Chapter 294: Mechanicus-Style Sales Pitch
Next, Ryo displayed simplified diagrams of the two control modes: "As you know, we are currently testing two main control modes.
"The standard mode utilizes a traditional manual cockpit, supplemented by a high-performance logic core specially manufactured by the Forge World of Nexum to handle complex machine balance, weapon targeting, and partial tactical situation assessment.
"Its design goal is to enable soldiers with basic training to quickly master it and form effective combat power.
"The other is the deep neural link mode. This mode requires the pilot to have a compatible neural interface and places higher demands on the user's physiological tolerance and mental stability.
"Its advantage lies in achieving faster command response and granting the pilot a more intuitive sense of machine control, thereby more fully exploiting the inherent performance potential of the 'Iron Guard' system."
He did not specifically mention Valerie's stunning performance, but the data stream displayed included a comparison chart showing the significant advantage in machine reaction time under the neural link mode.
Inquisitor Karras listened quietly, his gaze intently following every change in the holographic projection.
He did not interrupt Ryo's introduction, only occasionally nodding slightly to indicate he was following along.
It wasn't until Ryo's introduction of the basic performance and control modes came to a close that he spoke, his voice steady and carrying a scrutinizing tone: "A very excellent foundational design, Lord Magos. The balance of firepower, mobility, and protection is done quite well."
He first gave an affirmative evaluation, then changed the subject, raising more specific requirements, "However, the mission environments the Inquisition faces often exceed the 'conventional' scope.
"Many of the heretics we hunt cannot be completely eradicated by relying solely on bolters.
"Especially when it involves Warp contamination and Chaos powers, physical protection sometimes seems... inadequate."
He leaned forward slightly, pointing to the 'Iron Guard' model. "I would like to know, regarding psychic protection, what design considerations does the 'Iron Guard' currently have? Warriors of the Inquisition frequently need to face the malice of the Warp directly; pure physical protection is often not enough.
"Could you consider adding some form of psychic shield? Our Inquisition has some existing technologies that could be used as a reference.
"Even if it can only weaken the most direct mental incursions or whispers, it could play a decisive role in protecting the pilot's sanity and buying crucial reaction time when encountering psykers."
Ryo's optical lenses flickered slightly, seemingly processing this specific technical requirement.
He didn't immediately give a definitive yes or no answer, but responded in an exploratory tone: "Psychic protection is indeed a key issue, Inquisitor. Pure physical armor indeed has limitations when facing Warp threats.
"The psychic shield you mentioned is a feasible direction. However, miniaturizing such a system to integrate it into single-soldier power armor while ensuring sufficient protection strength and sustained operational time is a technical challenge." He paused briefly, data streams rapidly retrieving in his consciousness. "Existing standard models are too large and consume too much energy.
"However, if the Inquisition can provide relevant technical parameters as a reference, we can attempt to develop a simplified version focused on defending against low-intensity mental incursions. But this will require extensive testing to verify its stability and practical efficacy."
Karras listened carefully and didn't show disappointment; instead, he pressed further: "What about the perception and early warning of Chaos corruption itself? We often need to delve into contaminated areas.
"If the 'Iron Guard' could integrate some kind of environmental sensor capable of detecting abnormal psychic fluctuations in the air, faint radiation from Warp rifts, or specific types of residual profane energy—even if it only gives a rough threat level prompt—it would be an invaluable informational advantage for an action squad."
"Environmental perception enhancement..." Ryo's synthesized voice seemed to take on a thoughtful tone. "This involves recalibrating sensor sensitivity and optimizing background noise filtering algorithms.
"Standard model sensors primarily target physical threats.
"To detect subtle disturbances at the Warp level requires more precise psychic-sensitive components and corresponding data processing cores.
"There are technical challenges, but they are not insurmountable.
"I can organize a team of Tech-Priests to conduct a specialized assessment, researching the feasibility of adding such special sensor modules and the potential impact they might have on the machine's other systems."
The Inquisitor nodded, seemingly more approving of Ryo's attitude, which was based on technical reality rather than empty promises.
He then raised another key question: "Based on your introduction just now, and what I witnessed with my own eyes on Vesta Prima, the potential of the 'Iron Guard' is immense.
"But different Ordos of the Inquisition, and even Stormtrooper squads under different Inquisitors, face vastly different types of missions.
"Some focus on quelling Hive rebellions, some delve into Death Worlds for archaeology—or rather, to clean up things that shouldn't have been dug up—while others need to operate long-term in areas with psychic anomalies.
"I want to know, does the 'Iron Guard' project possess enough flexibility to support a certain degree of... customization?"
He explained specifically: "For example, for squads focusing on reconnaissance and rapid response, could some heavy firepower be sacrificed in exchange for more powerful sensor suites and propulsion systems?
"For squads needing to assault fortified positions and sustained firepower, could armor and weapon loadouts be further enhanced?
"And, like we just discussed, specialized models targeting psychic threats and Chaos corruption?
"If possible, the Inquisition is more inclined to procure equipment that can precisely match specific mission requirements, rather than a single generic model."
Ryo listened quietly to the Inquisitor's demands while the "Iron Guard" model slowly rotated on the holographic projection table.
After a while, he finally spoke, his tone still steady and pragmatic: "Customization is essentially the extension and deepening of modular design. From a technical perspective, as long as it is within the allowable range of the framework and interface standards, realizing 'on-demand configuration' of different functional modules is feasible.
"For example, the reconnaissance-enhanced model you mentioned could achieve higher mobility by swapping leg power units and optimizing energy distribution, while carrying a dedicated sensor pod. A heavy firepower model would require strengthening the skeletal load-bearing capacity and energy output, matched with larger-caliber weapon platforms."
He changed the subject, bringing up practical considerations: "However, Inquisitor, customization also means higher per-unit costs, longer production cycles, and a more complex logistical maintenance system.
"Every non-standard configuration requires separate technical documentation, maintenance procedures, and spare parts supply chains. This will significantly drive up the project's overall complexity and operational costs."
Karras expressed his understanding of this: "I understand the price, Lord Magos. The Inquisition is not ignorant of the cost of customized equipment. But we are equally clear that the increase in mission success rates and personnel survival rates brought by a weapon truly tailored to mission requirements far exceeds the extra resources expended.
"We can start cooperating on a few urgently needed specialized models to accumulate experience.
"For example, prioritizing the development of an 'Anti-Psychic Specialized Model,' integrating the protection and detection functions we just discussed, and a 'Stealth Reconnaissance Model' emphasizing concealment and rapid deployment."
(End of Chapter)