FirstRaising his hand, the Tech-Priest snaps his hand closed and the sparks of the Motive Force vanish, almost as if he has caught them in his fist. A corpulent man with a metal abdomen and bulky carapace, he hovers above the deck like a large, crimson beetle. A mature face sits beneath an angular black cap; for a servant of the Adeptus Mechanicus, his visage retains a surprising proportion of organic material, and it is set in a dense beard of cables and pistons.
EogunnHis unaugmented eye closes and his mouth relaxes into a serene smile. Crossing his arms over his augmented belly, the Tech-Priest inhales deeply of air infused with ozone and sacred unguents. "A wise man once said that a machine spirit cannot be looked upon. And he was right, for the Omnissiah, in His infinite wisdom, has concealed His creation even from the gaze of His most devoted servants. But can the believer come to know the nature of a machine only through an eye of organics or steel? No. For the vapour that brings forth the scent of sacred unguents is the spirit's breath, the rumbling of joints and rods is the beating of its heart, and the Motive Force is the current of its blood."
NunciusThe servo-skull hovering nearby stares silently at the priest.
EogunnThe Tech-Priest steadily exhales and opens an eye. "You are correct, Nuncius, I risk boring the Rogue Trader with my protracted ruminations. However, I will not allow the semantic analysis of my utterance to go unanswered — I will log your thesis for further debate. Now it is time to make my obeisance."
EogunnThe Tech-Priest alters the pitch of his hovering torso in an attempt to mimic a bow. "Rogue Trader, your halls are filled with sacred metal and the ship's Tech-Priests must be commended in observing the sacraments of augmentation, that blessed union of flesh and Ferrum Sanctum. Beholding this charges my galvanic coils with exaltation. I, Genetor Extremis Eogunn Februs, greet you and thank you for the opportunity to grace these ancient mechanisms with the gift of operation."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."
Eogunn"Junior Lexmechanic Carr-Ain, operator of auxiliary terminal 289-0 of the lower workshops of Altar-Templum-Calixis-Ext-17. A pragmatist and a bureaucrat who saw the world solely through the prism of statistics, endless parades of outflows and inflows — he had little interest in anything other than keeping track of valves and vents. But, now and then, he would drop pearls of wisdom such as these without even noticing it himself. I felt it was my duty to pick them up."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"
Eogunn"An excellent observation! My technical designation is Manipulus." His mechadendrites spring to life, pointing at his augmented abdomen. "And here is the galvanic cell, the repository of the Motive Force. It — no, that will take too long, better to give a demonstration. Observe!"
FirstHe stabs a mechadendrite into the augmented arm of a nearby technomat: power snakes along the Manipulus's chrome claw into his cell; the technomat's vox stutters and rasps, and then his implant goes limp. Once certain that you have seen the effect, Eogunn sends the power back into the augment and it returns to life. "Questions?"
YOU"Intriguing. So your galvanic cell not only stores energy, but also redistributes it to wherever you direct it. And you power it, seemingly, by drawing energy from other sources."
Eogunn"Correct, entirely correct! Rarely do I meet such astute interlocutors among the laity." The Manipulus's eyes light up. There is no hint of sarcasm or condescension in his praise — Eogunn is genuinely pleased, like a proud mentor commending a student on their insight. "I respectfully initiate a request for an audience — I must discover what other gems of knowledge are hiding within your rich mind."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"
Eogunn"It is my creed. The incontrovertible fact that has defined my existence for as long as I can recall, and I recall a great deal. I have devoted myself to the mysteries of flesh and metal, to the processes by which one joins with the other, by which they live in union and how they die. I am intimately familiar with machines such as the one that I restored to life — I will school the members of the priesthood on board in its litanies of maintenance and operation, and reveal the secrets of the command runes so they may operate it themselves."
Eogunn"The sacrament of Ferrum Sanctum will be made available to you and your retinue. That, too, is an incontrovertible fact." His spherical torso rolls forward again in a deferential bow.
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"
Eogunn"Nuncius is my dearest colleague. His eagerness, inquisitive mind, and ability to view a problem from a variety of angles are invaluable to our research. He is also rather loquacious himself."
NunciusNuncius does not make a sound, directing his visor somewhere past you.
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"
EogunnThe Tech-Priest looks stunned. "Do you think I would dare walk about with an anathema, a profane parody of the human mind, the greatest heresy against the Omnissiah? What an absurd idea!"
EogunnAfter Eogunn regains his composure, he raises his finger. "I honour the Crimson Accord of Mars and swear before the all-knowing, all-seeing Machine God that Nuncius is no spawn of tech-heresy. If I lie, then let me be struck down by the electromagnetic pulse of His wrath, and let the Motive Force desert my limbs forever and ever!"
