"I have a question, if you would humor me. Several in fact."

Weiss' eyes narrowed, and beside her Ruby looked up at Nectashet confusedly, still groggy from the latest rounds of tests.

"Wha-?"

"It occurs to me that despite all my tests and hypotheses, I have not yet made use of the most basic method of information gathering." the Necron stated, not even bothering to glace up from his network frame, "That being a simple request for information. Specifically, I wish for you to tell me everything you know of Aura. "

Ruby just blinked at him, gaze unfocused. Weiss took a different approach. She flipped him off.

Nectashet was still for a moment, perhaps consulting his databases to find the meaning of the gesture, before offering a small chuckle.

"Your resistance remains as amusing as ever. Unfortunately for you, I still hold your mind in the palm of my hand," He leaned in, regarding the two humans before him like a child with a magnifying glass beholding an anthill, "So I will ask, and you will answer."

…..

"-is like a muscle, their Aura's strength is dependent on how much they train it. The more they practice, the more it will improve, with the aspects they themselves view as most vital showing the most growth."

Weiss's gaze and tone were blank, only the occasional twitches in her hands hinting at the constant control the mindshackle scarabs were exerting.

"And how is Aura measured? Has it been given a specific unit or rating system?"

"It's largely not. And no. There have been numerous attempts to create a unified system of classification to define Aura, but they have all failed due to the basic nature of Aura. A person's Aura is too nebulous and affected by too many variables to be measured in any meaningful fashion. As a result, Aura tends to be measured as a percentage, rather than precise units or ratings.

"Provide further elaboration."

"As an example: two individuals. One may have a very small amount of Aura, while the other may have a lot. But the person with little Aura might be extremely efficient with it, while the individual with a lot might not be, thus in practice the one with less Aura will actually have more Aura in a practical sense. Subsequently, two people with full Auras will simply be said to have 100 percent, regardless of if one of those individuals has a larger Aura pool than the other."

"Unacceptable. Surely there is a method in analyzing this phenomenon more concise than simply observing how much they have remaining in their 'pool'."

"The most concise method available that remains broad enough to offer actionable information would be to rate a person's Aura by the size of their pool and by the efficiency of their usage. However, even this was rejected due to the sheer amount of variables that might affect the later category, primarily among them the fact that how a person utilizes their Aura and which aspects they prize will have a significant impact on the efficiency of those aspects in particular, rather than Aura as a whole.

Nectashet growled, "Again, elaborate."

Weiss hesitated, visibly resisting the control for a mere moment before succumbing once more.

"On first observation, many people believe that I possess far less Aura than one of my companions, Yang. This is false. We actually both possess a similar amount of Aura. The difference is that our Auras are more efficient at separate things. Yang extensively focuses on the ability to withstand harm, resulting in her being able to endure orders of magnitude more damage than I ever could. Thus, her Aura is highly efficient at negating damage. However, in terms of Semblance usage, her efficiency is far more lacking. Once she activates her Semblance, she must use the gathered energy quickly, or it will burn away within moments. Thus, her Aura is inefficient at utilizing her Semblance. Contrast this with myself, who can only withstand a fraction of the hits she is able, but can near-continuously use my Semblance for hours at a time without running out of Aura. My Aura is inefficient at withstanding damage, but highly efficient at Semblance usage."

She paused, seemingly thinking, "To be clear, both of our Auras are highly efficient compared to the average person. I can still take more hits than any non-Huntress for instance, and Yang's Semblance is still incredibly powerful. We've been training with our Auras for much of our lives, after all, but when compared between each other the difference in specialization becomes apparent."

The Cryptek was silent for a moment, absorbing the information. "And what," he finally said, "are the other factors that would influence Aura?"

