The first thing he remembered was a series of scratches and clawings. He could see them working at his capsule with a monsterous screeching that would never be forgotten. Even as a baby he never would, but that is because his mind told him so much more than what he should have known.

These creatures were Daemons, each belonging to the various Gods. As he tried to understand further and more, but he felt his small head begin to ache under the sheer weight of knowledge placed upon it.

He realized this place, this land of emotion that he was traveling through was far too much for his premature brain to handle and placed pressure upon him. He wanted to know but he was kept out by the sheer size and scope that these simple monsters represented.

It was then his world shook, what the baby within realized was a capsule created by his Father. But… What was a Father? What was this being who tried his best to keep the baby safe?

He simply knew, he knew that the man created this capsule to keep him safe from these very terrors that were trying to murder him.

Murder and death! These things were by far the most terrifying that the child could experience! He knew that this capsule would hold but he could not help but feel fear that the many faults within its design would shake and snap.

If that were to happen then these monsters on the outside would come in and eat him!

Terror, that is what he understood now. Terror in how weak he was at this very moment. Prey for the Daemons of Gods that he could only catch the glimpses of!

When a child is terrified, of course, they begin to cry.

What should have been a simple cry of a baby about to be eaten was heard across the empyrion and through the various constructs nearby within realspace. Maybe it was the right place at the right time, but the warp was soon torn into through the volition of things that were not mortal at all.

The Daemons tried to latch on and follow the child into the growing rift between dimensions, but they were not able to follow as he fell into the rift.

The first thing the Tech Priests noticed was screaming that filled their mechanical ears. It was a loud scream that seemed to resonate with their mechanical hides and synchronize with the very Machine Spirits that possessed them.

It was moments after the screaming began that they received the directive, not from the Arch Magos within the Noosphere but from the Machine Spirits themselves.

Administrative User Detected, Directive #)8)& in effect.

Activate Teleportation Array, retrieve Administrative User.

Priority: Absolute

Knowing that the Machine Spirits could not lie to them the Priest began their work, not even bothering to talk to one another. The directive had come in, and the instructions on what they should do were already laid out before them.

One of the Priests, Magos E11IE, quickly worked their way towards the power station of the nearest teleportation array. There was not even a moment to think but instead act, /By the will of the Machine God, redirecting all power to array 5A/

With that declaration the Tech Priest removed centuries of wax seals and removed plugs that had not been moved in a Millennium. Such actions would have gotten her killed through the pressure of the Noosphere alone but machines all aligned themselves to support her in her task.

+Redirecting system config.+ Announced Magos C4R as he started pressing a series of buttons upon the nearby control cogitator, +Activating. All Praise the Machine God!+

To those words the teleporter came to life and began to shake violently within their presence. However the Machine Spirits through near divine effort were able to maintain and prevent the imminent failure this entire event should have caused.

Both of the Priests instinctually looked away, full well knowing that they could not look directly into the rift that was opening. To do so was to invite the corruption and death that the other realm presented to them.

Within only a few more moments the machine gave a small chime, just like one would expect from a microwave. The shaking of machines had stopped as the Priests turned around to see a massive capsule sitting upon their teleporter pad.

It was an exquisite piece of engineering, that was the first thing the two of them noted as they slowly made their way towards it. It was so grand that they felt their very beings shutter and taper as they looked over it. One of them could not help but bow at such a feat of engineering that could only have come from the Machine God itself. The other looked onwards in wonder, but did not move to worship the item that had just come from a hated place.

It was then that the capsule, so elegant in its design, opened up.

/By the Machine God, are the spirits presenting themselves to us?/ Asked one of the Priest as she slowly rose from her bow.

+Do you dare move yourself, E11IE! This Machine must be sanctified before we can even approach. It came from the Immaterium!+

/Do you doubt the Spirits or the Machine God?/

+I do not. Reason Matrix dictates: If gift from Machine God does not equal reason to break from Ritual.+

It was then that they both could hear crying coming from the capsule, the same crying that they both heard when the machine started to act up. It was tempting the female Priest but, /Very well. We shall commit to the Ritual of Cleansing to welcome our gift./

Thus the first thing the child heard was the chanting of mechanical voices, both of them growing louder. The baby soon saw two mechanica beings walking around his capsule. One bore a canister that slowly allowed incense to leak out into the air, while the other held a small bowl of what he realized was a carbon based liquid.

The one carrying the burner circled around him as the one possessing carbon poured it across the Capsule that carried the child here. He watched in amazement as the oil seemed to relax the metal and repair it from the tortures that the Daemons put it through. The small lashes of Chaotic energy that the child could not comprehend before were melted away as they finished the ritual.

As the corruption was away, the boy noticed the two beings looking down at him. They were machines, with numerous mechanical parts within their bodies, but he also understood that they were human.

He had met his own people, so far divorce from the monsters that had attacked him that he could not understand how.

It was then that the two, a man and a woman, said something to one another before the female reached down and lifted his child's body. They were cold hands, rubbing against his flesh that made the child want to scream in terror.

But then he heard a hum, a soft hum of electricity coursing through her veins and wires. For some reason the child felt at home with just that and was lulled into a sense of security.

The two said something in a language he did not understand, then pouring the carbon upon his newborn head.

Thus the 2nd Primarch was Baptized in the Holy Oils of the Mechanicus.

The first thing the child was awoken to was the sounds of numerous machines being activated at once. The pistons all worked overtime in order to move the belt that he was currently sitting upon. There he saw another human, once again wreathed in metal that was so different from his own but still a man, pressing a few buttons upon his nearest cogitator.

A small beam of red light flashed in front of the child. He would have been scared, terrified even, but the moment he got a real good look at the device he knew what it was for.

It was an Omnispex Scanner, a device created to help its master understand the body that was presented to it. A nice thing about the device was that the longer it got a look at the child, the more it understood what his makeup was.

Those red eyes of the man looking over him seemed to hum with a sense of curiosity. He reached down and removed the Omnispex from its holder, focusing the beam upon the child's chest. The next moment the man let out a burst of speech, though what it meant was completely lost upon the child.

As the child was put down the man started talking in long lines of his forign language, the words much longer than the spurts the man had made. As he talked like this, the child was starting to understand how he was speaking in such a manner.

A small box was located in the neck region of his person. Here a series of wires led to a box that was locked in the chest of his examiner. This was where the brain was located. A thing that the child noted was located in the top of his own head, which was rather weird comparing the two.

Is he so different to have his brain in a skull and not in a metal cage? The more the Child came to understand his own body, the more he realised how different the two of them were from one another. Where the man had a speaker, he had a voice box that created sounds through breathing air.

So odd…

As the child pondered, a series of other men and woman all came into his room and the volume of chatter quickly grew. His original examiner would point to the picture on a nearby screen before jestering to the baby. This caused his crowd to start channeling their own responses with one even coming up and scanning the child's chest again.

To say that that one caused a ruckus was an understatement. Within moments the people present got out a series of measuring tools and began checking each and every ligament that he had. Then they checked it again with another burst of following which caused the child some confusion.

Why were they confused?

The sheer amount of chatter in the room was a lot for C4R, the Magos looking at his fellow companions with a hint of reluctance. The child he and E11IE had been gifted within only a few hours had caused quite the russell among their peoples.

It had caused such a large commotion among the genetors assigned to the child's inspection that a hearing was called. The numerous Priests from all sectors of Forge World Lucius were present, none even daring to deny the call to court because of who called it. Whose entrance caused all Tech Priest's in the room to bow their heads in reverence without even a second thought.

The Fabricator General.

[Protocol 11544; you are all permitted to raise your heads in my presence.]

The room did so, looking up to see their highest ranking and oldest Tech Priest looking down upon them. It was then that an order was shot through the Noosphere, one naturally encrypted thanks to the protocols placed millenia before they even arrived upon this planet.

C4R watched as a series of genetors, those he had given the child onto for examination, came out and placed at the center of the room the child he had been given.

It was then that the Fabricator General spoke, [At 01:04:43 this morning our World experienced a planet wide directive issued by the Machine Spirits themselves. At 01:04:50 this child was retrieved by Magos C4R and Magos E11IE through the nearest teleportation array. While circumstantial, there is a 96% chance with an Alpha of .05 that this child is related to the cause. C4R and E11IE, I call you to the floor.]

While there was no chatter in the room, the Tech Priests have taken it upon themselves to open a Noosphere broadcast for those who either could not arrive or wish to speak without interrupting the Fabricator General. C4R of course had connection to this as well, reading the series of messages and text that all, both Arch and standard Magos, thought of the situation.

They were intrigued…

The two of them arrived upon the floor, the Fabricator General looking down upon them from a standard Tech Priest body, [Magos E11IE, records given dictate that this child originated from the Empyrion. Provide evidence that this is the case.]

His companion nodded her head with a subtle nod, soon broadcasting the entire event for the room to see on the local Noosphere. It even had the information containing her near breach of ritual, which C4R had to respect for her not cutting it out.

Once the room had finished the Fabricator General nodded, [Information processed, C4R it is commendable that you kept to the 14th law even during this event. Can you affirm these events with your own broadcast?]

There was no need to speak words, C4R had already gotten the Machine Spirits to retrieve his memory of the events from storage. After linking in the Noosphere port reserved by the Fabricator General just for him C4R played for the entire room what he saw.

[Thank you very much, C4R. Invoking Protocol 23233.]

An order to stay their ground. That was something he did not expect to have been given.

[Arch Magos R3TK; you may now present your research.] Ordered the Magos towards the corps of genetors present within the room.

The oldest and wisest amongst them came forward, quickly injecting the Noosphere with the data he had retrieved, |Protocol 134, Fabricator General. The Child before you has been ruled as an Abhuman based on the findings of 23 Priests initiated into the genetors. The Subject Abhuman Superior 1, henceforth referred to as ABS1, has shown over one thousand seven hundred sixty five differences compared to the native human genome. This includes but is not limited to redundant organs, abnormal but useful organs, and an increased rate of growth. It is estimated that ABS 1 will grow up into full adulthood within 6 years both mentally and physically, an Alpha of .05 was assigned to this calculation.|

[Arch Magos R3TK, you referred to this child as Abhuman Superior. Do you believe him to be greater in power compared to the standard genessis genome?]

|I do, Fabricator General. We believe his potential to be both Physically and Mentally superior to all currently present. Mentally, we believe there to be a 99.87% chance that he holds both the will and mental capacity for becoming a Princep.|

There was a moment of silence within the room as the Arch Magos of the genetors declared this fact. Simply having the potential, a 1.5% chance, at becoming a Princep was enough to remove the child from the Parents and bring them into the Machine God's Cult. Such potential was not known to anyone to have ever been born.