Eogunn"Nuncius is an incredibly sophisticated creation of sacred algorithms, interlaced with my own. It is difficult for a layperson to grasp their inner workings, yet not a single one violates the commandments of the Omnissiah."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."
NunciusIf the servo-skull has heard you, it makes no sign of it.
EogunnEogunn pensively tightens a bolt on his beard and nods. "Amazing sincerity, Nuncius. It is gratifying to see that you have not lost your sense of tact over the years."
YOU"What did he say?"
Eogunn"I fear my rendering will lack the sophistication inherent in Nuncius's Lingua-Technis, but, to crudely summarise, he is honoured by your attention and records the moment as significant."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"
Eogunn"Your thanks are accepted, but my service is not yet at an end."
Eogunn"The clergy of the Altar-Templum-Calixis-Ext-17 cloister, in gratitude for the tidings of the sacred archeotech, request that you be attended by Magos Eogunn Februs and the unit Nuncius. I seek your leave to employ our skills and knowledge for the benefit of the von Valancius dynasty, including but not limited to tending to the machine spirits of the Sector Bionica and conducting experiments in the name of Knowledge."
Eogunn"In other words, allow Nuncius and I to remain on the ship and accompany you. We are well-versed in augmetics, genetics, alchemy, the anatomy of humans and abominable xenos alike, and the mysteries of the Motive Force and of sacred engineering. These fields of knowledge may also be employed to eliminate units whose views are not conducive to productive debate."
YOU"Why do you wish to do this?"
Eogunn"It is my sacred duty to stand vigil to ensure the faithful operation of the technology I restored. Beyond that, Altar-Templum-Calixis-Ext-17 is an enclosed community. Many wisdoms can be found within its walls, but I seem to have exhausted their supply. Theory lays the foundation for exploration, but only practice can open the gates of knowledge. Nuncius and I have always been practitioners first and foremost.
YOU"Why do you wish to do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What will happen to the implantation throne if I turn you away?"
Eogunn"I have already transferred the basic Rite of Operation to a qualified contingent in the Sector Bionica. If you refuse us, Nuncius and I will linger just long enough to pass on the rest of our knowledge, after which we will disembark. The augmentation procedures can be performed without my participation."
YOU"Why do you wish to do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What will happen to the implantation throne if I turn you away?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Welcome aboard, Eogunn."
EogunnFolding his arms over his stomach, the Tech-Priest addresses Nuncius: "Scepticism is undeniably one of the instruments of Knowledge, dearest colleague. It guards us against many heresies, preventing ego and vanity from clouding reason on the path of service. But as you see, Nuncius, it is not justified in every circumstance." After a moment's silence, Eogunn nods. "Rogue Trader, Nuncius states that you are a person of rare perspicacity and prudence. I record this as an incontrovertible fact and thank you for your hospitality."
Eogunn"But of course, I did not come empty-handed. I would like to present you with this augment. Now that the machine spirit of the implantation throne is awake, I can bestow its blessing upon you or one of your retinue, should the Rogue Trader will it."
end of branch
YOU"Experiment somewhere else. I shall make do without you."
Eogunn"Nuncius expresses his sorrow. I share his sentiments, but since the Omnissiah has determined this path for me, so be it."
YOU"I have changed my mind. You can still be of use to me."
EogunnFolding his arms over his stomach, the Tech-Priest addresses Nuncius: "Scepticism is undeniably one of the instruments of Knowledge, dearest colleague. It guards us against many heresies, preventing ego and vanity from clouding reason on the path of service. But as you see, Nuncius, it is not justified in every circumstance." After a moment's silence, Eogunn nods. "Rogue Trader, Nuncius states that you are a person of rare perspicacity and prudence. I record this as an incontrovertible fact and thank you for your hospitality."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Farewell, Eogunn."
FirstThe Tech-Priest twists the bolt on his beard one final time, then nods politely.
end of branch
YOU"Welcome aboard, Eogunn."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Experiment somewhere else. I shall make do without you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What will happen to the implantation throne if I turn you away?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Welcome aboard, Eogunn."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Experiment somewhere else. I shall make do without you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."
Eogunn"Not quite. I humbly ask that you hear my petition."
Eogunn"The clergy of the Altar-Templum-Calixis-Ext-17 cloister, in gratitude for the tidings of the sacred archeotech, request that you be attended by Magos Eogunn Februs and the unit Nuncius. I seek your leave to employ our skills and knowledge for the benefit of the von Valancius dynasty, including but not limited to tending to the machine spirits of the Sector Bionica and conducting experiments in the name of Knowledge."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If only all interlocutors were like Nuncius."
EogunnEogunn nods with satisfaction.
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yes, indeed! Abelard, you could learn a thing or two from this servo-skull."
