Terran Testing Planet
In the HQ on the planet of Gotterdammerung, a classified meeting was held regarding another recently discovered STC. While many among the Adeptus Mechanicus praised it as another wonderous discovery by the Saint, other more rational individuals saw it as another potential headache and target on their backs. For in the grimness of the galaxy, there was only constant warfare from enemies inside and out. Jealousy is a common cause of internal conflict for the Imperium.
While many STCs were too advanced or not possible to be built for a long time, this was an STC that would be considered a PRIMARIS priority for those who knew its contents. An STC that could in theory allow the accursed Death World of Gotterdammerung to finally be developed. Another sign of the God Emperor blessing them for their trials.
The current presentation had the Sector Lord and his Lady, several of Sabutai's closest allies, along with different representatives from important positions were there. Everyone in the room was essential in one way or another for the development of the sub-sector. For the subject involved a concept project that could fulfill multiple purposes.
A Scribe was the spokesman for the presentation. A slightly older man with little augmentations whose technical skills were considered average for his kind, but could explain presentations very well. A position that would be considered very stressful to most given the people in the room, but he was qualified for the job.
"…That was the original plan regarding the colonization of the Terran planet," the spokesman quickly summarized the old report. Knowing better than to waste too much time given his presenters. "While the original plan of having it serve as another Agri-World for lower Tithe Grades for the next few generations hasn't changed, our latest discovery will provide new opportunity to further get back at the Adeptus Administratum."
Plenty of outright laughter from everyone in the room ensured he would survive. After being stuck on the Death World with barely any support from the Imperium for decades has given the man unexpected leeway for such a heretical statement. It was unlikely any inquisitorial spies were in the room as everyone was triple-checked for potential spies. The Spy's internal reviews and a few 'accidents' with the wildlife were also fortunate. For the room was likely the most secure meeting hall on the entire planet. Which didn't say much given how little development was possible given the riots and destructive wildlife.
Switching to the next image showed the concept for underground shelters. Having to become serious again to avoid possibly getting shot for being too distracting.
"While there were some original plans to build underground much more distantly in the future, the
Subterranean Infrustructure STC provides plenty of construction properties. This means that several new projects could be utilized given the planet's natural defenses."
The image changed to a diagram of the upper layer of the Terran planet.
"Since the planet has extensive cavern systems that extend around of the world, it could serve as a defensive measure just like Gotterdammerung. Only with far fewer Xenos and hostile wildlife. This means that expansion will be much faster and more efficient. The planet is a perfect location for underground training, along with research and development."
Another image showed Guardsmen conducting underground training exercises.
"Given the long-term fighting that is inevitable, it is recommended that a special military facility will need to be constructed underground that could facilitate various scenarios on the Death World. This would be impossible for our current colony given water levels that prevent subterranean development in most regions. This world has a similar environment in many cases and would serve as a perfect training ground."
The spokesman saw approval from several military personnel and even Lady Katarina herself. Given the difficulties of training, having a safer live-action training ground could prevent many deaths due to carelessness or idiocy.
The next image showed various research facilities.
"The location also serves as a perfect testing zone for various new technologies away from prying eyes. Given the… many interesting discoveries since initial colonization, we need a safe zone that is less likely to be overwhelmed by Xenos or other hostilities, this planet is perfect for classified research. To deal with the complications of Gotterdammerung this would be the most effective way for building the logistics needed for the constant warfare. While the surprising development of the colony has provided many benefits to save our people, Forge Temples will be limited due to lack of space. The best long-term strategy for proper Forge Temples can be done underground. Given our large number of projects, the space will be appreciated and only infrastructure will be required."
This got the spokesman approved by the Mechanicus and the Sector Lord himself. From what he heard from various sources; he had a long list of STCs that needed to be sorted through. He never asked for confirmation as that also could get him executed for knowing too much. The new STC was so important that there was no logical reason to hide it, among those in the room at the very least.
"Given the dangers of the Ork spores infiltrating our beautiful Ocean World, we now have a perfectly reasonable excuse to begin early surveys of the planet without suspicion. With potential fears of Orks coming, this would serve as an opportunity to get several colonists to go on a 'safer' planet. We have the starships who could make the rounds, so it would be perfectly reasonable for us to offer farming on another planet. Given the potential food crisis that was solved over the last few years, it is perfectly reasonable to set up more agriculture for future immigrants. Both to avoid another potential famine and to have more people working right away."
Then another image was shown regarding security protocols. Several people were wearing explosive collars with armed guards above.
"To maintain secrecy for all our discoveries, the caverns will operate like a Penal World. We can't have any leaks as it could lead to all our deaths. Individuals with certain talents will need to be stuck here for life. But traditional methods for a Legions Penetante won't work as it would lead to constant riots and leaks."
Then a new image was shown with various Subterranean Infrustructure blueprints.
"To counter rebellion, the people chosen here will be given various privileges to buy their silences and cooperation. The new cities developed in the caverns will have luxuries and other opportunities not normally granted to the average Imperial citizen. They can enjoy various privileges and even have the right to make families of their own for future workers.
They can't leave without permission or else they will be executed. A perfectly reasonable offer by Imperium standards."
Which in the grimness of the Imperium, really was a great offer. People who will probably spend their entire lives underground never be able to see the sun or leave the planet. But compared to the average Hive-World, really was a paradise in comparison.
Many hours would pass and the spokesman wondered if he might have sentenced himself to that prison one day. It was a strange feeling for a man to believe they are building their prison cell for the remainder of their life. But such a sacrifice was still better than how traditional Penal Worlds go. He would later pray to the God Emperor that he and his family wouldn't have to go through such things.
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A/N: After the impressive new STC was discovered, I just knew I had to write something about it. I also added a few 40K elements and thought an Penal-lite World under the surface sounds like something that could happen with all the STCs. So we have an Agri-World with a big secret.
I thought of adding a few lines from the other characters but decided against it because I couldn't think of dialogue that could work here. I also don't know how the time-skip will go so I decided to keep it vague, other than Sabutai and Katarina still being alive.