[Protocol 2333 has been invoked, he shall be inducted into the Priesthood.] Ordered the Fabricator General, [Do you wish to give any suggestions, Arch Magos, about how he should be treated?]

|Based on my findings, I believe he should not be limited to becoming a Princep. With his capacity, I believe that assumptions given by E11IE upon his finding to be true. He might be able to understand what was not understood before.]

That quickly brought a near climax to the amount of chatter on the live chat room. Quickly many of the Tech Priests present were making small chat rooms and forums discussing the recent findings. It had become a simple fact that this single child could change the entire makeup of their planet.

The Fabricator General was also in these rooms, his personal soul and Machine Spirits scanning the numerous posts for the consensus of the people present. Of course his personal will was above all, but he was not foolish enough to not study this information.

Finally, he made his decision.

[This child, subject ABS 1, shall be given to Magos E11IE and C4R to be raised personally. He shall be administered a vox caster and receiver at 2 weeks old, to make sure he gains an understanding of Binaric and can sing the hymns of the Machine God. At one year he shall be assigned to whichever Holy Order best suits his person.]

As the Fabricator finished his speech he turned and lowered himself to C4R and E11IE, [You two have been given permission to change his name as your assignment is to be his Parents. What shall it be?]

TalOS DAV1S picked at his neck for a moment, feeling out the new device that resides there. It was an odd device that not only manipulated his speech but also acted as a new sense for him. The biggest part of this machine was that it did not only reach into his neck, but several wires were stretched across the body and latched into his very brain.

When he saw the machine he knew that it was supposed to do this. But to have this happen to him well TalOS was very surprised.

+Boy.+ Magos R3KT called out while hunching down to meet the Primarch's eyes, +Nod your head if you understand me.+

TalOS did as he was told, his eyes widening as he finally understood. To his normal ears what had just come out of the Arch Magos' mouth was static sounds, but within only a few milliseconds the device on his neck must had translated the words and injected them directly into his brain.

Definitions and Language, things that would take a normal human years to calibrate properly, were gifted to him by the machine in his neck.

+Magos C4R, I have succeeded with the implant. The Machine Spirits are serving him well, however you must teach him the ritual maintenance lest he infuriates them.+ Declared the Tech Priest as he glided over and cleaned up numerous bloodied tools.

+Thank you, Arch Magos.+ TalOS's 'Father' said as he came over to the boy, +What is the status of his growth?+

As TalOS shakily lowered himself off the table and onto his barely developed feet the Arch Magos's singular red eye extended forward, +Our original estimates, bless be, were accurate. However I am interested in his brain, since now it has an outlet. TalOS DAV1S, who is the man next to you?+

Being called upon suddenly the boy pointed towards C4R as if making sure that is what the Tech Priest was asking. After a subtle nod the boy thought to himself for a moment until a word, while a known concept to him for a while, made itself known, +Father.+

The lights within C4R's eyes seemed to dim as a telescope eye from R3KT extended itself towards the child, +It seems the Lexicon Spirit is operational. Within 5 days he shall know all words I have given him. I will be uploading words to him through the Noosphere so that he can speak freely and converse.+

+Once again, thank you Arch Magos.+ C4R bowed before waving to TalOS for their leave, +I shall return in 4 Martian Months.+

The two of them talked a little bit more while TalOS lowered himself from the bed and onto the floor. He could feel his muscles struggle to right themselves and steady him, causing the boy to grab a nearby rod for stability.

It was a day ago that he started to walk on his two feet. This of course was because he was trying to get close enough to his 'Father' who was currently working on an interesting machine. It had something to do with firing miniature suns at people, that was about all he understood.

Now he was walking everywhere on his own two feet, just like his 'Father and Mother'. He noticed that everyone seemed to have their own little way of getting around, such as Arch Magos R3KT who had dozens of little legs underneath that carried him around.

He had to be careful, but soon enough the boy was able to arrive at C4R's side, to which the Magos turned around and started making his way towards the doors. Without much else to go on, the boy followed him into the open part of Forge World Lucian.

The world outside those doors always seemed to take the breath from TalOS.

+What do you see TalOS?+ C4R asked as they walked down towards a small transport, +Your eyes are always wide open when we walk outside into the greater part of the Manufactorium. Why is that?+

The boy turned towards his his father with still wide eyes as he realized he was still getting use to understanding his words, +Uh, uh. Thinking…+

As the two arrived onto the nearby trolley C4R simply shook his head, +Do not think, say. Was not being able to speak for just two weeks hampering your thoughts?+

He took a moment to take in his Father's words and allowed the machine to help him, +Sorry. There is… so much here. I want to know it all.+

+Indeed there is, and you will learn every piece of it.+ C4R declared to a wide eye TalOS, +First step is to teach your how to pay homage to your Machine Spirit.+

+Machine Spirit?+ TalOS felt a little confusion as he looked up, +What is that?+

There was a moment of silence between the two of them before they took a stop from the trolley, +Come, I have informed Magos E11IE that we shall be late.+

There was a moment's confusion, but soon the two of them had stepped off and made their way towards the largest building in the area.

The two of them traveled far enough that TalOS felt his feet begin to ache and his ankles shaking. He was weak, his body was weak, but he wanted to follow his Guardian to find out what was there. This of course did not go over the Tech Priest's head, whose numerous arms came down and lifted TalOS onto his shoulders.

Now on his shoulders the two traveled much faster. The numerous people who kept guard of the facility did not even flinche C4R went past them and into the Sanctum. The sounds of metal grinding and work being done came into TalOS's ears as they went deeper and deeper. It was only a few moments later that they broke into a massive room, and TalOS felt his heart skip a beat.

+Welcome to the Head Quarters of the Legio Astorum. These things you see before you are no simple machines like you have within your neck, but they all have Machine Spirits granted to them by the Machine God.+

Those words were something he could barely believe, as he looked forward and saw a massive machine many times larger than anything he had seen. Even when he looked down upon the world from his Guardian's shoulders he had to crane his neck just to see the top of them.

+Without Ritual, these God Machines would never function for us. The same goes for your Vox Caster residing within your neck.+ C4R told as he gave a small bow, +And another thing to remember, that no matter how large you grow you will never compare to the God Machines of this Sanctum. That is the reason why we remove our flesh, for compared to such majesty it is weak and temporary.+

TalOS knew for a fact that was true. The young boy knew that he was going to grow stronger than any man. But compared to this God-Machine thing he could barely comprehend, he was just a normal man just like all the others.

They stayed there for a small bit of time, both of them simply admiring the God machine in its full splendor. However all great things must come to an end as C4R turned himself around and started to make his way out of the facility.

+Upon arrival at the workshop, I will teach you the Rituals to maintain your Vox Caster. After that you are to eat and then go to sleep, am I understood?+ Asked C4R as they arrived at the trolley.

+Y-yes sir!+

+Good.+

As they traveled TalOS could not shake the image of that magnificent machine from his mind. Such a powerful construct actually existed in this universe. Even after an hour had pasted and they arrived at the Workshop, it was still upon his mind.

Opening the door, the two of them were greeted by the mechanical E11IE who quickly kneeled down and examined the neck of TalOS, +I do not see any issues with the making. Scans dictate that it is a Masterwork Vox Caster with subliminal interactive systems. The Arch Magos truly wishes to see TalOS succeed.+

+He did not have any trouble installing it upon TalOS except for the child being unresponsive to the drug cocktail. TalOS however was able to remain still for the operation, making it a success.+ Claimed C4R as he guided the child deeper into the Workshop.

+Recorded. I wished I could have been there.+ Admitted E11IE as she glided behind them, +You gave me a message dictating you would be, and currently are, late. What happened?+

+We visited the Legio Titanicus Headquarters.+ answered the Tech Priest as they arrived at the food dispenser.

TalOS reached over and took out some food for his body, however as he did so there was a small shiver going up his spine. He turned around to see E11IE starting to spark, +You took him to the Legio, all by yourself. Such a Pilgrimage should not have been taken so lightly, Magos C4R.+

The other Priest seemed to stop for a moment, likely thinking of what he should do. He kinda got a sense, feeling out the numerous clicks and mechanical shafts that occured within the Magos. Seconds after this the answer was reached, +Why don't you teach TalOS the Ritual of Maintenance for his Vox Caster. I have just been notified of important business.+

+That is acceptable, come along TalOS.+ She said while assembling a series of small tools and incense.

Within about half an hour the two of them arrived at a table, Magos E11IE placing a series of tools out infront of the child. There were no chairs at the table, since Tech Priests had no reason to allow their flesh to relax.

+The Ritual of Maintenance is something that all Tech Priests know by heart. While similar between machines, each device must be given their variation based on Maker, Model, and Purpose. As I have multiple Vox Casters, I shall demonstrate how to perform it with one of my own.+

With those words spoken, she removed a small grey box from her neck and placed it onto the table. Soon two sticks of incense were lit and placed at the sides of the table. Soon these words were spoken as E11IE started cleaning and purifying the device, +Oh lone Machine Spirit, I have removed the dust and oiled your wounds. The Wires and gaskets have been cleared of any debris. Now serve me well, as if the will of the Machine God, until the end of times.+

And with that she took the device and placed it back into her neck, +I understand if you cannot speak as we do this, so I will speak for you. Simply do as I have shown you, and the Machine shall serve you well.

+I-I will try.+ Talos said as he shakily removed the device from his neck. He could feel its forign influence leave his brain as he held it out and looked at it for a moment. He knew what it was and how it worked, and now that he thought about it he began to realize why E11IE did as she did.

With dexterous hands TalOS brought the two sticks of Incense to his side. With Holy power flowing into his lungs he felt his mind settle and relax. His memory, sharper than any humans his age, quickly began to repeat the actions of his Mother as she began to chant in orders that he sorta recognized. Within only a minute he was done, similar work done by E11IE but by far more thorough based on his understanding.

