Chapter 267: Project Advancement
After concluding the negotiation involving massive benefits with Fabricator Locum Volks, Joric's thinking core did not rest.
The instant the agreement was reached, massive amounts of follow-up execution commands and resource allocation plans were automatically generated and prioritized within his logical threads.
The heavy alloy blast doors of the laboratory slid open silently. The constant cold white light and strictly filtered air inside instantly enveloped him.
Unlike the solemn atmosphere of the Sanctum, where power intertwined with ancient knowledge, this place was permeated with pure technical rationality and the aura of efficient operation.
Several Servo-skulls hovered silently in their designated orbits. The ghostly light flickering in their eye sockets adjusted frequency slightly upon his entry, signaling recognition and obedience.
He did not pause in the slightest, walking straight to the main console. A data interface extended from under his robes as if possessing a mind of its own, precisely connecting to the console port.
"Bring up the terms of the agreement just concluded with Fabricator Locum Volks." His synthesized voice rang out in the silent laboratory. The tone was slightly more relaxed than usual, seemingly carrying an imperceptible satisfaction brought by the success of the negotiation.
A pale blue holographic document instantly unfolded before him, listing the key terms just finalized: 60% net profit share of the Mortal Power Armor project; priority assignment of a complete Cybernetica Maniple containing at least two Thanatar-class siege-automata; and a commitment to push for his "Forge Lord" title and the allocation of an independent forge according to procedure once the project generated significant benefits.
His optical lenses rapidly swept over every line, conducting a final logical verification.
"Profit sharing is direct resource feedback; the Cybernetica units can immediately strengthen our defenses; and the Forge Lord title and forge are the cornerstones of long-term development." He muttered to himself in a low voice, as if confirming his own judgment. "The main objectives of this phase have essentially been achieved."
"Alright, there are a few things that need to be arranged immediately." His voice returned to its usual steadiness, but his wording was less rigid. "First, prepare to receive that Cybernetica squad. Plan their deployment at the Death World base and the perimeter here.
"Second, organize all technical data, test records, and optimization plans for the Mortal Power Armor prototype. Raise the encryption level to maximum.
"Finally, issue a preliminary summon order to the 'Delta-7' and 'Epsilon-3' technical teams. The project codename is set as 'Iron Guard'."
"Command confirmed, executing," a Servo-skull responded, its eye beam projecting a task list and progress bars.
Having dealt with these immediate matters, Joric turned his attention to the specific execution level of the project.
He needed the project's two most critical "live test subjects" at the moment—Valerie and Jackie.
An internal communication command was silently sent to their personal terminals in the laboratory's auxiliary living quarters.
The side door of the laboratory slid open soundlessly, and Valerie and Jackie walked in, one after the other.
Compared to the irrepressible novelty and awe when they first arrived at the Forge World, their demeanor now was noticeably more subdued.
Valerie's steps were still steady, revealing the instincts of a professional agent, but the sharpness in her gaze had been dulled slightly, replaced by a near-numb silence forced upon her by the extremely orderly environment.
Her ordinary civilian clothes looked particularly incongruous in this space filled with precision instruments and flashing data.
Jackie's change was even more apparent.
The vitality originating from the streets of Heywood, which had seemed inexhaustible, appeared to have been gradually sucked away by the endless metal walls, constant pale lighting, and the lifeless sounds of mechanical operation.
He looked somewhat listless, his fingers rubbing together unconsciously, as if seeking the memory of Night City's air—mixed with smoke, alcohol, sweat, and neon lights.
They stopped about five meters from Joric, nodding slightly in accordance with etiquette.
"Lord Sage." Valerie's voice remained respectful but carried a brevity akin to completing a routine task.
"Boss, is there a new mission?" Jackie tried to make his tone sound positive, but the longing deep in his eyes—a hope for something tangible to break the current dullness of life—was revealed completely.
Joric's crimson optical lenses swept over the two silently. Sensors instantly captured and analyzed physiological data such as heart rate, micro-circulation, and pupil response.
His logic core quickly reached a conclusion: The subjects showed signs of mild mental fatigue due to poor environmental adaptability, though physical function and obedience levels remained acceptable.
"I called you here to give you a mission related to the Mortal Power Armor project you've been testing, Valerie." Joric cut straight to the chase without any pleasantries, his synthesized voice echoing clearly in the laboratory. "My coordination with the high command of the Forge World has yielded results. The project is now formally listed as a priority development sequence and will receive corresponding resource allocation and support."
Valerie and Jackie's eyes lit up instantly. The previous listlessness and dullness were swept away, replaced by total focus.
Joric continued to elaborate. Simultaneously, a simplified structural hologram of the power armor floated and slowly rotated beside him, blue lines outlining the machine's profile.
"The core task of the next phase is to complete the design finalization of the formal version based on the performance data accumulated by 'Prototype-01,' especially the driving feedback provided by you, Valerie, and to conduct preliminary mass production verification."
He paused slightly to allow the information to be fully conveyed. "The Forge World will dispatch a team of professional Tech-Priests to lead the specific advancement of the project. Valerie, as a key test pilot with direct driving experience, you need to fully cooperate with their work.
"However, considering you are now accustomed to the neural link operation mode, I need a new pilot."
His optical lenses turned to Jackie, the light focusing slightly. "Jackie Welles, you will be responsible for testing the Standard Operation Version. The focus is to evaluate the adaptability, operational intuitiveness, and entry threshold of this system for ordinary pilots without deep neural modification."
"No problem, Boss! You can rest assured leaving this to me!" Jackie immediately puffed out his chest, a big smile blooming on his face. He rubbed his hands together, as if he had finally waited for the chance to show his skills.
"Valerie," Joric turned his gaze to her, "you continue to focus on the Neural Link Version. Your task is to further explore the tactical potential under this mode and figure out where the limits of human-machine synergy lie.
"The combat data you collected during the New Saturn test is the foundation of all this. It is very important."
"Understood, Lord Sage." Valerie nodded solemnly. Her mechanical right arm tightened slightly unconsciously, the knuckles emitting an almost inaudible hydraulic sound.
Being able to continue piloting that powerful machine made her feel that her ability and value had been substantially confirmed.
(End of Chapter)