Herald of the Stars: Chapter Two Hundred and Ninety-Three

Tanthus Moross stares at me for several seconds, repeatedly clenching his fists, no doubt considering the consequence of each response he could take to my verbal dressing down. In the end, he decides to say nothing and makes the Sign of the Aquila instead.

I turn my attention back to the group and say, “Thank you for your perspective, Herald Primarus Noake. You’ve given us a much needed practical outlook. We have yet to hear from High Pursar Brigid, Canoness Stern, Confessor Driskel, Reina Benetek, Tanthus Moross, Navigator Leonis Aleene, JK-404, and Thorfinn Ursus. We also need to settle on a proposal. It has become clear that significant compromises must be made. Before we hear from next individuals, I believe it prudent that I provide a more concise framework by stating the goals of the Stellar Fleet.”

There are several nods around the table.

“The Stellar Fleet has one primary goal, a goal that I intend to approach from multiple angles. The purpose of this fleet is to weaken the Ruinous Powers by improving the living conditions of the citizens of the Imperium of Man.”

My officers are unsurprised by my statement. Raphael’s eyes almost pop out of his head. Ephrine appears ready to sprint for the closest flamer, while Abbisine scoffs; the rest look utterly lost, lacking the knowledge to understand why my words are important. 

I continue, “All Humans strive to improve their lot in life. It is my hope to create mechanisms where people have many methods and well trodden paths to do so. Misery breeds chaos and instability. It makes people take risks when otherwise they would not. 

“There is an ancient Terran philosophy that states a healthy man is a productive man, with dreams and the will to see them to completion. A sick man has but one wish: good health. They will do anything, no matter how foolish, to obtain it. Humanity cannot afford for such temptations to remain and should minimise them wherever possible.”

This, at least, gets some thoughtful nods as my guests realise the impractical, though possible, approach of reducing the quantity of corruption vectors.

“The first thrust towards our objective is to trade technology with as many Forge Worlds as possible, enriching our own knowledge, the Imperium’s, and the Mechanicus’ knowledge to counter the increasingly steep spiral of destruction the Humanity finds itself mired within. 

“I do not intend to trade just data, but the tools required to restore Humanity and heal the scars of the Horus Heresy. For that to happen, not only must we visit as many Forge Worlds as is practical, but also recover an Ark Mechanicus held by the Tau and the Panacea STC in the hands of the Drukhari. Those are our second and third objectives.”

Abbisine leaps to her feet. Alpia squints at her, then pulses her aura. Abbisine freezes.

“Hold on a moment, Magos Vakul,” I say. “Take a seat and I may answer your questions before you ask them.”

Abbisine collapses back into her chair, folds her arms and glares at Alpia.

I say, “The fourth objective is to lead by example and create a shining beacon of civilization in the Koronus expanse, centred around Marwolv. By enhancing one of the most challenging sectors in the galaxy we will ignite the pride and ambition of other sectors and their worlds, and shame them into bettering themselves.”

I get a few chuckles out of that.

I continue, “With the home front secured we can open new frontiers, suppress the xenos, and continue the Quest for Knowledge. 

“The harsh truth is that Humanity survives for no other reason than the Necrons are too busy with their internal, internecine strife. Most simply forgot to set their alarm clocks. 

“The Orks would see the galaxy subsumed in a green tide. All it would take is one Warboss to rise to the top. It has happened before we were lucky to survive the War of the Beast in M.32. A second time would send the Imperium into a death spiral.

“The Aeldari see themselves above us at best and view us as slaves and animals at worst. They do not have the numbers to suppress us. Instead, they have a legacy of artefacts that could do the job if we pushed them enough to do so. 

“The Tau are set to exceed our technology by the end of the next millennium and fold us into their ‘Greater Good’. That ‘Greater good is for Tau, not Humans. It didn’t work out well for us when we tried similar, extreme socialist philosophies. The Tau resort to mind control to do so. I will not tolerate our species being at the mercy of another, let alone willing prisoners with our own minds, or worse, like food.

“The Tyranid threat will require a concentration of resources and advanced technology not seen since the Dark Age of Technology. For that, we need leadership, leadership that will come from the return of the Primarchs. Three are already crusading, set against six of their brothers. We must support the sons of the Emperor with everything we have by securing the home front, thus the need to share tools and technology. It is, by the Treaty of Mars, the duty of the Mechanicus to build the machines of the Imperium. 

“That brings us full circle and back to the matter at hand.

“How do we improve the conditions of citizens on this station and sustain it? How do we secure the trade route needed to uplift the Koronus Expanse? How do we use Footfall to spread our knowledge in a manner that will not leave us weakened and at the mercy of those who do not share our vision? It is with these questions in mind that I ask you to present your solutions. I cannot do this alone. We cannot do this alone. There must be wealth, hope, purpose, and faith for all. For without purpose, without civilization, we will all fall to Chaos.”

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, casting a small spell that encourages everyone to relax a little.

“Logis Vakul, does that answer your questions?” I say.

“I have more than ever, Magos Issengrund! Perhaps, in my surprise, I was a little hasty. I will contact you for a private discussion so as to keep this meeting on track. Know, however, that I am glad to hear your reaffirmation to uphold the tenets of the Mechanicus.”

