In the year M31, hope has returned to the galaxy. The Emperor has emerged, casting off the shackles of Old Night. His armada is unstoppable. His legions are indomitable. Every sunrise, a new world is brought back into the hands of humanity, our destiny to rule the stars once more rekindled by the mighty unification of Mars and Terra. It is a time of progress, a time for renewal. It's a glorious time to be alive.

However, my time to stop everything from going up in flames is running out. Apart from the impending galactic apocalyptic civil war, my second life as a Mechanicum Tech Adept is going pretty smoothly—if you call "smoothly" dying several times, replacing 80% of my body parts with machinery, and committing some unethical acts in the process to secure my position. Yes, everything's going well, I suppose.

This is my first time posting a story so please, Any feedback or positive criticism will be helpful. Thanks for reading.

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It was raining embers and snow. The air of Ullanor Prime was filled with the rhythmic thump of artillery and the light shrieks of las fire. My red robes billowed in the chilly wind, and my boots crunched on the frost-covered ground.

I strode through the sprawling army encampment, a sea of canvas and steel that stretched as far as the eye could see. Razor, my trusty cyber-cat, perched on my shoulder, her bionic eye glowing a dull red as she scanned the surroundings with feline curiosity. Her tail twitched in agitation, a silent mirror of my anticipation.

We reached the command tent, a larger, more elaborate structure than the rest, its entrance guarded by a pair of haggard and rough-looking centuries. They snapped to attention as I approached. "Magos", They saluted I gave them a nod of acknowledgement before heading in.

I consciously let out a little sigh as I entered the heated tent. A holographic display table dominated the centre of the room, its flickering light illuminating the faces of the assembled officers. A tense argument was in progress, the voices of two Imperial Army officers rising above the rest.

"—can't just charge in without proper support! The 11th Regiment is almost here" one of them, a major from the Imperial Army, was saying, his face flushed with anger.

"We don't have time to wait!" retorted a captain from the Solar Auxilia, slamming her fist on the table. "The Orks are tunnelling, Beneath our trench Lines as we speak. If we don't move now there'll be nothing for the 11th to reinforce."

"Ladies, Gentlemen" a smooth voice rang out courtesy of a hulking Space Marine in Terminator armour, bringing the squabbling to an abrupt halt. All eyes turned towards the Space Marine, a veteran of the Lunar Wolves chapter, his scarred face a testament to countless battles. "let's focus on the task at hand." The Space Marine, Sergeant Wilhelm of the Lunar Wolves, outlines the plan, his voice echoing a seasoned veteran's authority. Here's what we know the Orks Sappers have been tunnelling beneath our lines and fortifications for days now. each breach worse than the other. This cannot continue. With a practised gesture, he manipulated the holographic display, the flickering light resolving into a detailed map of the surrounding terrain.

"Geothermic data have concluded the source of the sappers and their holes." He highlighted two areas on the map. "Servo Skull footage supports this. as there has been a large ammunition depot, and ground void shields located at both sites."

"I propose this a deep strike on both of the two objectives and two more locations here and here to sow chaos, In tandem with a full frontal assault, My marines will make a breach and your men and woman will fill it. With our advances made, we can destroy the sappers at our leisure"

"With luck, the 11th and the other legions will be here in time to help us rebuff any counterattack and contribute to digesting our gains for future assault."

"Additionally for the next 24 hours, The Light Cruiser Hammer of Cthonia will be in low orbit in our theatre providing priority direct fire support so time is of the essence." nods and grunts of acknowledgement passed through the crowd of officers. The holographic map shimmered, a battlefield rendered in ethereal light. The Veteran Sergeant's voice echoed with a bloodied warrior's gravitas as he continued to outline the details of the assault. "Brothers and sisters, tonight we strike at the heart of the Ork menace," he declared, tracing the glowing lines that marked the enemy locations. "Our objective is fourfold: to disrupt their sapping operations, destroy their supply depots, sow chaos in their ranks, and pave the way for our main assault."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled officers. "Each of you has a crucial role to play in this endeavour."

He turned to the Colonel, a veteran of countless campaigns. "Colonel, you will lead the main assault with the 77th Terran Regiment. Your men will follow in the wake of the Lunar Wolves, exploiting the breaches we create and pushing the Orks back." The Colonel nodded grimly, his eyes fixed on the map. "We'll give those green skins a taste of Terran steel," he growled.

Next, Sergeant Wilhelm addressed the Lieutenant, her youthful face betraying a steely resolve. "Lieutenant, your Solar Auxilia will be supporting my Marines directly in the breach. We will strike at their land shield generator allowing us to call orbital support and sow confusion amongst their ranks.

The Lieutenant saluted crisply. "We shall not fail, Sergeant."

Sergeant Wilhelm then turned to me, his eyes meeting mine. "Magos Dominus," he said, his voice softening slightly, "You and the Legio Cybernetica will be in the vanguard. With the 77th, Your Battel Automata will be the first to breach the Ork tunnels, clearing a path for their destruction."

My fingers tightened around Razor's warm fur. "Sergeant… My forces are.."