"Most things do. You've already-
"-emotional variance too, impacts Aura usage. Positive and negative emotions seem to have equivalent, though opposite effects, while the exact degree of influence depends on the emotion and possibly the individual in question. Positive emotions elicit a stronger-"
-discovered," she shakily responded, "that emotions do so. Simply put, someone will have a stronger Aura when they're happy than when they're sad. Mindset, likewise matters as well. For instance, neither Ruby nor I have trained our Auras to be efficient in taking damage. Ruby however, would take less damage from a hit than I would from that same hit. This is entirely due to our different mindsets. I view getting hit as a failure, something that should never happen. Ruby on the other hand, views getting hit as something that shouldn't happen, but inevitably will, and as such is something to overcome rather than to avoid. So when I get hit, it hurts all the more, whereas when Ruby gets hit she simply gets up again. As a result, she's able to withstand more damage than I can, despite not having specifically trained to do so. Moreover, even the specific circumstances and situation a person finds themselves in will matter. To use Ruby as an example once more, she would take less damage voluntarily accepting a hit to protect an ally then she would just getting hit normally."

She paused, taking a breath, "Everything influences Aura. From sound to environment to whether you've had your morning coffee. The impact each individual influence imparts is usually extremely minor, but combined add up to have a great effect. Thus precise measurements are pointless, as you will never receive a consistent reading for even a single person over the course of a day, much less years to come."

"Well," Nectashet considered after a moment, "that is… incredibly annoying."

"Is that all?" Weiss icily asked, tone swiftly returning to her voice.

"It is," he cheerfully responded, apparently not noticing the hostility, "I will need time to incorporate this new information, and I still have much to do concerning our move to Prehopses, so congratulations! You get to rest for the next few days!"

"We're… leaving?" Ruby asked, still barely conscious.

"Indeed! This tombworld is largely inoperable, so the Phaerakh has decided to-," the cryptek abruptly halted, head tilted to the side as he listened to something the girls couldn't hear. After a moment he hummed, and nodded to the girls, "My apologies little ones, I intended for you to peacefully rest for some time, but the Phaerakh's security measures dictate otherwise. I'm afraid you're being placed in a stasis crypt until you've been safely moved to the new lab."

Weiss's brow wrinkled, "What- what do you mean? What's a sta-," a bright light developed the two, transferring them to stasis before they even realized what was happening.

"See you in a few cycles little ones," Nectashet absent-mindedly muttered, "Now, where did I place that calibration matrix?"

Nectashet entered Prehopses', and now the dynasty's, throne room exactly 17.982 seconds before he would've transferred from 'fashionably late' to 'disrespecting the Phaerakh', and judging by the glare Intetka fixed upon him she knew it. To her side stood Nemesor Agakhet, flanked as well by a handful of lesser lords, those he had awoken to expedite the dynasty's revival.

Offering a short bow as an apology he moved to take his place at the holotable, regarding the multi-colored map before him with interest. He could feel Intetka continue to gaze at him a moment more before deeming the reprimand not worth the effort.

"Now that we're all here," she remarked pointedly, "we may commence with the next stage of my plan."

"Which is?" one of the lords, Inedkare if he recalled correctly, inquired.

"To secure our position. We must eliminate surrounding threats before they are able to respond to our awakening. We must have no distractions when the neverborn descend upon this region of space."

Inedkare let out a huff of displeasure, "The bulk of our lesser forces have been awakened, but much of the court remains in slumber. Carrying out offensive operations will likely prove difficult."

"I am aware of this," Intetka dismissed, "Lord Cryptek, what is the feasibility of awakening further members of the nobility?"

Nectashet's gaze snapped from the holotable, his eyes dimming as he consulted his data. After a moment he bowed his head in apology, "Non-existent Great Phaerakh. It takes decades to properly awaken a lord, I must do so in mere weeks. I'm afraid I have already awoken all members of the court deemed strong enough in will to withstand the shock. Those who remain will likely suffer irreparable damage to their neural pathways should they be roused."

"Unfortunate. Nemesor, do you believe yourself capable of carrying out successful campaigns with the forces currently at your disposal?"

The Nemesor was silent for a moment, before giving a slow nod, "I do my lady, if limited in scope. We lack the command capacity for protracted engagements or multi-system assaults, and will only be able to effectively advance on one front at a time. And when undergoing such a campaign the bulk of our forces will have to rely on their automated directive protocols. Effectiveness will be limited."

