Death World Base, Core Command Center.
Osiris' massive, dark red mechanical body stood still before the main control console, his crimson optical lenses sweeping over the real-time status data streams from all base sectors.
The residual energy from the dimensional transmission had completely dissipated within the isolation room, and the base's energy readings had returned to baseline.
"Sekhmet," Osiris' synthesized voice echoed in the silent central hub.
Sekhmet, standing by, immediately stepped forward, her data port docking with the main console. "Lord Magos."
"Acquaint Knight Zofia and her squad with the base's defensive layout, especially the sensor network and firepoint configuration in the Canyon experimental zone. Their authority has been logged into the base defense system's secondary sequence."
"Instruction confirmed." Sekhmet responded, then turned to Zofia, who was standing by.
Zofia, dressed in her pilot suit, nodded slightly to Sekhmet, and the two quickly exchanged the base structure map and defensive node information via data stream.
Osiris' gaze shifted to Maine's crew, assembled and waiting on the other side. "Maine."
The tall mercenary leader stepped forward, followed by Dorio, Rebecca, Pilar, and Falco, who also stood ready.
They still carried the lingering bustle of Night City, but their eyes had switched to mission mode.
"A new dimension exploration mission has entered the preparation phase," Osiris' synthesized voice was steady and emotionless. "Your upcoming work is divided into three parts."
He projected a holographic list of supplies.
"One, fully inspect and maintain all existing exploration equipment. This includes the life support systems of the environmental suits, the energy reserves of the weapon modules, and the general reconnaissance drones and their control terminals. All equipment must meet standard operational parameters."
"Two, adaptation training. The base training ground has been configured to simulate high-gravity and low-gravity environmental parameters. All members must complete basic physical adaptation and tactical movement calibration."
"Three, standby. Await the preliminary reconnaissance data feedback from the target dimension and make targeted equipment adjustments based on the intelligence received."
Maine nodded resolutely. "Understood. Equipment checks can begin today, and adaptation training will start tomorrow."
He glanced at his crew members behind him. Dorio had already begun checking the hydraulic system of her power fists, and Rebecca was inspecting the energy readings on her heavy weapons.
"Pilar," Osiris named, "You are responsible for checking and optimizing the neural interfaces and data link stability of the squad members. Ensure that communications and sensory enhancement systems will not suffer unpredictable interference in an unknown dimensional environment."
"Leave it to me, Magos," Pilar shook his characteristic silver cyber-arm, brimming with confidence.
Osiris transmitted an encrypted data packet to Maine. "This contains the basic environmental parameter prediction model and potential energy interference mode analysis for the target dimension. Use it for training reference."
"Received." Maine confirmed the receipt, and the data stream flickered in the corner of his tactical visor.
After arranging the preparations for the exploration crew, Osiris temporarily transferred command center authority to Sekhmet: "Maintain standard base operations. In case of anomalies, proceed according to the contingency plan, or report directly to me via the encrypted link."
"As you command, Lord Magos."
Osiris' massive body turned towards the hangar passage.
He needed to return to the Neksum Forge World to personally verify the actual progress of the "Iron Guard" project.
Data reports could be falsified, but the actual chassis rolling off the production line, the pilot feedback on neural link synchronization rates, and even the vitality of the machine spirits all required his personal assessment.
Death World Base landing platform, a small shuttle engine started, emitting a deep hum.
Osiris' immense mechanical body stepped inside the cabin. The shuttle immediately ascended, penetrating the atmosphere and heading towards low orbit.
In orbit, the cruiser Eternal Quest hovered silently.
The shuttle smoothly entered its ventral hangar, where servo locks secured it. Osiris left the shuttle and proceeded directly to the bridge via an internal corridor.
"Set course for Neksum Forge World," he commanded the ship's Cogitator.
"Course locked. Warp travel is estimated to take five standard days."
The Eternal Quest's warp drive ignited at the stern, the hull enveloped by a spatial bubble before vanishing from its current coordinates.
During the voyage, Osiris reviewed all "Iron Guard" project data transmitted from the Neksum Forge World.
He focused on three main areas: the operational logs and pilot physiological damage reports for the standard operation models; the combat test records and system stability data for the neural-linked versions; and the actual assembly progress and quality control reports for the production line.
He cross-referenced the project data with the periodic summary submitted by Archmagos Vox, marking seventeen performance parameters requiring on-site verification and three production nodes where reporting delays might exist.
Five days later, the Eternal Quest precisely dropped out of warp, appearing on the outskirts of the Neksum system, and was quickly granted permission to berth at the main starport.
After disembarking, Osiris refused the reception protocol arranged by the starport officials and did not proceed to the Forge Temple for courtesy meetings. Instead, he took an internal transport vehicle directly to the main production and assembly line of the "Iron Guard" project.
Stepping into the noisy and colossal assembly hall, the sounds of metal clanging and energy tools whining were incessant.
On the assembly line, over a dozen "Iron Guard" chassis were in various stages of assembly.
The Project Supervisor, Forge Master Marcus Thorne, soon appeared. Clad in the standard red robes, he was moderately augmented, retaining few human facial features.
He quickly stepped forward, giving Osiris a brief, precise gear-salute.
"Magos Osiris, I apologize for not meeting you sooner. Your presence here boosts our efficiency." Although they shared the rank of Magos, Marcus still showed respect for Osiris.
Osiris offered a slight nod in return: "Magos Thorne. Retrieve all combat test records for the standard operation models from the past three months, along with the corresponding pilots' physiological monitoring logs."
His synthesized voice cut straight to the point.
The data stream was quickly routed into Osiris' processing core.
He rapidly analyzed the findings: the chassis output power had increased by about 12%, and the weapon system performance was enhanced, but at the cost of the reactor operating load and energy radiation levels exceeding the initial design safety thresholds.
The pilot physiological data showed that prolonged operation accumulated radiation damage, increasing the risk of tissue necrosis.
"We weighed performance against cost," Marcus explained, his tone cautious yet firm. "In the current theater of war needs, survival often takes precedence over long-term health.
These modifications indeed deviate from the safety redundancy you initially set, but they do not touch the core architecture."
Osiris then reviewed the data for the neural-linked version.
Although various specialized configurations sacrificed versatility, tactical adaptability was significantly enhanced.
He walked up to one of the chassis, and a mechanical tentacle accessed the maintenance port, reading the underlying operational log.
The machine spirit was active and stable, integrating well with the reinforced chassis.
Osiris silently assessed all the information.
The project team's modifications were indeed more aggressive and harsher on the pilots.
However, in this brutal universe, this trade-off—sacrificing part of one's healthy lifespan for greater survival and lethality—had proven effective.
The current model could be seen as the natural evolution of the original design under harsh reality.
He retracted his tentacle.
"The existing mass production design and production rhythm are to remain unchanged," Osiris' instruction was clear and precise.
Marcus Thorne nodded slightly.
"We will abide by your judgment. The production line will continue to operate under the current standard." He maintained a respectful posture, but his eyes showed the understanding of a fellow technical decision-maker.
Osiris left the assembly hall.
The Iron Guard project had indeed deviated from his original vision of "safer equipment" but had evolved into a competent weapon better suited for the unforgiving battlefields of the Warhammer universe.