Chapter 139: The Possibility of Resurrection
However, beyond these physiological marvels, Joric was more curious about how Bartmoss had actually died.
His mechanical fingers tapped lightly on the console, calling up fragmented information about the legendary netrunner's demise.
"Physical termination: Failed Arasaka ground assault, followed by an orbital mass-driver strike. The impact caused a momentary main power failure in his hideout, severing his network connection," Joric stated the known facts. "Subject's vital signs ceased before backup power engaged and environmental systems restored."
"Direct cause of death presents multiple technical hypotheses. Most logical hypothesis one: Sudden disconnection during deep-dive state prevented consciousness from successfully returning to a body already highly dependent on external life-support, inducing brain death," he proposed. "The high coupling between his brain structure and the equipment supports this model."
"However, a second possibility exists, though the evidence chain is incomplete. Hypothesis two: At the moment of the strike, facing inevitable physical disconnection, he may have initiated an emergency protocol, attempting to actively upload or seal his core consciousness data into a nearby network node, voluntarily severing the link to his meat," Joric continued his deduction. "A hasty, unverified gamble. The likely result was consciousness dissipation during transmission, or entrapment in an inaccessible data-fissure, while the body perished from abandonment."
Joric paused, his processing core weighing the probabilities.
"Whether passive consciousness stranding or active upload failure, the irony remains: a will capable of battling 'Soulkiller' in the digital realm was ultimately defeated by a brief physical disconnection in reality," he summarized. "His death highlights the immaturity and immense risk of consciousness-digitization technology in this world, and reveals that even the most powerful mind cannot fully escape the fragility of its material anchor."
Basic information sorted. Joric decided on a deeper probe. He needed to know if this brain still held valuable information at the microscopic level.
"Prepare for micro-invasive tissue sampling. Targets: Prefrontal cortex, hippocampus tissue sections. Analyze neuron synapse structure, neurotransmitter residue, and presence of anomalous epigenetic markers," he commanded.
Mechadendrites equipped with ultra-fine probes and cutting tools, guided by the servo-skull's high-magnification lens, carefully extracted minute samples from specific regions.
The process was silent and precise, minimizing damage to the corpse.
The samples were fed into the manufactorum's integrated micro-bioanalyzer.
Data began to output continuously.
"Neuron synapse structure is abnormally complex. Dendritic spine density is extremely high. Observing physiological traces of massive long-term potentiation effects, indicating the subject engaged in learning and memory activities of unimaginable intensity during life," he read the data.
"Neurotransmitter residue analysis reveals abnormal concentrations of various chemicals related to higher cognitive functions, specifically those associated with attention, working memory, and creative thought. Metabolic pathways also appear... optimized? No, more like adaptive alteration under extreme usage."
"Epigenetic markers show genes related to neuroplasticity and cognitive function in a highly active state. This state typically accompanies extreme environmental stimuli or sustained high-intensity cerebral activity," he concluded. "His brain, until the moment of death, appears to have been running at 'full power'."
Joric contemplated for a moment. "A unique brain born to process information, combined with extreme acquired usage and development, ultimately shaping the myth of cyberspace," he murmured to the servo-skull. "The value of its physiological basis far exceeds standard genetic samples."
His gaze fell once more on the ancient network access interface.
"Old Friend, attempt to link with this interface. Use minimum power. Read only basic interface information and potential residual, inactive data traces. Maintain isolation to avoid any latent data risks," he instructed.
A hair-thin data-probe extended from a mechadendrite tip, precisely slotting into the long-dusty port.
After a brief silence, the servo-skull's eye sockets flickered, transmitting a series of broken, nearly annihilated data fragments.
No consciousness, no programs, only some near-background "brands" left by the passage of extreme high-speed data streams.
"Interface log fragments... detecting high-frequency access records exceeding current parsing protocol limits. Timestamps cease at the moment of death. Data stream intensity... far exceeds the theoretical design capacity of this interface," Joric murmured. "He was using an ordinary tool to perform godlike feats. The direct load on the brain is unimaginable."
Probe retracted. No active data or dangerous programs found, only silent proof of past glory.
Synthesizing all analysis results, Joric began his summary. He scrutinized the remains of the legendary hacker on the platform, his logic-core rapidly assessing potential value.
Bartmoss's unique neurophysiological structure was itself a precious research sample, highly relevant for optimizing bio-computational unit design.
His genes were worth preserving, though whether a clone could replicate his talent was unknown.
The most direct utilization would be to mechanically augment this well-preserved corpse, converting it into a Servitor focused on data processing, allowing his extraordinary brain to function in another form.
Of course, more radical possibilities existed.
If Joric were willing to transport this corpse back to the Warhammer universe, he indeed had methods to resurrect it completely.
But the cost of doing so was immense, involving darkness and taboos sufficient to make the First Legion initiate the Ninth Icarus Protocol.
And if his judgment was correct, perhaps such trouble wasn't necessary. Resurrection might be achievable directly within this Cyberpunk world.
But before that, he needed to thoroughly study Bartmoss's body and confirm all parameters.
Only after mastering all necessary data would he consider the next move.
"Current priorities clear," Joric whispered to the servo-skull. "Deep analysis of neural structure and genetic sequence. Parallel plan for mechanization into auxiliary computational unit. As for resurrection... that requires more data support and careful weighing."
He turned to the console, mechadendrites beginning the next phase of precision sampling. Bartmoss's legacy would first serve him in a more controllable manner.
"Prioritize genetic sample backup and deep neural structure modeling," he looked at the servo-skull. "Subsequently, initiate preliminary mechanization protocols. Objective: conversion into an auxiliary computational unit focused on data analysis and pattern recognition. Preserve the integrity of the core brain structure to leave room for future options."
"As for total resurrection..." Joric's crimson optical lenses flickered slightly. "That requires more meticulous preparation and a comprehensive projection of potential consequences. First, we must ensure we can fully control, or at least effectively guide, the will of this 'God of Hackers.' Now is not the time."
Commands issued, the equipment in the manufactorum began to operate according to the new priorities. Mechadendrites moved Bartmoss's body to a maintenance field, beginning genetic sampling and preliminary neural interface connection preparations.
Joric stood before the console, data streams rushing through his consciousness. Bartmoss's legacy was not just a corpse, but a witness to the technological peak and life-miracle of an era. How to maximize this unexpected harvest would be another test of the Magos Explorator's skill and wisdom.
And in this process, he would undoubtedly gain a profound understanding of the nature of the network in this Cyberpunk world, and the boundary between human consciousness and machine. This, perhaps, held greater value than Bartmoss's body itself.
(End of Chapter)