Chapter 0: Before the Dread Gate IC

The cabin of the Aquila Lander was stuffed full. The elderly Parvus Filianatis sat on a primitive if baroque wheelchair. A bodyguard in golden carapace armor stood behind him, ready to push, while two stood in front holding plasma guns to their chest. Six individuals stood behind, waiting for the opportunity to exit the cabin. A shudder passed through the cabin as it docked with the Tower of Archmagos Unath. Parvus and his escort led the way, a grim procession out of the ship followed by a motley crew of strange people.

Lethia shifts uneasily in the mass. Her short stature was shrouded under the shadow of her navigator hood. All that could be seen from the dark shadow was her pale-skinned shin and her white mohawk that jutted from her hairline.

She hoped that the dynasty kept the lights low. Harsh bright lights hurt her eyes......her natural eyes that is.
He third eye, bane and savior of the human effort for galactic domination, was hidden behind the silken gold band of fabric, the star-ray symbol of the house embroidered on it for all to see, if not for the shadow.

She looks around at the rest of the strange crew around her, not saying anything to anyone just yet-some people saw the navigator mutation as an abomination to be expunged.

Alexium sat in the grav harness, legs hanging off and not touching the floor. For all intents and purposes, the Mundus' Astropath Ascendant looked like a pre-pubescent child. Innocent. Cherub-like. Neither male nor female, the androgynous face was further mystified by a silk sash tied firmly across the eyes. Of course, this did nothing to dull Alexium's senses. The child saw, heard, and sensed everything around it better than all of its shipmates.

It regarded everyone around it. Few it considered friends. Even fewer it was personally allied and loyal to, but that did not matter. Its loyalty belonged to the Filianatus family and that would be enough until the others showed their true character.

A small, well packed backpack was tucked under its grav harness. A wee suit of Imperial Guard flak armor - sized for a child - was comfortably set over silk inner robes and under another set of outer robes. Yet, for all its odd appearance, most people never noticed the child. It radiated an aura of unremarkable - one of Alexium's many talents.

The other talents, those cultivated after personally surviving a meeting with the Emperor of Mankind, would come in handy soon. Soon it would compel. Soon it would delude. Soon it would gain allies for the family.

Roderick rode down with his eyes closed. He felt every buck and sway of the ship as it descended and it reminded him of his home. A moment later, is hand was in his jacket pocket and raising a bottle to his lips. He took a quick snort and was about to tuck it away when he changed his mind. He offered the bottle to the child astropath sitting next to him. Whether or not it took a pull, he then put it back into his jacket and looked at the rest of the group. They were all rather alien, as they hadn't served any time together as yet, so his Dalmorean suspicion was roused. He elbowed the child and grunted over the engines, what can you see little one? Can you tell me anything about what we are getting into?

Alexium, head down and apparently in meditation, had its hand out accepting Roderick's bottle without moving any other muscles. It too the cold steel to its lips and savored the burn that came after.

As the child handed it back, it turned to regard the Void Master. Leaning in close, Alexium whispered loud enough for Roderick to hear.

"I sense... wankers. Many of them. And they are going to expect to be wanked soon. A nasty business, though I suppose that's why they sent us."

An innocent smile broke across an until then stern and contemplative face. And small, raucous laughter followed for a moment.

"If only I could see the future, Rod. That might save us a trip."

San-Sebastián stands tall amongst the group, straight backed although with relaxed ease. Noticing some fluff on his sleeve he picks it off his fine black suit, the style was all the rage with nobles across the sub-sector. San-Sebastián particularly liked the high collar and small white ruff. It made him feel important. He had made it, he’d come along way from Jadre Prime a Hive World in the Xanatan Sub-sector. A bastard son; his mother a barworker, his absent father and his ticket off the shit tip of a hive world one Markus Kruber, second nephew to the Patriarch.



The Navigator and Astropath stood out like a sore thumb. They were not hard to miss; one ‘blind’ the other with a third eye. He returned a short nod and sincere smile as the Navigators gaze passed over him. The psyker was an interesting one, Sebastián almost thought her a child before he saw her share a drink and thought otherwise. He’d worked with both types before and while he feared their power he knew their true worth. He wished he’d thought of having a stiff drink before setting off.

