Warhammer 40k: Shattered Steel Soul

"When implementing Xujin barrage shooting and successive concentrated shooting, the impact troops need to maintain a safe distance from the bomb blast point: the assault team should stay 1,000 meters away when traveling on foot, 700 meters away for transport vehicles, and 400 meters to 600 meters away for tanks depending on the model. It doesn’t matter. If rocket launchers are used, keep it at 2,000 meters or above." - "Issue 519 Iron Warrior Internal Reference".

The first moment Morse walked into the Wandering Temple, he frowned and showed an expression of intolerance. At the same time, he cut off the olfactory system in his body to block out the smell of incense that permeated the entire church.

"It does appear that this is your first time here," said Perturabo.

"Oh, can I tolerate the spices here after a few more visits? I don't see that possibility." Morse replied, which made several Word Bearers who were cleaning up the dust in the church couldn't help but stop their hands. Work and looked at him faintly.

Morse turned a blind eye to this. He looked at the other end of the church, where the True Speaker stood silently praying in front of the altar.

After just three years of not seeing each other, Lorgar Aurelion had not changed much. Of course, three years was too little to mention in terms of the lifespan of a Primarch, but it was enough for Horus and his descendants. Together they changed their hairstyle into a nondescript short braid.

For several other Primarchs who frequently met Horus, this gradual change in the Wolf God was easy to adapt to the senses. Unfortunately, this did not prevent Morse from returning to the Randan war zone yesterday and seeing Horus. The first time Ruth Lupekar saw him, he was attracted by the hairstyle of the other party.

"One day you will understand what I smelled in the palace, Morse," Perturabo whispered, recalling the smells he had smelled in the palace of Terra.

Whether it was the smell of nutrients, insecticides and fertilizers in various gardens, the rusty gas during construction and repairs, or the indescribable smell of Barbarus when he accompanied Magnus to Mortarion's room to find the mathematical compass. , are anything but friendly to the Primarch's sensitive sense of smell.

"Of course," Morse changed the topic, "the incense here is much better than that in many rooms in the Terra Palace. Your brother has quite a personal taste in selecting raw materials for spices."

"I thank you for your compliment, Morse," said the Truespeaker.

Lorgar Aurelion turned around, his eyes first rested on Perturabo's face, paused, then turned to Morse and greeted the two.

If we must find one difference between him and a few years ago, it would be that Aurelion no longer feels so golden, as if the words all over his head are glowing.

The reason for this is also very easy to answer. I am afraid that there is no other church in the entire galaxy that can match the exquisiteness of the decoration. Now, the original elegant and simple layout shrouded in holy light has gone up a notch. layer.

The red carpet on the ground was removed, and more non-utilitarian decorations were removed, instead used to place the remains of warriors, mainly dark metal bone boxes, which will be transferred to the resting place after each round of consecration and purification; The originally extremely bright artificial lighting system has been simplified to pure lighting rather than a ritual system. The entire atmosphere seems to be changing from a church to an underground base of the Trappist Order.

"No acknowledgment is necessary, Primarch," Morse said. "The selection, harvesting and supply of raw materials results in a distinction of consequence that is a direct reflection of the political structure of the Imperium."

The True Speaker smiled slightly at the joke of the Ministry of Interior officials in front of him. He walked towards the two visiting people and sat down with them on a row of dark brown benches in the Wandering Temple.

After sitting for two seconds, Morse chose to stand up again so that he could be as close to eye level as possible during the conversation with the originals.

"First of all, I do not come in the name of the Emperor," Morse said, "but I do bring some information from the Segmentum Sol."

"Please." Lorgar replied calmly.

"First of all, the Mechanicus has some interest in getting more involved in this war." The craftsman took out a red-edged data pad decorated with gears out of thin air. "Even if you have reported, Ran Dan's style here is flesh and blood first. Don't use the machine if you don't need it.

"So, I checked some of the documents they sent, and gradually suspected that they just wanted to use the recently updated batch of Fort Star robots to compare their combat effectiveness with your iron ring."

Lorgar exhaled softly, "They don't respect you enough, Perturabo."

"Have those machines been updated?" Perturabo asked.

"The stability of the multi-tube hot melt has been re-strengthened, and a new batch of black artillery has been installed. It is worth mentioning that the technical principles of these black artillery are exactly the same as some of the technologies of the Night Ghost King's Court." The craftsman said on the red-edged data board It was not difficult for a psyker like him to obtain more information about the Mechanicus through some unofficial channels.

