Techno-Heresies (Adept Stein)

[khornes_rage]

Tech Adept Stein, the top half of his robe hanging around his waist from the heat, grunted as he slid the glowing inanimate rod into the back of the dipnumona.
Closing the hatch, he began the Litany of Beginning.
He stopped and sighed heavily. Sliding his arms into his robe he pulled the top up to cover the numerous scars and ports on his back.
Pulling the hood over his head he shook out his sleeves.
"This is a place holy to the Ommisiah," He said, his quiet voice carrying over the noise of the storm outside.
"Adept." came a deep voice and the deliberate sound of heavy boots walking across the metal plating.
Stein turned slowly to face the intruder and took a long look.
The intruder was a giant of a man, encased in black armour. The armour was covered in intricate gold patterning and blood red I icons. The Inquisitor held a boltgun covered in purity seals at Stein across the room.
Tech Adept Stein smiled "Inquisitor. An unusual manner of greeting. May I ask the nature of this disturbance?"
The Inquisitor spat on the floor. "Your ... creations are a heresy against the God Emperor and must be stopped."
Stein's smile faded. "Tread careful my Lord... in here the Ommissiah rules."
The Inquisitor shook his head. "This place is no longer holy to the Mechanicus. The Emperor's Law applys. I am His Law. Where are your puppets? I would have them in sight."
Stein shrugged and folded his hands into his sleeves.
His pair of working Dipnumona skittered into the light, foot high bionic creatures supported on spider like legs.
They gazed blankly at the Inquisitor, their cloned features emotionless.

"Why do you see these as heresy my Lord?" Stein said as he stepped sideways, next to one of his assisstants. "They serve the Ommissiah and the Imperium as any servitor, and as far as I was aware even the Adeptus Arbites make use of the Cyclops?"
"They are no heresy in themselves." The Inquisitor kept the boltgun pointing forward. "It is the monster you have created. The use of the unpure xenos."
Stein smiled oddly. "Have I made announcements of the Tetrapnumona, Inquisitor? You intend to send me to the Machine God for a rumour?"
"Do not play games!" The Inquisitor snarled and opened fire on the workbench. Bolt rounds impacted with the Dipnumona under construction there and peices pinged and cartwheeled around the room.
Stein straightened up and his voice was a growl. "Now who is causing sacriledge?"
The Inquisitor was about to reply when he was aware of a low hum. Holding his boltgun leveled at Stein, his right hand whipped out and upwards, a bolt pistol aimed at the Dipnumona to the side as it charged up its plasma blaster.
"Now what, heretic?" The Inquisitor called out loudly. "Your feeble creation is ill armed. By the time it has aimed you will be dead."
Stein smiled. "However, your flesh and senses are weak in comparison to the machine. Armament means nothing."
The Inquisitor was covered in steam and heard a massive servo moving to his left.
His head whipped around, boltgun following.
A massive claw closed around the boltgun and shattered it easily.
Staggering backwards the Inquisitor raised the boltpistol and fired wildly, the boltshells making solid thumps as they impacted with the Tetrapnumona's thick skin.
The towering part kroot ogre, part spidery servitor roared loudly, deafening the Inquisitor as it punched forward in a half uppercut, lifting the staggering Inquisitor across the room to impact heavily with the reinforced metal wall.
Dropping to the floor the Inquisitor raised himself to his feet, spitting out blood. The beast had not followed up and he turned to look at it.
It roared and the Inquisitor saw the multiple barrels began to spin.
Eyes widening, the Inquisitor began sprinting anticlockwise around the room. The metal room was filled with noise as the automatic cannon on the beast filled the area with flying lead.
The Inquisitor ran past where the tech adept had been, followed by a trail of richochets as the beast struggled to keep up with him.

The Inquisitor dived behind a stack of metal plating and waited for the sound to die down, replaced with silence followed by the "plink plink" of the barrels cooling down.
The Inquisitor saw an air vent behind him, the covering panel laying on the floor.
There was the sound of massive footfalls and the room seemed to vibrate as the beast stomped toward his hiding place.
Crawling inside, he dragged himself along and around the corner just in time to see the tetrapnumona smash the panelling aside in one backhand blow from the huge claw.
Smiling grimly, the Inquisitor turned to crawl along the duct and gasped as he encountered a pair of dead eyes, face to face.
The Dipnumona opened it's mouth and a tinny voice echoed out of the speaker
"The machine may be slow at aiming, but it needs no speed when its target walks into its sights." Stein's voice echoed in the vent.
The Dipnumona's mouth closed and the Inquisitor was looking down the barrel of the now purring plasmablaster...

Savant Raul's hoverchair hummed gently as it passed through the large heavy industrial doors.
He paused the chair with a thought and his fingers danced over a keypad, linked to the dozen servitors removing equipment from the abandoned facility to the orbital lander sat outside.
His attention snapped back to the task in hand at the sounds of scream mixed in with the blast of the Dipnumona's plasmaweapon.
The hoverchair floated in front of a massive door, yellow and black chevons chipped and faded.
There was a moment of noise so loud it was felt rather than heard, the pnumatics and machines used to open the door screaming into life.
The hoverchair whispered into the room, filled with smoke and bullet shells. This was dominated by the sight of the Tetrapnumona stood in the centre of the room, pistons letting off steam as it idled.
As Raul watched Tech Adept Stein examined several wounds on the beasts front. A Dipnumona handed the Adept a canister of synskin, which Stein applied to the wounds.
"Adept... we are almost ready." Raul said, fingers darting over the keypads infront of him.
Stein nodded, back to Raul. "Thank you Savant. My work here is done."
Tech Adept Ran Stein turned and Raul saw the fury in his eyes.
Floating sideways slightly, Raul allowed the Tech Adept to storm past, followed by the clicking of the pair of Dipnumonas metal feet.
There was a moment of peace before the Tetrapnumona began walking with heavy steps after its master.
Raul noticed the shattered imperial boltgun and smiled to himself as he followed his master to the lander.
The system they were going to had many more Inquisitors, but far better facilities for Stein's work...

[khornes_rage]

Tech Adept Stein knelt infront the small alter to the Machine God muttering the Prayer of Preparation followed by the Incantation of Intellegentia.
As Stein focused himself, activating his memory implants and data links, he heard Savant Raul's hoverchair whisper behind him.
"Savant." Stein's quiet voice echoed in the eerily quiet chapel-room.
"My Lord. The ... creature is ready, the implants cleansed and blessed." Savant Raul whispered in awe at the place of silence on a busy battlecruiser.
Stein nodded and stood up, pulling his hood up to cover his head.
"Then let us begin." He muttered before turning around and walking past Raul.
As Stein approachd the large industrial door to the room there was a buzzing noise as the sonic dampner-spirit dissipated and the noises of the star ship hit the pair, used to the silence.
The roar of the engines could be heard from here, the heart of the ship.
The door opened and Servitors moved by, no life in their movements. Navel Rating passing them made the sign of the Aquila, to which Stein returned the sign of the machine.

Stein walked with purpose, muttering chants and blessings of the machine god to himself as a focus on his upcoming work.
With a sigh, Stein stopped infront of a doorway.
He turned to Raul. "This, my loyal Savant, is the beginning. Should I succeed, I will have created the weapon of use against the Xenos. No doubt I will be labelled heretic by the "pure" blind fools, yet in the eyes of the God-Ommissiah of Mankind, I will be proven right."
"May He Guide You" Savant Raul intonded, making the sign of the circle divided over his chest before his chair turned and floated toward the observation point.
He heard a series of metallic tapping and the two Dipnumona assistants skittered underneath him, heading toward Stein.

