Gabriel-pattern Predator
On the Shadow of the Throne, Gabriel looked at the Black Emperor with reverence.
"My lord, following your instructions, I excavated within the ruins of the heretic lord Rat's fortress and found the Standard Template Construct for armored vehicles."
"After research, I found that it is similar to the Predator Tank that is being deployed in various army groups, and should be considered a variant of it."
"Their chassis are all based on the Rhino armored vehicle chassis."
Upon hearing this, Nimrod's mind raced as he recalled details about the Predator Tank crew.
Predators were put into use during the "Dark Ages" and played a crucial role in establishing human-dominated colonies.
The Rhino armored personnel carrier ensures the human advantage in conflicts with smaller races, but it is ineffective against the heavily armored Ork' melee charges.
Predators thus emerged, which were heavy and armored versions of the Rhino.
Of course, just as the Rhino was Oldest One named the RH1-N0 tracked exploration and multi-purpose defensive vehicle, the predator's name comes from the Revelation given by the Imperium diviner after consulting the Emperor's Tarot.
As Nimrod pondered, Gabriel continued.
"Compared to the standard Predator, which focuses on armor protection, this variant emphasizes offense. The main turret can mount a Twin-linked Assault Cannon or Flamestorm Cannon, and the sides can be equipped with Heavy Bolters or Heavy Flamer."
"I used the Simulacrum Sanctum for tactical simulations, and this variant offers at least 2.6 times the firepower to support infantry compared to the current Predator model."
Nimrod slightly. In his memory, this STC was named Baal Predator by the "Blood Angels" after their Homeworld.
The Blood Angels never shared this template with their Tech-priest, which caused considerable conflict, but since it was First Founding, it didn't lead to any serious consequences.
The Bal type is very effective in supporting melee infantry assaults, and has therefore become part of the Blood Angels' preferred tactics.
Nimrod looked at Gabriel and spoke.
"Since you discovered it, and as the Master of Ordnance, you should possess an armored vehicle that will make you famous throughout the Adeptus Mechanicus and the various legions. Let's name it after you."
"You are responsible for Supervision the completion of construction and equipping the various Chapter."
"Thank you, my lord, I will do my utmost," Gabriel said excitedly. Unlike Belik and Rian Ramirez, who believed in the God of All Machines and regarded naming the Standard Template Construct as the highest honor, he did not.
Before becoming Tech Sergeant, he had been taught on Mars and knew that naming a Standard Template Construct after himself was the highest honor for any believer in the God of All Machines, and was regarded as the best embodiment of his own sanctification.
Gabriel had no faith before, but now he worships the Black Emperor, Nimrod's recognition and rewards make him feel honored.
Nimrod activated his Spirit Sight to observe Gabriel's aura.
"So you're a real 'Archaeologist' now?" Gabriel's aura was a solid, hazy yellow, devoid of any other blemishes.
"I think so. Unearthing ancient ruins has allowed me to fully grasp the power you bestowed upon me."
"Wait in the reception area." After Arsena Dunn and Gabriel left, Nimrod went to the private armory first, casually tossing down the Spear of Dionysus.
Upon returning to the "Nation of Disorder," he had the Space Apes use materials such as Necromunda's cybernetic eye to concoct a Sequence 7 "Appraiser" potion.
Gabriel was then promoted to "Appraiser," and after he left, the Primarch's Attendants reported to Nimrod.
"My lord, news has arrived from Mars: the second Gloriana-class Battleship they are building for the Legion, in order to obtain the Standard Template Construct for the Ramillies-class Star Fortress, will be completed in the fifth month of 835."
Nimrod his fingers lightly on the back of the chair, lost in thought.
The first, third, fourth, and seventh Chapter have comparable battle records.
The First Chapter received the Gloriana-class Battleship, the Third Legion received the recruitment world Mordian, which I personally selected, and the 7th Legion received the recruitment world and three additional Relic-class battleships.
The Fourth Legion has not yet received its reward, and I will not be using the Dice of Prophecy for a while to divine their chosen recruitment world— Sulekh.
Nimrod first chose Sulekh as the world for conscription, but he never performed divination because he knew that this world would not be discovered until after the "Great Crusade" was over.
He couldn't determine when Catachan, Mordian, and Kasai were discovered.
Whether it's the world of recruitment or STC, the primary focus of divination is on those things discovered during the "Great Crusade" or at some point in time that I cannot determine.
[The discoveries following those "Great Crusade" that I am certain of can be divined at any time.]
Thinking of this, Nimrod Lu said, "This warship will belong to the Death Lord."
"Yes, my lord."
835, M30.
