After finalizing the deal with the Dark Mechanicus, Atreus now had to move on to the next part of his plan.
The Imperium was in the middle of a reform phase.
If he wanted to create a stable solar system under his total control, while also having decent defenses,
he needed to act quickly.
He entrusted the liaison to Techmarine Filon.
Filon's technological knowledge was the most advanced in the group. Therefore, he was the least likely to be deceived by the Dark Mechanicum.
He would certainly not be forced to accept logistical technologies below the standards promised by the Magos.
Aside from that aspect, Atreus stood on the command bridge of his Sword-class frigate.
He was already preparing for the next step in strengthening the warband's forces in the Limnos III system.
While waiting for the Dark Mechanicum's assistance, his group lacked everything: weapons, armor, ships, and energy.
Yet these were not their most urgent needs.
The most important thing for Atreus was Space Marines; their value was far greater than Zack's weapon.
He had to increase the number of Iron Warriors under his command, and quickly.
Otherwise, their warband would be doomed in case of any unforeseen event.
After all, this was the world of Warhammer 40K. No one knew if a Necron tomb lay beneath the soil of his planet.
He had to be extremely cautious, no matter the cost.
The Dark Mechanicum had already delivered the surgical modification equipment and trained Apothecary Discordia.
However, they were still missing the most crucial element needed to complete the list for creating a Space Marine: gene-seed.
This organ is extracted from an Astartes after his death.
It is a mysterious organ created by the Emperor himself during the Unification Age of Holy Terra and is the key to elevating a mortal to the rank of Astartes.
Later, the creation of gene-seed would be lost in the 42nd millennium.
The loss of the Primarchs did not help matters, as Atreus recalled that the most important ingredient in creating gene-seed was base genetic material.
For example, the Grey Knights drew their genetic material directly from the Emperor himself.
"Sooner or later, I may have to steal the body of a Primarch," he thought as he settled more comfortably.
The image of the cloned body stolen by Apothecary Fabius Bile came to mind, but he decided to postpone that major event for later.
He was still too weak to consider it.
Setting aside the troublesome aspects of gene-seed, Atreus had already handled the surgical operation leading to the birth of a Space Marine.
He already had the Apothecary and the surgical equipment necessary to perform the 19 operations required to create an Astartes.
The other positive point was the multiplication of gene-seed after the birth of a Space Marine.
The reason was simple:
When a young man undergoes 19 surgical procedures to become an Astartes, he generates two gene-seeds in his lifetime.
The one located in the neck matures after five years and can be surgically removed without risk.
After ten years, the gene-seed implanted in the chest also matures and can be removed.
However, no one ever does so.
Indeed, the gene-seed contained in the chest is located in a high-risk area for surgery.
It is also one of the sources of a Space Marine's power.
It releases the hormones necessary to maintain the superhuman body's functions and is closely linked to other organs.
This gene-seed also converts the Space Marine's combat experience into genetic information and stores it throughout his service.
Forcibly extracting this last gene-seed would result in the Space Marine's death.
Logically, an Apothecary only performs this extraction after the Space Marine dies in battle.
While Atreus was already lost in thought, Anthony and old Barnabas arrived for the meeting.
All three were the commanders of this operation, and Atreus trusted their long experience.
He first wanted to meet with them to clarify their objectives and also to glean some experience from them.
After all, he was not a god.
He could not know everything.
Captain Barnabas was the first to speak after grasping the situation:
"Indeed, we need gene-seed immediately. However, the ones implanted in our brothers' necks were harvested long ago by the Legion," he said with a sigh.
Barnabas had removed his helmet, revealing a broad, furrowed forehead and short brown hair.
His face was far more rugged than those of the other Astartes present in the room.
A long scar cut across his right cheek, deeply gouging his eye.
However, this aspect held no importance for him: the veteran had a red bionic eye in the damaged spot.
Atreus replied to his battle companion:
"The old Legions and the Mechanicus possess gene-seed, but I don't think our current forces can obtain them. The Dark Mechanicus certainly has reserves as well, but we have nothing left to tempt them with," Atreus explained without hiding anything.
The STC was not a common item.
He had been lucky at the time.
"The other Legions or warbands are also lacking gene-seed; they also refuse to trade with us, and some even covet ours. As for Fabius's Apothecary Guild, we have no way to contact them yet," he added.
Anthony sighed at the avalanche of bad news but voiced his concerns:
"So, do we still have a way to acquire gene-seed?"
Atreus placed his hands on the steel table and answered in a calm tone:
"Yes, there is a group of xenos," he began, but his face twisted as he recalled their identity.
"These xenos possess a considerable quantity of gene-seed. They reside deep within the Webway and always extract every bit of value from their slaves after amusing themselves with them in their arenas," he said, referring to the Drukhari.
(Image)
This species of xenos was the kind of being no Warhammer 40k fan would ever wish to encounter.
However, Atreus judged it necessary to use them.
"I have no choice. The Drukhari are the most reliable option," he thought while observing the bewildered expressions of his allies.
He continued:
"When Space Marines die in their hands, they also extract and store the gene-seed for trading."
Anthony stopped him at that moment:
"Captain, are you suggesting we trade with the Drukhari?!" he said in a doubtful tone.
Anthony could not help but be surprised by the audacity, or even the madness, of his lord and friend.
"Of course not. With our current forces, approaching the Drukhari would be like a bird voluntarily flying toward a snake: we would be captured and sent to their arenas for their perverse pleasure," he replied, shaking his head.
Atreus continued, looking at his brothers:
"My idea is more complex than simply approaching them," he said with a cunning smile.
"There are viable intermediaries who possess almost unlimited authority and have the audacity to trade with xenos as insane as the Drukhari."
Anthony still had not guessed the answer, but Captain Barnabas spoke it first:
"The Rogue Traders," he muttered, looking at Atreus with eyes full of admiration.
"Indeed. The Rogue Traders. I previously ordered contact with a Rogue Trader from a minor dynasty, but they only accept face-to-face transactions," he clarified, recalling his past.
"Is our journey there reliable?" Anthony asked, glancing at the damaged frigate.
The Space Marine was somewhat worried.
He was arrogant and pretentious, but not stupid.
Traveling into a Rogue Trader's territory would be disadvantageous for Atreus's group: the other side could easily eliminate them thanks to their territorial advantage.
Atreus shook his head:
"I cannot guarantee absolute reliability, but they have a considerable number of trade precedents with xenos and other 'traitors.' So far, there have been no known cases of betrayal, and if there have been, we are not aware of them," he admitted.
This was why Atreus had summoned these two.
He was about to take a big risk, but the native experience of this world was necessary to better assess the overall situation.