"I am a technical consultant dispatched by the Far Star Alliance. You may call me Osiris," Osiris' voice was steady, his pale blue optical lens taking in the bustling engineering area around him. "Having just gone through high-intensity combat, the efficiency of this ship's emergency repair organization is commendable."
Swann wiped a smudge of grease off his face, sizing up the uniquely tempered consultant before letting out a grin: "Thanks. This old girl can take a beating, but you've gotta know her." His tone carried an engineer's trademark pride.
Osiris gave a subtle nod, his gaze sweeping over several CMC power armor repair racks of various models nearby. "The modular design and environmental adaptability of the powered combat suits equipped by your forces are quite representative of Terran gear in the Koprulu sector."
Following his gaze, Swann replied casually, "Ah, the CMCs. From the 300 series up to the latest 600, the underlying structure isn't too different; it's all about maintenance and targeted modifications." As if remembering something, he looked at Osiris. "By the way, Consultant, do you folks over in the Earth sphere have any different ideas when it comes to single-soldier heavy armor? I happen to have a fairly complete set of internal schematics and common modification plans for a few mainstream models here."
His words carried a hint of testing, balanced with an intent to share technology. As a top-tier pragmatic engineer, he was interested in any design that might spark new ideas.
"I am indeed interested in the design logic and evolutionary path of such practical individual equipment," Osiris answered, his tone remaining flat. "The Far Star Alliance has accumulated different insights in materials science and ergonomic support systems. We can conduct an information exchange."
"Information exchange? Works for me!" Swann's eyes lit up, agreeing readily. "I'll organize my schematics and mod notes. You show me the design summaries of those 'different ideas' of yours, and maybe it'll give me some fresh inspiration." He scratched his head. "Though let's get one thing straight—when it comes to details regarding specific weapon systems and core power modules, we follow the rules."
"Agreed," Osiris accepted the proposal. "I will prepare an overview of non-core design concepts and peripheral technologies. The specific methods and scope of exchange can be determined later."
"Deal. That settles it," Swann clapped his hands, looking quite satisfied. This brief exchange established a preliminary connection built on technical curiosity.
For Swann, a chance to glimpse the design philosophy of another technological framework was highly attractive; for Osiris, systematically acquiring detailed technical schematics of the primary individual equipment in the Koprulu sector was an important step toward enriching his database and evaluating their technological trajectory.
"Captain Horner probably arranged a temporary workspace for you," Swann pointed toward the corridor. "Need me to lead the way? Lots of turns around here."
"Unnecessary. Coordinates logged. I need to connect testing equipment to ship systems," Osiris declined politely, turning to leave after a brief nod.
Watching his departing back, Swann muttered to himself, "Bit of an oddball, but seems like someone who gets real work done." Turning back to his repairs, he was already pondering which non-classified yet impressive technical files he could pull out for the exchange.
A few days after the Hyperion broke away from the Haven system, emergency repairs on the ship continued. The main power line coupling had been replaced, but the shield generators still needed time to fully recover to peak condition. Repair technicians could still be seen busy across various sectors inside the ship.
After hearing Matt's report on the ship's condition on the bridge, Raynor returned to his quarters. He had just pulled off his damaged power armor jacket when the door comm chimed.
"Jim, it's me," Tychus's voice came through the speaker.
Raynor granted entry. Tychus stepped inside, his helmet tucked under his arm and a solemn expression on his face.
"Got news," Tychus closed the door, cutting straight to the point. "The Moebius Foundation contacted me. About the artifact deal."
Raynor gestured for him to go on.
"They found the location of the second fragment," Tychus lowered his voice. "A planet called Xil, on the edge of the Koprulu sector. Coordinates are sent over."
Raynor nodded. The Moebius Foundation, which Tychus had contacted earlier, showed a deep interest in Xel'Naga artifacts. They were the ones who provided the intel for the first fragment.
"There's a hitch though," Tychus continued. "The Foundation sent an advance survey team to check it out first, but they went radio silent. The last transmitted signal mentioned 'temple structures' and 'defense systems activated,' and then comms cut out. Haven't heard a peep in a long time."
Raynor set down his towel: "So what's their contract now?"
"Both," Tychus said. "The Foundation's willing to pay double the reward, provided we recover the fragment and figure out what happened to the survey team if possible. They stressed that Xil holds ancient Xel'Naga temple ruins, and the fragment is deep inside. The temple might still have automated defense systems running."
Raynor went silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. The Hyperion had just gone through a fierce battle, and while it hadn't suffered core damage, it was far from its best shape.
"How much is the payout?" Raynor asked.
Tychus quoted a figure. Raynor raised an eyebrow slightly; that amount was enough to cover the Raiders' operational expenses for months to come.
"What do you think?" Raynor asked.
"Take it," Tychus said. "The pay is fat enough. We can't let the artifact fragment fall into other hands. As for the survey team, we save them if we can."
Raynor thought it over for a few minutes. He needed resources, and the Moebius Foundation was one of the few organizations currently capable of making transactions like this.
"Alright," Raynor finally said. "Reply to the Foundation that we're taking the job. But we need time to prep. The Hyperion needs repairs, and we need to restock supplies. Tell them we'll head to Xil after doing essential maintenance."
"Got it," Tychus nodded. "I'll push the coordinates and known intel data to your terminal."
After Tychus left, Raynor pulled up the star map and inputted the coordinates for Xil. A greyish-brown planetary projection rotated on the screen. Data indicated it was a rocky planet with relatively active geological movement and no permanent settlements.
Supplementary intel provided by the Moebius Foundation noted ancient Xel'Naga temple ruins on Xil, with the energy signature of the artifact fragment detected deep within the temple structure. The temple likely retained automated defense mechanisms.
Saving the coordinates and data, Raynor then patched through to Matt.
"Matt, we have a new target. A planet named Xil. Tychus picked up a contract for the second artifact fragment," Raynor explained the situation. "However, the Hyperion's current status isn't fit for an immediate high-risk planetary landing op. We need to find somewhere to do more thorough repairs and resupply."
Matt pulled up the star map: "There's an asteroid belt designated TX-7 not far from our current position. It has rich metallic mineral reserves and no known faction claiming sovereignty. We can harvest raw materials while using the asteroids as cover for repair operations."
"That's the spot," Raynor decided. "Set course for the TX-7 asteroid belt. Once we arrive, initiate full repair protocols, prioritizing shield generators and propulsion systems. Run an inventory check on ammo and supplies as well."
"Understood," Matt replied.
With the course adjustment orders issued, the Hyperion turned slowly, heading toward the asteroid belt.