"A viable optimization protocol." Cairo confirmed the concept's feasibility.
More importantly, he'd recently parsed and integrated massive amounts of cyberpunk world cyberware technical data, including neural control and cloning tech obtained from Biotechnica databases, plus high-efficiency logic fragments refined from rogue AI code.
Fusing these local technologies with Mechanicum's ancient tech for practical implementation undoubtedly held extremely high research value.
He immediately began formulating detailed conversion plans, cognitive core running at full speed.
The conversion's core objective: optimize carrier "Morell" into "Ruststalker" prototype, preserving combat instincts and Sandevistan adaptability while completely reconstructing locomotion systems, weapon systems, and energy cores—ensuring post-conversion appearance closer to human form.
Cairo's fingertips unconsciously tapped the worktable surface, making rhythmic clicking sounds. His optical lenses gazed at unconscious Lieutenant Morell on the examination table, as if scrutinizing internal structural flaws through that body.
"Old friend, look at this neural interface." His synthesized voice carried trace almost-sighing static noise. "Rejection reactions obvious, signal transmission efficiency appallingly low. Like transmitting precision data through rusted copper wires."
He turned toward the servo-skull hovering nearby, mechanical tentacles tracing complex trajectories through air. "We need completely replacing these inferior products. Modified Mechanicum-standard neural mesh would be decent choices, then combining with efficient protocols we parsed from those rogue AI codes... data transmission speeds and stability should improve at least three orders of magnitude."
His gaze moved to Morell's limbs, optical lenses slightly adjusting focus. "As for these locomotion systems... enhanced tendons and alloy skeletons? Design philosophy too primitive. Energy transmission process losses are practically blasphemy against power sources."
Cairo's mechanical fingers lightly tapped several key nodes on holographic projections. "Bionic prosthetics based on Sicarian power-limb blueprints would be better choices. Key positions adopt ball-joint designs, but externally cover with highly realistic synthetic tissue. This way maintains flexibility exceeding human limits while not attracting unnecessary attention."
He paused, seemingly calculating something. "The Sandevistan system can be retained, but must deeply integrate into new neural mesh and power-limb systems. We need reducing its usage loads, improving acceleration efficiency and duration."
When his gaze fell on Morell's forearm mantis blades, Cairo emitted a short, metallic-textured scoff. "These primitive weapons relying on physical cutting... old friend, you and I both know there are more elegant solutions."
His mechanical tentacles called up complex sonic resonance data sets. "Sonic blade systems would be perfect replacements. Normally retract within forearm structures, sliding into palms when needed. Activation ultra-high-frequency sound waves exceed human auditory ranges, but any biological will instinctively feel discomfort."
Cairo's synthesized voice rarely carried traces of appreciation: "Most exquisite aspect lies in its killing mechanisms. Releases different frequency sound waves detecting target molecular vibration frequencies, then adjusts to resonant modes... struck armor begins disintegrating from molecular levels. Though effects need one or two seconds fully manifesting, this waiting is worthwhile."
His attention turned to those nearly invisible monowires. "These filaments can be retained but need upgrading. If surfaces are plated with special resonance coatings, they'll carry sonic frequencies, dramatically enhancing cutting capabilities. Launch devices can hide within reinforced finger joints, completely not affecting appearance."
Cairo's mechanical tentacles drew circles around the chest cavity region. "Energy systems must be completely replaced. These distributed battery cells are too inefficient. A miniaturized plasma reactor implanted in the chest cavity can provide far more surging power than before. Externally maintain complete chest contours, heat dissipation and shielding layers integrated within bionic rib structures."
Finally, his gaze stopped at Morell's face. "Appearance design should preserve human features as much as possible. Most tissues can be retained or replaced with bionic substitutes, only removing severely damaged portions. Body surfaces covered with synthetic materials indistinguishable from real human skin, beneath that dark-red composite armor, imprinted with necessary binary prayers and cog emblems."
His mechanical fingers lightly tapped temple positions. "Head modifications must be minimized. Preserve original facial contours, only setting sensor interfaces at necessary positions. Facial expression muscle groups need retaining and optimizing, compound optical lenses must disguise as having human-like irises... only flashing red light when activated."
Cairo turned toward the servo-skull, optical lenses flickering slightly: "What do you think of this conversion protocol, old friend? A near-perfectly human-appearing exterior, yet internally one of the Mechanicum's most lethal creations."
Protocol formulation complete. All steps, material lists, energy requirement estimates clearly arrayed in Cairo's mind.
He called up the workshop's resource inventory, rapidly cross-referencing, confirming most basic materials sufficient. A few rare elements and specific components could be subsequently collected by Maine's crew, or substituted/manufactured using existing materials.
"Conversion process estimated seventy-two standard hours. Success rate assessment: 91.3%." Cairo issued directives to the servo-skull standing by: "Record: Project 'Ruststalker Improved Model' initiated. Prepare biocompatible synthetic materials and neural interface equipment. Maintain carrier vital signs at optimal thresholds."
Inside the workshop, more mechanical arms began moving, emitting faint hydraulic and motor sounds.
Various precision tools gleaming with cold light were delivered to the examination table. Containers holding special bionic materials and catalysts were precisely positioned by mechanical tentacles.
Cairo walked before the examination table, crimson optical lenses scanning Lieutenant Morell's pale, slightly distorted features one last time.
In his eyes, this was no longer a complete "person" but a tool embryo requiring optimization and reshaping.
However, unlike previous occasions, this time he intended preserving this tool's human form.
He had zero hesitation. A cutting tentacle with tip flickering high-frequency energy arcs precisely probed toward Lieutenant Morell's neck-armor connection point. Surgery began from the least conspicuous positions.
Conversion commenced.
This Militech augmented soldier would be reborn under the Tech-Priest's hands as a Ruststalker.
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