Chapter 1: Incursion
In the void of real space a flash of green light bright enough to be like a sun illuminated the nearby star system. Then, just as quickly as it came, the light dissipated and all that was left were three vessels. Their forms suffering from the wear and tear of their journey with great rents in their hulls, the lights that illuminated them flickering. The Teqyt, flanked by the two escort ships its phase shift had brought, listed in the void as it traveled through its new surroundings. Within the reactor chamber, Necron lord Veronakh got to his feet his body still recovering from his previous battle. His once pristine metallic necrodermis shell was now pot marked with melted features and corroding edges, as if he had been hit with acid. He quickly took stock of his surroundings, the shift had jarred his sensors and he was still suffering some disorientation. He saw what remained of his guard around him, also rising from the chamber floor. Once numbering a dozen now only a quarter remained. His warriors and immortals were also reduced in numbers, less than a hundred were now active. Some had been severed into pieces trying to put themselves back together. Others were melted ruins of corrosion that would need more elaborate repair or complete replacement. Veronakh then looked to the reactor, while it was somewhat intact it had sustained corrosive damage along its pyramid base. The shift itself had also taken a toll on it and the thrum of the reactor was low, its light greatly diminished. In spite of all this though, they endured as all Necrontyr did.
Veronakh then began running diagnostics upon his communications link and attempted to get in contact with Du'Maat, "Cryptek, it would seem your gamble was successful." At first the only response was a garbled static mess that could barely be registered as words. Eventually, as the signal bands were brought into concordance, the words of Cryptek Du'Maat became legible. "Forgive my tardy reply vymark, the charged particles within and without our vessel are still in flux from the shift. It would appear we are stabilizing, though I am afraid the reactor's power output has been greatly reduced."
"What happened? Are we in real space?" asked Veronakh, hoping to be done with the Empyrean and its denizens. Du'Maat's reply was thankfully what he asked for.
"Indeed vymark, though I cannot say where in the galaxy we are. Our sensors have become limited due to reduced power output. Though based upon visual observation, there appears to be a discrepency in the alignment and number of observable stars. As more systems come online I will continue my analysis." Veronakh's thoughts turned to his ship's status. The sooner it could be repaired the more quickly he could regroup with others of his dynasty.
"Do you have an estimate on repairs?" Veronakh asked.
"Inconclusive due to lack of data, though our ship's necrodermis will certainly recover within a few days. The internal systems of our vessel however require more delicate attention, increasing the delay of repairs. All this depends on whether we can find suitable raw materials or perhaps a repair platform that can be useful to our needs." Not unexpected but still disappointing thought the Necron lord. Still, the situation was what it was, no sense in dawdling about.
"Very well Du'Maat, keep me informed of your progress. I will return to my throne room to decide our next move." said Veronakh as he motioned his guard to follow him.
"As you will vymark." Du'Maat then cut the connection and returned to his work.
Veronakh proceeded with what remained of his guard back to the hall that lead up to his throne room. As he proceeded through the dimly lit halls he saw the bodies of destroyed Necrons being gathered by scarabs to be reassembled elsewhere. Hallways and doors etched with the symbols of the the Solvatakh dynasty were marred with slash marks and scalding. The only evidence that remained from the previous battle with the formless horrors of the warp. Eventually Veronakh and his retinue returned to the hall where he had left some Lychguard to cover his push to the reactor chamber. Their ruined forms were sprawled in pieces on the floor, already being examined by whirring scarabs. Forbytr, the head of Veronakh's guard stepped ahead of the group and looked upon the ruined forms of his fellows. A metallic rasp that sounded almost like a sigh emitted from him.
"They fought and fell with honour my liege. A fitting end if such a thing were possible for us." said Forbytr, lamenting not having fought with them. His voice was deeper then most Necrons. Then again most Necrons cannot speak, their mental faculties having been reduced by the biotransference and the constant reforming from battles. Forbytr was one of the few Lychguard who bothered to speak and usually only to his lord. Veronakh moved past his guard and spoke, "Worry not my old friend they shall rise again, for we have ascended beyond death."
"Yet with each death a piece of us is lost, there is no victory without a price." replied the leader of the Lychguard, still gazing upon the fallen.
"A small price Forbytr, for the sake of greater glory. Come, leave the scarabs to their work." Veronakh then returned back to the center of the formation.
