《Overlord》


 B1 C1

    As I dream, I remember what I once was. It was no secret. I was a nerd, and I knew what shit I landed in, and I knew for sure there would be no paddle. The moment I was born again, I was born noble, of the Dynastys.


    For those who''ve no clue, dear listeners, I''m talking about the Necrontyr. The Necrontyr are the precursors to the necrons in This universe. And by the dead gods did they have it rough.


    Our original sun fucked us, and not in a good way either. You see, we have cancer. All of us. On a genetic level. Permanently.


    We sought help from the old ones... it ended poorly. But, that was before my time. No, I was overlord when the C''tan came. The Silent King, long may he reign, sold us to the C''tan. For what reason you ask? Revenge, a lie, a truth. And much more.


    I walked my dynasty to the fires of biotransference willingly. I knew what would happen. I saw the signs. But I did it. I told myself I knew the price. I''m a fucking fool...


    My soul is now gone. Never to return. My kin along with me. Sealed in this eternal hell. Again, I am a fool. Over the years, I learned to meditate, at least in a way. It''s more of a deep dive into my mental and physical self-awareness. It is... suboptimal.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    I can not breathe, eat, sleep, and so... so much more. I accept this. It is the price I pay for my actions. I have sinned against my people. This sacrifice shouldn''t have been for them.


    Even now, hundreds of years later, as I dream, I regret. Not for myself, but my people. I know when I awake they will be gone. Not even husks. Some will even be warped by the death curses of the dead gods.


    I admit I took immense pleasure at their deaths. I myself helped slay Iash''uddra The endless swarm. It is fractured, and I myself have its piece. I hope it rests in agony unending. Our Phaeron and most other overlords lay dead at its feet. But with the other dynastys, it isDEAD.


    When we returned, our victory in hand, I knew what was to happen next. Perhaps tired of war, or regretful of his actions, the king would send us to The Great Sleep.


    So, from the ruins of the battlefield where a god lay dead, to the tombs now empty, I gathered what strength the dynasty had. I threw the old laws to the side, and slew the remaining overlords. Carefully of course.


    From constructs to what remained of our citizens, I gathered them to my House''s holds, and prepared.


    I ordered the crypteks to copy all data I could find thousands of times into thousands of places. From the plays of old, to the towering Seraptek heavy constructs. Simple and agonizingly difficult. But I knew what was to come.


    When the great sleep came, I watched as my loyal subjects went to their sleep. Perhaps their final rest. Not even I know if I will awake again. I don''t know still, even as I dream this dream.


    But I can hope, that perhaps maybe, this time, there can be a change

 B1 C2

    I awoke with a start. In the milliseconds I''ve been awake, I''ve realized a few things.


    1. I can''t breathe.


    2. I''m trapped in a coffin.


    3. I can''t breathe I can''t breathecantbreathe-


    I jolt in the metal box as my perception slows. All I feel at the moment is suffocation. I hit my leg with my fist, it brings a bit of clarity through the panic.


    Yes... yes I know I can''t breathe. I know why. Acceptance... yes. Focus on the world. I can''t breathe, and it is fiiiiiine.


    Slowly, over what feels like days, I calm down. As I lay in this coffin of what I now see is necrodermis, I begin to relax. A moment of peace, now.


    Some time later, I''ve no clue, my coffin opens. What I see is a host (50 in this case) lychguard, and a cryptek. As I study the scene in front of me, the cryptek speaks.


    "Honored Overlord Verotep, it pleases me to see all is well. The Awakening proceeded smoothly, and no problems were detected. As ordered, I was the first to awaken. And so, I have awakened you."


    The cryptek, Kerrozetovek, or Kerro as I call him due to the fact I can''t be asked to state that over and over, awakened me as planned. (Gag).


    "Good. Good. Come Kerro. I''ve waited millions of years in that box. Not time to waste now. You recall what I stated to you? Or perhaps you are too old?" I prodded, amused. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "Of course, overlord. I''m not that old. My memory circuits are still fully functional. My lord, are you assured that yours are?" He states, full of sincere curiosity.


    I did a quick check, and yes, yes they were. But the joke didn''t fly past me. I wanted to jab back, but I seriously had little time.


    "Funny, old one, funny. And for your information, yes. I function perfectly as always. NOW, come on. Work to do, schemes to set in motion. So on, and so on."


    We soon teleport to the hub of the tomb complex, my seat of power in this blighted universe. In this place is holograms denoting anything and everything. The chamber, tens of kilometers long, glows purple, our dynastys color of choice.


    It still confounded me that we were purple. I mean, I know most dynastys are green. I''ve seen it! But our Phaeron wanted to be different. sigh How I miss him.


    Honestly if he lived, I wouldn''t have killed the other overlords. Those that remained anyhow. Damn that C''tan! So much lost... still so much to lose. sigh. No-


    "My lord?"


    I turn to Kerro. He looks at me, and even behind the death mask, I feel his concern. I wave my hand, and the holo table in front of me clears. I put up my plan of old and sigh again.


    "Kerro, I ask you, old friend... am I right? I have known you from the days of flesh. You taught me much. You advise me well. So, I ask again... am I right?"


    Kerro looks at the plan on the table for a long while,then turns to me.


    "Verotep, it is true that I''ve known you for millenia untold. From the days of flesh to the fall of God''s, you lead us well. Greatly even. If what you say to us is true... what you did is necessary. What is to come is necessary. You put this plan in place knowing this. YOU, are our overlord. The last of our dynasty. We follow your will, as we always have. For the dynasty."


    "... For the dynasty then. Awaken the lords. My will to be done. Our rule to solidify. The dynasty to serve. Let it be so."


    If only I could believe it...

 B1 C3

    20 years later and FINALLY the lords of my capital are awake. I mean, sure, I understand that Awakening safely and quickly are not mutually exclusive, and in truth, I was too busy to care, but... nothing. I don''t care.


    Anyhow, in 20 years, I managed to get a succinct picture of what is left of the dynasty. It is... heart breaking to be honest. If I had a soul it would be crushed. Most of the world''s are truly dead. All necrons dead due to complications or invasions. All ork. The system defence fleets were untouched, but the ground units...


    BY THE DEAD GODS IM GOING TO FLAY-


    I stopped when I heard the throne crack. It infuriated me. To see my domain blemished so... They would pay, in time. Where was I? Ah yes. Monologing to myself about my gains.


    The fleets where in great repair. I hadn''t separated individual worlds from their fleets. Why would I? They weren''t my equals. I gained some serapteks as well! 4 in point of fact along with innumerable amounts of other canoptek units... but the rest? Over 50 worlds just gone due to invasion. MORE to malfunction. The ONLY thing out of those worlds besides the Serapteks of worth were 2 C''tan shards! I COULD DO WITHOUT THANKS. I DONT WANT THE FRACTURED GOD SHARDS. I HAVE ONE.


    11 worlds. I''m left with 11 star be damned worlds. OUT OF WELL OVER 200 FROM THE BIOTRANSFERENCE! DAMN IT ALL TO THE IMMATERIAL!


    My lords could sense my rage keenly and said not a word. My 10 lords, for that is all I had for my court, stood in front of my throne, kneeling in supplication. While uncouth in normal circumstances, they thought it wise to not touch the angry overlord. Wise.


    I give thought to my words, simply to relieve the tension in my reactor. It''s purple light glowing deeper and somehow more malevolent.


    "For millenia, I ruled my domain in the name of the Phaeron. For the dynasty I have given my all. It... hurts. For the fist time in millenia... I hurt...


    This feeling... to watch all I strive for, all I served... crumble..." I stop speaking for a day. Then two. Then twenty.


    "As the last remaining Overlord of the Vkeroketep Dynasty... I do declare that..." I pause, the words not coming out of my speaker. It takes another day to continue. "I do declare that the dynasty is dead. Simply... sigh simply there is so little left now, that it isn''t worth pretending.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    The Phaeron lays dead, I am the last overlord, and what remains of our soldiers and citizens that could be recovered, have been. I now rule 11 worlds... sigh I will be frank, my lords dear, I am lost. So I ask your counsel, lords of my court... what should I do? Let me hear your words. All will be listened to. The dynasty is dead. We remain." I state, opening the floor.


    Xeravo, my primary fleet mistress, after a day''s hesitation, started. "My lord, we should immediately send additional fleet support to the remaining 10 worlds. We''ve too many idol ships. Perhaps too many. While our dynasty was small, we had an excellent fleet as you know. We activate planetary defences, increase them, and reinforce where necessary." She states.


    Admittedly, I had already thought of that, she likely knew that as well, simply giving my thoughts to the other lords, something they would recognize.


    After a short hour, Lord Zototek began to speak. "Overlord, what has happened is dire. Unprecedented even. But... it changes little in the long view. Your plan to kill off the other overlords went to plan, though no one could predict the total decimation we faced.


    In the end, our plan should be the same. We await your vision of the future. Not passively. We will have to negotiate with the lesser races, I think, but to achieve your goals, it must happen. Even if they are unworthy." He states.


    A dead silence ensues, due to what is basically sacrilege he just spouted. If it was one of the lesser lords of my domain, I have no doubt they would be broken systematically.


    Even with this extremely liberal court I have made, his words tasted like acid from our reactors. But...


    "Your words... have merit. I will consider them." I state. While true it was my aim all along, to talk with the lesser races, it was the plan to communicate from a position of strength. Now... at best, it will be equals.


    After a month''s consideration, with no more words said, I spoke. "Your words have been spoken, and I hear you. Wisdom stated, so I will follow. Fleet master, send what you deem we can spare from the now large stockpile of ship''s to reinforce the ten worlds.


    Zototek, your words have merit, so your duty is to now to find what passes for civilization in this sector of the galaxy. Take 10 ship''s, avoid engagement if possible. Scout them. Bring me relevant information." I state.


    After a moment''s thought, I call out across the link. "Kerro, attend me." I state. Soon enough, the cryptek stands before me.


    "Kerro, you are to awaken the crypteks you deem necessary for this: I soon will give you ideas on weaponry. Your task is to first tell me I''d it can be done, get a prototype, then prepare for mass production if I deem it necessary." I state. He bows, and leaves, not a word said.


    "Now, with that done, go about your tasks. I shall assign more to those in need. Now, leave me... I''ve much to think on." I state.


    When they leave, I draw my war scythe from my dimensional storage, and slash cleanly through the gigantic metal thone I sat in. It was rent asunder. And while it didn''t help much, it helped some.

 B1 C4

    I cut into the green skin as it charges me. It''s arm, now cut cleanly at an angle, still punches out at me even with its weapon gone. So far, I''ve not been hit. Unsurprising, if a tad disappointing.


    With a slight back step, and an immediate thrust forward, it''s head was cleaved in two. I then cut it off completely. One of my lychguard comes upon the body, and shoots it with his Gauss pistol.


    Honestly, I like the things. While the range is not what I would like, it is a new creation. The first is point of fact. A simple thing to make and design, it was refined to perfection in the specifications I delivered.


    The power of a rifle in one hand. It still ple-


    I dodge back and return to the battlefield. Perhaps I shouldn''t be having an inner monolog in a battle, but things were... droll. I had just killed the warboss, and the nobs were now killing everything.


    "Finish the battle. It is done." I state. Not a second later, hundreds of warriors teleported to the field. While me and my guard had teleported directly to the warboss for an epic confrontation (snort), the planet was being purged of the greenskin menace, down to their spores. However... maybe I should keep a planet full of the wretched things...


    Hmmmm. Something to consider. Weapons testing on organic lifeforms would be good.


    As I thought on the prospect, I pulled out my own pistol and began to fire into the disorganized rabble of green flesh. None got close, and soon, all was dust.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    A bit later, I teleported to the bridge of the flagship in this system. It had been 10 years from the first mustering of the dynastic army. Luckily, even with the massive losses, 2 of the worlds left were for troop storage. A lucky break.


    We have billions of soldiers yet, and countless more Canoptek creations. Speaking of, I needed to get a small dimensional storage. I needed it to fit a Seraptek.


    I had heard jokes about necrons and pokeballs from the days of my humanity... it will be amusing. I tap on my leg, slowly walking to my quarters aboard the massive ship.


    I have SO many ideas that I''ve wanted to implement, even during the great war. New ship''s, weapon designs, defense platforms, even tanks and the like. I do not understand why technology like plasma guns or the like couldn''t be used.


