I have tomorrow booked off so today I'm trying to get as much work done as possible on the new Jump Packs for the equipment exchange I have with the Star Dragons. It turns out that upscaling the Jump Pack design for Astartes is easier than I anticipated. The most difficult part is interfacing it to pull energy from the power armor reactor. The schematics for the reinforced jet turbine intake vents from the Mark VII Mars-pattern jump pack work the best with my current design. I also pull out a few small parts from the Lathe-pattern Jump Pack such as the dual power connectors. It's a shame I don't have schematics for the Mark X Gravis armor Jump Packs that will come into play in the Indomitus Crusade that Cawl produced for the Primaris. The first squad of Devastators I am equipping is thankfully uniform with all of them sporting Mark VIII Errant armour, and the second squad is decked out in Mark VII Aquila armour except for their officer who is in beaky Mark VI Corvus. Upscaling the wings gives plenty of extra space to reinforce all the limbs and joints. I also replace the cables that connect mine to my Potentia Coil which frees up a lot of weight and space, the Astartes connectors are thicker, better armored and aren't nearly as invasive. Given how often Astartes rely on their armor durability is important. The pack can function without the wings but loses a lot of maneuverability and range. The wings are also too large to fully retract like my custom pack so I made them fold up and rest against the sides of the intake. I also ensure the pack can be jettisoned with the quick release located centrally on the chest piece if needed. The main issue with producing the Jump Packs is part fabrication. I send requests to the forges along with the requisite specifications for the parts piece by piece. Spreading out the work should ensure I have all the parts I need within the week. I will have to make the finer custom parts myself while I throw together a schematic and instructions for maintenance. I am surprised Baldos got so distracted by the power core and new motive systems that he didn't ask about the Teleport Homer I installed. Eh, he'll notice eventually if he hasn't already noticed it in his subsystems. I drop my robe off at the cleaners on my way to the baths. I want to look my best tomorrow since there will almost assuredly be a lot of ceremony and fanfare when I get into Sword of Vengeance. I settle into the warm soothing water over in a secluded corner away from the rest of the officers using the baths at this time. I enter a calm meditative state instinctively, a side effect of my training with Brother Astrovas. What I did not expect was the sudden reward for my efforts. "Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Omicron." "Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Xi." "Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Control Systems: Sigma." I can now dial my psychic presence up from inert to the lower two of the inconclusive psyker grades. The Sigma control system is new and I carefully reach out to get a feel for the system. It informs me that the Psyber Control System can further help with channeling, controlling, and directing my psyker abilities, but there is a side function built into the system that looks like it can increase the suppression effects, spread them out around me in a small bubble, and resist outside psychic effects. What? When I turn it on however I start to feel a sense of otherness that is so bad I turn the suppressor off immediately and shudder from the unsettling feeling. Why!? How?! How is there a small Null Field generator built into my implants?! Wait, it might just be a Psy Damper field. I take a deep breath. I will have to let my tutors know about this later but we are going to go ahead and keep that option locked off for now. I sink into the water until my nose is barely above the surface and blow some angry bubbles out of my mouth as I stew. Even if it is a Null Field the options only go down to grade Psi… a typical blank is a step below at Omega Minus. But I know I have a soul since I settled into Nicole's body I assume she did as well. Was this effect responsible for dispersing her soul before? Too many questions without answers and the new subsystem is woefully silent to my queries. I will not let this ruin my perfectly good mood! Tomorrow is Knight day! —----------------------------------------------------------- Arianwyn was hiding in the observation dome from her grandfather in order to avoid another harsh fencing lesson. He had gotten very enthusiastic about the frequent lessons ever since the adventure she went on with Nicole. She shook her head and sighed as she settled onto her favorite bench to look out at the stars. As she did so she noticed an individual standing near the edge of the dome in front of an easel looking up into the void towards the large red gash that Nicole had called the Cicatrix Maledictum. "Bolo, who is that?" she asked one of her