Against herself, Savora found that under hear breath she was praying to the Emperor along with these mon'keigh as she was informed that there is a realistic possibility of them going off course and then dragging themselves on their... primitive mon'keigh real space engines for days... Seriously, how did this species get anything done? Let alone make a great Empire in the galaxy. Still the usual celebratory bout came as all the ships left warp near the planet. She smirked as the less than emotional mechanicus adepts got to work blessing the scanners. To their joy the planet was exactly as the information spoke. A single, small dwarfish star with a very slow rotation and a roughly Terra sized planet which looked liked a balding man's head. There were a few large lakes here and there but no proper ocean and henc there were only relatively few clouds even if the atmosphere was breathable. By rough estimates around 20% of the land was arable but only for the strongest of plants and while the Mechanicus and Bering rejoiced when they saw that there was a sizable population of humans on the planet, the Magos nearly broke apart when he saw how mineral rich the planet was. The crew on the bridge was so loud and the Magos so shocked that Bering gleefully allowed them all the small moment of happiness as they entered a stable orbit around the planet.
"We will work out the details of our arrangement later on..." Bering gently said and the Magos nodded. "Hail them! On screen!" Bering declared and the crew calmed down. There was a brief moment of tense, nervous silence before the hail was answered and the screen came to life. A Twenty-ish looking man answered, his eyes wide and soon his face twisted with joy.
"So you did it...! You finally did it! Someone finally came to our Planet!" The man slowly declared. "HEY BOSS! IV GOT A SIGNAL! WE HAVE VISITORS!" He boomed and looked behind him as all hell broke loose with people gathering around the small cogitator station. Honestly, even Bering was caught off guard. "Im the first man to talk to out-worlders! My name will go down in our history fair visitor!" he declared and Bering contemplated his response as one of the many cramped faced who nearly died of excitement spoke as well.
"Unidentified vessel! I am captain Jullus of mining colony Camungus Folly." he said, clearing his throat. "While these historic words will forever be recorded, it pains me to ask that you dont leave us!" he shivered as he asked. "We havent had contact with the Imperium proper or any sort of visitors for millennia!" he declared and Bering smiled with myriad of joys.
"Dont worry Captain, Im sure that from now on that you and your ensigns wont be the only people of your planet to see off worlders!" he declared and the planetary command room burst into joy. "While I am sure there is a ton of things we will discuss about, allow me to introduce myself." He said with a slight bow of acknowledgement. "I am Lord Bering of the Rogue trader house Gregorik, second in line of the warrant and my ship is a Havoc class merchant raider The Dauntless reaver." he said and the command room feel silent in surprise. The captain turned around.
"You hear that fellas!? He is a rogue trader!" he declared and the room cheered once more. "Our colony was founded millennia ago by a rogue trader, sir." he spoke with great joy. "We lack space facilities but please do land if you can, we have advanced landing pads which are in desperate need of usage." he declared. "Ill inform the planetary governor and we will arrange for a meeting!" he said, still trying to contain his excitement. "If you dont mind me asking, Captain, do you by any chance have any followers of the Omnissiah on your ship? We are in need of their aid." he explained and Bering looked slyly at the Magos next to him who, much like the planeside crew, was trying to contain his cold logical excitement.
"The scions of Mars are here with you today." He said professionally as the screen shifted to him and in response the people in the control room cheered and the sound of opening bottles was heard as the commanding officer hastily transmitted the coordinates as he hastily moved to contact the governor, the screen cut there as he clumsily said his goodbyes.
"Well miss Savora, I can only hope you are excited as we are." he said with a smirk. She returned the gesture.
"Ill spare you an insult this time Lord Bering. Im quite... intrigued at how you silly mon'keigh will handle this." she said and Bering turned to his crew.
"Can that thrash boat of our transport land here and be able to take off again?" he asked as the crew were busy doing their duties.
"Affirmative... although, sir, if we fill it up with cargo we might not be able to take off as the planet has a slightly higher gravity." a man said not turning to face his boss.
