Chapter 126: The Hired Lance
"I am grateful for your commendation, Magos." Margaret set her teacup down steadily, her gaze meeting Joric's crimson optics without flinching. "House Nearl has served beneath the Mechanicus's glory for generations. We defend the Omnissiah's borders and creed with our lances and our unsullied oaths."
She paused, her tone carrying the characteristic frankness of a Knight. "I have heard you are about to embark on a new voyage of exploration into unknown sectors. House Nearl wishes to contribute to this endeavor. With our swords and shields, we will guard your path and ensure the mission's success."
Her approach was direct and earnest, a stark contrast to Princeps Miller's layered subtext.
This clearly reflected the true nature of the relationship between Knight Houses and Forge Worlds: built on a pragmatic foundation of mutual benefit, draped in the ancient, solemn robes of feudal fealty.
They needed tangible missions to prove their martial prowess and value, thereby maintaining their status within the Forge World's hierarchy and securing the continued support of Knight chassis and resources from the technological core.
Joric's heavy mechanical frame leaned forward slightly, his internal reactor emitting a low hum.
"The path of exploration does indeed require reliable protection. While the God-Engines of the Titan Legions are peerless in power, they are not omnipotent. In certain environments and tactical scenarios, the flexibility and adaptability of Knights are often irreplaceable."
He affirmed her value first, then cut to the chase. "I do plan to assemble an accompanying Knight lance, primarily tasked with vanguard reconnaissance, rapid assault, and the defense of key nodes."
A flicker of anticipation passed through Margaret's eyes, quickly suppressed beneath Knightly composure. "House Nearl possesses many experienced Scions and well-maintained Knights. My own mount, 'Radiant', is a specially tuned Questoris-class Knight. We are familiar with combat doctrines in various hostile environments and always adhere to Mechanicus dogma and directives."
Joric accessed the records on House Nearl and their Knights' specs, rapidly scanning key parameters. "Questoris-class... adept at mobility and mid-range fire support. An excellent configuration. Records show you excel in complex terrain operations and against light-to-medium targets."
"Precisely so, Magos," Margaret nodded. "Our Knights are designed to balance mobility and firepower, rapidly adapting to battlefield changes to clear obstacles or hold ground for you."
She paused, adding a critical piece of intel. "Furthermore, the 'Radiant' system, an heirloom of my House, can release a high-intensity energy field for a short duration, disrupting enemy sensors and slightly boosting the output efficiency of allied energy weapons. This trait often proves exceptionally effective against certain Xenos technologies."
Valuable tactical data. Joric silently logged it for assessment.
"An intriguing specialty. Specific tactical coordination will require further calibration in the field." He shifted tone, issuing a reminder. "But exploration missions are often long-term, with unpredictable risks. You must be prepared for extended campaigns far from your family's fief. Furthermore, all actions must be in absolute obedience to my command."
"The Knights of House Nearl fear neither long crusades nor challenges," Margaret replied with steel in her voice. "Our oaths encompass loyalty and obedience. As long as your orders do not violate Imperial Law or Mechanicus Creed, the lances of House Nearl will forever point in the direction you designate."
This declaration was clear and firm, consistent with the Knight House's style.
What Joric needed was exactly this: a clear, immediately deployable military force.
Cooperation with the Titan Legion leaned toward long-term strategic positioning, while the relationship with the Knight House was a tactical collaboration ready for immediate use.
"Excellent." A hint of approval colored Joric's synthesized voice. "I will arrange for Ignis to coordinate with you regarding specific contract terms, personnel composition, Knight transport, and logistical maintenance. The initial plan is to form a lance of three to five Knights, prioritizing models capable of reconnaissance, assault, and support."
"Understood, Magos," Margaret rose and saluted again.
This time, her posture held the solemnity of one about to embark on a mission. "House Nearl will not fail this trust. I will return immediately to make arrangements, ensuring the finest Knights are dispatched to serve you."
"I look forward to fighting alongside you, Lady Margaret Nearl," Joric inclined his head, watching the gallant Knight turn and leave.
The meeting with House Nearl was more like an efficient, targeted recruitment drive.
Both sides got what they needed, with clear terms and rapid responses.
Joric gained an elite, flexible guard force soon to be in place; House Nearl secured valuable combat opportunities and the favor and potential support of a newly empowered Magos.
These two significant meetings gave Joric a tangible sense of the power and responsibility that came with the title of "Magos Explorator." He was no longer just an independent researcher buried in a lab, or a lone adventurer; he was now an emerging node in the vast power network of Forge World Nexum and its surrounding sectors.
The meeting with the Steel Hound representative, while cloaked in social etiquette, solidified his connections within the Mechanicus's high-end military circles. The negotiation with Margaret of House Nearl was an efficient tactical procurement, securing the mobile forces he urgently needed for his upcoming expedition.
These necessary social engagements and arrangements consumed precious time he would have preferred to spend on pure research, but they were the bedrock ensuring his grand plan could proceed steadily. He deeply understood that only by systematically building his own influence and resource channels in this relatively "safe" rear area could he construct a solid barrier and foundation for the more dangerous, more heretical explorations hidden at the core.
His thoughts flew once more to orbit, focusing on the silent dock. There, his future flagship, the Lunar-class Cruiser NXS-07, lay like a slumbering giant, waiting for him to awaken it and bestow upon it a new mission.
The blueprints for the ship's core laboratory had been simulated and constructed in his mind-ocean countless times—it would no longer be just a research facility, but the true hub connecting the mysteries of the infinite cosmos.
The ripples caused by his arrival on the Forge World were spreading, and Joric, the newly ascended Magos Explorator, stood at their center, methodically weaving his own web of relationships and power.
All this preparation and accumulation was for the voyage into the unknown deep space that was about to begin.
(End of Chapter)