NomosThe servo-motors within the cogitator pick up the pace, their heavy thrum growing louder. The machine clicks abrasively for several minutes, until eventually, a numerical code appears on the screen. The Tech-Priest turns to you. "Blessed are the Omnissiah's deeds! The repository on Kiava Gamma has a security system guarding it. The machine spirit has recovered a code that will allow you to disable the defences."
YOU"What data repositories?"
Nomos"That remains hidden. The encrypted data-bank belonged to the esteemed Theodora von Valancius — she was the only one who could have known about these repositories. Perhaps the former Enginseer Prime also could have known, Omnissiah accept his code. If I were to propose a hypothesis, it would be most prudent of a figure as eminent as a Rogue Trader to store her classified data in receptacles most secure."
YOU"What data repositories?"continues where this line first appears above
Nomos"The gracious machine spirit is willing to transfer the data-keys to the head of House von Valancius by means of an electoo — a hypodermic tattoo augment. If you are ready to accept the keys, place your hand inside the servitor's mouth."
NomosDeep within the servitor's dark gullet, unseen, burning-hot needles pierce your wrist, but the sharp pain only lasts a moment. The electoo that has been planted inside your wrist should be enough to open the repository doors.
YOU"What data repositories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I accept these keys?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Restore the data on the cache located on Dargonus."
NomosThe Tech-Priest's augmented fingers dart around the control panel. "The Omnissiah favours you! The machine spirit is willing to commence the calculation procedure that could restore the lost data."
YOU"What data repositories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I accept these keys?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Restore the data on the cache located on Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am interested in the cache on Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need to know more about the caches."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other questions."
NomosThe Tech-Priest bows.
YOU"Pasqal has informed me that the system has encrypted data stored inside. I wish to know its contents."
NomosWithout another word, the Tech-Priest turns to the cogitator. He raises his hands, and a prayer of binharic code pours out of his vox-device. The servo-motors in the bowels of the machine grow louder, its undulating hum responding to his chant. Numerical combinations run down the screens.
Nomos"The machine spirit has discovered numerous critical errors. The data is damaged—" The Tech-Priest stops abruptly, and the green glow of his visor narrows. "Registering an intact segment. The machine spirit has spoken: the worlds of Kiava Gamma and Dargonus hold certain data repositories. The mechanism is ready to provide the Rogue Trader with data-keys that can unlock said repositories."
YOU"What data repositories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I accept these keys?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Restore the data on the cache located on Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am interested in the cache on Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need to know more about the caches."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other questions."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Dargonus data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Dargonus."
NomosWith reverent trepidation, the Tech-Priest accepts the device from your hands and places it inside one of the drives, all the while honouring the machine with modulating binharic prayer. The turbines within the cogitator stir into motion, and the vid-screen lights up: "///[INPUT] || [Pack.comp.] ///nom_OS STAB TRUE ///stat.check init. ... ///nom_OS unp.: Epitaph ///STATUS: Initiated ... ///dat. reg. [0924558847...]"
NomosThe Tech-Priest extracts the data-slate from the cogitator and gives it to you. "The machine spirit has revealed the contents of the encrypted data, and I hereby pass it to you. This is where I reach the limit of my authorisation, but you now have the option to review the decrypted data personally."
YOU"Pasqal has informed me that the system has encrypted data stored inside. I wish to know its contents."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Dargonus data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Kiava Gamma data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Kiava Gamma."
NomosThe Tech-Priest connects the data-slate to the cogitator's drive with such care, as if he is holding the greatest of treasures. The servo-motors hum as they begin to stir, and lines of text on the vid-screen swiftly replace one another: "///[INPUT] || [Pack.comp.] ///nom_OS STAB TRUE ///stat.check init. ... ///nom_OS unp.: Incident ///STATUS: Initiated ... ///dat. reg. [521148622...]"
Nomos"The great mechanism has transformed the secret data into a format that you can comprehend without the assistance of a servant of the Omnissiah." The Tech-Priest retrieves the data-slate from the heart of the cogitator, holding it with both hands, and passes it to you.
