| Astronomican |
In the Astronomican, a spherical chamber where the Emperor focuses his raw physic might, which creates a beacon in the warp that acts similarly to a lighthouse guiding the way in darkness.
This allows Navigators—an imperial-sanctioned human mutant who possesses the navigator gene also known as "Warp Eye," which allows them to peer into the warp and using the beacon of the Astronomican, accurately navigate through the warp.
However, ships in the warp are still susceptible to interference from the countless daemons that reside in the warp.
This can manifest as exiting the warp months later than normal, chaos incursions on board, and extreme delays in telepathic communications. Despite these perils, they possess the ability to travel through the warp with a sense of direction, rather than venturing in blind.
The most significant problem, however, was the immense drain on the Emperor's power. Maintaining this beacon in the warp was extraordinarily taxing. This burden was one of the reasons the Emperor initiated the Webway Project, a project I refused to bet everything on.
Which is exactly why I posed the question to Big E.
'What other ways are there to power the Astronomican besides my own power or using 10,000 psykers to maintain it which would lead to approximately 1,000 psykers dying in a day to keep it lit?'
I truly did not wish to have to split a part of my focus and power to keep the Astronomican lit for every second that passes during the Great Crusade. I desperately needed that power to engage chaos and hostile xenos head on.
In the next moment, Big E answered.
[In 8,827 timelines, we have used Magnus as a means to power the Astronomican and out of those timelines. Only in 13 of them, did he remain loyal and not cast the Imperium into darkness.]
At this revelation, my mind went blank for a moment, stunned by the absurdity of this knowledge.
I couldn't help but question, 'Is it truly that hard to keep all the Primarch's loyal or was it your own actions that led to it?'
[Both… The Four know how to twist things into their favor and in many timelines. We deliberately remained passive and pushed different Primarchs towards betrayal.]
'What?!' I questioned internally. 'How could you just decide to push Primarchs towards betrayal? What could you possibly gain from that?'
Then, a conjecture as to why appeared in my mind. To confirm it, I directly asked, 'Explain why you would do this.'
[In the first timeline, the Emperor saw many paths forward, but none of them achieved the most ideal end for humanity. One where all the Primarchs can remain loyal, humanity ascends as a psychic race, and humanity becomes the new galactic overlord. So, starting with the first timeline where 9 betrayed, 9 stayed loyal, and 2 had to be erased. The Emperor let himself be shattered and used his fragments to aid in leading the new timelines that branched out.
In these timelines, the Emperor of Mankind changed each Primarch in different ways such as their intended role, gender, and loyalties. All of us aimed to see each possible conclusion so that eventually one timeline that knows the most optimal route can achieve the ideal future we wish for. But, after the 38,381st timeline, we realized that even knowing each optimal route would never allow the perfect timeline. A timeline in which humanity experiences a true victory over chaos.
In the end, we concluded that we had no choice but to gamble and what we gambled. Can never be spoken, even within the safety of our shared mind. Sooner or later you will realize what we gambled, and we ask this of you. Use it well when you reach your endgame with chaos, or else the next timeline will have to start. Leaving you with the fate of being bound to the Golden Throne or having your timeline pruned.]
I was left with varying emotions with what was said to me, but the one that stood out the most was annoyance. I couldn't believe it, even now, after becoming a part of the Emperor of Mankind, I was still being subjected to riddles. Must there truly be levels to this?
My annoyance turned into simmering anger and I questioned Big E angrily, 'What part of keeping secrets will lead to undesirable outcomes, did you never understand in these past 39,999 timelines?!!'
Channeling the warp, I created a stronger barrier around the Astronomican and yelled aloud.
"Star Child, Dark King, God Emperor… Where are you three?! Explain this gamble to me. What other variables do you still wish to keep hidden?"
[They can not appear again in your timeline, because doing so will expose them to the prying eyes of Chaos. In the Great Game, chaos limits how much beings outside the timeline can interfere, especially the Emperor's attempts. Star Child, Dark King, and the God Emperor used their own special methods to appear and aid you without alerting chaos. If they attempt to appear again, it will be their last and it is not optimal for them to appear only for this.]
'Not optimal, they say,' I thought internally in frustration. 'So be it then… Honestly, I shouldn't have expected completely clear help from them. It seems there's only me, my sons, and my companions that I can truly rely on to not withhold such important things from me.'