"We can attach your raider to the transport, the added thrust will be sufficient." the magos said and Bering nodded.
"Understood, take us down." he commanded as the five ships landed and approached their destination. It turned out that the place was the main city of the planet, build or better yet carved directly into the mountain. The whole thing was actually beautiful when Savora took into consideration that it was made by the mon'keigh. At first glance the planet could easily be mistaken for a feudal world as most of the material used seemed to be wooden and stone in nature, but on closer inspection they saw that it was actually mostly metal which was either very carefully disguised to look like stone or was perhaps a unique type of metal which mimicked the stone. As they neared the pristine looking landing pads which from this distance looked like the only technologically advanced thing on the planet so far, they saw a large crowd gather. As they closed in on the distance they saw a wave of people dressed in various clothing. A lot obviously had miners uniforms but others had cheerfully, ceremonial like dresses and uniforms, especially the children. Even with the fact that it was obvious that most of them were hastily put on and even with the medial like fashion that was ruling here Savora felt a smirk force itself on her lips as she heard the cheering even through the metal hull of the elegant ship. She and the others left the ship and were greeted with the sound of an ensemble playing music and even if hastily put together the man who were performing all had tears on their eyes.
"By the Emperor! They are even prettier than I had imagined!" she heard someone say as the crowd threw confetti and other shiny celebratory material on them. The children cried with joy, everyone did. Savora was certain they were honestly happy but she was honestly surprised when her heightened senses felt a strong, sharp presence of metal in the air. Now it wasnt just some minor smell, this was enough to make people in their entourage cry, literally, as their eyes tried to rid themselves of the poison. The only people who took it well were the Magos, who lacked biological eyes to begin with, herself and Bering.
"Emissaries of the Emperor and of the Machine! Welcome to Camungos Folly! Or as we natives like to call it, the Old Rusty!" a man greeted them, surrounded by his guards and the crew in the control room. He too struggled to contain his emotions as he wore ceremonial feudal like armor which was obviously way better than any actual feudal made plate.
"Blessings of the Emperor and the Machine god be upon you!" Lord Bering said and the people cheered and applauded as the monitors around the landing bays focused on the trio and transmitted the vox.
"People of Landsdale!" The person in the armor spoke. Savora concluded he was the governor, a rather young looking man who was around Bering's age. "This is a historic moment! With the approval of Rogue trader Bering Gregorik, you are free to mingle and talk to those who come from the void! We will retire and talk personally now before making any statements!" he said and nodded to Bering.
"Permission granted." he said and the people cheered on. This time the governor leaned in and spoke without the vox feed.
"The ancient tales speak that off worlders have trouble breathing here due to our metallic air, if that is the case tell your men to wear masks, Captain." he said and Bering nodded motioning for one of his officers to go back to his ships and tell the men that they are free to get out with rebreathers. The cheering continued on as they followed the governor and his guards into the stone white palace.
"The Emperor has truly blessed me..." the governor continued speaking as they walked. "I am the 27th Governor since all contact was lost with the Imperium proper." he spoke softly.
"Your line must be long lived then... to be lost for millennia." Bering acknowledged.
"We have been lost for more than a millennium and a half but we kept our last Astropath here in stasis, occasionally trying to contact the outside world. We knew that the local stars are all populated but... first there was a minor warp instability here, or at least allegedly so as our Astropath couldnt break through and then... we got in contact with the outside worlds on at least 30 occasions and some even responded but... no one dared to visit for whatever reason..." He spoke gently and sadly. The man was clearly feeling the weight of history on his shoulders as he guided them through and showed them the frescos, murals and wall paints which were all so beautiful as the air here tone down on the metal and as clearly the air purifiers worked, seemingly pumping some sort of incense as it smelled nice. He turned to face them. "Forgive me... all these prophesies and I havent even written down a speech in case they come true..." the man said as he took off his helmet and straight medium length blond hair came from it. "I am Lord Castor Lancel, the third of his name... Or Lord Castor the third, whichever you prefer." he casually said and Bering nodded.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance." he said nodding. "you were already told my name but Ill stick to the formalities. I am Rogue Trader Bering Gregorik, second in line for the warrant behind my elder brother Adrian. Next to is Magos Gasus of the cult mechanicus and Lady Savora who is a member of the Eldar race." He said and the two greeted the man who seemingly didnt know Eldar were xenos or maybe he just thought the Eldar were some sub species of humans. After a bunch of formalities they entered a meeting room which was beautiful and echoed.
