After several standard weeks of contemplation and data extrapolation, Osiris finally traced a clear path through the intricate technical labyrinth.
His laboratory was stacked with data-slates covered in equations, holographic projections suspended endlessly corrected ship structure diagrams, and the air was filled with the unique aroma of coolant mixed with ozone.
This preliminary concept strictly followed the principle of "minimal alteration"—planning a practical modification route while maintaining the iconic exterior and main structural integrity of the Lunar-class cruiser.
Osiris clearly recognized that the greatest obstacle lay in finding a suitable place for the behemoth that was the Warp drive within the ship's limited spare capacity.
He marked three potential areas on the structure diagrams: the expanded space in the aft engine bay, a modified solution for the midship cargo section, and the most radical option: a complete reorganization of the main reactor.
Each choice brought different technical challenges and construction risks.
Integrating the energy system was equally tricky. Osiris meticulously charted new pathways for several energy conduits.
These modifications had to satisfy two seemingly contradictory requirements: they had to bear the Warp drive's astonishing power demands without affecting the normal operation of the warship's existing systems.
He established backup circuits at critical nodes—a necessary compromise due to the unpredictable nature of Imperial shipbuilding practices.
The most subtle aspect was the upgrade of the control system. Osiris designed a gradual integration plan, intending to interface the logic core manufactured by Nexum with the ship's traditional command system on a layered basis.
This solution not only had to solve technical compatibility issues between the old and new systems but also had to consider the doctrinal disputes it might trigger within the Mechanicum.
Osiris understood that these schemes on paper were a long way from true realization.
Every technical decision could touch the sensitive nerves of certain factions, and every design detail required countless rounds of argumentation and compromise.
In the silence of the laboratory, he could almost hear the pressure gathering from all sides: the traditionalist Tech-Priests' suspicion of "xenos technology," the Martian faction's covetousness for technical dominance, and the political maneuvering hidden beneath the data streams.
After saving the preliminary scheme into an encrypted data core, Osiris began preparing for the next phase of work.
He needed to assemble a trustworthy technical team, prepare for the manufacturing of a prototype, and, most importantly, ready himself for the coming technological debates.
The real test was just beginning; whether this technical path could ultimately succeed depended not only on engineering breakthroughs but also on the political storm gathering above Terra.
When Mars received the accurate combat report confirming the annihilation of the fleet dispatched to the Death World, the entire Council Chamber fell into a prolonged silence.
The cold statistics on the data-slates and the undeniable fact that the Nexum Forge World had openly sided with Osiris forced the Martian political scales to tip.
Over the next few standard days, Mars endured intense debate and power struggles internally.
The hardliners advocated for immediate mobilization of more military force, risking direct conflict with Nexum and even the Imperial Fists.
The pragmatists, however, pointed out that with the Emperor's explicit support, and the intervention of the Black Templars and Dark Angels, continued staunch opposition was not only unlikely to succeed but would likely lead to Mars' further isolation within the Imperial system.
External pressure was also mounting daily.
The Dark Angels' precise strikes against Martian interests on Terra, and the Space Wolves' physical deterrence of Mars' political allies, continuously squeezed Mars' room for maneuver.
Ultimately, after yet another round of intense, all-night debate, a compromise solution gained majority support.
An official diplomatic vessel, bearing the Martian insignia and entirely without armed escort, applied for and was granted permission to enter the orbit of Holy Terra through official channels.
The voice of the Martian Council, transmitted via the official communication link, was delivered directly to Osiris' laboratory deep within the Imperial Palace.
"In the name of the Martian Council and the Omnissiah," the Tech-Priest, cloaked in ornate red robes, relayed the message with an unusually cautious tone, "we formally invite Explorator Osiris, to travel to Mars for a consultation regarding the technical authorization of the Warp drive.
Mars acknowledges the immense potential contained within this technology and hopes to discuss its application and development within the Imperium in a more… constructive manner."
This invitation was immediately brought before Rogal Dorn.
Dorn gazed at the communication record, his stoic face betraying no emotion. He summoned Osiris and informed him of the situation.
Dorn's knuckles drummed on the tactical table, creating a steady sound. "This is a signal," he stated bluntly, "Mars has bowed its head, but its spine is unbroken.
They are attempting to move the battlefield to the area they know best—to trap you with tens of thousands of years of accumulated technical authority and dogma."
Osiris' optical lenses slightly adjusted their focus: "Risk and opportunity coexist, My Lord Primarch. If we can turn Mars' opposition into cooperation, the Imperium will avoid internal strife. The key is that we must control the pace of the negotiation."
"That is the difficulty," Dorn stood up, his shadow falling over the holographic star chart. "In the core territory of Mars, their rules are the truth. But you are right, some risks must be taken."
He turned to Osiris, his tone decisive: "You will go under my banner. Sigismund and his Templars will escort you the entire way. This is not a request; it is an order.
Make it clear to Mars that you represent the will of the Emperor and Terra." He paused, lowering his voice, "The Dark Angels have deployed ahead of time. They will ensure the negotiation environment is… relatively fair."
Osiris' mechanical fingers swept across the data-slate, calling up a topographical map of Mars: "I require the negotiation red lines."
"Three principles," Dorn held up his fingers. "First, the Warp drive must be universally disseminated, without question. Second, Neksum's research leadership must be unshakeable. Third," his gaze sharpened, "all technical standards must be shared with Terra. Mars can participate, but it cannot monopolize."
"What if they demand technology sharing?"
"Then follow the Imperial standard," a grim line curved Dorn's lips. "Every Forge World that participates in manufacturing can gain corresponding access, including Mars. But the core technology must remain under our control."
Osiris encrypted these three principles into his memory core: "Understood. I will turn this 'consultation' into a stage for displaying Imperial unity."
When the specific schedule for the meeting was finalized, the communications center in the Terra Imperial Palace sent a formal reply to Mars.
Every word in the binary-coded communique was meticulously weighed, maintaining respect for the sacred Mechanicum home world while clearly conveying an uncompromising stance.
Under Sigismund's personal supervision, a specially modified frigate began final checks.
The ship would fly the dual banners of the Imperial Fists and the Explorator, and the newly carved Maltese crosses on its armor glinted coldly in the dockyard lights.
Meanwhile, subtle changes were occurring in Mars' orbit.
Several surveillance ships belonging to different factions suddenly adjusted their deployment positions, and an unexpected maintenance window appeared at a crucial communication hub. The phantoms of the Dark Angels had already begun to sweep the battlefield.
The Red Planet awaited its visitor, and the outcome of this journey would determine the future course of the Imperium of Man.