guards. "Santar von Hyboras, the VIP Remembrancer that was thawed along with Nicole and the rest." Her guard whispered. "Oh, he paints?" Arianwyn asked, feeling a little curious. "Yes, he does. Permission to speak freely Lady Arianwyn?" Bolo asked hesitantly. Arianwyn perked up as Bolo rarely asked to do that, she could smell gossip. "Permission granted!" "According to the reports he was or is some kind of a noble. He certainly has been rather prissy from what I've heard. He did horrible in basic training and all but demanded and whined until we put him in the noble guest wing despite not having much to offer." Bolo admitted with a shrug. "Really? Grandfather must have gotten something from his vault or maybe he has some value otherwise Grandfather wouldn't be so generous." Arianwyn pondered the issue. "Does he come to paint often? Is he any good?" "According to the records, he comes here more often than you do, Lady Arianwyn, almost every day if he can. His skill at art in general is admittedly decent. Not quite as good as some of the painters or sculptors Lord Drakios gets his portraits from but he has been slowly improving since he thawed." Bolo finished and took a step back, having said what he wanted to say. Arianwyn got up and moved a little closer. Walking until she could get a glimpse of the canvas that Santar was working on. The canvas was almost all red and it was clear he was attempting to paint the rift but just looking at it made Arianwyn wrinkle her nose. It might have not been anywhere near finished but she lost all desire to approach the man after seeing the canvas. "I think I am finished here, Bolo. Let's go. I want to pick out my outfit for the event tomorrow." Arianwyn said, giving one small glance back over her shoulder at the strange man who hadn't taken his eyes off the sky the entire time she had been there. —-------------------------------------------------------------- I wake up nice and early, collecting my laundered robes and taking the time to ensure my appearance is set with my Mechanicus equipment prominently displayed. I put my long hair into a braid to keep it under control. As I go to don my armour I take a moment to rub the spots on my leg where I had been injured by the Genestealer. It's fully healed over with not even a hint of a scar remaining. I mentally check the itinerary Master Doll has organized. I am to report to the main Forge Temple first and from there we will head to the vehicle decks for the main event. My full contingent is waiting for me outside when I leave my chambers. Delta-A3, Lael, the six Thallax, and four Scyllax. All arrayed neatly at attention. "Alright let's go!" I say as I review the instructions Master Doll left me. Wear my robes, check, put my hood up, check, leave my guards just inside the entrance, soon to be checked. I don't quite know what sort of a sermon or event Master Doll has arranged. The main Forge Temple isn't a huge space; it can fit maybe a couple of hundred Tech Priests at most and is typically only visited by Mechanicus personnel. When we arrive there are a few Skitarii guards stationed outside that let us pass. I direct my protection detail to remain inside the entrance. What greets me as I look around is far from what I anticipated. The rows of pews are filled with red-robed Tech Priests all with their hoods up. Candles are lit and a few Tech Priests are muttering prayers and walking around with incense burners. I get a private message from Master Doll while I am soaking in the ambiance "Come to the front." I make my way forward slowly, there are four other individuals currently kneeling with a space between them for one more. Me. On the Altar itself is the hulking red-robed figure of Master Doll, even with his hood up his size gives him away. I kneel and settle in, the mechanical sound of the doors closing echoes through the Forge Temple. "There is no truth in flesh, only betrayal." "There is no strength in flesh, only weakness." "There is no constancy in flesh, only decay." "There is no certainty in flesh but death." "So states the Credo Omnissiah. We are not here to talk of the creed. We are here to praise and recognize the efforts of individuals in our order. Join me brothers in the litany of praise!" The binaric hymns chorus throughout the chamber as the priests all join in. "Sing the song of the Machine God." "None may stay our march." "Let the merciless logic of the Machine God invest thee." "None may stay our march." "Praise and glory be to the Machine God." "None may stay our march." "There is a tradition that dates back to the days on ancient Mars. Each forge has its own minor variances when it comes to rituals and customs for this tradition normally is done individually, however unusual circumstances have allowed us to hold this grand ceremony." Doll speaks reverently and four individuals move up to join him on the raised dais one on each side. "It is the privilege of a superior and mentor to impart a gift to a worthy Tech Priest who has shown great faith in the Omnissiah or has venerated the Machine God in battle!" Doll declares proudly as he and the other four figures each grabbed a long rectangular case from the altar. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novelꞁire.net They turn and slowly move to stand in front of us. With a click, the first figure opens their case followed swiftly by the second, third, and fourth, and finally, Doll opens his case in front of me. "The Omnissian Axe." Doll proclaims. "To bear the holy icon of an Omnissian Axe is to be recognized as a follower of the Machine God and a most blessed figure. The Axe is a tool, fit for purpose, it can be a tool of creation or a tool of destruction. It is my great honor to present this unique weapon, forged by my hand, to Nicole Cavalerio." Doll tilts the case forward and I suck in a sharp breath. It's a lovely silver color, I recognize the metal as the special lathe craft metal Doll is extremely stingy with but there seems to be another material layered inside it. The handle is thinner and made for my smaller hands. The Axe is still longer than I am tall. It's made in the style of the Solex-pattern: a long staff-like body tipped with half of the circular Adeptus Mechanicus skull and cog icon. The symbol forms a blade and is sheathed in a power field. Covered with inscribed circuitry designs indicating the sacred nature of the weapon. The design of my weapon is sleek and polished, clearly a master-crafted item; the weapon's power field generator is discreet and built seamlessly into the weapon itself. I glance up from under my hood and Doll gives a small nod indicating I should take the Axe. I reach out to grab the cool metal handle and heft it upwards. It's lighter than I expected, the weight well within what I can handle. I raise it upwards and rest the base of the haft on the floor copying the other four priests who also receive their axes. With the head raised vertically, I hold on with both hands probing faintly at the machine spirit within. My communion with the spirit is interrupted abruptly as my Psybernetic implants ping. "Suitable object detected. Syncing Psy-Focus… Sync successful." "Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Nu." "Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Mu." "Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Lambda." "Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Kappa." I gasp as I jump several grades and for a brief moment the Axe in my hand trembles and then hums as the blade glows a faint purple as energy races up along the shaft and then ripples over the subtle but lethally sharp blade. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit NovelHub for the authentic version. I stare agog at Master Doll who I realize has made me a hybrid Force/Power Omnissian Axe. I re-engage my suppressor to match my new limit and the glow fades away. Instead, I power on the normal Power field and the Axe crackles as the blue glow of a power field takes the place of the force projection. Doll looks pleased having watched both reactions. He nods his head before directing us "Our new bearers please rise!" I stand up slowly leaning on the Axe for a moment initially. The bond I have with the new weapon feels deep and intimate. I stroke one hand lovingly along the haft. "I proudly present our five new bearers to the congregation! Praise the Omnissiah!" Doll exclaims. "Praise the Omnissiah!" The room chants back. "This concludes our service. We may now begin relocating to the vehicle bay for the next event." Doll states as the doors rumble and slowly open once more. I stand there motionless, not sure how to express my appreciation for this wonderful gift. "Thank you" I whisper hoarsely. Doll reaches out to pat my shoulder "You are welcome, Nicole. I will admit crafting it was far more of a challenge than I anticipated. It proved an excellent opportunity to practice the breadth of my skills as a Fabricator. You will need to learn how to most effectively transition between the two modes of operation yourself. Now do you want to leave your Axe here for the moment? We could have it sent to your quarters." "No!" I reply instantly with a faint hiss. There is no way I am not letting this axe out of my sight or grasp. "Absolutely not!" I declare hugging the weapon to my chest. Doll chortles in amusement "Well then let us make our way down to the vehicle bay. It's time for you to properly wake up the Sword of Vengeance." I nod and follow Master Doll, letting my guards form up and join his little personal guard cadre of Skitarii. —------------------------------------------------------------------ The primary vehicle bay is far more crowded around the periphery and up in the overhanging gantries as the crew are trying to get good spots to watch the upcoming tests. I glance around in confusion when I don't see the towering figure of my Knight anywhere when we get to the nearly cleared-out section where I will be performing the shakedown run. "Master