The biological Magos Morlock was emitting strange noises on the way back to the Dark Mechanicus vessel.
No member of the frigate's personnel could guess, through these singular sounds, that the magos was practically mad with joy.
"These Astartes were nothing but idiots, fools, morons… but what could they do against the omnipotence of the Omnissiah?" he thought as he analyzed the conversation data.
This time, Magos Morlock's forge world had gained enormously from this transaction.
To better understand the old magos's excitement, one must grasp the situation in its entirety.
The Limnos III sector.
Although it is a relatively ordinary region of the material world, it is located in a valuable position: the Maelström.
The Imperium of Man has never been able to fully map this spatial region, as Warp storms are unpredictable and unusual phenomena are numerous there.
Even the ancient humans of the Golden Age of Technology were unable to fully comprehend this place, since Warp storms are something beyond human logic.
How many colonists of humanity's golden age disappeared into the void of space because of a Warp storm?
How many regressed to a primitive state after being stranded on a world devoid of suitable resources?
The number is unknown, but very high.
Especially since the first space voyages using the Warp drive were carried out without Navigators or true Warp routes to guide the journeys.
Whether in the past or at present, humanity has been victim to the whims of the Warp on multiple occasions.
All of this leads to Magos Morlock's current situation.
A group of renegade Space Marines has found a relatively safe location, even though it lies within a region known for its danger.
This place was indeed dangerous, but danger often rhymes with opportunity.
The Maelström is not a place where humanity has been able to exploit resources optimally or settle by grasping its subtleties.
This also meant it had not been overexploited by other forces of the galaxy.
The Maelström is certainly rich in resources. Especially since Warp storms make it a natural defense.
"Thus, the Limnos III system is potentially very rich with high natural defense," concluded the magos as he entered his vessel.
Beyond the Warp storms serving as natural defense and the richness of the place, the Maelström had another important point underestimated by Atreus himself.
The Imperium could not fully control this place, as it would require the mobilization of enormous resources.
This conclusion was also shared by the Mechanicus, which devoted itself to searching for STC fragments across the galaxy.
The Maelström was too unstable to send too many resources from Mars there, while other unexplored places existed.
Unfortunately, this poor reputation also had negative aspects.
Several human outlaws and xenos live in this sector.
Even though the Astartes Legions have regrouped toward the Eye of Terror, pirates have been plaguing the galaxy for much longer.
Some are former members of the Imperial Guard who deserted from a hopeless war but did not wish to face punishment for their defeat.
Others are Drukhari who enjoy conducting raids to plunder explorers attempting to study the Maelström.
Beyond those mentioned, there are also other species that enjoy pillaging, such as Orks.
In general, certain individuals gather in lawless zones.
Even though Morlock's forge world has already cooperated with these individuals, they lack professionalism in executing their part of the contract.
Forge worlds have even been scammed by these criminal groups in the past.
All of this led Morlock to appreciate the Astartes group: they were honest, trustworthy, generous, stupid, and not much smarter than an Ogryn.
The magos judged them harmless enough to pose no danger, as long as he provided them with a few scraps of technology.
Upon his return, he would propose to the council to increase funding for this group of Astartes.
"I understood from their Techmarine that they have returned from purchasing gene-seeds," he thought, considering bypassing the competition represented by the rogue trader.
Morlock decided to convince his superiors to sell surplus technologies in order to prioritize acquiring gene-seeds.
He had to strengthen the "stupid" Astartes so they could guard their resources against potential Maelström pirates.
After all, the Limnos III system holds immense defensive potential.
"Prepare for departure, we are returning to Forge World Tartaros."
Magos Morlock began issuing orders and praying in his metallic, rasping voice:
"This universe is a dangerous domain, but praised be the Omnissiah!
Praised be the Lord of the Forge of Souls, praised be the Omnissiah — Lord Vashtorr."
….
2 Terra years.
This is the number of years that have passed on Limnos III after Atreus's departure to purchase gene-seeds from Rogue Trader Howard.
During this time, several things occurred within the Limnos III world.
Atreus had to quickly grasp the overall situation, but also undertake reforms on this base.
Thus, he summoned Governor Santanas and Zack to the council room of the city of Nopay.
"Hmm… Zack, can you provide me with a report on the evolution of the auxiliary army?" he asked while looking at the documents handed over by Santanas.
At present, Atreus was seated on an iron throne adapted to his massive size.
The former Imperial Army officer froze briefly at the mention of his name but quickly responded.
He already knew his master did not appreciate inefficiency.
"I have slowed recruitment, my lord. However, I have made enormous progress in military discipline and linguistic training," he explained in a tense tone.
It was clear Zack was somewhat afraid.
The man had decided to implement reforms alone, as the remaining Space Marines were not meant to assist him.
He chose to slow conscription but focus on the discipline of the men under his command.
A correct decision, in Atreus's opinion.
"100,000 men can speak High Gothic, as well as use and maintain their equipment. Congratulations, you have not disappointed me," he said, nodding.
Only upon hearing this did Zack relax slightly before Atreus.
"And you? Have you improved the overall education of this world?" Atreus asked, fixing his gaze on the planetary governor.
Santanas remained calm under his master's words and spoke confidently:
"Although you were vague about development, I focused education on High Gothic and warfare," he said, indicating a document.
He had already handed it to Atreus.
"Interesting, he did not only focus education on warfare concepts to facilitate Zack's work. He also began indoctrinating the youth through propaganda from childhood. He even teaches them to maintain weapons," he thought while reading the report.
Limnos III was far from reaching the discipline level of Cadia and Krieg, but it was certainly on the right path.
Atreus nodded and gave him a slight smile.
"You are on the right path, but do not deprive children of their 'innocence' too early," he said, referring to compulsory military service from age 13 to 18.
Atreus prefers to set it at 15.
The governor nodded at the suggestion.
"It seems I have won my bet," he thought, observing his master's approving gaze.
Santanas had understood something by observing the actions of Zack and Atreus: both men were of a belligerent nature.
This idea came to him from the brutal and effective methods of the Space Marine, as well as Zack's policies.
Atreus's order to him was vague: manage and develop this world.
At first, Santanas thought of leading Limnos III toward prosperity, but the actions of those who came from the sky with Zack made him realize this was not enough.
He adopted a war-oriented policy.
"If everything goes well, everyone on Limnos III will be warriors in two or three generations," the governor thought as he took back the documents.
The three now began discussing how to optimize motivation and improve the birth rate as much as possible.
Even though Atreus did not appreciate Zack's questionable suggestions, he could not deny their effectiveness.
"Rewarding soldiers with enemy women would be inviting Slaanesh into my world, but it is clear that glory will not be enough for these mortals," he thought, recalling the Black Templars.
This chapter is devoted to an eternal war for the God-Emperor, but Atreus cannot expect such an act from a group of mortals.
It is too early.
"You are right, the troops must be more motivated. I will think of something other than women. Even if it will certainly increase the birth rate in a guaranteed way, I do not like the idea of objectifying them like that," he explained to the two men.
Zack hesitated for a second but eventually nodded.
Just as Santanas was about to present another option to increase the birth rate, as well as improve troop motivation:
"Discordia? Weren't you supposed to be searching for children compatible to receive the gene-seeds?" Atreus asked the Space Marine who burst in.
The Astartes saluted and spoke urgently:
"We have detected Warp activity on the southern continent."