Jakobi hummed to himself quietly, swaying only slightly as the lander docked. Not for the first time, he found himself puzzling over the passengers. He could not see how this assortment of individuals were those best suited for returning the Emperor's blessings to the dilapidated house of Filianatus. It was not for him to judge, however; if the patriarch believed this was the proper course of action, it was Jakobi's job to ensure that things went as smoothly as possible. He had worked with far less, after all. The only member of patriarch's retinue that looked the part was the at-ease man, dressed sharply in black. Jakobi instinctually appraised the attire: it was of fine craftsmanship, fitted immaculately, and worth every throne that had been thrown at its acquisition. It spoke volumes, both to the extent to which the wearer was willing to go to make their status known and, of course, to the depth of his pockets. This man was one worth speaking with.

But not yet, Jakobi mused. Those who need speak first, he reminded himself, and I have no need... for now.

Gerold stood at the back of the shuttle, shape of his body barely visible in the low light. It seemed his outline blended in with the background, and it was revealed only when he moved. He was almost invisible. That is, he would be, if not for his bald head that was clearly visible.
He rode with his chin proudly up, pointing at the ceiling of the ship, arrogantly watching others around him. He could only see their back, and you can only judge a man so much by seeing his behind.

He wondered where they where going; the Patriarch was tight-lipped with revealing any information. And he wondered who where these people he would be working with from now on. Gerold was a patient man, he had to be. Soon, everything would be clearer.

The patriarch's wheelchair was a primitive if fancy affair, simply being pushed by one of his guardians down the sterile corridors of the mechanicum facility. The patriarch and his bodyguards remain silent, answering no queries


As the patriarch was rolled away from the ship's dock and towards a larger avenue. One of the soldiers beckoned the group to follow. The group continues down some distance, before arriving at a larger avenue. Before the group can enter, a 10-foot individual in argent artificer power armor strides past at speed, gone from sight without acknowledging the group.


After a few minutes descending the corridor in the opposite direction of the silver individual, a large door is reached, marked with the sigils of the mechanicus. After a slight head signal from the Patriarch, the lead bodyguards knocks on the door, which swings open moments later. Beyond lies a vast office, filled with technological curiosities. On the distant side stand two individuals. The first, sitting behind a desk, cries out:



Welcome, Rogue Trader Filianatis and company


The second, familiar to some, stands beside a large, sheet-covered object.

Magos Ignatio Pulsanus stood where he had been directed to. His own meeting with the Archmagos had left him with a strange set of conflicting emotions, which he had internally partitioned off to be examined and analyzed at a later time. Now, he stood as still as a servitor, cybernetic eyes scanning rapidly over each member of this party as they entered.

As each person came into view, his internal cogitator added to his perception a set of runes, floating over their head. For some, like Roderick and Gerold, it merely listed a name and the man's position within the family; the little that he'd gleaned from a quick study of the Filiantius family tree years ago.

For others, a rune that meant 'unknown', with other runes materializing as he made inferences based on context clues. 'Astropath' for the small one with covered eyes. 'Navigator' for the one who only covered the one eye, leaving the other two to scan the room. 'Prosperity Cult Priest' for the man bedecked in finery and golden religious symbols. The gender symbol next to the Astropath's name flicked back and forth as different cues led to different conclusions, until it finally resolved into the Low Gothic equivalent of a question mark. Another question mark came up after the note 'child?', and for a moment the Magos wondered what someone of that age was doing here, but he found his focus rolling on, leaving unresolved questions that would normally unsettle him until he found the answers.

Then there was San-Sebastián, the only one with whom the field-promoted Magos had a prior relationship. His name-rune was flanked by an icon representing his service record aboard the Iron Law, and another representing the handful of times that the two of them had actually had cause to interact personally. With a glance, he briefly paged through his memory of both, reminding himself of a prior inference that the man had seemed to have the favor of the Lord-Captain. Ignatio offered his acquaintance a nod, though it wasn't terribly likely that San-Sebastián would recognize the Enginseer he'd served with after so many years. It might help that he wore the same mask he'd always worn, a custom carapace helm that was molded around his oddly-shaped head. The re-breather mask had long since ceased any useful filtration, and Ignatio had not yet acquired replacement parts

And then there was the Rogue Trader himself, the man who, Ignatio believed, would be leading this mission as Lord Captain of the sacred vessel. Ignatio had only once seen the man himself in the flesh, when he'd briefly toured the Iron Law before handing it over to his relative. For him, Ignatio had an authorized biography, a reference guide to the Filiantius family, and the publicly available portion of the Filiantius Warrant of Trade, along with a long list of titles and official positions he'd inherited, all of which were irrelevant next to 'Rogue Trader Filiantius.