Forbytr fell back, reforming with the other guards and continued with his lord down the hall as the scarabs began assembling the pieces of the fallen. Upon entering the throne room Veronakh found another Necron waiting for him. One that the nobility of the Necrontyr treated with respect. A Triarch Praetorian, his skeletal rib cage and pauldrons colored in gold, stood at attention with a Rod of the Covenant in his hand. He was standing before the assembled group and looked specifically at Veronakh. Veronakh thought to himself, how had he come here? Last Veronakh was aware, the Praetorians were advising Kazarakh aboard his ship the N'tr'Doma and it was now ash. The praetorian then broke his silence, his metallic voice powerful and commanding echoing throughout the chamber, "Veronakh...Lord of Solvatakh, step forward."
Veronakh moved ahead of his guards to stand before the enforcer of Necrontyr law. These mighty Necrons represented the Triarch, the council of powerful Phaerons long ago. The leader of the Triarch was known as the Silent King and though the king had left the galaxy, the enforcers of his laws had remained amidst the Necron dynasties. They ensured that the Phaerons and Lords of the Necrontyr followed the codes and laws of the Triarch or face the consequences.
"I thought you were lost aboard the N'tr'Doma mighty Praetorian...how did you come here?" said Veronakh, making sure to observe proper etiquette while speaking.
"A bid of desperation by the will of Kazarakh. My brethren it seems were not as fortunate as I." replied the Praetorian, the light from his green eyes shifting to form into slits as he scrutinized Veronakh. After a tense few seconds, the Praetorian shifted back to his normal gaze and announced, "Indeed I was aboard the N'tr'Doma. I was phased here to ensure that should any Necron lord survive, that the laws of the Necrontyr would be upheld. Lord Veronakh, Phaeron Kazarakh is no more, for I witnessed his final moments. He fell in battle against the formless horror and shall be remembered for his sacrifice. There is no signal from any other noble of the Solvatakh dynasty in the vicinity. Therefore, should any higher ranking lord not show themselves within several days time, you will be crowned Phaeron. In accordance with the laws of Solvatakh, do I Praetorian Kor'Pharas decree."
The voice of Du'Maat chattered in Veronakh's mind over his internal comm, "Quite an honour vymark. It seems that fortune continues to favor you."
"This was not how I wanted to be given this honour. If I could choose I would rather be given it in recognition of my talents, not by fortune." grumbled Veronakh internally into his comm unit. Inheriting the title his liege bore in such a way did not sit well with him. Especially since he had not proven to be even worthy of it. It seemed Du'Maat did not see it that way.
"Fortune coincides often with skill vymark. Sometimes more the former than the latter, one would not shirk such an honour from a Praetorian."
Veronakh took a step forward and knelt before Kor'Pharas, "Praetorian of the Triarch, I Lord Veronakh accept your judgement."
"Rise Veronakh." replied the Praetorian and Veronakh did so before the Praetorian continued, "Thus is my judgement rendered and I offer my services to you should you require counsel."
"I am grateful Praetorian Kor'Pharas for your services and I accept them. Take your place among my retinue and let us take stock of our current circumstance." Veronakh switched over to his internal comm as he strode past Kor'Pharas to sit on his throne. His Lychguard followed assuming their standard formation around the steps up to the throne. Kor'Pharas moved beside the Lychguard, his imposing stature stood a foot above them as he looked out to the display in the center of the chamber. As Veronakh sat upon his throne, a holographic display appeared over a pedestal in the center of the room. The images flickered and presented errors, showing that systems were still not fully functional. Du'Maat chimed in over the comms once more, "Apologies vymark, I am still diagnosing errors within our system." The display changed to a diagram of the Teqyt, the holographic ship at first showing external damage. Then it changed to reveal an x-ray diagram of the vessel indicating internal damage. Du'Maat continued to explain, "As I said previously, our vessel's superstructure isn't much of a concern. However our reactor is significantly damaged and can only operate safely at minimal power. The phase shifter was destroyed due to the event within the Empyrean."
"What do you mean "event"? I assume this was when you attempted the phase shift." Veronakh replied as he leaned back into his throne.
