Chapter 442: The Crux of the Problem
Ryo returned to Holy Terra. When the Eternal Seeker ended its hybrid navigation and emerged from the warp at the edge of the solar system, that ancient world bathed in golden light was already in sight.
After rigorous identity verification and layers of security checks, the warship was permitted to dock at the orbital pier dedicated to the Imperial Palace.
The Imperial Palace sat upon the ruins of the Himalayas. The towering architectural complexes seemed like extensions of the mountain range itself, with spires reaching into the clouds and solid fortresses forming the formidable silhouette of the Imperium of Man's center of power.
Ryo's massive mechanical body passed through one heavily guarded palace gate after another.
Guided by a Custodian, Ryo arrived at Rogal Dorn's command hall.
There were no superfluous decorations here. The cold metal walls were covered in tactical holographic projections, and countless data streams flickered and flowed in the air.
In the center of the hall, the massive figure of the Primarch stood before a giant star map, which marked battles and defensive deployments across the Imperium.
"Magos Ryo." Dorn turned around. His voice was like grinding stone, carrying unquestionable authority.
Even with Ryo's augmented body, standing before a Primarch, he could still feel the majestic presence originating from the Emperor's creation.
"Lord Primarch," Ryo's synthesized voice responded steadily.
Dorn did not waste time on polite pleasantries. He directly brought up all the data regarding the Imperial Fists' gene-seed restoration project: "Magos Alvaro Vis has encountered an unsolvable technical problem. The Inductii warriors have exhibited systemic rejection reactions after undergoing organ transplantation, and current medical methods cannot effectively control it."
The holographic projection displayed detailed medical data and failed cases.
Multiple augmented warriors showed symptoms of neural tissue necrosis and endocrine disorders. Two warriors had even entered a state of suspended animation as a result and were forced into stasis fields to maintain their lives.
"Magos Vis believes the problem stems from the long-term mutation of the gene-seed," Dorn's gaze was as sharp as a blade. "But I need to know the truth. Is there still a possibility for these warriors to be restored to wholeness?"
Ryo's mechanical tentacles plugged into the data interface, rapidly processing the massive medical records.
His optical lenses continuously flickered, analyzing every anomalous data point.
"The rejection reaction is indeed related to the adaptive mutation of the gene-seed," Ryo finally answered. "But this is not irreversible. The problem is that we are trying to force a standard template onto a physiological system that has already formed a unique equilibrium."
In fact, the occurrence of this situation did not exceed his expectations. He had taken this issue into consideration when he first accepted the task and formulated the initial augmentation plan.
He just hadn't expected the problem to be even worse than he imagined, which was clearly beyond the scope of what Magos Vis could handle.
It wasn't that his technology was lacking, but rather that he didn't understand Space Marines well enough.
Ryo brought up a new set of analysis data and continued to explain to Rogal Dorn: "In the prolonged absence of key organs, the bodies of the Inductii warriors developed a unique set of compensatory mechanisms. A simple organ transplant disrupts this balance, leading to systemic collapse."
Dorn silently scrutinized the data. No emotional fluctuations could be seen on his resolute face; he simply asked Ryo: "The solution?"
"We need to adjust and redesign the transplant protocol, employ customized organ cultivation technology, and synchronously carry out the recalibration of the gene-seed," Ryo answered. "This requires going to the Phalanx to conduct on-site testing of the test subjects."
"Agreed." Dorn nodded. "The Phalanx is already prepared to receive you. Apothecary Torgal and Magos Vis will fully cooperate with your work."
After the brief report ended, Ryo left the command hall under the guidance of an attendant.
Behind him, Dorn redirected his attention back to the star map; there were still countless problems in the Imperium's territory that required his handling.
After leaving the Imperial Palace, Ryo immediately headed to the Imperial Fists' Chapter fortress, the Phalanx.
This massive mobile fortress hovered in Terra's orbit, its scale comparable to a small moon.
As Ryo's shuttle passed through armor layers several kilometers thick and entered the interior of the Phalanx, what met his eyes was a complete space city, with overlapping decks extending upwards and giant pillars supporting the towering dome.
Guided by an Imperial Fists escort squad, Ryo passed through the intricate network of passages and finally arrived at the Chapter's Apothecarion.
Chief Apothecary Torgal and Magos Alvaro Vis had been waiting here for a long time.
"Magos Ryo," Torgal spoke first, his voice transmitting through the helmet's speakers. "The situation is more complex than we anticipated."
Magos Vis brought up a holographic projection, displaying the latest experimental data: "According to the plan you formulated, we successfully cultivated and implanted the Sus-an Membrane and Betcher's Gland. The initial integration was good, but systemic rejection began to appear in the third week."
The projection clearly showed the changes in the physiological data of the test subjects.
Progressive necrosis occurred in the tissues at the neural connections, severe disorders appeared in the endocrine system, and the normal functions of other implanted organs were even affected.
"What's most perplexing is," Torgal added, "this rejection didn't appear immediately, but only started to manifest after the organ functions initially stabilized. We tried all standard anti-rejection protocols, but the effects were minimal."
Vis brought up a comparison chart of genetic sequences.
"According to my analysis, the problem might lie in the long-term adaptive mutation of the gene-seed. The gene-seed of these Inductii warriors has been operating without key organs for decades; its expression patterns have undergone subtle changes."
Ryo's mechanical tentacles plugged into the Apothecarion's data interface, rapidly browsing the original experimental records.
His optical lenses lingered on a few anomalous data points for a moment.
"Your judgment is correct." Ryo's synthesized voice echoed in the Apothecarion. "But this is only the surface. The real problem lies in the overall restructuring of the neuroendocrine network."
He brought up a new set of analytical charts.
"The prolonged absence of key regulatory organs caused the warriors' physiological systems to establish a compensatory mechanism. The implantation of new organs broke this fragile balance, triggering a chain reaction."
Torgal carefully observed the data. "Does this mean we need to readjust the entire implantation plan?"
"Not only that." Ryo's mechanical hand pointed to several key parameters. "The recalibration of the gene-seed must be carried out synchronously, otherwise the new organs will not be able to fully fuse with the existing physiological system."
The cogitator arrays within the Apothecarion began to operate at high speed; a new treatment plan was gradually taking shape in Ryo's processing core.
At the same time, the defensive batteries on the exterior of the Phalanx slowly turned; this ancient fortress guarded the cradle of the Imperium of Man just as it always had.
(End of Chapter)