Tech-Priest of Remnant
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High above the clouds of remnant, the usual calm of the upper atmosphere of the blue-green planet was shattered as a bright multi-coloured anomaly appeared in the sky, followed by a colossal thunderclap as reality was torn asunder. Thankfully it was so high that no native of remnant could look upon it for it they did their minds would shatter at the sheer incomprehensiveness of it. Out of this portal to hell flew a huge red box like craft with short stubby wings and a plethora of weapons clearly visible. On the sides of this craft only one symbol could be seen, a large gear cog with a skull inside it, on half that of a human and the other of a metal skull with wires and protruding around it.
As the craft cleared the tear in reality smoke could be seen pouring out of the left side engine. The craft then lurched downwards towards terra firma while behind it the mind mending portal to the warp closed with another colossal thunderclap. Inside the vessel, the space reserved for troop transport was surprisingly empty, with only three occupants, however considering the nature of the three it was perhaps not at all surprising. The first two nearest the embarkation ramp are giant hulking robots of the Kastelan pattern. Both had massive fists at the end of their arms and had a shoulder mounted gun that on both was currently locked away. The last figure and arguably the most intimidating one was the red robed Techpriest locked in his grav-harness, he or at least he used to be male several hundred years ago wore the customary red robes of the Adeptus Mechanicus with the hood pulled down low over his heavily augmented head with just a set of green lights the only visible thing within its shadow. He showed no outward sign of fear as the damaged craft lurched and shook about as rather than the normal panicked sounds that a pilot would normally call out, the Techpriest just received updates via the noosphere that all adepts of the Mechanicus used for communication.
The modified Thunderhawk dived downwards in as controllable dive as it could handle with the damage it had sustained. The craft was going to land, the Techpriest knew this and had known this since it left the twisting un-reality of the warp, after somehow surviving its impromptu trip through it. As the Thunderhawk neared the ground the Techpriest drew all of his extra limbs and augmentations in around his core, calculating that if that survived he could repair himself if needed. Even as the craft was about to scrape the tops of the trees of the forest it was about to crash into the slave-bonded servitors that made up the four man crew of the Thunderhawk tried to prevent as much damage occurring as possible. The nose of the craft shattered trees as it skidded through the dirt of the forest, sending splinters and dirt flying through the air as it dug a 500 meter long trench in the earth, the adamantium and ceramite hull of the craft holding strong.
Several minutes went by as the Thunderhawk settled into the earth that was to be its new home for the foreseeable future. Miraculously the embarkation ramp, which is located at the front of the vessel had become pointed towards the open air with the rear of the craft becoming berried. A loud banging noise echoed around the trees as the ramp shuddered under a powerful impact, several of these earth shattering blows latter the embarkation deck exploded outwards. Two large shapes appeared in the smoke that billowed out from the newly created exit, as it thinned it revealed the forms of the Kastelan robots. The robots stomped forward and took up positions on either side of the craft facing out as the Techpriest climbed out of the hole. After climbing out and making sure he suffered minimal damage in the crash he turned his attention to the surrounds he was in, the trees where a vibrant green and brown in colour, the sky clear or clouds, natural or otherwise. However neither of these things greatly concerned him the main concern was the lack of any sizable transmission, radio or otherwise, pushing these concerns into a subroutine of his cogitators he turned back to the Thunderhawk and started scanning with his augur array to determine if anything could be salvaged.
Only 7 minutes and 48 seconds into his investigation of the crashed ship he received a burst of code from one of the Robots saying it had detected movement coming towards the crash site. The Techpriest moved around the side of the Thunderhawk to see the incoming detection himself, upon scanning the tree line he found small traces of an unknown radiation particle which piqued his interest with the planet, to be one to discover a new particulate would further his already considerable standing within his order. These thoughts where interrupted by a wolfish howl emanating from the forest as five large black and white wolf looking creatures burst out of the forest underbrush. The wolf like creatures, he observed, had midnight black fur with several bone like plates covering certain parts of their bodies including a white mask on the face of each creature with glowing red eyes that seemed to leave a neon light trail as they moved.
The lead wolf, and also the largest of the group, growled low in its throat. It was drawn to this area after feeling the highest concentration of negative feelings it had ever felt. However upon entering the clearing where it was located it became confused by what was standing in front of it, this 'thing' it thought smelt like one of those bipedal creatures but had a distinct metal smell to it as well like those same creatures tools. What confused it and its fellow beowulves was the lack of emotion coming from either three of the figures standing before it.