"Yes, when the field that the pylon generated was disengaged, the Empyrean attempted to once more ensnare our vessel. The energies from the Empyrean seemed to focus its efforts at assaulting the phase shifter here." Du'Maat then set the holographic diagram to zoom in on the aft section, showcasing great gashes in the hull leading to the phase shifter. Veronakh was surprised at how much damage that the tendrils had caused and that somehow the energy knew where to hit them. Veronakh brought his metal hand to his cheek and a disgruntled metallic sound emitted from him. This was going to be more difficult than he thought if he couldn't phase jump back to one of the tomb worlds to make repairs. Du'Maat continued his explanation, "It seems the tendrils of the Empyrean attempted to overload the phase shifter. Though they succeeded, they failed in their task to see us disintegrated."
"Indeed, but where are we Du'Maat? I grow tired of more questions than answers, I need sensors not speculation." Veronakh said, shifting in his seat as he began to grow annoyed. Du'Maat sensed his lord's displeasure, "Of course, diverting power towards sensors now, though there may still be errors."
"I care not, just do it." said Veronakh, his impatience becoming more apparent.
The holographic display zoomed out and showed the Teqyt as well as the two escort vessels. They were identified as the Shuvat and the Serap, Jackal class ships and they were spiraling away from the Teqyt. Based on the lack of response from them, it seemed that the crew had been rendered inoperative. As the display kept zooming out, the full picture started to become clear, although as more information was gathered errors appeared due to lack of power. What data was there, showed they were in the middle of a star system of average classification with five orbiting planets. Two of those planets were gas giants; one at the outer edge and another more towards the interior, each with rings. The inner part of the system had two terrestrial worlds. The planet closest to their location was a barren rock, with a greenhouse atmosphere. The other was a more temperate world capable of sustaining life. A more detailed analysis however required more power. Veronakh began to contemplate as he brought his skeletal hand to his gaunt chin. He looked to the escort ships, their crescent shapes spinning in the void like tops.
"Du'Maat, can the escort vessels near us be salvaged?"
"Yes, while their crews were more than likely destroyed, it seems the Empyreal ones didn't bother to continue with the destruction of the vessels. Their internal systems are mostly intact, shall I board one to take command?" replied Du'Maat, already in step with his lord's thinking.
"Do so, is there enough power to tether the other escort to the Teqyt? " asked Veronakh.
"Sensors will need to be disabled but yes power can be re-routed to the docking tethers." replied Du'Maat. Good, the escorts will prove useful to make up for the Teqyt's failings at the moment, Veronakh thought. He shifted in his seat to a focused position and his command matrix sent a pulse to the main drive thrusters. The Teqyt began to orient itself toward the temperate planet as the engines began to glow a slightly brighter green.
"I shall set a course towards the temperate planet in the system. It seems the logical choice to search for raw material. However, it will take a few hours at minimal power. Du'Maat, scout ahead of us and find us a site for landing."
" As you will vymark, re-routing power from sensors to tether system" A green ribbon of energy reached out from the Teqyt and ensnared the Serap, bringing it along with the larger vessel.
"Now commencing phase shift to escort." said Du'Maat as he transported to the Shuvat. A green flash of light came and went as Du'Maat found himself in a darkened throne chamber. Scattering out from his feet were swarms of scarab drones that spread out and began their repairs. He stepped forward towards the pedestal in the center of the chamber than placed his staff into it. It locked into place as he brought up another holographic display in front him. With a few inputs, a surge of energy came from his staff and flowed into the pedestal. Green light from the staff then began to flow into the chamber and reactivate lighting in the room. The sudden surge of power spread throughout the vessel as its systems were reinitialized. From outside, the ship was re-orienting itself from spinning in the void as retro thrusters engaged and brought it back to normal orientation. Throughout the ship the automated units of scarabs began to emerge and commence repair protocols on the crew's remains. Du'Maat retrieved his staff from the pedestal as the holograpic display from it came on. He looked at another holo window near his green cyclopean eye before announcing to Veronakh, "Beginning phase jump."
A green flash of excited particles and energy enveloped the Shuvat and it disappeared. Over the temperate planet within the unknown star system, the Shuvat reappeared with a flash of green going at full speed. As it moved into orbit, Du'Maat detected a sensor ping. Reacting quickly he put the ship to silent running and set the necrodermis to absorb anymore incoming sweeps. Du'Maat was slightly flustered over the fact that he had not thought to engage it sooner before moving into orbital range. Perhaps it was an effect of the transition from the Empyrean lingering in his matrix. With any luck whoever was watching will think it was merely a malfunction or stray asteroid. However, the ping did draw his eye to the location of where the sweep originated.
