Power is not measured in words, nor in buildings that touch the sky.
True power manifests when a single command can shake worlds.
Kael Atreides knew this. His nascent empire was a masterpiece of engineering and order, but no architect who sought to shape galaxies could rely solely on automated armies. The machines executed... but they lacked something essential: the conscious will to impose order with purpose.
So, that day in the Forge Dome, Kael contemplated the beginning of his next legacy: the creation of his elite army, a force of perfect warriors who would embody his vision.
In front of him, in immaculate rows, were hundreds of advanced gestation pods, where the first generations of soldiers were taking form. They were not soulless clones, nor simple enhancements of organic soldiers. They were the result of meticulous design that fused superior genetics with the most refined Forerunner technology.
Monitor Z-343 floated next to Kael, projecting holographic diagrams detailing every aspect of the project.
"The Primordial Legion is in the activation phase. Subjects show a 99.8% adaptation rate to structural modifications."
Kael watched one of the holograms closely. It showed the internal anatomy of one of his future warriors: muscles reinforced with synthetic fibers that multiplied base strength tenfold; bones encased in a lightweight, nearly unbreakable alloy; organs optimized to withstand extreme environments without external life support.
"And the neural process?" Kael asked, without looking away.
The Monitor zoomed in on a subject's brain, revealing the quantum synapse implants that allowed a direct connection to Kael's tactical network.
"Complete stability. Soldiers will be linked to your command network, receiving real-time instructions, but retaining strategic autonomy to adapt to dynamic situations."
Kael smiled slightly.
"I don't want pawns. I want extensions of my will, capable of thinking, calculating, and executing without hesitation."
He walked along the elevated walkway, the pods beneath him emitting a faint glow. In his mind, he recalled the records of the ancient Spartan IIs: powerful soldiers for their time, but limited by human biology and primitive technology compared to what was now at his disposal.
"They required decades of training, risky surgeries, and near-blind obedience," Kael murmured contemptuously. "I will create warriors who are born already perfect."
The Monitor floated beside him.
"The suits of armor are ready to be integrated into the process."
Kael nodded, activating the projection of his personal design with a gesture.
The armor of the Primordial Legion was not a simple exoskeleton. It was a biomechanical organism, bonded to the wearer from the first day of life. It grew with them, adapting to their metabolism, improving with each combat experience. Forged from Forerunner alloys and covered in an energy field that could deflect projectiles or absorb energy, the armor was both defense and weapon.
Each warrior would have a unique design, reflecting their tactical role, but all would share the same symbol on their chest: the emblem of Kael Atreides, redesigned as a luminous fractal representing the infinite control of order.
"Status of indoctrination?" Kael asked as the first pods began to open, releasing steam and energy.
The Monitor projected a series of mental graphics.
"Indoctrination is based on principles of efficiency, absolute loyalty, and the philosophy of the Higher Order. Every soldier understands that their existence has a single purpose: to execute your vision without emotional question."
Kael watched as the first warriors took their first steps out of the pods. They were imposing: nearly eight feet tall, with bodies sculpted by genetic perfection. Their faces were serene, without arrogance, without doubt. Their shining eyes reflected pure discipline.
One of them, the first of his kind, knelt before Kael without any order.
"Lord of Order... we are ready to be your sword."
The warrior's voice was deep, resonant, modulated by internal implants.
Kael stepped down from the catwalk and stood before the soldier, observing him carefully. This was not a man. This was his creation.
"Rise," Kael ordered. "You are not slaves, you are executioners. The galaxy will know perfection through your march."
The warrior stood with martial precision, as the rest of the Legion emerged from the pods, forming immaculate ranks.
Kael turned to the Monitor.
—Prepare the simulations. I want them to face the most lethal scenarios conceivable. I want them to learn to master chaos... to destroy it.
Training in the Eternal Simulation
Days later, the Primordial Legion was immersed in the Eternal Simulation, a virtual network designed by Kael where soldiers experienced hundreds of years of combat in a matter of real days. Every mission, every failure, every victory was recorded in their tactical memory, honing their skills at a pace impossible for any civilization.
Kael watched from the control room as projections showed his warriors facing hordes, disabling enemy systems, adapting to strategic traps. There was no shouting, no chaos. Only lethal efficiency.
The Monitor spoke, breaking the silence.
—They are exceeding expectations. Each unit acts with perfect autonomy, yet synchronized with your command network. The error rate is almost nonexistent.
Kael watched one of the soldiers defuse a bomb in the middle of a siege, using improvised means even an AI wouldn't have considered.
"Controlled creativity..." Kael murmured. "The ultimate tool."
He allowed himself some reflection as he watched the brutal beauty of his army in action.
"This is more than war..." he thought. "It's art in motion. Each one of them is a brushstroke on the canvas of the order I am imposing upon galactic chaos."
He knew that, with this force, the need for large armies was secondary. A thousand of these soldiers would be enough to subdue entire planets without wiping out the infrastructure, without wasting resources.
Most importantly, the mere presence of the Legion on any world would inspire fear and respect.
Kael turned to the Monitor.
"When humanity sees me descend upon their skies, it won't be my ships that terrify them... it will be these towering shadows walking among them."
The Monitor processed his words, understanding the psychological dimension of his strategy.
"When will they be ready for the first real operation?"
Kael smiled with absolute tranquility.
"They were ready from the moment they opened their eyes. They only needed to remember that they were created to dominate."
He watched as the simulation ended in a perfect victory. Every soldier of the Legion stood at attention at the end, awaiting further orders.
Kael crossed his arms, feeling an almost paternal satisfaction.
"The galaxy has just received its judgment."
And as the builders continued to expand the borders of the empire, the Primordial Legion waited, ready to march under the only banner that mattered: the vision of Kael Atreides.