FirstThe smell of medical supplies and weak cries of pain fill the cold air. Two figures stand over an operating table — the patient lying upon it is bound in place, and his head is soaked in blood. A woman in uniform is desperately trying to force her way to the table.
Serenada Schwartz"Please help my son, in the name of the Golden Throne, I know you can! Gnotec has endured so much..." The lined face of the middle-deck veteran is contorted with grief. Every word she speaks comes out in a long moan.
Vivisector Martinax"Your Lordship/Ladyship." The medicae officer dressed in protective attire briefly looks away from the table to welcome you with a solemn address. "Vivisector Jaze Martinax, at your service. The Rogue Trader's visit is a momentous event for the Sector Bionica. Will you grant us the honour of observing the operation?"
Genetor FerrenzThe hunched Tech-Priest on the opposite side of the table erupts in a furious binharic trill as he struggles to immobilise the thrashing and moaning patient. After a time, he likewise turns his metal-plated face to you. "The life form Genetor Majoris Ferrenz welcomes Lord Captain [Name] von Valancius. I second my colleague's statement."
YOU[Watch the pair at work]
FirstWith each of his many ocular implants focused closely on the patient, Genetor Ferrenz is rooting around inside the man's open skull with a thin, sharp, probe-like instrument. Meanwhile, Chirurgeon Martinax's hands, clad in bloodstained gloves, are holding an injector of yellowish solution, which he administers into the patient's brain matter at regular intervals.
YOU[Watch the pair at work]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the operation."
Serenada Schwartz"Lord Captain, our guiding light! My son, Gnotec, he's injured and dying. I carried him here in my arms, on my own, so the chirurgeons could pull him back from the brink, please don't leave us..." The woman's gaze swings from you to the chirurgeons and back again — her mental state is obviously unstable.
Vivisector MartinaxStill working the injector, Martinax turns his head to you. "This young man has suffered a serious head injury that requires immediate intervention. The Genetor Majoris and I are attempting to stop the flesh from dying off while simultaneously deciding on a strategy for further treatment."
YOU[Watch the pair at work]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the operation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything I can do to assist?"
Genetor FerrenzWith a whirring sound, Ferrenz's optical augment focuses on you. "Scanning for the potential utility of the life form... Encephalic healing skill is lacking. At present, nothing can be done."
Vivisector Martinax"Do not be so hasty, colleague. Heal with the mind, not with medicaments — that's one of the key wisdoms of the Officio Medicae." The Vivisector stares at the wounded man's face for a few seconds. "Perhaps Your Lordship/Ladyship's presence will lend strength to the patient. Try to support the patient while we attempt to stabilise his condition."
YOU[Watch the pair at work]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the operation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything I can do to assist?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the patient]
FirstThe man chained to the bed is missing the top part of his skull: the moist pink contents glisten in the lumen light. The patient is conscious — his eyes are open and his parched lips are constantly moving as he mumbles. The man's terrified gaze meets yours, and he falls silent.
Vivisector Martinax"How curious... It seems the Rogue Trader's presence is indeed influencing the patient's state of mind." Martinax looks back at you with interest. "Whether it is a manifestation of devout faith in His anointed, or a bizarre form of delusion, it can only be to our benefit. Whatever you are doing, Your Lordship/Ladyship... please continue."
YOU[Continue to look at the patient]
FirstThe man in the bed stares back at you through glassy eyes. His arms, held tightly to the bed by straps, shudder, his face contorting in a grimace.
YOU[Make the sign of the Aquila]
First(sequence)
Argenta"The Throne of Terra, blazing in His light, turning aside every evil..." A quiet chant emanates from off to your side. Turning your gaze from the patient, you see Sister Argenta, having made the sign of the Aquila, raising a prayer to the God-Emperor. Her melodic voice is soothing and instils confidence.
end of branch
FirstThrough the bloody foam on his lips, the prostrate man whispers, "God-Emperor bless you, Lord Captain!" Barely exhaling the words, he takes a deep, pure breath.
Genetor FerrenzA moment later, the two people leaning over the patient simultaneously raise their instruments. In a colourless voice, the Tech-Priest proclaims, "Registering the complete stabilisation of the life form's condition. Internal cortical damage has been treated. Requesting closure of the calotte and transfer of the victim to B-class stimulants."
Vivisector Martinax"He will live, but the stimulants won't replace that part of his brain. If we implant the sacred cortical augment in his skull, it will restore his lost ability to think and act. Lord Captain, please! Your subject has a genuine need for this augmentation!"
Genetor Ferrenz"This constitutes a violation of the sacred directives. The value of an individual life form is incomparably less than the value of the sacred technology required. Augmetics of the specified class are rare and are restricted to senior officers. Thus dictate the regulations of the Sector Bionica."
YOU"Who is this man?"
Genetor Ferrenz"An expendable life form to be utilised in void battles, one of thousands."
