Chapter 381: Mars's Compromise
After several standard weeks of contemplation and data deduction, Ryo finally carved out a clear path through the intricate technological labyrinth.
His laboratory was piled high with dataslates covered in equations. The holographic projection suspended in the air displayed the ship's structural blueprint, which had undergone countless revisions. The air was permeated with the unique mixed scent of coolant and ozone.
This preliminary concept strictly adhered to the principle of "minimal modification"—planning a feasible modification route under the premise of maintaining the Lunar-class cruiser's iconic appearance and main structural integrity.
Ryo clearly recognized that the greatest obstacle lay in finding a suitable resting place for the behemoth that was the warp engine within the limited redundant space of the ship's hull.
He marked three alternative areas on the structural blueprint: the expansion space at the rear of the engine room, a modification plan for the ventral cargo bay, and the most radical plan involving the reorganization of the main reactor.
Each choice was accompanied by different technical challenges and construction risks.
The integration of the energy system was equally thorny.
Ryo meticulously mapped out several new paths for energy conduits. These modifications had to simultaneously satisfy two seemingly contradictory requirements: they had to bear the warp engine's staggering energy demands without affecting the normal operation of the warship's existing systems.
He set up backup circuits at key nodes; this was a necessary compromise due to the unpredictability of Imperial shipbuilding craftsmanship.
The most delicate part lay in the upgrade of the control system.
Ryo designed a progressive integration plan, intending to conduct layered interfacing between the logic cores produced by Nexum and the ship's traditional command system.
This plan not only had to resolve the issue of technical compatibility between the new and old systems, but also had to take into account the doctrinal disputes it might trigger within the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Ryo understood that these plans on paper still had a long way to go before true realization.
Every technical decision might touch the sensitive nerves of certain factions, and every design detail needed to undergo countless demonstrations and compromises.
In the silence of the laboratory, he felt as if he could hear pressure coming from all directions: the conservative Tech-Priests' questioning of "xenos technology," the Martian factions' coveting of technological dominance, and the political gambits hidden beneath the data streams.
After saving the preliminary plan into an encrypted data core, Ryo began preparing for the next phase of work.
He needed to assemble a reliable technical team and prepare for the manufacturing of a prototype. More importantly, he had to make full preparations for the impending technological debates.
The true test had only just begun. Whether this technological route could ultimately be successfully navigated depended not only on breakthroughs at the engineering level but also on the political storm gathering over Terra.
—
When Mars received the accurate battle report that the fleet dispatched to the Death World had been completely wiped out, the entire parliament hall fell into a long, deathly silence.
The cold casualty statistics on the dataslates and the fact that the Forge World of Nexum had openly stood on Ryo's side forced the political scales of Mars to begin tilting.
Over the next few standard days, intense debates and power struggles took place within Mars.
The hardliners advocated immediately mobilizing more military force, not hesitating to break into direct conflict with Nexum and even the Imperial Fists.
The pragmatists, however, pointed out that at a time when the Emperor had explicitly expressed support, and both the Black Templars and Dark Angels had already intervened, continuing a hardline confrontation not only had slim chances of winning but could also lead to Mars being further isolated within the Imperial system.
External pressure was also mounting by the day.
The Dark Angels' precise strikes against Mars's interest networks on Terra, along with the Space Wolves' physical deterrence against Mars's political allies, were continuously squeezing Mars's operational space.
Ultimately, after another round of fierce, all-night arguments, a compromise plan gained majority support.
An official diplomatic ship painted with the Martian insignia, without any armed escort, applied through formal channels and was permitted to enter Holy Terra's orbit.
The voice from the Martian Parliament, via the official vox-link, was delivered directly to Ryo's laboratory deep within the Imperial Palace.
"In the name of the Martian Parliament and the Machine God," a Magos clad in luxurious red robes, yet speaking in an exceptionally cautious tone, conveyed the message through the vox-projection. "We formally invite Explorator Magos Ryo to travel to Mars for a consultation regarding the technological licensing of the warp engine.
"Mars recognizes the massive potential contained within this technology, and hopes to discuss its application and development within the Imperium in a more... constructive manner."
This invitation was immediately presented to Rogal Dorn.
Dorn stared at the communication log, no joy or anger visible on his resolute face.
He summoned Ryo and informed him of the situation.
Dorn's knuckles tapped on the tactical table, making a steady sound. "This is a signal," he said bluntly. "Mars has bowed its head, but its spine has not bent. They are attempting to shift the battlefield to the domain they are most familiar with—using the technological authority and dogma accumulated over tens of thousands of years to trap you."
Ryo's optical lenses slightly adjusted their focus: "Risks and opportunities coexist, Lord Primarch. If we can transform Mars's opposition into cooperation, the Imperium will avoid internal friction. The key is that we must control the pace of the negotiations."
"That is precisely the difficulty." Dorn stood up, his shadow enveloping the holographic star map. "In the core territory of Mars, their rules are the truth. But you are right; some risks must be taken."
He turned to Ryo, his tone resolute and decisive: "You will go bearing my banner. Sigismund and his Templar Brethren will escort you the entire way; this is not a request, it is an order. Let Mars clearly see that you represent the will of the Emperor and Terra." He paused for a moment and lowered his voice, "The Dark Angels have already deployed ahead of time; they will ensure the negotiation environment is... relatively fair."
Ryo's mechanical fingers swiped across the dataslate, pulling up a topographical map of Mars: "I need the bottom line for the negotiations."
"Three principles." Dorn held up his fingers. "First, the warp engine must be promoted; this is unquestionable. Second, Nexum's dominance over research and development cannot be shaken. Third..." His gaze sharpened, "All technical standards must be shared with Terra. Mars may participate, but they cannot monopolize it."
"What if they demand technology sharing?"
"Then we follow Imperial standards." A grim curve flitted across the corner of Dorn's mouth. "Every Forge World participating in the manufacturing can obtain the corresponding clearance, including Mars. But the core technology must be controlled by you."
Ryo encrypted and saved these three principles into his memory core: "Understood. I will turn this 'consultation' into a stage demonstrating the Imperium's unity."
When the specific schedule for the talks was finalized, the communication center of the Imperial Palace on Terra issued a formal reply to Mars. In this official document encrypted with binary cipher, every word was meticulously deliberated, maintaining respect for the holy land of the Adeptus Mechanicus while clearly conveying an uncompromising stance.
Under Sigismund's personal supervision, a specially modified frigate began its final inspections. This ship would fly the dual banners of the Imperial Fists and the Explorator Magos, and the newly carved Maltese Cross on its armor gleamed coldly under the shipyard lights.
At the same time, in the orbit of Mars, some subtle changes were taking place. Several surveillance ships belonging to different factions suddenly adjusted their deployment positions, and a certain important communication nexus experienced an unscheduled maintenance window. The phantoms of the Dark Angels had already begun clearing the battlefield.
The Red Planet awaited its visitors, and the outcome of this journey would determine the future course of the Imperium of Man.