2/4
Deep in the wasteland workshop, constant cold light shrouded Cairo's tall dark-red frame.
He received and reviewed complete records Morell transmitted back from contact with Militech's "Probe" team.
Their intentions were crystal clear. After confirming deterrence effectiveness, they attempted upgrading simple reparations and ceasefire into more constructive "dialogue channels" possibly bringing technical exchanges.
Within Cairo's logic core, Militech's such reactions fell into efficient and predictable categories.
They recognized power gaps and swiftly adjusted strategies, shifting from armed confrontation toward interest exchanges.
This aligned with major corporate behavioral patterns—before threats not easily eliminated, attempting transforming them into exploitable resources or controllable collaborators.
However, Cairo had minimal interest in this.
His current core objectives remained consistent: stabilize the dimensional transport device, establish reliable connections to the Warhammer world, obtain that universe's resources and technology—especially solving current critical material shortage problems plaguing him.
Entanglements with native factions—whether wars or deep negotiations—would all occupy his precious research time and computational resources.
He needed methods both satisfying portions of Militech's expectations—making them temporarily reassured while delivering "reparations"—yet clearly drawing boundaries, avoiding subsequent endless probing and disturbances.
Simultaneously, for Biotechnica still clamoring for revenge, needed one more direct, unmistakable warning—thoroughly snuffing out their unrealistic fantasies.
"Transactions acceptable, but only to this extent." Cairo's synthesized voice murmured through the workshop, carrying undeniable finality.
He decided using minimal costs exchanging for temporary calm plus needed supplies.
His consciousness sank into his own vast databases.
This wasn't his Tech-Priest primary knowledge repositories—he accessed another relatively "secondary" partition, storing countless design sketches accumulated through his lengthy career, incomplete concepts, apprentice-period practice works, plus some technologies archived in the Warhammer universe as "basic" or "outdated."
His thinking resembled most precise sieves, rapidly filtering massive information.
Ultimately, he locked onto a target—a crystal focusing efficiency optimization scheme he'd designed as a Tech-Priest apprentice understanding basic laser weapon principles.
This scheme, within Warhammer universe tech systems, belonged to entry-level basic applications.
It optimized specific laser weapon light-guiding crystal arrangement methods and energy guidance circuits, slightly increasing range and focusing precision without boosting core power, reducing energy scattering losses during transmission.
For young Cairo just starting to touch energy weapon designs, this was qualified practice—but only that.
As his techniques advanced, such basic optimizations were long replaced by more advanced, integrated designs.
Additionally, he extracted some fragmented logic optimization protocols and data processing tricks from recent gains parsing rogue AI code.
These contents helped him understanding this world's network compositions but themselves weren't core breakthroughs—more like casually-jotted notes.
Cairo separately organized these two portions into two independent data packets.
He didn't conduct any beautification or deep processing, merely ensuring information integrity and format clarity.
In his eyes, these were indeed "scraps" worthy of the name, but using them paying off Militech while exchanging for physical resources on lists—extremely cost-effective.
He transmitted these two data packets to standby Morell, issuing new directives through encrypted links.
"Deliver these to Militech representatives." Cairo's voice stayed level and emotionless. "Inform them—this is preliminary responses based on their 'constructive dialogue' postures.
Contains one energy weapon basic optimization technology plus partial network data processing techniques.
Demand they must—after receiving data packets and verifying values—immediately begin executing reparations list material delivery procedures. Delivery locations and methods will be specified by us subsequently."
He paused slightly, continuing: "Simultaneously, clearly inform them—technical exchanges limited to this level and frequency. We have no intentions establishing deeper alliances or frequent interactions. Maintaining status quo, mutual non-interference—most efficient coexistence methods for both sides."
Directives hadn't ended. Cairo's crimson optical lenses flickered, issuing another completely different command.
"Afterward, go find Biotechnica Security Director Elliott Kwan. Eliminate him. Place his head at Biotechnica CEO Loggagia's private bedroom bedside, ensuring Loggagia discovers it next time he sleeps."
This command delivered so calmly, as if instructing the most ordinary matters: "This action's purpose—in irrefutable manner—terminates any remaining Biotechnica fantasies about revenge or negotiations.
Kwan's death, plus its presentation method, is direct response to Loggagia's previous clamoring, also final ultimatum.
Let death itself transmit messages: This matter ends here.
If any further hostile actions occur, next time appearing at his bedside will be his own head."
Cairo's logic was simple.
Militech displayed rationality and weighing—thus could be appeased with transactions.
Biotechnica, at least under Loggagia's leadership, still immersed in emotionalized anger—needed stronger pain helping them recover reason.
Kwan—that messenger who luckily survived last time—his remaining value lay in using his death transmitting this final, undeniable warning.
"Return after completing both missions." Cairo finally commanded. "Mind efficiency and concealment. Don't add unnecessary variables."
Morell quietly received all directives and data packets.
Regarding master's decisions, she held zero doubts.
Whether transactions or killings—all were means achieving objectives. She concisely responded: "As you command, Master."
——
Night City edges—that abandoned communications relay tower once again became temporary meeting points.
Morell's figure appeared punctually. Posture identical to last time—calm and efficient.
"Probe" team members had long awaited here. Atmosphere heavier than last time.
Upon seeing Morell appear, their eyes all revealed traces of anticipation and tension.
Dr. Mara Sorenson stepped forward again, attempting maintaining professional composure: "Ma'am, we anticipate messages you've brought."
Morell had no superfluous pleasantries, directly transmitting two data packets through secure short-range data links to receiving equipment Dr. Sorenson designated.
"This is Master's responses to your proposals." Morell's voice came through face masks, still steady. "Data packet one—a basic design scheme improving laser weapon crystal focusing efficiency.
Data packet two contains partial network data processing techniques derived from rogue AI logic."