Technological Prowess

Franklin Valorian, freshly scrubbed and decontaminated, strode onto the bridge of the Sweet Liberty. His skin still tingled from the rigorous purification process - a necessary precaution against Ork spores. He paused for a moment, gazing out at the void where the massive Space Hulk slowly receded from view.

"Status report," he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority and concern.

Elena Koshka, his Fleet Admiral, stepped forward. "My lord, extraction is complete. All units accounted for, though..." she paused, her voice softening, "we've suffered losses."

Franklin's jaw tightened. "How many?"

"Fifty-three Astartes, one hundred and twelve-thousand Liberty Guardsmen."

A heavy silence fell over the bridge. Franklin closed his eyes for a moment, then snapped to attention, raising his hand in a crisp salute. "They died bringing freedom to the stars. We'll honor their sacrifice."

As the bridge crew joined in the salute, Franklin's mind was already racing ahead. "Those Ork weapons... they were unlike anything we've encountered before. I want answers."

As if on cue, three figures approached - the heads of his research divisions, affectionately known as the "Egg Heads."

Dr. Elara Chen, head of bio-engineering, spoke first. "Lord Franklin, preliminary reports suggest that most of our casualties were due to advanced weaponry wielded by the Orks. We're talking Golden Age of Technology level - grav weapons, disintegration rays... it's unprecedented."

Franklin whistled low. "Well, I'll be. Looks like our green friends stumbled onto quite the arsenal. What else have we got?"

Dr. Marcus Hawthorne, the grizzled head of Voidship Engineering, stepped forward. "Sir, the STCs we recovered... they're game-changers. The Exo-Armor alone could revolutionize our ground forces."

"Exo-Armor, huh?" Franklin mused. "Sounds like something out of an old vid-game. Tell me more."

Dr. Hiromi Suzuki, the cybernetics expert, chimed in. "My lord, this Exo-Armor is fascinating. It bears similarities to technology used by a branch of humanity known as the Leagues of Votann."

Franklin's eyebrows shot up. "Leagues of Votann? Never heard of 'em."

"They're somewhat... reclusive," Suzuki explained. "Located somewhere in the galactic core. Based on historical records, they might be described as... well..."

"Space Dwarves?" Franklin finished, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, I'll be damned. The galaxy's just full of surprises, ain't it?"

Suzuki nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "Quite so, my lord. The Exo-Armor STC could significantly enhance our Liberty Guardsmen's combat effectiveness."

"And the other STCs?" Franklin prompted.

Hawthorne took over. "Grav Weapons and Disintegration Weapons, sir. The Grav Weapons manipulate gravity fields, crushing enemies under their own weight or that of their armor. Nasty stuff."

"And the Disintegration Weapons?" Franklin asked, though he had a feeling he knew the answer.

"They... well, they disintegrate things, sir," Hawthorne said, somewhat unnecessarily. "Break down molecular bonds. Turn solid matter into dust."

Franklin let out a low whistle. "Now that's what I call crowd control. Any downsides?"

Dr. Chen interjected. "Energy consumption, my lord. These weapons require immense power. We'll need to upgrade our power systems significantly to field them effectively."

Franklin nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Alright, folks. Here's what we're going to do. Dr. Suzuki, I want production of Exo-Armor for our Liberty Guardsmen to begin immediately. Let's give our boys and girls some extra protection."

"Yes, my lord," Suzuki nodded, already tapping notes into her data-slate.

"Dr. Hawthorne, start integrating the Grav and Disintegration weapon systems into our existing platforms. I want options for both vehicle-mounted and infantry variants."

Hawthorne grinned. "With pleasure, sir. Our enemies won't know what hit 'em."

"And Dr. Chen," Franklin turned to the bio-engineer, "work with Hawthorne on those power systems. If we're going to field this tech, we need to do it right."

"Understood, Lord Franklin," Chen replied, her mind already buzzing with ideas.

Franklin clasped his hands behind his back, surveying his team. "Folks, what we've got here is a game-changer. With these STCs, we're not only ahead with the rest of the Imperium - we're leapfrogging ahead. But remember," his voice grew serious, "with great power comes great responsibility... and a whole lot of dakka."

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A/N: Time Skip (Orikan was duking it out with Trazyn and Tzeench decided to get involved, this Justifies it hehe)

818.M30

Franklin Valorian stood at the observation deck of the Liberty's Forge, the largest space station in the Independence Cluster. Before him, the vastness of space was dotted with the twinkling lights of thousands of ships and orbital platforms. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he watched his legion's newest creations being put through their paces.