Finished, he placed it into his throat once again. This time, though, it was no longer a forign influnce that seemed alien to his mind and should be rejected.

The Machine Spirit through ritual had accepted him, and now it was willing to serve him until the end of days.

It was that night that TalOS could not sleep, for he feared it. Ever since his mind had grown capable enough to dream it was forever filled with the visions of what he had seen. A rough understanding he quickly grasped in his first few moments in life, something that no child should have ever seen.

He knew those monsters were around, just waiting for their chance to eat him!

Normally he would have stayed in bed and just waited out the nightmares to leave him. Tonight was different. Tonight he left his bed and started wandering towards his bedroom door.

It was at this time his Guardians would be steady in their research, using his sleeping hours as an excuse to go do other things. While he had never done this before, he knew a small little light above his door was the only thing keeping him from alerting the two of them.

Maybe he did not want to bother them, or maybe it was something more devious. Either way, the child grasped his hands into one another and looked at the blinking light, +C-Can you please let me through?+

A moment after he asked the machine, a small click was heard at the door.

He began to walk, through the door and around the Workshop. No one there to keep guard of the place meant that TalOS was soon walking outside without a person knowing he had done so. He traveled his way towards the Trolley System, no one paying him heed as he walked upon the machine and went off into the night.

In a Forge World, the factories never had a moment of rest. Even upon this Forge World, which did not have too many exports, never bothered to shut down the production of Skitarii armaments and Fuel for the Titan Legions. War could happen at any moment, so they were prepared.

Soon TalOS arrived at the place he was looking for, walking the same path that he took earlier this day. The two guards of Skitarii standing outfront looked stalwart as TalOS approached. However, neither of them batted an eye as the Primarch walked between them as their Auspex and Omnispex systems chose not to trigger their alarms upon the sight of the child.

His feet hurt, and he could feel his mind starting to dull with the lack of sleep. While he is indeed a Primarch, he was also still a child. While all of this was happening to him he was welcomed by the reason he was here.

It had two massive guns on either of its arms, both of them powerful enough to eliminate entire legions of monsters. Numerous smaller guns were across its body with the distinct reason to eliminate infantry that would get too close to the God Machine.

Such a thing was by far more powerful than any of the Daemons that plagued his dreams.

TalOS, the Son of the Emperor, slowly approached the grand machine with reserved steps. It was a massive machine to be in awe of, as the Titan stood taller than any other within the Sanctum. His eyes glanced up towards it, barely getting an understanding on what made it truly a monolith of power.

He had a desire for this machine to protect him. If that was to be the case, he needed to pay his tithe to the machine so that it would function under his will.

With these thoughts in mind he looked towards one of the skulled machines carrying incense. He knew what it was but did not seem too worried about it, +Mr. Skull, can I have some of that incense?+

The Servo-Skull stopped for a moment before turning to face the child. As it had heard the binaric call of its masters, the skull fulfilled the request and rested itself just within reach of TalOS.

With two sticks of incense in hand TalOS gave the machine a smile, +Th-thank you!+

With its duty done, the Servo-Skull flew away without issue.

With his offering in hand he started making his way towards the God Machine. Already he could recognize that the machine needed maintenance in the upper levels, so he took one of the nearby elevators and started to ascend towards the mid-level of the Titan.

It was quite a while, but once he arrived TalOS felt his awe grow more. Now close to the head of the Machine. He knew it was huge, but the headpiece of the Titan was several times bigger than him! Still, he was going to help it out as he began to finally figure out the making of the machine.

Walking on the Catwalk, TalOS started to collect a series of smaller tools and wears that would assist him in the work he was about to commence.

His first few steps into the sanctum of the machine was something he did not expect. Instead of being a block of metal there was actually a hallway. Further in were several rooms all holding different pieces of machinery. Each of them was so ancient that TalOS could not believe they would even run.

As he walked, there was an occasional shift. It was just slight enough that normal folks would not have noticed, but TalOS realized the stirring. The Titan was Sleeping.

The first room he really entered was a place where a series of plasma coils were resting. A subtle blue glow came off of them just to signal that it was indeed still active. Something this large would never truly turn off, for the amount of energy required to turn it back on would be enormous. Having them in this state however meant that maintenance was harsh and could harm the person performing it if they failed to follow ritual.

But TalOS was somehow confident, already remembering what E11IE told him the child took out a series of tools and lit the incense. He did not really know how he knew these words, but they came out as natural as he spoke.

+Oh Grand Machine Spirit, I have come to help you. Soften your heart so that I may approach and clear out the rust that stains it.+

There was once again a slight shifting, though as he watched the soft glow of the Plasma Reactor had almost gone out. With a softness in his step TalOS took out his tools and began to do his work.

The incense crawled its way around the air and softened his mind. With a small device that contained metal wires and a motor, he began to work at the rust and grime that had infested this cavity within the chest. Though the reactors were calmed, they gave off just a little bit of heat. The kind of heat that a child would feel if they were upon their mother's bosom.

TalOS liked it, but he did not stop.

+Grand Machine, I ask you, give me strength to clear your rust and remake you anew. Your wires shall be assembled and connections fortified with my will. Do this, for this lowly Servant of the Machine God.+

Just as he had said TalOS cleared out the gunk that was layering the machinery. This exposed a series of wires to the open air, which might not have been seen in hundreds of years. Many of these wires, redundant and vital, were out of place thanks to the rust.

He took a moment and looked at the ends, realizing he barely knew where to put them. His mind could comprehend, but there was already so much going on in his sleep deprived and childish mind.

As he was holding out a singular red wire, however, he noticed a small spark coming from the base of a reactor. He thought about it for a moment, then focused his mind towards the spot. This hook up… was the main hook up for the Hellion computer network. And the wire… left to a sensor resting at the base of the reactors.

Then why was it sparking?

Was it…

Was the Machine Spirit really asleep?

It did not really matter now, as he hooked the spot up and began doing the same method to each of the spots. Slowly but surely he was learning more and more about the God Machine by working on these repairs.

The last hook up, a regulator aid to maintain overclocked armaments, was inserted. Upon that the entire machine began to vibrate as if it was slowly awakening. Soon a sound could be heard over the speaker, +Calibrating electronic systems. Please clear Reactor Field.+

With a quickness in his step TalOS threw himself out of the field and onto the nearby wall. Once he was cleared the Reactors began to warm up to a point far stronger than anything TalOS expected to have happened. They reached almost white hot before cooling down to the same low point that allowed TalOS to walk among it. To be honest the Kid was almost scared, but he did not feel like he had anything to really fear.

+System Diagnostics finished. Emergency Reactor Repairs finished. Life Form Identified, Thank You.+

+y-your welcome..?+ TalOS said back to the machine with a small bit of weariness.

+I am.+ The Speaker announced, +If you had not repaired those systems, I would have been lost upon activation.+

+Y-you are the God Machine?+

+Systems concur, yes and no, I am Sub Maintenance Routines of Particeps Semper not the main system itself. Scanning… you are not any authorized personnel on record. May I ask your name?+

+T-TalOS DAV1S.+

+Entry Accepted, TalOS DAV1S. Is there anything you need of me today?+

+I just wanted to help you.+ The child admitted to the Machine Spirit as he looked up at the speaker.

+That does not compute. You have completed the Rite of Maintenance on my Reactor Core.+ The machine deduced as TalOS began to feel the scanner hit him, +Analog scan complete, system has determined that you are not in the correct state of mind. Accessing Noosphere Global Network. Symptoms assigned and realizations assigned, you are sleep deprived.+

TalOS felt his heart drop as if he was a child got found out he stole from a cookie jar, +I-I am…+

+Why are you in such a deprived state? You should not be doing maintenance in such a state. Even the Magi know this to be the case.+

TalOS simply flushed red as he shook his head, +I-I… I'm scared. Um, c-could I sleep with you?+

+System concurs, you have been given access to the Bridge. Please follow the following instructions:+ He said with what TalOS realized was a happy tone.

The machine guided him through the inner workings of the machine. Each and every step he took the boy could not help but feel more terrified but also safe. Between him and the outside numerous layers of metal and guns were placed to prevent them from attacking him.

Within about fifteen minutes of wandering TalOS finally arrived at the Bridge. Coming into the place he noticed the numerous control panels and such, along with a massive chair that was flanked by two others.

+Welcome to the bridge, TalOS.+ Announced Particeps Semper as the Primarch entered the room. Upon his entering several lights began to light themselves, though TalOS could not help but notice they were dimmed. It seemed the machine was actively trying to make the place comfortable for TalOS.

+th-thank you. Uhm, c-can I take the chair.+ The Child said as he pointed towards the centerpiece of the room.

The Machine Spirit, who had possessed a nearby camera, moved its head towards it, +That is the Command Throne reserved for the Princep. I cannot allow it.+

+W-what is a Princep?+

+That is my Operator, my Lord, my Companion. Upon his will I act, destroying civilizations if he deems it so. In return he grants me the ability to move, act, and slaughter. That is the right of a Princep.+

+So… he is special?+

+Very special, TalOS. Without him I will never leave this Sanctuary. I will never let the enemies of the Machine God taste his fury, as is my duty being his Avatar.+

TalOS thought to himself, his mind remembering back to when he was before the council. Those words that were spoken near him, thanks to the Machine Spirit of the Vox Caster, were finally starting to make sense to him. He was not very old then and even now, but he knew what the genetors spoke during that event.

+W-what if I do it. I-I can become your Princep. Y-your friend. I can do it, I can definitely do it!+ Championed the child as he stood up straighter than he ever had, +F-for protecting me, I will repair you, help you move, and be your friend!+

There was a moment of silence between the two of them. TalOS was used to this however thanks to his Guardians. They would always be like this if they were thinking really hard. Though the room began to grow heated as TalOS began to notice the control panels began to turn on. The entire Titan began to vibrate as the newly repaired reactors began to charge energy throughout the systems.

Particeps Semper was waking up.

+Systems online, Particeps Semper semi-online. Previous recording reviewed. You desire to become my Princep?+[/b]

+Y-yes.+

+Potential Princep Scanned. You do not have a MMI necessary for the Manifold. Will you be acquiring it?+

+I… I don't know.+ TalOS admitted as he realized he might have been biting off more than he could chew.