The Magos knew better than to interrupt his superior's presentation in any significant way, so he remained silent and in position, his partially synthetic mind working overtime to rapidly catch up on his own internal research, preparing himself for the crew he would likely be serving with. He'd idly wondered what was under the sheet, but reasoned that it would be revealed shortly and thus paid it little mind for now.

The archmagos rose from his desk and moved towards the patriarch.

So this is the gang of reprobates you have recruited to make your decisions?

Yes, Unath. I know you do not take the curse seriously, but I must. Too many have died from the decisions of me and predecessors already. And who is this other tech-priest? I recognize him from the roster of the Iron Law.

My voice aboard. A guarantor of my investment in you, if you will. He will introduce you in good time, for now we shall focus on how you will repay that debt! Come forward, you all. Fan out, and listen well!


A holoprojection descended from the ceiling, showing a map of the dread passage, gateway to the arcadian expanse.

As legend goes, non who have ever crossed the passage have ever returned. A notable example is the famed Hypolites expedition, which left with a dozen vessels never to be seen or heard from again. This was a particular loss as they took with them vast stores of archeotech , some say because they where fleeing accusations of tech-heresy or some such drivel. Lost with all hands all assumed... until a very recent discovery.

The Archmagos signaled Ignatio to remove the sheet, revealing a strange object.


Any of you have any clue what this is?



The object stood on 4 tines, several meters tall.

Alexium moved in silently and unremarkably, finding a position that would allow partial-to-complete coverage from some of the other, larger bodies in the company. It is not as though it would diminish the senses. Alexium sensed everything. It saw everyone in the room as easily as though its eyes had not been burned out.

But the child sensed so much more. Two items of particular interest sang to it as it entered, and it made a special note as to their location. They would be studied much more closely before it was time to leave.

When the item popped up and the question asked, Alexium remained silent for a moment. There was the urge to ask if it had anything to do with prostate massaging, but decided to let someone else make an ass out of themselves first.

Gerold moved closer to the object. Reaching for his front pocket he took out a archaic optical device, which was chained to the fabric of his robe.
Expertly moving it to his eye, he leaned, studying the object for a few seconds. With unsatisfied "Hmmm.", he moved back waiting, returing his attention to the mechanicus priest.

Lethia moved along with the party in the wake of the wheelchair deeper into the bowels of the vessel.

It was an ancient thing, its powerful beauty hidden behind years of decline. She wanted to form a bond with the vessel as soon as possible so that she could guide the powerful relic to its destination in the shadow of the astronomicon.

As for the inhabitants themselves, she cared little for.
Yes, the power armor was imposing, and the ones wielding powerful weapons could pose a danger, but her importance could not be understated. Without her, all would starve as they would succumb to the entropic forces of decline in the cold blackness of the void. They would not harm her unless they risked death. Such thoughts were always at the back of her mind, but ultimately unnecessary she should never be exposed to small arms fire.

The gunplay between ships however......

Her attention is drawn to the adeptus mechanicus members debate protocol, another unnecessary exchange as far as she was concerned.

What did draw her attention, was the strange device hidden under the sheet. She leans fowarwards to get a better look at it....

No? Well, this is an object known as a warp-probe. Before the development of the Navigator Gene, they where released in swarms into the warp, being dragged along by warps currents and, if recovered, could indicate the most stable warp-routes. The sole record we have of these is tied to an archeological discovery in Skaros Primus vault 17c4oo1, the contents of which where brought along when the discoverer joined the Hypolites expedition.

The archmagos gestured towards the holoprojector, and a large fleet appeared.

Normally this wouldnt be much of a cause for concern. Warp-flotsam isnt exactly rare, especially as this was found just outside the dread passage by a navy scout. The dark-matter bubble that circles the Calisota sector forces out many objects out of the immaterium. It could be from millenia ago, just as it could be from the junked expedition. But this one is special...

The archmagos gestured towards the object, and a small panel slid away, revealing a large red diode and a date-indicator showing 9.446.847:M41, and an origin indicator at 5.375.310:M41. The diode sent out a single burst of light, which then faded away. A small symbol of clear mechanicus inspiration was engraved under the indicators.

This one is new. Built a mere few centuries ago. A technology none in the imperium have ever known how to build, last seen in the hands of the Hypolites expedition. Someone still knows how to build these, and they must be found. To start re-paying your debt, you have this mission:

-Discover the fate of the Hypolites expedition.
-Find whoever built this probe.