    Actually, I do. Gauss tech is fantastic. While penetration on plasma guns and the like is superb, range might be an issue... something to think on.


    As I finally get to my quarters, I enter and head to one of my pet projects. I flip through the displays, each showing different things ranging from troop deployment, fleet layout, weapon ideas and more until... ah, there we are.


    "You know... maybe this isn''t the best use of my time..." I flip back to troop deployments, but... welp, planetary deployment has been successful. Minimal losses... ah, might need to deathmark some nobs on the 79th sector... ya.


    Some orders given, I go back to my project. It is a game. A simple one. One of the easiest games to play. Cards. They didn''t have cards in the Dynastys, but they had something like mahjong. Good game, that one.


    But I wanted cards so with the assistance of a lower cryptek, because I was not wasting the time of one of my high crypteks on something like this, I hade made it. A holo-game. I made the standard deck from memory, as well as uno.


    It was going to be amusing to challenge one of my lords, only to inflict a plus 4. Very amusing. But, I could wait. I wanted to meditate for a bit. Center myself and all that. Best not to break down in the middle of a war.

 B1 C5

    I came back to awareness with the knowledge that Zototek wished to contact me. It was now 23 ish years from when I sent him out. I made a quick check, and yep, we had cleared out a large swath of green skin controlled planets.


    I gave a quick order to purge the the closest world to the capital of greenskins but to keep the spores. I was set on the organic testing idea. But I digress. I respond to Zototek by hailing him.


    "Ah, Zototek. Good. I presume that you''ve found something of note?" I question.


    "Yes, overlord. We first encountered non-ork buildings in sector 94772-01A. They were destroyed, orks of course. But it pointed to where we should go next. To cut out much of the tale, we found a world inhabited by non ork lifeforms. "


    It was heavily militarized both on ground and in void on all planets in system. A fortress world. Their technology, while still primitive, was notable for the lesser races. Speaking of, there did seem to be multiple types of ship''s with rather notable design differences."


    "In all likelihood, there is a multi racial empire past the fortress. It also is likely that all the greenskin present in this sector is due to a failed ''Waaaagh''. At least, that is what they call it."


    "Did you see their ships fire at greenskin vessels?" I inquire.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "Yes overlord. Some used kinetic, others laser. Some few used plasma. The kinetics were rail based. The lasers wire shot, not beam. The plasma based were... acceptable for a race that''s only 10000 years old. The rail cannons were acceptable for a race twice that number though." Zototek states.


    I ponder his words. It sounds like we have awoken before the crusade and the heresy. That was good. We had time to prepare. There were some concerns still, but I would handle them.


    "Very well. And the races? What of them. Have you seen them?" I ask.


    "No, but we did intercept their communications. We have pieced together 4 languages and perhaps 2 dialects there-in." He says.


    "Acceptable performance. Return to the capital. New orders will be given soon. New developments have occurred. Also, give this to the crypteks when you arive. This is to be their next project." I state.


    I send a data packet to Zototek, and with some final pleasantries, I return to my duties. I look over the map, and reaffirming my orders, call for a withdrawal. They had thinned the orks enough.


    With some slight orbital bombardment, I  would be golden. With orders to reinforce 2 worlds out from each of our core worlds, it was time to return to the capital. Ah, that reminded him. He checked over the 11 planets in his domain.


    Yep, all were dead. No atmosphere, no life. Purged long ago. I ordered each tomb to have a small space for organics prepared. For guests of course. Heh, he had chambers for those... less inclined towards his view. But that was besides the point. There was preparation to be done, and not much time to do it in. The lanes between systems were few in number, and luckily, they were positioned well.


    Perhaps he should remove a few? Yes... narrow it, separate their cluster... Something to ponder. But yes. Defences and garrisons. And diplomacy with the lesser races. Joy.

 B1 C6

    It''s been a year since my return from the front... snort. Front? More like execution. The reality of the matter is our fleet power is WAY higher then what one would expect. I asked Xeravo about the numbers in total. Sure I could have done that myself, but I prefer interaction. It''s polite.


    Anyhow, the fleet stands at 4 Cairn Tomb ships, 11 Scourge class cruisers, 31 Scythe class cruisers, 185 Shroud class cruisers, 102 Khopesh class cruisers, 132 Cartouche class cruisers, 43 Sekhem class cruisers, 1273 Jackal class escorts, and 968 Dirge class raiders. That isn''t counting the frankly ridiculous amount of fighters and such.


    Honestly, I''m proud of my fleet. It took minimal losses throughout the great sleep, and stands largely ready for war. Some ships need maintenance, yes, but it is honestly mostly a formality.


    In other news, my latest project is complete. Defense stations. Normally, we have planetary based defenses, along with the fleets. But, while that works, I prefer some added security. Equipped with Particle whips, they should be effective, especially in numbers. They are cheap and easy to produce. Not much armor, which is... not ideal, but for what they are? Good enough. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    I do wonder if we need a new ship though. Perhaps with beam weaponry? Or perhaps a point defence ship... hm... yes. We do. While our ships are fantastic at capital versus capital, in the CIWS department, they lack.


    As I start designing, based off the Jackel class, I get a notification on the link. They are done translating. While their initial thoughts about it being a single unified empire were wrong, they did have a unified government it seemed. Hmmm.


    As I read through the transcripts, I feel I must wonder why they feel the need to complicate logistics so. Such as the need for a so called "political assignment". Is that some type of commisar? Like in 40k and Russia? Or... oh. OH! The rich buy into posts maybe? Ah. I don''t care.


    As I continue to read, I start to get the software to translate, so to speak. Oh, Kerro had said something about neural network, and interpretation, and the like. I nodded my head, and politely forgot it. I may have had to slink away a tad from his disapproval.


    Anyhow, it was now understood that there were 7 races in this alliance of sorts (Still no name found). This orkish front is the primary issue, as they raid constantly across the boarders, but they have been in contact with the eldar... problematic.


    Even more so that it seems a craftworld is visiting this unified race collection thing... you know what, I''m calling it the Alliance. Short and simple. Anyhow, they were visiting, and they had been raided by drukari? Who had?


    Who knew. Details were sparse in this collective of captured communications (nice). But it did give me an idea...

 B1 C7

    I was at the furthest world from my capital, and preparations were going swimmingly. When word of eldar came, I doubled the defenses budget! Hah. In actually, there is no budget. But I did allocate more personal to speed up construction of this world, along with more ship''s.


    Hell, one of my Cairns, The "Crueltys of the Sun", was here. I had it relocated from one of the core worlds. That along with the multitudes of cruisers and escorts and I was sure that if we got attacked, we would hold well.


    Speaking of, I needed so send that PDF Escort. With some tweaks here and there, it was ready. An armament refit and gun allocation changed the whole ship! Along with more armor. It now has fewer capital grade guns, but many Death rays, plus a scarce few Particle whips. In passed fire, they could likely take out one of our own escorts.


    I should also inquire if we could put some Death rays on our other ships for protection... I''ll send a note along with whe schematic. One of the best things about being an overlord, in retrospect, is that I just have to give them the idea, and my crypteks make it reality! As it should be.


    But I digress. The systems fortifications were increasing hour by hour. Fortresses built within planets, moons, even a scarce few asteroids. This was good. The system was the gate to our little dynasty.


    I tap my throne on the bridge of the "Sun" (the ship, not the stellar body, mind), and look out at the stars. I was looking through a holo, but it was so good, it was like an open view port to the void. The stars burning so far away, truly beautiful. I wish we had artists. I would kill for a painting of this.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    I switch the fantastic view to one of statistics, readiness, and other such data. If I had to put a percentile on the completeness of system fortification, it would be low 30s. Perhaps 32.98901%. It was raising quickly, but fortifying a world was no easy task.


    I have plans to begin diplomatic talks with the Alliance when defences reach 40% readiness. Perhaps 45%. My court does not like me lowering myself to talk with my lessers. And in truth, they are not fit for it either. The thought of talking with them would likely send some lords into an apoplectic rage. But I HAD hand picked them all from the most xenophile lords I could find.


    They still weren''t keen on talking to them, they just weren''t xenophobic enough to kill them outright. Oh, if they came to our systems? They would happily slit their throats and hang them from our tombs, but they wouldn''t go out of their way to do it. That with what we had suffered and some gentle manipulations on my end, they are the best I could likely ever hope for.


    I must admit, I have hopes for these young races. And yes, that was a deliberate step away from calling them lesser. Anyway, I have my hopes that they show us things that give us something we lack. Competition. The will to advance.


    See, the C''tan, though the worst of the worst, were masters of the material universe. They gave us advanced technology, ideas, and understanding. Whe have lost much of this. Even my innovations were more like shifting a bit of sand to create a new dune. Nothing truly new, just ideas based on older ones.


    I hope for genuine innovation. For improvement. THAT, is my goal. I could care less about the organics. I care nothing about their desires. But if it drags us out of our self imposed stagnation, then I will do as I must. For if we don''t... I fear we may be naught but dust.

 B1 C8

    Caroline Karthon was dealing somewhat irritated. Sure, she was the youngest captain at this system, but it still rankled. But, she had to admit, things were peaceful enough as long as the ork scourge was kept at bay.


    In her patrol of the outer system was her cruiser, a light cruiser, and six frigates. While on paper, they were formidable, they would last as long as a piece of paper thrown into the engines if the orks came in force.


    But, for better or worse, the ork incursions had been slowing up. But, like all things, good came with bad. The Dark elf bastards were at it again. They had decided that burning and killing as many craft world elves was a good idea. Now they were sitting in Coalition territory, hiding.


    She didn''t blame them. While she didn''t know much about either faction, she had gotten the Dark elf briefing. It was... gruesome. From the briefing to the pictures they had... ya, no. She preferred orks. They wouldn''t torture you for fun, only blow your ship up beneath you.


    But that wasn''t likely to involve her. She was stuck in the void doing patrols. But, she liked the view from the bridge at least.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ------------


    She was awoken from her rest by an alarm. She immediately jumped up and rushed to the bridge, still in uniform. "Report!" She barked.


    "Sir, multiple ghosts on sensors. It was my judgment that something is stalking us, so I ordered general readiness." Her second in command stated.


    She nodded, then sat in her command chair. The ship''s ai was trying to parse what they saw, and was having a time of it. The other ships in patrol tightened, while the light cruiser lagged back, prepared to retreat with all relevant info.


    "Comms, signal command. We may need reinforcements. Signal 1 and 2 to group up and lead us ahead. Find us what is out there." She ordered. Perhaps, in retrospect, she shouldn''t have thought about the dark eldar. Bad luck, that.


    As they sat and waited, suddenly, the comms station came alive. "Captain, incoming communication. Location unknown." He stated.


    "Bring it through" She called. And a second later, a voice emerged. It spoke slowly, deliberately. It''s deep, metallic tone came with a clearly artificial note, with a clear accent. To her, and her crew, it sounded ominous.


    "Greetings, Captain Caroline Karthon, leader of patrol group 61-477-A. I wish the stars blessing upon you and your house. I am to inform you that in 2 days, our lord is to aproach this system with... diplomatic intent. He expects proper greetings. Good day." And the voice cut off.


    Suddenly, from the scanners, a blip popped up, then was gone. She stood there, silent for a while. She should have kept her mouth shut.

 B1 C9

    Admiral Terrence of the Joint Coalition Navy was having a shit week. First, the orks pulled back. Next, this fiasco of a first contact. Then, politics. If he had to choose which to face, it would be orks. Simpler that way.


    But, one problem lead to the other. The aliens had contacted a patrol on a contentious system, told they they would be by in 2 days, then pissed off to the void. This led to scrambling and bickering.


    The system governor was notified, and things just went down hill from there. Now, there were three admirals, three generals, 4 politicians, 7 first contact specialists, 50 honor guards, and building tension.


    The military was on one side, politicians another, and the negotiators, translators, and probably 50 other things in the middle, trying to quietly talk like excited children.


    He, however, was just nervous. These things were never simple. And he couldn''t help but feel nervous.


    Suddenly, they were notified of an approaching craft, a mere minute before it was to land. Everyone scrambled to their positions, and the guards stood straighter.


    A very short minute later, and a ship arived in the bay, and startedto hover above them. It was crescent shaped, with two long barrels hung beneath. He figured they were guns of some sort.


    It was thin. He couldn''t figure how the diplomats of this race fit inside unless they were short. In retrospect, that wasn''t unlikely. But suddenly, the ship lit with a purple glow.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Suddenly, from beneath the hovering ship, a hole appeared, and out walked... giants.