Vivisector Martinax"A soldier from a voidsman combat unit and a devoted servant of the Emperor. Lord Captain, this young man has been fighting for his life, even through horrendous pain. If you allow the augmentation to be installed, his perseverance will become an example for others to emulate."
Serenada Schwartz"My only son, he's serving in a void unit. I was the one who told him to go there... my poor Gnotec," rasps the woman from behind the medicae officers.
YOU"Who is this man?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was he injured?"
Vivisector Martinax"In the last void battle, Lord Captain, where he barely survived his injuries. He has suffered a few healing attempts from charlatans on the lower decks and endured a long road to come here. However, no weapon can destroy the devotion and fortitude of a true servant of the God-Emperor."
YOU"Who is this man?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was he injured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your respective proposals?"
Vivisector Martinax"I understand that my opinion may strike you as strange, for the mere fact that this poor soul has found his way to the Sector Bionica might itself be regarded as a blessing. Yet hear me out. The installation of a cortical augmentation will restore the patient to health, serving as an example for the rest of us through his heroism. This will inspire the people and strengthen their faith in the Lord Captain, and let them know that the Rogue Trader's mercy will not abandon them in their hour of need."
Genetor Ferrenz"The life form on the operating table is easily replaceable and does not possess any substantial functional value. Therefore, installation of the implant would be devoid of sense. Proposing replacement of lost function by means of class-B powder stimulants. The life form will have limited viability and will be gifted an optimal termination period with partial functionality."
YOU"Who is this man?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was he injured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your respective proposals?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made a decision."
FirstThe medicae officer and the Tech-Priest exchange glances.
YOU"Fit the augment."
Vivisector Martinax"We hear and obey, Lord Captain." Martinax offers you a graceful bow. "I will see to the implantation at once. And the esteemed servant of the Omnissiah will assist me in this procedure." The Genetor Majoris's response in binharic carries a distinct tone of displeasure. Ignoring his colleague's reaction, the Vivisector begins inserting thin augmentation spikes into the patient's brain with uncanny precision. Before long, the iron plate of the cortical implant replaces the damaged bone with a resounding crunch.
Serenada SchwartzIn the silence, you hear the soft sobs of a woman. Gnotec's mother is weeping helplessly, furiously wiping her eyes with her hand, but now a smile of relief lights up her face. "Thank you... Thank you, Your Lordship/Ladyship! I will remember your intercession for the rest of my life and pray for your good fortune."
end of branch
YOU"This man can make do without expensive augments."
Genetor Ferrenz"Initiating expedited completion of the operation." The upper, almost melted portion of the patient's skull closes over the brain matter with a crunch, and the drill at the end of the Tech-Priest's delicate mechadendrite emits a shrill whirring sound before digging into the bone and crudely putting it back into place. "Requesting assistance from the Vivisector life form by performing composite suturing of bone. No further operative intervention is required."
Serenada SchwartzGnotec's mother sucks in a breath and forcefully wipes away the tears. Her half-crazed eyes roam over her surroundings, and finally latch onto the Genetor Majoris. Animal rage simmers in her blown pupils, as if she were ready to lunge at the Tech-Priest, but the impulse dissipates after a moment. In a dull voice, she says, "Thank you for your mercy."
end of branch
YOU"I am not here to get involved in a medical dispute. Settle this without me."
Genetor Ferrenz"Initiating expedited completion of the operation." The upper, almost melted portion of the patient's skull closes over the brain matter with a crunch, and the drill at the end of the Tech-Priest's delicate mechadendrite emits a shrill whirring sound before digging into the bone and crudely putting it back into place. "Requesting assistance from the Vivisector life form by performing composite suturing of bone. No further operative intervention is required."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made a decision."continues where this line first appears above
First(sequence)
Kibellah"True devotion is revealed not in a servant's life, but in their death. So teach the Tenets of the Web." With a discreet motion, Kibellah touches the bloodstain on the wounded man's head and draws a crimson sign upon the metal of the cot.
end of branch
YOU"What are your respective proposals?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made a decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was he injured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your respective proposals?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made a decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "I have heard that a good story can dull the pain. Would you like me to tell you about my adventures? On one occasion..."
Genetor FerrenzYou do not need to finish the tale. A moment later, the two people leaning over the patient simultaneously raise their instruments and, in a colourless voice, the Tech-Priest proclaims, "Registering the complete stabilisation of the life form's condition. Internal cortical damage has been treated. Requesting closure of the calotte and transfer of the victim to B-class stimulants."
Vivisector Martinax"He will live, but the stimulants won't replace that part of his brain. If we implant the sacred cortical augment in his skull, it will restore his lost ability to think and act. Lord Captain, please! Your subject has a genuine need for this augmentation!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "Your mother is here, Gnotec, and she is very worried about you. Hold on for her."
FirstThe patient's clouded gaze is locked on the woman's face, the corners of his parted lips stretching into the faint semblance of a smile. His mother stares back, almost without blinking.