Well, that should cover the basics. Any questions? The floor is open for discussion.


The hologram faded away, and a few chairs lifted out of the floor. Parvus spoke up:

I will leave the rest to you children. This is my final involvement in decision-making for the expedition. I will advise, but now I must return to rest.

The patriarch moved off of the side with his guards, as the Archmagos turned to face the group.

Alexium spoke first, a small voice neither male nor female, emanating from somewhere lower to the ground.

"Does this symbol have any meaning to the Mechanicus? Does it appear in your databases anywhere?

The child took a step forward and stared at the symbol - covered eyes down and unassuming, as always in the presence of strangers. But the symbol was clear in the mind as it wandered through all the cryptological information it had gathered over the years...

Magos Pulsanus spoke for the first time, his voice emitting from his Vox-synthesizer in a consistently slightly upbeat tone. If one listened closely, one might notice that the words he used often had nearly the exact same inflection each time, as if each word was recorded separately and mixed together nearly flawlessly.

"The particular symbol is not a match or near match of any symbol used by the Adeptus Mechanicus currently, or known to have previously been used by any sub-sect within. However, the border is, like many symbols in use by the Adeptus Mechanicus, clearly derived from the 'cogwheel' border of the Opus Machina symbol, which has stood as a symbol of the Adeptus Mechanicus since the treaty of Mars. The distance between the teeth of the cog matches the golden proportions that characterize a proper 'cogwheel' design."

Ignatio produced his combi-tool and turned it to show the standard Opus Machina with the divided skull in the center, tapping next to it with one finger. His eyes emitted a slight whirring noise as he zoomed tightly in on the symbol on the probe, examining it in minute detail. In his vision, the two shapes in the center pulled away, and measures were made of their particular angles of intersection.

"While the internal symbol is unknown, the geometric patterns demonstrate several natural mathematical ratios that are evidence of the Machine God's work in the underlying principles of the universe."


He turned back to look down at Alexium as he continued answering the question.

"Therefore, I estimate a 98% probability that this symbol originated from a properly trained adept of the cult mechanicus, with only slightly more than 1% probability that it is an attempted counterfeit, and less than 1% that it is an emulation of the symbol from an uninitiated lay-mechanic. The probability of uncorrelated convergence is vanishing, and the null hypothesis can be nearly completely ruled out."

"Speculation: Perhaps it is the symbol of a minor sect, or a particular Magos, which did not meet the 'notability' guidelines of the Skaros database? Alternatively, it may have been developed by a group operating without contact with the Skaros mechanicus."

Roderick sat back and listened to the conversation unfold. He had heard of the Dread Passage, everyone at the Naval Academy had, but they were never taught about it in detail. They were only warned that going through was suicide and to stay away. Going through to find a lost fleet of archeotech piqued his interest though. Perhaps there would be artefacts and technology that he could exploit and send home to Mother? The other thing about the passage that interested him was why the passage was so dangerous. What is it that causes the Passage to be so dangerous? If none have ever successfully crossed, what would make us able to do so? I'm assuming you have something that may help us if you believe we will make it? He ignored the bauble causing everyone to ask why about the mission and cut to the how of the mission.

Raising his eyebrow high, Gerold said:
"Debt? What kind of a obligations are we talking about here?"
He didnt know much about Mechanicus, less so of their numerous sects and subdivisions. But, he knew full well that without money, Filianatis familiy wont come far. And although he knew little about Mechanicus, he knew more then enough to know that it wasnt wise staying on their bad side.
He realized for the first time how much happened in little time. He was lacking vital information and he was hating it. Learn and adapt quickly. It seemed that his new name meant tapping in the dark. For now.

(Response to Roderick)

Superstition perhaps? The probe was recovered beyond the passage, and reports show navy scouts havent had any issues going through. However, of the 8 major expeditions that left with it, and the arcadian expanse, as a destination, none  have never been seen or heard from again. Who knows what fresh horrors lie beyond?  Mind you, until 2 years ago it had been Ork territory for millenia, so no one put any significant effort towards recovery.  

(Response to Gerold)

Myself and a number of lesser investors have put quite a lot into refitting your ancient vessel. Your family's poverty made outside support unavoidable. We do not expect to tell you how to make your money, but we are expecting a return. And the occasional favor, such as what has been requested.

Alexium's head stayed angled downward as the tech priest answered. When he finished, the child bowed in appreciation and moved back within the group. Roderick was thinking completely practically again, bringing a smile to Alexium's face. What every group needed was a balance between the dreamers and the practicalists.