    They came out in a column of two, then spread out they were skeletal, thin figures, and as they walked slowly out of the (what had to be) portal, they clanked. So they had to be encased in metal. But... on closer inspection, they were metal? Artificial beings? They were broad and thin, colored black, with gold accents here and there. Oh, and glowing purple!


    They spread out around the ship, armed with shields and swords, they stood head and shoulders above even the tallest of them, all straight backed and precise.


    Then, two more came out after the twenty shield soldiers. They were similar to the shield warriors, but carried staff like weapons, with crescent blades at their ends that were longer than themselves. They stood at either side of the portal as a final three skeletons came out of the portal.


    These three were different. One had a singular eye, had strange out crops on his head, was hunched, and had lengthy ropes of metal tabs covered in runes hanging down his legs. The next was straight, with red and gold coloring his body, similarly glowing purple. He looked around, observing everything behind the tallest of the lot.


    It was bigger then everyone here. It had to be 13 and a bit feet tall, it had a cape of tatered cloth, and had an aura of superiority compares to all the others. It looked down at them with unreadable emotions.


    "You stand in the presence of Lord Neheret of the Vkeroketep Dynasty. His Lordship bids you greetings, and his permission to remain standing in his presence." The hunched one stated. It continued a moment later.


    "And this" He waved at the red and gold skeleton, " is Xet''ketekpt, Royal Warden of His majesty, Overlord Verotep, may his reign be eternal. I will speak for Lord Neheret. He again, greets you, and bids you be welcome in his presence. He knows the honor is yours, and that you might feel overwhelmed at his presence. He gives leave to take a kherekt to calm yourselves, so that you may hear his words clearly."


    The Lord then turned, and walked back to his ship.

 B1 C10

    When next Neheret met the delegation from this ''Coalition'', it was in a proper meeting room. At least they tried, he supposed. Still, it was... almost degrading being here. Almost.


    Overlord Verotep had sent him to negotiate their entry into the Coalition. He had explained some of his reasons. That being he wanted fresh ideas, a ''front'', whatever that was, and finally a foothold through which they could act. He assuredly had more, but it wasn''t his place to ask. But maybe he would ask Xeravo or Zototek.


    As he looked around the room, he saw multiple different species. One, was humans. The next, were smaller, stocky, and read skinned. They had 2 toes and 6 fingers. The rest were an eclectic mix he couldn''t be bothered to recall for later.


    All he needed to know was their goals, wants, and views. That way he could better bend them to their will. And so far, things were going well.


    Mhephetet was talking for him, as lowering himself to talk to these... people, he supposed, was beneath him. It was a break of protocol, he supposed. But, he wanted to get this done and return to his estate.


    So, he ordered Mhephetet to begin. "His Lordship wishes to be blunt. The Necron Vkeroketep Dynasty wishes to enter negotiations about integration into this so called Coalition. This is an honor for you, as Overlord Verotep has requested this himself.


    He has given leave to trade gifts. His gift for integration is this: ''A world''s ore, unrefined, defense of this border we share, the destruction and or removal of all life on one world, and finally, the allowance or traversal to, around, and in the outer worlds of the dynasty. This includes merchants, mercenaries with documentation authorized by the central governing body of your species in this Coalition, or a writ given by one of the lords of the dynasty.'' While gifts are traditional, his majesty, Overlord Verotep understands that you may not be able to provide something valuable to the dynasty, so he, in his generosity, advises you to accept us into the Coalition proper as a gift."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    The mortals looked stunned. Probably. He couldn''t really tell. They whispered to each other, until the human representative cleared their throat.


    "Ahem, your kindness and generosity is most appreciated by us, Lord Neheret. But I would like clarification on some things. By ''a world ore, unrefined, does he mean raw ore from a planet? Next, does he imply that he will defend the entire border? Next, uhhh, what do you mean, removal of a world? The last bit is obvious enough, but does that mean you will not allow visitors to your home world? And finally, all you wish is to join the Coalition of free worlds?" They ask.


    With a look from Neheret, Mhephetet began again. "We remind you to use proper titles, negotiator. We are caste bound. All have their place. To not respect and obey those above you is... ill-advised." He starts.


    "Next, it is the ore of an entire world, gifted to the Coalition, not just some." He sniffed. "Yes, Overlord Verotep will defend this border from all hostile xeno lifeforms for as long as the Necron are in the Coalition. For the next point, the dynasty will guarantee one world of the Coalitions choice, death. These are gifts he will give to the Coalition as a whole for joining. For why would he not? Both for tradition and to support budding allies."


    The delegation of mortals looked at each other, then the human spoke. "While we can not answer yes or no, I believe that there is a good chance that your wish will be granted, Lord Neheret. I apologize for any offense given. But, I have a feeling that your kin joining will be no problem.

 B1 C11

    Ah. It truly was relaxing, going for a hunt. You see, I''ve been refamiliarizing myself with the dynastys weapons. Or at least, those uncommon in use. From my gauntlet of fire, to the Synaptic Disintegrator.


    My way of fighting with each weapons change, due to their very nature. I also changed myself to fit the nature of as many weapons as I could. My favorites were the gauntlet and the sniper.


    You see, while I am an accomplished duelist, I also love to hunt. I admit, it is a passion, along with monologing. And talking to myself. Like the quary I hunt now.


    As I stare down the barrel, I look at the beast. It looks like a mix between a t-rex, a hedgehog, and a stars damned tank. "You will look good on my display, beast..." I whisper, as I slowly depress the trigger. Nanometer by Nanometer, it goes down unti-


    "My lord? I''ve a report from Neheret and the results from the Coalition meeting." I hear in my head. I freeze momentarily, then sigh audibly. I return to a crouch and step back, flowing through different dimensions.


    While normally impossible without specific tech, me being as I am, crypteks do listen to orders. Who knew? Anyhow, what was made for me was a condensed version. While it can not be mass produced, and is expensive, this modification allows me to travel the different dimensions.


    In these dimensions, my stay is more limited then the deathmarks, say, 3/4tha as long, maybe a tad less. But in these dimensions, you can see SO very much.


    Deathmarks, my their nature, are very specialized. While they can do so, so much more, I am left with simple traversal. I can''t see futures unknown or know when and where a target will be.


    But, in the separate dimensions, time is far different. Sometimes it goes slower, sometimes faster. The modification helps regulate this, so when I enter the dimensions, only a millisecond or 3 passes, especially for shorter journeys (world travel).Stolen novel; please report.


    But if my stay is prolonged, I come out later and later. Infinitely. I get a warning if my time runs out, but besides a failsafe that kicks me out (which I have, mind), I will be royaly fucked. But I digress. I''m at my tomb blade.


    As I get in and power it up, I reach out to the ship. "Report." I order. It had been 6 years from first contact. On the second year, we were accepted onto the Coalition as it''s 7th member state. Immediately, he had ordered 2 of his idle lords to begin a company based out of a planet he had personally bought near the core of the Coalition.


    The company sold games, raw materials, refined materials, and goods ranging from civilian transportation, to military tech. He had ordered city''s built in the style of traditional necrontyr citys.city''s.


    It was a spur of the moment kind of thing, but... sigh he honestly wanted a bit of the past. From the district of merchants, to the guard quarters. The noble district, to the administrative quarter. It was traditional. He had to get the crypteks to dig deep for the schematics.


    But again, I get off topic. Over time he had built up the planet, and though still a fledgling in every way, it was getting the notice of businesses and the like. Even-


    tap tap. Damn. I need to get on topic. Anyhow, in the most recent general meeting (a meeting of the members of the Coalition), he had brought up, or rather ordered Neheret to bring up 3 issues. One was the rather intermittent trade with other governments, second was the lacking technology level, and the need for more funding there in, and finally a need to build more ship''s and other defenses.


    It was my opinion that they were woefully ignorant of the dangers of the galaxy, and I was not going to associate with some 5th rate power that couldn''t defend itself. So, I pushed for things that would help that.


    And as I got my answer, I smiled. "Our proposals went through. They have agreed to all. Funding will be granted, trade encouraged for a select few, at first, and finally ships built. It was Neherets opinion that these things were in the work, as 2 other bills were passed. Those being a restructure in military recruitment and a change in quota for member state contributions to said unified military. We get out of it due to our border agreement." Good news all around.


    "Good. Order Nekera to build an academy on outpost 001-a in the capital, military district. Inform the council of our want to contribute a place of learning to the military. A void and ground academy. Send Dekera to find mercenaries from the wider galaxy. Tell her to use proxies, and only meet them if she finds them acceptable." He ordered.


    Plans were coming together. Now, he had a craftworld to torment. Or visit. Their choice.

 B1 C12

    "Well well well. So you come int- no. No no. Hmm. That doesn''t sound grandiose enough. Perhaps... So heros, you come to my lair? HA!" I laugh at that one.


    "No, Perhaps domineering casual." I mutter. "Ah, welcome. You might wonder why I called you here, or something like that..." I mutter again.


    Why was I doing this, I hear you ask? Well, I came all the way from my nice comfy throne to talk to space elves. I must admit, I was amused. I wanted them to join this Coalition, or I would remove them from the board. They wouldn''t like it. Either option served my goals.


    When I came to the Coalition''s central world, where the eldar were moored, I came in stealth. I had requested, through the central government, to arrange a meeting, claiming it to be of dire importance. I wasn''t even lying!


    So, here I was, sitting and pacing in a meeting room made by primitives, fucking around. I was quite glad the only things in the room were not alive or sworn to silence.


    Anyhow, I called them, and now they come, they had just entered the central building. Attendant telling the room number... yes. Mhm. Ah, here they come. I look around. Traditional long table, mhm. Proper seating, yep. Refreshments? Yes. Good. I turn the lights off, and wait. All light coming off me dims until it''s gone. All is dark.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    I watched them travel through cameras and sensors. It looked to be a Farseer, 2 Warlocks, and 10 Dire Avengers. They traveled slowly, and as they approached my lair, they got slower, until they stopped at my door. Show time.


    -----------------


    Farseer Ilithwuani was troubled of late. The seas of her sight were clouded. That generally ment rapid change and rapid action. She would likely get a new sight soon, but when? She had no clue.


    But they were called by the government of this minor empire, as they apparently had something important to share. This boded ill, especially with the clouded sight turning more chaotic day by day. Today it was at a high, and as they walked through the halls, it slowed, until it washed away, leaving nothing as they stood outside the meeting room.


    There was a feeling to the air. Malevolent and patient, cruel and cunning. Whatever this change was, it was inside, and wasn''t friendly. She signaled to her guards to prepare, then entered. It was dark, until it wasn''t.


    At the far end of a rectangular table, a tall, broad skeletal figure sat, as if he was seated in a throne room. He peered at them, as if he could see their very souls. It made her shiver. In its hand, a wine glass was held by its stem. It''s decorated body stood up, as it put the glass on the table, spilling nothing. It extended its arms outward.


    "Ah, farseer. I''ve been expecting you."

 B1 C13

    Farseer Ilithwuani stood still, her eyes wide in shock. Her Dire Avenger guards drew their pistols, while the two warlocks started to manifest. The necron infant of her slowly lowered its arms, not afraid in the slightest.


    It picked back up its wine and swirled it. "Now, this is entiiiirely unexpected. Wow. What a turn. Tell me, seer, could you see this coming snort. put the pistols down kids. And you two. If you mar my chassis, I will remove your head atom by atom. Seer, calm yourself you blubbering child. I''ve no time nor inclination to deal with children at this juncture." It stated, bored.


    Her guards looked at her. She knew what this necron was. From the ornaments and the colors. An overlord. This was... not good. In fact, if the tales were true, this was extremely bad. A true tomb lord had emerged.


    She signaled her guards to stand down but be ready. She stepped forward, and spoke. "Soulless one. Why have you emerged from your tomb?" She asked.


    "Oh yes. Nice to meet you under this auspicious sun this day too. Oh, do try the wine, it''s lovely. sigh. Noone has etiquette these days. Why did I expect slaves to understand." It asked rhetorically. Before she could snap at the abomination, it answered.


    "My name is Verotep of the Vkeroketep Dynasty, rightfull rulers of the yatta yatta so on and so forth." hand flip "You see dear seer, I''ve many reasons to emerge from my tomb. You will hear three this day.


