Inquisitor Kairas' flagship exited the Warp, adjusted its posture in the void of Neksum System's real space, and headed towards the Forge World, which was encircled by a massive orbital ring and shrouded in industrial haze.
Unlike Hive Cities, the space lanes here were bustling with transport ships, armed patrol boats, and enormous cargo barges. They shuttled non-stop around the planet and its rings like worker bees, and the air circulation system was filled with the unique scent of ionized air, metal dust, and industrial waste.
The Inquisitor stood before the observation window, silently watching this scene forged by pure industrial might.
Following the navigation signal, the shuttle landed smoothly on a relatively isolated landing platform on the Forge World's surface.
As the hatch opened, a hot, dry, intense aroma of molten metal, heavy lubricants, and ozone wafted out, a stark contrast to the strictly filtered air on the ship.
In the distance, the roar of giant furnaces rumbled like a continuous seismic whisper, and towering chimneys spewed endless smoke into the perpetually grey sky.
A low-ranking Priest, clad in a dark red robe and moderately augmented, led a squad of silent Skitarii Corps, waiting there.
The Priest's mechanical vocalizer emitted a monotonous greeting: "In the name of the Omnissiah, welcome to Neksum, Inquisitor. Magos Osiris awaits in Analysis Chamber Seven. Please follow me."
Guided by the Priest, Inquisitor Kairas and his accompanying Stormtroopers squad, along with the Imperial Fists astartes who resembled a moving fortress, traversed the massive and complex internal passages.
The passage arches were high enough for war machines to pass through, and thick energy conduits and data cables, like vines in a metal jungle, covered the walls and ceiling, emitting a low hum and the hiss of flowing energy.
Servitors and Tech-Priests of various models moved orderly through the passages, focused on their respective tasks, casting brief, mechanical glances of curiosity at the arriving party before resuming their work.
To break the somewhat oppressive silence, or perhaps as a form of display, the guiding low-ranking Priest spoke in his flat tone: "Magos has recently received many important visitors.
Not long ago, Lord Sigismund of the Imperial Fists also visited and met with Magos."
He added, with a subtle, barely perceptible Adeptus Mechanicus reserve in his tone, "Lord Sigismund seems to be an old acquaintance of Magos."
This statement caused Inquisitor Kairas' gaze to flicker slightly.
And the Imperial Fists warrior, who followed behind him, his normally stone-like steady posture almost imperceptibly paused, and his heavily armored shoulder subtly turned towards the guiding Priest.
Although his helmet obscured his expression, the invisible pressure that instantly focused conveyed his inner surprise clearly.
Sigismund, First Captain of the Imperial Fists, Primarch Dorn's most trusted subordinate, his name was legendary among the astartes.
His personal visit to an Adeptus Mechanicus Magos, and as an "old acquaintance," carried implications that would make anyone familiar with the Imperium's power structure ponder deeply.
"Is that so?" Inquisitor Kairas responded calmly, carefully concealing his surprise. "Captain Sigismund is a cornerstone of Imperial loyalty; his visit alone speaks to Neksum's importance."
He did not press for details, but this news undoubtedly added an invisible weight to Magos Osiris' standing in his mind.
They finally arrived before a heavy alloy door, etched with complex Adeptus Mechanicus symbols.
After the low-ranking Priest performed a series of identity verifications, the door silently slid open, revealing Analysis Chamber Seven beyond.
The environment within the analysis chamber contrasted with the rugged industrial feel of the outer passage, presenting a stark and orderly atmosphere suitable for formal meetings.
Cold metal walls were etched with streamlined binary prayers of logical beauty, and several metal chairs with rigid lines, conforming to Adeptus Mechanicus functional aesthetics, surrounded a large holographic projection table that occupied the center of the room.
The air still carried faint scents of ozone and coolant, but it was much cleaner than outside, and the temperature was maintained at a comfortable level.
Osiris' massive dark red form stood silently beside the projection table. As the Inquisitor and his party entered, his crimson optical lenses turned towards them, emitting a steady voice:
"Welcome to Neksum, Inquisitor Kairas. May the Omnissiah's wisdom guide our exchange."
"Thank you for your reception, Magos Osiris." Inquisitor Kairas nodded slightly in response, his gaze quickly sweeping over the analysis chamber's environment before settling on Osiris.
He still wore his functional Inquisitor attire, his face bearing the steady composure of one who had weathered many storms, not appearing constrained or overly humble despite being in the heart of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
The astartes, like a silent guardian, stood slightly behind him, his yellow power armor gleaming with a cold, hard luster under the indoor lighting, his helmeted gaze scanning the surroundings with professional vigilance.
Without much small talk, Osiris cut straight to the chase.
One of his mechanical tentacles gently touched a control panel, and the holographic projection table in the center of the analysis chamber immediately lit up, clearly constructing a complete three-dimensional model of the "iron guard" power armor, with its dark red livery, heavy armor, and the prominent cogwheel holy emblem on its shoulder.
"This is the 'iron guard' power armor system, project codename 'Iron Guard,'" Osiris' voice was steady, as if stating an established fact, "The initial design purpose was to provide the Imperium's elite mortal forces with a comprehensive combat platform that combines powerful firepower, excellent protection, high adaptability, and reasonable logistical maintenance costs."
He manipulated the holographic projection, and the model began to disassemble, revealing its internal structure.
"The basic framework employs high-tensile alloy and composite ceramic laminate technology, with key areas reinforced by Forge World standard-grade ceramic steel and plastisteel composite armor.
Its protection level is sufficient to withstand direct hits from most light laser weapons, shrapnel, and bolter rounds at conventional ranges." He pointed to the power pack, "The energy core is a miniaturized, high-output plasma reactor, providing sustained power for the drive system, weapon platforms, and an integrated 'Bastion' type kinetic shield.
When charged, the shield can deflect or weaken the energy of the initial heavy attack, buying the pilot reaction time."
The projection switched, displaying the "iron guard"'s weapon hardpoints.
"Modularity is one of the core design philosophies. Standard configurations include an arm-mounted storm bolter or lasgun, and a shoulder-mounted missile launcher or heavy laser cannon.
The interface protocol is open, allowing for rapid swapping of specialized weapons such as meltas or plasma guns, or auxiliary equipment like reconnaissance, communication, and electronic warfare systems, depending on mission requirements."