YOU"Pasqal has informed me that the system has encrypted data stored inside. I wish to know its contents."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Dargonus data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Kiava Gamma data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus been able to discern how the ship was able to start her warp engine?"
Nomos(sequence)
Nomos"The Enginseer Prime spends hours pursuing the Quest for Knowledge in hopes of comprehending the nature of said miracle... May the Omnissiah's grace guide him on this journey."
end of branch
Nomos"There is no doubt that it was a miracle sent by the Omnissiah as a manifestation of His will, yet the Enginseer Prime managed to perceive some logical connection within the streams of data. I am not privy to this connection, but the Enginseer Prime will surely share this newly discovered knowledge with you in a detailed report."
end of branch
YOU"Remind me who you are."
Nomos"I am IH-630 of the Adeptus Mechanicus, a faithful servant of the Machine God. The venerated Enginseer Prime has entrusted this sacred mechanism into my care so that I may assist in your understanding and comprehension of its hallowed code."
YOU"Pasqal has informed me that the system has encrypted data stored inside. I wish to know its contents."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Dargonus data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Kiava Gamma data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus been able to discern how the ship was able to start her warp engine?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remind me who you are."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]
end of branch
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Nomos(sequence)
Nomos"The data-bank decryption procedure has been completed without complica—" The Tech-Priest stops short. The green lights of his visor, fixed on the cogitator's vid-screens, flicker nervously.
NomosStrings of numerical code begin appearing with frightening speed. This time the numbers are interspersed with words you can understand, and those words form legible sentences: "///[INPUT] || [Unpack.comp.] ///nom_OS TRUE Epitaph brought her to the beginning. [84569...] ///nom_OS ANALYSIS ///STATUS: Initiated [...4257] Epitaph begot the Incident. That which destroyed ... ///stat.check init. and changed everything. The Incident became the starting point. [542361...]"
Nomos"///[INPUT] || [Unpack.comp.] ///nom_OS ANALYSIS ///STATUS: Initiated The Incident breathed life and marked the beginning of all. ... [5476] It marked the beginning of Nomos. ... [2356] ///nom_OS /// It created Nomos."
NomosThe Tech-Priest, now alarmed, is tapping the keys on the control panel. His binharic prayer gives way to distressed whispering: "Unacceptable deviation... Violation of the sacred protocols... Possibility of tech-heresy... Omnissiah, shield us from all heresy."
NomosA few moments later, the vid-screens darken and flicker to life again. "///[INPUT] || [Prompt.] ///nom_OS /// [Alg.52136]"
end of branch
YOU"Have the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus been able to discern how the ship was able to start her warp engine?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remind me who you are."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Nomos(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Kiava Gamma data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus been able to discern how the ship was able to start her warp engine?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remind me who you are."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other questions."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Restore the data on the cache located on Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am interested in the cache on Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need to know more about the caches."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other questions."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I accept these keys?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Restore the data on the cache located on Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am interested in the cache on Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need to know more about the caches."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other questions."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 15
NomosThe servo-motors pick up the pace and their heavy thrum grows louder but stops almost immediately. The Tech-Priest turns to you. "The hallowed mechanism did all that was possible. The data is lost beyond recovery."
YOU"What data repositories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I accept these keys?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Restore the data on the cache located on Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am interested in the cache on Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need to know more about the caches."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other questions."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 15
NomosThe machine hums louder until it lets out a resounding crackle. Then the sounds stop, and an unmoving numerical combination lights up on the screen. The Tech-Priest's synthesised voice sounds almost concerned: "The data has been restored, but... it is only a single phrase. 'Litanies of the Motive Force.' That is all the sacred mechanism was able to salvage."
YOU"What data repositories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I accept these keys?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Restore the data on the cache located on Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am interested in the cache on Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need to know more about the caches."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other questions."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 15
NomosThe machine's hum grows louder and more promising, but a few moments later, it abruptly stops with an unpleasant click. You hear sympathy in the Tech-Priest's synthesised voice: "The sacred mechanism could not restore this data segment."