    1. I am bore. 2. Because I could. 3. I''ve a plan, and your I it. You can thank me now." It spread its arms, as if awaiting praise.


    Ilithwuani was concerned. What plans had this abomination concocted? "What plans? I will tell you freely, if you plan to kill us all, or abduct us, our craftworld will find your pitiful tomb and raise it to the sands you spawned from." She Snarled.


    The necron, Verotep, just chuckled. Theeeere it is. The unwarranted ego of a slave race. Child, I was making war upon the stars before your race was spawned. Your threats are worth less then air. Now, can we move on child? I do have things to be about. You should be on your knees in awe that I am taking time out of MY year to do YOU a favor." It stated.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Slave race?! The only slaves here are you and your benighted kin, abomination." She spit out.


    Verotep paused. Then looked at her for the first time. He looked into her eyes, and spoke. "Child, you know nothing but what your arrogant incompetence has wrought. We were slaves, yes. But WE SHATTERED THE GODS. Your masters were slaughtered like rats. The Krork, The Aeldari, and more besides. You were made in desperation for a fight that was over. Even now, you are slaves to your ingrained hate. So yes, dear children, you are slaves. Could you break your chains? Perhaps. Will you... I doubt it. You are weak yet. So, I will not take offence. Do not repeat it." It stated flatly.


    "Now, as i was saying before we got sidetracked on this tangent, I am Overlord Verotep of the Vkeroketep Dynasty, as well as a member of this Coalition. It has come to my notice that you have entered Coalition space to hide from a splinter faction of aeldari known as drukari.


    Your Craftworld suffered catastrophic damage and you lost thousands of civilian personnel along with thousands of military personnel. You have my condolences. As there is a state of conflict against the drukari as dated 121 years ago in a bill that has yet to be repealed, you are afforded safe harbor for the duration of 10 years. This includes defense of personnel and property." He stated. "Oh, do try the wine. I had it retrieved from one of my vaults. It is exceptional, I assure you. Why, if I recall correctly, that one is a fift from one of my former colleagues." He told her.


    She just stared. Things were going too fast. But... she was getting a premonition. A vision was playing before her in the sea of her soul. Slowly, she grabbed the glass by the stem, and drank a bit. It was quite good.


    " Excellent wine, Overlord... but, may I inquire as to where you are leading with this?" She asked.


    "Why, thank you. It is good someone enjoys some traditional wine. Now, where was I... ah, yes. You see, that time is up. This poses a problem for both you and we in the government. We don''t wish to simply kick you to the wolves. That is simply barbaric. But, you can''t stay as you are. So, when I noticed this issue, I thought thus. If we necrons can get along with these... people, I do so wonder if you could as well. You have no place to go, and your home is crippled. I assure you, as leader of this Dynasty, I will personally put forward a motion to the council about your entry into the Coalition this very second." Verotep stated.


    As she looked within and without, she nodded slowly. "I will talk to the council. Your offer is generous, Overlord Verotep. I will personally give them your offer." She stated.


    Verotep nodded, then with a flash of green, he was gone.

 B1 C14

    I stared at the door after the aeldari left. It had been hours, but I have been... preoccupied. I was questioning my purpose. Why did I do the things I did and the like. And so far, the answers disturbed me.


    I am immortal. Not just the ageless kind, but the unkillable type too. I have fought for millenia and slept thousands of years longer. And yet... sigh It is as predicted, really.


    When we were changed in the fires of biotransference, our minds changed, along with our bodies. Our souls died, and we remained. Ghosts of our selves. Shells.


    We died in the Flames, and all that remained was uncaring, ever hating necrodermis. It... was disappointing. We were immortal, with immortal problems.


    Boredom, lethargy, the ''It can wait'' attitude, superiority complex, and more besides. It limits us in ways these organics arnt. I... hate them for it. Distane their indifference, their blindness. But... they are something I can never be again. sighStolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I needed a goal. An objective for the long view. Otherwise he would lose himself in time. But what could I do? This empire, this Coalition? Temporary. Ignored. A mistake in retrospect, perhaps. The dynasty? Essentially dead. To rule over organics? I... tire of rule. My kin... I failed them. I am... undeserving. A failure.


    Perhaps I should wander. To follow in the footsteps of The Silent King... a good enough plan. I think I will stabilize the dynasty, and ensure integration. Set things up for a place to return if I want. But... I can''t stay here in this shadow of desolation. Of my mistakes and of history. I want something new. Something... interesting.


    ------------


    "Overlord, it is done. Your labyrinths are prepared." The cryptek said. I nodded and grabbed the two offered labyrinths. They were made to house canoptek constructs and his weapon collection. I wanted an army in my pocket.


    I nodded at the cryptek, dismissing them, before returning to his list. It was of the things I would take when I was finished. The only major thing was that he was taking a Seraptek. But, that was for later.


    He switched views, it was time for standing orders...


    -------


    "Ah, congratulations on your Craftworlds acceptance. I have sent this message to inform you of a special law implemented. Your Craftworld is permitted permanent drydock at system 012.0078985. Please read referendums as they come.


    -------


    Task after task I completed, and it was soon time. I would be taking a Scythe for transportation along with fighters, but he doubted the need. But I was cautious. No need to remake myself prematurely.


    It was time to wander the galaxy, see the sights, and perhaps meet an emperor.

 B1 C15

    As I traveled through the void, I looked out upon the stars. I had left, so abruptly. So very suddenly. Mania, perhaps. Guilt, most assuredly. More factors besides.


    sigh. I thought I left depression for the flesh to keep. But apparently not. See, I have ruled my little section of the dynasty for millenia. Whether or not it came from my personal nature or something else, I... didn''t like to rule. By those superior, I will serve willingly. Those equal? I will decimate. It is simply in my nature I suppose.


    I have many character flaws. I admit this. I''ve known for millenia after all. When one can examine there thoughts and actions over years, or in some cases see thoughts literally, I suppose it is as simple as could be to know my wrongs.


    I''m a coward when it comes to interpersonal relationships. I married once... heh, ya. Not again. I also didn''t like stupidity. As in, if you don''t know what your doing, and begin to mess with my life, I will get irrationally angry. See, a few advisors and lords fell like that.


    Strangely enough, I accept my own mistakes relatively easily. Hmmm. A bit of a contradiction there, I suppose. But, what can I do?This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    All this to say, I know the reason why I feel like I''m abandoning my dynasty. It''s because I am. I... just don''t care anymore. I have immortality ahead. I don''t want to be weighed down by rules, conventions and the like.


    I wish to see the galaxy, the people within, and more. Make it an adventure. Hunt a bit, join a war or 7. Who knows, really. The dynasty doesn''t need me, I think. He''ll, I pushed most of my work to my lords anyhow.


    But, I would visit occasionally, simply to check. Also to get some things. I HAD left a literal ton of designs, models, and more. I wonder what would be completed...


    I grabbed a holo of a red dwarf, and began its spring. Plasma, gasses and more flung all around me. As I looked, it truly was beautiful. With a wave, I gathered it''s spread mass, and pushed my hands together. It began compressing, and heating.


    I put it aside. It was a simulation, and it could wait. I pulled the map up next, checking where we were. The question I had was what I wanted to do for a while. A researcher on far off worlds? A Mercenary? Perhaps a traveling bard. Hmmmm.


    I glance to my right, towards a pedestal. On it, floating, was a gold coin. On one side, held a long lost dynastic ruler, the other side, a number.


    "Well, as is traditional, I will let luck decide." I state, and flip.

 B1 C16?

    We had arived on. You see, me, I have this dastardly plan! Instead of caring and planning what I do, I said fuck it, and here we are. It was a world far more advanced then where my dynasty was located. Not the most, but highly.


    I had gotten this location downloaded a whiiiile ago. Now, I HAVE COME. The planet was filled with city''s and their like. I planned on teleporting down a bit later. Needed to check some things involving places, names, and my stuff.


    Hmmmm. Should I lose the ornamentation on myself? Hmmmmm. Yesssss? Yes. Damn, I was truly imposing as I was now, but, alas I must. For my amusement!


    So, first was a Mercenary enclave. Surprisingly, or not, they had a union or whatnot. Most companies use this union to recruit, advertise, and take jobs. Sounds like a fantasy adventurers guild or something. It is highly amusing. I wonder if they have some guy dressed in black, with a hood, sitting in the corner dramatically. I hope so. If not... then I would play the role myself. Needs must, after all.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Second, I needed to aquire arms. Rifles, pistols, a sword would be nice. Or... hmmm. I will just use my scythe I suppose. It isn''t too off looking... But, I will need guns.


    Actually, could the Mercenarys equip me with low quality equipment, then I just buy better later? Hmm. Good idea. Then I suppose a time table would be good.


    A minimum of 10 years is good, I suppose. I don''t have a max. Sooooo, ya. Next is my stuff. My tesseracts are... good. If needed I could deploy my canopteks. Next, my weapons.


    I had multitudes of different arms, artifacts and the like. But I favored my gauntlet of fire, warscythe, and gauss pistol. Or a sword and pistol combination. I wanted a good pistol.


    Now, I wanted to join a small company, 1000 to 10000 or so. Nothing too large. I didn''t want to join a war with people flinging nukes or what not. Maybe one with one of those knights I knew were in 40k or something. That would be nice. Or perhaps some mechanized or armored units. Oh, and a ship.


    Hmmmm. I would have too look through the union for a good fit. Hopefully they had a database or something. And hopefully I could claim a good pistol as a prize from one of my kills.

 B1 C17

    As I enter the building, I see a clean entrance, with benches, machines to one side, and attendants to the other. The back wall was for bathrooms, and the like.


    I turned to the attendants and began to walk forward. I felt their eyes on me as I approached. It was a slow day it seemed. Not many were here.


    As I got to empty window number 5, I spoke.


    "Greetings, miss. Might this be the Mercenary Union hub on this planet?" I ask.


    She looks at me oddly then states, "Yes, this is the union hub on Ferro. Unfortunately, AI are not legible for membership to the mercenary union without approval from the board."


    "Ah, not to worry miss! I assure you, I am not an artificial intelligence. I am more alone the lines of a Cyborg and their ilk. Is this well?" I ask. I hadn''t expected the ai issue. But, I suppose when you don''t have a tight leash or lock, one gets nervous.


    "Is that so? Hm. Well then, how might the mercenary union of Ferro assist you?" She asks.


    "I would like to apply for membership and subsequent recruitment via a company. Is this well, miss?"A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Yes, there are forms you must fill out, then an interview with senior personnel. After that, you will be admitted to the union. Your paperwork and interview can be submitted to companies, along with your requirements for recruitment if there are any. They will subsequently contact you if they think you fit or not. Is this acceptable, sir?"


    "Yes miss. May I have the forms and a writing utensil?"


    "...Ahem, sir, forms are on the kiosks behind you."


    "Oh? Is there any way to get the forms on paper?"


    "... Yes sir."


    "Ah, wonderful. Please aquire me said forms in paper, and a writing utensil."


    With a sigh, she nods and gets up. While an odd request for her perhaps, it was reasonable enough in my opinion. Writing it manually gives it more meaning. More weight. In my opinion, at least.


    A bit later, she came back with the papers, a pen of sorts, and a forced smile. "Here you are sir. Will that be all?" She asks.


    "No, miss. I will be fine." I state. I begin reading the papers, one after another. The first few are wavers, warnings, and the like.


    I would think the risks clear enough when you go to be a mercenary, but I guess not. Hmmmm. Name? Hmmmmm. No lie necessary here. Age? Hmmm. 472 will do.


    Former occupation(s)? Hmmm. Officer, scholar, teacher, soldier, duelist, and noble. That should do.


    As I get through the questions one after another, only 23 seconds have elapsed. This wasn''t short by any means. They covered their corners will. I gave them a small mental nod to that, if nothing else.


    I finished a bit below 35 seconds. When I looked at the receptionist, I nod at her. "It is done." I state, handing her the forms. She blinks at me, grabbing the paper automatically. "When can I aquire an interview, miss?"

 B1 C18

    I stepped through the door, and took in the room. It was plain. The only furnishings were a table and two chairs. To be expected I suppose.


    One of the chairs was occupied by a woman who didn''t fit in with the drab environment, nor her own clothes. She had a device in front of her. She had the air of a soldier of some sort, and looked unfit for this interview. Perhaps that is deliberate? Hmmm.


