Chapter 392: "Crescent" Class
Ryo's mechanical body stood before the screen projecting the final design blueprint, his crimson optical lenses sweeping over those lines that crystallized the results of countless arguments and "practices." He did not hesitate much, calmly giving it his name:
"Crescent Class."
He paused slightly, seemingly retrieving a certain ancient data archive, and subsequently explained in a calm synthesized voice: "In the records preserved on Holy Terra, regarding the era when humanity had not yet stepped out of its ancient home, the moon in the night sky exhibited cyclical changes of waxing and waning. People used this to divide the time unit of a 'month'. Among the many lunar phases, the 'crescent moon' symbolizes the beginning of a brand-new cycle, representing a starting point of hope and renewal."
He looked at the Magi present, his data stream steady and clear: "This ship, carrying new technology, is born under a new order. Naming it 'Crescent' implies a new beginning for the Imperium's interstellar navigation and future development. May its wake, like the crescent moon guiding the calendar, open a new era for humanity."
"Crescent Class..." Archmagos Vox repeated in a low voice. A trace of understanding flashed in his single human eye, immediately followed by a binary confirmation tone expressing approval.
The other representatives, whether from the Alliance or Mars, also expressed their approval through their respective methods.
This name not only contained profound classical symbolism but also perfectly fit the current historical juncture. Furthermore, it avoided any bias that might trigger a new round of controversy, undoubtedly making it an excellent choice acceptable to all parties.
Thus, against the backdrop of the reshaping of the power structure within the Adeptus Mechanicus, the first demonstration vessel carrying the warp engine technology and the crystallized wisdom of all parties was officially named the "Crescent-class" cruiser.
It symbolized the end of an old era and heralded a new era full of unknowns and possibilities, just like that slender yet hopeful crescent moon in the night sky, quietly surfacing amidst the sea of stars of the Imperium of Man.
—
With the production license for the Crescent-class cruiser granted to the major Forge Worlds participating in its design through a highly symbolic ceremony, the first technological promotion under the new framework officially commenced.
Within the Martian orbital shipyards, the keel of the first standard version Crescent-class also began to be laid down, its massive hull silhouette beginning to show its formidable stature under the starlight.
Right at this juncture, Magos Dominus Vox of Nexum made a profoundly meaningful suggestion to Ryo.
His body, integrated with a multi-track chassis, approached Ryo, transmitting a data stream on a relatively private frequency: "Ryo, the main structure of the Forge Ship you ordered from Nexum is currently basically complete. If we adjust the final construction plan at this time, we have every opportunity to modify it into the very first built and commissioned Crescent-class cruiser."
Vox's mechadendrites made a gesture of weighing options. "Designating your flagship as the 'first ship', its symbolic meaning and the subsequent influence it might bring—you presumably understand this better than I do. What do you think?"
Clearly, regarding the highly historical and politically significant honor of the "first Crescent-class," Archmagos Vox, representing Nexum, displayed a strong desire to vie for it.
This would not only greatly elevate Nexum's status in the new order but also further strengthen his alliance with Ryo.
Ryo's processor rapidly evaluated this proposal.
The Forge Ship he had originally ordered was based on the traditional Lunar-class framework, and there was a generational gap in performance compared to the Crescent-class. If it could be upgraded to the first Crescent-class, whether in terms of ship performance or its symbolic significance as a technological landmark product, it would be a substantial upgrade for him, with the benefits outweighing the drawbacks.
"Acceptable," Ryo's response was concise and clear. "The performance enhancement meets my needs."
At this moment, the Martian faction, which had previously been on the defensive during the negotiations, unexpectedly displayed rare magnanimity.
A Martian Archmagos responsible for shipbuilding affairs intervened in the communication, his vox-caster carrying a deliberately crafted, grand, and generous tone: "Since this ship will carry such momentous significance, Mars is willing to provide full support. We propose transferring this unfinished hull to the highest-specification shipyard on Mars, and we will bear all subsequent reconstruction costs and resource consumption."
He paused slightly, throwing out an even more tempting condition: "At the same time, we will open Mars's ancient vault of ship components to Forge Magos Ryo. Among them, some technological relics and special weapon systems originating from the Dark Age of Technology might include treasures suitable for mounting on this 'first ship'. This is both a tribute to the technological pioneer and the sincerity of Mars's deep cooperation with the new order."
This move by Mars could not be called anything but brilliant.
Through generous investment and opening their secret hoards, they attempted to pull the dominance over the construction of the "first ship" back to Mars to a certain extent, using this to show goodwill to Ryo, ease previous antagonisms, and seize an advantageous position in the new landscape.
Seeing this, the representatives of the other Forge Worlds also immediately realized the influence and potential technological exchange opportunities contained within, and opportunely stated their positions one after another.
Magos Vladimir of Graia promised to provide reinforced energy cores and shield generators; Magos Thorne of Lucius stated they could optimize its detection and fire control systems...
For a time, Ryo's yet-to-be-named flagship unexpectedly became the focal platform where all parties vied to invest, display their technological prowess, and express their sincerity in cooperation.
Ryo calmly received the proposals and promises flooding in from all sides, the red light of his optical lenses as steady as ever.
He clearly knew that this ship was no longer merely a warship, but also a political symbol and a window for technological display.
With the resources and technology of all factions converging here, they could certainly build an unprecedentedly powerful flagship, but it also meant he needed to skillfully balance the demands of all parties.
"Gratitude for everyone's support," Ryo finally responded, his synthesized voice still steady. "I accept this reconstruction plan."
For him, the enhancement of the flagship's performance was the primary consideration. As for the minor exchanges of favors among the Forge Worlds involved, as long as it did not affect the ultimate goal, he did not mind.
"Excellent." Archmagos Vox immediately responded, his voice carrying metallic resonance revealing a trace of satisfaction. "Nexum will transfer your unfinished Forge Ship to the Martian shipyards at the fastest possible speed. I look forward to it gaining new life here."
The matter was thus finalized.
This was not some complex political gambit, but more like a friendly exchange under the new cooperation framework, where all parties smoothly pushed the boat along with the current based on shared interests and technological enthusiasm.
Ryo obtained a more powerful flagship and some extra benefits; Nexum won the sense of participation and honor of building the first ship; Mars displayed a cooperative posture and gained the opportunity to exert influence; other Forge Worlds also took this opportunity to leave their respective technological marks on this highly symbolic project.
A special construction project bringing together resources and technology from multiple parties was about to unfold within the Martian shipyards.
From the moment its reconstruction was decided, this destined-to-be-extraordinary "first ship" bore the gaze and expectations of the major factions within the Adeptus Mechanicus.