Mechanicus"This entire platform is suffused with evidence, layperson. The impossibly low metal degradation ratio, the Motive Force being supplied with no identifiable source, the complete absence of thermal overload described in the sacred tech-designs. When you see the anchor-core, you will understand."
YOU"Decabalus himself installed a xenos device in the central drill complex?"
Mechanicus"The inspection protocol indicated that the sacred machine was contaminated with xenoheresy, identified as the 'anchor-core,' at least 30 full turns ago. Artisan Decabalus-4-16 was in charge of the station for the entire time specified. He communicated with the machine spirit of the drill complex and personally consecrated it. He could not have been unaware of the tech-corruption powering its internal mechanisms."
YOU"Decabalus himself installed a xenos device in the central drill complex?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where did Decabalus obtain the xenos device?"
Mechanicus"I do not know and I do not want to know!" Alva's thunderous binharic howl-prayer carries over the roar of the wind. "The sacred mining station of Tirkuaz-4 is contaminated, long cycles of xenocorruption have tormented her machine spirit. We soothe and free it — that is enough."
YOU"Decabalus himself installed a xenos device in the central drill complex?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where did Decabalus obtain the xenos device?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any concrete evidence?"
YOU"I have come across xenos devices on the platform. Is this also the work of Decabalus?"
Mechanicus"The xenosect infected the patterns of this place long ago — I would not be surprised to learn that the forbidden technologies were born deep in the bowels of the station, guided by a traitor's hand."
YOU"Decabalus himself installed a xenos device in the central drill complex?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where did Decabalus obtain the xenos device?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any concrete evidence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come across xenos devices on the platform. Is this also the work of Decabalus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The central drill complex mechanism is what keeps the entire station afloat. If you destroy it, you will doom all the workers, the equipment, and yourselves in one fell swoop."
Mechanicus"My Ruststalkers managed to retrieve an operational shuttle from the flooded hangars. As soon as the xenoheresy is eliminated, we will leave this breeding ground of corruption, make our way to an orbital tech-station, and dispatch a message to Altar-Templum-Calixis-Ext-17. The station's machine attendants cannot be saved — all that is touched by tech-heresy is forever tainted by it. We cannot afford such a risk."
YOU"Decabalus himself installed a xenos device in the central drill complex?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where did Decabalus obtain the xenos device?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any concrete evidence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come across xenos devices on the platform. Is this also the work of Decabalus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The central drill complex mechanism is what keeps the entire station afloat. If you destroy it, you will doom all the workers, the equipment, and yourselves in one fell swoop."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe you, Alva-9. Artisan Decabalus seemed suspicious to me as well."
Mechanicus"Protocol 12.70 dash 4!" The Ruststalkers instantly shift their visor beams to focus on something over your shoulder. "Join forces with the Rogue Trader! Defend the perimeter until I have dealt with Object 16!"
end of branch
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"
end of branch
YOU"I believe you, Alva-9. Artisan Decabalus seemed suspicious to me as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
Mechanicus(sequence)
Solomorne"That explains both Decabalus's secrecy and his vague answers, Rogue Trader. After what the Skitarii commander said, I'm beginning to think this was a well-planned deception that was in danger of being exposed — so the Artisan thought it best to cast the accusation of heresy against the person prying into his secrets. It's an age-old ploy."
end of branch
YOU"The central drill complex mechanism is what keeps the entire station afloat. If you destroy it, you will doom all the workers, the equipment, and yourselves in one fell swoop."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe you, Alva-9. Artisan Decabalus seemed suspicious to me as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any concrete evidence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come across xenos devices on the platform. Is this also the work of Decabalus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The central drill complex mechanism is what keeps the entire station afloat. If you destroy it, you will doom all the workers, the equipment, and yourselves in one fell swoop."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe you, Alva-9. Artisan Decabalus seemed suspicious to me as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where did Decabalus obtain the xenos device?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any concrete evidence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come across xenos devices on the platform. Is this also the work of Decabalus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The central drill complex mechanism is what keeps the entire station afloat. If you destroy it, you will doom all the workers, the equipment, and yourselves in one fell swoop."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe you, Alva-9. Artisan Decabalus seemed suspicious to me as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 8
Foreman PaskYour cry is drowned out by the sound of the wind and rain. Pask and his workers are pointing their weapons at Alva-9 — and you.
Mechanicus"Protocol 12.1! Layperson, do not allow the hereteks to interrupt the destruction of Object 16!"
end of branch
Entry point 4 of 8
Mechanicus"Amendment 310 prohibits disclosing information to the laity if the data is subject to the internal investigation protocols. I will only confirm that I have gathered sufficient evidence."