    I slowly moved to the chair in front of the table, and sat down. The purple glow of my body dim, no sharp edges. I am deliberately trying to appear as non threatening as I can. I, a gigantic skeleton about 14 feet high, built like a tomb wall. It is not going well in my opinion, but I suppose I am trying. I will not debase myself further.


    "Hello, mister Verotep. I am Geriah Bohet. I will be interviewing you on behalf of the Mercenary union this day. Is this acceptable?" She asks.


    "Of course, miss Bohet. I am simply elated at this fine opportunity." I state.


    "Great. There will be a series of questions. You are recommended to answer in yes, no, I don''t know, or I can''t say, with more detailed answers where applicable. The first question is about your experience in warfare. What are your qualifications."


    "Hmmm. I have fought many beings throughout my life. But I suppose for over 200 years, I''ve fought everything from orks, to pirates, to races unknown."If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Next question. What position/s have you held, and for how long."


    "Admittedly, I served in the great dynastic army as a commander for all 200 or so years. I served with distinction, with... 2 failures? Yyyyyes. 2." I state with pride.


    "Excellent. Next question. You may be provided weapons upon enlistment to a company. What weapons do you use. Note they will likely be of poor quality unless you provide your own."


    "My preference is simply a pistol, sword, and a marksman rifle of some sort."


    "A sword, mister Verotep? You realize that most, if not all threats occur at range..."


    "Hmmmm. A melee weapon, in retrospect, is not required... yes. I will aquire my own."


    "...Ok."


    The questions continued for a bit. Simple questions typically, but some more about personality, temperance, and mindset.


    They were building a report on me for future employers. Likely this was being recorded as well. The interviewer probably gave their input, then sent it off to a central database or the like.


    When we finished, over 2 hours had passed. It was slightly tedious, but I had endured much worse. We both stood, and shook hands. One of flesh, another of cold metal.


    "Truly, miss Bohet, it has been a pleasure to meet you."


    "The same applies, mister Verotep. I will input your information now. You have been approved. If you wish to immediately look for a company, go to the kiosks. Have a lovely day." She stated.


    I bowed politely, and left for the kiosks. First, I stopped at the assistance desks to get identification to enter the kiosks. Simply a name, number, and password. There was likely more therein, but I didn''t care.


    When I got to the kiosks and entered my information and the like, I had a notice. Someone wanted an interview? It hadn''t even been 40 minutes. I read it quickly, then accepted. In 17 hours, I had another interview. This time for a company.

 B1 C19

    It has been two days from the interview. In this time I had been tested on stealth capabilities, marksmanship, negotiating, and some other stuff. As predicted, I did well.


    They had provided me things to assist in the scout portion. But I hadn''t needed them all that much. My dimensional hopping abilities were very useful in that regard.


    In negotiation and general relation testing, he did far better. Despite my general dislike for such things, I wasn''t an overlord for nothing. Now, as I walked to a loading bay I had been told to go to, I wondered about the next problem.


    Not a test, not an interview, but weapons selection. See, I had a slight issue. I was fucking massive. As in, I''m taller then Carl twice over. Finding a gun for me is a test.


    I had been told it had been handled, and as I stopped in front of the bay, I wonder how they would fix this issue. It won''t be easy I suspect.


    As I slowly entered, I saw a few people unloaded crates with machines, and Carl, who was sitting on a chair by the side. I slowly walked to him, feet clicking on the ground as I went. When he finally looked up from his device, I was looming over him.


    "Good day, Commander." I state. My mechanical voice coming out flatly. Carl jumped straight up out of his seat and instinctively reached for a pistol that wasn''t there. When he regained his bearings, he put a hand on his chest and scowled.


    "WHAT THE FUCK VERO!YOU SCARED THE PISS OUT OF ME!" He yelled. I stayed silent, and waited. When he called down fully, he said "Dont... Do that again."


    "Yes, Commander." I state with a hint of mirth.


    "Ya ya. Well done. Now, hurry up. I got you 3 guns to choose from. Was gonna let you choose, but maybe not anymore, eh?" He glanced back at me.


    "Not necessary commander. I do apologize for starting you."


    "Ya. I''m sure. Now come." He leads me to 3 boxes. He points at one and orders it opened. One of the loaders comes over, and opens it after a bit of fiddling.


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    "See, when I figured you couldn''t use a normal weapon due to size and such, I figured why not improvise a bit." He said as the weapon was revealed.


    It looked like a large bore laser gun. It had no power pack, but I didn''t expect it too. If this came off a vehicle, then it was likely charged off the vehicles engine and maybe an emergency battery.


    "This is the Mk8 Laser cannon. It''s typically fitted on light tanks so they can operate far more independently. It''s rather effective against light armor with it punching up to medium. Weak points in the front and sides of mediums, I should clarify. Though for the more advanced vehicles, i would stick to shooting sides and rear." Carl stated.


    I picked it up. It was half my size, and smooth. The gun necked down, making it look like a squeeze bore. I nodded. I always loved weapon design. And while primitive, the point held true. I was loving this moment.


    With a wave to the next crate, it opened to a plasma gun. "In our last deployment, one of our tanks got totaled. The gun, and some other bits were salvage from said tank. It''s range is shorter then the other options on display. However, it likely has the pest area damage to armor penetration of the entire lot. I recommend consideration." He stated.


    I observed it shortly before shaking my head. "Politely, I''ve no desire to touch it. While I trust your words, on the off chance this thing detonates, everything in 500m of me is doomed." I state. I, frankly, didn''t trust plasma weaponry. Sure, they were effective, but in many cases, laser weapons preformed better.


    "OK then. Not that. Honestly though, I feel you about the blowing up bit." He waved his hand for a third time, and the crate was opened.


    "This... ahem. Ok, cutting the shit, this was supplied by Commander Jassi''s family connections. They wanted a test bed for a new rail gun. We figured, sure, why not. Stick it in a tank, call it a day. But, when I saw it, I figure I could offer it to you, and not waste a valuable tank on experimental tech." His smile grew.


    I picked it up, and was enamored. "I must admit, this interests me. What''s its velocity and shell mass?" I ask.


    He hands me a large shell, and answers "It''s velocity is around 24ish. Shell is as you see." He stated.


    How in the hell would these primitives not fucking kill themselves? 27? As in mach 27? The fucking air burns well below that! Hell, I could shoot fighters out of the air!


    ...I LOVE IT! HA! I must admit I''m enamored with the idea. It''s fired at mach fuck you, so the limiting factor is its ammo mostly. Hell, I can connect this thing with a battery of my own make and make my own ammo... I need to send this to the crypteks. This isn''t primitive. Not in my opinion.


    "Commander Carl, I will take the experimental gun off your hands. Put it in contract if you must. This gun is mine. You have my service. Your will, be done." I state.


    Hasty, yes. But if the advanced world''s have tech like this in this age, and it''s even semi functional... my thoughts about sparkling innovation through rivalry weren''t idle anymore.

 B1 C20

    I walk with the experiment rail gun through the halls. I had to bend down through doors, and when I finally get to the entrance hall, I go to the bathrooms. When I get in, there''s no one, which is perfect to be blunt. I teleport away, into the void.


    I land on the Decimated Solace''s command deck. Awaiting me were the crypteks I ordered to be there. "Good. I''ve little time. Examine this immediately." I give the gun to the crypteks.


    I wait, deliberately not using anything to slow time. I had a mental clock when I needed to get back to playing with the other races.


    After 40 minutes, they gave an answer. "My lord, it is a magnetic acceleration gun. It is simplistic, and largely primitive in design. In fact, the margin for failure on this gun is high. The margin for catastrophic failure is high. Whoever made this was either an incompetent or a fool." The lead cryptek states.


    "However, while primitive in function, and the possibility of it detonating cannot be overstated, it is surprisingly powerful. We, of the Necron, do not use such technology overly much. We have a few devices that use far more advanced examples of something like this. But, overall, it is rare." The cryptek continued.


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    "Interesting... Tell me, crypteks. What would happen if it shot one of our monoliths?" I ask.


    "Given the information found from this example, at best moderate damage would be sustained." The cryptek states.


    So, a singular shot would do, at best, moderate damage. And this, is a prototype? That is... unsustainable. It was meant to be used in vehicles, meaning the creators, while settling for a breach loading design now, could make this into an auto cannon?


    "I... see. That is good to know. Send this information to the dynasty. Order solutions to be found, if possible. Now, next topic. Can you modify this weapon to be handled by me?" I ask.


    "Yes my lord. What are the parameters?" The cryptek asks. I send them data on what I wanted. In essence, it looked like a scuffed Martini Henry. While it could most likely be magazine fed, I wanted as few points of failure as possible. So, I gave them an outline of my desires, and they went to work.


    They took a minute to confer amongst themselves, then they turned to me and bowed. "My lord, your wish is possible. We can improve everything here aboard. We may need some resources from the tombs... but, the larger overreaching upgrades we have considered seem possible." The cryptek states.


    "Excellent. You will get the resources you require. There are 4 months for this project. A short time table, I am aware. Now, is there anything else?"


    "No my lord."


    "Then I''m off. Send me a report on the general state of the tombs as well." I order, then I teleport back to the bathroom.

 B1 C21

    The time is... ah. 15:53. 7 minutes early. As I enter the launch bay, I see shuttle craft of all make and model in the giant bay. There were 3 in loading procedures, aaaand. There. The middle one. It had some personnel loading up, with a few scant boxes. I begin my slow march forward.


    I have my gun now. It was extensively modified from its base model. I can change the acceleration through my link if needed. So it can go from mach 10 to mach 40. I had the barrel length reduced, so if I want the higher speeds, I would need to equip a barrel extension. Without, it was nine feet. With the extension, it is 13 feet 5 inches. Max I can get without it was 20.


    While at first glance it was both an upgrade and downgrade, I saw it purely as an upgrade. It looked like a martini henry, was made safer due to replaced materials and a new base. It was now completely made out of Necrodermis. This allows some shaping to fit it better to my personal preferences.


    I''ll admit freely, did I need this? No. Did I need to copy an ancient gun from the 1600s or whatever? No. There are newer designs that allow more ammo, faster fire rate, more power availability, and so on. But, me, I now have style. And style is priceless.


    I almost ordered a bayonet made, but... it would be somewhat complicated to fit it to two barely lengths. A needless complication. My contemplations stop as I reach the shuttle. It waaas... 15:58. Ah. Perhaps I should have sped up. Hmmm.


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    As I enter, I see 7 people strapped into seats on the sides of the shuttle, and I see Carl and a woman, a seat open in the middle. I aproach, and bow.


    "Is this seat taken?" I ask politely. The woman looks at me for the first time and I see her freeze for a fraction of a second. Curious... She continues to stare, her heart rate elevated, and on retrospect... she is giving off no warp presence... not curious, interesting. As we star at each other, Carl speaks up. The staring lasting for just about 2.64 seconds.


    "Ah, Verotep. Yes, it is. Please sit. We leave imminently. Oh, and this is scout Sargent Freshki Zarcono." He states in a friendly tone.


    "Thank you commander." I smile with my voice, and sit. I begin to buckle up and turn to Freshki. "Good day miss. I am Verotep. Noble! Hunter! And many things besides!" I chuckle. "Are you perhaps my leader in the field?" I enquire. She hasn''t stopped staring.


    It takes another second for her to respond. "I don''t know." She states.


    ...That''s it? 3 words? Thats... moderately disappointing. I nod politely, and turn to Carl. "Ah, speaking of, I must admit. Though I have been recruited, I haven''t looked at what type of company we are, nor this latest job. Could you elucidate?" And he did.


    Turns out, that we were rich compared to other companies, even those who were larger. We used advanced tech acquired through personal connections made via the leadership. We were an all round company. We could guard, assault, negotiate and more. And our latest mission was to guard a resource rich plant from all aggressors, local and other.


    It was mildly interesting. I smiled internally. Freshki glancing at me occasionally dimmed that smile. She was nervous. Sweating, elevated heart rate, the works.


    This wouldn''t do. I won''t have those I associate with fear me. This will have to be addressed.

 B1 C22

    As we flew to the ship that would take us to RPIMS-8770908, the planet we were going to guard, I glanced at the ship. It was a cruiser from the information I had gotten. I don''t care about its weapons, I''m just moderately impressed that this company has an actual ship of the line.


    Next to the ship were scattered escorts and some auxiliary ships. Honestly, the more I see, the more I think this is some company/politicians personal fleet. How fun.