"Harsh restrictions… but tolerable ones. Now, we must discuss the foes we will have to contend with. Inedkare, I believe I had tasked you with scouting our opposition?"

"Of course my Liege. As of the current situation, there are four opposing factions that are close enough to be of relevance. The largest and primary two are the Imperium of Man, who own much of the Calixis sector, and human secessionists of the Severan Dominate. The imperial forces are in much the same situation as ourselves, and are focused on preparing defenses for the incoming demonic invasions, with them only sparing enough forces to finish off the Dominate. The likelihood of them launching further campaigns is extremely low. For its part, the Dominate is entirely focused on defending themselves from the imperial assault. If they do not manage to repel the invasion within the next few months, logic algorithms predict their total collapse when the demons arrive. Needless to say, they are in no position to launch any campaigns, much less against us. In conclusion, the threat from both these factions has been deemed minimal."

"For once pleasant news. And the other two?"

"Waaagh Grimtoof and the Aeldari of Craftworld Adure'ard. Significant threats. Concerning the orks, they are orks, and thus behave as such. They are currently preoccupied attacking both the imperials and the Dominate, so logically they should not attack us. But they are Orks, so…"

"So they will. Go on."

"Of course. And lastly, we have the Aeldari. They have already proven hostile to us, and so we should expect further assaults. And while I would recommend them as our primary focus, we do not yet know their location or goals. Drawing them out will prove a… challenge."

Intetka leaned back, contemplating the map before her, glancing over confirmed and suspected positions of enemy forces within the cluster.

"We will prioritize the orks first," she decided, "Eliminating them will provide us opportunities to expand, establishing a buffer zone between our tombworlds and the rest of the sector. Inedkare, Agara, gather sufficient force to seize… this world, Vicinos, the scrapyard." she finished, pointing to a planet far behind the frontlines from the ork Waaagh.

"We are not to target Avitohol?" Lord Agara asked, gesturing to the world proclaimed the Waaagh's 'Kapital', "Eliminating the Warboss would be the most expedient method of rendering the horde irrelevant."

"It would," Intetka agreed, "however the imperium doubtlessly has eyes watching Avitohol. Any invasion of the scale necessary for victory would no doubt draw their attention. I'd rather the imperials live in ignorance of our presence until absolutely necessary," she pointed again to Vicinos, "No, instead of the heart of the horde we shall target its legs. Removing their primary anchorage and supply depot will cripple the logistics of the Waaagh. Even if they should want to, their ability to launch a counterattack into our territory will be severely diminished."

"Ah, I see. Even orks cannot launch invasions without ships. A worthy strategy, Great Phaerakh."

"So it is. You have your orders. Go forth, scour the world clean of any benefit to the beasts, and render them impotent to our plans."

"By your will." The two lesser lords bowed, their commands already echoing in the datanets as they left the room."

"And now," Intetka continued, turning to the lord next to her, "Agakhet, I sense you have a concern."

"I do not," he rumbled, "I am your Nemesor. If you did not task me with leading your campaigns then I am to undertake another task."

The Phaerakh eyed him for a moment before nodding, seemingly pleased, "Wise words, your insight proves dutiful as always," she gestured towards the map, "Inedkare was right. The Aeldari must be dealt with. Soon. Else they will interfere at the most inopportune moment, as is their nature."

"What would you have me do to avert this eventuality?"

"Draw them out Nemesor," she ordered, "By any means necessary. The cycles to come will be critical in securing our dominance within the Calixis sector for centuries to be, disruptions cannot be tolerated. If conflict is to be inevitable then we must ensure it is on our terms, not theirs."

Agatket inclined his head in obedience, "As you say, so it shall be."

"Good. You are dismissed. Now Lord Cryptek, I require an update on the relocation of Menkaukhet's critical assets."

Nectashet bowed and spoke.

Three weeks later…

"-sis crypt?"

