"The Swarm is a threat that must be eradicated, whether viewed from a rational standpoint or through the lens of Imperial values." Osiris's prime persona cut in, his synthesized voice completely devoid of emotion.
"If the Swarm poses a threat, then we shall test just how well the planet-killing weapons retrofitted onto the Eternal Seeker actually perform."
The holographic projection shifted to display the armory manifest of the Eternal Seeker, highlighting several distinct entries: Nova Cannons, Cyclonic Torpedoes, Virus Bombs, and Atmospheric Incinerator Torpedoes.
These were the ultimate armaments utilized by the Imperial Navy and the Adeptus Mechanicus to execute Exterminatus—shattering entire planetary biospheres and tectonic foundations.
"Testing the practical efficacy of these weapons and harvesting data on how they interact with real-universe physics, varying planetary defenses, or biological barriers holds exceptional research value in its own right," Osiris's main body continued.
"The Zerg Swarm of the StarCraft universe, with its extreme biomass density, potential collective psionic interference, and the distinct ecology of its hive worlds, presents a flawless testing ground. We can isolate variables, guarantee our own operational security, and select appropriate targets to conduct live-fire evaluations."
The second avatar understood the prime persona's intent. This was not a crusade driven by conquest or salvation, but a highly utilitarian operation centered entirely on data acquisition and technical validation. The sheer lethality of the Zerg Swarm was exactly what made them the ideal test subject.
"What then of our entry vector and operational scale?" the second avatar inquired. "Under what identity shall we approach the local human factions, specifically Jim Raynor? And what will be the composition and command structure of our testing forces?"
"I shall command this operation in person," Osiris's main body decided.
"The Eternal Seeker will serve as our mobile base of operations and primary fire-projection platform for the dimensional transit. The 'Dimensional Gate' framework has been thoroughly validated and is fully capable of supporting a cruiser-class vessel through a stable translation.
We need to evaluate the cross-dimensional deployment stability and subsequent operational efficacy of large capital ships."
He paused briefly, mapping out the precise logistical arrangements: "The accompanying combat force will be composed as follows: First, all remaining, unallocated experimental subjects from the gene-seed optimization project.
They will serve as our primary assets for ground assault and environmental adaptability testing. Second, a detachment of one thousand Titan Guard soldiers drawn from the base's active Skitarii forces, responsible for base security, facility defense, and low-intensity zone control.
Third, recall Asuka and order her to pilot her customized unit—the red EVA Titan, Unit-01."
"Her unit possesses distinct advantages in high-mobility strikes and engagements against heavy classifications. Furthermore, the pilot herself exhibits strong battlefield adaptability and aggression, making her a perfect fit for this operational theater.
As for other experimental assets and expendable auxiliary forces," Osiris's main body added, "we can manufacture replacements on-site using the fabrication arrays and stockpiled resources aboard the Eternal Seeker after arriving at the target world. This will also test our capacity for rapid frontline replenishment and manufacturing."
"Regarding contact with Jim Raynor," the second avatar chimed in, offering a strategic recommendation. "We require an asset who is familiar with the world's background and possesses the necessary interpersonal and adaptive skills to act as a guide and initial envoy.
Among the members of Squad Maine, Valerie fits these criteria perfectly. During her time in Night City, she excelled at navigating complex human relationships, conducting intelligence gathering, and handling sensitive negotiations.
Her psychological baseline is exceptionally stable, and she is highly experienced in managing sudden operational variables. Having her spearhead the initial contact with Jim Raynor to establish a liaison and provide localized intelligence support for our subsequent maneuvers is the most logical choice."
Osiris's logic core rapidly cross-referenced the recommendation. Valerie's files confirmed an outstanding record in clandestine operations, interpersonal manipulation, and intelligence acquisition, and she possessed firsthand familiarity with Squad Maine's initial exploration of that sector.
"Agreed. Detach Valerie and assign her to this operation, placing her in charge of intelligence and liaison work with Jim Raynor and his faction. She will temporarily step away from Squad Maine's duties on Pandora, and her slot will be backfilled by the remaining team members,"
Osiris's prime persona confirmed. "Now, proceed with the initial mobilization of Asuka, Valerie, and the designated one thousand Skitarii soldiers. Initiate their pre-departure adaptability briefings and foundational readiness protocols. Inspect and ensure Unit-01 is in pristine condition, executing any necessary structural retrofits for cross-dimensional void transit."
"Understood," the second avatar replied, already generating the corresponding deployment orders and task manifests within the neural network.
"I shall take charge of the Eternal Seeker's final combat readiness checks, the initialization and testing preparations for our weapon systems—specifically the planet-killing armaments—and the calibration of the energy reserves and navigational parameters required for the dimensional translation," Osiris's main body concluded.
"I will transmit the resource provisioning manifest to you shortly. Expect all preparations to conclude within fifteen standard days, at which point we will initiate the dimensional crossing."
With their parameters synchronized, the second avatar's optical sensors blinked, signaling receipt and execution of the directives. He turned and exited the core command chamber to deploy the personnel and oversee the preliminary logistics.
Osiris's prime persona remained alone before the holographic console. The display froze on the weathered profile of Jim Raynor, set against the backdrop of the red planet that had once been cleansed in fire and was now stubbornly rebuilding.
The StarCraft universe—a theater saturated with warfare, advanced industrial technology, and an endless biological threat. For an entity seeking to stress-test and validate the weight of his power, no crucible could be more fitting.
His logic core surged into overdrive, mapping out weapon evaluation sequences, projecting potential Zerg mutations, drafting contingency protocols for potential Protoss contact, and calculating how to extract the maximum intelligence yield from Jim Raynor without prematurely entangling his forces in the local political mire. An expedition under the banner of evaluation was about to step into a familiarly alien cosmos.
The directives cascaded through encrypted data-links to the relevant divisions across the Death World base. The second avatar made immediate contact with Squad Maine, far out on the world of Pandora.
"Operational update," the second avatar stated to the holographic visages of Maine and his crew. "Valerie, you are to immediately detach from the active Pandora mission parameters and return to the Death World base via the nearest secure transport channel. A new dimensional exploration initiative requires your presence, involving the sector previously cataloged as 'Candidate World - Y'."
Standing near the foot of a Minuteman mech, Valerie raised an eyebrow at the transmission but refrained from questioning the command, offering a clean nod. "Understood. The handoff will take a bit of time, but I can depart within twenty-four hours."
"Expedite it," the second avatar instructed, before turning his gaze to the team leader. "Maine, coordinate within the squad to cover Valerie's vacancy. The priority parameters for the active Pandora initiatives remain unchanged—maintain relations with the Na'vi cooperative factions, oversee the security detachments, and monitor the development vectors of the Aeldari 'World Singer' project. Report any critical variances immediately."
"Copy that," Maine replied steadily, while Dorio, Rebecca, and the rest indicated their understanding.
The transmission cut. While Squad Maine on Pandora initiated their internal workflow adjustments, Valerie immediately set about transferring her duties to the "Seeker" security detachment commander, Kalvin-77, inside the RDA compound, preparing to board the next shuttle back to the orbital space station.