So, it is a mission to find and bring a group of master-crafter cog worshippers back into the fold, he thought privately to himself. If they could find this group, there was a real chance of expanding the reach and clout of the Filianatis family. It could secure one of the most powerful connections to the Mechanicum in the region, and if this off shoot sect could recreate this type of tech...

Alexium's mind wandered briefly to its contacts in the Jolanese Kingdom. There were ties to be made. It would take time, but it would come.

The child wandered over to the psy-tech in the room, finding itself standing before the beautifully crafted songbird. "Does this beautiful construct have a name?" The question sounded of pure innocence.

The archmagos turned towards the child, looking at the small caged songbird. The quality of construction was exceptional; as if every single feather had been carved out of a sheet of pure gold, its body edged in silver & bronze, its beak adamantine, and its eyes large rubies. It flitted about its spherical cage made of fiberglass and gold wire. With your attention more closely focused on it, you noticed its eyes moving back and forth between you and the navigator, as if it knew something was peculiar about the two of you.



No name for now. I found it several decades ago in one of the deeper vaults of this world. Of dark-age origin, it was positioned on a pedestal indicating some importance. It’s entirely ornamental as far as I can tell. If you wish, you can take it child, it might make for a good toy.

As the archmagos spoke, the songbirds eyes focused on yours, as if it where trying to look into your soul

Alexium smiled excitedly at the Archmagos, briefly digging around in the backpack it carried and finally producing an Adeptus Astartes action figure.

"Now Brother Lucius Vorenus of the Novamarines can have someone to play with. Thank you!" Alexium's action figure was, in reality, a charm that was always on hand. Superstition had its place, and Alexium saw no reason to discredit something that had brought such luck in the past.

The child rearranged the toy into the meticulously packed backpack and put it back on. Gingerly, it grabbed the cage and brought the songbird close to its face - eye-to-eye so to speak.

Hello, sweet friend. We will have many adventures together. Welcome to the team, Sir Reginald Dark Horse.

Jakobi listened in on the exchange, bristling slightly at being lumped in with the rest of the cohort as a "reprobate". He appraised the odd object, identified as a "warp probe" with quite some interest, forgetting his indignation in the face of such a promising tool. A device that, if reproduced en-masse, could partially remove the need for navigators? The implications of such a discovery were too vast to parse in the moment. He was brought back to reality momentarily by the magos's somewhat terse rebuke to Gerold's inquiry. It appeared that the full extent of the house's destitution had been somewhat understated when the Appeal for Guidance had been filed with with the Church of Prosperity. Such an event was not uncommon - many who sought to improve their standing with the Throne were unwilling to admit the full extent of their failings - but he made a mental note to inquire further about the Filianatus estate. If he were to provide suitable aid, he would need to be fully informed.

He cleared his throat gently before speaking up. "Magos, the historical significance of this technology is quite intriguing, possibly worthy of interment in one of the reliquary cathedrals of His Church. It seems your interest lies mainly in discovering the origin of these devices and less so in the devices themselves. What are we to do if we come to possess more of these devices?"

He did his best to cover his more practical interests in the technology behind the platitudes of the Ministorum. No doubt, the Mechanicus had interest in the technology itself as well, but there very well might be room for profit if the situation were handled delicately. The Mechanicus and Ecclesiarchy had spent many a milennia walking on eggshells around each other; rare was the occasion where either side would extend the olive branch to the other. It couldn't hurt, Jackobi reckoned, to see if the Mechanicus truly realized the impact that the rediscovery of warp probe technology could have within the Imperium. If they did not... he stood to walk away from this ill-fated expedition with far more than the Church's fee for Guidance.

Iron and Metal wrote:

Hello, sweet friend. We will have many adventures together. Welcome to the team, Sir Reginald Dark Horse.

The ruby eyes seem to focus even more deeply upon Alexium, while it sings a strange but

melodious tune (for alexium only):

, that rings out into the room lifting spirits.

The archmagos turns away from the scene and focuses on Jakobi.

Collect them. While we arent equipped to interepret the travel data, whoever sent them is, and it could reveal notable warp-routes. While certain parties... he said, glancing at the navigator...may not like these, it could be essential for finding even moderately safe warp-routes beyond the emperor's light. Heack, it could even facilitate the creation of navis prima in such a way that no navigators need be risked.

Alexium grinned as the tune reverberating among eardrums, and then again among senses the child had that far surpassed those of anyone else in the room. It was both pleasant and enlightening and the bond between the two beings increased slightly.

