As the Thunderhawk Transporter docked in the Ark Mechanicus's almost absurdly vast hangar, Cawl immediately darted out of its cargo hold.
The auxiliary arm behind him raised his enormous Adeptus Mechanicus Power Axe high.
"Ring the great bell! Activate the Divine Machine!"
The Ark Mechanicus consumed immense amounts of power. After Cawl reached his destination, the colossal vessel, far larger than a Gloriana-class Battleship, had entered standby mode.
Now, to face the incoming Necrons, its main power systems had to be restarted and all its weapon systems warmed up.
Cawl's orders were carried out immediately.
Deep within the ark, an enormous golden bell was struck. Its thunderous toll reverberated throughout the vessel.
The many Tech-Priests stationed at their designated posts immediately directed the Servitors beside them to begin work.
Levers were pushed, pistons activated, and vast quantities of promethium fuel pumped into the reactors.
Then the second toll rang out.
The Priests pressed buttons, started engines, and ignited turbines, breathing life into the ship.
As the third toll echoed, the many Tech-Priests sang hymns in praise of the Omnissiah.
Protocol demanded extensive preparations before activating the Divine Machine. But this was Cawl's Ark Mechanicus.
As an Archmagos, Cawl was not as rigid as the other Sages.
He had simply abolished many of the additional preliminary procedures.
With a formidable xenos enemy bearing down on them, even the Omnissiah would not condemn such omissions.
The Emperor was the Omnissiah's representative in the mortal realm. Serving the Emperor meant serving the Machine God.
A tremendous roar rose from deep within the vessel.
Immense power surged through the ship's energy systems.
The King of Explorators' weapon systems began warming up, and its weapon arrays extended from beneath their armored covers.
Dense ranks of Lance Batteries began to flicker.
As its energy readings rapidly