The display in the throne chamber revealed what appeared to be some kind of colony. Its structures resembled something similar to what he was shown when he visited other Necron dynasties some time ago. A race called the Tau, who had a small empire in the galactic east. Upon closer examination though there was no Tau iconography, merely sleek white structures that look recently established. They were large enough for organics to live comfortably as well, meaning it was likely a residential sector. To the west of those lay what appeared to be a larger facility. It had a blue roof with the same sleek design as the residential area. Du'Maat then noticed what appeared to be activity coming from it, trucks were moving freight to and from the building. Another analysis from the ship's sensors revealed the cargo to be ores and minerals of various amounts. Another sweep for organic signatures and one hundred signals came back. Mostly human in origin, with several unidentified species.
Curious Du'Maat thought to himself. According to what he knew of the Imperium of Man, cooperation with aliens was abhorrent to the xenophobic humans. Yet before him they seemed to be operating just fine with what appeared to be an amphibian biped and another blue alien female with a cartilage based crest on her head. They were within a small building south of the large facility that Du'Maat had seen. With an internal view of the structure showing their silhouettes, he noted them operating what appeared to be communications and sensor equipment. As advanced as it was, compared to the Necrontyr, it was primitive. It only sent sensor sweeps that detected and measured the mass of objects up to a limited range. Du'Maat opened communication to Veronakh to report his findings, "Vymark, my scans reveal what appears to be a human colony on the surface."
"Were you detected? How significant is the Imperial presence?" asked Veronakh, apprehensive of yet another naval battle with his beleaguered force. Thankfully Du'Maat eased his master's concerns.
"The structures on the planet surface and the population do no match known records of Imperial worlds vymark. I cross-referenced my findings and the closest analogue would be the Tau Empire. However, no Tau signatures or iconography have been sighted. This suggests to me that this colony is possibly of an entirely new faction. It also seems to have a processing facility for mining, though the scale of the operation is meager at best." Veronakh was thankful he wouldn't have to deal with another pitched battle so far from home. Yet the information of a new faction was curious, he was more concerned for any strategic data on the site.
"Hmmm, any defense forces or a station that we can capture to quicken internal repairs?"
"I'm afraid not vymark, though I am detecting automated defense turrets and mechanical bipeds patrolling the grounds. Their weaponry appears primitive compared to our own. Should we wish, I anticipate we could capture the colony with minimal force." replied Du'Maat. Indeed, even a small Necron ground force would be more than a match for the lesser races. Especially those of a new faction with such meager holdings. It wouldn't be much, but it would be a start, especially for intelligence gathering. Veronakh replied to Du'Maat,
"Not exactly a glorious conquest, but a necessary one. If these fleshlings have already prospected this world and felt the need to commence mining operations, than we have our raw material. The intelligence we can gather from the population also presents a strategic target. I will ready the monoliths and warriors for landing, you will identify primary targets for capture within their population."
"What of the aliens among them vymark? These species are new and I believe it would be beneficial to mark them for study." replied Du'Maat with a slight edge of anticipation in his request.
"There are aliens with them? If you feel they are worth the trouble to capture you may do so. Consider it payment for your continued service and loyalty." Veronakh said, knowing Du'Maat would enjoy seeing how the aliens function. If Du'Maat could learn something from the creatures, why not? Let him indulge in his eccentricity.
"Most gracious vymark, I thank you for your continued patronage. I am already setting the stage for our attack within their computer systems. Once you arrive I shall put it into motion." Du'Maat replied, the satisfaction of his master's approval to his request evident, at least by Necron standards.
"Good, there will be much to do...very soon. This is the beginning of a new era for our dynasty Du'Maat, and these mortals will be the first to witness it." Veronakh now was also for the first time in ages feeling a slight stirring of anticipation. The galaxy would bend the knee to the Necrontyr once again!
"Huh, that's odd." said Laura as she manned her station at communications. It had been another slow day for the Asari, until a ping came back with an object. Before she could ping it again to get more data it disappeared. She furrowed her brow, annoyed at her console, "Ugh, this stupid thing is giving me false positives again. Hey Veldin, you need to take another look at this."
