Chapter 483: Dismantling
As the internal locking mechanisms of the final encrypted alloy blast door were silently penetrated and disintegrated under the precise energy field of the phase cutter, the heavy door slowly collapsed inward. The internal scene of the STC Core Sanctum was finally revealed without reservation to Ryo and his accompanying Tech-Priests.
A wave of energy fluctuation, far denser than the outside and carrying a peculiar ionized scent, washed over them. Mixed within was the distinct smell of ancient dust and the operation of precision machinery.
The interior of the sanctum was a massive spherical space. The dome was constructed of an interlocking metallic skeleton, with some areas showing signs of rust due to the passage of ages.
Suspended in the center of the sphere was a cylindrically shaped device of complex structure; this was the complete STC system core.
The device was forged from dark metal, its surface covered in indecipherable geometric patterns.
Eight sets of mechanical arms were distributed in a ring around the device. The most conspicuous were three sets of manufacturing units in a deployed state: a set of precision molecular weaving arms, a set of nano-scale matter precipitators, and a set of holographic molding matrices.
Traces of recent use remained on the tool heads at the ends of these mechanical arms, and faint indicator lights flickered at some of the connection ports.
The bottom of the device was connected to several thick energy conduits. Two of these conduits had clearly been torn apart during the starship's crash, exposing densely packed cables at the break.
The inner walls of the spherical space were lined with various auxiliary equipment: material storage bays, energy regulators, mass detectors, etc. However, nearly half of the equipment was in an offline state.
The outer shell of a material synthesis cauldron was severely deformed. Its hatch was half-open, revealing solidified synthetic materials inside.
The main body of the STC core emitted a soft white glow, but the light was not stable, occasionally flickering slightly.
Accompanying this was a continuous energy leak. Sensors detected multiple bands of radiation escaping from within the device.
Several holographic projectors were still operating intermittently. The three-dimensional blueprints they projected were sometimes clear and sometimes distorted, displaying intricate mechanical structural patterns. However, these projections were confined to a radius of a few meters around the core device.
Although the entire system was still operating, it was clearly in a sub-optimal state.
Several broken conduits hung down, occasionally sparking with small electrical arcs.
A heat dissipation unit had completely ceased functioning, causing the temperature in that area to be noticeably elevated.
Various components and maintenance tools were scattered across the floor of the spherical space, indicating traces of House Van Saar's continuous maintenance and attempts at repair.
Ryo's massive mechanical body stepped into the sanctum, his optical lenses scanning the entire environment with maximum precision.
When the sensors confirmed that the central device was indeed a still-functioning STC system, the hum of the plasma reactor within his body experienced an almost imperceptible acceleration.
Data streams scrolled along the edges of his processing cores at an unprecedented speed.
"Target confirmed: Complete STC system core, still maintaining foundational operational functions." His synthesized voice echoed in the cavernous sanctum. Although it remained steady, the sheer volume of information contained within caused the accompanying Tech-Priests to pause simultaneously for a split second.
"Radiation levels: Four hundred and seventy percent above the safety threshold. Energy fluctuations: Unstable, periodic spikes present. Priority directive: Execute stabilization operations immediately."
The accompanying Tech-Priests sprang into action, their movements bearing a sense of urgency rarely seen among members of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Two portable energy barrier generators were deployed on both sides of the STC core with utmost speed.
When the energy barriers activated, confining the majority of the radiation to the perimeter of the core, the mechanical augmetic eye of one Tech-Priest involuntarily adjusted its focal length three times, repeatedly confirming the readings.
Another group of Priests carefully approached the STC system's external interface ports.
The fingers of the Priest responsible for connecting the data probes trembled slightly. It was not out of fear, but from the realization that he was making contact with the supreme holy relic dreamed of by the entire Adeptus Mechanicus.
"Multiple encryption layers and non-standard data architectures detected," he reported, his voice a mixture of awe and excitement. "Attempting to establish a preliminary connection... Bypassing..."
Just as he spoke, a set of holographic projectors on the STC core suddenly stabilized, clearly projecting the complete internal structural blueprints of a suit of power armor.
All the Tech-Priests present unanimously ceased their work, their optical sensors uniformly focusing on that incredibly intricate blueprint.
"Execute complete dismantling procedures." Ryo's command pulled everyone back to reality, though his optical lenses lingered on that blueprint for an extra 0.3 seconds. "Tag all external connection nodes, prioritize ensuring structural integrity. All data, including real-time operational logs, must be synchronously uploaded to the Eternal Seeker's database."
The Tech-Priests swiftly threw themselves into the dismantling operations. The entire team maintained the distinct professionalism of the Adeptus Mechanicus while unable to conceal their inner excitement. As the structural scanners activated, the operators' fingers trembled slightly, yet they still completed the calibrations with precision.
"Commence tagging of primary support structures," the voice of the lead Tech-Priest carried a trace of irrepressible excitement. Twelve Priests immediately took their positions. The measuring instruments in their hands emitted rhythmic hums, and everyone's optical sensors focused on the structural connection points of the STC system.
"Praise the Omnissiah," a young Priest whispered in awe. "These connection structures are preserved so perfectly."
As the heavy cutting equipment was moved into place, the operating Priest took a deep breath and began chanting litanies. His voice was slightly rushed, but the movements of his hands remained precise and steady. The phase cutter activated smoothly, the energy blade biting precisely into the base connections.
"Anti-gravity transport platforms ready," reported the Priest responsible for steering the platforms, his mechanical augmetic eye flickering slightly from agitation. Three large hover platforms moved smoothly into position, the securing clamps on their surfaces docking perfectly with the system's base.
"Primary support structure separation twenty percent complete."
"Energy conduits safely disconnected, currently backing up data."
"Intact interface protocols detected!"
The tones of the Tech-Priests as they exchanged data were noticeably more hurried than usual, yet they maintained their professional standards. When another connection point was successfully severed, several Priests collectively breathed a sigh of relief, exchanging gratified glances.
Ryo stood at the command position, monitoring every stage. When the final primary connection point was severed, he clearly issued the command: "Initiate full lifting procedures."
The anti-gravity platforms simultaneously increased their power output, emitting a steady roar. The massive STC system began to rise smoothly, completely detaching from the ship's structure. The Tech-Priests immediately stepped forward to inspect it. A senior Priest couldn't help but gently stroke the cross-section of the base, praising softly, "A flawless cut..."
"System integrity confirmed." The lead Tech-Priest's voice carried the profound satisfaction of completing a monumental mission. "All structural connection points have been safely severed; preparing for transfer."
The entire dismantling process took three hours and forty-seven minutes. Throughout the duration, the Tech-Priests maintained a work attitude that equally emphasized professionalism and piety. Now, the complete STC system was ready to be transported to the Eternal Seeker.
Meanwhile, as the dismantling operations for the STC core were completed, the cleansing and harvesting operations within Junktown were also commencing in full force.
(End of Chapter)