In the lower hive of the Hive World, a priest of the Mechanicum named Vick observed the device known as the teleport station. Each time someone entered or exited the lower hive, a rift would appear near the station, and a person would materialize where the rift unfolded.
It was a fascinating sight, and Vick had never seen such a stable teleportation device that was accessible to civilians. Floating beside him was a servitor skull, its red eyes flashing as it scanned the teleport station, producing data that was automatically transcribed onto the records below.
After another observation, Vick examined the long ream of paper the servitor had produced. It contained data on various energy fluctuations, but the only discernible fact was the intense energy reaction surrounding the device during teleportation.
This result wasn't particularly helpful for research. It merely confirmed what he already knew. What intrigued Vick more was the fundamental nature of the teleport station: what powered it? Was it a terminal or more like a locator? But these questions would remain unanswered.
Vick understood that devices like this, similar to the Imperial Guard's power armor, black orb drones, or warships, would not be explained to him without proper authorization from higher authorities.
"Log the survey report," Vick commanded in binary to the servitor skull. "This investigation of the lower hive has revealed no researchers, nor any research facilities. It leaves me wondering, who created these machines I've seen?"
"None of the three worlds within the Talon system should have the capability for such developments."
"I cannot yet conclude, but a preliminary analysis suggests a significant possibility that there is an STC template in the Talon system. I will do everything in my power to locate and secure it, for the Omnissiah."
As Vick spoke, many people passed by him, curious about the strange figure cloaked in red robes with little flesh visible. They couldn't understand what he was saying, nor could they interpret the servitor skull's transcription of the binary code—merely an indecipherable string of ones and zeroes.
"Encrypt the log," Vick ordered once more. The servitor switched from its external recording device to its internal encrypted system to capture the next set of Vick's words.
"The Archmagos was wise to assign me to accompany the Inquisitors. I have uncovered something of interest."
"A small faction within the Hive World worships a Machine God, believing that the black orb machines and their creations are sacred. Among those I've observed, 98% are proponents of cybernetic enhancement. This faith is relatively new and has not yet spread widely."
"I attempted to inquire with the governor of the three worlds in the Talon system about this Machine God faith and the origin of these technological wonders, but he refused to answer. Conclusion: trust is limited. Deeper investigation will likely be possible only once the Archmagos arrives."
Vick was abruptly interrupted as he sensed someone standing behind him. The mechanical components in his neck rotated, turning his head to face none other than Qin Mo, who had granted him permission for the survey.
"What have you discovered?" Qin Mo asked, his gaze fixed on the teleport station.
"High energy readings around the station during operation, nothing more," Vick replied candidly.
Qin Mo smiled, though Vick couldn't comprehend the biological reason behind it and didn't care to investigate further. He simply desired more information. "What powers the teleport station?"
"I allowed you to investigate and report your findings, after I review them for the Inquisitors. You are here to study, not to learn," Qin Mo replied, shaking his head.
When Reyna first arrived in the Talon system, tensions were high. It was Vick, darting back and forth between the space fortress and his small shuttle, who mediated and eased the standoff. This was part of the reason Vick had been granted permission to conduct his investigation, though not the primary one.
The primary reason was that Vick served under Belisarius Cawl.
Qin Mo had a vested interest in spreading dimensional engine technology among humanity to reduce reliance on the Warp. If there was anyone in the Imperium both influential and open to new technology, it was Cawl. The Archmagos, responsible for developing the Primaris Space Marines and future collaborations with the Aeldari to resurrect Guilliman, was a forward-thinking individual. Though he couldn't represent the entire Mechanicum, nor even the majority, Cawl still held considerable sway as its Archmagos.
"Have you considered the worst-case scenario?" Vick suddenly asked. "An Inquisitor could arrive soon—one not bound by any considerations, a man like most in the Inquisition, a butcher. Then war begins."
After a pause, Vick added, "You must remember, the Inquisition is no one's puppet."
Qin Mo pondered the words carefully. It was indeed possible that someone like Reyna, who wasn't even a full Inquisitor, could be held in check by Vick. But if the Inquisition sent a more senior member, someone intent on purging the Talon system, war might be inevitable.
After much thought, Qin Mo shook his head. "This system has not yet fallen to the point where its fate is dictated by outsiders. At least, not yet. War will not come unless you wish to add another enemy to your list."
"You..." Vick analyzed the word, deciphering the meaning behind Qin Mo's response.
At first, Vick suspected rebellion was already in Qin Mo's mind, but quickly dismissed it, reasoning that if Qin Mo had long planned to rebel, he would have already allied with the various heretical factions in the system.
In the end, Vick concluded that while Qin Mo remained loyal, he saw the Imperium and humanity as separate entities.
As Vick mulled over his analysis, a thought from ancient history surfaced. He couldn't help but feel the Talon system bore a resemblance to the distant empire of Rangdan during the Great Crusade. Though Vick's knowledge of Rangdan was minimal—he knew only of its existence and the trouble it caused the Imperium—Talon seemed a pale comparison.
Talon was no Rangdan, but then, was the modern Imperium what it had been in those days?
After this long train of thought, Vick decided that if his investigations were to continue, he might need to slightly adjust his stance. But there was something even more important than his mission from Cawl—something far more significant.
"The Machine God worship on your planet... could you tell me more about it?" Vick asked, a seemingly random question to Qin Mo.
"I don't mind showing you, but first, you must tell me something." Qin Mo nodded.
"And what is that?" Vick inquired.
Under Vick's gaze, Qin Mo spoke slowly, "On your ship, the one my forces intercepted near the Mandeville point... where exactly does Reyna stay?"
After a moment of consideration, Vick disclosed the general location where Reyna spent most of her time aboard the ship.
Of course, Qin Mo didn't need this information. With his ability to mimic and project, he could know what Reyna was doing at any given moment. But Vick's answer revealed his alignment.
Qin Mo had grander schemes at play. Eliminating Reyna was but a small piece of the puzzle. Vick and Cawl were the true keys to his larger plan.