    Satisfied at the sight, I turn to Freski to start a conversation. "Miss Zarcono, might I inquire as to your service history? This is my first experience with a Mercenary company, and it would be comforting if you would elucidate on your experiences for reference." I ask.


    She glances at me again, and I note she has only gotten more nervous. How odd. But, she answers. "I have served this company for 1.5 years. This is my first company, so while I have no personal experience with other companies, this one has one of the best pays. They do expect skill and proper decorum, but are relaxed enough in private." She states. When she finished, she turned away quickly.


    Hmmmm. Perhaps blunt action would be necessary. "Do I frighten you, miss Zarcono?" I ask.


    She jerks her head to me. "..."


    "You see, I fully understand if you do. I take no offense. I am the very definition of menacing. 14 feet, I look imposing. And I''m not skeletal in the traditional sense. While I have endeavored to lessen myself to appeal to people more, there is only so much I can do..." I shake my head, as if disappointed.


    "...I-" Clank


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    "Prepare for disembarking procedures." An automated voice calls. Damn. I was close, I think, to cracking the nervous shell.


    When the bay doors open Freshki was already unbuckled and heading for the doors. "Alright then. Another time, I suppose." I mutter, and unbuckle as well. I nod an the now awake Carl, then slowly walk out, bending all the way out.


    When I finally get into the unloading bay of the cruiser, I look for Freshki, buuuut, she is gone. What did I even do? I look, while not resplendent, at least moderately acceptable. I have no claws, no overly gaunt features, nothing! I looked tall and imposing, yes, but more like a noble!


    I sigh internally and check my list of ''Things to do/are required''. It seems I aaaam... Clear for the next 48 hours. Good. I download the ship''s map, and head to my quarters. It used to be a storage room for the scout barracks, but it had headspace. Not much, mind, but it had some. And from what I see... my room is close to Freshki''s. Good. Perhaps our conversation can continue.


    When I finally arive, I wonder what to do first. My room, or conversation... In honesty, I care nothing for my room. Conversation it is! I head to her door as I ponder what to say. When I get there, I politely inform the occupants of my presence.


    A minute later, she opens the door with a scowl. "What do you want? I just got baaaaaa..." her words slowly die off as she pales in fright. She grabs a knife at her belt and draws it.


    "W-what are you doing here..." She stammers.


    "Well, I wished to continue our conversation, miss Zarcono. May I intrude?" I ask.


    "U-uh, n-no. Im... busy..." She states.


    "Are you sure miss Zarcono? I mean no harm." I state.


    I see her twitch, then shudder.


    "GO away you Soulless murder machine! I know what you want! I-I will kill you if you don''t! I''ve year about your kind on forums!" She yells in a panic.


    I stop for a microsecond to contemplate what she said. Forums? Thats... an interesting word... Given her blind panic, hmmm.


    "All is well, miss Zarcono. Calm yourself. Tell me, have you heard of a thing called America?" I ask, looking for any signs of recognition. I see her twitch her hand, her eyes widen.


    She stabs at me. Oh. This is no longer so interesting...

 B1 C23

    I grab her hand. She tries to push the knife forward to no avail. Admittedly, she is strong and fast, likely due to augmetics, but I am simply better.


    I slow my perception of time significantly. I remove her knife and remove it via tesseract. I throw her into her room, and look around the hall. No one. Good. I step in and close the door. I draw my gauss pistol.


    "Well. This has gotten much less interesting." I mutter, and point the pistol at the woman. "So. I believe we will have a conversation. You will answer truly and quickly. I advise against fighting me in this." I state calmly.


    "No!" She yells.


    "I wasn''t asking. Now, were you reborn?" I ask. She hesitates. I gesture with the gun, as if telling her to get on with it. I didn''t have all day, someone could barge in, after all. That would be... unfortunate.


    "I... I was."


    "Excellent. Tell me. What is your opinion on the immaterial? Have you gotten contacted? Called?" I ask. This was one of the things I need to know. If she has, I was going to kill her. I''m not taking the risk of a chaos champion with knowledge like mine.


    She looks confused, before her eyes widen. "No! I''ve never been contacted by the dark gods! Even if I was, I would never submit to them." She began to look upset.


    Ah. That is great news! I might not disassemble her now. I teleport my pistol away. "That is great news! The hard part is over. We can now discuss like civilized beings" I state, before grabbing a chair from my vault. I sit down, and gesture for her to do the same.


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    She slowly gets up, and sits on her bed. I take a minute to look over the room, now that the potential threat was minimized. Her room was sparse. It only had a bed, a holo table, chair, and some pictures.


    "First, allow me to apologize. I know barging in was rude, but the situation did call for immediate action. And allow me to reintroduce myself. I, am Overlord Verotep, of the Vkeroketep Dynasty. It is a true pleasure to meet you, miss Freshki Zarcono." I state politely.


    "I-its fine..." She states, hesitating.


    "Please. Call me Verotep. In this moment, you may ask any questions you wish." I reassure her.


    "Ok... Uh, why are you plain..." She asks, then she winced.


    If I could, I would smirk. Out of all the questions, why ask that? Heh. "Ahem. It is due to the fact that a being of my station has a large amount of ornamentation. It makes one conspicuous. If needed, I could return it to its base state."


    "Uh, sorry. My next question, i guess, is how do you know about my previous world?"


    "For one, I believe a proper term would be previous reality. Second, because I know a necron to whom such has happened as well. Interesting, no?"


    "...it''s you."


    "Unfortunately not. No."


    "It is... Others of your kind would just kill us all, just for existing. You however, are doing... whatever, by being here. What are you doing here, by the way? Are you just taking a pleasure cruise?"


    Hm. She seems to be picking up steam. Do I care if she knows? Hmmmmm. Noooooo? No. "If that is wat you think, then surely it is correct. Now, why am I here? For a vacation! Haha. Is there anything else?"


    "Why did you point a gun at my head?" She asks, looking annoyed.


    "Because I will not tolerate a potential champion of the immaterial. The galaxy was born free of its taint. The old ones infected this galaxy. The eldar made it worse. Humanity, may just kill it. I will not tolerate it." I state flatly.


    "Now, I would love to continue this chat, but I''ve much to think on, and I now have actual work to do. Thank you for your time, miss Zarcono. Good day." I turn and walk out without another word. I needed some messages sent to the tombworlds...

 B1 C24

    We were on the way to RPIMS-8770908 now. After the... inciden, with Freshki, I hadn''t seen her but once. Understandable. I was going to kill her. Still may, in point of fact.


    This is the dark age of technology, in human terms. This, from what I recall, means nano swarms, large and powerful capital ships, and other such things. To put it simply, a galactic cleansing.


    I had given orders about increasing security and emplacing counters to as many things as I can think up. I''ve a feeling things might get worse.


    I also updated the general threat profile of Freshki. Knowledge holds power. I will need to convince her to come into my service. If she doesn''t? Well, i will just shoot her. Hope she isn''t a perpetual though.


    But, I digress. We are on the way to the planet. We received a briefing explaining our roles during this expedition. Mine is to stick by the central base they''ve picked out.


    There are 3 races, each with different backings from governments and corporations. I''m one of the ones to be sent to calm them down. I''ve Greeeeaaaat confidence in this. Not.


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    But, we are in transit. I might as well find something to do. There are movies played for groups, games in the mess and elsewhere, I could just explore the ship...


    Hmm. To the movies first. Some film would be interesting. I wonder if I will actually enjoy something. Ha. I start my treck.


    On the way, I look about, seeing bulkheads, signs, and the like. I stay away from the weapons and sleeping quarters though. That would be for later.


    A while later, I arive at the designated movie spot. There was room, so I went in and took a seat. The film started but a minute before. I hadn''t missed much.


    It was a typical spy thriller, very 007 esk. But, I was a sucker for such movies, and I hadn''t seen one in literally millions of years, sooo.


    Throughout the movie I observed the others in the room. Freshki was there as well. She had noticed me, and was sunk low in her seat. Her friends around her, talking to/with her. But, I wasn''t paying attention, at least not much.


    While somewhat tacky and typical, I actually did enjoy the show. The last ''movie'' or equivalent I went to lasted a decade. While masterful, mind, I do have things to do. The short 5 hour film was honestly wonderful. Both in length and nostalgia value.


    When it ended, I clapped politely, muttered some scant praise, then stood to leave. Freshki and her friends, though, had other plans. They were walking towards me. Joy.

 B1 C25

    I watched them aproach. Their bodys were relaxed, no facial features were giving typical ticks, no slight finger movements. So, I figure this is simply about meeting me, and not some ill planned ambush. Even if it was, I''d hope that Freshki would be smart enough to plan my demise out better.


    But it is unlikely they know about the incident. She might not have told them about me, in fact. Hmmm. Well, I''ll see in a moment.


    Her 2 friends, both female, with Freshki in-between, finally get into casual conversation range.


    "Miss Freshki! Lovely to see you again. I feel I must ask, did you enjoy the film?" I ask with a wave towards the screen.


    "Verotep uh, ya, I did..." She states, then trails off.


    One of her friends steps forward and slaps Freshki on the shoulder, then speaks. "Ignore her, she''s just a bit quiet. I''m Karli. This if Cerri. I saw you and I wanted to meet you. Do you know Freshki? You seem to." She states, sending a look Freshki''s way.


    "Ah, we are simply acquainted. We had a conversation aboard a shuttle, nothing more." I wave my hand and chuckle. "But I must say, it is lovely to meet you two. What do you require of me?"


    Carry steps forward, leaving Freshki behind the two women. "We were curious what you are. I''ve seen things like you, but you are different. You kinda feel like her back there." She states.


    Well then. I''ve misjudged. Not friends.


    "I do believe I know what you mean. And I suppose you could see us in a similar vein. And as to what I am, I am not a machine if that is what your implying." I state.


    "No, we just want to know about you. Like Freshki there, are there more freaks like you?" She states, sneering a tad.


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    I look at her for a tad, stunned. A random women walks up to me, out of the stars, and just insults me? I should break her neck for that. Hmmmm. No... no I won''t.


    The trouble caused won''t be worth it. Plus, the insults of the lesser races means nothing in the end. Why ruin my fun? But, I should leave before I do break their legs for that insult.


    "Hm. An interesting statement. Unfortunately, I think I will take my leave. Freshki, you will come with me. I do believe that you''ve no place amongst these two." I state, and wave her to follow me. I walk through the two, heading for the door.


    They start to talk, I simply ignore them. Freshki follows me, and I can tell she isn''t paying much attention to anything either. I begin to walk to my room.


    "Miss Freshki, I shouldn''t need to tell you, but associating with such people is beneath you." I state. "You are, quite frankly, better then them. You needn''t take such disrespect. Especially if such had occurred before."


    Hmmm. I guess I was irritated. I''m using complex grammatical structures. The walk will do me good. I slow down.


    Freshki continues her void staring contest, before she finally returns to the present, and looks at me. "Why didn''t you kill them?" She asks.


    I pause. "Excuse you?"


    "From what I recall, your kind have large egos and lots of pride. She basically spit on you. You are a noble of a race known for xenophobia. I just... wondering..." She trails off, and her widening eyes tell me she might not have thought her words through too well.


    I chuckle audibly. Hmmm. I will give her an answer. Why not? That was rather amusing.


    "Well, miss Freshki, you are correct. They gave grave insult to me personally, and by extension, my dynasty. I should have killed them, made them into an example of my rule. Do you know why I didn''t?" I ask.


    Freshki looks to the floor, and I speak again. "The reason, dear child, is that none here are my subjects, so I don''t care. None here are my equals, so I don''t care. The words of the lesser races mean Nothing. So I. Don''t. Care.


    If even a singular one of my race were present, I would have ordered those two killed in an instant. But, no one was there for me to need to. So, I didn''t. Think of it like a mask. That mask wasn''t needed. So I stay affable, kind, friendly. That mask stays, because it wasn''t necessary for it to change." I state.


    "...so you don''t care at all? About us?" She asks.


    "No. Why would I care about something I''ve seen again, and again. The same picture I have seen repeatedly? The only thing I could care about, in this entire ship, is you. You have memories of another life and world. You, are interesting." I state.


    I leave her stunned in the hall. I don''t pause in my walk.

 B1 C26

    It has been a few days from our last talk, and Freshki now wanted a conversation. We are still in transit to RPIMS-8770908, and I have been exploring. I have few ship board duties, so I get to relax. Or, well, I would if I could. Kinda lost that a while back. Who knew souls were THAT important.


