The air within the Strike Cruiser's inner decks was dim and cold, humming faintly with the sound of reactors deep below. Brass pipes ran along the ceiling like veins, and the scent of incense and oil hung in the air. Faint vox-chants echoed in the distance, prayers of maintenance and guidance whispered by unseen servitors.
She whispered under her breath, "They even use Babies…"
Tony frowned but didn't answer. Saeko looked away. Naruto's expression turned uneasy. From the Servo Skull, is the remains of a human, doesn't this an, this was also a baby once.
The hovering skull drifted slowly past them, its tiny thrusters hissing softly. Holy symbols and purity seals hung from its tal jaw, faint lights blinking within its eye. The sound it made was faint, almost like breathing.
Seeing this, Mindy used Identification on the flying babies. A faint blue panel appeared before their eyes.
Cherub (Navigator Sanctum Attendant):
Bio-engineered servitors fashioned in the likeness of infants, cherubs are created from vat-grown flesh and blessed cybernetics. Within Navigator Sanctums, they drift silently through the air, carrying data slates, incense burners, or purity seals for their masters. Their small wings allow limited flight, and their vox systems recite prayers, litanies, or navigational rites. Though unsettling to most, cherubs are considered holy instrunts of the Machine God and symbols of devotion within the Imperium's most sacred chambers.
Mindy let out a slow sigh of relief. "Okay, they're not real babies. Just… grown in vats."
Tony shook his head slightly. "That's a little better. Still creepy, though."
Naruto nodded quickly. "Yeah, like way creepy."
Saeko managed a small smile. "At least they're not actual infants."
Diana's shoulders relaxed, though her voice was still quiet. "I suppose that's… good."
Gaius didn't stop walking. He didn't say anything but watched their reaction, and continued walking. The heavy tread of his armor echoed softly against the tal floor. They followed in silence.
The corridor widened, and faint blue light spilled through the archway ahead. The walls here were carved with old reliefs, angels, suns, and ancient Terran constellations. Servo-skulls floated in rhythmic patterns, trailing lines of incense smoke that hung like mist in the cold air.
The chamber ahead opened wider, its roof vanishing into darkness. Dozens of holo-spheres floated in the air, showing faint maps of stars and glowing symbols. Each light rotated slowly, like galaxies captured in miniature. The hum of machinery filled the space, along with the distant murmuring of machine-spirits.
At the center of it all sat a woman, still and pale, her face hidden behind strands of white hair. Tubes and wires connected her to the dais she sat on. Symbols glowed softly around her, prayers to the Machine God, written in a language older than any of them could read.
The group slowed down.
Diana whispered, "Who is she?"
She focused and opened her Identification display.
Lady Seraphine D'vorr (Imperial Navigator):
A sanctioned Navigator of House D'vorr, Lady Seraphine serves aboard the strike cruiser Oath of Rectitude. Born into a lineage tracing back to the early Age of Imperium, she possesses the third eye of navigation, capable of perceiving the tides of the Warp and guiding vessels safely between the stars. Pale-skinned and solemn, she spends most of her existence within the sealed Navigator Sanctum, attended by cherubs and servo-skulls. Though distant and unnerving to most mortals, her will and focus are unwavering, for upon her sight rests the fate of every soul aboard the ship.
Naruto blinked. "So she's like… super important?"
Tony nodded. "Pretty much the reason this ship can travel through the warp at all."
As Tony is more knowledgeable compared to others, as he was with Gaius the longest, and known many information from Gaius and what he has deduced.
Saeko added softly, "And it looks like she's been doing this for a long ti."
Diana's tone softened. "A heavy burden to carry." As according to the Identification, this Navigator's burden are to carry everyone to their destination safely.
Gaius approached the dais and spoke, his voice even and calm.
"Navigator Seraphine, how is the Warp?"
The woman did not move at first. Then her lips parted slightly. Her voice was quiet, almost distant.
"Captain Gaius. The Warp is calm. If this continues, we will arrive within a few days."
