Chapter 69: Reforging a Ruststalker
"A viable optimization protocol," Joric confirmed, the logic solidified.
More importantly, his recent analysis had allowed him to integrate a vast trove of this cyberpunk world's technical data—including the neural-control and cloning-tech from Biotechnica's database, and the efficient logic-fragments he had sanctified and extracted from the Rogue AI. To fuse this local, heretical technology with the ancient, holy lore of the Adeptus Mechanicus was a research opportunity of the highest value.
He immediately began formulating the detailed reconstruction-litany, his core logic-engine running at full capacity.
The primary objective was to optimize the host chassis, "Moiré," into a "Ruststalker Prototype." He would retain her core combat instincts and Sandevistan-compatibility, but would completely reforge her motive, weapons, and power systems, while ensuring her external appearance remained convincingly... human.
Joric's metallic fingertips unconsciously tapped a steady rhythm on the workbench. His optical lenses stared at the unconscious Lieutenant on the slab, as if seeing straight through her flesh to the flawed architecture beneath.
"Old Friend, observe this neural interface," his synthesized voice carried a faint hiss of static, almost a sigh. "The rejection-trauma is obvious. The signal-transmission efficiency is appallingly low. It is like attempting to transmit sanctified data-psalms through rusted copper wire."
He turned to the hovering servo-skull, a mechadendrite tracing a complex path in the air. "We will replace this... trash. A modified Mechanicus-standard neural-webbing will be a superior solution, especially when integrated with the high-efficiency protocols we have parsed from the Rogue AI's code... Data-throughput and stability should increase by at least three orders of magnitude."
His gaze moved to Moiré's limbs. "As for these motive systems... augmented tendons and alloy bones? The design philosophy is primitive. The energy-loss during transference is a blasphemy against the Omnissiah's divine efficiency."
Joric's fingers tapped on several key nodes of the holographic projection. "Bionic limbs, based on Sicarian-pattern blueprints, will be the superior solution. The key joints will utilize a spherical-design, but the exterior will be sheathed in hyper-realistic synthetic tissue. This will grant trans-human flexibility while avoiding unnecessary attention."
He paused, calculating. "The Sandevistan system can be retained, but it must be deeply integrated into the new neural-web and power-limbs. We must reduce its operational load and enhance both its acceleration-efficiency and its duration."
When his gaze fell on her forearm-mounted Mantis Blades, a short, metallic hiss of contempt escaped his vocalizer. "Such primitive weapons, relying on base physical-cutting... Old Friend, you and I both know a more elegant solution."
A mechadendrite called up a complex dataset of sonic-resonance. "A Transonic Razor system will be the perfect replacement. It will remain retracted within the forearm structure, sliding into the palm when required. The ultra-high frequency it emits upon activation, while beyond human hearing, will cause instinctual discomfort in all biological entities."
His synthesized voice took on a rare, almost appreciative tone. "Its most exquisite function is its kill-protocol. It releases variable frequencies to detect the target's molecular-vibration, then adjusts itself to a co-resonant frequency... The armor it strikes simply... disintegrates at the molecular level. While the full effect requires one-to-two seconds, the result is well worth the wait."
His attention turned to the nearly invisible monowires. "These filaments, however, can be retained. But they must be upgraded. If we coat them in a specific resonant-matrix, they can carry the transonic frequency, vastly enhancing their cutting power. The emitters can be concealed within the reinforced finger-joints, completely hidden."
Joric's mechadendrite drew a circle over her torso. "The power system must be completely replaced. These distributed battery cells are inefficient. A single, miniaturized plasma-reactor, implanted in the chest cavity, will provide power far beyond her previous capacity. The exterior will maintain a complete thoracic profile, with all heat-sinks and shielding integrated into the bionic-rib structure."
Finally, his gaze settled on Moiré's face. "External-design must maintain human-baseline features. Most tissue will be retained or replaced with bio-mimics. The chassis will be covered in synth-skin, indistinguishable from the original. Beneath this skin, however, will be a dark-red composite armor plating, inscribed with the necessary binary litanies and cog-sigils."
His metallic finger tapped her temple. "Cranial modification will be minimal. Retain the original facial structure. Sensor-interfaces will be disguised. The facial-musculature must be retained and optimized. The compound optical-lenses will be masked to appear as human irises... only glowing with the Omnissiah's red light upon activation."
Joric turned to the servo-skull, his optical lenses pulsing faintly. "What is your assessment of this refactor-plan, Old Friend? A chassis that is outwardly, almost perfectly, human, but inwardly... one of the Mechanicus's most lethal creations."
The plan was set. All steps, material-lists, and energy-expenditure estimates were clearly arrayed in Joric's mind. He cross-referenced his resource inventory, confirming most base materials were in-stock. The few rare elements could be acquired by Maine's crew or synthesized as a substitute.
"Augmentation-ritual estimated duration: seventy-two standard hours. Probability of success: 91.3%," Joric announced, issuing a directive to his Old Friend. "Log: Project 'Ruststalker - Improved Pattern' initiated. Prepare bio-compatibility synthetics and neural-interface apparatus. Maintain host-chassis vitals at optimal threshold."
In the manufactorum, more articulated arms began to move, their hydraulics and motors whispering. Trays of gleaming, precision tools were brought to the slab. Containers of specialized bionic-materials and catalysts were positioned by mechadendrites.
Joric stood before the slab, his crimson optics performing one last scan of Lieutenant Moiré's pale, pain-twisted face. In his eyes, she was no longer a "person." She was a tool-embryo, a chassis awaiting sanctification and optimization.
This time, however, he would preserve the human form.
Without hesitation, a cutting-tendril, its tip glowing with a high-frequency energy arc, moved precisely to the armor-junction at the base of Moiré's neck.
The ritual of reforging... had begun.
A litany of thanks to Enginseer 137-813-754-43, Magos-Biologis Zhen, Tech-Adept Steamwarning, Lexmechanic 202-509-181, and The Un-fasting Monk for their tithes.
(End of Transmission)