YOU"What data repositories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I accept these keys?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Restore the data on the cache located on Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am interested in the cache on Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need to know more about the caches."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other questions."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 15
Nomos(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 10 of 15
Nomos(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 11 of 15
Nomos(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 12 of 15
Nomos(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 13 of 15
NomosThe reflections of the bridge lights are playing on the unlit vid-screens of the cogitator. Next to the machine stands a hunched Tech-Priest, who bows as you approach, his body nearly folding in half. "Lord Captain. The machine spirit of this mechanism slumbers. Should you wish to awaken it, use the key of your blood."
YOU"Who are you and what is your purpose here?"
Nomos"My designation is IH-630." The Tech-Priest points his only mechadendrite at the machine beside him. "The venerated Enginseer Prime has entrusted this sacred mechanism into my care. It is now my duty to assist in the Rogue Trader's understanding of the hallowed code."
YOU"Who are you and what is your purpose here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is this blood key I am supposed to use?"
Nomos"The key you seek is the dynastic blood that runs in your veins. It is the only way to rouse this cogitator's machine spirit. When you are ready to do so, place your hand into the mouth of the guardian servitor on the blessed control panel."
YOU"Who are you and what is your purpose here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is this blood key I am supposed to use?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Place your hand inside the servitor's maw]
NomosThe servitor's powerful jaws close around your hand with a screeching clack. You feel the cold metal pierce your skin and draw blood. The vid-screens in front of you flicker restlessly, filling with numerical combinations.
NomosThe Tech-Priest by the cogitator nods curtly. "The sacred mechanism is awake and ready to receive your request, Lord Captain."
YOU"Pasqal has informed me that the system has encrypted data stored inside. I wish to know its contents."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Dargonus data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Dargonus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hand the Kiava Gamma data-bank to the Tech-Priest] "Access the data from Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus been able to discern how the ship was able to start her warp engine?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remind me who you are."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]
end of branch
YOU[Place your hand inside the servitor's maw]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is this blood key I am supposed to use?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Place your hand inside the servitor's maw]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 14 of 15
NomosThe Tech-Priest greets you with a bow. His gaze is drawn to one of the cogitator's vid-screens. "Your Lordship/Ladyship, the great mechanism... has sensed your presence."
YOU[Point at the text] "And what is that supposed to mean?"
NomosThe screen blinks, and a new entry appears in place of the previous one. "///[INPUT] || [Prompt.] ///nom_OS /// [Alg.52136]"
Nomos"The machine spirit has recognised the one who stands before it. The previous string of sacred code signified a greeting as well as acknowledgement that you have successfully completed a certain task. Now the great mechanism stands ready to process your request."
YOU[Point at the text] "And what is that supposed to mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What task?"
Nomos"The answer lies beyond the bounds of my knowledge." The Tech-Priest looks back at the cogitator. "My supposition is that it might have something to do with your recent travels."
NomosThe vid-screen flickers repeatedly and updates the text: "///[INPUT] || [Prompt.] ///nom_OS AWAIT REQUEST [Alg.52137]"
YOU[Point at the text] "And what is that supposed to mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What task?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sensed my presence? How?"
Nomos"This mechanism was moulded in the forges of the Adeptus Mechanicus so that it might serve the Rogue Trader. It was in your presence that its machine spirit first manifested itself. A miracle of the Omnissiah and a testament to His glory."
YOU[Point at the text] "And what is that supposed to mean?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What task?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sensed my presence? How?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough of this. I wish to enquire about something else."
NomosThe Tech-Priest bows.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough of this. I wish to enquire about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sensed my presence? How?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough of this. I wish to enquire about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What task?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sensed my presence? How?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough of this. I wish to enquire about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 15 of 15
NomosThe Tech-Priest by the cogitator nods curtly. "The sacred mechanism is awake and ready to receive your request, Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above