Warhammer: Starting as a Planetary Governor

Within the secret bio-lab, every tank housed a clone of Eden.

This project had begun when Eden brought Moss back from the derelict space ark. Now, the experiments had reached near-perfection.

In the Warhammer 40K universe, creating doppelgangers was standard practice among many powerful figures.

The Emperor himself had multiple avatars, and the renowned tech-sage Belisarius Cawl was famous for his Persona Matrix, a layered consciousness far beyond what ordinary beings could comprehend.

Cawl's doppelgangers often said, "Each of us is Belisarius, yet we're not him…"

Eden had a similar ability to create doppelgangers, though he couldn't match Cawl's level and couldn't produce fully independent personalities. Instead, he could split his consciousness, multi-tasking by controlling multiple avatars.

In effect, each of Eden's doppelgangers was him.

This required substantial mental energy.

Without sparing a glance, Eden bypassed the first row of cloning tanks. These initial, basic clones weren't what he needed at the moment.

Moss had progressed to the third batch of customized clones.

As for whether this was Eden's main body or an avatar, that was a secret only he knew.

Walking further, he arrived at the third section, where more specialized clones were being developed.

Staring at the bizarre versions of himself floating in the tanks, Eden raised an eyebrow:

"What's all this? I don't recall authorizing these designs."

Each tank held a modified version of Eden's clone. There was a grotesque version, an insectoid version, an octopus version, an ogryn version, and even a large-eyed, anime version.

Moss admired them, a hint of pride in his voice:

"These clones are inspired by ideas I gathered on the tech forum. Don't you think they're wonderful?"

Eden glanced at the clones in silence, then nodded, remarking, "You're quite proactive with your research. I appreciate the initiative…"

"Thank you for your praise, my lord!"

Moss's voice almost quivered with pride.

He pointed to a specific tank, eager to show off, "Look at this! My latest masterpiece! Surely, you'll be impressed."

Eden squinted at the tank, then looked back at Moss's expectant expression, grinding his teeth:

"Who taught you to do this?"

Inside the tank floated a female version of "Eden," with a shapely figure.

Moss blinked, confused, "Kaul suggested it, saying it would earn your praise…"

Hearing that, Eden chuckled angrily. Of course, it was Kaul.

Immediately, he grabbed his communicator, instructing Webby to mute Kaul across all his forum accounts.

Seeing that he wasn't getting the praise he'd expected, Moss seemed deflated.

"Don't think of it that way," Eden reassured him. Gesturing at the female clone, he continued,

"It's not a bad design—it's just… unnecessary. Destroy this one. As for the others, keep refining them."

"Yes, my lord!"

With renewed enthusiasm, Moss explained that the clones were still in the preliminary stages. With additional samples, he could further enhance them to achieve a viable level.

For instance, the insectoid version of "Eden." If he could acquire a high-level Tyranid specimen, Moss could merge its genetic traits, creating a clone capable of controlling insects.

"Such creativity," Eden thought, speechless. Catching a live Tyranid? He'd rather never see one.

Still, these clones showed promise.

"Let's see the custom model," Eden ordered.

Soon, he was led to a specific tank.

Inside floated a frail, hunched young man with dark skin, sporting minor mutations—a perfect replica of an underhive dweller. The face bore a faint resemblance to Eden.

Holding a datapad, Moss described the enhancements:

"As per your specifications, this body has radiation-resistant genes and can withstand high-radiation environments. Its lifespan, however, will be short, lasting no more than a day. Special conduits embedded in the bones allow for optimal psyker use…"

Eden nodded in approval. This clone would enable him to move undetected through the tight tunnels leading to the underhive.

At Moss's command, the tank's nutrient solution drained, and the glass casing opened.

"All parameters are ready. You can use this body whenever you wish."

Stepping forward, Eden placed a hand on the clone's head, initiating the doppelganger process.

As he activated his power, he felt his consciousness splitting.

Warm energy enveloped the detached fragment of his mind, which then flowed into the clone.

As the transfer completed, Eden assumed full control over the new body.

The process had cost him 500,000 units of Hope Energy.

Simultaneously controlling multiple bodies created an unusual sensation. His main and doppelganger consciousnesses operated independently yet remained unified.

For Eden, it was a manageable strain.

The clone's eyes snapped open, and he pulled free from the cords, stepping out of the tank.

Stumbling a bit, he began a series of exaggerated movements.

Observing, Moss assumed it was some kind of ritual.

In reality, Eden was merely doing a set of calisthenics to adjust to the body.

Quickly, the clone's movements became fluid, as natural as his own body.

Satisfied, Eden equipped his doppelganger with special armor, a cloak, and a small psyker staff.

Lifting the staff, the clone focused its powers, generating golden lightning that pulsed menacingly.

In full force, the psychic energy would easily devastate everything around it.

"Well done, Moss. This body is perfect!"

Eden nodded approvingly as his clone subdued its power, standing quietly to the side.

Leading the clone out of the bio-lab, Eden paused, turning back to Moss,

"By the way, your modified oil recipe is far superior to Kaul's. Well done."

...

Meanwhile, in the tech workshop…

Kaul finished designing the latest sentry mech, tossing the blueprint aside with a grumble,

"This is ridiculous. There's always more to do. I need time for my own research!"

Lately, with Eden assigning him endless weapon design and optimization tasks, he had little time to enjoy browsing the tech forum.

Absentmindedly, Kaul opened the forum and immediately erupted in anger.

"Outrageous!"

There, pinned at the top, was a popular post:

"Moss's Modified Oil Recipe is the True Original! (P.S. Approved by the Governor Himself)"

Kaul seethed, "That lying thief Moss, spreading nonsense again!"

Furious, he clicked on the post, ready to lash out and ban Moss's accounts.

Only to find himself blocked.

"Who muted all my accounts?!" he yelled, distraught.

His cries drew Webby's attention. The Machine Spirit promptly restricted his forum access entirely.

"Webby… Machine Spirit, please… I can't live without the forum!"

In his workshop, Kaul's pleas echoed pathetically.

At the entrance to the tunnels…

Eden, now appearing as a frail psyker, stood before the thick iron door.

Pouring his full awareness into this clone, he designated it as his primary control.

As workers operated the machinery to open the heavy door, Eden's doppelganger stepped inside without hesitation.

Once the door closed, he gazed into the pitch-black passage, which had already claimed nearly a thousand lives.

He knew the real adventure was just beginning…

(End of Chapter)

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