Stein stepped into the large circular room and heard the muttering of the shadowy figures in the observation level high above him dim. As his Dipnumona assistants followed him in, their small spidery metallic bodys low to the floor, the muttering increased slightly.
The door hissed shut behind him, and a low humming filled the room as the sonic-dampner spirit began. Stein made the sign of the machine and the noises from the ship disappeared.

Stein dropped his hood and placed his hands in his sleeves.
"My Lords, Members of the Inquisiton... My Bretheren of the Machine Cult... Selected observers." Stein started with his late Father's favourite saying for these moments.
"We are here today to witness what will hopefully be the beginning of a new era of war. Too long we have pitted our loyal subjects of the Imperium of man to the vile Xenos to be beaten by tougher creatures, heretical technology, faster aliens."
To this there was more muttering, some sounding angry.
"Pray forgive my bluntness, but the Xenos are not honourbound as our own forces. The point is, the varying Xenos have advantages over us. Thus i wish to make their advantages, ours and then improve so our God-Emperor's forces reign undefeatable."
There was alot of muttering followed by some applause.
Stein waited for the commotion to calm before he continued.
"I propose to do this by making the Xenos fight for the Imperium, to make them our servants of war. Then casualty statistics would be irrelevant, arms production would be lowered and more resource available for the improvement of the Imperium and hunting of Heretics."
Stein twitched slightly as he sent a mind impulse message to the workshop below.
"I have arranged something special to prove this theory my Lords... a live demonstration of one of the most heretical of Xenos subservant to my will. As the precautionary measures are enabled, you may feel nausious." Stein said with a faint smile.
A panel in the floor opened and a same-sized panel from under the room lifted to fill the hole.
On this panel, ten foot square, was a standard operating table, surrounded by smaller tables covered in bionic implants. What was chained to it was remarkable... a Tyranid of the Gaunt classification, a "hormagaunt" was chained down, hissing and struggling against its bonds.
This in itself was shocking, but not quite as shocking as the four figures stood one on each corner.
Stein fought the urge to gag and remaind looking impassive as the power of the pariahs flooded the room.
There was alot of coughing, of people restraining themselves from being ill.
"My lords, calmness please." Stein called out. "The... loyal servants here are a precaution against the rumoured "single entity" effect associated with these Xenos and are a necessity."
Stein stepped toward the Xenos, picking up a large syringe filled with a greenish liquid.
"As you can see, when seperate from others of it's kinda, the Xenos becomes feral as opposed to the sleek coordinated creatures our forces have encountered. My plan is to make this seperation, known to be psychic in nature, permanent."
Stein stuck the needle into the back of the gaunt's head, and the gaunt went limp. However its hissing continued.
"I have concucted a formula of various toxins and miscellanious chemicals to specifically halt the flow of blood to certain parts of this particular xenos' anatomy. In this case the back of the brain." Stein paused. "The brain contains the organ from which the "signal" originates. There is alot of how the "signal" is transmitted, via other organs, that we do not know. However, it is known it is the back of the brain that is the origin."
Stein pinned his sleeves to his shoulder and pulled on a pair of gloves.
Picking up a knife he smiled at his audience. "I suggest those unaccustomed to gore or are squeamish should look away."
Grunting, he pushed the knife underneath the last armour plate on the gaunts head and ran the knife along the edge, causing the gaunt to give out a high pitched "Screeee!". Working carefully, Stein cut open the back of the head, revealing the hardened bone skull. Picking up a small powered scalpel, he began to cut away the skull, revealing part of the green-ish brain inside.
Laying the tools aside and removing the gloves to drop into a steel box beside him with the alien's skull peice, Stein had to raise his voice over the gaunts screams.
"As we are all aware, the Officio Assassinorium also employs .. "pariahs"." Stein guestured toward the pariahs beside him as he pulled on a fresh pair of gloves.
"They wear an altered Synskin, treated with the rare substance Etherium." Stein picked up a complex box-like tool filled with a black liquid. "This suppresses psychics creating an artificial negative warp signal, similar to the Culexus. It has been registered that many Xenos shy away from this substance, mainly as it has been noted to disrupt packs of these creatures."
Stein began applying the black substance to the revealed brain matter, and the audience was shocked by the creatures screams change to one of pain to one similar to fear.
Stein continued his work untill the brain was covered in Etherium, the tool using electrical charges to set the black glossy substance.
After this was done, Stein looked up at his audience. "now that the link is severed, the creature is as any mindless beast. I will now perform the amended Rite of Arcoflaggelation and the implantation of various bionic systems as per the Improvement of One.
This will be followed by my own technique of Nerual Networking to enable the beast to be controlled as a servitor-puppet."
To this there was alot of muttering, improvisation and the lack of proper rites, incense, sacrifice and so on was a borderline heresy.
Stein ignored this and said a prayer to the Machine God as he began...

[khornes_rage]

Several hours had passed and Tech Adept Stein was sweating heavily, immersed in his work. He chanted the Litany of Ending and sealed up his work.
Dropping the fourth set of bloody gloves into the steel box he sighed. "It is done." to which there were several small outbreaks of applause.
"My Lords," Stein called out. "I require time before the activation of this unit, to allow the subject's anatomy to adjust to the implants and I require a short rest in prayer."
To this there was some muttering.
"Lords, please be patient, after all, the Boot Ritual takes time. Please feel free to make yourselves comfortable, the ship has several convieniences that are available to you. My servitors will give the announcement that we will continue in three terran hours. Thank you." Stein pulled up his hood and dropped his sleeves before turning and exiting the hall, followed by his dipnumona.

The back door of the chamber was thrown open and a woman in ligh coloured robes swept in, flanked by a grizzeled looking guardsman and a red cloaked cultist with a vicious looking eviscerator.
"Stein!" yelled the woman, who opened her outer cloak, revealing light armour, crested with inquisitorila insignia "You wouldnt start without me would you?" she was no older than twenty five, with long hair that was so blond it looked almost white, and a face that was hauntingly beautifu, if spoiled by her cruel eyes.
The lady inquisitor approached Stein and stopped at the side of the table, on which the tyranid lay. She ran her slender fingers tenderly along the alien's chitonous head.
"Lady Perseph," said the tech adept "I was not expecting you so soon." the young woman kept stroking the tyranid as she replied.
"Well I was anxious to see what you were doing with my new pet, i went through a lot of trouble to aquire it." The crowd had fallen silent and they looked even more uneasy than when the pariahs had entered.
"How long will arco flagelation take?" she purred in a tone that brought to mind a jungle cat. Stunning yet deadly.
"It can be completed within the day if i work fast." Lyna Perseph drew an eldar shuriken pistol and trained it on Stein's age lined face. Her henchmen followed suit, aiming their weapons into the screaming crowd.
"You will work fast."

Stein raised an eyebrow. "I will work fast my Lady, however, not under pressure or rush the procedure on a fragile subject. To do so invokes The Machine God's curses of Tabes and Latency. Such risks could render the creature unusable and heighten the chance of the subject's death.
Lady Perseph's eyes narrowed as she considered the Tech Adept's words.
There was a moment of tension before she sheathed her weapon. "This displeases me. Not something taken lightly Stein." The venom ran through her voice momentarily. "However, I will not risk damage to my new pet."
Stein bowed his head. "Of course Lady. While the subject is prepared, would you care to see my other projects? Anti Xenos serums and toxins, plus a demonstration of the Tetrapnumona Praetorian?" Stein smiled and his quiet voice dropped to a whisper Lady Perseph had to strain to hear "Of a similar theory to your own pet, it makes use of a previously unknown Kroot varient"

Perseph simled sliently.
"I was always quite the scholar, I wouldnt pass up the opportunity." Stien bowed his head and a highly augmented man in the red robes of the adeptus mechanicus appeared beside her.
"This way my lady." hummed the vox implant on the man's chest.

