Chapter 163: The Importance of Vik
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The following day, Qin Mo stood in the fortress hall, surveying the status of the Celestial Engine's interior through holographic projection. Behind him, Gray and Yao'en observed in silence.
Only half-complete, the Celestial Engine appeared, from an external view, as if two satellites orbited a comparatively small planet. At its planetary core lay a labyrinth containing shards of the Void-Treader, alongside machinery that harnessed their energy and generated gravity.
Encircling this were barracks for ground forces, armories, and an array of massive dimensional engines flanked by thousands of shield generators. At this stage, the structure was comparable to a planet with only its core and mantle formed; the expansive crust remained under construction.
The Celestial Engine had no "crew"; its sole operator was a Stoneborn, confined within its core. A single Stoneborn could control the engine, dispatch drones for maintenance, and handle dimensional navigation tasks.
Currently, the partially-built engine held forces from two worlds of the Tyron system—one hundred regiments, with a combined strength of approximately seventy million soldiers. Personnel had arrived, yet supplies, weapons, and other necessities were still in transit. The mobilization was swift, hindered only by the logistical challenge of food, which had to be sourced from agricultural worlds across the sector; the system's own resources couldn't sustain the soldiers long-term.
"I have some instructions for you," Qin Mo said, turning to Gray and Yao'en.
They nodded, attentive.
"Once you reach the Agripina Forge World, you won't merely defend it. You may be stationed there for years before returning. Do not stray from your mission. Follow my orders precisely, and avoid distractions of any kind."
After a brief silence, Qin Mo directed Gray alone: "Transport to the Celestial Engine now and meet your soldiers."
"Yes, Commander." Gray nodded, turning to leave immediately.
When only Yao'en remained, Qin Mo imparted instructions meant only for the soulless to hear. "You may encounter the Plague Fleet—the kind that looks distinctly green and reeks. Avoid close combat at all costs. The corruption of Nurgle's plague isn't something to toy with; even your metal bodies could be transformed into decaying flesh by the virus."
"I understand," Yao'en replied with a nod.
Having spent years beyond the Tyron system, responding to corruption in nearby star systems, he and his soulless soldiers had ample experience combating chaos. Over time, however, signs of corruption across Tyron's sectors had gradually waned.
"I'm not finished," Qin Mo added after a pause. "There's another potential threat—traitor Astartes. Their insignia features twin helmet crests that resemble rabbit ears. They are the Devourers, masters of close combat. If you face them, it would be best to remove Gray and the others from the fray."
Yao'en nodded again, deducing that the Devourers were likely similar to the zealots of strength seen in Hiveworld, reckless berserkers.
"That's all. Now, depart." Qin Mo gave Yao'en a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Understood." Yao'en turned to leave but hesitated. "We currently lack interstellar communication capabilities. If there is anything urgent, how should we report back?"
"Use messenger ships for now. I'll expedite communications capabilities as soon as possible," Qin Mo replied.
Interstellar communication was indeed within his plans, though time constraints meant it couldn't be established before dispatching forces to protect both the Forge World and Vik.
"Do you recall the Tech Priest Vik?" Qin Mo added, as Yao'en was about to leave. "His safety takes precedence—even over the Forge World."
Though Yao'en was uncertain of Vik's significance, an order was an order; he would carry it out with utmost commitment.
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Meanwhile, on Agripina Forge World…
The entire planet had been transformed into a sprawling factory, with a perpetual haze of smog shrouding the skies. Everywhere, mountainous factories rose from the earth, molten iron flowed like rivers, and the binary hymns of devotion to Omnissiah, the Machine God, and the Primal Force echoed in every corner.
In the vast foundry known as Omnissiah's Radiance, millions of holy defenders were stationed.
Vik, bearing his cogwheel staff, walked through the defensive positions toward the foundry's highest tier.
"Good evening, Sage."
"Praise Omnissiah."
"Sage Vik."
Every Tech Guard soldier, priest, and acolyte, regardless of rank, saluted him with a cogwheel gesture. Vik acknowledged them with a respectful nod as he passed.
After countless greetings and nods, he reached the uppermost level of the foundry, where the Sage Dominus of the Forge World awaited.
"You're late, priest." The Dominus's voice was mechanical, his face entirely devoid of flesh, yet Vik discerned the displeasure in his tone.
To his peers and subordinates, Vik was honored as a Sage, a mark of respect earned through his generous sharing of STC templates for crystal mass production under the Omnissiah's blessing. He had even freely disseminated his research on synthetic crystals to the entire Mechanicum, offering guidance whenever questions arose.
Thus, though technically still a Priest, Vik was seen as a Sage by others—a selfless, noble figure.
"The Imperial Navy has withdrawn," said the Dominus, staring at a holo-display on the table. "If our projections hold, we'll soon face the oncoming invasion alone."
The holo-display, a personal gift from Vik, projected the internal and external state of the Forge World in intricate detail.
"We are not without aid. Omnissiah is with us," Vik replied.
The Dominus gave him a sidelong glance and gestured to the southern sector of the Forge World's holomap. "I need you to pull a contingent from the southern foundry and send them here. This entire world stands in peril, and they may be reluctant to spare troops, but I trust your reputation will suffice."
"Yes, Dominus." Vik inclined his head in acknowledgement.