Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 381 Martian Compromise (Seventh Update)

After several standard weeks of contemplation and data analysis, Chen Yu finally found a clear path through the intricate technical maze.

His laboratory was filled with data boards covered with equations, and holographic projections displayed ship structure diagrams that had undergone countless revisions. The air was filled with the unique smell of coolant mixed with ozone.

This initial concept strictly adheres to the principle of "minimum modifications"—while maintaining the iconic appearance and main structural integrity of the Lunar-class cruiser, it outlines a practical modification route.

Chen Yu clearly recognized that the biggest obstacle was finding a suitable place for the warp drive, such a massive machine, within the limited redundant space of the ship's hull.

He marked three alternative areas on the structural diagram: the extended space behind the engine room, the modification plan for the cargo hold area under the hull, and the most radical main reactor reorganization plan.

Each choice comes with different technical challenges and construction risks.

Integrating energy systems is equally challenging.

Chen Yu meticulously drew up new paths for several energy conduits. These modifications had to simultaneously meet two seemingly contradictory requirements: to bear the astonishing energy demands of the warp drive, while not affecting the normal operation of the warship's existing systems.

He set up backup lines at key points, a necessary compromise given the unpredictability of the Empire's shipbuilding technology.

The most subtle aspect lies in upgrading the control system.

Chen Yu designed a gradual integration plan, which involves layering the logic core produced by Neksam with the ship's traditional command system.

This plan not only needs to solve the technical compatibility issues between the old and new systems, but also needs to take into account the doctrinal disputes that may arise within the Mechanics Church as a result.

Chen Yu understood that these plans on paper were still a long way from being realized.

Every technical decision may touch the sensitive nerve of certain factions, and every design detail requires countless rounds of argumentation and compromise.

In the silence of the laboratory, he could almost hear the pressure coming from all directions: the traditionalist tech priests' skepticism of "alien technology," the Martian faction's covetousness for technological dominance, and the political games hidden beneath the data stream.

After storing the preliminary plan in the encrypted data core, Chen Yu began preparing for the next stage of work.

He needs to assemble a reliable technical team, prepare for the manufacture of the prototype, and, more importantly, be fully prepared for the upcoming technical debates.

The real test has just begun. Whether this technological route can ultimately succeed depends not only on breakthroughs at the engineering level, but also on the political storm brewing over Terra.
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When the Martians received the accurate battle report that the fleet dispatched to the world of the dead had been completely annihilated, the entire council hall fell into a long, deathly silence.

The cold, hard statistics of losses on the data board, coupled with the fact that the Nexus Casting World openly sided with Chen Yu, forced the political balance on Mars to begin to tilt.

Over the next few standard days, intense debates and power struggles took place within Mars.

Hardliners advocate for the immediate mobilization of more forces, even at the cost of direct conflict with Nexus and the Fist of the Empire.

The pragmatists, however, pointed out that with the Emperor having clearly expressed his support and both the Black Templars and the Dark Angels already involved, continuing a hardline confrontation would not only have little chance of success but could also lead to Mars being further isolated within the Imperial system.

External pressures are also increasing daily.

The Dark Angels' precise strikes against Martian interest networks on Terra, and the Space Wolves' physical intimidation of Martian political allies, are constantly squeezing the Martian operational space. Finally, after another round of intense, all-night debate, a compromise solution gained majority support.

An official diplomatic vessel painted with the Martian insignia entered the orbit of Holy Terra through formal channels without any armed escort.

The message from the Martian Council was delivered directly to Chen Yu's laboratory deep within the palace via the official communication link.

"In the name of the Martian Council and the God of Machines," a tech sage in a magnificent red robe, speaking with unusual caution, conveyed the message in the communication video, "we formally invite the exploration sage Chen Yu to Mars for a consultation regarding the licensing of warp drive technology."

Mars acknowledges the immense potential of this technology and hopes to explore its application and development within the Empire in a more...constructive manner.

The invitation was immediately presented to Roger Dorn.

Dorn stared at the communication records, his resolute face revealing neither joy nor anger.

He summoned Chen Yu and informed him of the situation.

Dorn tapped his knuckles on the tactical table with a steady sound. “This is a signal,” he said bluntly. “Mars has bowed its head, but its spine has not bent. They are trying to shift the battlefield to their most familiar territory—to trap you with tens of thousands of years of accumulated technological authority and dogma.”

Chen Yu slightly adjusted the focus of his optical lens: "Risk and opportunity coexist, Primarch. If we can turn Mars' opposition into cooperation, the Empire will avoid an internal conflict. The key is that we must control the pace of the negotiations."

“That’s the crux of the matter.” Dorn stood up, shadows looming over the holographic star map. “In the heart of Mars, their rules are law. But you’re right, some risks must be taken.”

He turned to Chen Yu, his tone resolute: "You go with my banner. Sigismund and his Templars will escort you the entire way. This is not a request, it is an order. Let Mars clearly see that you represent the will of the Emperor and Terra." He paused for a moment, then lowered his voice, "The Dark Angels have already made preparations; they will ensure the negotiating environment is... relatively fair."

Chen Yu's mechanical fingers swept across the data panel, bringing up a topographic map of Mars: "I need a bottom line for negotiation."

“Three principles.” Dorn held up a finger. “First, the warp drive must be widely adopted, without question. Second, Nexus’s leading role in research and development is unshakeable. Third…” His gaze sharpened, “all technical standards must be shared with Terra. Mars can participate, but it cannot monopolize.”

"What if they demand technology sharing?"

“Then let’s go by Imperial standards.” A cold smile played on Dorn’s lips. “Every forged world that participates in the creation will receive the corresponding permissions, including Mars. But the core technology must be under your control.”

Chen Yu encrypted these three principles and stored them in his memory core: "Understood. I will make this 'consultation' a stage to demonstrate the unity of the empire."

Once the specific schedule for the talks was finalized, Terra Palace's communications center sent a formal reply to Mars. This document, encrypted with binary code, was meticulously crafted, every word carefully chosen to maintain respect for the Mechanicus holy site while clearly conveying an uncompromising stance.

Under Sigismund's personal supervision, a specially modified frigate began its final overhaul. The ship would fly the dual banners of the Imperial Fist and the Explorers of the Ages, and the newly engraved Maltese cross on its armor gleamed coldly under the dock lights.

Meanwhile, subtle changes are taking place in Mars' orbit. Several surveillance ships belonging to different factions have suddenly repositioned themselves, and an unplanned maintenance window has appeared at a critical communications hub. The specters of the Dark Angels have begun clearing the battlefield.

The red planet awaits visitors, and the outcome of this journey will determine the future course of the human empire.

(End of this chapter)