"This room is used for only the most important meetings and we call it the chamber of honesty, as the echoes insure there is no whispering or secrets here." Lord Castor said as he sat down. "Do forgive the lack of servants but I want to keep this as... strict as possible, for Im not sure how my people would react and... I honestly dont want the nobles poking their fingers in the business I conduct for the betterment of the people." he openly admitted.
"We understand." Bering said as he tried to make the situation as casual as possible. "We did some initial scanning of your world, but please, tell us more about it for we are much intrigued. We intend to do business here and aid you, but of course we want to get to know the planet which was so long bereft of the Emperor's light." he said and the clearly happy, if slightly nervous man, nodded.
"Well Ill admit that I did not expect Ill find someone to... explain our history to, but Ill be glad to do so. Tell me, do you simply want the facts or do you want the colorful details?" He asked and in a courtesy and a political move Bering answered.
"Tell us all the details, we have time and with the Emperor's grace, we will record it so it is never lost again." Bering said and feeling the added pressure the governor swallowed hard.
"Right... a couple of millennia ago, no one is sure exactly how long ago but with the written records we estimate its around 2644 years, a rogue trader landed on this world and claimed it. It is said that he accidently stumbled upon it because of an error of his navigator, Camungus, henc in jest he named it Camungus Folly." he began, slowly telling the tale. "He landed on this site which became known as Landsdale and for a while, after the minerals were discovered, things went smoothly until the Impirium expanded and other resources were found... as our world could supply itself because of our, even if poisonous, arable lands, those other worlds were given priority. The rogue trader who found our planet went missing and never came back and in the end, some half a millennia after the colony was formed all contact was lost as we lacked any orbital facility or any other means of communication..." He said, exhaling to relieve the pressure. "My line in particular came from the ships Arch militant, Lancel meaning Swordfighter who was the original governor here and to this day it is one of the few families still having the title and surname Landsdale, which means my ancestors were amongst those who served the rogue trader and who chose to stay here." He explained.
"Right, and as for the planet itself?" Bering asked, carefully listening.
"We have enough water, lakes and such to sustain ourselves even if a lot of them have metal in them and have to be refined, pure water is still sufficient and our recycling facilities are in best working order. The entire atmosphere has metal in it and over time my people changed to adapt to both it and the higher gravity, the metal in our bodies being in higher amounts than those found in ancient skeletons." he said and the Magos recorded this. "Our local flora and fauna are adapted as well and about 10% of the planet is covered with poisonous fog, mostly underground caverns and such. As for the minerals, which I take it interest you the most, steel and iron is abundant, adamantium and other precious metals are also present and we have a surprise for you at the end of our meeting." he said smirking, Bering nodded at this.
"Good, good and is there anything else we need to know about your planet? Anything you need to warn us about?" Bering asked and once more the governor, for all his youthful appearance, looked a bit stressed. He exhaled.
"Well... we do need a lot of help in some areas... But do know what while our residents are raised to praise both the Emperor and the Omnissiah, they will not under any circumstances permit terraforming our planet, they like it the way it is." he said and the trio nodded.
"We can assure you we wont mess with that, but what are your needs?" The magos asked, wanting to know what to trade for.
