Chapter 736: Mobilizing Personnel
"The Swarm is a threat that must be eradicated, from the perspective of either rationality or Imperial values," Ryo's main body picked up the conversation, his synthesized voice devoid of any fluctuation. "If the Swarm poses a threat, then let's test just how effective the Exterminatus weapons installed on the Eternal Seeker truly are."
The holographic projection switched to a manifest of the Eternal Seeker's armory, highlighting several specific items: Nova Cannons, Cyclonic Torpedoes, Virus Bombs, and Atmospheric Incinerator Torpedoes...
These were the ultimate weapons used by the Imperial Navy and the Adeptus Mechanicus to execute an Exterminatus, capable of destroying a planet's entire biosphere or even cracking its crustal structure.
"Testing the actual efficacy of these weapons and collecting data on their performance in a real cosmic environment against various planetary defenses or biological barriers holds extremely high research value in itself," Ryo's main body continued. "The Swarm in the StarCraft universe, with their biomass density, potential collective psychic interference, and the unique ecology of their hive planets, makes them an excellent testing ground. We can select suitable targets for live-fire testing under the premise of controlling variables and ensuring our own safety."
The second avatar understood the main body's intentions.
This was not an expedition for the sake of conquest or salvation; rather, it was a highly utilitarian technical testing operation centered around data collection and technology verification. The threatening nature of the Swarm made them the perfect test subjects.
"Then, what of the method and scale of intervention?" the second avatar asked. "Under what identity shall we approach the local human factions, particularly Jim Raynor? And what will be the composition and command structure of the test forces?"
"For this operation, I will lead the team personally," Ryo's main body made the decision. "The Eternal Seeker will participate in this dimensional crossing as a mobile base and the primary fire projection platform. The 'Dimensional Gateway' framework technology has been verified and is sufficient to support stable transit for cruiser-class units. We need to test the stability of inter-dimensional deployment for large vessels and their subsequent combat efficacy."
He paused briefly, beginning to outline the specific arrangements: "The accompanying combat forces will be composed as follows: First, all remaining unassigned test subjects from the gene-seed optimization project; they will serve as the primary units for ground assault and adaptability testing."
"Second, one thousand Titan Guards drafted from the base's existing Skitarii forces, responsible for base security, facility guarding, and low-intensity area control missions."
"Third, recall Asuka and have her pilot her exclusive unit, the Red Unit-01 EVA Titan. Her mech possesses unique advantages in high-mobility assaults and anti-heavy armor combat, and the pilot herself has strong battlefield adaptability and aggression, making her highly suitable for this mission environment."
"As for other experimental units and expendable troops," Ryo's main body added, "we can manufacture them on-site upon arriving at the target world, utilizing the production equipment and stockpiled resources aboard the Eternal Seeker. This will also test our frontline rapid replenishment and manufacturing capabilities."
"Regarding the contact with Jim Raynor," the second avatar picked up the thread, offering a suggestion. "We need someone familiar with that world's background, possessing sufficient social and adaptive skills to act as a guide and initial point of contact. Among the members of Maine's squad, Valerie fits these conditions. During her time in Night City, she excelled at handling complex interpersonal relationships, executing intelligence gathering, and conducting negotiations. Her psychological state is stable, and she has rich experience dealing with sudden emergencies. Having her handle the initial contact with Jim Raynor to establish a connection and provide local intelligence support for our subsequent operations is a suitable choice."
The logic core of Ryo's main body rapidly evaluated this suggestion.
Valerie's file records showed that she indeed had an outstanding track record in executing covert missions, interpersonal manipulation, and intelligence work, and she had first-hand knowledge of Maine's squad's experience exploring that world.
"Agreed. Dispatch Valerie to join this operation, taking charge of contact and intelligence work with Jim Raynor and his faction. She will temporarily detach from Maine's squad's mission on Pandora, with other members taking over her duties." Ryo's main body confirmed. "Now, you are to immediately mobilize Asuka, Valerie, and the required one thousand Titan Guards to begin pre-departure adaptability briefings and basic preparations. Inspect and ensure that the Red Unit-01 is in pristine condition and carry out any necessary adaptive modifications for cross-dimensional travel."
"Understood," the second avatar replied, his consciousness already generating the corresponding deployment orders and task lists.
"I will oversee the Eternal Seeker's final combat readiness checks, the activation and test preparations for the weapon systems, particularly the Exterminatus weapons, as well as the energy reserves and navigational parameter calibrations required for the dimensional crossing," Ryo's main body concluded. "I will send you the material procurement list shortly. I expect all preparations to be completed within fifteen standard days before we initiate the dimensional crossing."
With the information synchronization complete, the second avatar's optical lenses flickered slightly, indicating receipt and initiation of execution. Immediately after, he turned and left the core command room to deploy personnel movements and preliminary preparations.
Ryo's main body remained alone before the holographic projection console.
The image froze on Jim Raynor's slightly decadent profile, and behind him, that red planet which had once been baptized by fire and was now stubbornly rebirthing itself.
The world of StarCraft. A stage filled with war, technology, and endless biological threats.
For Ryo, who sought to test and verify the power in his hands, there was no more suitable testing ground.
His logic core began to process at high speeds, refining the sequence of weapon tests, the Zerg variants they might encounter, contingency plans for contacting the Protoss, and how to extract maximum value intelligence from Jim Raynor without prematurely entangling themselves in the complex local political vortex.
An expedition in the name of testing was about to step into a familiar yet strange universe.
Orders were rapidly transmitted through encrypted datalinks to all relevant units at the Death World base.
The second avatar first contacted Maine's squad, far away on the world of Pandora.
"Mission adjustment," the second avatar said to the holographic images of Maine and the others. "Valerie, immediately detach from the current Pandora mission sequence and return to the Death World base via the nearest secure channel. There is a new dimensional exploration mission requiring your participation, involving 'Candidate World-Y', which you have previously contacted."
In the projection, Valerie, standing by the foot of an Iron Guard mech, slightly raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, but did not ask further questions. She simply nodded. "Understood. The handover will take a little time. I expect to be able to depart within twenty-four hours."
"As soon as possible," the second avatar instructed, then turned to Maine. "Valerie's vacancy will be filled through internal coordination within the squad. The priority of the current missions on Pandora remains unchanged. Continue maintaining relations with the cooperative faction of the Na'vi, supervise the security squad, and monitor the movements of the Eldar's World Soul project. Report any significant changes immediately."
"Copy that," Maine responded calmly. Dorio, Rebecca, and the others also indicated their understanding.
The communication ended.
Maine's squad on Pandora began their internal workflow adjustments, while Valerie immediately started the handover process with Calvin-77, the commander of the Seeker security squad at the RDA facility, and prepared to board the next transport ship returning to the orbital space station.