Veldin stepped into the room of consoles and screens with an annoyed look on his face. He was Salarian and had a red skin tone with white stripe patterns on his skin. He was the head tech specialist on the colony and he had already been working hard all week getting the colony ready for inspection. Now he has to put up with one of the biggest pains in his ass, a cheap communications and sensor suite setup. Management apparently figured having the best security credits can buy means you can afford to have a cheap communications center.
"Again? For crying out loud Laura I just came here to get something from the machine, I've been at it all day down at processing." Veldin said as he sipped again on his fruit drink. Laura however, wasn't going to let it go.
"Hey, its not my fault Jerry got us equipment that only works half the time. I just got another false positive, no data." she said, pointing at the console. Specifically at said false positive in the feed. Veldin, feeling the pressure if she talked to management about it finally caved.
"Ugh fine, look I'll take another peak at the software in fifteen minutes okay? I really need a break right now." Laura gave a slight smile, satisfied at getting her way. She'd let him finish his break, "Sure, do your thing. Oh! Can you get me something too while you're back there?"
"No, I think I'm at my limit at giving favors. If you want something to snack on, do it on break." replied Veldin as he left the room. A disgruntled noise from Laura followed behind him as he moved into the nearby break area. As Veldin left, another of the facility staff came in. His fatigues and armor marked him out as part of the security detail, one that Laura knew quite well.
"Hey beautiful." said the man as he came by her console.
"Well hello there handsome, I'm on shift right now. But I certainly wouldn't mind a little company." said the Asari as she beamed a smile and flirtatious eyes before looking back to her console to watch the data feeds.
"Ah, another slow day again Laura?" asked the security guard, as he strolled over closer to her to look at the feeds as well.
"That and our equipment is being stupid again. Another false positive, that's the fifth one this week." Laura replied pointing at the false positive in the data feed. "This old comm tech Jerry got is old as shit and it sure as hell isn't getting any better even with Veldin giving it TLC." The guard gave an emphatic sigh before continuing his line of questioning.
"You still talking to Jerry about getting a better suite for communications?"
"Oh yeah, I tried telling him it would look good for the inspection, but no. According to him, we got enough security to take on any pirate group that tries to mess with us. Even if we can't see them coming we'll be fine, he says. Ugh, yeah maybe if it were pirates who were retards but what about asteroids or pirates that actually aren't idiots? Hell we could have an armada coming at us and we wouldn't even know it until it was too late. Goddess, Jerry's cheap ass is going to get people killed."
"Well to be fair, he probably can't afford it. Least not until we start making a profit around here. Jerry's just thinking we can get by with what we got till then."
"Look, I get that. From his perspective that makes sense, but down here in communications its a pain in the ass and I'm not the only one saying it." The asari sighed before continuing, "So where is our fearless administrator now?"
"He's down in processing, double checking Veldin's work I guess. No doubt he'll claim its all due to his "managerial skills" in order to make himself look good when the VIP arrives." The guard scratched the back of his head before deciding to change the subject. "You heard about the investor that's coming to check things out? He's the biggest one from what I hear, a guy named Matthew Varkin."
"Can't say I have, though I don't usually keep up to date with that sort of stuff." replied Laura, as she laid back in her seat, already bored of staring at the screen.
"I hear he doesn't like all the red tape the council puts on trade goods, says the council interferes too much with trade. Tariffs can be a pain in the ass for business, especially with stuff coming out of places the council don't like. Wouldn't be surprised if Varkin was into even more shady shit considering he's doing all this just to get around that." The guard seemed to Laura too nosy about things above his pay grade, she had her own opinion on such things and that was to keep her to own business.
"That is why I just want to do my job and not ask too many questions."
"Eh, not a bad philosophy. Especially since...well...these are the terminus systems. We're pretty lucky that this system is rather remote. Far off the beaten path of the closest relay with a whole planet that we can exploit. Not a bad setup and its got some natural beauty on top of it." Well duh, Laura thought. It wasn't bad, they were all getting good money, but its still dangerous. A lot of people tend to disappear in the Terminus and the last thing she would want is her family never knowing what happened to her. Laura's thoughts drifted to other more enjoyable things, as she asked, "Hmph, so...where on this naturally beautiful planet should we go next weekend?"
