-=-Dead Space-=-
High orbit
Part 10
There is a long, awkward moment as Watts examines his stump. It's actually very clean for an injury, the hand neatly removed and cauterised, somewhat similar to a lasgun hit but much neater. Before he starts poking it and running tests, you hastily seal the vent and have him lead you to the mechanised company, surely the best place to continue in the present circumstances.
"I was going to suggest seeking assistance with my brothers in order to examine the device and deduce its purpose," he says conversationally, still holding the arm vertically as if expecting it to start fountaining blood, "Fortunately I have recorded the experience and with my brothers' assistance this should prove a simple, yet rewarding mystery."
The sight of him holding the limb up seems to work like a talisman among heretics, causing crew and guardsmen to part as you approach. Your own presence must help, but it would mostly be the wound.
"You're sure you're feeling well, initiate?" you cunningly ask, "You don't feel dizzy, nauseous, or murderous?"
"I am indeed feeling somewhat uncoordinated, no doubt due to the sudden shock of losing my favourite hand. However, the imminent replacement is providing more than enough elation to render me giddy with anticipation and ignore any anger that has resulted from this act of barbarous heresy. Thank you for your concern Commissar, but if I am incapacitated I will let you know immediately."
The first sign of the mechanised company is the smell. Incense and oil, mostly. The Machine Cult detachment, the regiment's vehicles and heavy equipment, and all the associated crew and hanger-ons are given their own cargo bays and bunkhouses. Watts must have called ahead in whatever arcane means, because you're greeted by a retinue of vaguely concerned-looking tech-priests. They usher you into what is either a repair bay or medical ward, and briefly examine you both for wounds before solely focusing on his poor stump and evacuating him to a more specialised facility.
You're left alone with a senior-looking tech-priest wearing a severe expression.
"I am not a happy enginseer, Commissar. We are waiting for the resident incompetents to repair their Warp drive, there are rumours of haunting and sabotage, and you summon one of my initiates and return him in damaged condition. I have analysed the data that he collected before this misfortune and have concluded that you are only tangentially at fault, so you shall suffer no repercussions for now."
He fixes you with a bionic eye and continues, "It is my hope that you have the intention and competence to continue this investigation. What little data collected indicates that the device that you miraculously stumbled upon was related to the Warp in some manner. It is a safe assumption that it, and the Initiate's hand are dissolved in the Empyrean. It is also a safe assumption that this was not constructed and placed on an idle whim, and was not the only one. Is my hope in you misplaced, Commissar?"