Chapter 273: The Hive World
During the brief rest period before the team's departure, an atmosphere mixed with anticipation and tension permeated among the members.
David Martinez found Joric amidst this atmosphere.
The young man stood before that massive dark red mechanical body, trying hard to maintain a facade of calm, but his slightly tense jawline and the flash of longing in his eyes did not escape Joric's keen optical sensors.
"Lord Sage, I..." David began, the words tumbling in his throat, seemingly unsure how to appropriately express his request to participate in actual combat.
Joric's mechanical head lowered slightly. His crimson optical lenses focused on David, that steady and ruthless gaze seeming to penetrate flesh and blood, reaching straight into his restless heart.
"David Martinez," the synthesized voice rang out steadily, carrying an unquestionable authority. "Your value at this moment is not reflected in charging into battle with a boltgun.
"The path of the Adeptus Mechanicus is forged from endless oceans of data, rigorous logical ladders, and ancient techno-theology.
"Power is merely a natural byproduct after knowledge and understanding reach a certain level, not the ultimate goal to be pursued."
One of his mechanical tentacles silently pointed to a study area partitioned off on one side of the laboratory. There, piles of ancient dataslates were displayed, along with a Cogitator array connected to an immersive neural indoctrination interface.
"Your genetic optimization and nervous system modification are the foundation laid to carry more complex knowledge, not to let you step prematurely onto a battlefield that does not belong to your current tier.
"Completing the study and assessment of Basic Dogma Indoctrination, Introduction to Techno-Theology Volumes I to VII, and Standard Binary Logic Language (Advanced Application) is your sole and most important task at this stage.
"Until you prove to me that you possess the qualifications to understand and safely control deeper mechanical fusion, combat is not your domain."
Meeting his creator's inhuman gaze, David could feel the steely logic and absolute will beneath those calm words.
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the impulse in his chest to prove himself, and transformed it into a firm nod. "I understand, Lord Sage. I will focus on my studies."
In contrast, Lucy appeared calm and submissive. She stood alone at a suitable distance—not too close to disturb, yet able to hear every instruction from the Sage clearly. When Joric finished dealing with David's affairs and turned his gaze to her, she immediately lowered her eyes slightly, adopting a posture of respectful listening.
"Your initial neural scan and psychological assessment report indicate that you have significant innate tendencies in electronic signal perception and intuitive data stream processing," Joric said to Lucy.
A more slender and dexterous mechanical tentacle tapped open a holographic projection in the air, displaying the internal structure diagram of a Cybernetica firepower platform and a complex battlefield data link network.
"Within the Mechanicus system, there is a class of technical specialists who specialize in remote coordination and control of automated warfare units; they are called 'Datasmiths.' Your traits have a high degree of compatibility with this path."
Lucy raised her purple eyes, her gaze humbly sweeping over the complexly interwoven data streams and mechanical structures in the holographic projection, then respectfully looked back at Joric.
Although there was no overly exaggerated expression on her face, that focus and obedience were clearly visible. She bowed slightly, responding in a steady and respectful tone, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Sage. I will do my utmost not to disappoint your expectations."
"However," Joric's synthesized tone weighted slightly, emphasizing the key point, "becoming a qualified Datasmith is far more than simply learning to press the attack command.
"You need to deeply understand the operating principles, weaknesses, and maintenance cycles of every type of Cybernetica unit; you need to be able to independently build and maintain battlefield data links, ensuring commands remain unobstructed in complex electromagnetic environments; and you need to master means to counter enemy electronic warfare and network intrusion.
"All these capabilities are built upon a solid grasp of basic Mechanicus knowledge."
"I understand, Lord Sage." Lucy bowed slightly again. "I will start learning from the most basic knowledge and will absolutely not rush."
Joric seemed satisfied with her attitude and said no more, ending the conversation.
Thus, when Maine, Valerie, Jackie, and the others, fully armed, stepped onto the transport ship heading to Vesta Prima, David and Lucy—two newcomers with different backgrounds and goals but both incorporated into the massive Mechanicus system—remained in the silent and solemn laboratory. Facing vast oceans of data and knowledge, they began the long and boring accumulation phase that apprentices must experience.
For them, perhaps the true challenge had just begun.
The transport ship passed through the dense debris field in Vesta Prima's orbit and slowly landed at a designated starport in the Hive's upper levels.
Unlike the pure industrial order of Forge World Nexum, the Hive World brought a different kind of impact to Maine's squad.
The air was filled with carefully formulated fragrances and purified recycled air. The ventilation system of the upper levels efficiently filtered out any unpleasant odors coming from below.
As far as the eye could see were magnificent buildings towering into the clouds, their outer walls covered with polished metal and bulletproof glass. Countless hovering vehicles shuttled orderly through designated aerial lanes.
Although natural light still struggled to penetrate this metallic firmament, carefully designed artificial light sources illuminated every street as bright as day. Various holographic advertisements and Imperial Aquilas flashed alternately, proclaiming the prosperity and order here.
Rhythmic sounds of city operation and noise-reduced aircraft engines echoed in the background, forming an orderly white noise.
They did not linger in this orderly upper area.
A squad of fully armed Adeptus Arbites Enforcers was already waiting at the designated starport. The leading officer was a middle-aged man with a determined face. His armor was covered in scratches showing his seniority, and the rank markings on his epaulets indicated he was a Proctor.
He stood straight, his gaze sweeping over the excellent equipment of Maine's squad with professional prudence.
"I am Proctor Atkins." His voice was steady and powerful, carrying the authority formed by long-term command. "Under orders from superiors, I am to escort you to the boundary of the lower levels. In areas further down, the situation is complex, and conventional law enforcement forces struggle to cover them effectively."
Escorted by the Arbites squad, they passed through the mirror-clean corridors of the upper area and took a clearly marked, well-maintained dedicated elevator, beginning their descent into the depths of the Hive.
As altitude decreased, the surrounding environment gradually changed. The light was no longer so bright and piercing, and the air began to mix with more complex smells.
Graffiti and some meaningless markings began to appear on the walls.
Occasionally, there were prying eyes from the shadows, but they quickly looked away upon seeing the fully armed Arbites team.
(End of Chapter)