My suggestions aim to maximize the individual's usable value and data acquisition before reaching that endpoint, which is a responsibility to Imperial resources.
B-7-09's inert resistance to radiation is a verifiable, exploitable unique asset; D-7-42's extraordinary strength contributes far more in specific roles than standard laborers.
Ignoring these potentials is irresponsible to the overall survival rate.
What you call 'basic compassion,' in a resource-scarce wasteland, its most realistic manifestation is achieved by improving efficiency and ensuring the survival of more individuals.
Over-protecting inefficient individuals ultimately harms the foundation of group survival."
Clearly, as a Mechanical Sage, Ovilia's logic chain was impeccable.
Figgsin's jawline tightened for an instant but quickly relaxed.
She did not directly refute Ovilia's logic but turned to Alex, her tone solemn: "Inquisitor, I am not against efficiency.
But 'The Emperor's Mercy' should not merely be a disposal program after resources are exhausted!
Sage Ovilia's job transfer mechanism has its value, but its 'extreme testing' orientation must be strictly constrained!
Clear, insurmountable physiological tolerance thresholds must be set, along with genuinely effective medical support plans that truly delay deterioration, rather than merely documenting its breakdown process.
Otherwise, how is this different from cruel screening and elimination? Does this contradict the spirit of 'Mercy' in the regulations?
For these three irreversible cases, I insist on immediately executing the 'Mercy program' and providing maximum medical care attempts in the final stages of their lives."
Ovilia's servitor skulls hummed more intensely.
She did not directly respond to Figgsin again but refocused her mechanical eyes on Alex, her synthesized voice supported by data: "Inquisitor, physiological extreme thresholds are quantifiable.
My draft will include an early warning mechanism based on real-time biological monitoring, ensuring job transfers operate within preset safety margins until their value is fully exploited or a critical point is reached.
Medical support is part of efficiency investment.
However, for individuals who have lost their labor capacity and pose a diffusion risk, the optimal solution remains to promptly initiate the 'Mercy program.'
Resources should be prioritized for prevention and maintenance of the working population, rather than attempting to reverse irreversible deterioration.
This is a cruel logic, and it is the foundation for maintaining 43.7% and pursuing higher values."
Alex's broad chest rose and fell slightly with his deep breaths, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the cold console edge.
His gaze returned to the projection of the resettlement zone, breathing heavily in the blue light.
Figgsin's emphasis on order, immediate risk, and adherence to the meaning of "Mercy," Ovilia's cold numbers, long-term efficiency blueprint, precise calculation of "usable value," and the doubled yet still cruel 43.7% survival rate, clashed fiercely in his mind.
Figgsin's questioned "cruelty" and Ovilia's defended "necessary logic" were precisely the microcosm of the Empire's contradictions in this galaxy.
The balance of resource allocation, the boundaries of Imperial iron law, the weight of individual lives under the shadow of mutation… all were placed on the Inquisitor's scales after this silent debate.
After a moment of silence, his low voice sounded, carrying the weight of decision: "Approve the immediate activation of the 'Emperor's Mercy program' for those three Level 4 critical individuals.
As Sister Figgsin suggested, attempt intensified medical intervention before the program's execution."
He turned to Ovilia: "Sage Ovilia, immediately refine your job transfer mechanism draft.
The core requirements must include the clear and insurmountable physiological tolerance threshold setting emphasized by Sister Figgsin, and a binding, substantive medical delay support plan. Report within three days.
The core of this mechanism is 'management' and 'extending the usable period,' not 'testing limits.'"
His gaze returned to Figgsin: "Protective equipment upgrades and additional Medical Priests, coordinate with the logistics department, prioritize high-risk positions."
Then to both: "The early warning network and reproductive health support system proposed by the Sage will be included in long-term planning evaluation.
Standardize the execution process of the 'Emperor's Mercy program,' and you two will jointly draft the detailed rules.
The detailed rules must clearly reflect the absolute priority of risk control, while also including necessary, standardized humanitarian monitoring procedures before execution."
His fingertips stopped tapping, his voice solemn: "Remember, every percentage point is not just a number, but a mark of the Imperial citizens' struggle for survival.
Efficiency and humanity, order and survival, and the boundaries of 'utilization' and 'end-of-life care' that you argue about, all need to find balance within the confines of Imperial law and this reality."
In the brief silence, the air hung heavy, only the low hum of the projection and the buzzing of the skulls intertwined.
Figgsin's and Ovilia's gazes briefly met at the end of Alex's words, one with the persistence of partially adopted demands, the other with calm acceptance of restrictions being added to the efficiency framework.
The argument paused, but the differences in ideology, like dust under the blue light, did not dissipate.
"Sister Figgsin, the secondary ration incentive program is approved for execution." He turned to the Adeptus Mechanicus representative, his gaze sharp: "Sage Ovilia, construct the regional mutation early warning network according to the Imperial civilized world's Level 3 security standards.
The cost of the required core equipment will be covered by the New Earth Island Airport's special budget.
Ensure that all variables in this area are within absolute controllable range, and any abnormal fluctuations must be captured, analyzed, and reported immediately." "Absolutely controllable" and "immediately" were warnings against potential out-of-control risks.
Without hesitation, he decisively activated the personal cogitator data-slate on his wrist.
A sharp beam of light projected precisely, instantly unfolding a vast, detailed Star District map of the Rostov Sub-Sector above the console, with colonies and nodes shimmering like a galaxy.
Alex's gaze swept over the star map like a hawk, his fingertips swiftly and precisely selecting three strategic nodes that also contained large Mutant populations: the Stalingrad Small Forging Cluster, the Dnieper Ecological Circulation Matrix, and the Kalinin Gaseous Planet Promethium Refinery.
"Immediately, at these three strategic nodes," Alex's voice carried gravity and resolve: "Pilot the 'Rostov Sub-Sector Mutants Temporary Management Regulations.'
All processes and management frameworks must be executed meticulously and strictly follow the verified standard model of the D-7 Zone.
The goal is clear: to incorporate scattered Mutant populations into the iron net of Imperial order, and through strict screening and effective guidance, transform their potential into tangible, controllable productivity that supports the operation of the Empire."
With the command issued, he picked up the pure gold pen, carved with the sacred lily emblem.
The pen tip hovered over the blank space of the blessed parchment, already prepared and emitting a faint scent of incense and wax seals—a turning point that held the fate of countless individuals.
He paused for a barely perceptible moment, Figgsin's and Ovilia's silent argument seemed to condense a hint of weight at his pen tip.
Finally, the pen tip descended, signing his name with a fluid, strong stroke.
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