Chapter 13: Settlement Process
"Under orders decreed from the honorable Lord-Captain, our scouting detail has been successfully deployed near the continent's vast desert, along with admech cohorts, to research their findings among Sargon's region. Temporary designation: Outpost Twelve-Zeta-B. The area further south is inhospitable, as scorching heat rays have given scout servitors burns similar to a flamer's heat. Any further travel will be conducted via transportation. A second detail has been established in the northern zone, designation: Outpost Icewake. Guardsmen have reported 'feeling right at home' in the region." –RX-777's voxlog report to TE-61
"Keep it moving!" shouted a tech-priest, commanding a small contingent of servitors to continue transferring building materials from the cargo trucks. They were unimpeded by the arid environment, continuing in their effort as guardsmen patrolled the landscape. A nearby sentinel stomped close by, using its powerlifter to carry a load of steel beams.
Faust walked past their efforts, his hand resting on the pommel of his blade. This place was looking more lively by the day, and was just outside Hangar Bay Three. Unlike the previous F.O.B., Indominus, which had Originium being carefully mined for extraction and recovery of equipment. This outpost would soon be turned into a proper major base of operations and since it was within the void shield's protection, Catastrophes would not bring it into any ruin, giving it the opportunity to truly expand its future facilities.
As it was, the plan for this location was to become an easily defendable entrance to the guts of the Clad in Ire, doubling as the main gate for Imperial infantry as a sort of fortress. It would be incredibly effective at keeping guardsmen at ease and in an easily accessible location, allowing for quick mobilization and a lookout position in case the Auger Array failed. But that was a future endeavor.
Faust was by himself this time, allowing his retinue to explore the outside surroundings at their own pace after disembarking from Lucky 12. Faust also needed to be alone, mostly to have a private talk with the Colonel as soon as possible.
Faust glanced at a Bastion, which was almost completed in its construction save for the actual weapon emplacements. By its side was a stocky Tarantula turret, armed and ready as it slowly turned side to side to scan its surroundings.
The Lord-Captain continued onward towards the center of the base, which already had a Command Center—a large bunker-like structure with a tower protruding from its rear. It was the same hue as the 106th's armor pattern, likely painted on after the ferrocrete had settled. It had a flat top with a vox array sticking out. The tower rose upwards, a lascannon turret on standby at the very top. The insignia of the imperial aquila was plastered at each face of the boxy tower, and the structure's entrance was shut tight by its hydraulic double-doors. Guarding the doors were two huge statues made in the image of guardsmen, with the real deal standing at attention at their foundations. It was very… Astra Militarum looking. It would likely withstand hundreds of years without ever deteriorating, maintaining its militaristic look easily.
Aligned around the Command Center was a row of ferrocrete walls that Faust had moved past, embrasures holed into them to let anyone shoot outwards. All in all, the Lord-Captain was pleased with how this had developed, and was already moving inside the Command Center.
The hiss of the doors welcomed him as he walked inside the complex. Walls lit up by golden lights that hummed with a buzz, producing a well-lit interior. He turned a corner into a room, finding Colonel Reginald, two tech-priests, and some of his high-ranking officers in the middle of a conversation around a holo-table.
"Hmph, how are our plasma generators?" Reginald asked, scratching his beard.
The red-robed tech-priest leaned forward, his face completely devoid of flesh and replaced with a mask and three green, glowing ocular lenses. "Not complete, Colonel. Requires more hours for finalization. Two at most for third creation. Additional three for each one after."
"And what of the newly made sentinels?"
The other tech-priest in her purple robes whirred, her hand completely silver—almost as if her arm was spray-painted to look metallic. "They have received the required blessings and are currently being directly transferred from the manufactorum. Expected wait time is ten hours."
"Ten hours? That's awfully long compared to where we are," one of Reginald's Company Commanders responded. His helmet had a plume arranged in a way to be sticking out, almost crown-like, but his visor was worn and mask adorned, obstructing his facial features. "Shouldn't it be shorter? The hangar is just a long walk away."
"Established routes are currently inefficient; prioritization was created with intent of establishing a transferable method, not an efficient one, under the need of a logistical route. It was not a preferred method, but it was the strongest choice available at that period. Previous loss of F.O.B Indominus has caused further inefficiency due to loss of transportation and construction vehicles. Notice: lanes for proper logistics are already in construction under Sub-Artisan Quellis."
Reginald grumbled softly, his brow furrowing until he spotted Faust. "Lord-Captain, we weren't expecting you here. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
The other subordinates all looked towards the Rogue Trader before giving their respective acknowledgments.
Faust walked up to the holo-table, displaying the current map around the base. "I was simply checking in. I suppose you're not so happy with the loss of our previous base of operations, but this one seems to be doing quite well directly under your command. Unlike the last one."