As they stepped out of the room a man in the Robes of the Adeptus Mechanicus approached.
Joseph walked up and said in his gravely voice "Brother Stein, may I speak to you for a moment?" he looked at the woman, "Privatly. It will only take a few moments."

Tech Adept Stein turned to face the newcomer.
Smiling faintly he turned to Lady Perseph
"My Lady, please excuse me momentarily while I speak with Brother Mortma." he guestured past Lady Perseph toward the patiently waiting Tech Adept. "brother Holista shall see you comfortable with comfortable seating and some fine terran wine while I deal with this matter and we shall then begin the demonstration."
Lady Perseph smiled politely, fury in her eyes. "Of course Stein. The Mechanicus are a busy cult... However, do not keep a lady waiting, let alone one of the Emperor's Inquisiton..." SHe turned sharply on her heal and strode off after brother Holista.

Stein sighed and turned toward Mortma. "Hail Brother Mortma." Stein made the sign of the Machine over his chest "As you can see, I am somewhat preoccupied. It is a dangerous game to play with the Inquisiton. How may I assist?"

Lady perseph watched from a balcony as a cybernetic creature stomped around the floor of a dome shaped chamber. The creation was a kroot ogre grafted onto a spiderlike combat chasis. It growled and screamed as it tore through a number of combat servitors for the purpose of the demonstration.
"Very impressive brother Holista." said Lady Perseph "But i cannot shake the feeling that this is a diversion." Holista's bionic eyes did not relay emotion but the panic radiated off his skin, Lyna drank up the emotion.
"My lady i can assure you that Brother Stein is working as fast as he can." The lady inquisitor smiled venemously and her fist exploded into the tech adept's unarmoured stomach, rupturing internal organs and cracking ribs. Lyna pulled back from the punch and opened into a flying kick. Her soft shoed foot shattering Holista's cheek bone and sending him flying into the railing.
The Kroot ogre below saw the struggle and scuttled over to below the observation balcony.
Holista was left hanging half over the edge of the observation platform with a blood thirsty xenos servo warrior below and an inquisitor holding his throat. Inquisitor Perseph laughed quietly.
"Now you see mechanicus I have a few options here," Holista's usually pale skin was turning blue for the lack of oxygen "I can let you fall to your death, I can apply more pressure and collapse your wind pipe, or i can take mercy on you, providing you talk." Lyna releaxed her grip on Holista's throat enough for him to talk.
"I dont gasp thers no gasp thing." The lady inquisitor looked bored.
"The berserk cybernetic xenos below you may be a little distracting but i assure you if you dont pull yourself together you and mister kroot below will get much more closely accquainted." Holista spat out blood from his facial wound and tried to regain composure.
"Stein was going to use the xenos and leave," Lyna's face filled with fury "I didnt have anything to do with it." Sergeant Commodus was looking through the stained glass of the entrance portal
"Make this quick mistress i think theres someone coming."
"This is very disappointing." said Lyna blankly, and without her expression changing she clenched her fist, spraying gore over her sleeves as Holista's oesophagus was torn to shreads. The inquisitor then puched the tech adept over the balcony rail. He fell twenty feet to the berserker below.

Holista pulled his face out of the sludge that coated the demonstration chamber's floor and looked up at the augmented kroot ogre that stood over him.
His dying screams emerged only as gurgeling hisses.

"Commodus i want you to go and make sure Stein lives up to his end of the bargain, Xan, you stay with me, we're going to find out what they're really up to here."

[khornes_rage]

Stein dismissed Brother Mortima with the sign of the Machine. "We will talk another time, Brother. For now I must forfill my agreement."
As he approached the observation deck he twitched as he sent out several MIU messages.
The Tetrapnumona stopped mid roar and crouched slightly, steam arcing as it idled.
Several clean-up servitors entered the arena to tidy up the mess covering the floor and walls.
The Dipnumona scurried around, preparing the xenos for activation. They removed the various life support units and power plugs restraining the beast and removed the majority or the chains, leaving six heavy duty restraints.
Several servitors paused in their dutys around the conveniences and informed the guests the experiment would reach its conclusion shortly.
Stein entered the observation gallery.
"Lady Perseph? Would you care to join me for the conclusion? I am ready to activate your... pet." He bowed, pointedly ignoring the blood splats and the missing novice.
"Fantastic." said Lyna, as her hand inched toward her sword and shuriken pistol, her actions hidden by her sky blue robes. "Proceed brother mechanicus."
Stein smiled and nodded. "I would require your... associates... to stay in the observation post around the operating theatre during these final stages. Normally no-one may enter the theatre, but I naturally make an exception for you. Lady."
"Naturally." Lady Perseph smiled darkly.
As the pair reached the doorway, Tech Adept Stein paused. "Until the programming is complete Lady. please be aware the subject will be under my direct control. Should my attention be broken, the creature will unrecoverable; its neural pathways destroyed."
Lady Perseph was silent as they entered the room, Lady Perseph standing in the shadows close to the wall while Stein moved upto the table containing the awake gaunt, its struggles ceased.

"Honoured guests, if we are all ready?" Stein called out, hands still in sleeves. "I will now complete the arcoflaggellation rite with the Rite of Activation. Then, with the gaunt under my complete control, display the improvements I have made and its complete subservance to me."
To this there was various muttering. "And now my Lords, I shall begin." Stein stood, feet apart, hood covering his head, hands in sleeves, chanting various prayers and rites.
Every other word would cause the gaunt to twitch slightly as Stein invoked and programmed the machine spirit systems.

Stein's heavy words fell silent and the air between stein and the tyranid lost it's weight. Lyna's eyes grew wide as The tech adept unfastened the alien's restraints and disengaged the presser field that held it in place. The creature's head was now partially hidden by a pacifer helm and it's body was riddle with pipes, braced with bionics and had a number of injector implants sticking out of it's chitony hide.
The Xenos gorogily rose to it's feet and hopped off the table. A few of the people present stepped back or screamed as the creature flexed it's clawed arms and snapped it's slime lubricated jaws.
Inquisitor Perseph gasped with delight as it stood at attention in he middle of the operating theater.
"It will respond to various commands, 'Stay', 'Patrol', and most important of all, the trigger word is 'Conseco'." Lyna was familiar with servo warriors and she was thrilled to say the activation phrase for the first time.
"Conseco." the black pacifer helm slid back and injectors whirred and hissed as they unloaded huge doses of combat stims into the alien's blood stream. The creature howled with rage and leapt across the room to the operating room guards. tearing one in half with it's rending fore claw and caving in the face of the other with a lightening fast flash of it's new adamantium fangs. As the xenos delighted in tearing strips of bloody flesh from the skittrai guard's corpses.
"The deactivation word is 'Sedo'!" said Stein with a hint of nervousness in his voice. Lyna nodded and watched for a second more as her pet ate large hunks of oozing flesh, before she uttered the deactivation phrase.
As the creature calmed it returned to it's passive state and Inquisitor Perseph strode over. She began to stroke the creature's blood soaked head.
"Does he have a name?" she asked Stein who watched horrified at the xenos, being stroked like some travesty of a pet dog.
"Xenos thirteen." said Stein
"I will call him Cerberus." she said, looking into the creature's eyes and implanting the information permenantly into the alien's mind.
"Stein, there would be no way that you would try to duplicate the procedure that i sponsored is there?" Stein stayed slient for a second "Cerberus, fetch."