"Found a nice spot on patrol the other day with some of the guys, I figure next time we get some R & R we could spend some...quality time together." he said with a smirk on his face.
"Mmmm, sounds nice. What should I bring?" Said Laura flirtatiously.
"Well, for starters you could bring that nice lookin-" Before he could finish his sentence another guard, a human of Asian ethnicity came into the room. He didn't look happy to find his friend in here.
"Darrel! What the fuck man, you said you were just going to get a drink from the machine not chat it up with Laura. You're both still on shift!" said the new arrival, "slightly" exasperated.
"Ah, Tanaka I'm sorry I just can't help it when its Laura at comms." said Darrel, though it was obvious he had done this many times before given the smile on his face.
"Well keep it in your pants right now. If Jerry finds out you two have been shacking it up you could lose your jobs here." replied Tanaka emphasizing his point but jabbing his index finger into Darrel's chest armor. Darrel backed up and crossed his arms not appreciating the treatment he was getting.
"Jesus Tanaka, I get it. You always got to be a buzz kill every time we're on duty?"
"Look, I've been helping you keep this under wraps only because I like Laura and you're my friend okay? But today is inspection and that means shit is going to fly if people are not on task, alright?" replied Tanaka. Finally starting to feel a little guilt for stepping over the line with his friend Darrel decided it wasn't worth keeping the argument going.
"Ugh, fine. Sorry Laura, we'll talk about it later okay?"
"Sure thing Darrel, hey send me some pictures of the spot and I'll text you later!" Laura said as she beamed him another smile.
"You got it babe! Love ya!" said Darrel as he winked at his asari girlfriend.
"Love ya too!" she replied as he left the comm center.
Darrel and Tanaka left the building with their snacks in hand, but Tanaka took his friend aside with a serious look on his face, " You can't keep doing this man." Darrel had hoped to be done with this conversation but he decided to just tell it like he saw it.
"Oh please, I bet Jerry already knows and probably doesn't care. I'm sure he's likely doing something with that girl Ashley from the survey team. He hangs around her all the time." Tanaka in response gave Darrel a confused look before replying,
"What? No...dude, Jerry is gay. He sees Ashley a lot because she is the head of the survey team and he needs her opinion on future sites around here." Now it was Darrel's turn to be confused. Jerry tended to be a bit of an optimist sure but he seemed like any other guy at first glance.
"Really?...He didn't seem the type to me." Darrel said.
"Not every gay guy is flamboyantly effeminate dude. Besides, what you and Laura are doing is against company policy and Jerry is a stickler for that. Keep this up and eventually he is going to catch on that you two are getting distracted by each other." said Tanaka.
"Sigh, okay so maybe I have been a little bit distracted by her. But seriously man, there is nothing to do around here. Join a security firm and see the stars! Well here we are, with nothing to do but just go on patrols with hardly any action. But hey, may as well enjoy a little risky behavior with a gal I like. We got to wait here another four months before personnel rotation anyway. Besides, Laura is great and if things keep going right with her then...then when I leave I want her to come with me." Darrel looked his friend straight in the eyes. He was serious about this, something which took Tanaka a little off guard. Darrel was usually the kind of guy that tended to not stick long with a relationship. Hearing him wanting to go long term and with an Asari no less surprised Tanaka.
"Whoa, Darrel that's...that is a big step man. You really think she's the one for you?"
"I think so, I mean I haven't asked her yet to move in with me but I think that's the next step."
Tanaka looked at his friend and saw the sincerity on his friend's face. Seeing that made him soften his stance a little bit. All Tanaka could do was sigh and say, "Well...if that's how you feel man then okay, I'll keep covering for you guys a little bit longer but nothing too over the top okay. I'm not that creative when it comes to excuses."
Darrel smiled at his friend and nodded, "Thanks man, I owe you for this."
"Ah, be careful saying that. I might come back to cash in on that debt at some point." smiled Tanaka, causing Darrel to return it.
"Hey, you'll have earned it. Besides I'll be setup pretty nicely after this job."
"Yeah, you and me both. Anyway lets get back to our shift, Roland's probably wondering where we are." replied Tanaka as he led the way to rejoin the patrol.