Chapter 384: Forge World Alliance (Part 10)
Although the success of the technology demonstration confirmed the feasibility of the warp engine, it also dragged Ryo into a protracted tug-of-war with the Patent Committee of the Martian Parliament.
Inside the negotiation hall, Ryo's dark-red mechanical body occupied one end of the long table alone, facing over twenty Martian Magi clad in red robes with flashing data interfaces.
They represented the ten-thousand-year-old tradition, the massive scale, and the deeply intertwined interest network of the Adeptus Mechanicus headquarters.
Despite having the explicit support of the Primarch Dorn, in this secret room filled with binary whispers and the smell of machine oil, the oppressive aura from Terra seemed to be dissolved by the thick alloy walls and the deep-rooted local authority.
The Martian side cleverly utilized their orthodox status and rule-making authority, refusing to yield an inch on the scope of technology patent sharing, the allocation ratio of production licenses, and the definition of all future derivative technology rights.
The terms they proposed were wrapped in binary logic so rigorous it bordered on harsh, with hidden traps between the lines. They attempted to use a complex legal framework and technical standards to firmly bind this paradigm-shifting technology to Mars's inherent chain of interests.
Ryo was able to precisely refute fallacies at the technical level, but in the political gambit involving resource allocation, division of rights and responsibilities, and long-term interest distribution, facing the entire parliament and the massive advisory group behind them alone still made him appear weak and isolated.
He clearly felt that he was fighting single-handedly against a behemoth that had operated for ten millennia and was deeply versed in how to swallow and digest new technologies.
Every argument over a clause was like trying to pry loose a heavy foundation stone.
Just as the negotiations fell into a deadlock due to Mars's overbearing stance, the Martian Orbital Control Center received several strong identification signal codes from the Mandeville Point.
These signals, transmitted using standard Adeptus Mechanicus communication protocols, were accompanied by powerful energy signatures, announcing the imminent arrival of a force that could not be ignored.
The first to broadcast its identity was the Forge World of Nexum: "This is the Ark Mechanicus 'Steel Credo' belonging to the Forge World of Nexum, with Magos Dominus Vox aboard. Requesting entry into Martian geostationary orbit to execute a diplomatic mission."
The style of this Ark was ancient and heavy. Its dark gray armor plates were covered with mottled traces of millennia of service and reinforced weld scars. Its overall silhouette resembled a moving giant factory fortress, highlighting pure pragmatism and industrial heritage.
Immediately following, a signal with a unique energy hum cut in: "Forge World of Graia, the 'Immortal Forge' answers the summons. May the fires of the forge illuminate the path ahead."
Its paint scheme was primarily dark red and bronze. The bow was carved with a massive forge and anvil insignia. The exposed energy transmission pipelines on the hull radiated a searing red light; the entire ship seemed to be burning from the inside out.
Subsequently, a clear and steady signal arrived: "Forge World of Lucius, the 'Paragon of Artifice', has arrived at the predetermined coordinates. We come for knowledge and progress."
This Ark presented a vastly different style, with smooth lines complemented by silvery-white armor. The surface was etched with mechanical patterns and binary prayers as complex as works of art. An extraordinary number of sensor arrays and communication spires flickered with a calm blue light.
Representative vessels from other important Forge Worlds also broadcasted their identities in succession.
Following protocol, the mixed fleet formed a solemn array in Martian geostationary orbit after their identities were confirmed.
These ship silhouettes, varying in style yet equally massive, were like steel mountain ranges suspended above the red planet. Their silent oppressive aura even temporarily overshadowed the daily bustling scene in Martian orbit.
Magos Dominus Vox did not come alone; accompanying him were plenipotentiary representatives from several important Forge Worlds, including Graia and Lucius.
After landing, they met with Ryo at the very first opportunity.
In the temporary council chamber guarded by the Black Templars warriors, the atmosphere was solemn.
Magos Dominus Vox's body, integrated with a multi-track chassis, resided in the center. Several multi-jointed mechadendrites behind his back maintained a standby state, seemingly relaxed but actually ready for action at any moment.
His retained human eyes swept over Ryo, his gaze carrying that familiar sharpness and pragmatism.
"Ryo, compelled by the situation, let us dispense with the pleasantries." Vox spoke, his voice bearing a metallic resonance that was even steadier than usual, revealing unquestionable resolve. He used a mechadendrite to gesture to the differently styled colleagues beside him. "These are Magos Vladimir of Graia, and Magos Thorne of Lucius..."
After introducing the representatives of each Forge World one by one, Vox continued: "We each face our own predicaments, and we have all clearly seen Mars's attempt to monopolize the future."
His deep human eyes narrowed slightly, as if calculating invisible chips, and he continued: "Fighting single-handedly, no one is capable of contending with Mars's sheer scale and 'orthodox' status.
"But united, the power we represent is sufficient to crush any attempt at a technological monopoly.
"Before arriving, we reached a consensus—we must ensure that this technology benefits the entire Adeptus Mechanicus of the Imperium, rather than becoming a tool for Mars to consolidate its power."
His vocal unit emitted a short burst of static for emphasis, "This is a temporary alliance, for our shared future."
Ryo's gaze swept over the representatives present.
The energy pipeline interfaces on Magos Vladimir of Graia's armor emitted a low hum in agreement; Magos Thorne of Lucius's precise sensor arrays flickered with a calm blue light as he nodded slightly.
He understood that Vox had brought not only allies, but an entirely new paradigm of gamesmanship.
"I understand the current situation," Ryo responded steadily and clearly. "Collective power is the key to breaking the deadlock."
This explicit alliance, with Vox at its core and bound by shared interests, became a solid backing, completely transforming the negotiation landscape.
When Vox led the joint delegation composed of multiple Forge World representatives back into the negotiation hall of the Martian Parliament, the atmosphere was starkly different from when Ryo faced the crowd of Magi alone.
On one side of the long table was still the Martian Parliament delegation representing supreme authority and ancient tradition, their crimson robes forming a burning rampart; on the other side was the alliance led by Vox, converging the wills of Nexum, Graia, Lucius, and multiple other parties.
Ryo stood within the alliance faction, transitioning from the focal point needing to withstand the pressure alone, into the indispensable technical core and shared interest holder of the alliance.
Omitting the ceremonial pleasantries, immediately after the Chief Archmagos declared the meeting open, both sides entered into a substantive clash.
A torrent of binary language collided fiercely above the negotiation table, its complexity far exceeding that of the past. Within the clash of data lay the reallocation of resources, power, and the future paradigm.
The technological prospects were already clear, but the navigational route to the future still required careful threading between the reefs of realistic interests.
The true physical demonstration had not yet begun, and the shadow war concerning the future industrial landscape of the Imperium had already entered a white-hot stage with the confrontation between the two major factions.
(End of Chapter)