'My fellow seekers after knowledge!' implored Sota-Nul. 'Do not take my word for it. I have a message for you, please listen. Heed wisdom!'

The image went out of focus as though it were viewed underwater. When it cleared, Kelbor-Hal was there, sat upon the throne of Mars, the white-and-black cog teeth of its Cog Mechanicum backrest framing him.

'Hal!' shouted the Extractatorian, his out-thrust finger quivering with accusation. 'How dare you show your face?'

He hasn't, thought Cawl. This is a recording.

So it was. Though exceedingly lifelike, Kelbor-Hal lacked the realism of his emissary. There was no movement or smell, though the clarity of the image was amazing enough in itself.

'Citizens of the Empire of Mars. I am Lord Kelbor-Hal, Fabricator General, and your rightful lord,' he stated pointlessly. Every member of the fraternis technis, from idiot hygiene thralls one misdemeanour from servitorhood to the rulers of forge worlds, knew Hal's appearance. 'I demand your fealty. Turn your face from the false Omnissiah of Terra. Open your eyes and see that you have been deceived. The so-called Emperor came to us with deception in His heart, demanding our technology and our servitude. We were blinded by His power. He is a witch, who used His abilities to cloud our minds, and a data-thief. Join with me, your master, and you v u inheritors of all knowledge. Behold, the bargain of the Warmaster. See what we are promised.'

Widecast data pulse filled every head capable of receiving it with the new treaty of Mars. The opening of the forbidden vault of Moravec Horus' generous gift of the Auretian technocracy's standard template construct data. The continued autonomy of Mars. All things the Emperor had denied them. The crowd murmured.

'If the Warmaster's generosity towards our nation does not convince you, consider this,' continued Hal. 'The servants of the false Omnissiah of Terra have appointed Zagreus Kane as Fabricator General. Never before has an outside power imposed a ruler upon Mars. The Mechanicum is to be dissolved. Our independence is no more. This new Adeptus Mechanicus will forever subordinate the rights of Mars to the Terran Hegemony. With this act the Emperor has concluded the stealthy conquest of our empire He began two centuries ago. He is a false god. He would deny us the tools to seek greater union with the true god, the Machine-God, because He is envious of our wisdom, and He is afraid. Join with us. Join with the Warmaster, and cast down the false Omnissiah's empire so Mars may be reborn!'

The message faded away.

'Isn't he boxed up on Mars?' said Cawl to Aspertia Sigma-Sigma. She looked down at him. The unmoving features of her mask managed to convey her scorn adequately enough. Cawl was not discouraged. He spoke up louder, addressing the room.