Rae van Daleon – The Roots of the Storm
by Lea von Löwenstein
Chapter 52: Uncovering the Hidden Networks
The faint hum of cogitators filled the dimly lit Mechanicus lab, where rows of machines blinked with streams of data flowing across their screens. Tyren sat at a workbench, his cogitator interface linked to the network of ancient machinery buried deep within the Scola’s infrastructure. Beside him loomed Magos Omnitek, their servo-arms twitching faintly as they monitored the progress.
“This network,” Omnitek began, their synthetic voice echoing softly, “is a relic of a previous age, long before this Scola fell into disrepair. Its secrets are buried beneath layers of degraded code, corrupted protocols, and remnants of ancient Machine Spirits. To restore it is not merely a task—it is a sanctified duty.”
Tyren adjusted his interface, his sharp eyes focused on the tangled web of data displayed before him. “The encryption is dense,” he said, typing rapidly. “But it’s not unbreakable. I’ve seen patterns like this before, used to obscure higher-level command logs.”
Omnitek’s optics flickered as they scanned the same data stream. “You presume much for a novice, but your analysis is… sufficient. Proceed.”
Peeling Back the Layers
Hours passed as Tyren and Omnitek worked in tandem, their efforts a seamless blend of human ingenuity and Mechanicus precision. Tyren’s hands moved quickly over the console, writing custom scripts to bypass corrupted encryption, while Omnitek interfaced directly with the Machine Spirits, coaxing their fragmented remnants into cooperation.
“I’m detecting a secondary network buried beneath the primary one,” Tyren said, his voice tinged with excitement. “It’s… different. Older.”
“Indeed,” Omnitek replied, their tone uncharacteristically reverent. “You have uncovered an auxiliary system, likely dormant since the original construction of this Scola. Such networks often contain data repositories inaccessible to unworthy minds.”
Tyren hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. “What if it’s corrupted? Or worse—what if it’s tainted?”
Omnitek’s servo-arms twitched, their synthetic voice calm but firm. “The Machine Spirit does not tolerate taint lightly. If corruption lies within, it will reveal itself in time. For now, proceed with caution.”
With a deep breath, Tyren initiated the decryption process. Lines of ancient code scrolled rapidly across the screen, and for a moment, the lab seemed to hold its breath. Then, with a soft chime, the network opened.
Fragments of the Past
The screen flickered, displaying a fragmented log entry from centuries ago. Tyren leaned forward, his eyes scanning the text.
“Year 754.M41. Initiating Protocol Sanctus Umbra. Unrest in the lower levels requires immediate containment. All personnel are to evacuate above Level 6. Any deviation from this order will be met with termination.”
Tyren’s brow furrowed. “Sanctus Umbra? That sounds like some kind of emergency protocol.”
Omnitek’s optics brightened. “A designation of significant import. It suggests an event of critical magnitude—one that warranted extreme measures to secure the integrity of the Scola. Continue your search.”
More logs appeared, each one revealing pieces of a larger puzzle. Mentions of containment breaches, unsanctioned rituals, and classified Ordo Hereticus interventions painted a grim picture of the Scola’s past.
“There’s more,” Tyren said, his voice low. “It looks like… a list of artifacts. Items confiscated and sealed within the lower levels.”
Omnitek’s servo-arms froze mid-motion, their voice now sharp. “Cease your query. That data is restricted.”
“But—”
“Now,” Omnitek snapped, their tone leaving no room for argument. “This knowledge is not for you to access. The Ordo Hereticus has deemed such information beyond the purview of novices.”
Reluctantly, Tyren obeyed, closing the log. “Then why allow me to uncover this much?”
“To understand the importance of discretion,” Omnitek replied. “You have been granted a glimpse, nothing more. The Machine Spirit reveals what is necessary, not what is desired.”
A Revelation
As they continued their work, the cogitator network revealed a final, chilling discovery: a sealed chamber deep within the Scola’s infrastructure, its designation marked as Vault 731. The chamber’s purpose was unclear, but its security protocols were among the most advanced Tyren had ever seen.
“This… this is where the artifacts are stored, isn’t it?” Tyren asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Omnitek regarded him for a long moment, their servo-arms folding neatly behind them. “What lies within Vault 731 is not your concern. Its security is maintained by the Ordo Hereticus, and it is to remain untouched.”
“But why keep it hidden?” Tyren pressed. “Why not use what’s there to strengthen the Scola?”
Omnitek’s optics dimmed slightly. “Because power without understanding is a danger greater than any foe. The Emperor demands faith, not recklessness. Do not forget this.”
A Lesson in Trust
As the session concluded, Tyren leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with everything they had uncovered. The layers of the Scola’s hidden past were deeper than he had imagined, and the weight of what he had seen lingered heavily.
Omnitek turned to him, their tone less severe than before. “You have potential, novice. But potential without discipline is worthless. Remember this: your curiosity is a tool, not a vice—but only when wielded correctly.”
Tyren nodded, his voice steady. “I’ll remember, Magos.”
Omnitek regarded him for another moment before turning to leave. “You will report here tomorrow at dawn. We have more work to do.”
As the lab fell silent, Tyren sat alone, staring at the now-blank screen. The mysteries of the Scola’s past had only deepened, and with them, his determination to uncover the truth—whatever it might cost.
But for now, he would wait. The Magos’s mentorship had given him a new perspective, one tempered by caution and respect for the Machine Spirit. The answers would come in time.
And when they did, Tyren would be ready.
