After conveying the instructions to Rachel, Alex did not continue to pay attention to the matter.
It wasn't that he didn't take it seriously, but rather that investigation and evidence collection also required time, and during this period, he couldn't just focus on one thing.
As a Planetary Governor, his duties were far more complex than those of a mere Inquisitor.
The entire Rostov Sub-Sector rested on his shoulders, and there were too many things he needed to pay attention to.
If he were just an Inquisitor, that would be fine.
After all, an Inquisitor only needed to focus on their assigned tasks and didn't need to primarily focus on planetary affairs like a Planetary Governor.
The tasks of an Inquisitor were often singular and clear, while Alex's responsibilities were multiple and complex.
An Inquisitor could focus on a single task, even spending months or years tracking down a heretic or cult, but Alex could not.
He not only had to ensure the safety and stability of Rostov but also promote the development of the entire Sub-Sector and respond to various challenges from within and without.
As the Planetary Governor, and now essentially the Star District Governor, Alex's responsibilities ranged from financial budgets to military deployments, from the development of immigrant planets to diplomatic relations, each of which concerned the future of Rostov.
The investigation of heretics was just one of them; although the threat of heresy could not be ignored, it was not the highest priority on Alex's list.
Therefore, Alex simply handed the matter over to Kaldor Draigo and Aarn for investigation, with Rachel responsible for cooperation, and did not continue to pay attention.
He trusted Kaldor Draigo's ability and Aarn's loyalty.
As a Librarian of the Grey Knights, Kaldor Draigo had extensive experience in dealing with heretics and demons, and Aarn, as an officer of the Ash Knights, was a trustworthy warrior.
With the two of them working together, Alex was not worried about any mishaps in the investigation.
His current focus was on the Orbital Ring.
Over the past few months, the Rostov II Orbital Ring project had been steadily progressing.
This massive undertaking was not only a landmark project for the Rostov Sub-Sector but also one of the core elements of Alex's future plans.
The construction of the Orbital Ring would greatly enhance Rostov's defensive capabilities and economic potential, and might even become a strategic hub for the entire Sub-Sector.
The construction of the Orbital Ring not only concerned the future of Rostov but was also a crucial part of his response to the impending Great Rift.
He had to ensure that Rostov possessed sufficient defensive power and resource reserves before the disaster struck.
As for the investigation into the Blood Oath Society, he believed Kaldor Draigo and Aarn would give him a satisfactory answer.
And now, he needed to focus on the installation of the first phase of the Orbital Ring's main structure.
Large components from the Mariupol Forge World were transported by cargo ships to Rostov's low-earth orbit, where they were assembled.
Each of these components was immensely large, with massive metal structures reflecting the starlight in space, everywhere showcasing the might of the god of machines.
The roar of the transport ship's engines echoed in the void, as if playing an overture for this grand project.
A large number of Tech-Priests and Servitors, as well as laborers, from the Griya Forge World were holding a grand mass.
Yes, it's perfectly normal for the Adeptus Mechanicus to hold a mass for such an important task as installing Orbital Ring components; for them, even tightening a screw involves bowing their heads.
For the Adeptus Mechanicus, any activity related to machinery is a sacred ritual, especially in such a major project concerning the future of the entire Sector, where a mass is an indispensable part.
Alex, who was also invited to attend this grand ceremony, stood on a flying platform, watching these Tech-Priests burning incense and bowing in space.
He watched the Tech-Priests, their movements uniform, each motion full of ritual, as if praying to the god of machines for the smooth and perfect execution of the project.
Binary hymns resonated throughout the universe; although there was no medium for sound to travel in space, it did not prevent them from broadcasting it on public channels through various other means.
The Tech-Priests transmitted the hymns via data links to the auditory modules of every Servitor and laborer, and even Alex's flying platform received this sacred melody.
It was an electronic sound composed of countless 0s and 1s, and though it sounded monotonous, it contained the Adeptus Mechanicus's boundless devotion to the god of machines.
Furthermore, to facilitate the work of the Servitors and laborers, the Tech-Priests of the Griya Forge World set up a massive protective force field and filled it with air.
Therefore, within the force field, one could hear the awe-inspiring hymns. The edges of the force field shimmered with a faint blue light, separating the vacuum of space from the air inside.
The Servitors and laborers worked busily within this artificially created atmospheric environment, their movements precise and efficient, each action precisely calculated by a program.
Alex stood on the flying platform, feeling the scent of incense permeating the air.
It was a scent that mixed machine oil, metal, and some mysterious spice; although somewhat pungent, it evoked a sense of solemnity and reverence.
This mass was not merely to pray for the smooth progress of the project but also an offering from the Adeptus Mechanicus to the god of machines.
Every tightened screw, every installed component, was imbued with sacred meaning.
"Governor, what do you think of this ceremony?" Wise One Christen walked up to Alex, her voice carrying the mechanical coolness characteristic of her kind, but also a hint of undeniable fanaticism.
"It's very impressive." Alex nodded, his gaze still fixed on the distant construction site. "The devotion of the Adeptus Mechanicus always inspires awe."
Kristen nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with Alex's answer.
"The progress of the first phase of the project is faster than we anticipated, and the production capacity of the Mariupol Forge World is commendable," Kristen began discussing construction matters with Alex. "According to their feedback, the production speed of large components is approximately one work cycle faster than we expected, which will greatly accelerate the construction of the Orbital Ring.
However, the foundries of Rostov III are not yet operating at full capacity. I hope you, Governor, can urge Sage Olegana to expedite the construction progress."
"I will discuss this with Sage Olegana, but considering that Rostov III lacks necessary manpower and Low-ranking Priests, perhaps I need some support?" Alex looked at Kristen and asked in a probing tone.
Kristen was well aware of this and nodded, saying, "I will convey this matter to the Griya Forge World, and you will receive what you desire."
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