"While as I said, in most areas we are self sufficient there are some things we need help with. For one, even to this day with our adaptments and alterations, people are still dying and having diseases from our environment. I assure you that while our general look is feudal, we have top notch doctors and genetors who are able to treat these aliments but... they are few in number and schooling them takes too long as only the major cities have schools for that... Secondly magos biologis can aid us both in our agriculture and wood industry..." the Governor explained smiling." For while we are a mining colony we do have dense, lush forests with wood as hard as steel, you will be free to investigate and assist our workers but I honestly doubt they would allow any core genetic changes in the structures of our trees." he said.
"Im sure the Magos understand and respects that." Bering said and the magos nodded.
"Do go on, my Lord." The magos said, being humbled as he realized this could be a deal of his several lifetimes.
"Well, there is the matter of our machinery and cogitators. Most of the blessed and sacred machinery is old and... the few good new ones created by our savants are..." the governor explained, exhaling and making a pause. "Forgive me but I need to give another history lesson. After the contact was lost a war broke out and while the old noble side won any gunpowder and energy based weaponry is... well, not banned, but under the very very strict control of my house and no army in our history since has used it. Similar things can be said for blessed cogitators, the nobles and those who need them are allowed to use them but the common people must seek permission. " He contemplated how to make his demand clear. "What Im basically ask for is that all technological acquisition and imports on our planet be inspected and or at least informed to me. Of course the scions of the Omnissiah, both those who originate here and those who come to us from the void will have authority over such manners but you do understand the risk posed to the common, simple minded population face if one puts powerful weapons in their hands." He explained and the magos nodded.
"We have no problem with that, on regular Imperial planets the governors are informed of all imports, this would be a mandatory and a regular procedure." he said and the governor exhaled with happiness. It was clear to Savora that while the man was indeed a decent negotiator and a diplomat (for a mon'keigh of course) he was a much better warrior.
"Thank you..." he said. "there are two more things which I need to settle..." he said as he smirked sadly, before getting up and walking to somewhere. Savora didnt see from where nor did she care, but the man returned with a large book and he put it on the table. "One of the few remaining original copies of the cult Imperialis that came with the ship here." He spoke and everyone was silenced in the presence of history. "I bring this up because... if I may be frank I am glad you are not currently with the member of the ecclesiarchy..." he spoke honestly and cleared his throat. "You already know of our... environment, so it is not a surprise that we have a sizable mutant population here..." he made a pause once more, which would normally irritate Savora, but she listened with interest as this was controversial and dangerous, which were her middle names. "Now, I guaranty they are not of a chaotic nature and while I am aware of the treatment they get in the Imperium, here we relocate them to one of their settlements, they are good workers and generally honest men and women who pay their taxes, I do not wish for them to be hurt." he said and the three looked at him. "Im saying this to you because I know that cult mechanicus can have some leverage and can aid us, for while I welcome both you and the missionaries of the Imperium I want the assurance that the inhabitants of this planet can move on with their lives." He said and awaited their response. To Bering and Savora's response, the Magos spoke in a very emotional and understanding way.
"Mutation is the error of the flesh... for while the theories of the creation of man say that they can advance humanity, offering new cogs in its machinery, in the very vast majority of cases that cog is rusted, rotten, broken and needs fixing... But I understand... for even I have parts of myself that no amount of maintenances, blessing and praying can prevent from rusting, yet they are part of me and as such my human mind is attached to them." he explained and the governor blinked at him. "Of course you do understand that I and my colleagues cant totally prevent the missionaries and zealots but we can aid you and you can prevent most of their... extreme excesses." he explained and the governor blinked once again grinning.
