Before Callex had taken a step, Brother Ambrosius put a hand on his shoulder
“Callex,” he said, voice firm yet tinged with concern, “we cannot forget the civilians aboard the Thunderhawk. They’re vulnerable and in need of food, rest… some reassurance of their safety.”
Callex nodded, his stern gaze softening slightly. “You’re right, Brother. We’ve pledged to protect them, no matter where we find ourselves.”
Ambrosius turned to the Guide, the faint glow of the construct’s core reflecting off his helm. “Is there somewhere aboard this ship where civilians can find food and shelter?”
The Guide’s light pulsed rhythmically, as if considering the request. “Indeed. If sustenance and rest are required, there are four primary civilian districts equipped for such needs: Civilian Center Alpha, Civilian Center Beta, Civilian Center Gamma and Civilian Center Omega . From this district, you will need to take the transport train to reach either of these centers.”
Ambrosius and Callex exchanged a look, and without hesitation, they turned back toward the direction of Docking Bay 3, with the Guide hovering silently beside them as they made their way back to the Thunderhawk.
Returning to the Thunderhawk, Ambrosius and Callex were greeted by relieved looks from the civilians, who had been anxiously awaiting their return. The pilot met their eyes, his expression a mix of relief and guarded hope.
“Have you found anything, my lords?” he asked.
Ambrosius gave a reassuring nod. “We have. There are secure areas aboard this vessel—a place with food and shelter. We will take you there.”
As murmurs of gratitude and quiet hope rose from the civilians, Callex gestured for them to gather what little belongings they had brought. “Stay close to us, and heed our instructions,” he said firmly. “This place may be secure, but we cannot yet know what dangers lie within.”
The civilians quickly gathered themselves, and the group followed the towering figures of the Space Marines as they filed out of the Thunderhawk. The Guide hovered nearby, watching them with a faint blue glow emanating from its core.
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Ambrosius addressed the Guide. “Show us the way to this transport you mentioned.”
“Of course,” Guide replied, leading them out of the docking bay and into the labyrinthine corridors of A.R.K once more. It hovered smoothly, adjusting its pace to accommodate the slower footsteps of the civilians who walked in wary silence.
The journey through the colossal corridors of A.R.K felt both endless and timeless. The civilians walked close together, their eyes darting around as they took in the vast, pristine halls. Everywhere, the architecture continued to echo an uncanny familiarity for Ambrosius and Callex. They moved tactically, scanning their surroundings, ever-vigilant, each corridor as imposing and serene as the last.
Finally, they reached a large, open space where sleek platforms spread out across multiple lanes, each numbered in an unfamiliar language. Lights along the ceiling cast a soft, warm glow that illuminated a row of pristine silver trains, lined up neatly and waiting.
“This is the transit station,” Guide said, floating toward the platform. “These vehicles will take you to your desired destination. Civilian Center Alpha is the closest. It has ample accommodations for rest and nourishment.”
Ambrosius examined the train with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. It was unlike any transport vehicle he had seen, sleek and streamlined like an ancient relic preserved in near perfection. Its design was both alien and elegant, reminding him of the rare picts of bullet trains he had once glimpsed in an archive vault.
Callex gestured for the civilians to begin boarding, his bolter still held at the ready as he scanned their surroundings. “This ship was meant to house civilians,” he murmured to Ambrosius, “and its every design seems devoted to their comfort and safety.”
Ambrosius nodded, though he remained wary. “If this vessel truly was made to preserve humanity, then perhaps… perhaps the Emperor guides us, even here.”
The doors to the train slid open with a faint hum, revealing a spacious, polished interior filled with comfortable seating. The civilians moved inside cautiously, murmuring in amazement at the unexpected luxury of their new surroundings.
The Space Marines boarded last, ensuring the group was secure, then positioned themselves at the front, standing guard even in this strange sanctuary. Guide hovered at the entrance, the faint hum of its core resonating softly.
With a chime, the doors closed, sealing them inside, and a gentle vibration ran through the floor as the train began to move. Through the windows, the lights of the platform faded, and the dark corridors of the ship’s transit system slipped past in a blur. A soft, automated voice chimed overhead, announcing their destination.
The civilians settled into their seats, some even beginning to relax as the train glided along its track, bearing them deeper into the heart of A.R.K.