Focusing on the small pile of documents on his desk, Bastion quickly sorted through them. Although he hadn't fully understood this planet initially, he had been delegating tasks to his deputy for some time.
However, after reading every record he could find—which was everything—he was now well-versed in handling most matters.
"How long do you plan to keep staring at me?" Bastion asked, dropping the last document to the side.
"How long have you known?" Selene inquired.
"Don't worry. I have no plans to discard you, nor did I use you back then. I'm pretty sure the Luthor Bastion of that time wouldn't even understand if you told him," Bastion joked as he finally stood up.
"But this is heresy…"
"And I am now technically a saint. Or do you think the Inquisition can touch me as I am now?" Bastion asked, leaning forward.
He had to admit it—the fact that people believed he was some sort of chosen one of the Emperor was worth it. It provided a shield greater than anything else he could ever create.
"I'll take your silence as an answer. Now, tell me, using my authority as Planetary Governor, how much knowledge can you bring me?"
"My Lord, as Planetary Governor, you are entitled to all knowledge on the planet," Selene answered almost reflexively.
"And the 'but'?" Bastion asked, expecting one.
"The Mechanicus would never agree to part with their knowledge, even temporarily," Selene replied, stepping aside. The contract binding her very thoughts demanded absolute loyalty.
"That's expected. But I assume we still have sufficient knowledge for me to build on," Bastion replied.
Somehow, he had anticipated that response. Considering the way the Magos operated and the state of this world, it was easy to see just how dire the situation was.
"I'm not sure what you're looking for, but I'm certain we have sufficient resources for whatever it is," she replied.
"Good. I want all of them in my office by tomorrow. Now, what's next on my schedule?" Bastion asked, picking up a set of documents to review in his room.
"My Lord, you banned all visitations, so you currently have nothing else to do," Selene replied.
"That's true… Then cancel that order. I believe I've stabilized enough," Bastion said, turning to leave.
"As you wish, sir," Selene replied, bowing.
"Oh, and considering you're still under the supposed employ of the Inquisition, I advise you to keep your daily reports free of heresy," Bastion added before leaving.
Hearing this, Selene's eyes widened in shock as she stared at the empty doorway through which Bastion had just exited. She fell to the floor, lamenting her fate.
No matter how she thought about it, there was no escape—no matter how hard she tried.
Meanwhile, Bastion returned to his room with the few documents in hand. These were the only ones he couldn't yet handle, as they required context he currently lacked.
From the documents, he had gleaned a few things about this planet. It wasn't enough to figure out everything, but it was more than enough to give him a starting point.