803.M30 Segmentum Solar, Sol System, Luna
With phase III complete, the cultists move onto phase IV after a short period of acclimation. Initiates are once again taken to the gene labs for the next phase.
This phase involves the removal of the skull cap of the initiate to insert the sus-an membrane which is a thin, translucent film. It is draped over the brain's cerebral cortex with the use of mechanical tendrils that attach the membrane at certain points over the brain.
This is to enable the biological shutdown and allow the initiate to enter a state of suspended animation.
It is then proceeded with multiple arms of needles preparing to administer the melanochrome. Advanced pigment-cells are injected into the skin's basal layer of the initiate, causing slight fluctuation in pigmentation of initiates.
It is also there to enable instantaneous darkening in response to high-spectrum radiation in high radiation environments.
The next surgery after allowing the bodies of the initiates to acclimate a little is the installation of the oolitic Kidney. The abdominal cavity is opened where the entire renal system is bypassed and re-routed through this high-speed filter system.
This organ is there to purge the blood of combat-grade poisons an Astartes might encounter during a mission.
Closing the initiate's abdominal cavity the last of the phase IV procedures is done in the mouth. The neuroglottis is what is added to the initiate. The tongue and soft palate are micro-perforated to house chemosensory receptors capable of "tasting" toxins in the atmosphere.
With all this done the initiates are now once again sent to rest in the nutrient vats. They need proper strengthening to undergo field testing of their augmentations. It is also a way for the initiates to adapt to their organs.
"Recalibrate the nutrient-slurry for Subject XIV-168. His metabolic draw remains anomalous." A selenar cultist reminded another cultist to ensure Dravion's functionality.
804.M30 Segmentum Solar, Sol System, Luna
"It is time for you to prove that the Emperor's gifts to you are not wasted."
"You are assigned to the Expeditionary Fleets. Prove your worth in the fires of compliance."
All the Initiates stood in efficient lines as they listened to the instructions from the selenar cultists. They stood as no longer men but as trans-humans, above the rest of the human race in every measurable factor.
Children only 10 years of age now stood at an average height of 7 ft. Some pale, some possessing a charcoal colour, some unexpectedly handsome. The variations have become more evident in the initiates, now called Neophytes.
They are clad in void hardened carapace armor, using standard Imperial army munitions.
They are given their deployment directives and the neophytes move in organized formations to the ships waiting for them. This will be the first time for some of them going off-world.
Each group of neophytes went to different fronts of battle. Assigned to crusader fleets to function as disposable scouts.
On board the Imperial vessel Telamar. 100 neophytes stand before the ship commander. They have long since left the immediate vicinity of the Sol-system. The ship hovers above a planet covered in toxic smog that made it look a sickly green.
This planet has a population of humans who have refused to rejoin with the Imperium. Though because of the planet's surface the military is trying to reduce casualties in taking the planet.
The planet is also fitted with anti-air weaponry, not on a planetary scale but enough to ensure the Imperial army would hesitate to make planet fall. Orbital bombardment is out of the question because of the shields used by the planet for its defense.
"Your objective is as such, deep-strike infiltration of the hive spires. Nullify the shield-arrays and AA-emplacements." Commander Nephan spoke to the neophytes.
"You have 14 standard solar cycles to achieve total blackout and not a second more." he paused, looking at the giants in front of him.
"If it is not accomplished by then…CONSIDER YOURSELVES STRANDED, BECAUSE I WILL NOT RISK A SINGLE HAULER TO RETRIEVE FAILURES.."
The commander was seething with rage. He has repeatedly said he did not need the support but high command had given him direct instructions, so he can only acquiesce.
He had served with the Adeptus Astartes before so he knows what they are capable of, but he does not trust untested people in matters of war.
The neophytes are given small ships that can bypass censors to make planet fall. Dravion is dropped with 9 other neophytes close to one of the biggest hive cities on the planet.
"Combat-split into fire-teams of 5, establish stable vox-channels." a neophyte said. There were no distinct features that could say what strain he got.
"Acknowledged."
"Understood."
"Confirmed."
"We will dismantle anti-air weapons, you will locate the shield generator and shut it down." Dravion said
"We will initiate a loud-divergence to mask your approach." he continued. "Full recon of the kill zone before we commit, I will not have us pinned in the open."
"You have our thanks, rendezvous here in 7 cycles." The neophyte stated.
Hmmm
Dravion took his team with him moving towards the city. As a gang member on Luna, is used to using lesser known routes to get around a place. They took the waste dumping pipes to infiltrate the hive city.
For 6 days they searched the city, constantly on the move identifying defensive positions. They identified 10 anti-air positions, but they also identified mortar positions that would give ground troops a serious challenge.
Instead of planting explosives at this time Dravion and his group began plotting escape routes. Not only for escape but routes to get to the next defensive position at the fastest possible speed.
"Recon complete, we must return to the secondary rally point to link with Damon and his retinue."
The group once again left through the waste dump pipes out of the hive city to their rendezvous location.
"The window has passed. They are overdue." Dravion said after his team had been there for more than 3 hours.
"Status query. Compromised, KIA, or tactical delay?" one of his squad mates asked.
"Tactical delay"