There was a silence for a few moments, during which I recomposed myself and considered an idea I just thought of to solve the problem I first asked Big E.
What followed next was a constant back in forth in questions and answers. Which led to the refining of this idea into something that can possibly be enacted upon.
'What about Vashtorr's methods,' I asked Big E. 'Can his Forge of Souls be used to turn daemons into pure warp energy to aid in powering the Astronomican?'
[If you modify some parts of the forge and add your warp flames and faith. You can indeed change his forge of souls from a forge that turns daemons into an engine. Into a refining forge that holds daemons and continuously burns away their filth until all that is left is pure warp energy. However, catching Vashtorr is something that will not be easily achieved. He will need to be lured out or you will need a powerful enough warp rift to let you forcibly travel to where he resides.
Furthermore, creating such a forge and using daemons to fuel it is too risky. Without constant supervision equivalent to the Emperor sitting on the Golden Throne. Any of those daemons could forcibly fuse themselves with the forge itself, leading to dire consequences. And, of course, the Four will not sit idly by.]
'What if I create something or someone who can use the energy from these daemons to light the Astronomican and act as the warden of said daemons? A being similar to that of a World Spirit, a World Spirit more like the one on Fenris—the future homeworld of the Primarch Leman Russ of the 6th Legion. If I give the World Spirit of Terra sentience and a way to form a body, will it be able to perform such a role?'
[Unknown… Not a single timeline has attempted this due to Terra's World Spirit being more of an warp entity that embraces all of humanity's thoughts and emotions. Whereas Fenris' World Spirit came from the thoughts and emotions of a small part of humanity. Terra's World Spirit formed from the first offering of praise from the first humans and then it began to grow later on due to the belief in Mother Nature.
However, over time, as humanity began to travel across the stars, became more exposed to the warp, over-relied on AI, and the first signs of humanity's inevitable fall began to show.The Emperor along with the natural born perpetuals decided to suppress the rapidly growing sentience of Terra's World Spirit. This was done in order to preserve its sanctity and prevent chaos from having direct access to it. If you remove the restraint on its sentience, it can possibly risk it being corrupted by chaos or betraying humanity on its own.
Besides these concerns, it will require an immense amount of raw warp energy, more than you possess, to help form its body. And it requires a large amount of faith to complete its sentience.]
'I was already planning to attack Chaos to retrieve four Primarchs and also thin the veil between the realspace and materium. In order to also deliver a heavy strike on Tzeentch, targeting his resources. Leaving him temporarily weakened, which would hopefully lead to Nurgle taking advantage of this and attacking Tzeentch. This way with Khorne and Slaanesh already fighting over the "change" in the concept of Pride and now Nurgle against Tzeentch due to old grudges. Would temporarily keep the Four from truly working together against me.
But now, if I allow the warp rift to open much bigger than I originally planned. Could I use the resulting warp energy from the rift along with my faith power, to allow the World Spirit to form? Or perhaps… what if I guide the warp energy from the warp rift, along with the scattered faith energies of humanity, and the World Spirit. Then using certain dark knowledge, and special concepts of humanity.
Would I be able to create a realm in the warp for humanity without needing to truly be a god? This way, in one grand plan, I can achieve creating a self-sustaining Astronomican for humanity, a safe haven for human psykers that can act like a filter against chaos, and the first step of humanity's ascension.'
[Inconceivable. There are many holes in your plan, such as how you are going to prevent all of Chaos from interfering with the process of forming a domain. Even if the domain is formed, can you truly defend it from all of chaos. Especially the four, since the four from the original timeline will be attracted to your timeline and will act. The matter of the World Spirit's attitude when gaining sentience also needs to be addressed.
Worse of all, enacting this plan will drain you of all power, leaving you unconscious and immobile for an unknown amount of years. The Great Crusade will fail without having the Emperor's constant presence and vigilance. Malcador can not handle the Great Crusade alone, Erda and Ollanius cannot be trusted to truly help Malcador. Furthermore, the allies you hav—]
Big E suddenly stopped speaking to me, as if it abruptly lost all power. This left me frowning at what could possibly be happening. But then, in the next moment, a different voice spoke to me within my mind, a voice I was very familiar with.
'Is this the path you wish to take,' the voice of Star Child asked somberly within my mind.