The Techpriest regarded these animals with mild curiosity, and as he scanned the surrounding area he found that the new radiation he had detected was emanating from these strange black and white wolves. It was then that the largest of them howled loudly and the large group charged, the Techpriest reacted with experienced and machine guided calm. The two Kastelan robots activated their power fists as the large robots moved to engage in close quarter combat, shoulder mounted flamers snapping into position. They waded in throwing their deadly power fists at any foe that came near them, and those that didn't get close enough where set alight as the Incendine combustors roared to life and spat burning promethium over the hoard.
The Techpriest for his part started activating his weapons from the mundane but still effective digital weapons to his utterly devastating Eradication Ray. Using his machine enhanced targeting the Techpriest was able to dispatch several of the beasts before they neared him and when they did the awesome power of the Eradication ray was unleashed, the first line of wolves was annihilated completely dissolving into their base atoms, the next fared no better, his power axe came into the fray next tearing limbs from bodies and even sometimes sending the entire wolf flying from the carnage. The Wolves increased their attack trying to overwhelm the three fighters, the response was an increase in fire power. The Robots batted aside 3 wolves for every hit, destroying bones and organs, the Techpriest was a flurry of activity with every Mechadendrite whipping about punching holes in chest cavities and ripping of limbs.
The skirmish had been going on for just ten minutes now and it was becoming apparent to the Techpriest that his Kastelans and himself were while not impervious to damage but highly effective at absorbing or downright blocking the claws and teeth of these black wolves. Another 4 minutes later and the last of the wolves had been put down, the Techpriest took this moment to order the return to guard of the robots and to examine the corpses left by the wolves. To his surprise not long after he started examining them the bodies started to dissolve into a black mist, he idly noted the spike in radiation as this occurred.
Pushing any further investigation into his subroutines the Techpriest turned back to the Thunderhawk, noting the fires seemed to have burned themselves out. After finishing his look over of the crashed vehicle he found that beyond the fire damage and some structural damage suffered during the crash the Thunderhawk was in a repairable state, minus the dead servitors in the cockpit. Deciding the best course of action to be to find imperial support if it was on the planet, and failing that hopefully find human remnants from before the age of strife. Activating a long range augur scan he picked up the faintest hint of radio transmissions, after determining surprisingly them being of human origin though slightly varied, he sets forth with one Kastelan robot, leaving the other to guard the Thunderhawk from any potential salvagers.
Moving through the forest proved little difficulty for the Techpriest and his Kastelan escort. The large robot had no trouble stomping through or over roots and broken trees, and the Techpriest was able to use his highly augmented legs, a reverse jointed bipedal set he had used for the last two centuries, allowed him to nimbly navigate his way through the think underbrush. The Augur reading had indicated an approximate distance as 20 km to the source of the transmissions, however after reaching the 12km mark the Techpriest was able to pick up traces of smoke entering the atmosphere from the exact direction of the transmissions and his analysis of the composition indicated that it was not a Manufactorum smoke plume. After getting within 3km of the smoke plume the Techpriest was able to detect ash particulate falling to the ground, it even started to coat his Mechanicus robes.
The Magos reached what appeared to be small village, constructed from wood and stone, with high walls surrounding the entire village. The village itself seemed to be under siege from the same creatures that attacked him earlier however amongst these where what appeared to be different subspecies of the beasts. Calculating the chances of the village surviving the attack showed little promise, yet if he could not solicit help from the local populace it would force him to travel further from his craft which he was loth to do. Coming to a decision he waded into the fight, the Kastelan charging forward, smashing the dark creatures aside with heavy blows while its combustor burned everything that remained out of reach. The creatures howled and roared in pain and anger, the Magos was a blur of activity as his mechadendrites whipped about, digital weapons fired high powered lasers into the faces of the beasts, while an articulated blow torch burned off and vaporised the heads of others, his power axe swung in wide arcs removing limbs and heads as it passed through the crowd its power field ensuring the head remained clean of blood. The eradication ray vaporised masses of the hoard while his phosphor serpentine burned those that remained unharmed within the 360 degree circle of death that the magos and Kastelan had become.
The hoard of beasts had become incredibly thin at the area of wall that the Magos and Kastelan had reached the village at, relieving the pressure on the few remaining defenders within. Rick Silver had never seen anything like it before, this 'robot' had suddenly burst from within the trees on the north side of town, that was at that very moment in danger of falling to the Grimm that had gathered. It was fast, faster than something of that size should be able to move, and then it was upon them its two giant hands ablaze with crackling power, when they impacted it obliterated whatever it hit and sent the bodies flying. It was impressive and was just the sight they need to inspire hope among the defending forces of the village. The second figure to emerge while slightly smaller was no less deadly as it charged with even greater speed, with several mechanical limbs snapping about ripping the Grimm apart. "Rick what the hell are those" one of his companions shouted between swings of his battle axe.
