Mars.
Some hidden place within the shield volcano called Olympus.
Qin Mo sat on a scorching rock, watching Malcador change the Emperor into attire more befitting the image of an important figure in the eyes of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
"Is there any chance that once we go out there, we won't see anyone, and no one will realize that the legendary prophet from thousands or tens of thousands of years ago has returned?" Qin Mo asked them.
"Before we came to Mars, I had already spread word across Mars that the prophet would appear today."
The Emperor handled this sort of mystical mumbo jumbo with effortless ease.
"Although the Adeptus Mechanicus considers it nothing more than a worthless rumor, idle chatter for after meals, since it has already spread throughout Mars, they will come to see for themselves even if it is false."
"Trust me. I have long been fully prepared for this day."
Reassured by the Emperor's promise, Qin Mo stopped asking about the plan for this public display of divinity.
As for the Adeptus Mechanicus, Qin Mo had something else to say.
"Although I merely voiced my agreement when we made the decision back then, honestly, if I had been given enough time to think it over, I would have made the same choice."
"Going to war directly with the Adeptus Mechanicus is not a good idea. Humanity has not even begun the Great Crusade yet, and we cannot wipe out our hard-won naval strength in a civil war within the Solar System."
As he spoke, Qin Mo looked up at an Adeptus Mechanicus ship passing overhead.
"With some modifications, their ships can become part of the naval forces for the Great Crusade. It would save us quite a bit of time as well."
The Emperor, who was