"Thank you!" he proclaimed. "I knew the Omnissiah and his followers are reasonable as the scriptures tell they are." he said. "as for the last request it is of a similar nature." he said, his armor still dominating his appearance. "I have personally hunted down and killed a necromancer no less than a year ago. I have read all about the black ships and the fates of the psykers... and good! For I will personally help and hunt down the outlaws and those who seek to harm my people, but!" he said, leaning in, his martial mentality taking over his cool one. "We have a academy here, where all the good psykers, gifted by the Emperor, are trained to use their powers for good. We have a very decent number of biomancers who are often genetors themselves and they go out and along with the good genetors and doctors help our people. Other psykers serve differently. Can I expect your aid when dealing with this as well?" he asked honestly. Magos shifted in his seat. "That is the last of my requests." he added
"My Lord... I am perfectly willing to help you with your issues, but you must realize that what you are asking is high and as such we expect and equal value in return." the Magos said honestly and the lord smirked.
"Oh I dont worry about that..." he said. "For I will take you to our offerings right now and I am sure you will agree." he got up and beaconed for them to follow. They walked the empty corridors which Lord Castor demanded empty for them. Still the security was tight as they soon approached the guards who all wore armor and bore at least melee weapons and the more they walked the more of them and the cameras there were. Finally they entered a large chamber.
"Blessed machine..." the Magos gasped.
"My throne room..." Castor said and allowed them to examine. The chair was a large piece of technology as it was surrounded by numerous... machinery and mechanical parts. A large tank filled with some fluid was there. "Whenever a new king of our planet is coroneted, the throne works and operates autonomously on him... after the operation, which our best genetors and magos biologis members can no decipher the king usually lives more than two or three centuries and... once he feels he is close to death he marries and has children to succeed him who, upon turning 20, sit in the throne and after the coronation and the operation, they become king." he said as the Magos examined the machine.
"This is ancient technology!" he declared.
"Yes... according to legend it was here as a ruin as the entire planet was abandoned when the rogue trader found it... you and other machine adepts are free to examine it as long as you dont break it, but I honestly doubt you will." he said with a smile and the Magos shivered as he touched the surface of the large, elegant and flamboyant machine, its ancient yet well maintained machine spirit seemingly speaking to him. "If you will follow me." he said and lead them to a single, seemingly small room behind the throne. "The ancient and revered cogitator of Barbados..." he said as he pointed to the large, shining machine in the middle of the room. The magos nearly felt his circuits explode at the realization. "Barbados was the explorator on the rogue trader's ship... it is said he build it from the ancient and revered STC fragment... you will understand that such technology is beyond us, but the cogitator is both a power source and a very strong... well, cogitator in itself." Castor gleamed with pride. Savora slightly admitted that the human had a certain charm to him. "As same as the throne, you are free to examine and learn from it." He said. "but there is time for that" he added as he beaconed for them to follow.
"Do you have any other examples of ancient technology?" Magos greedily asked.
"A couple of bits here and there... but to be quite honest Im not sure if you will find them interesting as I dont know the technological level of the Imperium at large..." he said honestly as he lead them to a room which held two vehicles and three tech adepts of the planet. The three bowed to the floor immediately.
"The King and those send by the Omnissiah from the void arrive!" on the of them said.
"Please... bless us with thine knowledge!" another said.
"Come on no, fellows! Allow the Magos and his colleagues some space!" The king chuckled and the magos tired in vain to process the vast amount of information and planning with his mind.
"these are the last two proper motor machines we have." he said pointing to a non standard imperial tank and a off terrain rover... or jeep of some sorts. "Most people use carts and animals... except those tasked with transporting the goods such as food, wood and minerals... but our local motor machines are... well, much simpler but still effective if I do say so myself." he said as he got into the jeep. "Do come in, this is only taken out for very special occasions, such as this one!" he declared and the three obeyed. "You know Lady Savora... my heart was relieved when I saw a xeno amongst the void fearers, since that meant my people, as mutated and psychically gifted some may be, stand a better chance in the Imperium." He honestly said as he started up the engine and as the servants opened the door.
"Oh, so you know! To be honest I didnt believe you knew what Eldar meant at the beginning." Savora chuckled as the other two tried to contain their surprise. Still, it was fun! They were going to be taken on a ride, by a king of a semi feudal mining world, through his castle and domain.