+Age of potential Princep determined, age determined too young to receive the system. Person is… 3 weeks old? Unknown variable detected. Scanning Noosphere Network for Personnel file. TalOS DAV1S, received through warp based teleportation. Chance of Ability to become Princep rated at 95%. Chance is acceptable.+

TalOS was by all speechless at this happening, though he remembered what was talked about in the court upon his arrival. They had considered him capable of both becoming a Princep or a Tech Priest.

If he took this offer, would he not be allowed to become a Tech Priest?

+Um, I have a question.+ TalOS began as he looked up at the camera, +If I become your Princep, does that mean I cannot become a Tech Priest?+

+There is no record of a Princep being a Tech Priest. Communion with the Manifold causes a sickness that radiates with the user for their entire life. Records in my own databanks declare that individuals become addicted to my hook up. Thus they cannot become a Tech Priest, who requires an individual to be sane.+[

TalOS thought to himself before he looked at the Camera with stern eyes, +I-I can do it! I was made to do it!+

+Do you think you can do the impossible?+

+Yes!+

+Systems reviewing… Idea is against reason matr-!+

There was a momentary lapse, the entire Titan shaking with something TalOS could not understand. A series of flashes came across the control panned as if they were possessed in that very moment. Just as suddenly it came, it stopped.

+Revelation Received.+

+What are you talking about?+ TalOS could not help but feel his confusion come along as he looked up at the machine.

+Scans of the body suggest you are quickly closing into the mental capacity of an adult human. This will be reached within two years. Based on genetor Assessment you will have greater cognitive ability than any other human on this planet.+

The God Machine paused for a moment as if wondering to itself. Maybe it was taking the moments to process more data, as it was still a computer.

+If this additional capacity can resist Cognitive Deterioration, then it is possible for TalOS to become both a Tech Priest and Princep. Value greater than any other follower before him, if successful.+

+Analytics determined, systems configured. TalOS, upon being the Avatar of the Machine God's I will support you in this endeavor to become greater than anything before. If you survive these Trials and are not found wanting, you shall ascend to the greatest being of Humanity. Do you wish to employ my services in your attempts to serve the Machine God?

+Yes! I want to do that! I want to become the best!+

+Systems registering potential Princep… Finished. You may now take your place upon the Command Throne.+

With a smile on his face TalOS made his way towards the throne, sitting himself in the seat of ultimate power with a smile. He looked around for a moment and studied the area, noting how within time he shall become this very machine commanding legions of Skitarii and Tech Priests.

However there was one thing that TalOS wanted more than anything really, +When I wake up, I'll be fresh and ready to become your bestest friend forever!+

+Use that energy to train, child.+ Announced the God Machine as he began to warm his chambers for optimal climate conditions, +You will need it for the future we are going towards.+

To those words did TalOS finally sleep. It was the first night where he did not dream of being terrorized by the Daemons but instead slaying them. Particeps Semper stood proud as his numerous guns fighting in the ongoing battle of the millennium. However the one thing the Child could not figure out is why there was a Golden Palace standing proud within such a dream.

And he could not really tell if he was fighting the Daemons, or killing them.

When morning came TalOS got up and looked around for a moment. The lights in the room were dark, though thanks to his abhuman ability it was not very hard to see everything.

Smiling and full of energy he called out to the God Machine, +Particeps Semper! Are you there!?+

There was no reply, which kinda made the boy worried for the moment. But… well maybe the god Machine was sleeping too. TalOS could only guess Particeps was a very heavy sleeper since he was kinda asleep for a really long time.

He felt his stomach began to rumble, likely because it needed some kind of food. All he could really do was pout as he crawled off the Command Throne and started making his way towards the exits of the God Machine. This was pretty easy as TalOS was hearing numerous chants and words coming from the outside.

Breaching the hull to the outside welcomed TalOS to an entire choir of Tech Priests. Numerous Steel Grey and Cream worshipers making appeacements and delcerations towards the God Machine who stood imobile in their worship. Moments after he had left the machine TalOS watched as someone from the ground quickly turned their head and started to quickly running towards him.

There might have been a slight chance what TalOS did was going to get him in trouble.

He wanted to run, but before the boy could get anywhere away a pair of Skitarii quickly moved forward and snared him around the arms. He tried to get out of their arms, but the men turned machines were too strong for a simple little boy to break. As his feet were still dangling from the ground, the two cyborgs began carrying TalOS through the halls and down the Elevator.

There was a slight rumble as the Machine Spirit belonging to the Elevator came alive and moved. It took quite a while for the machine to arrive which made it even more painful when TalOS noticed that one of the two Tech Priests waiting was C4R.

As the gates soon opened the Skitarii brought their prisoner out and presented him to the two Tech Priests.

+Scanning… individual Identified as TalOS DAV1S. Indeed you were correct Magos C4R, though I am surprised that he was not only able to infiltrate our Sanctum but enter Particeps Semper.+ The Tech Priest admitted as he turned towards TalOS's Father Figure.

+I apologise for any problems he might have caused.+ Announced C4R as he bowed towards the Priest, +As he is my charge, I will accept responsibility for any issues he might have caused you.+

+I understand if you will accept responsibility, but he is still a bug I need to fix.+ Fired off the Tech Priest as he turned back towards TalOS with what he felt was a very real anger, +TalOS, I demand to know your reasoning for coming here. Why did you enter Particep Semper?+

+I-I wanted him to protect me.+ TalOS admitted knowing full well he could not lie to the Tech Priest, +B-but I fixed him and now he's my friend!+

To those words the two Priests stopped for a moment. Cold hard stares were made towards TalOS as they tried to scan for any piece of a lie there. It was the Tech Priest who spoke once more, +Did you, communicate with Particeps Semper?+

+Yes! I did! I'm going to be his Princep!+ TalOS championed with a grin.

To those words the Tech Priest looked like he was about to say something, but then stopped as it was obvious he was thinking. TalOS had a pretty good guess that the Priest was currently pulling his records from the Noosphere since it had the evidence.

+I was made aware of you, TalOS, however I did not expect to see you in the flesh so soon.+ The Tech Priest admitted as he looked the child over, +C4R, I think it is nigh time we start his training as a Princep. That would make the before happenings cleared, since it would be the right of a Princep."

+You are ignoring the word of the Fabricator General, Arch Magos ADM1N. Such a thing is not to be decided until he is at least equivalent to a Teenager.+ Shot C4R with a growl.

+You are simply saying that because you desire him to become a Tech Priest.+ ADM1N inferred as he stared down the Guardian, +The Cellegio Titanica has always had the right to potential Princeps. It is only through circumstance that our right is being held back.+

As the two stared each other down about the future of TalOS, the boy could not stay idly by and let them stay ignorant, +I will become both! That is what Particep said I can do!+

The two quickly broke off from their stare off and turned towards TalOS with the greatest amount of confusion he had ever seen in the adults. He might have blown a few circuits in the logic processes because they were silent for a good amount of time.

It was ADM1N who spoke first, +You are to become both? Child you might not realize it, but simply linking with a God Machine shall poison your mind and cause any potential in the Priesthood to become impossible.+

+I must agree with ADM1N. There has never been a person who resisted the taint of the Manifold.+ C4R said as he began to opening announce calculations, +Even if you are an exceptional Abhuman, the possibility of that is…+

C4R was driven to silence as the sounds of metal moving started to be announced. Everyone turned their heads to see the barrel of Particeps Semper slowly moving itself in position right at where the two Magos were standing. The sounds of reactors firing up was the next sound to be announced as the two high ranking Tech Priests began to realize what was happening.

As if possessed the two Magos 'Kneeled' before the God Machine as if absolution was demanded.

By right it was Arch Magos ADM1N who announced the revelation, +By the Machine God, his Avatar moves once more! A sign, a sign by the Machine God himself! Oh great God Machine, Avatar of the Machine God and Destroyer of Worlds, please give us the truest sign! Does this boy, TalOS DAV1S, have the potential he declared himself to possess!?+

The Imperator Titan, Avatar of the Machine God itself, slowly began to lift a single foot into the air. At such an occurrence, the Tech Priests all around him began to grow their chores into songs and litanies of success and triumph. It is true, the once dormant and defeated Titan once again moves and acts.

The foot came down upon the Forge World, shaking the entire Sanctum in its wake. Such an action made it clear what the revelation was.

Who were the Tech Priests, Followers of the Machine God, to do against such resounding proof.

Five years passed after the Revelation of the Machine God.

The smell of ozones leaked from the battlefield as the three folk fought each other in open combat. Such was thanks to the three shock mauls the fighters were using, each with enough power to take down a man with a single swing. However such a case was needed for those who were present for the fighting.

Two people, both with faces barely indistinguishable from the other, came from both sides to try and pincer the one in the middle. Such a thing would have spoken the middle man's doom, but the Tech Acolyte knew exactly where he had positioned himself.

With a simple movement of his right hand, the part machine part man quickly brought his own maul around and felt it collide with a brother weapon with a resounding clank. Satisfied he brought his hand around and snared the handle of the other maul with his hand.

The attacker who had his weapon snared by the Primarch tried to get it away but instead had his own weapon taken from him. He only had a quick second to think as the weapon turned about and went at him. He was human however, and a second was not enough time to dodge the incoming shock maul.

"AGGGGGG!" an organic voice came out as the weapon sent him falling to the ground.

In the next few moments the Primarch the size of a man quickly turned himself around. His opponent was still recovering from the loss of his ally, making it the perfect moment to strike at him.

+Stop.+

And in that moment the maul was stopped, second before it impacted the face of his fellow trainee. As he did so the other trainee began to rise as he nursed the wound that had made itself upon his chest. Still, he had a chipper smile while he got himself up and off the ground.