Perturabo held back for a second, but still couldn't control the question from blurting out: "What did he do again?"

"Obviously, the adamantine market can no longer satisfy Konrad Curze's appetite," Morse said. "I'm not sure if the Blood Marquis knows that his every move is watched by Malcador and the Emperor, but I'm sure he would be happy to use these little things as a condition for his laughter in the palace of Terra."

"He acquiesced to his behavior, that's good." Lorgar smiled calmly and quietly observed Morse.

He has always been very curious about this craftsman - what kind of person can become Perturabo's mentor? What experiences and abilities did he rely on to gain His trust and favor?

Does his existence correspond to the records in the scriptures? As His acknowledged old friend, His present messenger, is he one of the saints?

Lorgar Aurelion imagined Perturabo's childhood: the child grew older, stronger, and wiser. And the grace of God was upon him. He was in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions. All who heard him were astonished at his understanding and his responses. The Son increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. [1]

He recited this ancient record, or prophecy, peacefully in his mind, knowing that this must be Perturabo's experience in Olympia. But which of these could Morse be?

"The Emperor listened with great interest, but Malcador and I may not. In short, you want the Mechanicum - Oh, Horus, it's good to see you again."

Mors raised his head and glanced at the top of Horus Luperkar's head.

After not being seen for a day, Horus seemed to have urgently cut off the temporary hairstyle that had been on his head for three years, quickly returning to his classic image, complementing Lorgar Aurelion's head.

Luperkar sat down next to Lorgar, leaning slightly forward, just like his brothers. "It would be more appropriate for Leon to communicate with the Mechanicus. He is leading the cooperation of the Titan Order."

"Is it because he is the most active Primarch in ground combat?" Morse asked, "Oh, it's not an official question from the Ministry of Interior. Let's chat casually."

Horus tapped his knees with his fingers. "There are some reasons for this," he said solemnly. "They will need the support of the Titans, and we... will not compete with the Dark Angels."

Morse nodded and did not ask further questions.

He certainly knew about the quarrel that had broken out between the Wolf God and the Lion. Even if no one was present and leaked the news, he had enough means to understand everything that had happened - such as Perturabo's dictation.

That event undoubtedly set off waves in the mind of Horus Luperkar, and even when Horus walked in front of others, he would never reveal the shadow of wandering and reflection beneath his energy and affinity. outer.

Mors held out the red dataslate between the three men, and Horus took it.

"Bring it to Leon El'Jonson when you have time so that I can get a reply and report to the Sun Star Territory." Morse said.

Horus pretended to flip through the files on the dataslate, then handed the device to Perturabo nonchalantly.

Perturabo took the data pad and handed it to a servo robotic arm behind him, letting it get stuck on the side of the forearm of the robotic arm.

"Now, let's talk about the second thing," the craftsman said, "the recent battle situation. I know the number of casualties and the progress of the conquest you reported. The longest campaign since the Great Crusade, isn't it? Your acquaintances are talking about you. , will be surprised that an empire that can hold back your four legions actually exists in our galaxy."

Horus tilted his head: "Part of Leon's strategic decisions made sense. After we first entered the inner corridor of the sentry post, our advance was too aggressive. After discussion, we slowed down the pace of the war."

"Choices must be made. Right or otherwise is something that can only be determined by the outcome. If every battle brings you closer to victory, there is value in slowing down." Morse said, deciding to make this paragraph Recorded in a text he would provide to the Memoirs Society upon his return to Terra.

He glanced at Perturabo: "Some people are anxious about your situation, such as Magnus, and some people are particularly concerned about your current situation because their time is approaching."

"Their time?" Horus didn't know why.

"The first and the last," Morse said, without revealing the answer right away.

Perturabo immediately thought of the two characters represented by the craftsmen, and there was a hint of understanding on his steely face.

Lorgar curiously observed the Iron Lord, whom he had always paid attention to, and couldn't help but speculate in his mind about the meaning of this pair of words.

The beginning and the end? Alpha and Omega? Is his speculation too in-depth, or is this indeed a hint of revelation?

"What concerns you?" asked Perturabo.

"Psionically, of course. I'd like to know how much the mechanical psionic tiara can resist the collective psionic repercussions you mention? I need to get more samples and adjust my design accordingly. I haven't done any adaptations in a long time. Psychic armor design with industrialized process.”