Stein blinked slowly as the beast padded lazily toward him, blood dripping to the floor from it's jaws.
There was panic and the auditorium emptied, leaving several guardsmen bearing Stein's personal mark and Lady Perseph's warband.
Stein kept his hands in hs sleeves and his hood up. "Should the opportunity arise Lady, I would. However, rest assured the intricacies of the experiment are mine to know alone."
Stein saw Lady Perseph smile.
"However," Stein continued. "I am not foolish. Should I .. expire... then the data is similtaniously uploaded to the Altar of Knowledge for all my Bretheran to see." Stein's arms seperated from his sleeves. "Plus wouldn't you be happy in the knowledge that more... pets... be created along with someone has the ability to repair them?"
Stein looked at the gaunt approaching and withdrew a handle.
With a "schthunk" the shaft extended into his five foot staff and with the hum of ancient technology the power axe head extended.
There was a second hum from behind Lady Perseph. The gaunt's head whipped around and she turned slightly to see one of the Dipnumona sat behind her, plasmablaster powered up.

"well Lady," Stein said, bringing her attention back to him "we appear to have a decision to make. Call off the beast and we can work the current situation into something more mutablly agreeable."

Perseph sheathed her shuriken pistol and pulled out a small silver box with a number of buttons on one side.
"One of you're bretheren should have no trouble reconising one of these." the device was a melta bomb. not of the every day variety however, this was one of Lyna's own design.
"Brother Stein i respect you, and i would not kill you, but you have double crossed me, there is too much of my personal resources in this project for it to become standard issue." Stein remained impassive.
"If you dont call off the upload we all die."

Stein twitched and laughed. With a wave of his hand there was a click and the humming of the plasmablaster ended. The Dipnumona looked at Stein as he glared at it.
It backed off and dipped low. the second one dropped to the floor by it from its hiding place.
Stein bowed. "My Lady, we appear to have a misunderstanding. I have no intention of rolling out legions of these creatures. The file upload is remote and not even close to us, for I am no fool. The upload will only commence apon my death so there is no chance of anyone else reproducing one of these without me. Should the opportunity arise to make another I would... but the expense of this one alone, along with the chance of taking another live Xenos whole is very slim. My own Tetrapnumona was twenty solid years in the making alone."
Stein guestured toward the door. "Shall we retire somewhere private to discuss a return favour?"

Inquisitor Perseph thumbed the deactivator on the bomb and smiled.
"Well that was exciting." and with that she started toward the door. "Well come on stein, Commodus xan, you too."

Stein's chamber was a crystal roofed dome atop a spindle like tower on the back of the ship. Lady perseph stood in the centre of the red carpeted floor, in the centre of an intricate floor design depcting tales of the machine god displayed in spun gold.
Stein walked to an alcove in the wall that was filled with blue light. the dark robed reached into the alcove and retreived a crystal decanter filled with deep red liquid, an a pair of goblets in the same style. Stein sdjusted the controls of the stasis field before turning to his guest.
"A drink lady Perseph?" asked Stein calmly. Lyna looked at the glass in his hand and retraced his steps. He had taken a glass too, and he couldnt have put poison into the goblet since she had been there. She took a cautious sip but only after Stein.
"You must understand lady inquisitor, that the design is mine, you sponsored the experiment not the developement." Stein looked cautiously at the inquisitor's henchmen who stood either side of the entrance.
"I know but i need a little reasurance that you wont give just anyone this data..."

Stein took a sip of the fine Terran wine.
"We are cautious, are we not my Lady? Fear not, why would I pose a threat to you?"
Stein placed the glass on the table "As to repeating the procedure, as I have said, there is little chance of procuring a Xenos of the same breed, so your... pet... is unique. I will persue the procedures to improve them, but to produce another, for myself or for another other than the Ommissiah Himself would be a heresy. Such attencion is unneeded in my current situation."

"I have to say Stein, i suspected you of tretchery," replied Lyna, being careful not to drink enough wine to distort her judgement "But you have proven yourself." Stein bowed his head graciously.
"Do not be surprised if i call on you again."

[khornes_rage]

Joseph watched threw the camera outside Steins room. WHen he saw the Lady leave he moved. He made his way to the room and hit the signal button. Stein spoke something inside and the door opened for Joseph. "Ahh, Brother Stein, is this a good time to talk buisness?"

Stein sighed and sat on a tall stool.
waving Joseph in he nodded a greeting.
"hail Brother Joseph. Now my ... guest... has left satisfied, I am all ears."
Stein guestured to a stool on the other side of the table with one hand and took a data slate off a Dipnumona that had wandered upto the pair with the other.
Stein ran a cable from his left temple to the slate and began accessing data
"Please continue Brother" Stein said as Joseph took a seat.

Joseph sat down across from Stein and took a deep breath, then in his gravelly voice began,
"Well, you see, you are not the only one with Inquisitorial contacts. If you remember I once fouind that Agricultural Technology that is now in use on the planet Xankton IV. Well, it was because of my contact that I found it, also, most of my other small discoveries are because of it aswell. Now, it has told me it is looking for a different type of servitor. I told it of your experience and then a little of how you make, how do you say, 'special' servitors. It had asked me to do two things. One, is to see if you will sell me the plans or even experiments I can use. The other is to find out if you will accompany me to the Planet Xankton IV and meet with it, and maybe set up an agreement for you, or you and I, to build something for it. It is willing to pay a great deal of money to see this happen. It said it also has some leads it will give us that it thinks will help with the finding of many an artifact. So? Do you wish to accompany me Brother? Or do you wish to sell it some of your plans?"

Stein smiled to himself and continued accessing the data tablet.
"As I promised the Lady, I will not sell the plans or designs of my projects."
Stein noted the lok of disappointment on Joseph's face.
"However, as one of the Mechanicus, i need to continue my research. Tell your 'contact' I will meet him, I'm sure we can discuss the creation of 'specialist' servitors for his usage."
Stein suppressed a yawn. "And now, my Brother, I require some downtime to assess toay's data. Please excuse me."
Joseph smiled and bowed. "I will speak with my contact and we an arrange a meeting. May He watch over."
"and protect." Stein returned the bow as Joseph left the room.

As Stein lead on the small hard bed, mutting prayer to the god-ommissiah, his Dipnumona skuttled around the room untill they had a view on the door to the room and dropped into guard mode.
Since his Father's termination Stein had always been slightly cautious. Since the creation of the Tetrapnumona, this had raised to the level of mild paranoia.

As Stein sleeped, the data from the day's experiment flashed thoughut his mind and he as already compliling improvements and statistics..

Joseph left the room and headed straight for the comm. center. On the way he found hewas being followed by the Ladys man. He quickly went into a Tech Only area and went to its comm center. He sat n the chair, after locking the door and turning on a silencer field. He turned on the recorder and and said, "Sire, I have made contact with my fellow Tech Adept, and he has agreed to meet you at the site. He will not sell his plans, but will agree to make different.... Experiments. I hope you now have the, subject, in your care. I will arive with Stein within a month.

The next morning Joseph went to Steins room. Hit hit the doorchime and waited for an answer....