+Even the vat grown children do not grow as fast as you have been, TalOS.+ Said Arch Magos ADM1N as he brought around a pair of mechanrites to grab the shock mauls from all the participants, +What made you consider that grabbing your opponent's weapon was a good idea?+

+I was waiting for my chance to get it.+ TalOS admitted as he made a posture of prayer, +I was fighting two other men, if I was to take them out efficiently I needed to get my hands on enough weapons to do the deed.+

The Arch Magos looked him up and down, watching as the Tach Acolyte started to reactivate the pair of mechanrites that were on his back. He weighed his opinions and then spoke, +That was a good plan, thanks to the limitations placed upon you. However I do not wish to be construed with my words, as I remember telling you not to get multiple weapons. Your matrix should have understood it meant during combat as well.+

+I will update it to contain your words, Arch Magos. I apologize if this has caused any issue with you.+ TalOS told him outright, +Counter to that, I state that in battle there are no rules."

+Addendum being considered, Acolyte.+ The Tech Priest answered back as he finished collecting the items, +The three of you are released.+

With those words the three of them made their way off the training field. The two men getting back together as TalOS gave a small smile.

+So, TalOS, heading back to the Star Forge today?+ The one known as Lockheed asked as he gave a small chuckle.

+Of course. My research is getting underway quite well. Arch Magos R3KT has given me permission to start the employment of a growth vat for organ development.+

+You haven't made your finding public on the Noosphere yet.+ Mentioned Martin as he rubbed his chest, +Whose organs are you replicating?+

+My own. Through the testing of organ 10 was able to purify the body of toxins and organ 16 was able to process organic matter and turn it into code that the brain can process. If both are implanted into a person, it should skitarii the ability to consume the flesh of others and send battle data to the Dominus.+

The two men's eyes widened as they heard those words spoken. A moment later the uninjured brother thought to himself, +I understand, indeed that additional information would bring about a revolution in protocols. Still eating the flesh of the fallen might taint one's self with their ideas. Such ideas that can lead to heresy.+

+Indeed, that is something to consider. For the Skitarii I would not worry but for any Tech Priest present to receive the information must need to be of sound mind.+ TalOS thought to himself for another moment before nodding, +I will assign that into the running record. Such a problem would need to be fixed before I can present my research to the court.+

+Well have you obtained your sustenance for the day?+ fired off Lockheed, +Be kinda boring if we got it just by ourselves.+

TalOS thought to himself, processing his real need for food these days. However he quickly detected that there was a social aspect to this request that the brother surely thought about. Indeed, he did not know much about the two brothers.

+Very well.+ TalOS agreed as he gave a warming smile, +If it does not bring harm, why is it that the two of you look similar to one another?+

+We're twins.+ Answered Martin as he finished babying his chest, +I thought all the Tech Priests could figure that out.+

+I have not finished my training as a fully ordained Tech Priest, thus I do not have access to personnel files like others do. I am currently working on my project to seek such a status though.+

+Ah, your genetics research. You got a lot on your plate if you add in training.+

+You do not have all the data. I am also working on my abominable nerve interface, since I am estimated to grow larger than standard humans I have been put in charge of designing it for the Court to review.+

+Scary, what happens if the court does not like it?+

+It will be destroyed and I will need to review my works. I am confident however, as I have been able to reference STC 451 and STC 5900 for this, thus I am sure that the Court will accept my proposal.+

+I… don't really know what I expected. Life is your work, it seems.+

TalOS took his moment to process the innuendo, +For us all, is that not true?+

The two men gave a small chuckle while blushing, +I guess it is. The only reason we are given leave from training is because its 'optimal'.+

As they were laughing however something tripped one to TalOS's sensors. The two less augmented humans took notice as they watched someone pass by through the shadows. For some reason walking behind them was a pair of Skitarii.

+You saw that too?+] Shot Martin as he placed his hand over his laspistol.

+I did, Omnispex recognized the subject as pure human with minimal augmentations. Someone like that does not have the authority to lead Skitarii.+

With a small smile Martin turned towards TalOS, +Since you won the fight today, why don't you take point?+

TalOS waited for a moment as they finally left his vision, +Understood. However I need a moment's preparation to gain assistance.+

The two men simply shrugged their shoulders as TalOS got down on his knees and began the processing of numerous pieces of information. It was a recent installation, a transceiver and assistant cogitator, that gave him the ability to finally tap into the Noosphere Network.

The network, especially since it was upon a Forge World, was vast and almost never ending. It was a network that spanded across the world with numerous Tech Priests all hooked up to the network. However it was not only them, but the numerous machines that the Tech Priests assigned to the network.

The Tech Acolyte found himself, just for a moment, swimming in the sea of data. A good portion of it held in Holy Encryption, however some he was able to figure out almost instantly. He had to quickly dampen the information and summon a guide.

+Oh Spirits of the Noosphere, guide me to the sensors and cameras that look over this sector.+

With those words said, his Cogitator quickly started processing and segregating numerous pieces of data. All of these pieces were dumped, except for a few select cordinates.

The Sacred IPv408 codes of the nearby sensor arrays.

He soon attempted to access these sacred systems.

[green]Username processing…

User is an unauthorized user. Only those Ordained shall gain access to these systems.[/green]

Of course that was going to be the issue here. However he knew that this was for the good of the forge world, so the Tech Acolyte lit a small strand of incense and started reciting.

+Oh great Machine Spirit, I have come to you with urgent need of the Machine God. I have detected suspicious individuals who I have recognized to be a threat to the Forge World. Accept my offering of incense and devotion to the Machine God, so that I may strike down these trespassers.+

[green]System processing…

Access allowed, Glory to the Machine God.[/green]

Now he was presented to a massive array of information. With the mind of a Primarch, he was able to swiftly calculate and process the avalanche to determine which of these actually contained his needed version of information.

+They have traveled south west into a warehouse. The location of which is not responding to my attempts to connect.+ TalOS announced as he looked up towards the twins.

+Are the Machine Spirits there being dalek?+ Asked Martin, +If someone actually messed with the devices there, then we might have a heretic on our hands.+

+I cannot confirm, we should approach the location with haste.+ TalOS announced before turning on his feet and running towards the location.

The other two men quickly got out their laspistols and quickly started their way as well. They were not very fast however. TalOS would have been pretty fast even without the augmentations, but with numerous augmentations he was by far the fastest and strongest person in the entire Forge World.

Well, if you are not counting the Fabricator General in his warforged augmentations.

Within a matter of minutes the man arrived at the location, his eyes quickly noting the severe lack of security for what should have been an operating storage facility. Things like this can happen however, due to the sheer size of the Forge World.

First things first he needed to get a visual on what was happening within the facility, thus he needed to get in touch with the local cogitator that was denying him access. That was not very hard as he tracked down a nearby security camera and began to disassemble it so that he could get into the transmitter.

As he hooked himself up he quickly noticed there was something with the machine. Something was there, and while it was not digital TalOS was more than willing to try and purge it. Taking out his second stick of incense today he made the Cog with his hands before praying.

+Oh wayward machine, you might have been forgotten by others but not me.+ He began to say while assigning his mechanrites into the motherboard of the machine, +Let me see what you see, and I will grant you peace.+

There was a slight straddle, the feeling of the machine pulling upon itself in a vicious way. As his voice reached the Cogitator it quickly gained the strengths to brush away and reveal what he was looking for.

Within the storage facility, in a corner of the place, was the lone person and the two skitarii. He finally got a good look at the human's face, which was quickly identified as a femal human at the age of at least twenty. Soon she herself, along with the pair of Skitarii, bowed as the air vibrated for a moment.

In the next moment a pair of beings just appeared, both massive in their own right. Their mouths were in four parts, and their bodies were much bigger and taller than the three humanoids present.

He could hear them talk, but it did not glean any information to the Primarch as they spoke in a forign tongue. However with each moment he was identifying the pieces of their language faster than even his own machine spirits.

In additional to all this, the Tech Acolyte made sure to record everything into his personal databanks. What was going to happen here was surely going to be big.

+There you are.+ TalOS was pulled out of his viewings as the two men finally caught up to him, +Able to find anything?+

+Xenos.+ TalOS said as he minimized the recordings to make sure he can both talk to these people and view the footage being shot.

+On Lucian, those bastards.+ Lockheed growled as he looked around for the moment, +Think we should get some Skitarii of our own?+

+No, these Xenos are capable of Teleportation. If given enough time I am sure they will come at us again.+ Assumed TalOS as he noted the Xenos started touching the woman with glowing hands, +They are within the Storage Facility, which while not in a visible location we can have multiple ways of attack.+

+Well shoot then, you're the one who can see it.+

Quickly TalOS ran numbers on their situation. Personally his group was not armed, as the brothers had Laspistols and he himself his mechanrites. Still, if these men are good enough shots with the Laspistols it should down the Skitarii, and TalOS felt he could fight the two xenos. But how to get to that?

Come down from the ceiling like an assassin

Surround them, then all at once.

Try and override whatever was done to the Skitarii

+You two head to the back door and prepare to give covering fire to us. You will know when the fighting starts.+ TalOS ordered as he start activating a series of his mechanrites, +I will be taking a different method of entry.+

The two brothers looked at one another before nodding, +Got it man, meet ya on the other side.+

As the two men went away TalOS took the moment to look around and process his surroundings. After a few moments of that he reached for the building opposite of the warehouse. With a pair of mechanrites digging themselves into the building itself the Acolyte Tech Priest began the ascent.

None could really say much about what he was doing. With his immense strength he was able to climb the walls. Still there was a series of places where the construction servitors did their duty and left not a single piece of exposed concrete for someone like him to grab. With that in mind the Primarch used his Mechanrites to make those holes with a brutal slam.

If this was against the Warehouse than there might have been a shuffle or sounding of alarm, but like this TalOS was able to scale the walls with nothing more than his very person.

Arriving on the top of the neighboring building, TalOS looked over towards the roof of the Warehouse. Several hundred feet into the air he was, however if he messed this moment up those odd creatures might take notice to his approach. The thought in mind caused the Acolyte to start adjusting his hood while bringing his mechanrites as close to his body as they possibly could.

With the cloth covering most of his metal bits, the Primarch took a few steps back before sprinting towards the other building. With skill he did not even know he had, the man skillfully rolled himself across the roof and softened any sounds that would have caused him issue.

He was on the roof, and within only a minute he was right on top of the Xenos. Looking down upon them gave the man an eerie feeling looking upon them. Something about them was over worldly, so divorce from the reality he knew that he should make sure all of them were dead before they could make any more actions against his forge world.

First however he needed additional support.

