This short story is featured in Inferno! Volume 2, which is due out at the very end of 2018.
Thomas Parrott’s debut Black Library story, Spiritus in Machina is a smart story of obedience and loyalty among the Adeptus Mechanicus. Skitarius Alpha-Primus 7-Cyclae wakes from stasis aboard a Mechanicus Ark ship to find he’s the only survivor in his maniple after a rebellion amongst the ship’s crew. Guided by a servo-skull operated remotely by Magos Explorator Aionios, Cyclae braves the dangers of the damaged ship to try and restore power and allow the Magos to complete his mission. Despite an unsettling absence of data, Cyclae willingly obeys the Magos’ instructions, but gradually realises things aren’t quite what they seem.
Right from the off this is a strong, characterful representation of the Adeptus Mechanicus wrapped up in a satisfying story. You might think that a Skitarius wouldn’t make the most compelling of viewpoint characters, but Parrott cleverly removes many of Cyclae’s expected strengths to leave him in a much more vulnerable and relatable position than normal. There’s a good balance between his human fallibilities and machinic endurance and durability, but it’s also great fun to watch Cyclae deal with the dismissive, passive-aggressive remote presence of the Magos. Overall it’s not just a strong debut but an entertaining and interesting story in its own right, with a spot-on sense of 40k’s unique style.