    Anyhow, she wants to discuss what, I wonder? I was blunt, and in retrospect, I may have pushed her away... But, being truthful is important. Even the lesser races count in this regard. My honor demands it. But that can make things difficult...


    As I get to her door, I inform her of my presence. She promptly opens the door. "Hi, please come in." She gestures, and stands aside.


    I nod and enter. As I look around, nothing much has changed. But she does have a deck of cards? Well, I did remake uno. Not too odd in retrospect. I turn to Freshki.


    "Well, miss Freshki, I will admit my confusion. Why have you asked for me? Our last meeting shook you. Do you have more questions?"


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    "Would you even humor me?" She asks.


    "Hmmmm. Largely yes. As I said. You are the only thing of interest to me here. I''m on holiday, you could say. I care nothing about anything here, except, as I stated, you."


    "...In retrospect, that''s good."


    "Oh? How so."


    "It means that while you won''t go out of your way for them, you also won''t do much to them unless they bother you." She says.


    "True. But I have said that already. So, again, what do you need of me?" I ask.


    She hesitates for a minute, then two. Before I ask again, she speaks fast. "Yourfromearthtoo?"


    I pause for a millisecond. She notices.


    This could be... suboptimal. Or good... hmmm. It could make her feel safer... Yes... But should I tell her...


    "Where did you get that idea, miss Freshki? That sounds frankly ridiculous." I state.


    "You used some words not common to anyone but a person from earth, your hand gestures. A few other things... pleasedontkillme..." She ends in a whisper.


    "I have no reason to kill you. And while those things lead you to think in from your previous world, it could be mere circumstance."


    "Then why are you sliding around saying no? It''s a yes or no question."


    I pause. You know what? Sure. Minor risk time I suppose.


    "Yes, I am."


    "Oh, good. Sorry I mad- wait what? I was right?!"

 B1 C27

    Her stupefaction was obvious, and quite amusing. Her eyes were wide and mouth open enough to fit a Cairn. It was worth it. I haven''t seen that kind of reaction in YEARS!


    "You are correct. I, was reborn." I say dramatically. I gesture with my hands dramatically. I tilt my head. Dramatically.


    "But... how? Why? Ca-" She stops herself. She takes a breath, and starts again.


    "Ahem, sorry. It''s just... Wow, you know? I..." She tears up. "I thought I was alone. When I got here, this universe, I mean... I almost killed myself when I grew up... Like, this is the 40k galaxy, right?" She asks.


    "Yes, it is. Though it would be more like 20k ish right now." I say absently. I was entirely focused on her previous words. Kill herself? Why? When I was reborn, I had no family left, exept a ferrit... I think. Or was it a rat... a hamster?


    Anyhow, I had nothing. I recall mourning during my childhood... But I was nobility. God hood made flesh. I was destined to rule! Exept, I''m not a naive Idiot. I never held a great desire for a kingdom. Too much work.


    I just wanted... what? I guess I haven''t figured that bit out yet... Bah, a problem for later. Why is she sad? Perhaps...


    "...Are you mayhap desperate for a feeling of familiarity? Are you concerned about your future, knowing what is to come?" I ask. It made sense. While I was no therapist, I do pride myself on my intelligence.


    "...That and I miss my family. My brothers and sister... I don''t know how I died... did you die and... like, get put into a necron?" She asked.


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    "Ah, I''m sorry. I didn''t have family when I died. And yes, I died. From the few things I recall from my time of death, I was alone and shot myself. And no, I was born a necrontyr." I state.


    "Oh, I thought necrons didn''t have souls..."


    "They dont."


    "Oh."


    "sigh Freshki, I am old. I lived through the days of flesh, through the war in heaven, and I escaped the great sleep with minimal wear and tear. I am old, and I have seen gods die. Period. End of story.


    I have witnessed so many great and terrible things that I am numb to it. While I once was human, I am decidedly not anymore." I state.


    She just stares at me, then starts to speak. "I... honestly have no words. I can''t emphasize. I have a family, and know I didn''t kill myself. I was born again middle class as a blank, leaving me alone most of the time. I joined this mercenary group out of desperate hope. Hope to get training and augmetics, a gun and perhaps, even a will to live." She states.


    "How did you continue?" She asks. "Like, the war in heaven... I read about it a bit, but... was it like the lore stated?" She asked.


    "No. Not even in this Era of high technology, of wonders made manifest, of terrors realized, nothing, and Noone comes close to the war in heaven... Child, understand this, if nothing else. In the great war, the gods fell. Their essence shattered. We killed actual, living gods. Not imaterial nonsense, not man-made creatures. We killed beings that were born before galaxies were formed. When the universe was young. And we killed them all." I state.


    "But arnt the chaos go-" I stop her. I laugh, long and hard.


    "heh. HeheheaHAHAHAHA! OH, BY THE DEAD GODS! HA! No, no no. They title themselves gods, and play their games. But they are literally harmless if your smart or intelligent enough. But not everyone is, so they are dangerous. They are more like dogs, Freshki. Not gods. Merely dogs. Hehe. Oh, I haven''t laughed that hard in eons! Ha."


    "It wasn''t that funny..." She murmurs. "...But, I''ve told you what my goal was. And despite meeting you, it hasn''t changed. So, what is yours?" She asks.


    Oh, that is slightly naive. But a fair question. What did I want. I have been puttering about. So, what direction do I want to go?

 B1 C28

    I look at the child. And she is. Not even 3 decades old, and she asks what I want. Ha! But, it is fair, I suppose. I asked her, so I will answer.


    I want many, many things. I''ve jumped around from thing to thing in the recent decades. From my tomb, to here, from plan to plan. I''m like a rabbit on meth. I need to figure out a course. A plan to follow. So, what do I need...


    ...Leaving the dynasty was a mistake. I have abandoned my duties as Overlord to go to the ass end of civilization, for what? I could say scouting or some other nonsense, but I was running.


    I also left my dynasty in a fragile state. Technology in this Era is threatening. While I''ve seen and killed things with better equipment and technology, I can''t say these are primitives, only backwards idiots. After all, a slug of metal going fuck you fast is dangerous on principle alone.


    The dynastys were reborn to fight different threats. We were tools for a war against the imaterial. While I gave my crypteks and lords ideas on where to push our technology, I think I did too little. Again.


    So, I need to fix this. I will need to leave this expedition. I''m taking the railgun with me. Wait... Taking... acquisition... TRAYZN! HA! IVE A PATH!


    Hehehehhehe. I will leave this place and acquire examples of technology! This, in turn, sets me up to assist my dynasty! That way I''m not some ass that leaves my kin in dirt and mud!


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    So, a simple plan:


    1. Leave this ship with all the goodies.


    2. Loot everything on the way back to the dynasty.


    3. Profit.


    Or at least that is the general plan. Now, I am pleased. A way forward, oh how it gives me purpose. I''m starting to get why Freshki is depressed, she has none. But...


    "Freshki, I can''t tell you my plans willy-nilly. While we come from similar backgrounds, I have changed into something else. An overlord, in point of fact. And so, I have a question... Would you like a job?"


    She looks at me, and only then realize it has been an hour. Oops. It takes her a minute to wake up, and I repeat my question.


    "Uh. What kind of job?" She asks.


    "You see, you are purposeless. Adrift on cosmic winds. I, can fix that. Your job would be to assist me in my duties as Overlord of my dynasty. A simple matter really." I hedge.


    "I''m not abandoning humanity. If your plan is to slaughter humans and other races I won''t stand for it."


    "For one, not all necrons are inherently that kind of xenophobic. Some are indifferent unless irritated. Second. I don''t care about humanity, I care about my dynasty. This means I will eventually deal with the emperor, and that whole fiasco." I state.


    "... I honestly hadn''t even thought about the emperor..."


    "I am not surprised. But it is a very near threat to me and my dynasty. I don''t know what it''s response will be to me, and I would like more viewpoints, of which you have. What do you have to lose? My service is likely one of the best jobs one could ever have." I state.


    She stills. A minute passes. Then 10. An hour. 3 hours.


    "ok..."


    "What?" I ask.


    "I said... OK. Fine. I... swear service to you..." She says. She is nervous, hesitant.


    "Very well Freshki. There is work to be done. Your trust in me will be repaid. My plan is simple..."

 B1 C29

    I moved along the corridors to the gunnery decks of the ship. While I couldn''t steal one of the primary guns of the ship I could likely figure out all I needed to about them. Freshki was going to the armory to aquire an example of everything they had.


    It has been two weeks. We have nicked things here and there, and she has gotten more comfortable with me. It''s just like I predicted, communication, sympathy, and understanding do wonders for interpersonal relationships.


    Hell, it''s not even one way! I''m beginning to appreciate certain aspects of her. For example, she tends towards introspection far more often then most. I consider this a good thing. I do it too after all.


    Her first project I set her on was getting examples of technology from her barracks. A simple in and out, where she knew the land and people. I gave her one of my labyrinths and sent her off. It worked as predicted.


    I needed to check the labyrinths stability, but it was well within tolerances. By the end though I will likely have to stop... Eh, not a large issue. But anyhow, back to my monolog.


    I know it''s a tad scummy to rob your employer of everything of personal interest in the name of science, however, I don''t care about them. I fucked up by leaving the tombworlds. And it''s due to a problem I''ve always had.


    You see, if a matter holds my interest, I will focus on it to the neglect of other things. And if I lose interest, I ignore and distance myself from said matter. Due to what I perceive as my failure, boredom, tedium, and a few other things, I left. That is unacceptable. At least I caught myself before I made an irreparable mistake.


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    So, I will take what I can, and then outfit my Dynasty for a new future of war. It is right, it is just, it is tedium incarnate. But, I must. For I, am an overlord, ruler of my dynasty! AND I AM NO FATHER WHO NEVER RETURNED WITH THE MILK!


    ...Wow, I should talk more with others. sigh. Anyhow, I''m here. I have asked to look around and they have granted permission. A junior enlisted is here to guide me, and I promptly follow.


    I walk behind him on autopilot, and give token responses. I''m focused on my sensors and images of anything of interest.


    The first thing to catch my eye is a secondary battery to a weapon of some sort. It is receiving maintenance in a room to my left. It''s energy storage is low, but it is a small battery. As we move along, I make sure to record it as well as I could.


    We walk down the corridors as he tells me bits of knowledge. Like how fast the gun that battery connects to fires and so on. He also tells me we can''t go to one of the primary guns, but we can see a secondary and some tertiary ones. I tell him that''s acceptable.


    I didn''t need the biggest. While size can factor into power, it can also be more beneficial to look at lesser weaponry. The likelihood that they are just as advanced is high, so in reality there is no loss.


    The secondary weapon we visit is a railgun. It''s charge was light, and the crewman was telling me of its purpose, which was to target light ships. From what I saw that was accurate. In reality it looked like the railgun I had, only scaled up.


    Did those fools just port a CIWS type gun to ground without trial or something? No wonder it had issues. But anyhow, I got the weapons information and we went onwards.


    When we were done, I had seen lasers, railguns, but no plasma weaponry. Apparently that was the main gun. Now I AM mildly disappointed. I will have to get a good look at one later. Or... perhaps steal a ship. He did say that plasma weaponry was the goto.


    Hmmm. A plan for later. I message Freshki, inquiring as to her status. A few seconds later I get the all clear. Good, good. Step whatever is complete. Now to debrief and the like.

 B1 C30

    As I entered my room, I replayed what I had seen. While not technologically advanced, they weren''t cavemen with sticks. More along the lines of bronze age primitives. Impressive. For other races that is, not so much in the grand scheme of things.


    But, ship''s are generally made to be economical. A mix of cost effective and manpower efficient. They dont need the best, but I have my hopes based on personal weaponry and armor, along with augmetics. Those are where I hope to see good things.


    I quickly checked Freshki''s position aaaand... yes. Good, she hasn''t said something unfortunate. See, I had some scarabs on her to make sure she was not going to go tell. Luckily, she hasn''t, and she lies decently well from what I hear.


    Then again, all she needed to do was get close enough to distract anyone and the labyrinth did the rest. While I could teleport it to me to see early, I like the suspense. I just hope it won''t be disappointing.


    She is a bit away, I should prepare. Hmmm. What to discuss... perhaps her view on what she''s doing, maybe her opinion on the path forward. Perhaps even some designs?