"My warriors can-"

"Wait a minute, Lorgar Aurelion. Your Word Bearers are immune to echoes without the help of diadems. They are too fanatical, indeed."

The craftsman shrugged and leaned back against the back of another row of chairs. Since the seats were sized for the Astartes, he could more easily rest his weight on the tall backs.

Lorgar nodded slowly, expressing a humble satisfaction at the evaluation of his legion.

"As for the Iron Warriors, I think you would prefer a data report rather than a limited dictation of information," Morse winked. There was no need for them to communicate with each other in the Temple of the Word Bearers, it could all be done on Terra.

"Of course, I will transmit it to you." Perturabo replied tacitly.

"So, is it my turn?" The Shepherd God grinned consciously and leaned slightly to the side, further reducing the natural intimidation in his posture.

The craftsman crossed his arms over his chest: "Yes, we want to hear about the Luna Wolves, Luperkar. The Emperor has asked about you."

Horus did not express his joy at receiving the Emperor's attention as easily as usual. On the contrary, a look of reflection flashed gently in his eyes.

"The effectiveness of the mechanical psychic crown is excellent. Although it cannot prevent my warriors from seeing their collective illusion, it provides an observation perspective of the real world, allowing them to maintain a fighting state at all times and not be captured by the illusion. "The Shepherd God said calmly, after a pause, "This is the effect we need. It can not only obtain Ran Dan's information, but also carry out normal combat."

"It's good if it works," the craftsman said. "The information transmission of the Randan alien relies on non-verbal consciousness connection, which itself has a weak influence on the Space Marines who have built a language system early, unless someone has not built a natural native language. frame."

Having said this, he smiled. This theory comes from his personal experience.

Even three years ago, when the entire expedition fleet had not penetrated as far into Ran Dan as it did today, he was able to perceive the scenes and information conveyed in the psychic environment on those planets. This is certainly closely related to the sensitivity of his soul, but it is also due to the formal characteristics of Ran Dan’s message itself.

"So what was that pause?" he then asked Horus.

"Some of my soldiers said that they... saw the soldiers of the Second Legion in visions." Horus Luperkar said in a low voice, "The aliens' despicable deception."

"Specific content?"

"The Second Legion is fighting any other native creatures. If there are enough of them, they even exist to command. And these visions were painful as we killed the Randan xenomorphs."

Horus took a deep breath, and when he exhaled, his breath wavered.

"That is not a hoax, Horus," Perturabo began. "You know their truthfulness, and you know that for them, the killing of the Randan xenos is the end of their duty."

Horus held it in for a few seconds and finally sighed: "You speak too Rogal Dorn, Perturabo."

Before anyone could answer, he continued: "Some of the warriors also said they heard a higher voice, but no one could hear him clearly."

Morse nodded slightly: "I understand what you mean, Luperkar. I will report your findings to the Emperor - but I think that if your guess from this phenomenon is correct, you will also know How to do."

"Purification." "End." "Relief."

The three Primarchs answered at the same time.

"I don't want to pass on anything for him," Morse nodded. "I don't know what earth-shattering remarks he would make if he were here. But from the perspective of a non-staff member of the empire, as far as I'm concerned I wish you all the fruits of your efforts."

The craftsman turned around and looked at the emperor's statue standing in the altar. The figure gradually disappeared in every light of the temple.

Horus stood up from the bench, patted his shoulders, and smoothed his wolfskin cloak.

"He's a competent guy," he said, giving Morse a rare and unexpectedly high rating.

This does not mean that Waldo or Malcador are incompetent in the eyes of the Wolf God, but Morse is the least close to the Emperor among these people and the most friendly to them.

"He and Malcador had disagreements about the Mortal Parliament. Morse did not support Malcador's vision, and therefore chose to actively participate in the government system of the Human Empire."

Horus raised the corner of his lips, and Lorgar was a little worried: "One day, it will be the human parliament that takes over his kingdom."

"Then let's leave it to 'one day', Lorgar." Horus patted Lorgar on the shoulder.

Lorgar thought for a few seconds and then asked Perturabo: "My brother, do you know what identity he had when he walked with the Emperor?"

"No one knows," Perturabo replied, raising his hand to pat Lorgar's other shoulder. "When will Jonson come? He missed this short meeting."