"I have no idea but they can kill Grimm, so focus" he shouted back returning to the task at hand himself using a basic longsword to slice the arms of the Grimm while firing shots with the handgun in his off hand. Before long the Grimm at his side of the village had been wiped out, "alright half of you remain here everyone else go reinforce the other gates" Rick called out orders as the fighters reorganised themselves and carried off the wounded. The magos was surprised to find some humans behind the walls still defending it, and he noticed about half their number retreating, perhaps to reinforce other areas. The thought was dismissed as and middle aged silver haired and grey clothed man approached him wearily. "Um. Hello, thank you for helping us" the man called out, "can you understand me?" he asked as he neared the Magos. The Magos studied the man for a few moments, not detecting any augmentations or and implants of any kind and he noted that this world still spoke low gothic and had only slightly varied the pronunciation slightly, unlike so many other lost worlds.
After a few tense moments Rick final received an answer in the form of a heavily mechanical sounding voice, "yes I can understand you, and now tell me where the nearest imperial outpost is?" the Magos blared through his multiple vox casters. "Imperial, don't know anything about Imperials, but if we survive this Grimm attack we might be able to put you in touch with the atlas military" Rick replied, unnerved by the mechanical voice that seemed to emanate from the smaller robots body. "Grimm? You mean this black creatures?" the magos asked but before receiving an answer the second Kastelan robot appeared from the trees and started stomping with its 'brother' into the village. "Yes, yes that is an acceptable offer" the magos concluded to himself as he followed his robots into the town. Rick Silver could only watch in rapt fascination as these apparent saviours entered the town and made their way to the opposite gate.
The Techpriest marched through the town, fining that there was no resemblance to any gothic architecture in any of the buildings, while not uncommon among those that had been separated from the imperium for long periods of time, to have no common features at all was quite rare. The Magos continued moving towards the next skirmish, homing in on the highest concentration of radiation. Rick caught up to the magos and though keeping a safe distance tried to get more answers to the several pressing questions, "so, um what's your name?' he asked tentatively to try and avoid upsetting the walking weapons armoury. "I am the Venerable Archmagos Corius Gage of the Adeptus Mechanicus, You may however simply refer to me as Magos to save time." Came Corius response in the same droning mechanical voice. "well ok, magos, I'm rick silver, chief of this here little village and I would like to humbly ask you for your assistance with the defence of it" rick said even going so far as to bow, the Magos Corius did not stop however he straightened up and caught up, proving to be difficult as the Magos legs allowed for and increased gait and speed. "I believe I had offered this when I arrived here did I not?" corius replied as he continued his fast gait not slowing in the slightest to accommodate the unaugmented human, "yes well uh, it's just a formality thing I need to ask as chief" rick answered now jogging to keep up and faltering as the two Kastelan robots broke into their equivalent of a run as they neared the gate.
Several hard fought hours later and the Grimm hoard attacking the village had been wiped out, though not without losses, at one point the lines had broken and the Grimm pushed into the village proper slaughtering most of the population as the defenders fought to beat them back, and eventually succeeding as the three newcomers formed up and just pushed into the hoard and annihilating anything and everything in their path, sometimes collapsing burnt out buildings as they passed. Rick sat catching his breath in the town centre as what was left of his village fighters now sought to reinforce the broken walls and the villagers tried to put out the fires that had erupted during the chaos. Corius meanwhile sent his Kastelans to patrol around the village and had them kill any and all Grimm that tried to take advantage of the weakened state of the walls and their defenders.