Stein nodded to the Dipnumona stood by the door.
The dipnumona thingyed its head sideways slightly and oaccessed the door's machine spirit and forced it to open.
Adept Joseph had his head bowed when he noticed the Dipnumona infront of him.
"Brother Stein?" he called out.
"Enter, Brother Mortima." Stein called out.
Joseph stepped into teh room, watching the Dipnumona as it skittered over to it's twin and both crouched close to the floor.
"Ignore them." Stein said as he stepped into veiw, rolling down his sleeves.
"Are you ready, Brother Stein?" Joseph nodded his head, which Stein acnowledged.
"Indeed, Joseph. however, we wil need to make a stop on the rogue market planet of Darmas enroute. There are .. items... i require."

that is all right, we have a month to get to the meeting place. Any supplies you will need can be stopped for, but only if it is only up to two days off coarse. Now, My personal ship will be bringing us. It is a Firestorm class cruiser, equiped with any materiels and labs you need.Now, we must be going, I will meet you in the starboard launchbay in an hour. Bring anything you need.' He nodded, gave the sign of the machine then left. He moved off to his own room, packed his few personal items, and went to the lab he had been given on the ship. He packed up all of the materiels he had, and had a group of transport servitors move them to the ship. He stayed with them, knowing if he left and moved on faster itwas very possible they would be stopped and searched. They got to the ship after fifeteen minutes and he went to the captain. "Let me know when Stein is in the launchbay, I will be in my room." With a nod from the captain he moved off to his room, a complex Lab that had a bed in one corner. He would talk to stein once he came in.

[khornes_rage]

20 days later found the firestorm class ship Iblis shooting threw the warp, on its final jump to the planet Xankton IV, where they were to meet Josephs contact.

Tech Adept Stein watched Savant Raul controlling his servitors, using a mix of Mind Impulse commands along with his fingers dancing over the keypads in his hover chair.
The Servitors were heaving around crates containing various peices of technology and bionics, stacking them all close to an orbital lander.
As Stein watched, his Tetrapnumona pushed a massive crate on rollers slightly apart from the rest.
Most noticable about the large metal crate was the airholes dotted around.
As the crate stopped and the locking clamps attached there was a roar and the crate shuddered slightly.
Raul paused his typing momentarily.
"Lord, what is that?" he asked nervously.
Stein permitted himself a smile from under his hood. "That, Raul, is my next experiment."
"May I enquire?" Raul asked in his metallic voice.
Stein nodded. "I have procured one of the Homo Sapien Varie for the testing of process 5046."
Raul's eye opened wide "A ... beastman, lord?" shock echoed in his voice.
Stein smiled. "Indeed. One of the Lupus subspecies. He should be strong enough to take the implants."
Raul nodded and turned back to the crate. "Lord, how will..." he was interrupted by Stein.
"Not now Savant, this is not for open knowledge yet and Brother Mortima approaches." Stein slid his hands into his sleeves. "Hail Brother. carry on Savant."
Raul floated away to continue his work and Stein turned to face Adept Joseph Mortima.

Joseph made the sign of the machine and responded, "Hail Brother." He walked up, glancing at the large crate. "If you would follow me, we will go and meet my contact. Unless you need to supervise this anymore?"

Stein smiled to himself. "Of course not, Savant Raul is more than capable." He twitched slightly as he sent a command to his dipnumona, who were skittering around the crates.
They paused and one hurried over, metallic feet clicking on the metal plating of the hold.
Stein nodded at Joseph as the spidery assistant settled behind him. "After you Brother Joseph. Will we be travelling to the planet?"
"Yes, we will." with that Stein made his way to the viewport, just as the ship touched down onto the ground in it personal docking area.
'You see, this area was gifted to me by the planet whene I brought them the agricultural growing devices from the golden age. Now I can come and go as I please, and my contact is also a frequent visitor of this planet aswell."
He moved off, followed by Stein. They made their way off the ship and onto dry growned, from their they boarded a large hover vehicle and we're sped off to a large fort like building. From their they made there way into the center of the building, to come in front of a large door. "Now, Stein, this man is very powerful, he has killers all over the galaxy, even though he does work for the Inquisition. I ask you to address him as sire, and do not look at his face, even though it will be covered." Stein nodded and they entered. "Hail, Inquisitor Malyce! I have brought to you my Brother Mechanicus Stein, here to build your.... item." Malyce was seated on a wooden throne ontop of a pedestal, witch was infront of a long table. On either side of him where tall formidable men, tatood in tribal marking all over their visible skin. Malyce himself wore a dark cloak, covering every thing but a mechanial hand which whired with every move. He motioned to the man on his left, and he stepped forward saying,
"My master bids you welcome. He has recorded all the information he believes you will need for this project on here." The other man stepped forward and handed Stein a large scroll. "When you are ready for the subject, come back here." He stepped back and stood motionless. Malyce raised is hand and made a shooing motion. They backed out of the room, and the door was closed behind them. Stein glanced at Joseph with a questioning look, and Joseph replied, "Read the scroll, find exactly whathe wants, if you need I disagreeistance just contact me on my ship." With that Joseph moved off, leaving Stein to read the scroll. Stein sat down on a nearby chair and opened the scroll, fist was a note, then some statistics. The note read

To: Stein
Brother Stein, I have commissioned you for a secret project, pertaining to xenos and servos. I have known for a while that you were creating a Xenos Servo for one of my fellow Inquisitors. I now am hireing you to create for me this, a sentient servo that will submit to only my whim, but will still be able to think for itself. The servo must be able to clime walls easily, increse its speed if needed and have no showing mechanics. Another factor that will make this difficult is this, the servo must be made from a woman of the xenos race the Eldar. I now have the subject I wish for you to use in my holding, and once you have your laboratories set up on planet, and have all of the equipment you know you will need, you may come to me for the subject. I have included statistics I have gathered on the Eldar which i think may prove useful to you.

Stein closed the scroll. Inside had also been a digital key and an address, obviously meant to be where his new lab would be. He moved off, towards the aproximate area of the building.

Tech Adept Stein found the front of the building, a pokey looking small building. He took out the key he had been given and opened the door, allowing the dipnumona to step inside first.
Stein closed his eyes and saw the inside from the Dipnumona's viewpoint.
He controlled the Dipnumona to open the heavy blast door set into the far wall and activated it's sonar detector in the black room.
The inside of the building was a massive warehouse, stretching for further than the scanner's effective range.
Stein stepped inside and activated the illumination with a prayer and pushing the button on the wall.
The lights were spaced out, large spaces lit up surrounded by the darkness of the building. Large chunks of technology and odd looking machines were clustered close to the light.
Stein smiled and looked down at the Dipnumona, inputting commands for the small spider-like servitor.
It bobbed slightly and scuttled off up the wall to head to the roof, looking for a data link.
Stein activated a small comms beacon in the depths of his robes and sent several messages via Mind Impulse.
The first few were to the Savant Raul and other members of Stein's staff high in orbit, instructing them to begin loading his specialist technology into the orbital lander.
One was to Tech Adept Mortima...

+++transmission+++
+++to: Tech Adept Mortima, Joseph
+++From: Tech Adept Stein, Ran
+++transmitted via: Local Host
+++Connecting+++
+++please wait+++
+++Connected+++
+++Message Begins+++
+++Thought: We take the Emperors Light into the Dark+++
//Brother,
I have arrived at the location assigned. The task is indeed a challenge.
My equipment and staff are enroute.
Your presence and knowledge are required to clarify some vital information
Please arrange a place and time for us to meet to discuss.
Hail the Machine God and the Emperor of Man!
+++Message Ends+++

Smiling to himself as the message sent. Stein began invoking the Ommissiah's blessings he began the Prayers of Power and activating the machinery.

[khornes_rage]

as Stein worked he recieved a messave via the Dipnumona, who had found a public data link it could attach to into untapped.

++Incoming Transmission…++
++Decrypting Transmission++
++Astropathic Duct: Error: Unknown++
++Author: Error++
++Recipient: Tech-Adept Stein++
++Transmission Ends++

Stein paused. He had not heard of many of the Inquisition's agents, yet his lifes work seemed to draw them.
Smiling he prepared a message...

