"Magos Osiris," Saul's synthesized voice remained devoid of warmth, yet his phrasing was more direct. "I have reviewed your progress in the field of gene-seed optimization. It is worthy of affirmation."
Osiris's response was as steady as ever: "I appreciate Archmagos Dominus Saul's attention. The project is still in its early stages and requires continuous optimization."
"The balance between efficiency and quality is, in itself, a metric of excellence." Saul wasted no time on pleasantries, cutting straight to the core. "The Collegia Titanica always has a need for stable and reliable armed forces. Whether for the defense of vital Forge Worlds, support for specific crusades, or responding to certain... shifts in the internal situation."
He paused intentionally, letting the phrase "internal situation" leave a meaningful void in the communication band. This clearly referred not only to threats from xenos or Chaos, but likely encompassed potential friction within the Mechanicus or disturbances from dark forces.
"Based on the previous successful cooperation on the EVA Titan project, and the potential you have demonstrated in biological enhancement," Saul continued, "the Collegia Titanica wishes to deepen its collaborative relationship with you. We officially propose a commission for you to cultivate a batch of Praetorian warriors exclusive to the Order, capable of fighting alongside Titans."
This was a new commission of extraordinary significance. It meant Osiris's technology was no longer limited to the needs of the Imperial Fists; it had gained recognition from another core power of the Imperium and would be applied to its most critical armed forces.
"Specific requirements?" Osiris's question was concise.
"An initial requirement of five thousand modified soldiers," Saul gave a clear number. "Key focuses include: a high affinity for mechanical constructs and basic maintenance capabilities, endurance in combat under complex electromagnetic interference, and absolute loyalty to the dogmas of the Omnissiah. Detailed physiological and cognitive templates will be transmitted shortly."
Five thousand modified soldiers—a scale far exceeding any previous order. This was not just trust in technical feasibility; it was a large-scale field validation.
"Accepted," Osiris took the commission. "Relevant resources must be guaranteed by the Collegia Titanica, including qualified candidates and special materials required for the project."
"As it should be," Saul agreed. "Resources will be allocated immediately upon confirmation of the manifest. I look forward to your results, Magos Osiris. May the light of the Machine God illuminate your logic circuits."
The communication ended. Osiris immediately began parsing the preliminary requirements sent by Saul. Cultivating Praetorian warriors for the Collegia Titanica meant he not only needed to complete basic modifications but also had to integrate specialized traits highly compatible with Mechanicus dogma and Titan combat environments. It was both a daunting challenge and a valuable opportunity to verify the plasticity and adaptability of his technology.
Almost simultaneously, another message from the Dead World base reached his terminal. Information indicated that based on the EVA Titan's outstanding performance and rapid deployment capability on Veldane III, representatives from several Titan Legions and Forge Worlds had begun inquiring through informal channels about the possibility of acquiring these new Titan units. Although orders were currently dominated by the Collegia Titanica, external interest was rising significantly.
Osiris's technical network was quietly embedding itself into the Imperium's intricate power structure, using its unique professional advantages as a fulcrum. The gene-seed project and the EVA Titan program acted like twin engines, steadily pushing his enterprise toward a broader sea of stars.
At the Dead World base's Dimensional Communication Center, the encrypted channel's indicator light flashed steadily, signifying that a remote report from Maine's squad was being received and decoded. Osiris (the second avatar) stood before the main console, his crimson optical lenses scanning the data streams and processed imagery scrolling across the screen.
The report came from one of the unknown dimensions where Maine's squad was conducting preliminary reconnaissance. One dimension had been marked "hold for further depth" and deprioritized due to high-risk energy signatures and unnatural structures. The dimension currently transmitting data, however, presented a completely different scene.
The imagery showed a planet covered in lush greens and blues. From orbital observation, its atmosphere appeared healthy and active. High-resolution images revealed breathtaking biodiversity: vast forests emitting faint bioluminescence, giant colorful winged beasts soaring in the sky, and various creatures wandering among exotic vegetation. The entire planet overflowed with a primitive, flourishing vitality.
Maine's voice report accompanied the data sync, his voice carrying a restrained hint of excitement through the comms: "—Repeat, preliminary reconnaissance confirms the world designated as Dimension K-77c. Its ecological environment is exceptionally rich, matching the theoretical 'Gaia Planet' model. Over ninety percent of the planetary surface is covered by life forms. The atmospheric composition is suitable for human respiration. No large-scale artificial modification marks or industrial civilization signals detected."
The screen switched to a more detailed close-up. Tall flowers in shades of blue and purple swayed in the breeze, their petal edges flowing with soft, pulsating halos. Massive spiral-leafed plants formed the main structure of the forest. Between their trunks and leaves, countless slender threads resembling glowing neural fibers could be seen connecting to one another, forming a shimmering biological network covering the entire forest floor.
"The most significant discovery is here," Maine continued the report, the lens focusing on those glowing neural bundles. "The entire biosphere of the planet, from macro-fauna to micro-flora, possesses a neural bundle structure capable of physical connection. Preliminary analysis indicates this structure allows for direct exchange of information and energy between individuals. There is ample evidence that a global, collective biological consciousness of some form may exist on this planet."
Dorio's voice cut in, supplementing technical details: "We attempted low-intensity psychic scanning and bioelectric signal monitoring. Background readings show a stable, complex, and highly interconnected consciousness field, on a scale far exceeding any known individual organism. This consciousness field appears tightly bound to the planet's own ecological cycle, regulating climate, species distribution, and even the evolution of life."
The final part of the report was Maine's formal proposal: "Given this dimension's low direct threat level (based on current observations) and extremely high scientific value, we request authorization for in-depth exploration. Furthermore—" Maine's voice paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully.
"We have observed that the three pilots—Shinji Ikari, Asuka Langley Soryu, and Rei Ayanami—have been in high-intensity combat training and a relatively closed base environment for a long time. For human individuals of their age, this continuous state of repression may be detrimental to their long-term psychological stability. Therefore, we propose allowing them to participate in this exploration mission. Contact with a world full of life rather than destruction might bring a positive influence."