I will refer to you by the title Ruben-Gold. The others shall not know it unless they need to; to them, you shall be 'Sir Reginald Dark Horse.' A strategic decision, to be sure. I assure you, I will do my absolute best to ensure you are taken care of and properly maintained from now on.

Alexium decided to wait until they were alone to ask about the name "Dissembling-Truth." Perhaps the child's aura had revealed something none else could see.

Magos Pulsanus blinked at the Prosperity Priest's suggestion that the probe be interred in a cathedral. His eyes whirred as he focused on the man's face, trying to puzzle out his intentions. His tone did not change, but the slight pauses after some of his words might have conveyed that he felt somewhat affronted by his suggestion.

"The historical significance of this artifact remains unknown, and nothing suggests that it would fit in the category of artifacts that are of interest to the Ecclesiarchy. It is a machine, created most likely by a member of the Cult Mechanicus, and its significance remains only technotheological. It is not a power sword wielded by an 'imperial saint' or something of that nature, which would place it in the jurisdiction of the Ecclesiarchy, and the Cult Mechanicus's jurisdiction over machines is clearly outlined in the Treaty of Mars, signed by the Omnissiah's own hand with his authority as The Emperor."

Turning back to Roderick, he sought to address the other man's concerns.

"This device's discovery speaks well for the prospects of our journey, Lord Roderick. It suggests that the Hypolites expedition likely did not end in tragedy, but that those who embarked upon it are still present in the Expanse, and that they have learned to reproduce some of the blessed Archeotech that they brought with them."

"Speculation: They may have been prevented from leaving due to inability to navigate the Dread Gate, or they may have chosen to remain in the Expanse, perhaps in fear of persecution."

Turning back to their esteemed host, he switched to Techno-lingua, asking

Incomprehensible Jargon:

There is a certain coincidental pleasure that you bring up the treaty of mars in the presence of the family descended from the man who wrote it. Though frankly, I wouldnt assume it would allow them much. They wouldnt be able to establish routes before the probe looped back, which could take centuries. Still, this clearly falls under OUR jurisdicton, and is one of the reasons why you are need on this voyage adept.

Techna-lingua woven within speach:

While the rest of the group discussed with the Archmagos, Alexium's gaze remained of the metallic songbird, which continued with a gentler song.

The song (for Alexium):

What did your previous charge refer to you as?

To the others, Alexium was simply listening to the bird's song, head bowed as before, smiling gently.

Roderick bowed his head in approval as the Magos addressed him urbanely, using his inherited title, and thought for a moment as he considered what Magos Pulsanus suggested. It did indeed speak well if they were to make contact again with a lost fleet that was reproducing lost archeotech. What else could they produce? This could surely act as a homing beacon if they could unlock its secrets. Do we have a way to read what this device has recorded? I would assume it tracks from a starting location, be it the ship it was released from or fired into space from a planet of some description. Can we find the route it has taken from its origin to the place it was picked up? His hand began to reach automatically for his breast pocket as his excitement built until he stopped it mid way and let it fall again.

Leitha noticed that the gizmotic bird took nice long gazes at herself and the child.

Judging from all the obvious markings, the child was clearly of the adeptus astropathica.

[quote="Wendigo Bob"]

Iron and Metal wrote:

[i]

Collect them. While we arent equipped to interepret the travel data, whoever sent them is, and it could reveal notable warp-routes. While certain parties... he said, glancing at the navigator...may not like these, it could be essential for finding even moderately safe warp-routes beyond the emperor's light. Heack, it could even facilitate the creation of navis prima in such a way that no navigators need be risked.

"Indeed Magos. If devices like this were commonplace, us Navigators would be nothing more than an abhorrent mutants prime for the cleansing." she says jestly, though with an undertone of annoyance.

She takes a second then adds, "If devices like this fell out of practice in lieu of us abhorrents so long ago, I wouldn't be so quick to assume their worth, though the uses for exploration beyond the astronomicon are well beyond obvious."
She already didn't like the potentia for what was being discussed. If the house suspected a device as such would become a threat to their political standing, they would make a move. Not only them, but all the navis nobilitae....

The magos's attention switched to the Navigator, not seeming to avoid her gaze as some might.

"Even were such devices to become commonplace, Navigator, they would not be sufficient to replace the need for the services of the Navigator houses. It may be best to think of them as an automated map making tool. In fact, many of the Navigators who lose their lives in warp while charting uncharted warp routes might be saved by the advent of these devices."