YOU"Decabalus himself installed a xenos device in the central drill complex?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where did Decabalus obtain the xenos device?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any concrete evidence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come across xenos devices on the platform. Is this also the work of Decabalus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The central drill complex mechanism is what keeps the entire station afloat. If you destroy it, you will doom all the workers, the equipment, and yourselves in one fell swoop."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe you, Alva-9. Artisan Decabalus seemed suspicious to me as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 8
Mechanicus(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 8
Mechanicus"Guards — Protocol 12.45! Halt!" The booming cry rattles the metal beneath your feet. A crimson-robed Tech-Priest, shouting over the moaning wind, holds out her hand in warning. Piercing the frozen mist that hangs in the air, the targeting lenses of metal Ruststalker soldiers focus on your chest.
YOU"I, Rogue Trader [Name] von Valancius, and my retinue are not moving! Bellowing like that is wholly unnecessary!"
Mechanicus"What is a layperson doing here? Protocol 12.49 dash 5!" After a second's pause, the Tech-Priest continues a little more calmly, "This protocol stipulates that if you or your group take another step toward Object 16, my Ruststalkers will attack."
YOU"I have come here on a mission from Altar-Templum-Calixis-Ext-17 to find out the reason for the delay in promethium shipments."
Mechanicus"I am Alva-9. I command the Skitarii of mining station Tirkuaz-4. A violation of one of the Omnissiah's sacred commandments has occurred within the territory under my purview. In accordance with Protocol 12.33, delivery of promethium to the primary station is impossible until the tech-heresy is eliminated."
YOU"Quite. I am here to eliminate tech-heresy — that is, your group."
Mechanicus"We are the only ones who have maintained righteousness on this lump of xenofilth!" Glaring with her mechanical eyes, Alva-9 turns her head toward the Ruststalkers, which are stirring with predatory excitement, and thunders: "Protocol 12.60 dash 9, cease targeting! The lies of the traitor Decabalus are at work here. He told you we planned to sink the platform, correct? But did he tell you why?"
YOU"You have violated sacred dogma. That is enough for me to deliver your sentence."
Mechanicus"Artisan Decabalus-4-16 is accused of violating the Ninth Universal Law to the fifth degree! He has corrupted the technology of the Omnissiah with xenotech and must be destroyed as a deviant pattern! His algorithms are poisoning your mind, reject them or die!" Alva-9 lets out a short binharic howl akin to the wail of a combat siren.
YOU"You have violated sacred dogma. That is enough for me to deliver your sentence."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"He said you were going to disconnect the platform from the Motive Force and eliminate the station's workers. That does not sound like the behaviour of righteous servants of the Omnissiah."
Mechanicus"That is... correct." Something shifts almost imperceptibly in Alva-9's tone.
Mechanicus"My unit arrived on Tirkuaz-4 one planetary cycle ago. During our time here, I, as the commander of the Skitarii, performed a covert-protocols inspection of the station's sacred mechanisms. I detected..." The Tech-Priest's voice shifts to a shrill howl. "Violations of the Universal Laws to the fifth degree! Artisan Decabalus-4-16 has desecrated the sacred mechanism of the central drill complex of Tirkuaz-4 with a xenogenic heresy identified as the 'anchor-core.' Protocols stipulate the immediate destruction of the mechanisms that have come into contact with this xenotech!"
YOU"Decabalus himself installed a xenos device in the central drill complex?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where did Decabalus obtain the xenos device?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any concrete evidence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come across xenos devices on the platform. Is this also the work of Decabalus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The central drill complex mechanism is what keeps the entire station afloat. If you destroy it, you will doom all the workers, the equipment, and yourselves in one fell swoop."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe you, Alva-9. Artisan Decabalus seemed suspicious to me as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's say he did, in fact, lie. Tell me your side of the story."
Mechanicus"Protocol 12.45 dash 2!" rattles out Alva, and the Ruststalkers subtly change position. "There is little time for communicating with laypersons, but I will explain."
Mechanicus"My unit arrived on Tirkuaz-4 one planetary cycle ago. During our time here, I, as the commander of the Skitarii, performed a covert-protocols inspection of the station's sacred mechanisms. I detected..." The Tech-Priest's voice shifts to a shrill howl. "Violations of the Universal Laws to the fifth degree! Artisan Decabalus-4-16 has desecrated the sacred mechanism of the central drill complex of Tirkuaz-4 with a xenogenic heresy identified as the 'anchor-core.' Protocols stipulate the immediate destruction of the mechanisms that have come into contact with this xenotech!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"He said you were going to disconnect the platform from the Motive Force and eliminate the station's workers. That does not sound like the behaviour of righteous servants of the Omnissiah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's say he did, in fact, lie. Tell me your side of the story."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must stop you there, Alva-9. Your comrade, Decabalus, also told me of the heresy that has engulfed this platform. But he named you as the source of it..."
