls out the Rosarius that we recovered from the imposter.

"I would imagine so. She was his sponsor." I say blinking in confusion as Master Doll passes it to me.

"I will have you verify that her Rosarius is genuine when we meet. After all, you noticed the discrepancy before. You may return it to her afterward," Master Doll explains. I nod and hum, "I should try making one of these at some point. I wonder if the Inquisitor has the Auramite I need and if she's open to trade." I fiddle and poke the Rosarius a bit and I find the spirit inside much more energetic now that it has been fixed.

"Perhaps. Negotiating for our services will rest on myself and Doll," Lord Drakios says before adding, "According to the requests their vessel does need repairs. If they have the Auramite you need we can inquire about what you might offer in exchange."

"I would appreciate that." I say with a small smile.

"How goes the production of the torpedoes?" Bolaar inquires.

"Well, we have nearly completed the first, and two more are close behind. The other three will take about a week. I am preparing to make the smaller warheads in one large batch after the torpedoes, which will be split evenly between the man-portable launcher and some slightly larger vehicle-sized units," I say confidently.

"Her work continues to be exceptional. The schematics for the single-stage torpedoes are quite interesting. Though the amount of deuterium needed is taxing our supply." Master Doll adds, making me preen proudly in my chair.

"Ideally, the Inquisitor will be reasonable. Their aid in preparing for the attack would be welcome, as would their vessel. You can never be certain with them. An Inquisitor Lord should process the intellect and tact to know better," Lord Drakios says with a weary tone and a shake of his head.

"We shall see. My Chapter's recent experience with the inquisition has been mixed." Captain Bolaar says, crossing his arms. —------------------------------------------------------------------ Location: The Purest Shadow Deathwatch Sergeant and Veteran Silvanus Gorane of the Ultramarines examined the reports he had been given about the current situation on Ur-Haven.

"This is a mess."

"What's got you all bothered now, Sarge, aren't you Ultramarines supposed to be good at organizing shit?" Came the gruff voice of Deathwatch Veteran Sundvek Beasthowl, the Space Wolf was armourless and shirtless as he exercised nearby.

"We are, this mess is beyond me." Silvanus replied without looking up.

"It can't be that bad can it?" Came the smooth, rich voice of Deathwatch Veteran Morlith Ixion of the Marines Malevolent.

"Have you looked at the reports yet, Morlith?" Silvanus asked.

"No Sir, I was planning to do so after I finished performing maintenance with Brother Eradicus." Morlith replied curtly.

"Bah! If there are no Xenos it's no business of ours. Our job is to watch the knife ear and that's no trouble at all, not with that bastard here." Sundvek gestured towards the side of the room where the figure of Deathwatch Apothecary Malcolm Scalprum Carpis of the Black Templars sat in meditation, a relic blade resting in his lap.

"Oi! Scalprum, what insane genius in the Templars decided training a Null was a good idea!? Or did your family just try to get rid of ye?"

"I volunteered." The clinical reply came from the motionless figure.

"Once the Adeptus Terra recruited my little sister, I joined the trials by choice. They were… fun."

"Crazy bastard… Fun? You know what's fun! We should have another spar!" Sundvek declared.

"You wish to be defeated for the forty-ninth time, Brother Sundvek? My estimates place your chance of victory at point zero zero zero three percent." Deathwatch Techmarine, Eradicus Azazel Rostar of the Dark Angels asked as he entered the chamber.

"Bah! I'll best him one of these days!" Sundvek growled stubbornly.

"Sergeant, I have examined the data provided. I wish to raise several key points with you," Eradicus said as he took a seat.

"Proceed, Brother," Silvanus said as he paused and looked up. The other three looked over as they paid full attention.

"During my time on Mars, I extensively studied the history of Titans. The name in the reports 'Cavalerio' is tied to Legio Tempestus. That Legion split during The Heresy, the fraction on Mars fell to the traitors and the other portion abroad joined the traitors. Indias Cavalerio was the Princeps Senioris of the Legio Tempestus, the one known as The Stormlord, a title he earned as a veteran of the Epsiloid Binary Cluster Wars which your Chapter and Primarch participated in.

The report indicates that this Nicole Cavalerio is his daughter. I cannot confirm, as much of the data on his familial ties were lost when their Legio fell." Eradicus explained.

"You telling me some girl is ten thousand years old?" Sundvek asked incredulously.

"Trapped in Cryo Stasis for ten millennia. Yes. My Mechanicus clearances have allowed me to gather certain information that complicates our mission." Eradicus admitted wearily.

"Complicates it how?" Silvanus inquired.

"Nicole Cavalerio has recently had her strategic value escalated. The reason for the escalation was above my clearance. Her value to the Mechanicus is currently listed as: Absolute. Her safety takes the utmost priority." Eradicus said gravely. Sundvek let out a whistle, "Damn."

"Could someone elaborate? I am aware the Mechanicus values their Princeps highly but that seems… impossibly excessive."

"The Princeps is listed as being both a living relic as well as a Psyker," Eradicus added which made Scalprum look up sharply, "Neither fully explain the elevation. To explain. The Mechanicus places more value in the life of a Princeps than most worlds. The number of lives and resources they are willing to expend for an individual with a strategic value of absolute is innumerable."

"We will need to investigate this further. Until then, treat the Princeps like a VIP," Silvanus decided.

"How thorough is her current protection?"

"Aside from living on the Argent Drake, the most terrifying Grand Cruiser in the Segmentum. Her personal protection detail includes: The Saint Solar Auxilia and two Sisters of Battle, a Skitari Praetorian, a Brother of the Star Dragons, numerous Heresy Era automata, and a… a Venerable Dreadnought." Eradicus read off to the room.

"Well… sounds like she's fine." Morlith said with an amused chuckle.

"How old is the Venerable?" Silvanus asked.

"Ancient." was the curt reply followed by a collective wince from the entire team.