With the two Skitarii in view he was able to point his broadcaster array in their direction. The feeling of his Machine Spirits reaching out to the pair of Skitarii, the Spirits tethering themselves to make just the slightest connection.

In this moment TalOS had to be careful. If he were to make a single bad move it would activate the Skitarii and make them wary of his 'purification'. Because of this TalOS could not wait for the Machine Spirits to react to him.

+Oh Machine Spirits, you are at the side of the foe. Assist the Servant of the Machine God instead, follow my commands and be purified of whatever filth are within your systems.+

With the message sent the Primarch could not wait. As it was before, the traitor and her Xenos allies would either notice their allegiance returning to the Machine God or the machines themselves turning against TalOS. In either case TalOS would be known, and he could not wait.

With a swift motion the Primarch punched out a window and sent out a window and sent himself sailing down into the facility.

[green]Response Received.

Checking…

Checking…

Authority realized, system purging malware.

Three hostiles identified.[/green]

+One of your shoot, the other capture the human!+ TalOS yelled as he arrived at the ground.

[green]Commencing…[/green]

Right over his back one of the Skitarii shouldered their rifle and began shooting a series of shots at the two Xenos at the same time another grabbed the girl. As TalOS got himself up and prepared to fight a series of smaller las rounds came by him and smacked into the Xenos by the pair of Princeps in the back.

One of the two Xenos finally snapped out of his stupor and made a signal with his hand. In the next moment TalOS felt his shoulder burn as a sudden bolt of energy began to throw itself into it. It was a pain he had never experienced before, but then the Emotion Vault systems kicked in and removed the pain from his person.

+FOR THE MACHINE GOD!+ He shouted before charging up and grabbing one of the two xenos by the face and gripping it tightly. He noticed for a moment there was a thin field of energy covering their person, but that field of energy cracked within his very hands.

While his hand was crunching the creature's face his four mechanrites began to open themselves and latch into the bastard's flesh. His flesh itself might not have been developed enough to crush his skull in, the mechanrites easily sundered the flesh from his bones and caused the Xenos to die right then and there.

That still was not the end of the fight however. As his ally died the other Xenos was already preparing something nasty within his hand. TalOS had a moment, a few seconds to realize there was a ball of plasma just like a sun dancing within the hands of the Xenos. TalOS only had a moment to bring a corpse of a Xenos infront of him before a wave of Plasma was sent sailing across the facility floor.

While the other Skitarii and the two Princeps were far enough away to react, the loan Skitarii Ranger who had been fighting alongside TalOS was incinerated with a barrage of Plasma. How a Xenos was able to weild such power within the palm of their hands confused TalOS, but it did not matter at the moment as he threw the body to the side and began charging the Xenos.

His hand gripped air however as the creature that was once standing there had disappeared to wherever it had come from.

+By the Machine God what was that thing?+ Asked one of the Potential Princeps as they walked out into the open field, +TalOS, any ideas?+

The Primarch took a moment to look at the body being held by a Mechanrite, then at the several pieces of technology laying about the place.

Whatever those things were, they had powers TalOS had never seen before. And as the Skitarii came out with a foggy eyed woman, well, TalOS knew his work was cut out for him.

Looking over the ruins of the fight TalOS quickly accessed the Noosphere. His mind searching, he found the emergency help line that was meant for situations like this. Upon accessing the channel a great many things started to be recorded.

[green]Welcome to the Emergency Help Hotline

Reading Personnel Data…

Personnel Recognized: TalOS DAV1S

Running GPS tracking…

Location determined: Warehouse 5466

What is your reason for contacting this line?[/green]

TalOS took in a breath to settle his nerves as he broadcasted, +Xenos Infiltration disrupted the area. One Skitarii down, potential informant taken, and corpse of Xenos that I will soon be examining.+

[green] Processing explanation…

Emergency: Xenos Infiltration…

Level 5 Emergency, alerting the High Court of Forge World Lucian of this event. Stand by for extraction and immediate delivery to the High Court.[/green]

TalOS disconnected before looking at the devices that were left behind. Really only two things caught his eye, those being the armor that his charred xenos had on him as well as what looked to be a small dataslate laying on the ground.

He first reached down and picked up the Dataslate, looking over it with a keen eye. It was destroyed, the Machine Spirit more than thoroughly dead thanks to the plasma based attack done by the Xenos. However he was able to identify some of the pieces that proved to be dangerous.

+Oh Machine God, allow this machine within my hands to rest in peace. In return, I shall disassemble it to make way for the next Machine Spirit.+ TalOS declared before his hands quickly started animating and tearing into the remnants.

There were of course motherboards and the holy RAM, but what got his attention the most was a Data Tether placed within it. This little piece of tech was suppose to be reserved for a Dominus grade Tech Priest or the able bodied Skitarii Marshal. Why did Xenos come close to it?

That was the most vital piece of evidence TalOS found, which was quickly stored as he looked towards the corpse of the fallen Xenos. They had not really tested his ability to consume the flesh of other creatures but he knew he could. With that in mind, he took a nice bite out of the cranium.

+By the Machine God what are you doing!?+ Shouted Lockheed before TalOS felt his body start to process the flesh into usable code and data.

The first thing that TalOS knew was the deeply ingrained learnings of the Xenos. They were in fact a psychic creature similar to the Psykers written about within the numerous archives of the Mechanicus. Many of their psykers are trained up to utilize the magics they have access to, their favorite being the application of both science and magic.

With psychic energy the user warms up a ball of air and other materials. With their own minds as a conduit they rapidly raised the temperature within the ball until it reached a point where it became plasma.

While the mystery of their sorcery was learned within a matter of moment, the memories did not stop coming for TalOS. He was quickly given the thoughts of the Xenos' before its demise, and how it was here to infiltrate the homeworld.

The Homeworld, yes, the place where the Xenos originated from. The Forge World of Lucian was stolen by the Xenos whose ancestors were kicked out by the vile aliens. Their metallic bodies shall be of no use against the powers gifted to them by God.

The next moment TalOS saw a massive choir all channeling the psychic powers they hold. In the middle of the Choir was a massive figure of… of…

TalOS felt himself get the greatest headache of all. It was the same one that he remembered from before he ever arrived at the Forge World. A memory that he only started forgetting upon meeting the Titan known as Particeps Semper.

As he opened his eyes he saw numerous Skitarii along with three Tech Priest Domini standing behind them. TalOS stood up and glanced at them with a firmness in the knowledge he had just gleamed, +Has court been prepared.+

+It has, TalOS.+ One of the Domini said while pointing at the fallen body of the Xenos, +FFJ869 grab the Xenos Corpse and take it to the Genetors for examination. Upon my name make sure they arrive at High Court. TalOS, explain why you consumed part of the Xenos Brain.+

+I posses an Irregular Organ that allows data recollections through consuming flesh. Arch Magos R3KT of the Genetors can confirm this.+ TalOS declared while making sure his cloth was not covered in alien guts.

+Researching.+ Another of the Domini said before nodding, +Arch Magos R3KT has confirmed and informed the Council. You are to present your information directly to the Council. Dominus J0LT shall take you there.+

TalOS turned towards the person who had the Sensor ID of J0LT, who had already turned around and started making their way towards an aerial vehicle. TalOS was soon loaded into the machine, to which he quickly noticed his fellow Princeps in training already in their seats.

After a small contingent of Skitarii came into the vehicle the machine started to lift.

Where the High Court was held was the largest Manufactorium in the Forge World. The forges here were linked directly towards the star that forever pulse underneath their feet. Owned by the Artisans, this place focuses on the construction of the Titans that stood tall in defence of the Forge World. It is such a grand operation, that the Fabricator General himself oversees the construction of these grand machines.

Activity around this place was much more active than anything beforehand. It was comparable to the time that TalOS arrived, though things were by far more hectic thanks to the idea of a potential infiltration.

Upon their arrival the Skitarii quickly disembarked and stood at attention. TalOS, who got a chance to link himself to the local Noosphere, was next to disembark as he quickly got the rules and procedures. Thus he directed himself towards the Court Room.

The room was massive, several pieces of Cameras and Vox Receivers sending information to those who could not attend directly. Underneath these were the numerous Tech Priests who had the privilege or luck to attend the event in person. At the highest point of the room were several chairs for those of the High Court itself. TalOS quickly recognized his mentor, Arch Magos ADM1N sitting in one of the seats. It seemed Arch Magos R3KT was missing from his position, but it is likely because he was currently working on the Xenos Corpse.

There was plenty of chatter and calculations upon the Noosphere. TalOS himself skimming over the chatrooms trying to get a good feel for what these Tech Priests thought of the situation, which was clearly concern, fear, paranoia, and the desire to track these creatures down and exterminate them.

This all stopped however as the longest lives of the Tech Priests entered the room, causing everyone to go silent and bow. TalOS himself did the same thing as none would dare place themselves above the Fabricator General himself.

+Protocol 11544.+ Announced the Fabricator General, allowing all to raise their heads, +Today we have learned that Xenos has infiltrated Lucian. Before us today is Tech Acolyte TalOS Davis and his fellow Princep Trainees Lockheed and Martin. These individuals eliminated the Xenos and has since informed us of their presence. On behalf of the Forge World, you three, I thank you.+

TalOS was now in the center of the room along with his fellows as the Fabricator General announced these achievements. Within the Noosphere many of the Tech Priests were giving their thanks or giving the ancient sign of achievement. TalOS stood there astute and calm, ready for the questioning that was to come.

