Chapter 180: Upgrade Package
"As for the plan to completely replicate Warhammer Power Armor..." Joric's metal fingers tapped gently on the console. "Given the industrial base of this world, it is indeed difficult to achieve in the short term.
"More importantly, doing so would fail to fully utilize the characteristics of the local existing human resources."
His optical lenses adjusted focus slightly, beginning a detailed analysis of the Commando-VI's joint structure.
"So the most reasonable plan, old friend, is to optimize based on existing technology. Retain the vehicle-style framework of this system. This aligns with local manufacturing capabilities while leveraging their advantages in personnel training."
Joric's metal fingers tapped a series of crisp sounds on the console.
"First, begin improvements with the energy system, old friend." His optical lenses focused on the power armor's fission battery unit. "This fission system is too inefficient and carries the risk of radiation leakage.
"Design a simplified fusion core. Maintain the original volume, but increase output power by three hundred percent and extend operational time by five times."
The Servo-skull emitted a steady hum. "Command received. Accessing fusion core miniaturization protocols."
"The heat dissipation system must be upgraded synchronously," Joric added. "Adopt liquid metal circulation cooling to ensure stability under high-power output."
His gaze shifted to the armor plating of the suit. "Second, the existing titanium-ceramic composite layer offers insufficient protection. Composite a layer of specially treated reinforced alloy plating over critical areas." Joric emphasized specifically, "It doesn't need to reach Astartes armor standards; effectively resisting most armor-piercing ammunition and low-yield explosives of this era will suffice."
"Generating reinforced alloy plating schematics. Material requirement list compiled," the Servo-skull responded mechanically.
Joric's fingertip moved to the weapon system diagram of the power armor.
"Third, while their existing ballistic weapons and missiles have decent power, the logistical strain is too great. Install a light laser cannon as the primary weapon, while retaining the original physical weapon hardpoints and missile pods."
"Calculating laser weapon integration plan. Re-planning energy distribution circuits." The Servo-skull's eye beam followed Joric's instructions.
"However..." Joric paused slightly. "These improvements must be implemented in stages. The first upgrade package will only contain the two most core improvements."
He pulled up the schematic for the new design.
"The first batch of improvements will focus on energy and basic protection. Simplified fusion core, paired with a weakened version of the kinetic shield generator." Joric explained in detail, "The shield doesn't need to withstand plasma cannons; deflecting shrapnel and resisting small arms fire is enough. This will drastically improve battlefield survivability."
"Initiating shield generator miniaturization plan. Energy core load test passed," the Servo-skull reported.
"Mark this preliminary improvement plan as 'Vargr-I' Power Armor Upgrade Kit Phase One." Joric confirmed finally. "Send the technical blueprints and production requirements to Militech. Let them coordinate resources for pilot production.
"Explicitly inform them that we require a batch of test models for the upcoming combat evaluation."
"Information packaging complete. Encrypted link established. Commencing transmission to designated Militech receiving node." The Servo-skull executed the command steadily.
Watching the data transmission progress bar, Joric began planning the second phase of improvements in his mind.
Optimization of the neural link system and weapon systems could wait. The priority now was to let this batch of power armor prove the value of the basic improvement plan on the battlefield.
Having dealt with the preliminary power armor improvement plan, Joric shifted part of his attention away from specific technical parameters.
His sensory network extended quietly. Through sensor nodes deployed on the perimeter of the abandoned town, distant sights and sounds were transmitted back in real-time.
On the temporary training ground carved out at the edge of the abandoned town, the scene was busy yet orderly.
Several Commando-VI power armors, freshly unloaded from transport trucks, stood on the sandy ground. Their grey-black armor gleamed with a dull luster under the afternoon sun.
Soldiers of the Barghest unit appeared exceptionally small beside these steel giants. Divided into several groups, they were familiarizing themselves with the basic operations of this new equipment under the guidance of technical advisors sent by Militech.
The engines of heavy transport trucks roared occasionally, kicking up dust on the dry land.
The shouts of soldiers, the hissing of power armor hydraulic systems under test, and the crisp sound of tools striking metal interwove to create a busy atmosphere unique to pre-battle preparations.
Joric's sensors focused on the center of the field.
There, a squad commander from the Lazarus mercenaries was demonstrating basic tactical maneuvers of the power armor to Colonel Hansen.
Under the commander's skilled operation, the three-meter-tall steel body executed standard tactical maneuvers. Its mechanical feet stomped heavily on the ground, leaving deep imprints.
Colonel Hansen looked up at this war machine, his single eye narrowing slightly as his gaze followed the power armor's movements.
That gaze held both an instinctive desire for powerful force and a prudent consideration of the complex situation at hand.
Occasionally, he would raise a hand to gesture, exchanging brief words with the Lazarus commander.
Joric's crimson optical lenses adjusted their focal length slightly, recording these details one by one.
These soldiers, this equipment, were about to become his window for observing the warfare model of this era, and also the testing ground for validating his technical improvement plans.
And Arasaka's "White Whale" carrier strike group, just as intelligence indicated, was approaching by sea, carrying the fury of vengeance and their elite power armor troops.
"Actual combat is the best testing ground." Joric's synthesized voice sounded low in the empty workshop. His calm tone was devoid of emotion, containing only the pure pursuit of data and efficiency. "Let me see with my own eyes what kind of efficacy the power armor upgraded with the 'Vargr' kit, and the armies of this world, can display when facing peer opponents."
His gaze swept over two holographic projections displayed side-by-side on the main console: one was the real-time satellite image of Arasaka's White Whale carrier, the other was the predicted deployment map of Militech forces.
A formal campaign, far exceeding the scale of street conflicts and indirectly facilitated by him, was brewing on the outskirts of Night City.
And he sat at the center of this storm, calmly preparing to collect all valuable data—including the process and outcome of the war itself.
Inside the workshop, the rhythmic scanning sound of the Servo-skull and the faint hum of running equipment formed a constant background noise.
The improvement plan had been sent. Next was waiting for Militech's feedback and the arrival of the test units.
Joric's massive body turned back to the main console. The complex calculations for the dimensional teleporter still occupied the highest priority, but data streams regarding the power armor improvements and the impending war had also secured stable background processes within his processing core.
For an Explorator, observing and understanding the forms of war in an alien world was in itself an important component of accumulating precious knowledge.
And this upcoming conflict would provide massive amounts of first-hand observational data.
(End of Chapter)