From the far side of the lake, a shape began to emerge, hovering just above the ground. It appeared small at first, a faint blue light gleaming in the distance. But as it moved closer, the shape became clearer—a floating, mechanical entity with a spherical core and spindly arms that moved gracefully through the air, emitting a faint hum.

The construct’s form glowed with a cool blue light, its eye-like sensor fixed on them with an expression almost... curious. It moved forward, its gaze shifting between Ambrosius and Callex, pausing as though assessing them.

Callex held his bolter steady but did not fire, glancing at Ambrosius. “It resembles no servitor or construct I’ve seen.”

Ambrosius watched the entity with a steady gaze. “Nor I, Brother. But it does not appear hostile.”

The construct halted a few feet before them, hovering in place with an almost polite posture. Then, a voice, gentle yet precise, emanated from it—a stark contrast to the mechanical tone that had guided them through the ship.

“Hello and welcome to A.R.K,” it said. “I’m a Guide and will be… well, your guide. If you have any questions, just ask them, and I’ll answer to the best of my ability.”

The two Space Marines exchanged a quick look, understanding passing silently between them. They needed answers, and this Guide seemed willing to provide them. Ambrosius spoke first, his voice steady and authoritative.

“Where are we?” he demanded, keeping his gaze fixed on the Guide.

The construct tilted slightly, almost as though nodding. “You are currently standing in the park connected to the Engineering/Manufacturing district of A.R.K…” It paused, the eye-like sensor focusing on them. “But I guess you mean the ship itself?”

Callex's grip tightened on his bolter and answered with a hint of impatience in his voice. “Of course, We mean the ship!”

The Guide continued, its tone neutral but oddly polite. “You are currently aboard A.R.K, one of four ARK-class ships sent out in the year 3284 to secure the future of humanity. This ship is fully self-sufficient in everything a human needs.”

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

The two Space Marines fell silent, absorbing the unexpected information. It was a staggering notion—that this ship, this A.R.K, was of human origin and yet entirely unfamiliar, even to the vast knowledge of the Imperium. Callex’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing through what little they knew of human history and technology from the Dark Age of Technology.

Ambrosius broke the silence, his voice still wary. “You say this ship was sent to secure humanity’s future… Who sent it? And from where?”

The Guide’s light pulsed, a sign of its internal processes, as if selecting the right response. “A.R.K was commissioned by the Confederated Nations of Earth in what is know as the "Garden of Eden" project, The ships were designed to preserve and protect human life and knowledge, even if Earth and her colonies faced extinction.”

Callex’s voice was barely more than a murmur. “A relic… from the Dark Age.” He exchanged a look with Ambrosius, the enormity of the Guide’s revelation weighing on them both.

The construct seemed to sense their reaction, hovering just a little closer. “A.R.K is equipped with resources to create and sustain life, advance technology, and preserve human culture,” it said. “Your presence here suggests that humanity survived in some form… though I must confess, I have not encountered a human like you before.”

Ambrosius raised an eyebrow beneath his helm, his tone hardening slightly. “We are Astartes. Space Marines of the Imperium of Man.”

The Guide’s light flickered. “Fascinating. Humanity has indeed evolved in a way that was not foreseen,” it mused. “If you would like, I can lead you to the archives. They may have information to assist you in understanding A.R.K’s purpose, or yours, as part of humanity’s continuum.”

Callex’s jaw clenched as he considered the Guide’s words. Though the Imperium demanded unswerving faith in its doctrines, the Astartes were also warriors of knowledge, bound to investigate whatever might strengthen humanity.

“We will consider it,” Ambrosius said at last. “But first, are there any dangers aboard this vessel?”

The Guide’s lights dimmed briefly, as though sighing. “In times of emergency, automated security measures are indeed active. However, A.R.K have adjusted the protocols in this area for your safety.”

Callex’s nodded, his voice tempered with a grim curiosity. “Then take us to these archives, Guide. If this A.R.K is truly of human origin, it may hold secrets long buried in the dark.”

The Guide’s blue glow brightened, and it began to float in the direction of a path through the park. “This way. The archives await.”