Chapter 49.5 – Expedition
Date: 005 M42
Location: Imperium Sanctus, Segmentum Tempestus, Kuliant System, Light Cruiser Canticum Tome, en route to Botara, Strategium.
The Canticum Tome is the personal Endeavour-class Light Cruiser of the Magos Errant Mekana Veriliad, a starship she has often used to fulfil her Quest for Knowledge.
Before the Canticum Tome, Mekana travelled aboard numerous Rogue Traders’ vessels as an Explorator, before her elevation to Magos Errant. Her travels allowed her to recover many lost artefacts and much knowledge, later used or sealed for the sake of the Imperium of Man. These achievements earned her the title of Magos Errant, granting her access to advantages and archives she had once been forbidden to consult.
Constantin stood in the Strategium in his armour, the Vexilla Defensor clutched in his left hand and "Liberator," the Castellan axe, held firmly in his right. It had accompanied him since his ascension to the rank of Warden, and, as a Vexilla Praetor, he still wielded that magnificent, brutal weapon.
The doors to the Strategium opened, and Constantin saw the Magos enter. Though it was unclear when she had last been in that tank, she was much taller than a normal human when he had met her on Styges VIII, probably around two meters or slightly more. Her proportions were neither distorted nor incorrect, but harmonious and perfect, suggesting that she had made not only mechanical but also genetic changes to reach that height. She wore a black tunic typical of her Forge World, with a simple red female outfit beneath it that outlined her curves without diminishing her sensuality. The limbs she lacked had been replaced with bionic arms and legs, crafted so carefully that they resembled human limbs; even so, her step was natural and coldly seductive as she leaned on her Omnissian axe. Her mask always covered her face, but the cables she had worn in the tank had become long silver hair, falling all the way to her heels.
She was followed by Rhea Aethelgard Aurelia, a Custodian of the rank of Guardian and member of the Aquilian Shield, chosen with him and the ancient Nathadian Uremedes to protect the Magos until she fulfilled her duty. Rhea also wore auramite armour and carried a praesidium shield in her left hand, while her right rested on the hilt of a sentinel blade.
«It looks like we've reached our destination.»
Mekana's tone was disinterested, as if stating a sure and indisputable fact. A lock of her hair clumped together and turned into a wire cable linking to the projector in the Strategium. She then spoke binaric and interrogated the Machine Spirits within the Canticum Tome's sensors, obtaining the data needed for the expedition she had undertaken following her research.
The interrogation of the Machine Spirits continued for a long time until they reached the planet's highest orbit.
«Aren't you curious why we came here, Vexilla Praetor Constantin?» asked Mekana, speaking again in Gothic
Although his head did not move, Constantin's eyes did, and he looked at the Magos with curiosity before staring at the planet visible through the transparent plasteel.
Classified as a Feral World, Botara is a predominantly volcanic planet with a small but resilient and resourceful population. Despite primitive techniques, it has shown an innate talent for forging and metallurgy. Its promising warriors and formidable hunters nevertheless make suitable candidates for the Space Marine Chapter known as the Infernal Titans of the Ultima Founding, descended from the gene-seed of the Salamander's Primarch, Vulkan.
«I'm not here to pry into your work, Magos.» Constantin replied authoritatively.
The Magos turned slightly and giggled, a laugh that was amused yet tinged with disappointment.
«Do you find it funny that I don't ask questions about your research, Magos Veriliad?»
«No. In fact, I am grateful for your distance, Vexillus Praetor Constantin.» she stated disinterestedly «I was only curious. I wanted to see whether only 'him' was an exception, as he continually claimed, or whether the members of the Aquilian Shield were intrinsically curious.»
Him?
«You mentioned that you had already met a member of the Adeptus Custodes belonging to the Shield Host. It seems strange to me, since the Edict of Restraint was revoked a few years ago.»
«As I've said before, 'he' has always claimed to be an exception.» the Magos stated nostalgically «When I met him 372 years, 207 days, 8 hours, 36 minutes, and 12 seconds ago in the Solar timeline, he was fulfilling his duty at the direct behest of the Omnissiah. Our goals matched, and so we began a temporary collaboration. Throughout the expedition, he proved to be a very sociable Praetorian, strangely cheerful and curious, yet incredibly respectful of our work. A Guardian of the Throne whom I personally found interesting and pleasant company.»
The statement caught Constantin's attention, and he found it both ridiculous and alarming. He did not need to turn to Rhea to know she felt the same.
«Don't be alarmed, gentlemen.» Mekana stated, turning and walking toward the exit «He is a legitimate member of the Adeptus Custodes and your commander.»
«Commander?»
«I seriously doubt you don't know him. Member of the Aquilian Shield shield-host, Prefect Shield-Captain-»
*****
«Achooo!»
«A cold?»
«I highly doubt it because of my body...»