Colchis - 831.M30
Dharok awoke to the sound of soft murmurs and the faint hum of medical equipment. His body felt different, heavier yet invigorating. Opening his eyes, he saw the familiar faces of you, Thalassa, and Lorgar, your expression a mix of astonishment and concern.
"He's awake," Thalassa says, her voice laced with relief.
Dharok tries to sit up, but the weight of his body surprises him. Glancing down, he sees his hands and arms, now encased in powerful, enhanced muscles, far larger than he remembers. His mind races as he tries to process the changes. He reaches up and touches his face, feeling the unfamiliar contours of a stronger, more defined jaw.
"What happened to me?" Dharok asks, his voice deeper and more resonant than before.
Lorgar steps forward, his eyes wide with a mix of pride and surprise. "You... you've been transformed," he says. "You now resemble me, but in a smaller, more compact form. You've become a Space Marine."
"We weren't sure if it would work," Thalassa admitted with concern. "But it seems the process was successful."
You, who have been silent until now, step closer and examine Dharok with a scrutinizing gaze.
"You look like Lorgar, but there's something more," you say, your voice filled with emotion. "A miniature version, yes, but with all the power and presence."
Dharok takes a tentative step forward, feeling the ground beneath his feet as if for the first time. His senses are heightened, every detail sharp and clear. He can hear the hum of machinery, the distant footsteps of others in the compound, and even the faint rustle of Thalassa's breath as she watches him. The power is intoxicating, yet he feels a deep responsibility to master it.
"I feel... different," Dharok admits, his voice resonating with a newfound depth. "Stronger, more aware. But there's also a sense of purpose, a drive to use this power for something greater."
Dharok's eyes glow with a golden light as he focuses within him. He feels a surge of defiance and resilience, a burning desire to stand against Gods and daemons, to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Next, he looked deeper. His body shimmers with a holy light, a cleansing force that burns away impurities and corruption. He could sense the darkness, the flaws and weaknesses that need to be eradicated.
Finally, Dharok felt it, a raw, fierce power courses through him, a force that can obliterate obstacles and enemies with ease. He feels a connection to the light, a guiding force that drives him to destroy all that stands in his way.
Lorgar nods, stepping closer. "You are now more than just a man. You mirror me in power, but with unique aspects. You're a Rebel at heart like me but you were made to purge evil and the light you wield is destructive. You must learn to balance these powers. Use them wisely and with purpose."
Dharok nods, a fierce determination in his eyes. "I will, Cousin. I will use this power to fight for what is right, to purge the world of corruption and darkness, and to destroy all that stands in the way of a better future."
To test his new abilities, Dharok wanted to go to the training area, a vast space filled with targets, obstacles, and combat simulators. Lorgar asked to accompany him there.
He placed a hand on Dharok's shoulder, his touch firm yet gentle. "You are a warrior of unmatched strength and resilience. But this change... it brings responsibilities."
Dharok nods, still processing the enormity of what has happened. "You did…..something," he asks. "I know it. What did you do?
"Your connection to me was the key," Lorgar says. "I guided your transformation by the essence of what it means to be a Space Marine of my bloodline. You now possess the strength, the resilience, and the spirit required to face any challenge. Your test was your own, I merely…..pushed you when you needed it."
Dharok flexes his hands, feeling the immense power within them. "I am ready," he says, determination filling his voice. "Ready to lead, to fight, to protect."
You, now smiling, clap Dharok on the back. "Then don't waste anymore time," you say. "There is much to be done, and we could use a warrior of your caliber."
As Dharok moves forward, he can't help but notice the pride in Lorgar's eyes.
Together, they step out of the medical chamber, even as you and Thalassa make your way to the workshop.
The hum of machinery and the occasional spark of welding torches provide a constant background noise. Even in the workshop you can hear Lorgar intensely training Dharok, teaching him to master his newfound abilities as a Space Marine. The sound of their sparring and the clang of metal against metal echo through the space.
You stand beside Thalassa at a cluttered workbench, the robot torso you found so long ago lying in front of you. This project was shelved a long time ago and now, you revisit in the hopes that you would find something to help with the army at your doorstep.