+++transmission+++
+++to: Reply to Sender
+++From: Tech Adept Stein, Ran
+++transmitted via: Xankton IV, Duct 43
+++Connecting+++
+++Encoding to Level Beta+++
+++please wait+++
+++Connected+++
+++Message Begins+++
+++Thought: This Day We Give Thanks To Adept Georges Claude+++
//Hail Inquisitor Narcissus
Well met! You do me too much justice, Lord Inquisitor. My late Father Veil Stein reached the rank of Magos in the Cult of the Machine. I am a high ranking Tech Adept and have inherited my late Father's blessing of privilages while my older sister took the title of Magos.
Due to the nature of my experiments and the increasing number of "puritan" members of the Inquisition, I have only one secret base of operations, the majority of my equipment and resources travel with me onboard my ship.
I am currently involved in a similar project for your brother Inquisitor Malyce on Xankton IV.
The Emperor moves in mysterious ways, for I am in the process of installing my altar-lab to begin my work for Inquisitor Malyce. Should you so wish, it would be an honour to make your aquaintence and discuss my lifes work.
Although I naturally unable to discuss specific details, I can demonstrate existing projects and the theorys behind my latest work
Hail the Machine God and the Emperor of Man
+++Message Ends+++

Stein continued the rites of initialisation while pondering this message and its consequences.

In a deep and hidden cavern, on a lost and forgotten planet something lived. “Master,” said a voice, human and with the frailty that implied. “The Tech-priest has replied, he seems very…pliable.”<br>“Indeed,” said another, rasping, ancient. “His pride will be his downfall.”<br>“Master,” continued the other, “There are others, perhaps this Tech-Priest is not as secretive as he thinks.”<br>The other chuckled, a hoarse grating sound. “It matters not.” His cloaked face turned to the third figure, “you see do you not.” The third did not speak, but nodded. “Good,” continued the old one, “Things are moving. Now my shining knight, get me my pawns.”<br>At that the third one smiled, the second began to laugh loudly the rasping rattle like sound echoing through the cavern as the first figure stepped back into the shadow and left…<br>
++Incoming Transmission…++
++Decrypting Transmission++
++Astropathic Duct: Error: Unknown++
++Author: Error++
++Recipient: Tech-Adept Stein++
++Thought for the day: Circles have boundaries.++
Tech-adept Stein,

I was unaware that your projects had the attention of others of my…brethren.
None the less I would be most interested to meet with you and to see these things. If it is not a problem then I will travel to Xankton IV myself, to meet with you there.

Inquisitor Narcissus
++Transmission Ends++

Stein finished preparing the last of the machinery provided. Whispering the Rite of Activation he cast the rune onto the master casing.
With a prayer he finished with pressing the red button
He nodded as the hum of machines filled the air.
It was not much, there was more work to be done, however his other equipment was enroute.
Stein wandered, writing rune marks on the floor in holy chalk, instructions to his servitors.
He paused as the reply was forwarded to his implanted dataprocessors.
Frowning he shrugged.

+++transmission+++
+++to: Reply to Sender
+++From: Tech Adept Stein, Ran
+++transmitted via: Xankton IV, Duct 68
+++Connecting+++
+++Encoding to Level Beta+++
+++please wait+++
+++Connected+++
+++Message Begins+++
+++Thought: This Day We Give Thanks To Adept Georges Claude+++
//Hail Inquisitor Narcissus
My experiments are known only to a select few of the Inquisition, I am striving toward creating servitor legions to combat the foul Xenos who threaten our Imperium and often require resources only the Emperor's Inquisition can aquire.
I have no problems with visitors interested in my work. However, would it be prudent to inform Inquisitor Malyce? I am unaware of the Inquisition's protocols, but the Adeptus Mechanicus would need the blessing-permissions of the resident Brother to land on the planet.
I would be required to initiate certain safety protocols for your visit to my altar-lab, but your presense would be welcomed.
Hail the Machine God and the Emperor of Man
+++Message Ends+++
[/blue]
Stein made a prayer to the Ommissiah, praying he was following the right course and continued his markings, a beautifally intricate pattern covering the floor surrounding the machinery.

Joseph read the message and nodded. He signalled to a servo skull and it floated lightly over. "Begin recording Now. Orders to lifters. Have all equipment from Stein, and all of my equipment ion rooms A22 and G73 put into the drop ship. Be ready to leave by the time I get there. End transmission. Go to lifter captain argus, give him the message." The skull floated off again, headed towards the lifter quarters.

[khornes_rage]

Tech Adept Stein had finished his work and had stepped outside as the orbital lander touched down, the massive box shaped flyer dropping effortlessly onto the dusty floor, sending clouds flying everywhere, illuminating them with it's bright landing lights.
Stein, hood raised, smiled as the massive rear ramp opened.
First out, unsurprisingly, was the massive frame of the Tetrapnumona, dragging a heavy crate effortlessly.
Stein sighed and tilted his head as the Tetrapnumona stomped toward him. He had hoped the latest Machine Spirit Update would have fixed the random outbursts of puppy-like emotion the towering servitor suffered.
Following the spidery servitor came other "normal" servitors, pit slaves and some of Stein's "special" servitors, most linked into a chain gang, dragging more huge crates, each containing Stein's equipment. The servitors knew what to do instinctively, dragging the crates through the large armoured doors on the side of the building to the allocated spaces.
Stein saw his some of his personal guard squad exit the lander, laughing and joking, their blue combats standing out against the brown dust.
Following them was Savant Raul, looking focused as he controlled the Servitors via MIU.
Lastly stood Tech Adept Joseph, stood in the stereotypical pose of the Mechanicus; hood up, robed sleeves together in a manner reminiscant of the eskimo of old Earth.
Stein nodded at him. catching his eye as Servitors bustled around.
"Hail Brother!" Stein called out

As Brother Mortima approached, making the sign of the machine Stein turned so they were walking into the warehouse side by side, Servitors bustling around.
"Brother Joseph." Stein began. "I have a task I would ask you to do for me. A favour, if you will."
Joseph nodded "Of course Brother Stein. What do you require?"
Stein dropped his hood as the approached the hub of the machinery. "As I am going to be ... working on my procedures for Inquisitor Malyce's ... subject, I require specific information."
Joseph's eyes narrowed. "What information?"
Stein sighed. "What the Inquisitor wants has never been successful before. I need to know all the information available relating to the subject, history, method of capture, personality traits. All of this information needs to be considered for the procedure."
Joseph frowned. "I shall see Brother."
Stein bowed slightly and made the sign of the machine. "Blessed be in the Eyes of The God-Ommissiah."
Joseph returned the guesture "And may he Guard against the Daemon of Corruption." before turning and leaving the warehouse.

Stein sighed as Sergeant Perfidy of the guard approached.
"Erm... Adept Stein? Your orders?" the guardsman held his cap in his hands.
Stein smiled faintly. "Take your Squad sergeant, secure the area outside, get the Machine Spirit Auspexes setup. I don't want any surprise visitors."
Perfidy put his cap on his head and made the sign of the Aquila "Yessir! In His Name it will be done."
Stein made the sign of the machine before the guardsman hurried off to his squad, yelling orders.
Stein closed his eyes with a sigh and felt the machine links activating. Now he had to link up the machinery and begin the preparation rituals.

