Chapter 268: Improving Treatment
"I will continue to follow the project's overall progress and provide guidance at critical technical nodes," Joric added, clarifying his position as the general person in charge of the project. "As for specific technical execution, daily progress coordination, and interfacing with the Tech-Priest team dispatched by the Forge World, they will handle those administrative tasks.
"You need to demonstrate sufficient professional conduct and cooperate actively to ensure the project advances smoothly and efficiently."
"Don't worry, Lord Sage (Boss), we will definitely cooperate fully!" The two responded almost in unison, their tones carrying the solemnity of being entrusted with a heavy responsibility and the excitement of finally having something to do.
"Regarding remuneration," Joric's next sentence instantly focused their attention, "once this phase of development is complete, the first two Power Armor suits to officially roll off the line—the ones you personally participated in testing and finalizing—will serve as your reward for this mission. They will belong to you for personal use."
This news made Jackie let out a low gasp, and Valerie took a deep breath, uncontrollable excitement flashing in her eyes.
A Power Armor suit that belonged entirely to them, combining powerful firepower and superior protection—its value was far beyond what money could measure. It was undoubtedly a massive guarantee for their lives and a symbol of power in this crisis-ridden universe.
Amidst the excitement, Valerie hesitated slightly but decided to speak up.
She knew that in the Mechanicus system, focusing on desires like appetite might seem insufficiently "rational." However, for the long-term stability and work efficiency of the team, she felt it necessary to raise the issue.
"Lord Sage," she tried to keep her tone objective and pragmatic, "thank you very much for your generosity. Additionally... regarding life support and living conditions, there is a situation I need to report to you."
Joric's optical lenses turned to her, the steady crimson light quietly enveloping her, signaling her to continue.
"We understand and respect the Forge World's principle of prioritizing efficiency," Valerie carefully weighed her words. "The currently rationed food indeed provides sufficient nutrition and calories.
"However, long-term consumption of these standardized 'life-sustainment rations' might gradually affect the work state and mental outlook of those of us who have not yet fully adapted to the Mechanicus lifestyle.
"This might have some adverse effects on the testing work, which requires high concentration."
She did not complain directly that the food was hard to swallow but cleverly approached it from the angle of work efficiency and personnel status. "If we could obtain permission to prepare some food ourselves that aligns more with our original dietary habits, I believe it would be helpful in maintaining the team's long-term work efficiency."
Jackie nodded repeatedly from the side, unable to stop himself from interjecting, "Boss, eating that stuff for too long leaves your mouth completely tasteless. It's hard to get pumped up for work!"
Hearing this blunt complaint, the focal length of Joric's optical lenses shifted slightly.
He recalled that when he first joined the Mechanicus, he had experienced a similar adaptation period.
The persistence regarding food shown by these subordinates from another world gave him a sense of almost amusing familiarity.
He quickly retrieved Ignis's logistical report and confirmed that they were indeed using the Forge World's minimum standard nutritional rations—synthetic compounds designed solely to maintain basic physiological functions.
For them, accustomed to the diverse diet of Night City, this extreme pragmatism did indeed appear overly harsh.
"I understand the situation." His synthesized voice remained steady, but it seemed to contain a trace of human understanding rather than pure mechanical logic. "The previous logistical standards were set based on basic survival guarantees.
"Since you now bear the important responsibilities of the 'Iron Guard' project, it is reasonable to appropriately upgrade your living treatment to maintain optimal work status."
He immediately connected to Ignis via internal communication.
"Ignis, upgrade the logistical rationing level for Maine, Valerie, Jackie, as well as David and Lucy, from 'Standard Laborer' to 'Tech-Priest Apprentice' grade.
"Simultaneously, grant them self-processing authority for certain basic ingredients and provide a set of necessary cooking equipment."
"Command confirmed, Lord Sage," Ignis's waveless response came immediately. "Rationing level adjustment complete. Corresponding supplies and equipment will be delivered to the designated living area within one standard hour."
Ending the communication, Joric turned to the two expectant people. "It has been arranged. The new rationing standards will be delivered to your quarters soon. I hope this helps everyone throw themselves into work in a better state."
A massive smile instantly bloomed on Jackie's face. He was so excited he almost jumped up. "Awesome! Boss! You're really... you're really the best!" He was somewhat incoherent with excitement, as if he could already smell the aroma of real food.
Valerie also breathed a visible sigh of relief. Her tense shoulders relaxed, and a sincere gratitude appeared on her face. "Thank you very much, Lord Sage. This will absolutely revitalize everyone's mental outlook; it is crucial for the subsequent work."
"Remember, focus on your mission." Joric's tone returned to its usual detachment, but the previous relaxed atmosphere did not completely disappear. "The Power Armor project has already received high attention and resource allocation from Fabricator Locum Volks.
"Do not fail this investment and expectation. Now, go receive your new supplies, then get ready to fully commit to the next phase of work."
The two bowed solemnly again. This time, their movements were noticeably lighter, almost carrying a trace of impatient joy. They turned and walked quickly out of the laboratory, unable to wait to bring this good news to their companions suffering in the living quarters.
When Valerie and Jackie returned to the living quarters with news of the improved food rationing, the originally dull and oppressive air seemed to be pierced by a bolt of lightning, instantly erupting into a long-suppressed commotion.
"For real?! We don't have to eat those toothpaste-flavored nutrient pastes and compressed biscuits hard as bricks anymore?" Rebecca bounced up from her metal bunk, her large eyes shining with a light bordering on ecstasy. She subconsciously licked her lips, as if recalling some distant delicacy. "God, when I was little, I went with my dad to a high-end restaurant in Charter Hill and had a real steak once... that taste..."
Pilar adjusted his goggles, his voice carrying rare excitement. "That's right, that's right! I remember too! Pops made a fortune on that one job and took us to 'Heaven's Kiss' in Heywood. The roast chicken and fresh vegetables there..." His voice suddenly lowered, and his eyes went somewhat unfocused, as if hit by a sudden memory.
Maine rubbed the scar on his chin hard and let out a long breath of stale air he had been holding for a while. His face finally showed the first genuine smile in days. "Finally... finally we can eat something decent. V, good job." The look he gave Valerie carried approval; he clearly understood whose credit this was.
Dorio reached out and patted Valerie on the shoulder; this simple action contained too much gratitude. Even Kiwi, who was always expressionless, had the corners of her mouth twitch upward almost imperceptibly.
"At least we don't have to stare blankly at those gray nutrient blocks anymore," Lucy whispered to David. The young man nodded vigorously, his eyes shining. Although his thirst for knowledge could temporarily mask his dissatisfaction with food, the thought of eating something closer to "real goods" than the synthetic food of Night City's slums made him look forward to this world a bit more.
Valerie looked at her companions' reactions and couldn't help but recall the exquisite meals she had enjoyed in the top-floor restaurant of Arasaka Tower. Those dishes cooked with real ingredients were worlds apart from these industrial products designed solely to sustain life. She gently clenched her mechanical right hand, understanding what this seemingly simple change meant for the team's morale.
(End of Chapter)