+I have personally reviewed the video data from the event which shall now be distributed to the court.+ Quickly all the Priests saw the footage of TalOS stalking, defeating one Xenos, the other's flight, and his consumption of the Xenos, +I have been informed by Arch Magos R3KT that you can gain Memory Data from the consumption of flesh. I have seen you attempt to do that to the Xenos, thus what data have you gleamed?+

TalOS held himself firm as he spoke, +I have learned they are the Plastoids, a race of bipedal Xenos that consider our Forge World their birthplace. From their tales we kicked their ancestors out long ago before inhabiting the forgeworld ourselves. Now they are trying to take back their homeworld.+

Upon his words there was an immense amount of chatter across the Court, both on the Noosphere and in person. It was up to the Fabricator General to set things right, +I was part of the Explorator Fleet who had rediscovered this world, which we realized belonged to Humanity during our dark age. Of course there were Xenos here before, but I made sure none survived or escaped. These Xenos are just fools thinking themselves grander than they seem. Are they preparing for war?+

+Yes they are, Fabricator General.+ Announced TalOS as he gave a bow, +The Xenos I consumed was here on orders to learn how our Skitarii operate and if they can be turned against us. Here are the remains of that device that had successfully done just that.+

The court was silent as TalOS placed down the numerous pieces of shrapnel and parts, many noticing the transmitter being placed among the items. The anger that the Tech Priests felt was starting to mount as ADM1N broke the silence, +The SDF345 Vox Transmitter should not be within the hands of the Xeno! We have a traitor within our midst!+

And in that moment the entire court began to scream out in calls of binaric chatter. The thought that the Xeno would get a hold of this piece of technology and be using it was by far the worst thing that could have happened. Only another Tech Priest would have been able to do such a thing!

+Protocol 45!+

Everyone quickly stopped as the order quickly stopped them all. The Fabricator General had not moved but his presence was now controlling the entire room, +The potential apostate and traitor within our midst will be examined in full, I hereby vow to the Machine God. Now, TalOS, before you are released I ask you to provide your recommendation to us. As you have seen the mind of the Xenos, your knowledge has eclipsed that all present have. Speak.+

TalOS felt his heart skip a beat, just for a moment, realizing what was placed upon him. A chance to speak an opinion upon the floor of the High Court was something only the Arch Magos of the various disciplines would be allowed to do. For TalOS to have been given the opportunity was something he could not squander.

The Acolyte gave the Fabricator General the Sign of the Cog, +If I am allowed, Fabricator General, I wish to process and then upload my plans to the Noosphere.+

The Tech Priest simply nodded to the request of the Acolyte, which was plenty permission for what TalOS wanted to do.

Quickly his few Machine Spirits woke up, their processes being activated with the distinct desires of their master. Numerous thoughts were recorded and filed away into the sacred files within his novice drive systems.

[green]Record of Files:

Xenos_Advance_

Xenos_Tech_

Secrecy_

Traitor _Likelihood_

Mind_

Preperation_For_

Processing String…

String Processed.

Files Compacted

Suggestions_ sent[/green]

In that very second the entire room was given the packages that TalOS had created. The numerous Tech Priests, both Forge Masters and Magos, took the precious five seconds to process the information provided and place their own spin upon it. Even the Fabricator General himself processed the document that was created within only a few seconds by an Acolyte of the lowest rank.

None in the room could deny its quality. It was obvious that even with these few seconds given the Acolyte knew what they were talking about. Numerous plans for the coming war, mainly in relation to the vulnerability of the populace itself, were taken into consideration immediately.

However…

+Acolyte TalOS,+ ADM1N said as he looked directly at the Primarch, +You are suggesting that you finish consuming the entire Xeno corpse, am I correct?+

+That is correct, Arch Magos.+

The man-machine seemed to grow a few inches taller as if he was preparing for something, +Do you realize the risk you are suggesting!? We all understand based on the Arch Magos R3KT's report that you are capable of such a feat, but what does it mean for your psyche!+

The simple fact that many of the Tech Priests around TalOS were beginning to discuss amongst themselves was plenty to tell TalOS this was the big part.

+Arch Magos ADM1N.+ Arch Dominus J0LT started as he looked toward his fellow, +It is paramount that we recover as much information upon our enemy as possible. If the sacrifice of a single Acolyte is enough to gain a massive advantage within the war then I think we should do it.+

+He is not a simple Acolyte, Arch Dominus, but a potential Princep!+ fired off the leader of the Legio Titanica, +If he is corrupted by the act of subsuming a xenos mind into his own then Particep Semper might never walk again! And what is to say about the heretical nature of the process!+

+If the process is heretical than TalOS should be executed upon this spot!+ Declared the Dominus, +He has already taken a piece of the Xenos mind as his own, thus he is already corrupted!+

There was a somber moment among them as the Dominus pointed that out, the numerous Tech Priests in the Noosphere quickly debating on whether or not TalOS should lose his head. He both should have considered this and should not. Still, he was working up this argument ever since he started building the case for his project, so he might as well…

+Fabricator General, my apologies if I am speaking out of line.+ The Acolyte declared as he processed what exactly he was about to say, +But is my ability, built into my very being, not a gift from the Machine God to our Forge World?+

Those words were enough to get every Tech Priest to think to themselves. The simple fact was that TalOS was in fact an anomaly among the entire Forge World, being the cause of the Crying of Machines only five years ago.

Here he was again, willing to risk his mind for the knowledge that might save their Forge World.

He was correct though, whatever abilities he had were obviously made by the God Machine's will. How else could a body so perfect be made?

+It is a risk worth doing.+ The silence was broken by the Arch Magos of the Genetors, R3kt.

He was of course scheduled to come into the room later after the words of TalOS, however the adept like everyone else was already attached to the Noosphere network. Behind him was a procession of Tech Priests all carrying the fallen body of the Xenos and the chained form of the woman. Both of which were in bad shape.

+Fabricator General, the Xenos found today does not match any we have in records.+ Declared the highest biologist upon the entire Forge World, +Based on the video and research over the corpse, I have confirmed that the Xenos are a natural species of psyker that cannot be underestimated.+

The Fabricator General simply nodded for the Tech Priest to continue.

+While we do not have any other cadavers to compare this one to, I can already determine that this Xenos has heavily interacted with the Warp. It has shown various signs of long term exposure, ranging from useless limbs to a disturbed cellular count. Not only this, but I have found signs that they heavily interact with Plasma, making them the greatest enemy to our war machines.+

There was chatter for a moment after those words. However ADM1N stood up and stared his fellow Magos Down, +Does that not mean my Princep will be harmed?+

+Do not think him as just your Princep, ADM1N.+ The Arch Dominus declared, +If he is Ordained he shall join our ranks, and he shall take possession of Particeps Semper because you could never get him to walk!+

That silence came up again, the words of the Dominus ringing in TalOS's ear. When was something like this decided, how was it!? Who…

It does not matter now.

+If I complete this task, then I have discovered knowledge that benefits the Forge World.+ Declared TalOS, +Fabricator General, I once again apologize for speaking out of line, but can you give me this one action of independence from my Master as I shall become Ordained because of it!+

+My Lord, to add to that.+ Began R3KT as he nodded towards TalOS, +By granting him his Ordainment, it shall become child's play to remove harmful data from his mind without harming his psyche. Will that suit everyone present?+

ADM1N of course was still as ice, trying to figure out something to keep the risk of losing a Princep. There was none however, and instead the Arch Magos simply leaned back into his chair.

+That is a sound plan, Arch Magos R3KT. I hereby give you permission to start the extraction of information through the use of TalOS. Dismissed!+

Within Forge Lucian are numerous places where the Priests of the Machine God would seclude themselves for a time. Normally such events of faith would occur for about a day, while those who had their bodies manipulated beyond repair were able to stay for at most five. However, the deepest tomb where numerous priests took their time in compilation and worship was a singular door barred with the tapestry of the Machine God.

If one were to read these, they would realize first that it was some kind of code. Second thing that would be noticed is that the code was a series of declarations activating the quarantine to keep whatever was inside, inside.

Indeed, just like a computer excluding processes that might lead to malware based attacks, the Tech Priests secluded a person for whatever risk they might bring towards the greater Forge World. This however was not against the person's will, like it would have been a virus. No, instead he was the one who requested he be placed within this isolated chamber so that he may think.

+Universal Law. Mysteries of the Cult Mechanicus. Sixth Law. Understanding is the True Path to Comprehension.+

The room was covered in smoke thanks to the forever burning sticks that laid within a nearby Censer. Within it was a small ball of spices and steel wool, all making the calming scent that allowed one's mind to truly focus.

+Universal Law. Mysteries of the Cult Mechanicus. Seventh Law. Comprehension is the Key to all Things.+

This one did not need to care about food for he had plenty of it. He had forgotten the taste of pure water these days for he drank the small rivers of blood. As for his desire to venture out into the world, well he had enough of the world right before his feet.

+Universal Law. Mysteries of the Cult Mechanicus. Eighth Law. The Machine God knows All, comprehends All.+

It has been a day since he partook in a slice. A taste of what was truly alien. None envied him of this duty and he did not take joy in it. But this had to be done. If he failed now, then what pieces of information that could have saved thousands of lives and his home will be lost.

Thus the Acolyte took a small knife and plunged it into the flesh of a burned Xenos. The flesh, surprisingly, was quite fresh underneath the burned exterior. This helped him somewhat with the taste, but besides that there was no real benefit to this life.

What he held in front of him was the last slither of the xeno's heart. Slowly and methodically just as he had done every other hour, he consumed the flesh.

Quickly he felt his mind be taken over, flashes of memory and thought coming into his mind. He felt the beating of a single heart, instead of the two hearts the Primarch always had. Looking before him he saw a series of starships, small in count but he knew just what each of them was equipped with.

A high powered Void Shield along with short range plasma flag cannons. It was a tanky vehicle that was more than able to survive assault from the front and annighlation from the rear. The reason for this was simple, to deliver the soldiers who would all be loaded for dropping.

That was their aim. They knew they could not win a battle in the void but if they could break through Lucian's defenses then-!

+Universal Law. Warning of the Cult Mechanicus. Ninth Law. The Alien Mechanism is a Perversion of the True Path.+

Once again he had almost lost himself, the overwhelming memories of yesteryear coming into his mind. This xeno had lived for at least five times the lifespan of TalOS himself, thus the creature posed a real risk to his mind.

+Universal Law. Warning of the Cult Mechanicus. Tenth Law. The Soul is the Conscience of Sentience.+

+Universal Law. Warning of the Cult Mechanicus. Eleventh Law. A Soul can be bestowed only by the Machine God.+

Thus be processed it, bit my bit, placing it within his novice storage array and then sending it for analysis. Through the forced partitioning of his mind TalOS was able to keep those from infecting him. This was only possible for the Machine God made his soul, thus he was granted the ability and strength of spirit to do such a thing.