"Seventeen years," he mused aloud. "Seventeen years since we uncovered those STCs, and look how far we've come."

The past decade and a half had been a whirlwind of activity. Three thousand worlds brought into compliance, each campaign a testament to the growing might of the Liberty Eagles. But it was here, in the heart of the Independence Cluster, that the true revolution was taking place.

Franklin's enhanced hearing picked up the familiar click of heels on the deck. He turned to see Dr. Elara Chen approaching, her face alight with excitement.

"Lord Valorian," she greeted, tablet in hand. "I've made an fascinating discovery about your biology. There's a gland in your cerebral cortex, about the size of a fingernail. I've never seen anything like it in the Astartes."

Franklin raised an eyebrow. "Intriguing. And what do you think it does, Doctor?"

"I'm not entirely sure yet," Elara admitted. "But the calculations my AI companions and I have run suggest it could be the key to... well, something extraordinary. With your permission, I'd like to continue studying it."

Franklin nodded. "Granted. Keep me informed of your progress." He made a mental note to discuss this with his father when next they met.

As Elara left, Franklin's gaze swept across the bustling research center below. Dr. Marcus Hawthorne was hunched over a holographic display of the Sweet Liberty, no doubt planning the integration of the new disintegration batteries. Nearby, Dr. Hiromi Suzuki was running a simulation of the latest Exo-Suit prototype, its movements fluid and natural as it made Liberty Guardsman in combat a battering Ram and a Tank in one.

Franklin's gaze settled on Chief Engineer Amelia Cortez, her hands flying over a holographic interface as she fine-tuned the production parameters of their latest STC finds. He smiled, recalling their first meeting.

"Lord Valorian," Cortez had said, standing ramrod straight before his desk, her eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement. "I'm submitting my application to join your Crusade fleet. Again."

Franklin had raised an eyebrow, amusement tugging at his lips. "Cortez, isn't this your... fifth application?"

"Seventh, my lord," she'd corrected without missing a beat. "And I'll submit seventy more if that's what it takes."

He'd leaned back, studying her. "And why, pray tell, are you so adamant about leaving our well-equipped facilities here in the Independence Cluster?"

Cortez's eyes had lit up. "The xeno-tech, my lord! Every world you bring into compliance is a potential treasure trove of undiscovered technology. And then there's the Mechanicus..."

"Ah yes, our 'toaster-worshipping' friends," Franklin had chuckled. "What about them intrigues you so?"

"Everything!" Cortez had exclaimed, her professional demeanor cracking slightly. "Their beliefs, their practices, their limitations... I want to understand it all. How can they revere technology yet stifle innovation? It's fascinating and frustrating in equal measure."

Franklin had stood then, towering over the engineer. "And what would you do with this knowledge, Cortez? Challenge their beliefs? Attempt to change a culture older than our Imperium?"

Cortez had met his gaze unflinchingly. "Learn from it, my lord. Understand their strengths and weaknesses. And then surpass them in every way possible."

A moment of silence had passed before Franklin broke into a wide grin. "Well then, Chief Engineer Cortez. It seems the next Crusade fleet will have a new passenger. Try not to disassemble any of our allies... without my express permission, that is."

Now, watching Cortez work, Franklin felt a surge of pride. Her insatiable curiosity and drive for innovation embodied the spirit he hoped to instill in all his Legion. He made his way over to her station.

"How goes the production, Cortez?" he asked.

She looked up, a smudge of grease on her cheek contrasting with her bright smile. "Ahead of schedule, Lord Valorian. These STC patterns are... they're beyond anything I could have imagined. The potential applications are staggering."

Franklin nodded. "And have you satisfied your curiosity about our Mechanicum allies?"

Cortez's expression turned thoughtful. "They're brilliant, in their way. Devoted. But their devotion blinds them. They see the destination but ignore the journey. We can do better."

"Bold words," Franklin said, though his tone was approving. "Just remember, we need allies as much as we need innovation. A delicate balance must be maintained."

"Of course, my lord," Cortez replied. "But imagine if we could show them a better way. Not to replace their beliefs, but to enhance them. To prove that innovation and reverence can coexist."

Franklin placed a hand on her shoulder. "A lofty goal, Cortez. But if anyone can bridge that gap, I'd wager it's you. Keep up the good work."