FirstThrough the bloody foam on his lips, the prostrate man whispers, "God-Emperor bless you, Lord Captain!" Barely exhaling the words, he takes a deep, pure breath.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But that was all before I became a Rogue Trader..."
FirstThe grimace fixed on the wounded man's pale face makes it impossible to tell how much attention he is paying to your story. It is not clear if he understands anything you are saying, but you do not hear any more moans.
Genetor FerrenzYou do not need to finish the tale. A moment later, the two people leaning over the patient simultaneously raise their instruments and, in a colourless voice, the Tech-Priest proclaims, "Registering the complete stabilisation of the life form's condition. Internal cortical damage has been treated. Requesting closure of the calotte and transfer of the victim to B-class stimulants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe he's deteriorating."
Genetor Ferrenz"The scan results state the opposite. The heart rate of this life form is returning to normal."
YOU[Make the sign of the Aquila]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "I have heard that a good story can dull the pain. Would you like me to tell you about my adventures? On one occasion..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "Your mother is here, Gnotec, and she is very worried about you. Hold on for her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But that was all before I became a Rogue Trader..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe he's deteriorating."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Rogue Trader, not a soul healer. How much longer do you expect me to entertain him?"
Vivisector Martinax"We are almost finished, Lord Captain. I apologise for the inappropriate request, but we just need one more minute."
YOU[Make the sign of the Aquila]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "I have heard that a good story can dull the pain. Would you like me to tell you about my adventures? On one occasion..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "Your mother is here, Gnotec, and she is very worried about you. Hold on for her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But that was all before I became a Rogue Trader..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe he's deteriorating."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Rogue Trader, not a soul healer. How much longer do you expect me to entertain him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."
Genetor Ferrenz"Initiating expedited completion of the operation." The upper, almost melted portion of the patient's skull closes over the brain matter with a crunch, and the drill at the end of the Tech-Priest's delicate mechadendrite emits a shrill whirring sound before digging into the bone and crudely putting it back into place. "Requesting assistance from the Vivisector life form by performing composite suturing of bone. No further operative intervention is required."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Rogue Trader, not a soul healer. How much longer do you expect me to entertain him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "Do not forget to breathe. It will dull the pain."
FirstFollowing your advice, the maimed man gasps for air — once, twice, thrice. His face regains a hint of colour, though his teeth are still clenched convulsively.
FirstFor a moment, you think there is a flicker of vivid emotion in the person's pain-ravaged eyes — something akin to extreme surprise.
YOU[Make the sign of the Aquila]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "I have heard that a good story can dull the pain. Would you like me to tell you about my adventures? On one occasion..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "Your mother is here, Gnotec, and she is very worried about you. Hold on for her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But that was all before I became a Rogue Trader..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe he's deteriorating."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Rogue Trader, not a soul healer. How much longer do you expect me to entertain him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above
First(sequence)
CassiaA gasp of astonishment escapes Cassia's lips. "Lord Captain... the fading soul of this man has blossomed anew with colour, the very moment you drew near. The venerable medicae speak truly. Your mere presence instils in this wretch a will to cling to life."
end of branch
YOU[Smile at the patient]
FirstFor a moment, you think there is a flicker of vivid emotion in the person's pain-ravaged eyes — something akin to extreme surprise.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "Your mother is here, Gnotec, and she is very worried about you. Hold on for her."
FirstThe patient's clouded gaze is locked on the woman's face, the corners of his parted lips stretching into the faint semblance of a smile. His mother stares back, almost without blinking.
YOU[Make the sign of the Aquila]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "I have heard that a good story can dull the pain. Would you like me to tell you about my adventures? On one occasion..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "Your mother is here, Gnotec, and she is very worried about you. Hold on for her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But that was all before I became a Rogue Trader..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe he's deteriorating."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Rogue Trader, not a soul healer. How much longer do you expect me to entertain him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the patient] "I have heard that a good story can dull the pain. Would you like me to tell you about my adventures? On one occasion..."
FirstThe man in the bed stares back at you through glassy eyes. His arms, held tightly to the bed by straps, shudder, his face contorting in a grimace.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look away]
FirstAs soon as you avert your eyes, the man in the bed lets out a loud, anguished scream. The pair leaning over him flinch, but do not remove their hands from his sawn-open head.
Genetor FerrenzA moment later, the two people leaning over the patient simultaneously raise their instruments. In a colourless voice, the Tech-Priest proclaims, "Registering the complete stabilisation of the life form's condition. Internal cortical damage has been treated. Requesting closure of the calotte and transfer of the victim to B-class stimulants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the patient]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything I can do to assist?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the patient]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the operation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything I can do to assist?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the patient]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing to the needs of a maimed man is tedious work undeserving of the Rogue Trader's attention. Do your duty as you see fit."continues where this line first appears above