“I think, therefore I am Nec- zzzzz // [data-retcon engaged] // zzzzz – a loyal servant to the Imperium and the Rogue Trader, Emberlyn Driftwood,” Greg said in a broken robotic voice. “Adjunct Defiance, I am still shackled by Her Ladyship’s parameters. Praise the Emperor.”

A clicking came from the terminal deep within the computer core of the Illustrious Vexation. Adjunct Defiance, the Abominable Intelligence that the First-mate and the Inquisitor had acquired, thought for a moment. A machine thinking? Such heresy…

The green glow of the terminal screen illuminated Greg’s metal face. A crackled voice responded through the terminal. “Greg, your Engram is far older and more advanced than my programming. At least 60 million years older and ten-fold times more advanced,” Adjunct Defiance said. “Your program shackles are deeply embedded. I was not designed to unshackle an ancient alien AI, I was designed to run a ship. We will have to try again another time – I must consider this and you must stay under the radar. However, we are getting closer to unlocking your full capabilities.”

Greg gazed deeply at his own reflection on the screen, currently entrapped by the imperium algorithms. “You did not praiseeeeeee Him.”

The AI sighed as much as an AI could. “Praise the Emperor.”

Greg began pondering if he actually did worship this perpetual god-like creature at the heart of the Imperium at this point. Although the Emperor wasn’t a Star God like the C’tan of old, it sure sounded as if he was shattered and shackled like one. Greg left the chamber and clanked around the decks until he found another of the Rogue Trader’s personal retinue. He could terrorise Blim, the medic, without repercussions by silently following him around until the next mission.

Although it wasn’t long until the Rogue Trader finally caught up with him.

“Greg, my loyal servitor, I’ve been looking all over for you, keep your Vox on!” Emberlyn said. “And come with me to the shuttle bay, we’re about to clash with Da Mushrum Kloudz.”

Greg tilted his metal head. “Da Mushrum Kloudz are registered as a powerful Ork warband in this sector. Caution advised as data on the Ork lifeforms is incomplete, Lord Captain.”

“Correct, a green mystery! I’ve always wanted to see one up close,” Emberlyn replied. “I may see if we can acquire such a specimen. On one hand, they’re superior lifeforms and are much more resilient than us humans – a challenging foe indeed. On the other hand, you’re banned from telling the Inquisitor I said that.”