Mechanicus"That xenoheresy-wallowing scum... Protocol 12.60 dash 9, cease targeting!" Her shout forces the Ruststalkers to remove their sights from your chest. The Tech-Priest's powerful voice grows fiercer. "The traitor Decabalus has deceived you! He has cast our sacred production into heresy, and is leading the station's work units into tech-schism. Do not trust Decabalus! His corrupted code penetrates the processors undetected. What did he say to you?"
YOU"You have violated sacred dogma. That is enough for me to deliver your sentence."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"He said you were going to disconnect the platform from the Motive Force and eliminate the station's workers. That does not sound like the behaviour of righteous servants of the Omnissiah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's say he did, in fact, lie. Tell me your side of the story."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All heretics will try to confuse the mind of a righteous believer with convoluted blather. I've had enough, prepare to die!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not lie to me, Tech-Priest. I see it with my own eyes: you are breaking the station's central drill complex."
Mechanicus"You are not mistaken, layperson. This machine is the centre of Tirkuaz-4. But it is also its greatest violation. A most grievous heresy and blasphemy of the highest degree."
Mechanicus"We are the only ones who have maintained righteousness on this lump of xenofilth!" Glaring with her mechanical eyes, Alva-9 turns her head toward the Ruststalkers, which are stirring with predatory excitement, and thunders: "Protocol 12.60 dash 9, cease targeting! The lies of the traitor Decabalus are at work here. He told you we planned to sink the platform, correct? But did he tell you why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no desire to hear about crimson priest squabbles. Die."
end of branch
YOU"My purpose in coming here is no business of yours. The denizens of this station stand accused of heresy — are you aware of this?"
Mechanicus"Knowledge received and processed, Protocol 12.1 demands the immediate destruction of the source of the xenoheresy. Object 16, the central drill complex, must be destroyed. Now." The Tech-Priest points an iron claw at the sparking mechanism into the depths of which her other multi-jointed hand is lowered. "The assistance of the laity is not required."
YOU"I have come here on a mission from Altar-Templum-Calixis-Ext-17 to find out the reason for the delay in promethium shipments."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My purpose in coming here is no business of yours. The denizens of this station stand accused of heresy — are you aware of this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have fulfilled your request and am not moving. Now identify yourself."
Mechanicus"I am Alva-9. I command the Skitarii of mining station Tirkuaz-4. A violation of one of the Omnissiah's sacred commandments has occurred within the territory under my purview. In accordance with Protocol 12.33, delivery of promethium to the primary station is impossible until the tech-heresy is eliminated."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have fulfilled your request and am not moving. Now identify yourself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Say nothing and stop]
Mechanicus"What is a layperson doing here? Protocol 12.49 dash 5!" After a second's pause, the Tech-Priest continues a little more calmly, "This protocol stipulates that if you or your group take another step toward Object 16, my Ruststalkers will attack."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not dare raise your voice to the Rogue Trader!"
Mechanicus"What is a layperson doing here? Protocol 12.49 dash 5!" After a second's pause, the Tech-Priest continues a little more calmly, "This protocol stipulates that if you or your group take another step toward Object 16, my Ruststalkers will attack."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Die, you shrieking heretic!"
end of branch
Entry point 7 of 8
Artisan DecabalusYou hear the sound of many footsteps over your shoulder. After traversing the now-cleared path, Decabalus's hastily bandaged Tech-Priests come to stand behind you, along with the Artisan himself. "Gratitude: your assistance in clearing the path of traps was extremely effective. We will offer our support in the battle against the enemy of the Omnissiah."
Mechanicus"Protocol 12.1! Do not allow the heretics to interrupt the destruction of Object 16!" Alva-9 roars as the Ruststalkers brandish their weapons.
end of branch
Entry point 8 of 8
Artisan DecabalusYou hear the sound of many footsteps over your shoulder. After traversing the now-cleared path, Decabalus's hastily bandaged Tech-Priests come to stand behind you, along with the Artisan himself. "Gratitude: your assistance in clearing the path of traps was extremely effective. It opened up room to manoeuvre."
Foreman PaskYou sense the foreman Pask's eyes on you. He has a rifle in his hands, but he does not seem fully convinced that he should shoot you. The workers standing on either side of him look at each other in confusion, awaiting his command.
YOU"Decabalus is not what he claims to be! In the name of the God-Emperor, Pask, kill the heretic!"
Foreman PaskYour voice is louder than the rain and the wind, striking at Pask's very heart — he decisively whips around and points his weapon at the squad of Tech-Priests he came with.
Mechanicus"Protocol 12.1! Layperson, do not allow the hereteks to interrupt the destruction of Object 16!"
end of branch
YOU"If you want to live, join my side!"
Mechanicus"Protocol 12.1! Layperson, do not allow the hereteks to interrupt the destruction of Object 16!"