As he turned to leave, Cortez called out, "My lord? Thank you. For giving me this chance."

A ping from his comm-bead interrupted his thoughts. "Sir" came the voice of his first captain, Denzel. "The new batch of recruits is ready for your inspection."

"On my way," Franklin replied. He took one last look at the hive of activity below him. This was a shard of the Golden Age of Humanity, preserved against all odds in the Independence Cluster. Yet, it was an incomplete picture.

The Cluster had been a specialized sector during humanity's zenith, focused primarily on research and production. This explained their unparalleled manufacturing capabilities - if the Independence Cluster claimed second in production, none could claim first. However, it also accounted for their relative lack of the most potent weaponry from that era.

As a research and production hub, the Cluster had been dedicated to developing and refining new technologies, as well as mass-producing approved designs. The most devastating weapons of the age were tested and deployed elsewhere, leaving the Cluster with impressive but not war-winning armaments.

This specialization had inadvertently become their salvation during the Age of Strife. Without the most destructive weapons in their arsenal, the Cluster had avoided the worst of the internecine conflicts that ravaged other human worlds. Their focus on production allowed them to maintain and even advance their technology base, even as much of human civilization crumbled.

Franklin mused on the irony. Their perceived weakness had become their greatest strength, allowing them to preserve a fragment of humanity's golden age. Now, that preserved knowledge and production capacity might just be the key to forging a new future for the Imperium.

As he made his way to the training grounds, Franklin's mind raced with possibilities. The Exo-Armor would revolutionize warfare for the Liberty Guardsmen. The grav-weapons and disintegration tech would give his Eagles an edge in even the most challenging campaigns. And who knew what other wonders they might uncover in the years to come?

But with these advancements came responsibility.

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The air hummed with barely contained power as Koriel Zeth made the final adjustments to the Akashic Reader. Seventeen years...it took Seventeen years to finally perfect her brainchild, her magnum opus, the Akashic reader. Her eyes darted between the intricate machinery and the imposing figure seated upon the Golden Throne. The Emperor, resplendent in his golden armor, sat motionless, His mind focused on the task at hand.

"It's ready, my Lord," Zeth announced, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Emperor's eyes opened, golden light spilling forth. "Then let us begin."

With a thought, He ignited the Astronomicon, its psychic light blazing through the Warp. Simultaneously, the Akashic Reader hummed to life, its crystal matrices glowing with otherworldly energy.

The Emperor's consciousness expanded, touching the edges of reality itself. The Akashic Reader amplified His already immense psychic might, and suddenly, He was adrift in an ocean of pure information.

Endless streams of data flowed around Him, each droplet containing millennia of knowledge. The Emperor's mind, vast as it was, struggled to process the sheer volume of information. He forced Himself to focus, searching for an alternate key to humanity's salvation.

Images flashed before His mind's eye: the rise and fall of the Necrontyr, their bitter war against the Old Ones, the birth of the C'tan. He saw the terrible bargain the Necrontyr made, sacrificing their flesh for eternal metal bodies. The Emperor pushed past these distractions, His will causing the Astronomicon to flare even brighter.

In the physical world, Zeth gasped as she witnessed the Astronomicon's intensity. Reports would later tell of how the Eye of Terror itself seemed to falter under its radiance.

Finally, the Emperor found what He sought. Buried deep within the annals of Necron technology lay the secret of the inertialess drive. He grasped at the knowledge, pulling it towards Him with all His might.

As suddenly as it began, it was over. The Emperor's consciousness snapped back to His body, the strain evident even on His perfect features. Blood trickled from His eyes, nose, and ears.

Zeth rushed forward, concern etched on her face. "My Lord, are you-"

The Emperor raised a hand, silencing her. "I have what we need. You have done well, Koriel Zeth. You may go."

Zeth bowed deeply and left, her mind reeling from what she had witnessed.

As the door closed behind her, the Emperor allowed Himself a moment of weakness. He leaned forward, golden blood spilling from His mouth onto the pristine floor.

Malcador appeared at His side, concern evident in his ancient eyes. "Are you alright, my friend?"

The Emperor straightened, wiping the blood from His chin. "Not quite. I will need time to heal. The Akashic... it would have driven anyone else mad. Even I barely managed to withstand its power."

Malcador nodded gravely. "But you succeeded?"

"Yes," the Emperor replied, a rare smile gracing His lips. "We have an alternative to Warp travel. But implementing it will not be easy."

