Chapter 237: Early Arrival
After receiving Volks's message, Joric's thinking core immediately activated the pre-prepared blueprints for the Cruiser.
However, the Death World base he was currently located in (via the link) possessed only basic Astropathic communication capabilities. This method, relying on psykers to relay messages, not only had immense delays but was also incapable of carrying precise technical data packets.
He could not reply directly point-to-point via the Mechanicus's FTL channels like Volks.
Instead of responding directly to Volks's communication, he retrieved the encrypted, extremely detailed technical specification packet from his data cache and transmitted it via local connection to the processing core of an apprentice stationed on the Death World.
"Deliver this data packet to Nexum," Joric's command was concise and clear. "Hand it personally to the Fabricator Locum. Request that he must complete the construction of my Cruiser according to these blueprints."
He had to rely on this most primitive yet reliable method of human delivery to ensure the integrity and security of the design blueprints.
This blueprint was meticulously designed by Joric based on his duties as an Explorator Magos, future research needs, and the unique nature of cross-dimensional operations.
It was not a subversive modification of the Lunar-class Cruiser's basic design—that would consume immeasurable time and resources—but a series of key optimizations and customizations built upon the standard template.
First, he demanded the highest level of reinforcement for the exclusive laboratory located in the ship's core area.
The structural strength of this area needed to far exceed conventional standards. The space between the inner and outer hulls had to be filled with higher-grade anti-scanning, anti-penetration, and energy-dampening materials.
The laboratory's independent energy system required expansion to ensure it could support the continuous operation of high-energy-consumption experimental equipment and possess an isolation mechanism to instantly disconnect from the ship's main energy network in emergencies.
Internal life support, environmental control, and data processing systems all adopted multi-redundant designs to guarantee basic operations under any extreme conditions.
Emergency isolation protocols were further refined, adding multiple layers of physical and energy lockdowns, while simultaneously strengthening the mechanism and propulsion for ejecting the entire laboratory unit as an independent escape pod.
Second, regarding facilities for Skitarii and recruit cultivation, Joric requested an expansion of their deck area and optimization of logistical efficiency between them, the equipment maintenance workshops, and the armory.
He specifically noted that extra space and interfaces should be reserved for future installation of training simulation facilities for specific environments or missions.
Regarding weapon systems, while Joric accepted the standard configuration of a Lunar-class Cruiser, he required a 30% extra redundancy and upgrade interface reservation in all weapon platform mounts and energy distribution networks. This was to prepare for future installation of more powerful weapon systems from other worlds or of his own development.
Especially the mount for the Nova Cannon—it must undergo structural reinforcement to handle the potential future need to swap for a higher-output model.
Furthermore, for critical systems such as the Auspex Array, Void Shield Generators, Gellar Field, and Warp Engines, he explicitly stated again that all would use high-performance versions supplied internally by the Mechanicus. He also required extra maintenance access and diagnostic interfaces to be reserved during installation for subsequent upgrades and tuning.
These adjustments fully reflected Joric's profound consideration for future needs: a sturdy and highly autonomous core research fortress, a guard force capable of sustained combat and continuous growth, and a combat platform with immense upgrade potential.
After handling Volks's communication and the Cruiser planning, Joric began to parse the second part of the information stream.
This part came from the apprentice stationed at the Death World base, reporting an unexpected event—the frigate sent to Nexum to contact House Rinco had returned weeks ahead of schedule, successfully bringing the Knight squad dispatched by House Rinco.
This anomaly immediately aroused Joric's vigilance.
Warp travel was indeed full of uncertainty; time dilation and non-linear effects happened frequently.
But such precise early arrival, coinciding exactly with the critical moment he needed military support—this coincidence was a bit too deliberate.
A trace of cold suspicion spread in his heart.
Was this purely a navigational anomaly, or a deliberate arrangement by some higher existence?
Was something deep in the Warp watching his actions, or even quietly plucking the strings of fate?
He seemed to feel a gaze from the other side of the dimension, an indescribable whisper lingering at the edge of his logic circuits.
His sensor arrays unconsciously increased scanning frequency, and internal cooling systems emitted a very faint hum.
Although situated in a different dimension, the instinctive alertness to potential danger of an experienced Tech-Priest had been fully awakened.
However, lacking concrete evidence, he could only temporarily mark this unsettling conjecture as a "High Observation Item," burying the doubt deep within his logic core.
The report sent by the apprentices was extremely detailed, clearly executing the task strictly according to the observation and recording standards instilled by Joric.
House Rinco had dispatched a complete tactical detachment this time, fully demonstrating its military heritage as an established Knight House.
This force centered on four Knight suits and their pilots, equipped with a complete support system.
This included a team of Sacristans specifically responsible for maintaining the Knights, an auxiliary combat group composed of ten Armiger-class mechs, and a House Rinco private army of about a thousand soldiers.
Such a configuration ensured the full exertion of core combat power while guaranteeing sustained combat capability and rear defense.
The report first mentioned Margaret Nearl, whom Joric had contact with before.
This young Knight, known for her unmatched valor and steadfast sense of honor, piloted a Knight Lancer.
This was a relatively rare model focused on melee and high-speed assault.
Its chassis, taller than standard Knights, and longer leg structure granted superior mobility.
The iconic Ion Gauntlet Shield could greatly enhance frontal melee defense, while the Shock Lance, capable of violent charging melee attacks and firing plasma bolts, not only had excellent ranged output but was also effective in anti-air roles due to its rapid fire rate.
Next, it introduced Margaret's sister, Maria Nearl.
She piloted a Knight Gallant, which also favored melee but focused more on using heavy firepower to suppress clustered targets.
Her main weapons included a Punisher Gatling Cannon capable of unleashing devastating area-suppression fire, and a Tempest Warblade that could slice through armor with ease.
Although data indicated it excelled at dealing with numerically superior enemy forces, the report noted that in actual tactical application, this configuration leaned more toward close-to-mid-range fire support and anti-light armor roles.
(End of Chapter)