Acting Captain

The Warp engine resumed operation, and the entire ship steadied once more.

"By the God-Emperor, you actually did it!"

Veil's gaze toward Gao Yi shifted. He found himself increasingly unable to fathom this Candidate before him. He had reviewed Gao Yi's file—nothing particularly remarkable about the man. Was the technology of the Dark Age truly so miraculous? Gao Yi had just saved everyone aboard the entire ship.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gao Yi hurried over to the SCVs.

Normal SCVs had human operators inside, but these two had no pilots—fully autonomous.

Gao Yi opened the cockpit hatch and plopped down inside, searching the Control Panel before him.

Identity Confirmed: Supreme Creator

Access Granted

When he saw the Barracks, Heavy Factory, Starport, and other construction options, he nearly shouted in excitement.

"It really works! If I can build these, I can start mass-producing so many things!"

Gao Yi could also see the materials required for construction in the Construction Details. Fifty tons of Scrap Metal and 500 Psionic Crystals would build a Barracks, while the Heavy Factory and Starport cost far more. But most importantly, he needed enough space—the ship's interior couldn't accommodate a Heavy Factory or Starport, only a Barracks could fit.

The Control Panel also indicated that the Barracks only produced equipment, not personnel. Only by directly consuming Psionic Units could Gao Yi manifest both equipment and people into this world.

"Equipment but no people. A shame, but not a big deal. The Warhammer world has no shortage of people, right? Isn't that easy to find? In StarCraft, most of those Machine Gunners were prisoners, and even they could pilot the gear. Humans in the Warhammer world should have no problem at all!"

Climbing out of the cockpit, Gao Yi saw a face heavily modified by machinery. The massive electronic eye flickered red with the owner's excitement.

"Lord Gao Yi, what exactly is this mechanical creation? I beg you, let me study this sacred construct. I will pay any price!"

The Adeptus Mechanicus' fervor for unknown technology drove Pavian to disregard all decorum and lean in. He had lived over a hundred and fifty years, but what he had just witnessed still exceeded his understanding.

The existence of the Machine Spirit made many impossible things possible, and what the SCV had just done—wasn't that the Machine Spirit rejoicing?!

"Study it? Fine, but I have conditions. I need a large enough cabin and plenty of metal—any kind will do. I think you can help me find that on this ship?"

"Agreed! I fully accept these terms. I'll have the Servitors gather everything. This is no difficult task!"

Pavian agreed without hesitation, then ordered his tech-priests and Servitors to get to work.

"I can vacate my Forge Workshop for you, but clearing out the items inside will take some time."

"No problem. Let me know when you're done."

Meanwhile, Veil stared at Gao Yi. This Candidate was far too mysterious. In such a short time, he had saved everyone on this ship, and his actions had completely dispelled Veil's doubts. If Gao Yi were a pawn of Chaos, he could have simply let the Warp engine stall.

The Rogue Trader's fate was unknown. In this crisis, they needed someone with the right status and ability to lead the ship through the storm.

Though Veil was the ship's steward, that was all he was. Many would resist him as a temporary leader.

But Gao Yi carried the noble blood of the Rogue Trader. His recent feat had earned him enough prestige, and he had once been the captain of a Voidship.

Veil walked up to Gao Yi and spoke solemnly: "Lord Gao Yi, by the God-Emperor, I thank you for saving everyone aboard this ship. As the steward of this Family Flagship, I request that you temporarily assume the role of captain. Lord Ludwig's disappearance has left the crew of this Voidship in turmoil. They need a strong leader."

"Is this really appropriate?"

Hearing Veil's words, Gao Yi felt immense pressure. He had been nothing more than a worker before, never managing anyone. Suddenly being burdened with the lives of tens of thousands—or more—on this ship filled him with anxiety.

"I believe this is the best choice now. You carry the great bloodline of the Mongert Family! I am certain you can do it!"

"Alright... I'll do my best. Then I need to know how much of this ship is still in our hands."

"Please return to the Bridge with me. It's safest there. I'll have everyone report to you."

Back on the Bridge, Gao Yi sat in the captain's seat, uniquely his. The heads of each department stood before him, eyeing their new captain with curiosity.

The once-chaotic Bridge began to organize again. Fallen crew members were replaced, and the Acoustic Array Master, assassinated earlier, was succeeded by his apprentice. All kinds of information were compiled on the Thinker before Gao Yi.

But the entire ship still suffered from a personnel shortage. Technical crew weren't laborers who could be swapped out at will.

The area from the Officer Deck upward had been almost entirely retaken. Only a few Chaos Traitors remained in hiding, but rooting them out was only a matter of time. Unfortunately, they still hadn't found the one who had aided these traitors.

Interrogations revealed that the traitors themselves didn't know who that person was.

The biggest problem was the area below the Lower Deck. Loyal crew and Shipworkers were still resisting there, but outnumbered dozens to one, without reinforcements, their annihilation was only a matter of time.

Losing the Lower Deck entirely was unacceptable. The ship's operation depended on the countless Shipworkers there.

The riot was spreading. More and more people fell to Chaos corruption and joined the traitors.

Enforcer Squads and crew teams sent from the upper decks held the line at the Security Gate, repelling the rioters' assaults. But every attempt to push deeper was beaten back.

The Cargo Area was also below the Lower Deck. The traitors had broken into the warehouses, seizing a large cache of weapons that boosted their combat effectiveness by several tiers.

"Master of Discipline Scott! Do you have an explanation? Your duty is to maintain order on this ship and prevent riots. Now the Deep Hold is in this state! Is this how you uphold your loyalty to the God-Emperor? You must accept punishment."

"Steward Veil, I admit my failure. No explanation can change the fact of the Lower Deck riot. But I beg you, at this critical juncture, let me remain at my post. I know the situation below. I will lead the Enforcer Squad to eliminate the traitors and uphold the Empire's dignity. After this riot is over, I will accept any punishment the Dynasty deems fit!"

Scott knelt on one knee as he spoke.

Veil turned to Gao Yi.

"Captain! It's your decision how to handle him."

"Keep him for now. Changing commanders in the middle of battle isn't a good idea." From the reports, Gao Yi learned that Scott's two deputies had already been killed. No one on this ship knew the situation below better than Scott.

"Thank you for your mercy, my captain! The soldiers fighting on the Lower Deck have sent a communication. They're requesting reinforcements! An unknown plague is eating away at their bodies. They need rotation for treatment and more manpower. Can you send the powerful warriors by your side to support the battle on the Lower Deck?"

"I will. Sergeant Damon will lead his soldiers to the Lower Deck. Tell the men to hold on! Damon, you and Steward Veil will go to the Lower Deck together."

"Don't worry, Commander. I'll get the job done."

Gao Yi needed Psionic Crystals, and killing those traitors was the fastest way to get them. He was still 300 crystals short of building his first Barracks. Once it could produce equipment for Machine Gunners, Firebats, and Marauders, the tide of battle would surely turn.

Watching the group leave, Gao Yi noticed that even when the Machine Gunners and Medics left his line of sight, he could still sense them. Closing his eyes, the field of vision of all units he had recruited with Psionic Crystals appeared in his mind.

"This ability is really handy."