Chapter 206: Technical Cooperation
When the standardized weapon interface parameters provided by Joric reached Militech Headquarters, they immediately triggered high-level attention.
The combat observation data previously transmitted back by Barghest and the Lazarus squad—especially the combat logs of that red experimental unit—had already caused a stir within the relevant departments.
Inside the Technical Analysis Center, the massive holographic screen played that brief combat footage on a loop.
When the Power Fist turned the upper body of the "Onimusha" into metal dust, a sound of suppressed gasps filled the conference room.
"Molecular-level decomposition... This completely exceeds our current understanding of materials science." A senior weapons expert pushed up his glasses, his voice trembling with disbelief. "More importantly, their shield system demonstrated efficacy far surpassing our imitations.
"According to energy reading analysis, its instantaneous impact resistance is at least three times higher than our copied model."
Another engineer focused on power armor control systems pointed to the data stream and added, "The most surprising part is their auxiliary piloting system. Without any direct neural link, it achieved combat efficiency approaching top-tier neural piloting solely through sensor fusion and algorithmic optimization. If this system could be popularized..."
He didn't finish, but everyone present understood what it meant—it would completely change the selection criteria for power armor pilots and drastically reduce training costs.
When the topic shifted to the newly received weapon interface parameters, the atmosphere in the conference room became even more heated.
"The interface standards are extremely precise with strong compatibility." The project director scrutinized the technical documents carefully. "We can consider integrating the laser weapon system verified on the 'Centaur' exoskeleton.
"Although the power might not match their native weapons, we have advantages in energy consumption and reliability."
"Why not consider multi-functionality?" another young technician suggested. "Add small rocket pods on the shoulders, combined with laser weapons to form fire coverage. Or integrate electronic warfare modules to paralyze the opponent's systems before engagement."
"What about the cost?" A representative from the finance department immediately questioned. "The R&D expenses for these special modules..."
"Cost is not the primary consideration," the project director interrupted. "Compared to the potential technological returns, these investments are completely worth it! Headquarters has already approved a special budget."
The meeting lasted for several hours as various plans were proposed, discussed, and revised.
Just as the debate reached a stalemate, an old engineer who had been silent spoke up slowly: "Perhaps we should change our thinking. Since the other party proactively provided interface standards, it shows they are also seeking some degree of technical exchange.
"Why don't we prepare two plans: one demonstrating our most cutting-edge technical strength, and the other highlighting practicality and mass-production potential?"
This proposal immediately won approval.
Soon, two preliminary plans were finalized: one was a technology demonstrator centered on high-performance laser weapons, and the other was a multi-functional configuration combining rocket pods and electronic warfare modules.
When these plans were encrypted and transmitted back to the Badlands manufactorum, the higher-ups at Militech waited for a response.
They knew this wasn't just a weapons procurement deal; it was an excellent opportunity to peer into the technological foundation of that mysterious workshop.
As the combat data of Valerie piloting the experimental unit spread within the Badlands manufactorum, Li Wei, the leader of the Kang Tao CN squad, immediately convened his team members for emergency analysis at their temporary garrison.
The squad's technical expert pointed at the combat footage playing repeatedly on the holographic screen: "This molecular-level decomposition technology is completely beyond our scope of understanding. More importantly, their shield system and auxiliary piloting algorithms..."
Li Wei observed the clean and efficient combat performance of the red power armor in the footage silently, then made a decision. "Get ready. I'm going to pay a personal visit to that Sage."
Half an hour later, Li Wei stood alone at the entrance of the workshop.
Mower appeared silently, signaling for him to follow.
Passing through the heavy metal blast doors, Li Wei was guided once again to the reception room on the side.
Joric's projection was already waiting there. Seeing Li Wei enter, he gave a friendly, slight nod.
"Mr. Sage." Li Wei bowed slightly. "Thank you for seeing me."
The projection watched him calmly. "Kang Tao CN Special Envoy. Your purpose?"
"We witnessed the test just now and hope to cooperate with you," Li Wei went straight to the point. "Kang Tao CN has been deeply cultivating the field of Smart Weapons for many years. We believe we can provide unique value in certain aspects."
He pulled up a technical briefing projection. "We have some unique insights regarding target tracking algorithms for smart targeting systems and neural network coordination for light weapons."
Joric's projection nodded slightly. "Kang Tao's smart weapon guidance systems indeed perform excellently relative to their size, especially the prediction algorithms for moving targets.
"However, I noticed that your internal situation seems... not very harmonious?"
Li Wei's expression stiffened slightly; clearly, he didn't want to discuss this sensitive topic. "The North American branch does have some management disagreements, but this is an internal Kang Tao matter..."
"Unstable partners bring uncontrollable risks," the projection interrupted him. The tone remained steady but carried unquestionable weight. "Especially a branch that might lean towards Arasaka. It would severely interfere with our cooperation."
Li Wei took a deep breath, realizing the other party had made things very clear.
He responded cautiously, "Mr. Sage, Kang Tao will solve this problem. I believe this will not affect our cooperation."
"Mower will coordinate with you to clean house," Joric's projection finalized directly. "Before that, I hope to see your preliminary concepts for the smart weapon adaptation plan."
"We will immediately initiate a highest-priority R&D project." Faced with Joric's dominance, Li Wei could only gloss over the interference issue—besides, he truly wanted to deal with those traitors in Night City anyway. He promised solemnly, "Kang Tao CN will definitely produce a plan that satisfies you."
The projection remained silent for a moment. Joric's gaze scrutinized Li Wei, seeming to re-evaluate the potential value of this partnership.
Finally, he added, "Remember, efficiency is the foundation of cooperation. I hope to see substantive progress in the shortest possible time."
"Understood." Li Wei bowed slightly. "We will prioritize allocating the headquarters' top technical teams to ensure the preliminary plan is completed as quickly as possible."
After the communication ended, Li Wei immediately returned to the garrison to convene the technical team. He knew well the importance of this cooperation for Kang Tao CN's layout in the North American market, and he knew even better that he must seize this critical opportunity to establish a cooperative relationship with the "Sage."
Inside the workshop, Joric issued new orders to Mower, who was standing by. "Assist Kang Tao CN in dealing with their North American branch. Pay attention to collecting their technical data, especially evidence of cooperation with Arasaka. Prioritize efficiency in the operation and eliminate this potential instability."
"Understood." Mower nodded slightly. Her figure vanished silently into the shadows as she began preparing for the purge operation against the Kang Tao North American branch.
Her mission was clear and direct: root out traitors for Kang Tao CN headquarters, acquire valuable technical intelligence for her master, and eliminate a hidden danger that could cause trouble in the future.
(End of Chapter)