The warehouse echoed only with the hum of the machines, the assembled servitors lined up against one wall, all attached to power stations, recharging and running diagnostics while they were idle.
The only movement was that of Adept Stein, pulling big armoured cables around to link up the last of the machines. He was chanting various chants and rites to praise the Machine God.
The warehouse had changed massively, cables and odd machinery lined up everywhere, odd lights glowing in the darkness.
The centre of the warehouse was lit brilliantly, a bright line of light running down the length, struggling to light the oppressive dark.
Stein paused infront of a massive square machine, watching the coloured lights.
Frowning he watched as a Dipnumona pulled over a thick black cable and slid it into place, locking the connection solid.
Stein made the sign of the machine, said a prayer and did the Ritual of Tapping, rapping his knuckle against a red light as written in the Holy Manual.
Stein pulled out the Sanctified Chalk and marked the machines casing and applied the Sacred oils. Nodding to the Dipnumona, it removed the cable.
Stein made the sign of the machine and repeated the prayer and watched as the Dipnumona reattached the cable.
With the light staying red, Stein repeated the sign of the machine and frowned, preparing himself. Drawing a sacred knife he run a line across the palm of his hand, leaving a faint line of blood.
"In the Name of the Ommissiah!" he called out and bought the palm of his hand onto the case alongside the red light.
There was a click and a hum as the light went green with a "ping" and the roar of its internal mechanism's activating.
Stein gave a prayer of thanks to the Machine God and the Machine Sprits.
He closed his eyes and sighed contently as the system-spirits began activating, the holy counter running up through the percentages heading toward 100.
Stein smiled. the Boot Ritual and Awakening of the Machine always seemed to take an age.
He nodded to the Dipnumona who began assembling his alter-table for the surgery and the Tetrapnumona carried an unconcious man toward the table, a criminal for converting into a servitor as a gift for a noble.
Stein considered the modifications his peers in the Machine Cult had specified. His skill in servitors was sometimes a hindrance, having to pause his works to complete speciality servitors for the Mechanicus interrupting his schedule.
Still, he had no word from either Inquisitor and so could use this subject as a practise, warm up and to keen him focused all at once.

[khornes_rage]

A chill wind seemed to blow through the large warehouse. Stein frowned, the building had been sealed. Where did the breeze come from?
He paused in his work, irritated by the new fault in his preparations. A shiver ran down his spine, an odd feeling considering the bionics that had replaced most of his organic material. He heard whispers upon the air, his augmented hearing unable to pick up the words, put none the less he could hear something. He stopped what he was doing and ran a self-diagnostic. It must be a fault in his bionics somewhere along the line.
The self-diagnostic returned negative, even more puzzling. The formless whispering grew louder, and he detected another sound. A sound like the beating of wings, but also with the faint crackle of flickering flames. He looked around the warehouse, his bionic vision enhancing the image but still showing nothing.
He was startled by the thunderous clang of the warehouse door opening. He realised that he had had his hearing turned up to maximum and quickly lowered it as he turned to face the door.
“Tech-adept Stein I presume?” said the figure that appeared at the door. “A pleasure to meet at last. I am Inquisitor Narcissus.”
Stein stepped forward, still in shock. The Inquisitor face was hidden by the large black cloak that he wore and Stein detected what he guessed was amusement in the Inquisitors voice. “I am Stein. How did you get here?” he said, trying to sound curious rather than concerned, striving to appear calm and confident.
Narcissus brushed aside the question as he stepped into the warehouse, the hood of his cloak looking from side to side. “A very interesting operation you have here Tech-adept.” The hood swung round to look at the table in the centre of the warehouse. “I see you already have something underway…”

Stein smiled and nodded "Yes Lord. A custom peice as a gift from the Adeptus Mechanicus to some noble."
Narcissus guestured to Stein "Continue."
Stein stepped back toward the table. "You see my Lord, my servitors and creations are pretty unique in their ability to perform their duties as any other servitor, but still retain basic skills. They are able to work around problems and improvise and learn." Stein paused his process of slicing away the top of the head
"I have also developed a series of basic implants that work with any musclature, human or otherwise."
Stein was handed a small cutting torch by a Dipnumona and began makinging careful slices in the brain, specific lobes dropping into a round container.
Stein guestured behind the Inquisitor as he twitched. "as you can see, I have a xenos praetorian subservant to me as a demonstration."
There was a series of thuds and the massive bulk of the Tetrapnumona stomped into the edge of the light, casting black shadows all over its towering bulk.

Most impressive,” said the Inquisitor with a chuckle. “But it is your work on the Tyranid Xenos that interests me most. A most interesting idea you have.”<br>
Stein frowned wondering how this Inquisitor knew so much. Not that it matter he supposed, as long as…<br>
“Stein, have you ever considered that you are working on this from the wrong direction?” said Narcissus, “If you were to build an entire army of Tyranid creatures it would be incredibly difficult, I know you had a lot of problems with the original project. Consider my idea, do not touch the gaunts, the basic species. Instead work upon the Tyranid Warrior genus or perhaps even a Tyrant. Then you can control the rest, the smaller creatures, through the larger ones. A worthy idea?”<br>
Stein paused in his work.
"Lord, have you means of proving such a method would work? May I examine samples? the theories of such a system of control are many and varied, no solid informatio is available to Adepts of my level, even with my access."
Stein considered the implications of this. Stepping backwards slightly a Dipnumona moved by him, placing a delicate nimble bionic arm on the table.
"I can see many problems with such a system... are the larger creatures the cause of the control, or simply relays? do they direct the smaller beasts as my Savant and the servitors? or simply offer irresistable commands as my Dipnumona?" Stein paused as Narcissus raised a hand.

Narcissus smiled at Steins enthusiasm. Here was someone who was no doubt truly brilliant…although he obviously did not consider the effects nor the implications of his breakthroughs.

“I do have some…creatures in holding pens aboard my ship in orbit. However there is little evidence or facts to go on, however from my understandings of Tyranid synapse functions it should be possible. The Tyranid warrior genus appears to be just a relay transmitter but if we can block the hive mind and replace it with are own signal, which is what we are planning in effect, then that should pose no problem. The Tyrant genus however does appear to be an originator. I do not have a living Tyrant specimen but we do have a carcass.” He paused, watching Steins expression. “However little is really known and ultimately I would consider the best way of finding out would be to experiment. I have two Tyranid Warrior Genus and 6 gaunts of varying species. If you are interested than I can open many doors for you; numerous databanks of the Ordos Xenos on the Tyranids and more creatures to study. If this works than it may even be possible to extend it to the Tyranid bio-titans…the possibilities are endless…”

Stein bolted the plate onto the top of the servitor's head and guestured to the two Dipnumona, who unlocked the table from the floor and began moving it toward a large machine, running wires to ports on the now complete servitor for its final programming and charging.
They then began assembling a second table, ready for Malyce's subject.

Stein stepped around them. "My Lord, even a "Tyrant" carcass would give me much to work with. Such opportunites with a range of creatures would give endless possibilities, and an opportunity to test some unique procedures I am developing..."
Stein paused and composed himself. "However, as I have said, Inquisitor Malyce has a ... unique... specimen and some unusual requests for it which will take time to complete. After which though, I would be honored to work with you."
“Very good,” said Narcissus, “I must depart now but I can assure you that you have my confidence. When you are ready I will contact you again.”<br>
Stein nodded curtly and Narcissus turned to leave. The warehouse was silent for a while until the door creaked open and then closed again. Stein sighed and turned back to his work, he had much to get on with…<br>

[khornes_rage]

Josephs transport pulled up in front of the building and he lept out. The servitor came out slower, since it was carrying the large box. Joseph knocked on the door and said into the intercom. "Its Joseph."
Tech Adept Stein guestured to his Dipnumona who began moving equipment about.