Finally, Sergeant Wilhelm addressed his men, their faces hardened masks of determination. "Soldiers of the imperium we bring the light of illumination To this world"

"We shall strike swiftly, strike hard, and leave the Orks reeling, Victory is assured."

"For Mankind!"

"For the Imperium!"

"For the Emperor!"

Echoed through the tent, the sounds were a primal roar. My voice of protest was drowned out by the cheers.

---Line ---

The dry, acrid scent of machine oil and burning incense wafted through the air, mingling with the faint whirring of servos and the clanking of metal feet as I made my way back to the Mechanicum compound. I let out a growl of irritation; I would be going in under-strength, but I couldn't abandon my brothers and sisters in the 77th. I had spent years in that regiment as an adept before my promotion to Magos, and I would not let them go into the jaws of death alone—not on the dubious order of some Space Marine.

"Alright. Minions I got marching orders" My voice, a touch amplified, echoed across the mustering ground.

"Thanatar Zeta," I voxed, my gaze falling upon a large siege automaton, its Plasma Mortar gleaming menacingly. "Status report."

"All systems nominal, Magos Dominus," a synthetic voice replied, a hint of static underlying its stoic tone. "Awaiting firing coordinates."

"Excellent," I replied, my eyes scanning the ranks. "Datasmiths, report."

Three figures emerged from the throng of Skitarii, their red robes adorned with the intricate sigils of the Mechanicum and my sect of it. Each was a tech-adept of exceptional talent, their minds as sharp as their mechadendrites. I had hand-picked them for their ingenuity, their insatiable curiosity for actual science, and their unwavering loyalty to me.

Gamma, Pork, Dot I addressed them, a flicker of pride warming my cold, augmented heart. "Your cogitations on the tactical data I transmitted?"

Gamma, a lanky figure with a shock of red hair peeking out from beneath her hood, spoke first. "Magos Dominus," she began, her voice a melodious hum, "the proposed flanking manoeuvre presents a significant risk, but the potential reward is undeniable. I suggest deploying a squadron of Rangers to provide cover for the Kastelan and Castellax."

Pork, a Hulking figure with Spider-like legs that whirred and clicked as he spoke, added. "I concur with Gamma. Additionally, I propose a staggered deployment of our Onager Dunecrawlers. Their long-range firepower could prove invaluable in suppressing the Ork gun lines."

Dot, the youngest of the trio, but no less brilliant, chimed in. "I have been running simulations, Magos Dominus. The optimal deployment pattern for our Kataphron Destroyers and other Servators is A9 formation. This will maximize their firepower and survivability."

I nodded, impressed by their insights. "Your suggestions are received," I said. " I will review and amend the battle plan, thank you for your input." The tech-adepts bowed their heads in unison, their mechadendrites and hands already dancing across their data-slates, translating theory into action.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Having competent subordinates is the best.

The camp erupted into a symphony of mechanical movement. Skitarii Rangers double-checked their galvanic rifles, Kastelan Robots lumbered into formation, and Thanatar Siege Automata powered up their cannons with an ominous hum. Overhead, Space Marine Strikecraft roared into the sky, followed closely by Solar Auxilia transports. I checked my Internal clock they're moving ahead of schedule. As we prepared for the assault, I noticed Alpha Hue the Skitaria Squad leader calibrating his autocannon with meticulous precision. His augmented eyes glowed with a soft blue light, scanning the weapon for any imperfections. I approached him, and he straightened up, giving a crisp salute.

"At ease, Hue," I said, waving a dismissive hand. "How are the troops?"

"Eager, Magos," he replied, his voice a deep, mechanical rumble."But there's an undercurrent of something. "Many of them are fresh from the vats, untested in real combat of this scale. The simulations are all they know."

I nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "We're lucky to have you then. Your experience will be crucial in keeping them focused."

He gave a nod, his servos in whirring softly. "Of course, Mago."

"Showtime," I sighed, settling into my Prototype Onager Dunecrawler It's gunmetal grey form reflected in the overcast light. "Just another day In the great crusade…. god damn. I want to home, "whining as I crash my head into the console.

Even after nearly 35 years here In my new life 15 of those on Crusade. I am still getting the pre-battle jitters, Skitarii Alpha Hue sat next to me, long used to my antics did not give me any mind. "Magos" He opened the mini fridge, I installed and offered me the snack. "Thanks, Hue" I ate the fruit bar as my forces made their way to muster point with the regular Imperial army.

My synthetic taste buds give me some slight comfort. as my semi-biological heart begins to beat faster. Unlike others in the Mechanicum, I did not believe suppressing one's emotions too much was a good idea In the long term you became disconnected from what mattered. I've experienced it It wasn't pleasant. It was moments like these that made us human I still suppress my emotions when I'm feeling annoyed or in pain though it's a good tool just go use it wisely.

Razor let out a loud meow, Eyes locked on my food I stroked my cyber cat "You don't even need to eat anymore, You dumb child." I let Razor finish my bar and calmed myself down a little I opened the commander Hatch and popped out to see how things were going.

