Osiris led the three through a complex network of metal tunnels, eventually returning to his temporary residence on Mars.
This residence, located within an annex to the headquarters of the Mechanicus, was simple but equipped with a comprehensive security system.
The heavy alloy door slowly opened after identity verification, revealing a clean and orderly interior space.
The interior of the residence is divided into several functional areas.
The main area is equipped with data analysis terminals and communication equipment, and the walls are fitted with multiple screens displaying different monitoring feeds.
Four servo skulls automatically positioned themselves, hovering near the entrances/exits and main equipment, respectively, with their scanners continuously monitoring the surrounding environment.
"Now you can explain." Osiris' synthesized voice echoed in the room as his mechanical body turned to the Eldar ranger. "You can start, Elendil."
Ilandil sheathed his spear and removed his helmet.
Her face was elegant yet angular, and her eyes shone with an inhuman gleam.
"I am directly appointed by the Council of Farseers of Ulthwé. Specifically, I am following the instructions of the eldest farseer, Eldrad Ulthran."
She brought up a star map projection on the main screen of her residence, which was marked with complex Eldar runes.
"The farseer foresaw an impending disruption of destiny. Among countless possible futures, one timeline has become exceptionally clear because of your research." With a light tap of her finger, Osiris' image appeared on the star map.
"The Dark Eldar have also observed this variable," Elendil continued. "For them, the changes you have brought will completely shake their position in the galaxy."
The rulers of Comoros will stop you at all costs.
Osiris' optical lens flickered slightly. "Why would a farseer protect a human?"
"Because your research not only affects humanity, but also concerns the survival of the Eldar." Elendil's tone remained calm. "In some future, you will become the key to the continuation of our race."
Just then, the Black Templar Space Marine removed his helmet.
A resolute human face was revealed, his left eye replaced by a mechanical prosthetic, and a scar extending from his forehead to his jaw.
"I am Reid, a high-ranking knight of the Black Templar Chapter's 'Eternal Expedition' fleet." His voice was deep and powerful. "This is Catherine, who belongs to the Battle Sisters' unit, which was reorganized from the Silent Sisters."
Catherine also removed the helmet buckle, revealing short silver hair and a weathered face. "We come from Imperial Calendar 782.M41." Her words were concise and direct. "During an expedition against Chaos, Brother Reid and I were caught in a warp storm."
"We were indeed wary of this Eldar at first," Reid's voice came through the speaker on his helmet, with the firm tone characteristic of the Black Templar. "Shortly after we disengaged from the Warp, Elendil was waiting for us on our planned route."
She displayed the visions foreseen by the farseer, including the precise features of our warships and their arrival time.
Catherine continued, "She showed us images of the Dark Eldar pursuers and made it clear that their goal was to assassinate a Mechanicus Magos who was crucial to the future of humanity."
After careful discussion, we decided to temporarily set aside our prejudices against the Xenomorphs and prioritize addressing this clear threat.
Elendil calmly added, "I understand humanity's suspicions about our race. But the trajectory of destiny foreseen by the farseer shows that only through this cooperation can we avoid the worst future."
Osiris processed this information. "How can you prove you come from the future?"
Reid stepped forward and opened the interface panel on the power armor's chest. "My armor cogitator has a complete flight log, including anomalous time readings when exiting the warp. You can review the data records there."
He brought up a display interface with complex navigation data scrolling across it.
"These records include the Black Templar Grand Marshal's operational instructions during the M41 era, as well as some parameters of the genetically modified seed technology that you will promote in the future."
Catherine also provided her data interface: "My power armor contains operational information about the Twelfth Black Crusade, which should not exist in this era. The First Black Crusade was more than seven hundred years later."
Osiris connected the data interface to his own system.
After a quick scan, his processing core confirmed the authenticity of the information.
In particular, the technical details regarding genetic seed improvement are highly consistent with his ongoing research, but more complete.
"I'll accept your explanation for now," Osiris said, disconnecting the data connection. "But what are your plans next?"
Reid put his helmet back on. "We must see the Primarch of Rogue Dorn. As Imperial warriors from the future, it is our duty to report everything we know to him."
"At the same time, we must warn him of the impending threats," Catherine added, "including the War of the Beasts and the Black Crusade."
Elendil observed the exchange silently. "My mission is not yet complete. Farseer Ulthran instructed me to continue protecting the Magos Osiris until the crossroads of fate have stabilized."
Osiris retrieved the security surveillance footage from her residence and confirmed that everything in the surrounding area was normal.
"I can arrange for you to go to Terra. But…" His optical lens focused on Reid, "You are unusually tall. Even among Space Marines, this is rare."
Reid straightened up, his power armor emitting a soft servo hum: "This is the standard physique for a new-age Space Marine. Since you promoted the Gene Seed Optimization technology, the success rate of the Chapter's recruits' modifications has significantly increased, and their physical functions have been comprehensively enhanced."
"Specific parameters?" Osiris asked.
"The average height is 3 meters, basic strength has increased by 40%, and nerve reaction speed has increased by 25%," Reid replied. "More importantly, the new generation of warriors has significantly enhanced resistance to psionic energy, and their psionic potential has also been moderately improved."
Osiris' mechanical fingers tapped lightly on the control panel. "I need to conduct comprehensive physiological tests on you. This data is crucial for the current research."
"I understand your request," Reid nodded. "But before that, I must complete my report to the Primarch. This is a priority duty for any Imperial soldier."
Catherine checked the energy readings of her molten lava gun. "Our time travel was no accident. The Emperor's will may have played a role."
The residence's surveillance system showed that everything outside was normal and no unusual activity was detected.
After confirming that it was safe, Osiris said, "In that case, we should immediately begin arranging our trip to Terra. However, you will need to conceal your identities for the time being, because you do not exist in this era."