Weiss blinked in confusion as her surroundings suddenly shifted, a Necron that was most certainly not Nectashet standing in front of her, "Wha-?"

"Quiet yourself young one. I am Nemesor Agatket, you are to serve me for a task henceforth."

Weiss just stared at him, still utterly confused, "But how-?"

"Agatket?"

Ruby's voice murmured out, still weak and soft. Agatket looked down at her, intrigued.

"You know of me child?"

"I…" Ruby tried to sit up, but barely got a few inches up before slumping over.

"Ruby, gods, don't move, ok? You need to rest."

Ruby lightly shook her off, gazing up at the Necron, "Nectashet mentioned you, back during the fight with the Aeldari."

"So he did," the Nemesor mused, glancing over the young girl "Hmm, your condition bodes ill for my task."

"Her condition?" Weiss snarled at him, "She can barely walk because of your friend's tests. She needs to rest."

"We do not have time for that," Agatket ascertained. He waved his hand and Ruby seized, going completely stiff.

"Ruby!" Weiss shouted, grabbing hold of her leader, "What did you do to-"

Ruby slumped again, and her hand grasped Weiss' arm. Weiss turned to her in alarm, but her little leader waved her away. Reluctantly, Weiss let go, and watched in amazement as the red-haired girl slowly got up.

"Ruby?" she asked hesitantly, "Are you… ok?"

"I… I feel fine," Ruby answered, just as confused as Weiss, "I haven't felt this good since we first woke up."

"I used the scarabs within your system to revitalize your body," Agatket informed, "you are useless to me if not operating at full capacity."

"Really?" Weiss asked, "That's… wait, Nectashet could have done that the entire time?!"

"Yes," the Necron confirmed.

"Why didn't he?!"

Agatket shrugged, "I suspect the resulting data would have been compromised."

"That utter-"

"Weiss, enough. Agatket, what do you want with us?" Ruby interrupted, "You said you had a task?"

The Nemesor nodded, "I am to eliminate the threat of the Aeldari. To even begin to do so I must first draw them out. For reasons unknown to me, they seem fixated upon the two of you."

"I… what do you mean?"

Agatket leaned forward, "The Aledari's previous assault was directed primarily towards Nectashet's labs. Towards you. The party young Ruby assisted in repelling was just the few that got through our defensive line."

The two glanced at each other, completely confused, "Umm, ok? We don't… wait, does Nectashet know about this?"

"He does not," Agatket answered, turning towards the door and gesturing for them to follow, "Now come, we have a battle to attend."

"A battle? Wait, hold on, don't you need Nectashet's permission to take us?"

"Normally yes, but my Phaerakh's orders were clear. I am to draw out the Aeldari, by any means necessary. Nectashet's ire is irrelevant."

"We're… bait?"

"Yes," the lord answered frankly, "Unless you would prefer to stay here?"

The two looked to each other, an unspoken agreement instantly made.

"Nope! We're coming!"

"Whatever you need!"

The Necron lord glanced back, and the two rushed to catch up, falling in step behind him.

"So…where exactly are we going?"

"To elicit chaos. We must cast large enough waves that the Aeldari are forced to respond. However, first you must be rearmed."

The Necron lord stopped in front of a door and waved his hand. The door rolled aside to reveal….

"Wait…you? Crescent Rose?" Ruby quavered.

Weiss blinked, "Oh my."

It was Crescent Rose and Myrtenaster, but changed. Gone were the Dust-forged steel and advanced alloys of their original designs, replaced with the dark-hued metal of the Necrons, their blades now glowing deep crimson and harsh blue-white respectively. The two could feel the sheer power emanating from the weapons, danger threading every sharp angle and soft curve. Not simply remade, reborn.

"When I made the decision to utilize your draw, I likewise decided that you must be properly equipped. As such, I've had your personal weapons remade to our standards," Nemesor Agatket declared, and despite using the same emotionless tone he had for the entire conversation, the two could detect a slight hint of smugness, "I trust you will find them superior… in all aspects."

Ruby whimpered.