The Tetrapnumona stomped over the the large blast doors as they opened, light pouring into the dark warehouse.
Seeing through it's sensors, Stein identified Tech Adept Mortima and the large crate being pulled by the servitor.
Stein nodded and the Terapnumona stepped sideways like a crab, steam arching from the pistons.
"Hail Brother." Stein called out. "please enter, let us begin."
As Joseph walked into the warehouse, past the massive tetrapnumona, he approached Stein.
"Have you the information on the subject, Brother Joseph?" Stein asked loudly over the noise of the blast doors closing.

With a massive "clang" that echoed throughout the warehouse, the blast doors closed and locked in place.
Stein stepped sideways, copied by Mortima, and the Servitor positioned the large metal crate next to the newly assembled and blessed operating-altar.
Stein watched it suppressed excitement as Joseph's servitor began to open the crate.

Joseph watched as the servitor opened the crate.
Inside were dozens of scrolls, all shut with a white symbol of the machine. They all also had titles in black ink above the seal, and Joseph took out the first one.
"This is on how the subject was captured. There is not much to tell, though. It is in more detail on the scroll, but it as basically captured by one of Malyces contacts in the Imperial Guard during one of many skirmishes with the Eldar. It was captured by use of a webgun, capturing it and a pair of male Eldar. The two males were kept by the guard for interigation while the female was put in stasis and brought here. It has been held here for exactly 72 days, kept on the same meals as Malyces servants, so it is in fairly good health." He set the scroll down and picked up another, going through them all, stating the basics of the research. There were twenty scrolls in all.

Adept Stein took each scroll from Adept Mortima and examined each while Joseph read the next.
When Joseph handed Stein a scroll, Stein would hand the previous to a Dipnumona, who would scurry over to a large machine and press the open scroll against the Machine-Eye for scanning into the data banks.
"Inquisitor Malyce's research is quite extensive" Stein muttered while reading a scroll. "Alot of information that i must meditate over."
Joseph began putting the processed scrolls back into the crate. "Can it be done Brother Stein?"
Stein waved a hand idley "I think it can Brother Joseph. It still depends on the mental state of the subject. After all, to mind wipe is easy, to replace with machine-spirit is slightly more difficult... but to take a current mind and force it to do your will? Extremely difficult and requires an indepth understanding of the subject's history and thoughts.
Stein paused. "Come Brother, can you arrange for the subject to be bought here? or for us to visit it? I would see what I'm dealing with."

"Yes, i can arrange for the subject to be brought hear, but it will have to be under the very tightest of security, and Malyce will want to add some of his men to your squad as security. I this is alright with you I will contact him."

Stein nodded. As he waved a hand idly, Joseph was surprised to see a guardswoman appear from the shadows.
"Trooper Tav. Contact Sergeant Perfidy. Tell him to pick five of his troopers for an escort assignment." Stein ordered the young lady.
"Yessir" the Tech Adepts strained to hear Tav's quiet voice over the machines. She made the sign of the aquila before turning smartly on her heel and heading into the offices to speak to her sergeant over the comm.
Stein nodded to the Dipnumona who began setting up the restraints and harnesses for the subject.
"Should you wish Brother, I could send any number of servitors with you."

"That will not be needed. Malyce will send more then enough to guard the subject. Also, I have enough servitors at his mansion to handle it."
With that he made the sign of the machine and left, heading to Malyces mansion.
Once there he reported to Malyce, telling him what was to occur, and he was given two squads of storm troopers as guards.
Soon Joseph had the eldar, enclosed in a small stasis field in a transport. There were six transports all together, with the subject in the middle car.
They arrived at the lab, and Joseph got out of the transport and walked to the door and said, "It is here."

[khornes_rage]

Stein grunted as he walked toward the crate as the servitors locked it down.
Looking at Joseph's bodyguard stared at their leader. "Leave. Secure the outside." Stein commanded.
The leader looked to Adept Mortima for confirmation. "As he says." Joseph commanded.
Malyce's guard were passed by Stein's guardsmen entering the bay, weapons armed and ready.
Joseph looked at Stein, questions all over his stance.
"These men and women have bled for me and my work. They are plenty as a guard in here. Secure the inside, aim at the subject." Stein commanded the guard who all sauntered off, becoming nigh on invisible in the darkness of the warehouse.
There was a beep from the servitor next to the crate and Stein waved it away.
"Let us see what we are dealing with." Stein said as his Dipnumona skittered around, ensuring the operation-alter was ready.
Stein reached forward and entered an access code onto the crates lock.
With a hiss and gout of cloud the crate's front opened, condensation arcing around the two figures stood in the halo of light.
As the air cleared Stein gave a faint gasp.
Chained, gagged and locked up inside the crate was a being who's beauty stirred Stein.
The Eldar woman was way taller than him, long blonde hair draped over her face.
As she stirred and looked up at the Adepts her eyes flickered open.
Her hair fell aside revealing her pointed ears and she stared Stein in the face, her ice blue eyes filled with fury.
She tried to move but found herself unable to move due to the restraints.
"Such beauty." Stein reached out and held her chin in his hand.
Smiling to himself Stein let go and stepped back. "Ofcourse, it is another weapon of the Xenos."
He nodded to the approaching Dipnumona who carried a gunlike object that had a large syringe inplace of the barrel.
He took the sedatives from the spidery servitor and held the barrel against the Eldar's neck above the psychic restraints.
"I would apologise, but there is little point." Stein shot the fluids into the Eldar's bloodstream with a hiss from the weapon.
The Eldar strained against her bonds untill slumping. Her eyes rolled and she lost conciousness.
Stein nodded to Joseph. "Would you mind?" Stein held the Eldar as he opened the clasps and restraints.
Joseph moved forward and helped Stein to release the Eldar and move her to the operating table.
Stein and Joseph then began putting all of the restraints on.
"Why the hurry Stein?" joseph asked as he locked the ankle restraints together.
"The problem with Eldar anatomy is many holy-sedatives is the Eldar body is able to process them quickly, thus we cannot tell when she will wake up."
They worked quickly and soon the Eldar was strapped down. There was a humm of the machines nearby activating to full power.
"We should be ready to begin soon. What Inquisitor Malyce wants is not completly achievable, however, psycho-therapy and other restraints and blocks should be able to achieve the same goals."
Joseph looked across the table. "As long as he gets what he wants we will both get our payments, and coma away with our lives." He turned away and brought over a cart covered in various tools, as Stein brought over a machine. Soon the operation would begin...

Stein pulled across a mask and placed it over the Eldar's mouth. With a hiss it began pumping sedatives to keep the Xenos limp and without feeling to allow the procedure to continue.
Stein ran his eye over the implants and tools alongside him and began to chant prayers and blessings in the Name of the Ommissiah.
Joseph muttered them as well as the pair rolled back their sleeves and began work.
Now and then Stein would pause and point out techniques and directions to Joseph, from demonstrating methods of splicing nerves to bionic implants to what Stein's own specifically designed implants did.
Althroughout the proceedure the Dipnumona skittered around the altar-table, placing bionics and tools by the Tech Adepts, removing the used tools and placing them for purification.
Stein placed the odd tool in his hands, used to line syn-skin to hide Stein's precision cust at the back of the head under the hair, on the stand beside him.
He waved a hand to a Dipnumona who passed Stein a set of thin cables.
Muttering modified Rites of Arcoflaggelation, Stein attached the cables to the Xenos' head.
Joseph finished ran his own synskin dispenser over the front of the Eldar's shin, completing the implants.
"Now to let the mind-processes run, Brother Joseph. Then we can begin the Boot Ritual."