It was nightfall when Rick finally had the village under some semblance of order, the fires had all been put out and those that couldn't where watched as they burnt themselves out. The walls had been repaired as much as possible and the gates closed and boarded. "Thank you" Rick said as he came along side Corius who was watching the villagers as they milled about starting the process of reforming their lives and mourning loved ones that fell in the fight. "Without your help I fear what might have happened" rick continued when corius didn't respond, "slaughter, I imagine would have been the outcome" corius said with as much empathy as he could muster, which considering his augmentation was not a lot. "Yes it would have, still thank you and as promised when we get the communications back online we will send for an atlas representative to meet you, but if I may ask, what are you?" Rick asked turning to Corius with an inquisitive expression, Corius turned his full body to rick and regarded him for a moment. "I assume you refer to my Species of origin?" when rick nodded corius continued "I was or still am depending on which of my colleagues you ask, Human" ricks jaw dropped, this 'robot' was human, 'how is that possible' he thought before voicing that very thought, "how are you human, you're a robot aren't you" at this corius' multiple arms bristled slightly "I am no such thing, those" he gestured to a one of the kastelans as it patrolled past the section of wall they were on, "are robots I am a 900 year old Magos of the Mechanicus I began like just like you as a squishy flesh bag and thanks to the blessings of the Omnissiah I have received augmentations to remove the weaknesses of the flesh" corius explained angrily as several of his mechadendrites waved about in his anger at being called a simple robot.
"Now, mentioned that your communications were damaged, I would see them" Corius stated rather than requested, his multiple glowing lenses focusing in on rick. "o-of course, it's in the town hall, well what's left of it anyway." Rick said pointing to the largest building in the village, which at that moment appeared to just be a semi hollowed out shell as a fire had burned down most of the outer walls.
Corius made his way back through the town, ignoring the looks of awe and often times disgust that the surviving towns' people threw his way. Corius noted that rick had followed him, probably to ensure that corius did not do anything untoward the village, he felt vague amusement at the thought that he could possibly stop him from doing anything at all. Only 50 meters from the building corius stopped, Rick nearly colliding with him in doing so, and turned towards the remains of a burnt out building in the corner of the village square. Walking towards the burnt down house now, corius gestured for rick to stay, which he obeyed hesitantly, corius made it to where the front door would have stood and found the interior to be as burnt out as the outside of the house. Moving inside he narrowed in on the reason for his investigation of the residence, there in the corner of what was possibly some sort of living room, if the remains of the cushioned seating was any indicator, was a small little girl of about four years old hugging her knees to her chest and crying near silently.
Lilly was scared, more than scared she was terrified, during the attack by the big black monsters her parents had told her to hide in the house while they went off to fight the monsters. She didn't remember much of it but she did remember someone pulling her out of a burning building and hiding her in a crate, and after a long time of hiding and crying from fear the noises ended and the screaming she heard subsided. The rest of the adults had started to clean up when she came back out of hiding so she decided to find her mommy and daddy but after asking several of the adults where they were and only getting sad looks she made up her mind to wait in the house for them to find her. It was a long time later for her when she heard the wood of the floor creak as someone stepped inside.
The Little girl looked up at corius with blood shot eyes and a tear streaked face, she looked at him terrified of what he would do to her, all he did was relax all of his extra limbs and lowered himself to her eye level, maintain a respectable distance. "Hello little one, why are you crying?" corius asked with a surprising, even for him, amount of sympathy in his voice. After a few sniffs the little purple headed girl answered "I can't find my mommy or daddy" she squeaked out softly, "well, let's go look for them together shall we" corius offered reaching out a mechanical hand, after staring at the metal limb for several moments the little girl took it and suddenly she was whisked into his arms and up to his full height. Surprisingly to Lilly she felt metal under the thick red robe the strange man wore but it also felt warm to the touch of her little hands.
The girl must have been under a lot of stress, corius mused because as soon as she was settled in his grasp she was asleep, her soft breath coming in a slow rhythmic pattern. Ricks face grew concerned when corius came back out of the house with a little girl tucked safely in his arms, with others hovering closely around her, almost like some protective shield. "You need not worry, she is in safe hands, however she has told me she cannot find her Parents, and do you know of them?" Corius said as he approached rick with the sleeping girl in his arms. "Yes, and sadly they were among those that we lost today" rick responded looking down in grief. Corius said nothing merely nodding in return and then moving off to finally reach the comms equipment. Not bothering to put the girl down Corius strode up to the console, looking it over he found it to be a fairly basic cogitator with simple controls to send and receive messages in text form, the function itself was familiar to corius, as it operated like all radio transmission equipment, the power to said equipment however was very different, operating on what appeared to be some form of crystallised energy. Upon questioning Rick who was standing nearby alongside the man who was originally trying to repair the equipment, he found out the substance was called dust and that it is the basis for all technology on the planet. After experimenting with the internals of the console corius was able to restore power to the device, while secretly taking a sample of the dust being used to power it, and getting a very good idea of how the technology functioned. "The Console is restored" corius stated as he stood to his full height and stepped away from the console. The Operator thank corius and moved forward and started typing, sending a message to Atlas as it was the nearest kingdom able to send aid and reinforcements.