As you examine it, you can see that the ancient machine's surface is scarred and tarnished, its intricate mechanisms partially exposed. Thalassa was also meticulously examining it, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"We need to understand its core functions first," Thalassa murmurs, her fingers tracing the delicate circuits and wires. "It's a marvel of engineering, but it's also incredibly complex."
You nod, peering over her shoulder. "We should start with the power source," you suggest. "If we can get it running, it might reveal more about its functions. But the energy conversion systems look... different. Maybe an improvement in the cooling mechanism might help stabilize the power flow?"
Thalassa nods thoughtfully. "The cooling system could indeed be the key. But there's so much damage. It might be beyond conventional repair."
You place a hand on the robot's torso, feeling the cold metal beneath your fingers. "What if we used something unconventional?" you propose. "I can infuse it with my essence, my energy. It might be enough to restore the damaged parts and give us a clearer picture of its functions."
Thalassa looks at you in surprise. "You think that could work?"
You nod, determination in your gaze. "It's worth a try. Besides, it might react to my essence in a way that standard repairs wouldn't."
She nods and taking a deep breath, you close your eyes and focus. You feel the energy within you, the essence that grants you your unique abilities. Slowly, you channel that energy into the robot, feeling it flow from your hands into the cold metal. The robot begins to glow faintly, a soft hum emanating from within.
You concentrate, guiding the energy to the damaged parts, envisioning them as whole and functional. The circuits and wires respond, knitting themselves back together, the metal regenerating before your eyes. Thalassa watches, impressed, as the robot's components realign and reintegrate, the intricate mechanisms coming to life.
Sweat beads on your forehead as you pour more of your essence into the robot, willing it to awaken. The power source, previously dormant and fractured, starts to pulse with energy. The cooling system, now revitalized, hums smoothly, stabilizing the power flow.
"It's working," Thalassa whispers, her voice filled with amazement. "The systems are coming online."
You nod, feeling the strain of the process but pushing through. The robot's eyes flicker, a dim light slowly growing brighter. The limbs twitch as the power flows through them, the ancient machine stirring after so long in disrepair.
Finally, you release your hold, the last of your energy settling into the robot. You step back, panting slightly, but satisfied with the results. The robot lasy on the table, restored, its systems humming with life.
You smile, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. "Now we can truly understand its functions," you say. "And maybe, we can learn how to replicate this process for other machines."
THe robot was mindless, its programming long since erased. But despite that, you found a wealth of mechanical information.
Together, you delve deeper into the robot's inner workings, identifying potential points for improvement. You suggest upgrading the sensory arrays for better perception and replacing easily worn-out components with more durable materials. Despite your best efforts, progress is slow, and the complexity of the robot's design becomes increasingly apparent.
Hours pass, and Thalassa sighs heavily, rubbing her temples in frustration.
"This is beyond me," she admits, her voice tinged with defeat. "I've tried everything, but there are aspects of this design that I simply can't decipher. It's like trying to read a language I only half understand."
You place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Thalassa, you've done an incredible job so far," you say. "But remember, you still have an open wish. If you still want it, I can grant you the knowledge of a Dominus. With that knowledge, you could unlock the secrets of this robot and so much more."
Thalassa's eyes widened at your offer. She looks back at the robot torso, then at you, the weight of the decision clear in her expression.
"The knowledge of a Dominus...," she repeats softly. "That would give me the expertise I need. But it's a significant choice."
You nod, understanding the gravity of her decision.
"It's entirely up to you," you say gently. "But I believe in your potential. With that knowledge, you could not only restore this robot but also advance our understanding of technology and its applications."
CHOICE 1:
What Discipline do You provide to Thalassa.
[] [Discipline] Dominus
[] [Discipline] Write in: Other discipline with a stunt on why she would choose that.
-[] Provender
-[] Logis
-[] Vulpaxis
-[] Metallurgicus
-[] Cordantor
-[] Mhalagra
-[] Alchemys
-[] Myrmidex
-[] Lachrimallus
CHOICE 2:
[] [Rebuilding] Write in: Plan to repair the robot with a stunt. (CCC is a valid option)