"Most of my men are unfit for logistical measures, and the few that weren't were injured in the crash or dealing with the ilk aboard the ship. Major Albus did what he had to, and I still don't agree with your… action of assigning him to manage the patrols in the lower half of the Clad in Ire. His skills could be used elsewhere."
Faust scoffed, "He should've thought of that before giving me a Tauros Venator as an escort and letting gangers 'acquire' a chimera. He is lucky I don't assign him to an expedition at the frontline."
Reginald sighed. "Very well, Lord-Captain. I assume that is not the sole reason for your presence?"
"You'd be correct in that observation. I wanted a tour of the important sites we've already established around the area, along with the locations of future ones."
"...Understood." Reginald looked around the table, nodding his head. "Meeting dismissed, men."
Colonel Reginalds' high-ranking officers and personal tech-priests filed out of the room one by one, leaving the two of them alone. The Colonel straightened his flak-jacket for a modicum of presentability, before walking to Faust's side.
"Shall we?" Faust asked.
"Yes, Lord-Captain."
The hours were spent on meandering around the parameters of the void ship, with the first few being spent on the exact plans Colonel Reginald had requested for the base. The fort would be dubbed Enduring Vigil, for when it had finished its most basic requirements.
Colonel Reginald had a different mindset compared to Faust, and while the bare foundations of what to have were laid out by the Lord-Captain, the Colonel expanded on them much further. Reginald's personal plan was to create a vehicle maintenance bay outside the ship, as well as an eventual checkpoint for skitarii returning from expeditions, thus creating a combined arms fortification.
This was the standard protocol—if a bit changed per world—for eventual colony sites except that this time, they wouldn't be giving it to House Decimbrus' forces to maintain and guard. Rather, this was going to be in both Faust's and Reginald's hands. While the prospect wasn't a daunting task, it was a mix up to the usual plan.
Afterwards, other facilities were being created. For starters, the previous F.O.B. had been turned into a dual research and resource extraction facility, given exclusively to the data-hungry tech-priests. Already, servitors were being used to mine the crystalline growths for their masters, while the tech-priests sat on the sidelines, with their scanners and machines whirring in action as they experimented.
Neither the Lord-Captain nor the Colonel approached that area, already wary of what Originium could do to normal humans. The admech cohorts were fine as they were, already too machine and used to dealing with radioactive substances to truly be affected—some skitarii radium weaponry being the first thing that comes to mind. And if they were, the destroyed tissue would likely be replaced with another augmentation.
The next site would be a manufactorum directly in one of the cargo bays that had broken off in the crash. The original bay still sat within the massive crater, but further out from the voidship on the opposite side. It was lightly buffeted by Originium, but a full cohort of servitors wouldn't be necessary for successfully extracting the ore. It would likely take a single week to reclaim the bay, and then convert it into another manufactorum similar to the one aboard.
Defending it would be a slight issue, so defensible emplacements would take priority, including one of the more mobile void shield generators that could be created. Obtaining the blueprints for the creation of smaller, compact void shield generators was a costly undertaking, but it proved to be one of Faust's most valuable investments. The usage of it, even if it heavily ate their resource to create a single one, was quite useful in fortifying settlements. But as long as wealth flowed from House Decimbrus' coffers, there would be no need to worry about the investment.
Unfortunately, with resource acquiring being cut off, such a task would be a rare creation and only used for easily defensible areas of operation, lest the enemies of House Decimbrus overtake one for themselves. At least they had two already within an intact vault—with the third in a lost vault across the planet.
It was also quite a shame Faust did not have the foresight to see the disaster that was the Catastrophe, but now he knew what to expect. Temporarily, anyway. Until the Clad in Ire's void shield generators were repaired to full efficiency and maximized output to cover the entire crater, they'd make do with the miniature void shields.
Finally, the last facility would be a mining center over a large unidentified vein the auger array had detected in the trail of destruction, soon to be overseen by admech. Something was underneath the ground, but no one was sure what it was since it wouldn't scan correctly. Katya had suggested Originium, but if that were the case, then surely it wouldn't be such an enormous amount just beneath their noses. Whatever the case, getting underneath the ground could provide a use in not only mining operations, but logistics as well. If Originium can only come from the sky, well, it certainly couldn't dig through the ground.
The mining center was where the two leaders were currently at, as the skeleton of a grand tower was being constructed, both to function as a lookout and as a landmark. The very bottom of it would be where the mine would be dug. Around the area were construction materials still being handled by workers, each one focused on completing their tasks.
"Faust."
Faust erased his mindless thoughts over their previous discussions, looking at Colonel Reginald, whose face was slightly morphed into mild annoyance. "Yes, Colonel?"
"May I ask exactly what the point of this was? Surely, you didn't drag me from my meeting to look around and discuss what will be established? I know your capability in finding such information out for yourself."