The Emperor discovered the Primarch of the Seventh Legion in the icy world of Inwit in the Segmentum Tempestus.
Rogal Dorn Dorn is the eighth Primarch to be recovered in the official Imperium records, Malcador prepared a grand welcoming celebration for him in Terra.
After a long day of work, the Sigillite returned to their residence.
His thoughts spread, touching the blazing torches in the Warp.
Before Malcador, a semi-transparent, shimmering image slowly unfolded, bursting forth with dazzling golden light amidst its dim and shabby glow.
"My Lord." The Sigillite looked at the Psionic Energy projection that served his master.
They were too far apart to communicate without this method.
Of course, the long-distance holographic projection method prepared by the Sages of the Adeptus Mechanicus for members of the War Council can also facilitate communication within a certain distance of light-years; they have not yet exceeded the limit of distance.
But the upcoming conversation should not be known to others, not even the Sage are loyal to the Imperium.
"My Sigillite." The Emperor smiled as he gazed at his Sigillite, his voice authoritative.
"My lord, the Mars Fabricator-General has repeatedly requested that I dispatch Imperial Army to assist in quelling the rebellion in Incaladion, the Forge World."
The Sigillite must not let the Adeptus Mechanicus know that he is discussing this topic in the War Council; once it is brought up, there is no turning back.
"The Caradian Mechanicum Custodians suffered devastating losses in their war against the Tarellians hordes of beasts and the Carnivorous Sludge-men brought by the Abyssal Reef Meteor."
"Subsequently, the Fabricator-General, stripped of his military power, was assassinated, and a civil war broke out starting in 790. Incaladion is now a battleground between various factions of Xenos, traitors, and the Adeptus Mechanicus."
"We cannot ignore Mars's demands," The Emperor said. "Which legion do you think should be sent to quell the rebellion?"
The Sigillite was prepared. "The Fourth Legion and the 'Death Skull Titans' Legion."
"The Death Skull Titans are one of the three major Titan Legions on Mars, and the legion with the largest number of Titans."
"The 'Death Skull Titan' is fighting alongside Horus, and my son will not wish to lose his support," The Emperor said with a smile.
"Horus felt the pressure of competition, his ambition was ignited, and he efficiently conquered many worlds for the Imperium. I don't want to interrupt his pace."
Malcador sensed the Emperor's pleased mood, and a smile appeared on his aged face.
"Horus certainly felt the pressure; I think that as the first son, he could not tolerate any of his brothers surpassing his achievements."
"He is my man, my archer, and ambition is his greatest trait," The Emperor said with a smile.
"Incaladion's suppression of the rebellion, I had a better option."
"Nimrod, he is my Pegasus, he will bring destruction to the enemies of the Imperium."
"Nimrod is indeed the best choice," the Sigillite said after a moment's thought.
"The Void Walker, Dark Fire, Morning Light, and War Griffons followed him into battle, for even the mechanical Fortress of Incaladion could not stop his advance."
After discussing important matters, Malcador reported on what he considered important issues worthy of the Emperor's attention.
"The First Legion's faltering progress greatly troubled its commander, Ulian Bendregg, who stated more than once that he yearned for a major battle to get his legion back on track."
"Tell him to wait patiently for his opportunity," The Emperor remarked. "The Primarch' importance to their Legions is beyond question."
"The First Legion was the first army corps we established, but it has been surpassed by the Sixteenth, Eleventh, Tenth, and Sixth Army Corps in succession."
"Bendregg is powerless to change the conservative and rigid status quo of the Six Wings," The Emperor thought in an instant, recalling the journey of the twenty legions, "There is only one Storm General."
"The Primarch's influence on their Legion is beyond my expectations," Malcador agreed. "Even the Storm General's Legion, after Manus' 10th Legion, has undergone a new transformation."
"The biggest change is in the Eleventh Legion. No one would have imagined that the bloodthirsty and warlike Reapers would become the Shadow of Order they are today after Nimrod's return."
"The efficiency of the 'Shadow of Order' in their conquest is satisfactory; their pace is second only to the 'Luna Wolves'," The Emperor said with satisfaction.
"He has proven that the idea of establishing order, which he proposed when he met me, would be feasible for the expedition."
"His legion is the main force in the 'Wheel of Fire,' yet it suffered fewer losses than Russ's wolf pack, and it is currently the only legion with more than 100,000 members."
As the Emperor recalled the moment he handed the Pegasus Ring to Nimrod, he became even more convinced of his judgment.
"He has proven that his legions can withstand the most brutal warfare."
He emphasized to his Sigillite: "Pegasus will bring destruction to humanity's enemies!"