Gaius gave a short nod. "Good."
He stood in silence for a mont, his gaze thoughtful. The Warp is calm… perhaps the Emperor watches them now.
Then he turned. "We are finished here."
Another universe, in Tony Stark's world, the sun was setting over the coast. The sky glowed orange and violet, waves breaking softly below the cliffside mansion. Pepper Potts walked up the path toward Tony's house, holding a tablet filled with reports. The glass walls reflected the fading light, and the faint hum of repulsors sounded from the workshop beneath.
The house was quiet when she entered.
"Welco, Miss Potts," said Jarvis's calm voice.
"Thanks, Jarvis," she replied, stepping inside.
She froze when she saw Tony sitting on the sofa. His eyes were closed, and he wasn't moving.
"Tony?" she said softly, walking closer. "Hey, are you asleep?"
No response. She touched his shoulder gently. "Tony, co on. Wake up. If you're tired, at least go to bed."
Still nothing.
Her voice turned worried. "Jarvis, is he alright?"
Jarvis replied, "Yes, Miss Potts. His vitals are stable. However, he appears to be in deep neural activity."
Pepper frowned. "Neural activity? What does that even an?"
Tony's eyes opened in his virtual form. He blinked, glancing at the others. "Uh, hang on, guys. Soone's shaking back ho."
Naruto laughed lightly. "You an, like in real life?"
Tony sighed. "Yeah. Give a sec."
Pepper jumped when Tony suddenly spoke, still sitting still with his eyes closed.
"I'm fine, Pepper."
She blinked. "What, Tony? You weren't moving for minutes! What's happening?"
Tony exhaled. "I'm watching Gaius. Virtually."
Pepper blinked, confused. "You're what?"
He rubbed his temple, still half in both worlds. "My mind's connected to his world, lets us communicate through virtual projection. My body stays here, but my mind's over there."
Pepper frowned. "Tony, that sounds impossible."
"Yeah," he said, smiling slightly. "I thought so."
He turned his head slightly. "Jarvis, play the videos I told you to keep hidden."
"Yes, sir," said Jarvis.
The lights dimd as a holographic projection appeared, footage of Gaius and his Ultramarines fighting the Iron Warriors, bolters flashing, explosions shaking the screen. The room filled with the roar of battle, echoing faintly through the quiet living room.
Pepper stared, her eyes wide. "This… this is real?"
Tony nodded. "That's what he's dealing with right now."
Pepper was quiet for a mont, then whispered, "Tell Sir Gaius to be careful."
Tony smiled faintly. "I will."
A mont later, his eyes closed again as his mind returned to the broadcast.
Pepper sat nearby, still watching the hologram. "Unbelievable…" she murmured.
Tony's projection flickered back into view beside the others. Naruto grinned. "Hey, you're back! What happened?"
Tony shrugged. "Pepper woke up. Thought I was dead."
Mindy laughed softly. "Well, at least she cares."
The group followed Gaius through another corridor. The golden giant stopped before a large pair of doors, his private chambers. The room beyond glowed faintly with blue light, its interior lined with relics and banners bearing the Ultramarine sigil. The faint hum of machinery pulsed through the tal floors.
Gaius turned to face them. "The mission will begin in a few days. I will end this broadcast for now."
Naruto groaned. "Ah, co on! It was getting interesting!"
Tony chuckled. "Hey, I agree, but leaving our bodies asleep too long isn't healthy."
Saeko nodded. "Will you broadcast again once the mission starts?"
Mindy added, "We'd like to see what happens."
Naruto nodded eagerly. "Yeah!"
Diana just nodded with them, as she wants more information.
Gaius looked at them for a long mont, then gave a single nod. "Very well. When the ti cos, you will see what I see."
The corridor fell silent. One by one, their projections began to fade. The last thing they saw was Gaius standing alone, his armor shining with golden lights.
His voice echoed calmly through the fading connection.
"Until the next broadcast."
~~~
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