"Ah… well, I was hoping to see one more potential site before discussing, but if you insist on knowing my actual reasoning…" Faust straightened his suit, dusting off whatever dirt he'd accumulated on the drives to each place. "I assume your hands are quite full with what I have given you. Reclaiming more of my voidship—which I applaud that you have done quite well at—overseeing the fort's creation and the patrols around the area, and the recruitment of more guardsmen."
"...Yes."
"So, I was perhaps thinking a suitable reward was in order. A promotion, if you will, to Major General. You've served quite some time under my command and seeing as we won't be leaving this planet soon, well, I would need someone to continue to uphold the standard procedures of managing our troops. You've done a fine job commanding the troops after the ship crash without ever losing momentum, and I won't let such an action go unrewarded."
"With all due respect, I can't accept that, Lord-Captain. At least not yet."
Faust furrowed his brow. "And why can't you?"
"Because by Nifleheim's requirements, I must slay a Polar Wyrm or of the same danger before I ascend to that rank."
"...You have the means of rising through the ranks without such a necessity, and you'd still cling onto tradition?"
"With all my life, Lord-Captain. Born in the frost 'till I'm buried in the frost," Reginald saluted, his arm slamming against his chest.
Faust grinned, nodding as he crossed his arms. This is the reason I enjoy conversing with you. You've got courage denying my promotion, but I will adhere to this tradition. It seems we'll have to find you something to hunt while we're here."
"Hmm… I have little doubt we will find such a thing. Very well, I can accept that."
"Good, but this doesn't mean our conversation is over," Faust said, walking with Colonel Reginald again. "What is currently gone from our combined forces?"
"Other than a heavy quarter of guardsmen? Well… now that I've been able to fully check who's missing in action, my Master of Ordanance, Jen Carleston, is gone, along with a few more officers. We've additionally lost a full division of tanks from one of the cargo bays, a second platoon of Thunderbirds, some special weapons squads, a–"
"We're missing a lot," Faust cut him off.
"To put it lightly, yes. My men have most likely survived the crash but are scattered just the same as your treasures—likely holding out with them. They're tough bastards just the same as any of men should be, so I there would be no need to worry about that matter. Doesn't help that 'Originium' further interferes with vox-comms and the Auger Array."
"No, no it does not. What of our Thunderbolts?"
"Only one of them's been salvaged from the wreck and I've already assigned most of the tech-priests willing to listen to me help repair vehicles, salvage Indominus, or create our fortifications. They'll be less inclined to keep following subsequent orders if I switch their tasks too fast."
"I'll see what I can do to speed that process up. I'll also need that Thunderbolt out in the air to fly over our exact crash trail. They'll likely find something close by if they keep going southwest of here."
"Agreed. Is that all, Lord-Captain?"
"I believe so, yes. This has been a pleasant discussion, Major General."
Colonel Reginald shook his head as he walked towards the truck they had taken to get here. "I still won't accept that."
"You are for me." Faust watched as he drove off, leaving him behind.
The Lord-Captain reached for his vox-comm. "Alright Otto, drive east of the Command Center. I need a pickup near the tower-structure of the mine."
His vox clicked twice in confirmation before leaving him in silence.
While Faust waited, he looked at his surroundings again. Some admech cohorts were meandering about, constructing necessary buildings, drills, and whatever else a mine needed—not that Faust would know, as he would never sully himself with mining. Some of the heavier labor was being handled by work servitors or a spare Ogryn, while only a few guardsmen and skitarii lurked around—just enough to call in reinforcements should the need arise.
"Lord-Captain?"
Faust turned around, seeing the unexpected sight of Ymmîr approaching, squeezing past a few crates in the way.
"Ymmîr? Now, what are you doing here?"
The short Kin in her whitish-gold suit clanked to a standstill, her glossy black visor staring at Faust. "I needed some fresh air—see the sights. Some of my reasoning stemming from Rulk's boasts about the outside world, but also because it's been quite some time since I've disembarked from the voidship."
"Mm, I thought you preferred the quiet ambience in the navigator chamber?"
"I still do, but there's not much use for a Wayfinder without the void above, now is there?"
"Perhaps. Or perhaps you can use that brain of yours for an idea of mine."
Ymmîr mechanically snorted, causing Faust to raise his brow.
"Is there something funny about my words, Squat?"
Ymmîr waved her hand dismissively. "No, no, a previous joke had entered my head. I apologize. But now you've made me curious about your idea; Continue."
"You're able to find routes through that cogitator of yours through the warp, right? Well, what if you could find other, safer paths through the areas on this planet? Surely, it's not only regulated to warp travel."