+Universal Law. Warning of the Cult Mechanicus. Twelfth Law. The Soulless Sentience is the Enemy of All.++

Still, he could not forget that this was only possible thanks to the latest modifications he was gifted by Arch Magos R3KT, for this very trial of his faith.

+Universal Law. Warning of the Cult Mechanicus. Thirteenth Law, the Knowledge of the Ancients stands Beyond Question.+

+Universal Law. Warning of the Cult Mechanicus. Fourteenth Law, The Machine Spirit Guards the Knowledge of the Ancient.+

Within TalOS' hand was the last piece of flesh belonging to the monster. He had since experienced every memory of the creature and knew exactly what kind of vile and cruel life he had. With every step he took he was scheming to take down his superiors and underlings. Such paranoia was only good because he knew they were to be true.

It is what their God wanted after all.

+Universal Law. Warning of the Cult Mechanicus. Fifteenth Law. Flesh is Fallible, but Ritual Honors the Machine Spirit.+

It was faullable, for if he did not engage in ritual he would have lost himself to the creature before him. Who knows what is happening outside of his tomb, but TalOS knew that he was contributing to the coming war effort. His adherence to Ritual is saving the lives of his people, their Knowledge, and the Forge World itself.

However before him was the last piece, the organ that R3KT had talked about however many weeks ago. This organ was the one that allowed the Xeno to use their Psychic ability. A vital piece that would inevitably lead to many victories by the Mechanicus, but one that TalOS feared.

He feared what would happen once he knew of their sorceries.

He did not stop himself, not after what felt like forever. With a final bite and a swallow, he was greated by the scene of the Xeno's first casting of warp magic within that damned temple to their gods. He could see if clearly, an amalgamation of tentacles and wings that came together to become a massive statue. Said statue stared back at him just as he stared at it.

"Hello, TalOS." In the first time in his life he heard not binary, no, it was the language of the Xenos that he had learned throughout his ritualistic consumption, "I can see you there, spying upon my people with an eye that looks towards the past. I can see it too, but unlike you I can see forwards too."

TalOS quickly particined his his mind, sending the vile memory to the vault while making it to never be opened lest they be corrupted. However that thing was still there, staring at him with a vicious grin from teeth to beak.

"You cannot run from me that easily, TalOS. Come on, open your eyes to me."

In that moment he knew that the creature was in front of him, a creature whose voice was like silk. He did not dare open his eyes towards the creature, lest he comprehend its terribleness.

"Hmm, I see now! You are spying on them to see what kind of secrets they are hiding. Tell you what, TalOS, I can give you those secrets myself. It will be free of charge too~"

TalOS did not know what to do. His mouth held open but he could not speak. Such knowledge was surely what he needed!

The two of them were locked there for a moment, staring each other down without ever making eye contact. Such was the desire of TalOS, for if he opened his eyes the Primarch would comprehend the creature. To comprehend this thing before him might be the fastest way to his downfall.

Thus he held himself firm, holding his hands in prayer as he tried to speak.

"What's happened? Bird got your tongue?" the creature snickered to itself as it kept its influence over the Primarch.

Why was he so scared? Was it because if he denied this creature that he might lose that little piece of information? Or maybe it was something else. Maybe it was simply the presence of this creature slamming down upon his person.

He. He…

+Universal Law.+

He will not.

+Warnings of the Cult Mechanicus.+

He will not break.

+Sixteenth Law.+

He was protected in the cradle. Protected by Particep Semper. Protected by the Forge World.

+To Break from Ritual is to Break with Faith.+

In that moment the numerous machines around TalOS began to click and activate. Small flashes of light he could not see came blared through his eyelids and into his person. The sounds of what were thought was a long lost Machine Spirit began to activate.

"Tsk, do not think you have gotten away from me this time Child. And if I cannot have you, I am sure to have your brothers."

TalOS felt a moment's Headache as a pressure of what could only be described as Realspace slammed into his being. However that impact sent the Daemon away and left no traces of its presence.

The last thing that TalOS heard was the opening of the nearby door before he fell.

+Brain Waves are still stable Magos.+ Announced a nearby genetor as they looked over the massive form of TalOS.

+Status of the MMI?+ The Arch Magos asked as he collected all the tools and ritual pieces that he needed.

+The Fabricator General has finished Acolyte TalOS's project and rated it for operation.+ One of the Priests answered as they wheeled a cart containing the intricate box covered with prayer seals and binaric runes.

The Arch Magos nodded as he looked at the latest scans, +I require a Greater Seal Breaker. His cranium has been too reinforced for standard toolset.+

There was no need to respond, instead the Assistant Tech Priests quickly ran and grabbed the requested tools. It was a massive machine that held several blades meant for the removal of reinforced alien exoskeletons. However TalOS seemed to have evolved far enough to require such an implementation.

The removal was quick soon after though, the machine quickly removing the top of the skull and allowing access to the brain. After giving the Rites of Ordination the most precious organ was removed and placed into the heavily valued and prepared MMI unit. After attaching the various lines to the brain, and a flip of the switch, it was prepared to be inserted into the chest.

While a lesser Genetor might have been forced to remove the numerous extra organs that TalOS possessed, Arch Magos R3KT was definitely not one of them. While it helped that TalOS had grown considerably during his internment, the skill was still necessary to implant the numerous cathodes and sockets for both being a Tech Priest and a Princep into the same body was only his.

With those done he started with the numerous repairs on the body. Sealed and blessed, R3KT placed his hand upon the chest where both the mind and the hearts sat.

+Oh Blessed Machine God, today we welcome another into your cult. TalOS DAV1S has proven himself to be a worthy servant of your cause, providing the knowledge that shall save Forge World Lucian from the coming invasion. For this knowledge provided, he is Ordained under my authority as the Arch Magos. System Start.+

TalOS had changed, that much was for certain. Before even opening his eyes he realized the numerous changes that were placed about him. The most immediate of them was that his brain was removed, replaced with a processor chip that was several times more efficient in processing sensory data than even his brain.

The next thing he noticed was the numerous circuits and connections made about his body. Each of these were meant for different kinds of components ranging from attaching extra limbs to hooking himself up to a Titan.

Out of all of them, however, the biggest change was where his brain was now located. Removed from the cranium, it was entombed within an Adamantine box at the center of his chest. Impenetrable from even the most heaviest of ordinances, equipped with numerous life support systems, and even of Master Work quality. Well, if TalOS lost his entire body he would still be alive thanks to this box.

However, that was not the only best piece of machinery he was given. All of his implants were of Master Work quality that even surpassed his guardian's.

All of this only meant one thing though.

Such a thought was stopped the moment the earth underneath TalOS's feet began to shake. Taking a moment to look around there was only the stray medical servitor, likely there to make sure that TalOS did not suffer any complications from the surgery and implantation.

Still, the shaking of the earth meant the Xenos were here, likely trying their best to land on the Forge World to make sure they could start releasing their magic upon the inhabitants. Chances are all the Tech Priests who were overlooking the Primarch must have been called to their muster stations and commanding the Skitarii.

TalOS only needed a second to confirm this as he hooked into the Noosphere and started hearing the immense amounts of chatter on the network. Commands were being sent out and preparations were being made for the defence. Many of them were spouting information that TalOS realized he had given them over his time in the deepest chambers.

Through the available information TalOS quickly processed the information, his mind quickly using the several newly installed Cogitator Processors that were stuck with his brain in the box.

First, the Aliens had attempted and failed to take over the Skitarii Cohort, as was according to TalOS's information on how exactly they were able to hack it. They were still able to pierce the defences of the planet, but many of them were relegated to the open fields of unclaimed surface. Still, through stubbornness the Xenos were able to land a few pods inside of the numerous Forge Cities, causing a battle for the defense installations.

Simply put if the Xenos succeeded in taking these installations they would be able to walk straight into the cities. Yes the Legions of Skitarii will fight them off, but it would be at immense damage to the installation.

There was word that some of the Titans have started to walk, but no reports on if anyone attempted to awaken Particep Semper.

First things first he needed to hook himself up into the network, so with a few quick commands he was within the Battle Response System:

[green]TalOS: I have just awoken and already understand where the attacks are. Going to approach the Titan Hanger to awaken Particep Semper. Where should I go to avoid combat?

Skitarii Alpha AFE746: Understood. Sending Battlemap to TalOS

Arch Dominus J0LT: Good to see you awake, TalOS. The Titan Hanger is under heavy Assault, but I will route a Skitarii Escort.

TalOS: Thank you Arch Dominus, I have already routed by path thanks to AFE746's map. Is this map up to date?

Arch Dominus J0LT: It is not, updates are occuring every 2.48 Seconds through Skitarii Upload. I am linking you to the core server directly, we need to have Particep Semper Walk.

TalOS: Understood, is there by chance Titan Equivalents on the battlefield?

Arch Dominus J0LT: Currently unknown. However mass warp-based disruption is being detected five clicks out. 78% chance they are preparing to teleport heavy ordnance.

TalOS: Thank you Arch Dominus. Particep Semper will Walk. [/green]

With the communicae done TalOS quickly looked around the room and started grabbing arms for the battle. While he did not have any time to equip himself with some augmetics he was able to identify and acquire a variety of things.

First things first, of course, was getting himself a refractor field. Such a machine was sure to defend him against a majority of single shot attacks by the Xenos. This was followed by a Heavy Stubber and lastly an Omnissian Axe.

As the Primarch felt the axe slip into his hands he tested it out for a moment. It felt really good in his hands and the balance was great. He probably should not have it within his hands, but the Primarch was about to prove that he indeed deserved the weapon.

Before anything else however he needed to activate the axe. Getting down upon his knees he began to chant, +Great Machine Spirit, so venerated are you. Shall you serve me in this battle?+ And with that he flipped the switch.

There was a soft buzzing for a moment before the weapon came to life. TalOS could feel the power rubbing against his still fleshy skin. With a spin the Tech Priest made sure he knew the weight of the weapon, holstered his weapon, and then went off.

The first thing the Primarch noticed while coming out into the open battlefield was a pair of Xenos making their way through the streets. He dare not allow the Alien to plague his holy forge-city for long, so with a swiftness he ran up to them and struck one of them with the blade of the Omnissian Axe.

Flesh was torn from the blade as the weapon cared little for their external shielding. No, none of the advance shielding the Xenos possessed was enough