Doll, where is the Sword of Vengeance?" Doll turns to me and chortles mechanically. "Confused are you? Do not worry Nicole, the machine is in the main lift of this bay." I realize Master Doll is teasing me after a moment and relax a little. "Should I go and get ready?" I ask glancing around as the last few tanks and lifters rumble past as they are driven out of the bay to be stowed in other parts of the ship. "We are slightly early and can proceed slowly to give the guests more time to settle themselves." Doll states as he gestures to the far end of the bay where Lord Drakios and the command staff have been prominently placed. I catch Arianwyn squinting my way with the sight mounted on my Ballistic Mechadendrite and give her a one-handed wave. "The race event you started served as an effective morale boost for the crew. The reveal of the Sword of Vengeance should compound those effects. While we manage the ship, Lord Drakios manages the crew. Many suffered losses in the recent transit, keeping such individuals occupied and distracted while they process is most effective." Doll explains as we make our way towards the lift. I nod slowly. "I see. That was not my intention but the effect is welcome." I admit as Doll simply nods back and for a minute we walk in gentle silence. When we finally reach the lift Doll tells the door to open. The doors rumble and clank as they split down the center and retract into the walls slowly unveiling the figure of my Knight currently crouched down and kneeling on a large mobile pallet platform. Sword of Vengeance has been utterly remade. Painted in a tasteful mix of Mars red, silver, and with faint highlights of Star Dragon or Drakios blue. The proud symbol of the Opus Machina rests prominently above the head of the Knight. Someone even went to the trouble of making a banner and hanging it between the legs of the Knight. Bearing both the sigils of both House Cavalerio and House Drakios, as well as the heraldry of the Mechanicus with the chapter icon of the Star Dragons tucked towards the pointed end of the tabard. With the armor on the Sword of Vengeance looks far more imposing than before looming over me despite its crouched position. The reforged Tempest Warblade glints, its metal polished to a mirror sheen. The Castigator bolt cannon I worked so hard to fix has been cleaned, oiled, and anointed. "It's glorious." I say aloud as I drink in the sight of MY Knight. "Indeed. The rites of awakening have already been performed. You should go sit yourself upon the throne." Doll tells me and I look over to spot a rather tall gantry set up next to Sword of Vengeance. "The cockpit entrance is on the back isn't it?" I ask with a small sigh as I begin briskly walking over to make my way up the long flight of stairs to get up to the right height. The gantry operator gives me a bow and then moves us over to the back of the Knight. I step off next to the open hatch and start to climb down the ladder. Holding my Axe with my Mechatendril. Thankfully someone had the bright idea to put a weapons locker in the cockpit where I can store my Omnissian Axe, most of my firearms, and my robes. I turn to regard the Throne itself, the seat looks much better than the last time I saw it. There are even cushions now. I rub my hand along the arm of the throne before I turn around and slowly sit, lining my spinal ports up with the right connectors as I lean my head back and mentally nudge the Throne to activate. The connecting jacks slide in and lock and my senses sink into and merge with the sensory inputs from the Sword of Vengeance. Outside the Sword of Vengeance's eyes flicker to life, glowing an ominous red as the reactor rapidly thrums to life. I don't start moving right away, instead, I allow myself to do a thorough check of all the systems. When I first start individually flexing the digits on the right hand I mimic the motion in my chair before I catch myself and focus intently on controlling just the Sword of Vengeance. The machine spirit of the Knight is eager to help and obey. "This is Nicole Cavalerio, primary checks complete. Sword of Vengeance is systems green." "Princeps you are clear to proceed. Gantries clear." One of the Tech Priests tells me, though I already knew that thanks to the external sensors. I stand up slowly, the gyro kicking on as Sword of Vengeance sways for a moment as I get both feet under me. I start doing some basic stretches, testing the limitations on my range of motion which is considerable as I bend down to scoop up the Tempest Warblade and have the wrist actuator do a full 360. I take my first step forward and balance on one leg, flexing the various joints in the raised leg and testing the limits of my balance before I set the leg down and take another step repeating the action with the other leg. The new motive fiber system responds beautifully, the motions all feel fluid and clean. I spool up the gun, rotating the barrels but not firing as I check the mechanism which seems to be