"Hmm, an interesting hypothesis, but not one that's gone untested by my League. We have tried, and while just as difficult as warp plunges, it is more… unfocused. The warp is everything and anything, yet because it is always changing, locating a suitable path is easier—weird as that may sound. You know how the Navigator twins call the warp a current? Well, our voidship is the boat on which we travel its streams. But we are out of its streams as of now, and what many have previously figured out is that it is much harder to drive a boat on hard ground, rather than shifting water. Rules are already in place in Real Space, whereas the warp has no rules to be in place. Changing my cogitator to employ these new grounded rules is also… harder than it may sound."
"So practically impossible?"
"Not impossible, just very, very difficult. I'd need coordinates borrowed from the Auger Array and more time to locate an efficient route since the variables are realistically unknown, but I can do it."
"I am fine with that. I only need a suitable, less dangerous, path into the southern part of the world. An outpost should already be established there, but I've heard through the reports that the desert is hot enough to melt skin. I'd rather not have that while I search for a… clue, if you will."
"Oh, great, make my job more difficult, will you?" The Kin sighed, "I'll see what I can do, but give me an ample amount of time. And bring heat-resistant equipment like that void armor of yours, on the off chance my calculations are wrong."
"Of course I will; do you take me for a fool?" Faust asked, feeling a grin coming on.
"No comment."
Silence interrupted their conversation, leaving only the whistling air to be heard among the construction. Ymmîr broke it a lengthy minute later, idly holding one of her tools—a large combi-wrench.
"...Do you think Rell will get better?" Ymmîr asked, staring at her advanced multi-functional tool.
"Without a doubt. I've already assigned a Medicae Officer and one of my Fist's to watch over her."
"That's not what I mean. I know her vital signs are fine. I'm… I guess I'm particularly worried. It's illogical for me to be thinking like this, but… what if she doesn't?"
Faust leaned on his foot, contemplating a well-put response. None came; not easily, and not today—especially without a bottle. Instead, he let his heart guide him. "She won't, I promise. Rell is a fighter, and while she may not enjoy the physicality of fighting, she's done her fair share for quite some time. She's tougher than most would think; I'd have hoped you thought the same."
"I do! I'm–"
"Overthinking things, Ymmîr," Faust abruptly finished her sentence. "You're letting emotions blind you in the face of facts. She needs time to recover, and that's it. All we can do is provide her with support and keep watch of her. Place your faith in her as I have done."
"I… suppose you're right. I'll need to adjust my par– my mind-set. Keep it focused, for waste feeds the void. Thank you, voidmaster Faust, this wisdom I will take."
Before Faust could respond politely, the familiar vroom of Lucky 12's wheels, causing the both of them to look for it. He could see the Taurox in the distance, kicking up dust as it drove in their direction.
"Ah, it would seem my ride is arriving."
"May I come with you back to the voidship? I would prefer riding than walking with these legs of mine."
"...Because you're short?"
"I hope you realize I still have a combi-wrench in my hands."
"It's a risk I already considered."
Alright, two things off the bat. One, Salter confirmed, yippee! Now I won't be flying as blind for Victoria's background info when regarding involvement, should I feel it's necessary to the story. Second, ...where the hell did all you new faces come from? Now my AN's gonna be twice as long, thanks. Jk, I appreciate the reviews.
Kuku: Nah man, you're good. Words don't transfer tone well without explicit verbiage.
Lt. Gate: Yeah... grimdark for a reason, even if this story is a more lighthearted (i.e The Infinite and The Divine-esque). Definitely still going to incorporate grimdarkness and rays of hope, as, well, that's kind of the overall theme of both stories, isn't it? We humans always seem to endure even if we don't have "hope."
Julio: Maybe. Key word, maybe. Sarkaz aren't a very unified bunch with few exceptions, and considering a good amount of Terra isn't very happy with their existence, the "Imperium" could definitely be a second coming of their previous encounters with planetary invaders. They're on everyone's shitlist for the crime of existing. Does that mean I won't do Sarkaz interactions? Well, why would I spoil that?
Bastion: Triple review, with comments that actually talk about future possibilities? My, you shouldn't have, and thanks for the tip regarding certs. Anyway, I really hope this story turns out well, and while setting up might be a bit... lengthy, it's all in good faith. Seriously, I'm craving interactions with other factions/races/deadly foes, and I'm the damn author. But alas, I set the story up with Faust being the main focus, not the other imperials stranded around the world. Though, a side story or several will happen when some special events drop–either a Warhammer related thing or an Arknights one that could focus on a different faction (I haven't forgotten my metal narcissist stuck fighting Seaborn).
Ravenguard: I do plan on having explorations within the ship since it's practically an autonomous city with cannons on its sides, however, I need a specific plot point I have yet to introduce to truly expand upon what I want to do. Katya'll be there, of course, but this plot point would have a more... interesting outcome, regarding psychic interactions. That, or I'll do a side story diverging from the main plot.
SilentRobin and Charmander: Ahem, :) . That is all.