---Line ---

The muster point was a flurry of activity as troops assembled for the impending assault. My Onager Dunecrawler rumbled forward, Razor perched alertly on my shoulder, her bionic eye scanning the surroundings and Sending me live data through her advanced auspex arrays. She wasn't just for show. Don't get me wrong Servo skulls are cool and I utilize them, but I like my cats better.

The air was thick with the metallic scent of machine oil, the acrid bite of burning incense, and the faint ozone tang of charged weaponry. The 77th Terran Regiment had gathered, a disciplined line of soldiers standing at attention, their steel-grey Winter uniforms blending with the sombre landscape. and Skitarii units in red and black coordinated their final preparations, a seamless blend of human and machine.

I spotted Colonel Han, a stalwart figure with a grizzled beard and eyes that spoke of countless battles. Beside him stood Lieutenant Lynx of the Armored Company, her face marked with the steely resolve of a seasoned warrior. They both glanced in my direction as I approached.

"Victor," Han greeted, his Accent was of the great hive of Oceania, A blend of oriental And something else. "I see you're ready for another day in paradise." I gave him a wry smile. Then I remembered he could not see it under my mask and nodded it in acknowledgement

"Just another day in the Great Crusade, Illuminating the galaxy and whatnot Colonel. How are your men holding up?" Waving my greeting to my old friend.

"Where as well as they can be knowing they're going up against a fortified position poorly made as is, It's not as bad as the Colada liberation" Internally winced remembering that clusterfark campaign. "At least it's not Colado" had become an in-joke Among the veteran survivors of the 77th Terran Veterans were becoming few and fewer every year. shaking with those thoughts I refocused.

"All things considered, I'm glad you're here Vic, The Sergeant is expecting us to make a miracle Damned Glory Hungry Space Marine," he said under his breath "So we're gonna need some of your techno-Sorcery."

"You mean like this" I outstretched my hand and perched on my shoulder Razor's eyes came to life as she projected a hologram in my hand of a dancing Skeleton with two cups, with a mental flick I activated the dune crawler speaker system to play a merry tune. Lieutenant Lynx And a few of her men looked utterly shocked like they weren't believing what she was seeing.

I can hear soft chuckles from the troops around me lightening the grim mood just a little bit, Han rubbed his face hiding his smile his willpower is no match for my memes.

"As long as we keep winning, you can be as mad as you like." a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Lieutenant Lynxs stepped forward her eyes weary and confused we've positioned our APCs for rapid deployment. My Tanks will be ready to support your advance. Any last-minute adjustments?"

I appreciated her directness. There have been some minor addendums in my Formation but the whole plan Remains the Same Could see the notification light on her data slate light up as I sent her the updates of my formation and the plan Maneuvers. I didn't really expect us to follow them note by note but it was still good to at least have a general idea of what your allies were doing.

She gave a crisp salute to me and the Colonel. "Understood, We won't let you down." She did an about-face and walked bristly to her tank unit. Han waved farewell as he went to do final preparations for his men.

The sounds of artillery and las fire intensified the closer we got to the front. I began to see faint glimpses of the orc encampments. I began to form into the trench line. Likewise, we were at their staging points for the assault. I made a final check of my minions. "Everything good, guys?"

"Magos Dominus," Gamma said, her voice a melodic hum. "All units are ready for deployment. Any further instructions?"

I considered for a moment. "Ensure our communication channels are secure, maintain constant updates, and report any anomalies." It was a little redundant to say so but still needed to be said.

Dot voxed enthusiastically, "Simulations are complete. Optimal deployment patterns are set. We're ready, Magos."

Pork's spider-like legs clicked as he adjusted a data slate. "Our siege units are in position, ready to suppress orc gun lines on your command."

I looked at them, a flicker of pride warming my cold, augmented heart. "Excellent work. Stay sharp out there. This battle will be won through precision and adaptability." slumping back into my walking tank closing the hatch the dim light of the crawler's interior brightened a bit as I manipulated the map on the mini holo deck of the battlefield.

"Magos, shall I prepare a soundtrack?" said Alpha Hue rummaging through a bag of data wafers, he picked one out. "I believe this one would be apt for the situation."

"Pardon me... but... Can I choose?" came a voice from the lower cockpit. It was the driver of the crawler.

"No music this time, boys. We're going straight into the action, I replied. The enginseer let out a sad groan. I sighed, an unconscious habit since I had artificial lungs. "I'll let you have the first pick if your kill count is high enough", I added, which elicited a happy burst of binary from the driver.

I reminded myself that I had hand-picked most of my cohort, specifically choosing those of progressive leanings, prioritizing competency and the more eccentric individuals. They were bound to end up getting themselves killed if I didn't nab them up, so this was my fault.

As we rumbled forward, the map on the holo deck displayed the intricate details of the battlefield. The coordinates for our objectives were clear, and the strategic points we needed to secure were highlighted. Each movement of our unit was crucial, and I had full confidence in my team. Leaning back into my plush chair my armoured and stroking Razor's back. "If only all my problems could be solved with a good head scratch", I mused, a wry smile tugging at my lips.

"Once more into the breach" Out of all the places to be reincarnated in why did it have Warhammer 30,000, At least I'm in a position to make a difference. Hopefully, the future won't be too Grim Dark.

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