"The warp is not, to my understanding, stable enough that it would be safe to travel a warp route, no matter how well mapped, at any significant speed without one."

Achh of course, forgive me asking the same question twice...Roderick nodded curtly and said no more. His questions had all been answered, twice.

Indeed. Humanity will likely never be free from the need for navigators, and the warp in general, for nothing in the physical universe appears to allow FTL travel and communication.

The archmagos flicked the holoprojector to a new setting, showing the Anatem Imperabit Mundus.

There is still a week until the ship refit is complete. There is one final element to decide, as a modular space has been prepared that we can configure to one of the following: a Munitorium, allowing greater support for ship-to-ship combat; barracks, with a small settlement of support skitarii provided by yours truly; or an arboretum, allowing for greater extended voyages thanks to its food-production and oxygen generation abilities. What say you?

Lethia already knew her answer, "An Arboretum would save many live, keep the crew happier, and alive on extended voyages. Even should the voyage be short, the added foodstuffs would keep the need for corpse-starch lower."

She had seen battles before. She did not doubt the usefulness of the other options available, but in her eyes a quick death against the myriad of foes was better than weeks of starvation and cannibalism.

"Agreed," Magos Pulsanus intoned, nodding. "The surviving crew of the Iron Law would not have lasted long enough to recover the ship if it did not have significant space dedicated to growing food. And we could easily be cut off in the expanse for a significant period of time."

"Meanwhile, we have no current plans to launch an invasion, and a munitorum, while adding somewhat to the effectiveness of a macrocannon barrage, also adds a significant vulnerability to a vessel."

Lethia nods solemnly, "The magos is correct. A munitorium is a double edged sword. I've heard stories but I've not seen one take such a hit."

Pa! Roderick burst out. Any hit that makes it through our shields and armour is going to cripple or destroy us, magazine or not. A nice garden and grounds to walk is all very good when we're bored, and the extra food may even be nice for a time, but if we run dry on munitions and other kit before we can find a civilisation that has the means and desire to give us what we need then we are royally up the creek. We can gather food and resources from any number of habitable planets that we come across if the need arises. Civilised, and friendly, planets are much much harder to come by. He looked down at Alexium, knowing that the little one would see his sense. They had served a short time together before being called here, so he hoped he could count on the support.

San-Sebastián gave the assistant tech priest an appraising look at the mention of the Iron Law, he looked familiar, but he wasn’t sure. Taking up a position at the table Sebastián and watches and listens intently.

At the sight of the map of the Dread Passage, his stomach turned a little although there was no outward showing of the unease at the thought of traversing it. Sebastián was no coward but he had a healthy dose of fear at the proposition. He put the thought to one side, it was what it was.

He observed what he thought to be a probe of some kind and took in with interest their task; to find who had built it. A simple task considering the probe had a kind of homing beacon. What could go wrong with the Dread Passage and the curse of the Filianatis hanging over their heads.

Sebastián remained quiet, he didn’t have any questions given what had already been asked. When ‘their’ ship was revealed he peered at the intently, he was unsure of its mark. It was certainly of an unusual design, in so much as Sebastián didn’t have an answer to give with regards its final fittings. His soon to be companions made good points for the Arboretum and Munitions. He could also think of uses for a compliment of Skitarii. Therefore he did have a question.

“Arch Magos, I am not familiar with this mark of ship. It appears to have an ample belly by the look of it so could we could perhaps take extra stores. A complement of Skitarii could be advantageous if we lack troops. Does it have any weaknesses or strengths that might guide our choice?”

Alexium stopped conversing with the songbird long enough to listen to the conversation. After Roderick had made his address, and there was a lull in the conversation, Alexium's small, innocent voice once again sang out.

"Your logic is sound, my friend. Had we a munitions deck previously, perhaps we could have destroyed the rogue psykers that which assailed us aboard the Sword Breaker. But perhaps not - they were able to immobilize us regardless of our firepower, were they not? We must remember the primary objective of our mission as it currently stands and the parameters in which we find ourselves: exploration and long-range reconnaissance into the unknown. While a munitions deck would no doubt help obliterate the potential foes we may face, I find the most benefit in the arboretum. Crew morale will be the biggest factor ahead of us."

The child had done his best to soften the blow to Roderick; the Void Master's concerns were very real and his suggestion not bad, but Alexium had to speak his truth.