'It is,' I replied similarly in a somber tone. 'I acknowledge the enormity of the risk I plan to take, along with what may come after. I will complete the plan to form a domain and I have faith in those I've chosen to protect it. Even with me not being there to guide them for the years that I will be immobile.'
'So be it then,' Star Child said with a sigh. 'We will handle the interference of the four from the original timeline and for now. Together we shall discuss what else is needed for your plan and in what ways to achieve it best. Though ask all that you must before you enact your plan, because that will be the last time we will be able to directly aid you. Lastly, about the gamble we made and the other things we must keep from you, understand that even a mere thought of it, will put too much at risk.'
Hearing this, I replied with gratitude, 'I greatly appreciate your help in this and I have come to some conclusions on what you all gambled. So, I do understand why it must never be mentioned.'
'Good,' Star Child replied softly and then continued. 'Let us begin.'
___
Six Months Later…
___
During the past six months, I spoke with Star Child about my plan to create a domain in the warp for humanity. I decided to call this plan the "Genesis Project" and with Star Child's guidance, we developed a rather simple yet intricate four part plan to achieve success within the next 10 years.
First, inform the Mechanicum of Mars of Vashtorr's existence, claiming he is a heretic who committed blasphemy against the Machine God and even stole a fragment of the Motive Force.
Simultaneously, lead the forces of the Mechanicum of Mars outside the Sol System and let them coincidentally find a relic of humanity from the Dark Age of Technology. While also luring Vashtorr there directly, which would cause an all out war between Vashtorr and the Mechanicum.
Once the Mechanicum is on their last legs and Vashtorr drops his guard, I will act using my power and Necron technology. To directly suppress Vashtorr and capture him, then with the Mechanicum weakened. I can act in secret and guide a revolution within it, leading to a better Mechanicum that is no longer corrupt and hides its technological progress from others.
Second, complete the training of the Librarians and Chaplains, along with the creation of specialized psykers within the Custodes with Erda's help. These forces will move at Malcador's command to travel into the warp rifts created and seize the four Primarchs I must save.
Third, with the help of Erda, and with her, Malcador, and I working together. We will create an embryo for Terra's World Spirit, so that it will be ready for the final moment of the Genesis Project. Then, work together to alter Vashtorr's soul forge into exactly what I need.
And finally, prepare Alpharius to become the temporary Warmaster in my future absence. He needs to be ready to handle everything, including his brothers and if possible, force his complete psychic awakening. What he and his legion specializes in, truly isn't suited for being a Warmaster nor taking a leading role, but he is the only person I can hand over this duty to.
Even if I cannot force his complete psychic awakening, I can at least forge him weapons that will allow him to do so much more. There are also some things that Trazyn generously gave me that I can give to him.
With this four part plan completed, now I need to make the proper preparations which includes speaking with my current ally and soon to be allies.
While I was planning, Malcador had found the current location of Erda and Ollanius. Originally, I planned on meeting with them to regain their loyalties before I commenced the Great Crusade in two months.
However, a guest that I was expecting came sooner than I had anticipated. Currently residing at Malcador's Tower, was Eldrad Ulthran, a Farseer of the Ulthwé craftworld who is one of the oldest living and most gifted psyker Aeldari in the galaxy.
I directly teleported myself to the entrance of Malcador's Tower, made my way up and then entered Malcador's study.
Where Malcador, Alpharius, and Eldrad were all currently seated. Once I had entered I also took my seat and got straight to the point, asking Eldrad.
"What have you seen that you wish to bring to my attention?"
Eldrad looked directly at me with a solemn face and stated, "I had a vision where we worked together to fight off She Who Thirsts and during this fight. I witnessed four Primarchs, who were supposedly corrupted by Khorne and Nurgle, backstab you. Later, I then witnessed a new insectoid-like threat appear in the galaxy that wishes to consume us all."
After he said that, everyone in the room frowned. Then Alpharius asked, "Can you describe the appearance of the four who betrayed my father?"
Eldrad nodded and replied, "In the vision the most I could make out about the Primarchs were the colors their armors bore, the first one had gold armor, the second had blue armor, the third had green armor, and the fourth had brown armor."
"Is there anything else," I asked carefully. "Any voices, any oddities about the surroundings?"
Eldrad's face slightly frowned as if pondering something and then he replied, "No, however, this vision does seem off, in an odd sense of being too inconspicuous."