He stood, walking to a nearby window. The view of Terra, now restored to its blue and green glory, filled Him with a sense of pride. His eleventh son, Franklin, had played a crucial role in this restoration.

"Franklin," the Emperor mused aloud. "His Independence Cluster may be the key to this."

Malcador raised an eyebrow. "You wish to entrust this technology to him?"

The Emperor turned, His gaze piercing. "The Mechanicus cannot handle this information. But Franklin... his home system preserves much of humanity's golden age. They have the capability we need."

"And the secrecy?" Malcador asked.

"Essential," the Emperor replied. "This must be done away from prying eyes. The Warp entities must not know of our plans."

Malcador bowed slightly. "I'll contact Franklin immediately. I assume you want him here with all haste?"

The Emperor nodded. "Indeed. We have much to discuss."

As Malcador left to carry out his task, the Emperor turned back to the window. His gaze swept over the reborn Terra, but His thoughts were far away, contemplating the future He sought to build.

Franklin, His eleventh son. Eccentric, unpredictable, yet undeniably brilliant. The Emperor chuckled, remembering their first meeting a unique perspective where most saw him as a god his son saw him as Superman which frankly made him appreciate the perspective, in a way he was Superman, probably a morally gray one, but Superman nonetheless.

The Emperor's face grew serious once more. The path ahead was fraught with danger. The Webway project would continue - starving the Chaos Gods remained a priority. But this new technology... it offered possibilities He had not dared hope for.

As He contemplated the challenges ahead, the Emperor felt the familiar weight of responsibility settle upon His shoulders. He had seen the horrors that awaited humanity if He failed. Failure was not an option.

With renewed determination, the Emperor of Mankind turned from the window and strode purposefully towards His private chambers. There was work to be done, and the future of humanity hung in the balance.

The game had changed, and He intended to win.

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The training grounds of the Liberty Eagles echoed with the sounds of combat. Franklin Valorian, the Liberator, stood observing his 2nd Captain, Steven Armstrong, as he put a group of Seals through their paces.

"Excellent work, Armstrong," Franklin called out, a grin spreading across his face. "Those boys'll be giving Custodes a run for their money at this rate."

Armstrong, his muscular frame glistening with sweat, saluted. "Thank you, sir. We aim to please."

Their banter was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a hololithic projection. Malcador the Sigillite's stern visage materialized before them.

"Lord Franklin," Malcador's voice crackled through the projection. "Your presence is required on Terra immediately. The Emperor demands your attendance with all haste."

Franklin's eyebrows shot up. "Well, well. The old man's calling. Must be important if he's sending you, Mal."

Malcador's expression remained impassive. "This is not a matter for jest, Lord Franklin. Time is of the essence."

"Alright, alright," Franklin raised his hands in mock surrender. "I'll be there faster than you can say 'For the Emperor'. Any hints on what this is about?"

"That is for the Emperor to disclose," Malcador replied curtly before the projection winked out.

Franklin turned to Armstrong. "Looks like duty calls, Captain. Keep the kids in line while I'm gone."

"Yes, sir," Armstrong nodded. "We'll be ready for whatever comes next."

Within the hour, Franklin was aboard his personal shuttle, accompanied by a small detachment of his Honor Guard. John Ezra, the head of the guard, stood at attention nearby.

"What do you think this is about, John?" Franklin mused, leaning back in his seat.

Ezra's face remained stoic. "It's not our place to speculate, my Lord. The Emperor's will is our command."

Franklin chuckled. "Always the serious one, aren't you? Come on, indulge me. What's your gut telling you?"

Ezra hesitated for a moment. "If I may speak freely, sir... I believe it relates to the recent technological advancements in the Independence Cluster. The Imperium has shown increased interest in our production capabilities."

"Hmm," Franklin nodded, his jovial demeanor slipping for a moment. "You might be onto something there, John. The Emperor's not one for social calls."

As the shuttle entered the Warp, Franklin's mind raced with possibilities. What could be so urgent? And why the secrecy?

"Well, boys," he addressed his Honor Guard, his trademark grin returning. "Looks like we're in for an interesting trip. Let's hope Terra's still standing when we get there, eh?"

The guards chuckled nervously, but Ezra remained stoic. "We'll be prepared for anything, my Lord."

Franklin nodded, his eyes turning to the swirling chaos of the Warp outside the shuttle's viewing port. Whatever awaited him on Terra, he knew it would be a turning point. The Emperor didn't summon Primarchs on a whim let alone one of the Two currently found.