Aboard the Helldiver ship Silver Wings, the newly appointed Sergeant Colle was drowning in a sea of dataslates. He was studying new procedures, sector reports, inter-legion communication protocols... administrative tasks he hated more than anything. The previous sergeant had died a hero, vaporized in a clash with Orks. The men had elected Colle sergeant due to his seniority and coolness under fire, as Julius wanted Helldivers to choose their own immediate leaders to strengthen cohesion. But for higher ranks, the approval of a captain and two veteran sergeants was required. Colle sighed, dreaming of the battlefield rather than these duties.
"Sergeant, have you finished your duties?" asked a drawn-out, metallic voice.
Colle looked up at Lori, a service droid with a humanoid design, who had just "woken up" from its standby mode in a corner of the room.
"An emergency, Lori! I have to go!" he exclaimed, seizing the opportunity to escape his responsibilities.
He rushed to the command bridge, where a contained buzz of activity reigned.
"So, what do we have for today?" he asked, catching his breath.
Lira, the deck officer, pointed to the main screen. "A ship, Sergeant. Of a prodigious size. Its energy signature is massive, and its symbols are... unknown. They look almost like runes, but nothing in our databases. Wait... they're sending a message."
"Put it on screen."
The image resolved, revealing a stocky being, broad-shouldered, with an impressive beard and piercing eyes scrutinizing the lens. His armor was heavy, utilitarian, but adorned with complex runes that seemed to pulse with a faint energy.
"I am the Grimnyr of this vessel. Who are you, humans?" His voice was deep, gravelly, but held a non-hostile curiosity.
Colle straightened up, adopting a formal yet open tone. "I am Sergeant Colle of the Helldivers, serving under Lord Commander Julius Braveheart of Bastion. May I have your name and know what you are?"
The being on the screen scratched his beard. "We are of the Ur-Khasis Votann League. You outsiders, you sometimes call us 'Squats'. We are the Kin."
Colle felt a surge of excitement. The Votann Leagues. Legends. A cloned abhuman species, technologically advanced, living in the galactic core. He also noticed robotic figures beside the Kin, Ironkin, treated with equal familiarity.
"The Kin," repeated Colle, nodding. "It's an honor. We are the Helldivers, the explorers and protectors of Bastion."
The Grimnyr narrowed his eyes, his analytical gaze seeming to weigh every word. "Your soldiers... they smell of clone lineage. A striking resemblance. But your structure is different. More... individual."
Colle immediately understood the implication. The Kin themselves were clones, and they had their own challenges with clone degeneration and genetic stability.
"Our methods are indeed advanced," Colle cautiously admitted. "Stability and individuality within a clone lineage are areas we have mastered."
A silence heavy with interest settled. The Grimnyr briefly turned to exchange a look with an Ironkin at his side, whose ocular lenses blinked rapidly.
"Mastered, you say?" The Grimnyr leaned closer to the screen, his interest now palpable. "Your 'Bastion' holds this knowledge? The means to preserve the spirit without losing the flesh?"
Colle felt he held a tremendous opportunity. These Kin, with their incredible technology and knowledge of the galactic core, could be invaluable allies. And their weakness was their deepest need: securing the future of their own people.
"Bastion holds many knowledges," Colle replied with a smile. "Perhaps an exchange... could be beneficial for both our peoples? We have much to learn from each other."
The Grimnyr emitted a grunt that could pass for a laugh. "An exchange, little clone? Yes. Let us talk. The Votann is always eager for new data. And it seems you have some that is precious."
The first meeting between the Braveheart Legion and the Votann Leagues had begun. Not on a battlefield, but on the basis of mutual interest and a shared secret: the art of perfect cloning.