running smoothly. "Motive systems check cleared. Weapons ready. Proceeding with maneuvers." "Affirmative. Proceed with your testing. We are bringing some suitable practice targets." Master Doll informs me. I start to walk forward entering the bay properly with thunderous steps. I grin and blare the war horns making a couple hundred people flinch and jump. I rotate the torso towards the VIP box and slowly raise my Warblade in a salute activating the power field which snaps to life and crackles loudly as arcs of electrical energy dance along its deadly edge and the hollow lattice of the blade itself. I resume sauntering my way forward slowly picking up my pace as I do a full circuit around the bay which takes me over a minute. By the end of the loop, I am nearly at a run. I spin, changing my maneuvering pattern to a zig-zag motion putting some strain on my legs to test their response. When I fail to get any warnings I speed up further and leap. The massive figure of my knight jumps through the air before landing with a loud clang as my feet impact the floor once again, the joints and various systems flex to cushion the landing. "Targets ready." Doll voxes in. On the bay's far side, there are now several dozen target dummies, some boxy metal placeholders to represent light vehicles and a large boxy slab of steel marked as a heavy tank. "Sword of Vengeance weapons hot!" I call out as I trigger the ammo feeds in the Castigator bolt cannon and fire a burst. The thunderous cacophony of the weapon sounding even louder in the enclosed space as a third of the dummies vanish. I adjust the targeting apertures slightly and then fire again. This time I sweep my bolt cannon arm around in an arc and the remaining dummies explode violently. I start moving forward and fire a concentrated burst at the first 'light vehicle' and the massive bolt rounds shreds the metal placeholder. I cackle eagerly as I mow down the other two faux targets and break into a full run toward the last target, running parallel to the wall. The broken remains of the light vehicles are in the way of me and the faux-heavy tank. I quickly do a check and once I confirm the structural integrity of the room and plot a trajectory. Moving at full speed I wait and at the last moment, juke towards the wall jumping up and using one leg to kick off the wall. Raising my arm with the Tempest Warblade angled straight down. I land directly onto the front of the heavy target, crumpling the forward section with my massive metal feet and plunging the massive blade in and sink the blade in fully to the hilt, through the faux turret sending a cascade of sparks and lighting crackling along the now ruined mock vehicle. I withdraw the blade with a flourish, flicking off some stray bits of molten metal that tried to cling to the blade. I turn and blare my horns again as I step off of the crushed metal and stride back toward the center of the bay. —----------------------------------------------------- His decision to attend the unveiling of the new Sword of Vengeance was an easy one to make for Arken. He had visited Knight worlds before, watching the large machines perform and compete was almost always a treat only surpassed by seeing Titans themselves in action. Arianwyn clapped and cheered excitedly on his left while Doll had joined him in the stands to sit on his right. "That was amazing, Grandfather! I didn't know a Knight could move like that!" Arken gave her a small smile and through slightly grit teeth he muttered "Neither did I sweetie." He turned his gaze to Doll who looked almost as surprised as Arken. "Performance greatly exceeds expectations." Doll muttered, stroking his chin thoroughly. "Doll, what in the name of Terra was that?!" Arken messaged the Archmagos privately. "The culmination of master-level artifice and a Princeps commanding total obedience from the machine spirit with the proper implants for full integration. Unfortunately, it appears a larger space is required to fully determine the limits of the new motive system and the blade I forged." Doll said, sounding disappointed. Arken leaned back in his chair as he watched Nicole put the Knight through what could only be some sort of elaborate form of shadow boxing. His eye twitched violently at one point when she tossed the large melee weapon into the air, maneuvered and caught it several seconds later. "Doll, I have never seen a Knight do half of those maneuvers!" Arken stressed as the crowds roared. "Indeed. The Omnissiah has blessed us today." Doll replied and Arken could feel the delight and faint smugness radiating from the Archmagos. "We have a secure place to store it, right?" Arken asked, he lightly clapped as Nicole finally seemed to have finished her routine. "Yes. We will keep it in the secure bay for now. Until we are finished with the process of fabricating the drop pod." Doll replied proudly. Arken nodded his head slowly. As he processed that statement he froze and turned to look straight at Doll "... DROP POD?!"