Privately to Roderick, "I am already ready to share a drink and a lively debate about this soon."

Carnelian wrote:

“Arch Magos, I am not familiar with this mark of ship. It appears to have an ample belly by the look of it so could we could perhaps take extra stores. A complement of Skitarii could be advantageous if we lack troops. Does it have any weaknesses or strengths that might guide our choice?”

The vessel itself is quite unusual. Something between a battlecruiser and a universe-grade transport. Vast sections are innacessible to any sensors, protected by melta-proof walls. The hard-wired reactor itself produces more power than most grand cruisers. The records show the ship once had all three, but built with such quality that it took almost no space or energy.

Parvus spoke up from the corner.

Much of the vessel has been lost, sold or transfered since the great crusade. I believe we should strive to recover those ancient systems, the result of centuries of exploration by our primogenitor.

After the interjection, the archmagos bowed then continued:

Personally I would go for the arboretum; I believe my enginseers could integrate it into the ventilation, water and waste management systems, turn it into a Ecogenerator . This will allow the vessel to travel for years with minimal  ressuply. Even inorganic SPONCH would be sufficient to maintain function.

Alexium smiled, nudged Roderick with a small elbow, and gestured in the direction of the Archmagos as if to say, See? Told you so.

It was much to take in, but Gerold knew he must make is voice heard, and soon. Weighting his words, he said:
"Anything that is of worth to us, is of worth to others. If we come across something we want, I can assure you we will have to fight for it. I vote for the munitorium first, arboretum second. Flesh is easier to come by then technology."

He deliberately didnt mention the skitarii barracks, because he didnt like it. It was bad enough to be in tech-priests debt, let alone have their lapdogs on board the vessel. He had no doubts where the cyborgs loyalties lay, they where probably programmed to listen to every command from the Martians.

Ignatio's gaze flitted from one face to another, the blank expression of his mask giving little sense of whatever he was feeling. He was not quite certain how to process the situation unfolding in front of him.

Turning to Parvus Filianatis in the corner, his eyes zooming in on the old man's face, he spoke. "Honored Rogue Trader, it seems that those of your blood are in agreement that our focus should be on firepower." Of course, he had not been updated on San-Sebastián's recent acknowledgement.

Flitting his eyes between Roderick and Gerold, he started "I must confess of my ignorance in order to ask that it be cured," an old mechanicus phrase. "Which of your young family members will we be serving as Lord-Captain?"

Sebastián studies the hologram of the ship a while longer, the ship appeared to rely heavily on its broadsides, it lacked powerful lance weapons by the look of it.

"If we decide upon an Arboretum I would not be disappointed." for those who had voiced their support for it and if they were looking are looking at Seb he share's a brief nod and a sincere smile "the choice is a good one and logical."

"However I would side with Gerold & Roderick here. We are more likely to be able to find food beyoud the dread passage and less likely a friendly or otherwise trader in macro-cannon ordinance." Sebastián points to the hologram "Our ship relies heavily on its macro cannons, I would feel safer knowing they could pack as much punch as possible."

Roderick grunted at his friend and jutted out his chin in defiance. Clearly we will need to drink this over so that you may see reason, Alexium...When Sebastian initially spoke up in favour of the arboretum as well Roderick clicked his teeth in annoyance, yet when he showed sense and leant his vote in favour of the extra supplies of munitions Roderick clapped his hands together and rubbed them conspiratorially. He looked back down at Alexium and raised an eyebrow as if to say, final offer?

Parvus had his bodyguard roll him forward and spoke:

It seems the Arboretum is more appreciated than the others. Take that as a lesson children; while our blood gives us prestige, it does not make our power absolute. The primogenitor himself ensured he was surrounded by strong-willed, intelligent people who did not submit, and he valued their opinions for it. Listen to your brothers in arms; it is when they stop fighting for their beliefs that they are lost to us.

The Archmagos responded:

Excellent! The enginseers will get started. Well, you have a week before the ship is ready. Any of you interested in a Diversion? Something to liven up the wait.

Roderick breathed out loudly through his nose in annoyance, but clamped his mouth shut. They won't be able to eat their way out of a fight when things got tight, he thought; and though it had appeared to develop that way, the Old man had chastened them for voting along family lines and non. This irritated Roderick as much as losing the extra stores. He grunted again at the thought of the loss, but then his officer training took over and he said simply, of course Lord. signalling he had dropped the subject.

When the Archmagos mentioned diversion, Roderick's ears perked up. What did you have in mind Archmagos?