AbelardThe Seneschal clears his throat, looking bemused. "I... shall bear in mind Master Nuncius's eloquence."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is this some kind of jest?"
Eogunn"I do apologise, Rogue Trader. I forget that Nuncius's speech may be difficult for laypersons to understand."
Eogunn"I fear my rendering will lack the sophistication inherent in Nuncius's Lingua-Technis, but, to crudely summarise, he is honoured by your attention and records the moment as significant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
First(sequence)
Pasqal"Registering a violation. The tech-unit Nuncius is ignoring a request for engagement. Recommending that the unit's labour be allocated to repair tasks."
EogunnA faint smile plays on Eogunn's lips. "Declined with gratitude and due reverence. The tech-unit Nuncius is designated as a personal instrument of the quest for the divine, which confers the privilege of privacy. That includes privacy from intrusion by entities of equal standing."
PasqalFor an instant, crimson engulfs the blue of Pasqal's visors. A disgruntled rasp trickles from his vox: "Status confirmed. Rejection of request acknowledged as valid."
end of branch
Idira"Ha, he's quite the gabbler, all right! Maybe the cog-bellied master hears voices in his head, too? I'm sure my friends from beyond the door would love to get together with them sometime."
end of branch
Heinrix"Genetor Februs, I trust you understand how unusual it is to speak to a mere servo-skull like this?" Heinrix studies Nuncius with grim intent. "Let us pray this is only a sentimental whim on your part, rather than the presence of heresy within your device."
end of branch
AbelardAbelard shakes his head in bemusement. "A servo-skull... as your colleague? Right. Well then, I'll take a data-slate for my adjutant!"
end of branch
Cassia"I see no colours coming from Nuncius... Is treating servo-skulls like living beings some kind of sacred practice among the Tech-Priests?"
end of branch
ArgentaArgenta raises an eyebrow. "But surely it does not answer you? How truly peculiar!"
end of branch
Kibellah"The Bloodspun Web also speaks to its departed brothers and sisters. But the answer we receive is the silence granted by the Undying One."
end of branch
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you attack that menial? Do not do it again."
Eogunn"Attack him?" Eogunn twists a bolt on his beard in confusion. "I merely used him as a visual aid for a harmless demonstration conducted under controlled conditions. Furthermore, in the process, I identified several faults in his augments and repaired them. I assure you that any effects on his organic components were negligible."
EogunnThe Manipulus turns to Nuncius and listens intently. After a few moments, he nods. "Yes, you're right, the Rogue Trader is concerned with the ethics of the matter." Eogunn turns back to you, bowing his head. "I will endeavour to temper my enthusiasm in the future."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Illuminating, but still, describe in words what you were trying to demonstrate."
Eogunn"If I may distil it down to its barest essence... the galvanic cell not only gives out Motive Force, but also allows me to take and then redistribute it to wherever the Omnissiah's will bids. To awaken your relic, for instance, I had to drain the power from one of the non-critical small workshops on Altar-Templum."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Watch your tone — I am not some lower-deck drudge to be lectured by you."
EogunnThe Manipulus looks blankly at you, then tilts his bulk forward, reducing his hovering height so that his feet almost brush the deck. "I apologise, Rogue Trader. I was delighted to find such keen interest in my nature and... forgot myself."
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No questions. Let's talk about something else."
EogunnEogunn nods courteously.
YOU"Who is this wiseman who theorised on the nature of the machine spirit? It would be interesting to read his work."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A compelling display of your abilities. Can you produce energy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Extremis — what does that mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak to your servo-skull?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Eogunn, you didn't actually dare to create an Abominable Intelligence, did you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the servo-skull] "Nuncius, I welcome you on board my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your help, Eogunn. Where will you go next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you finished? I have matters to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
First(sequence)
PasqalPasqal's vox emits a binharic trill, solemn and oppressive. "Confirmed: the sacrament of tech-relic maintenance has been performed correctly. Protocol for exchange of sacred regalia initiated." The Tech-Priest's gaze fixes on Eogunn's robe. "Registering the affiliation of this blessed tech-unit to the clergy of the forge world Stygies VIII." A scarlet spark flickers in his blue optical augmetic, almost as if Pasqal has narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Requesting confirmation of the unit's familiarity with the standards of the Catechism of Maintenance and Safety in effect on this vessel."
Eogunn"It is my pleasure to confirm the protocol for the exchange of sacred regalia and greet my brother in ministry." There is no tension detectable in Eogunn's voice — rather, there is inexplicable excitement. "The vows taken in this temple are known to me, and I promise to honour them. I request a meeting with my esteemed colleague to facilitate knowledge exchange and to discuss values."
HeinrixHeinrix frowns slightly and nods, making some sort of mental note.