Upon receiving Qin Mo's command, the Mimic promptly complied, accustomed as it was to such requests. The control room's metallic interior transformed into a scaled projection of the Talon Sector, where over fifty figures, both men and women, materialized within the illusory realm.
These Stoneborn were strategically scattered across each world in the sector. Some had replaced previous governors, while others had assumed the role of advisors, their placement determined by whether the original governor of their designated world had opposed the Sector Integration Plan. Tirelessly, they pursued their mission to integrate each world under unified control.
This meeting, convened by Qin Mo via the Mimic's abilities, aimed to gauge the Stoneborns' progress. "Summarize your advancements," he commanded.
Instantly, the eyes of every Stoneborn projected rapid visual summaries of their accomplishments thus far. Each of them had effectively secured dominion over their respective worlds.
Qin Mo scrutinized their social strategies, aware that their role required more than mere administrative oversight. Each world was governed by powerful military commanders and nobles—figures of influence who could rally vast followings. To avoid prolonged military campaigns to subdue them, the Stoneborn needed to engage them diplomatically and earn their loyalty.
After reviewing the visuals, Qin Mo realized his creations were indeed exceptional. They had analyzed every individual's desires and motivations and devised a personalized strategy for each, embodying a range of personalities to gain their allegiance. For the egotist, they were humble and complimentary; for the contrarian, they were firm and unyielding.
This personalized approach cultivated deep bonds of loyalty among subordinates and even reconciled former adversaries into trusted allies, viewing the Stoneborn as both confidants and masters of governance.
Yet this task went beyond mere alliance-building. The Stoneborn were also responsible for balancing competing interests. And for those beyond compromise, they dealt with dissenters directly, equipped with integrated weapons, albeit in human guise, that left no need for biological organs.
Thus, the Stoneborn either took on the mantle of world governor or wielded total authority as the governor's second-in-command. Observing this, Qin Mo finally grasped why humanity of the Golden Age had placed such unshakable trust in the Stoneborn—they were loyalty and capability incarnate.
"Excellent, my creations," he remarked, his gaze sweeping over each Stoneborn before casting an expectant look at the Mimic, as if awaiting some objective praise.
"Why are you looking at me? I'm not one of your creations," the Mimic replied.
With a slight cough, Qin Mo ordered, "Show me the current status of every world in the sector."
The Stoneborn immediately compiled comprehensive reports, projecting the details of their respective worlds in written form. Qin Mo's mind processed the information with astounding speed, assimilating the status of each world within Talon Sector in less than two seconds.
The Sector Integration Plan was now complete. Every system, every world, now mirrored the order of Talon's three worlds. Each individual was entered into a database and subjected to periodic psychological evaluations, while drones and logistics machines buzzed about, ensuring a seamless flow of activity—order permeated every corner, with chaos banished entirely.
The Stoneborn identified potential soldiers and crew members, enrolling them in training programs to be assigned to the army or the newly produced fleet. From among the sector's billions, they even selected ten candidates to become elite guards, each chosen through an elaborate series of tests as ideal custodians of Talon.
Initially, thousands of individuals would have qualified. However, top talent was required not only for the elite guard but also for the army and fleet. Reviewing the sector's comprehensive state, Qin Mo was immensely pleased, his mind then turning toward the research ban.
Years earlier, research and development had been outlawed within Talon's territories, a directive now enforced throughout the entire sector by the Stoneborn. Essential yet minor technologies were delayed in development due to this prohibition, and even the aid of auxiliary AI intelligence could not entirely close the research gap.
The inefficiency was unacceptable.
Now, with his star god powers gradually restored, Qin Mo observed that psychic abilities across the sector had been muted, supernatural phenomena had ceased, and the threat of chaos corruption had faded. While it could not eliminate external threats or fully sever ties with the warp, within Talon's borders, the danger of widespread corruption seemed contained.
After deliberation, Qin Mo decided to lift the research ban. He conveyed the new directive to the Stoneborn: "The research prohibition is lifted. Begin training scientific personnel."
The Stoneborn duly recorded the command.
"The meeting is adjourned. Dismiss the Stoneborn from the illusory realm," Qin Mo ordered.
The Mimic allowed the Stoneborn to exit the projection, then asked, "Any other commands, Lord of Talon?"
"Get me in contact with Craine," Qin Mo requested.
The Mimic readily complied, and the projection shifted from Talon's starmap to the bridge of a trade ship. Far away, Craine, busy resupplying at Agripina's forges, felt a tremor in his mind and saw Qin Mo standing alongside an unfamiliar woman. The ship's crew continued their tasks, oblivious to the sudden apparition, visible only to Craine.
"Governor," Craine saluted respectfully. Unfazed by Qin Mo's powers, he knew that as Talon's strength grew, this latest ability was not beyond reason.
Qin Mo dispensed with preamble. "Return to Talon immediately to install an FTL communications facility, then head to find Creed. You will manage message transmission."
"Yes," Craine complied without question, though curiosity lingered. Creed held no special rank on Cadia, nor was he the supreme commander of the Cadian Shock Troops.
Nevertheless, orders were orders.
Craine turned to his crew, swiftly setting a course back to Talon to install the communications module before proceeding to meet Creed.
After concluding this task, Qin Mo signaled for the Mimic to end the illusion.
"What's next?" the Mimic asked.
"Development and patience," Qin Mo replied.