I sat there for a moment, musing internally, 'Indeed, it almost seems intentional. Why would Eldrad receive a vision clearly pointing out the actions of Khorne and Nurgle? This must be an open scheme. After all, visions that the Aeldari receive are often interfered with by Tzeentch. He usually creates false prophecies, illusions, or twists real prophecies into something that suits his schemes.'
After a while, I spoke up and said, "I believe this is a scheme by Tzeentch to force my hand, because he knows that regardless of whether the vision is true or false. I cannot afford to ignore it, thus forcing me to do exactly as he wants."
Malcador turned towards me and asked, "So what will we do?"
"We will do what he wants," I stated calmly. "And he will find out the hard way, that not all things go according to plan."
Malcador and Alpharius both nodded their heads, while Eldrad maintained a passive expression.
Eldrad then said, "Going forward, are you willing to ally yourself with my craftworld and any others I convince?"
I nodded and replied, "Yes, but know that I will not tolerate any Eldar acting on their own without informing anyone, especially Farseers. Too many times have they tried to prevent a vision, only to end up causing it."
Eldrad let out a sigh in acceptance and said, "That is acceptable, so how can we aid each other?"
"There will be a day," I said slowly in a neutral, calm tone. "Where I will have Malcador lead my forces into warp, during which I will require you and your forces to hold a defensive line in front of the warp rift that will be opened. Later on, further details will be when the plan is put into motion. For now, you are welcomed to stay within this tower on the floor below."
"I understand," Eldrad replied while getting up to walk out and once he opened the door and left.
I turned towards Alpharius and said, "You will be receiving new training and you are permitted to choose weapons from my Armory or even ones locked away in the Dark Cells. I also have some Necron technology like the tesseract labyrinth, which will be given to you to use from now on. These weapons and technology will greatly help you in the future."
Alpharius looked up at me with his eyes gleaming, but then they dimmed as he said, "Father I am not worthy of such gifts, I have not contributed anything to you or humanity."
Malcador also looked at me with an expression that seemed to say, "What are you doing now?"
In the next moment I told them a brief summary of my Genesis Project, which left both of them looking at me wide eyed in astonishment.
Alpharius was the first to speak, "No matter the cost, I will ensure that everything runs smoothly during your future absence and once you return. I will relinquish all ties to the title of Warmaster."
Malcador sat there in a daze, believing that the Webway Project was already too hopeful, but now this Genesis Project. As much as he'd love to see it work, he couldn't envision it actually succeeding. But as his friend's faithful aide, he would see to it that it is accomplished or die trying.
Malcador let out a sigh, "I will immediately begin the preparations."
Then he looked towards Alpharius and said, "Come now, I will lead you to the Armory and Dark Cells to pick out what you want."
The two of them got up and made their way out and just before they left.
Malcador paused at the door and said to me jokingly, with worry laced in his tone, "In whatever next project you decide to create, at least try not to throw yourself completely in harm's way. The Imperium won't be able to function with you being out cold multiple times."
I gave him a slight smile and nodded. "I will do so."
After Malcador and Alpharius left, I teleported myself to the Dark Cells, where the first Chaplains for each legion were currently being trained.
Once there, I began guiding them through daemon rituals, instilling my faith energy into them making them near immune to the warp. I then showed them how to properly use my faith energy in a fight, letting them spar against themselves and even captive daemons.
This training continued for two months until Malcador showed up and said to me, "The designated time to begin the Great Crusade is here. All twenty legions, the imperial army, the aristocracy, and the mechanicum have been readied. Shall we begin their mobilization immediately?"
"No," I responded solemnly. "Have the legions and Mechanicum gather their high command by the entrance of the Sanctum Imperialis—the heart of the Imperial Palace and await my arrival. Also, allow in remembrancers, rogue traders, and imperial citizens of all status. This moment must be witnessed by all of humanity present. I will present to them a speech, one to inform them of the necessity of what we must do and what we must face."
Malcador's lips curved into a smile as he nodded, "It shall be done."
And with that he left.
After a while passed, and I sensed that everything was ready, I teleported myself to the balcony overlooking the entrance of the Sanctum Imperialis, preparing to commence the undertaking of the Great Crusade.
-To Be Continued...
(A/N: Honestly sorry yall, I didn't mean to just disappear for that long. A lot of events happened this past week that left me with zero free time and it seems like for a while. I may only be able to do 1 chapter a week until I leave one of my jobs in June.)