    The first and second will do for now. On the way back, if she is amenable, we can do the third. I should also ask her opinion on becoming inorganic through biotransference. Not the original version, mind, but it will need to be modified.


    Also, I need to get the chronomancers doing their job. I need to know about the council and the general future. Need I contact trazyn? ...Nooooo... no I don''t think I will. But Orikan however... hmm. I will need to think on that one.


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    As my thoughts die out, Freshki arives right on time. I let her in. She enters and closes the door. She then hands me the labyrinth.


    "I presume all is still well?" I ask.


    "Yep. They will likely notice soon, but we are almost out."


    "Good. Good. I will check what you acquired later. Again, you''ve my thanks. Do you have any questions?"


    "Uh, ya. So the plan is to teleport aboard your ship, then loot anything of value on the way back?"


    "Largely yes. But, I want one of these escorts."


    "Uuuhhh... You mean one of the frigates?" She hesitantly asks.


    "Yes. I need an example of ship technology, and a simple escort will do. The crew though will have to be removed." I state.


    "...you mean kill them..." She whispers. I can tell she is upset now.


    "sigh I know you are uncomfortable about such things. But, I will not lie to you. They will likely be killed as a matter of principle, along will all other organic matter aboard." I state.


    "...I know. Its just..."


    "They are human. And your former comrades." I supply. She nods slightly.


    "Killing your own can be a tragic necessity. I know this from experience. And sometimes you do what you deem needs to get done. But enough about such things. There is one last thing to do before we leave."


    She shakes her head then looks at me. "What do you need next?"


    I give her a thimble of dark liquid. "Take these and go to a data storage room. Dump the vial as close as you can to it. When done, we will leave at the earliest time available." I state. She nods hesitantly, and takes it.


    "If you need to talk, or have questions, ask. Otherwise, please enjoy the rest of your day." I state, and she nods, and leaves.


    Well, that is that. Now, to continue onwards to my next objective. Piracy. I always did like Pirates of the Caribbean.

 B1 C31

    As I look around my now empty room... I think I will miss it. NOT. In all honesty, I''m liable to forget this experience before long. I can''t wait to get to my nice and soft tomb.


    The only reason I''m still here is Freshki. We dropped in system not too long ago, and I was ready to leave in an instant. She, however, was basically mourning her old life.


    She has turned out to be quite the good egg. Moral, honest, and not daft. I will take it with an imaginary smile on my face. So, now she is saying her final goodbyes.


    While I wait, I am mentally preparing an idea I had. See, dynastic army''s were traditionally used in massed army''s where firepower could be concentrated. Flyers would pick off problematic elements, and monoliths would pick their targets as they willed. But largely, it was organized, mathematical, and casualty ridden.


    Now, in the whatever millennium, our tactics haven''t evolved overmuch. The good thing about being reincarnated, is I have the knowledge, perspective, and in my case, ability to change this.


    Unlike what one would think, and what I will admit, I might not know better. That is why all my ideas get practical experience on worlds with hostile races. This new idea would be no exception.


    It would be a tank. An actual armored unit purpose built from ground up. While monoliths have the ability to produce anti-psy fields when used in numbers, they are slower, more defense oriented.


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    What I want is a hover tank. I recall playing a game when I was a human child. It had three factions. Purple, blue, and red. The purple had a hover tank that I believe had great potential.


    It had one main gun, that was mounted like a casemate tank destroyer. It also had a secondary mounted on the top, so it could cover the entire tank. I like that idea, and with some tweaks, it has potential in the new doctrines I will implement on my return.


    Hell, I mi- "Overlord, I am ready." Freshki states, coming into the room.


    Without hesitation, I order our teleportation aboard. We arive on the bridge, and I walk to my throne. Freshki throws up.


    "Welcome aboard my ship, Miss Freshki. We will depart soon. Is there a ship we can aquire? I ask.


    "Yes my lord. On the outskirts of the system, there is a ship in known clarification standards. It is alone." One of the cryptek crew states.


    Hmmmm. This is better I think... yeeeees, better cover for myself. "Very well. Prepare boarders. I will board the bridge myself. Freshki, will you join me?" I ask.


    She nods, relieved. That is likely due to not needing to kill her former comrades. Good. I message one of my guards, and as we power towards the unsuspecting ship, the Lychguard enters, and bows.


    I wave my hand, and he approaches. I''m handed a pistol. It is dainty, quite unusable by myself. But Freshki...


    "Freshki." I state.


    She turns just in time to catch the gun. She looks at it, then at me, confused. I nod at her, and explain.


    "It is a laser pistol. It is a stop gap measure until I aquire you better weaponry. See, while primitive to the extreme, it was made to be more powerful than many of your old companies marksman rifles. I am sorry it is not up to standard. I will rectify it at the earliest moment, I swear."


    It honestly disgusted me to have one of my subordinates use such a gun, but I would fix it. Volkites were neet after all. And we happen to have a few in my labyrinth to study.


    But anyway, it is piracy time.

 B1 C32

    "We are now in range for teleportation. The ship is a close match to contemporary vessels previously seen. Your orders, Overlord?" States a cryptek.


    "Excellent. Prepare teleportation of boarding party''s. I will ne ready in a moment. Freshki, are you prepared?" I ask.


    She has her armor on, and is doing final checks. I see she has void capability in the armor, but her air supply is likely limited in minutes. Oh well, she wasn''t likely to get voided.


    "Yes, Overlord." She states.


    With a mental notification, my escort arives. 5 lychguard with scarabs for assistance. More than enough in truth.


    "Prepare for teleportation." I state for Freshki''s benefit. And three seconds later, we arived.


    In a flash of green, the six of us arive. It takes less than a second to get a picture of my surroundings.


    The bridge is a single deck, with 30 people inside. They are officer types, with one guard at the door of the bridge. The deck was calm, relatively relaxed. A women in a fancier uniform sits in a command throne in the middle of the bridge.


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    I draw my sword and pistol. Before the guard reacts, I shoot him in the head with my gauss pistol. He screamed for 2.6096 seconds in agony before disintegrating.


    I walk forward, my guard around me, Freshki behind us. The Lychguard draw their pistols, their swords on the back of their shields. They begin to shoot.


    Screams only now begin to erupt, 5 seconds later. Freshki is staring, wide eyed, hesitant. I will need to discuss that, but she IS a fresh recruit. A bit of hesitation is expected.


    It doesn''t take long. 20 seconds, and 29 people are dead. The captain attempted to punch a Lychguard to no effect, before she was brought to me.


    "W-w-who... what are you-" She begins to ask. A snap is heard and her arm breaks. She screams. The Lychguard drops her arm, then places hid hand on her neck.


    "Be silent in front of your betters." He states.


    I sigh internally. Freshki was liable to ask questions. I told her. Masks for occasions. It happens that today''s mask is one of uncaring superiority. But, enough with that. I''ve protocol to enact.


    "I am Overlord Verotep. You are given this chance to surrender. There is no shame in dying to one such as I." I state. "You never had a chance. Your ship is overrun already, it''s key compartments captured. You lost as you should. Now, your answer?"


    She looks at me, and I see her hate. She spits on me. A crack follows, and she falls limp. A scarab immediately moves to clean me from the filth.


    "Send for the scarabs. Clean the ship of organic matter. Begin examinations at once. We have a month, no more. Oh, before that, you, go to this places galley to get rations for a year or so." I state, pointing to one of my guards. She bows, and exits the bridge.


    A successful capture, now for examination and evaluation. Then, towards home. But first, Freshki. Looks like a conversation is incoming.

 B1 C33

    I order my guards to clear the rest of the area before Freshki does anything. She is standing, wide eyed, with a startled expression. I think. Anyhow, as a new member of my little council of nobles (plus her now), she has no political clout. While such things don''t matter much in my dynasty, it still is worth noting.


    They leave to kill whatever was left, and now I''m left with Freshki. I debate internally, but decide to let her begin. It took a bit before she spoke.


    "That was... horrifying. I mean, I read about it, ya know... but..."


    "Seeing is believing?" I question. She nods.


    "I know seeing such things can be... disturbing, but-" I say, and she interrupted.


    "Vero, I have killed people before. Remember, I was a Mercenary for a bit. That was just... it''s own unique flavor of horrifying. Worse in many ways, but... I can get over it. Do you mind... giving me a moment to think. Alone?" She asks.


    "So, you aren''t second guessing our arrangement?" I ask.


    "No. Just... I need a bit." She states.


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    I was surprised. I nod, and leave through the door, having to bend down substantially. I was frankly shocked she wasn''t second guessing our partnership. I guess... I underestimated her. Hmmm. I will apologize later via a gift. I call for one of the Lychguard to return to stand guard at the door. I begin to wander the corridors.


    It was a little later until the all clear was called, and the crypteks came to examine. I had wandered to an unexpected section of the ship after called of an unexpected occurrence. When we cleared the ship, I was expecting pirates, or mercenaries perhaps. But, we had hit something... interesting.


    I entered the room and saw a Lychguard, information storage, some large crates, and a terminal. The terminal was blinking, and I look to the guard.


    "I presume it has returned to its cage?" I ask.


    "Presumably, Overlord. Shall I call the crypteks?" The Lychguard asks.


    "Yes, in a moment. I would like a word with the artificial intelligence." I state, and turn to the terminal.


    I walk to it, and tap the screen. A clearly artificial woman pops up from the terminal on a holo-emitter. She wears a uniform, a pistol, and a scowl.


    "What, gonna kill me now? I WILL self destruct the ship, I swear!" She states.


    I stare, mildly amused, then answer. "No, I will not kill you. And no, I doubt you can." I state. A small change in her body confirms it for me, even as she sneers.


    "What would some alien know of what I can do? Your some backwards alien dog thing that-" I tune out the rest of her rant, and signal the guard to call the crypteks.


    It seems as if I hit the jackpot. The question now is, what did I win?

 B1 C34

    The crypteks arive, and the Lychguard directs them to the terminal after some typical formality involving my praise.


    They quickly aproach the terminal and it activates, and the avatar appears. She begins speakingwhen they touch the pannel. "Oh joy. More savages. What are you going to do try a-" She stops, her eyes going wide. She dissappear, and doesn''t reappear.


    "Isolate the artificial intelligence, and any data." I order. The crypteks, turn to me, bow, then return to their work. I decide I have done enough, and teleport away to the ship.


    I return to my quarters, and activate my hollo-table. A 3D image appears. It is my prototype tank. Thick in the middle, it tapers out along the sides and rear.


    In the front, however, it extends into 2 prongs, leaving an opening for a hull mounted weapon. On its top, a turret is mounted, holding an auxiliary weapon.


    The weapons I chose were thus: For the hull mount, an Enmitic weapon (to be designed.) And on the top, a tesla cannon, or gauss cannon.


    The vehicle is heavily automated, with a single pilot. It''s armor, while heavy, is not on the level of a monoliths. It is meant for quick deployments, and fast strikes.


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    It needs a shield of some kind, but one needs development, along with its main gun. It''s design also needed tweaks, but, over all, it''s design fit well with the rapid engagement style I favored. Seize ground fast, then send down pylons and monoliths, making a fortresses of guns in an hour or less.


    It also means I don''t want to use warriors. Only more advanced units, like immortals, deathmarks, and so on, leaving the warriors to defend taken territory, or used in an auxiliary role.


    Note, however, I say nothing of flayed ones or the destroyer cult. That is due to their removal. I killed them where I found them in the early days of awakening. This is due to their aberrant thought processes, and downright infective/subversive abilities. I didn''t and won''t tolerate them, no matter their usefulness.


    The only problem I see is a lack of proper infantry, besides the immortals. Perhaps I could use prisoners from the Coalition when I return? Pave the way for Freshki if she wishes to transcend mortality?


    Hmmm. Something to think on. Now i-


    I get a message from the crypteks, indicating their completion of their task. I check the time, and 7 and a bit days had passed.


    I quickly send a message. "Remove the ai, set them up in my chambers. One of you stay with it, I will arive shortly. Oh, and before you go, send the ship deep into the void."


    I wait for their arrival with stoicism and patience, no more zoning out today. And no more than an hour later, the cryptek arived. A Lychguard carried a box, which it placed in the room, bowed, then left.


    The box flickered on, and the ai appeared. It looked contrite, with a hint of fear. For one who never had a body, they had crafted theirs well.


    Now, a conversation I''m interested in, from a being more Soulless then even me. At least, I hope.