I nod, “That is considerate of you. I look forward to our conversation.”

“Magos Issengrund,” says Raphael, “You do not lack ambition and have hinted at knowledge of poorly understood mechanisms and forbidden lore. Your dreams are impractical and foolish. Your conclusions are damning. It irks me to admit it, but you are correct we cannot afford not to try.”

Riordan says, “It is the nature of the Astartes to tackle the impossible and thrive. I’d even call it our most Human trait. I’ve seen such determination time and time again from the lowest Hive scum to the most honourable and heroic of my brothers. Our ancestors did not spread across the galaxy because it was easy. They did so because it was their only option. Magos Issengrund has presented us with a similar scenario and I will not have it said the Barghests turned upon the man who restored their future because he gave them a task that will lead to their doom.”

“Thank you, Chaplain Riordan, Inquisitor Horthstien,” I say. “Your support is both welcome and needed.”

“I have nothing left to promise,” says Ephrine. “You already have my word to aid you and Saint Alpia. It is a noble task you give yourself and your people, Magos Issengrund.”

I look at Navigator Leonis Aleene.

“Novator Issengrund, my options are limited. I am bound to my ship and the service of the Imperial Navy. I will say that the admiralty will not care for your goals, so long as they get their ships and crews. They will not provide security for Footfall and will only intercede if it becomes a pirate base, likely dismantling the station in the process. 

“I could petition to have the Imperial Navy send a few officers to the Barghest training school. I can also pass word to House Aleene that there is wealth and connections to be made at Footfall. That, at least, will bring you the resources you need.”

I nod, “I have a few things we can discuss in private that I can offer you and House Aleene should they and the Imperial Navy provide a positive response to your outreach.”

“Then my part in this meeting is likely at an end,” says Leonis, “though I shall remain so that I can write up a proper report.”

I say, “Magos JK-404. How would you go about securing our objectives at Footfall?”

“A teaching hospital. Perhaps a university as well? Both would provide a path to bettering oneself and others as well as attract trade.”

“I am sure High Purser Issengrund will find a way to squeeze a limited education program into the budget,” I say.

Brigid says, “I will speak last. I need to hear what people want before I can say if we can afford it.”

“That’s fine,” I say. “Confessor Driskel?”

“Magos Issengrund, what level of social outreach are you expecting for Footfall? Are we to mimic the Stellar Fleet with all its programs or the bare minimum to keep people out of trouble? As my role requires, I would call on a focus for faith: a renewal of the Chapel of the Third Congregants. 

“I would ask for organic printers and soylent viridans production at minimum. Shelter for the most vulnerable, such as homeless women, elders without suitable carers, and full support for orphans would be ideal and essential to meet your objectives. A Scholar Progenium would be a good supplement to the Barghest trade school, or perhaps a convent sponsored by the Order of the Valorous Heart would fit our needs?”

Ephrine says, “I have three sisters with the knowledge and will to oversee such a project.”

I note that Tanthus appears far less irritated now that he’s hearing of practical investments into Footfall, rather than further usurpation of his petty authority.

“I did budget for basic aid,” says Brigid. “It matters little to my numbers if basic comes from the Stellar Fleet or the Imperial Cult.”

Driskel smiles, “You are as reliable as ever, High Purser Issengrund.”

Brigid allows herself a tight smile at the praise.

“Renia Benetek,” I say. “In your capacity as Master Psyker, how would you secure our investments against the Ruinous Powers and their agents, willing or unwitting alike?”

“I would build a Gellar Field with Displacer Fencing into the shield stations. It would make summoning Daemons and hostile teleportation near impossible and weaken all Warp entities who slip into the station. 

“Second, I would enhance the security of the Pit of Voices, cutting it off from the rest of the station and making it self sufficient. The Astropaths here are the last link to the Imperial communication network and it should remain that way. Everything beyond Footfall must be replaced with our own psy-network.

“Third, Pit of Voices should have their own, independent guard. The Psy-Erants would be a good fit, though they are currently tasked to Heiress Alpia. Perhaps a second company or even a new battalion could be founded?

“Last, I would have every Rogue Psyker soul bind themselves to you, and through you, to the Emperor. Should they refuse, they would be placed in stasis and wait for the Whisper of the Void to return and take them away. If the psykers agree, they would join Heiress Alpia’s personal army, the Psy-Erants, or study under you to become a Magos Aetherics. Any that turn up after your departure would have to wait in stasis either way. I would like to avoid putting psykers in Null cells if possible. It would be counter to your objectives to provide a path to self-improvement and avoid inhumane treatment.”

Raphael says, “The Inquisition will not permit the Stellar Fleet to control all communication in and out of the Koronus Expanse. The Adeptus Telepathica would petition the Imperial Navy to destroy Footfall were you to do so.”

I say, “Even if my network was more reliable and can send denser quantities of data? Would it really matter when Footfall already holds the last link to the Imperium anyway? Were I to agree to Master Psyker Benetek’s plan, I would not be forbidding the Adeptus Telepathica from their duties. It would be a link between their network and my own. Whether others join my personal network, or if I even allow them to do so is still in question.”

“This is part of your energy currency plan, isn’t it,” says Raphael.