Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 384 Forging a World Alliance (Tenth Update)

While the successful technology demonstration confirmed the feasibility of the warp drive, it also embroiled Chen Yu in a protracted tug-of-war with the Martian Parliament's Patent Committee.

Inside the negotiation room, Chen Yu's dark red mechanical body occupied one end of the long table, opposite more than twenty Martian sages dressed in red robes with flashing data interfaces.

They represent the millennia-old tradition, immense size, and intricate network of interests of the Cult of Mechanics.

Despite the explicit support of Primarch Dorn, the oppressive aura emanating from Terra seemed to dissipate in this enclosed chamber filled with binary whispers and the smell of engine oil, thanks to the thick alloy walls and the deeply entrenched local authority.

Mars cleverly leverages its legitimate status and rule-making power, refusing to budge an inch on the scope of technology patent sharing, the proportion of production license allocation, and even the definition of all future derivative technology rights.

Their proposed terms are wrapped in rigorous, even demanding, binary logic, with hidden implications between the lines. They attempt to use a complex legal framework and technical standards to firmly bind this game-changing technology to the inherent interest chains on Mars.

Chen Yu was able to accurately refute technical fallacies, but in the political game involving resource allocation, division of responsibilities and distribution of long-term interests, he still appeared weak and powerless when facing the entire parliament and its huge advisory group.

He clearly felt that he was fighting alone against a behemoth that had been operating for thousands of years and knew how to absorb and digest new technologies.

Every dispute over the terms is like trying to pry open a heavy foundation stone.

Just as negotiations were stalled due to Mars's dominance, the Mars orbit control center received several strong signal identification codes from the Mandeville point.

These signals, transmitted using standard mechanical communication protocols, are accompanied by powerful energy signatures, signaling the imminent arrival of an undeniable force.

The first to announce its identity was the Nexus Forge World: "This is the 'Iron Creed' mechanical ark belonging to the Nexus Forge World, overseen by the great sage Vox. Requesting entry into Mars synchronous orbit to carry out a diplomatic mission."

This ark has a simple and heavy style. Its dark gray armor plates are covered with mottled marks from a thousand years of service and reinforcement welds. Its overall outline is like a mobile giant factory fortress, showing pure pragmatism and industrial heritage.

Immediately following, a signal with a unique, humming energy cut in: "The world of Gloria Forging, the 'Immortal Forge' responds to the call. May the fire of the forge illuminate the way forward."

Its paint scheme is mainly dark red and bronze, with a huge forge and anvil emblem carved on the bow. The exposed energy transmission pipes on the hull emit a blazing red light, making the whole ship seem to be burning from the inside out.

Then came a clear and stable signal: "Lucius Forges the World, the Exemplary Craftsmanship, has arrived at its designated coordinates. For knowledge and progress."

This ark presents a unique style, with smooth lines and silver-white armor. Its surface is etched with intricate mechanical patterns and binary prayers that resemble works of art, and an extraordinary number of sensor arrays and communication spires shimmer with a calm blue light.

Other important representative ships of the world of casting also announced their identities one after another.

Following procedures, the combined fleet formed a solemn formation in Mars-synchronous orbit after identity verification.

These ships, each with its own distinct style yet equally massive, resemble steel mountains suspended above the red planet, their silent pressure even temporarily overshadowing the bustling daily scene in Martian orbit.
-
The Great Sage Vox did not come alone; he was accompanied by several important plenipotentiaries of the Forging World, including Gloria and Lucius.

Upon landing, they met with Chen Yu immediately.

The atmosphere was heavy in the makeshift council chamber guarded by Black Templar warriors. The Archsage Vox, his body fused with a multi-tracked chassis, sat at the center, several multi-jointed mechanical tentacles on his back maintaining a seemingly relaxed yet ever-ready-to-act state.

His remaining human eyes swept over Chen Yu, his gaze carrying a familiar sharpness and pragmatism.

“Chen Yu, given the circumstances, let’s skip the formalities.” Vox spoke, his voice, with its metallic resonance, more composed than usual, revealing an undeniable resolve. He gestured with his mechanical tentacles to his diverse colleagues beside him. “These are Sage Vladimir of Gloria, Sage Thorne of Lucius…”

After introducing the representatives of each forging world, Vox continued, "We each face our own difficulties, and we have all seen through Mars's attempt to monopolize the future."

His deep human eyes narrowed slightly, as if calculating invisible chips, and he continued, "In a one-on-one fight, no one can contend with the size and 'legitimate' status of Mars."

But united, we represent a force strong enough to crush any attempt at technological monopoly.

Before our arrival, we reached a consensus—to ensure that this technology benefits the entire Imperial Mechanicus, rather than becoming a tool for consolidating power on Mars.

The speaker unit emitted an emphasis on short, electric tones, conveying the message: "This is a temporary alliance, for our shared future."

Chen Yu's gaze swept over the representatives present.

The energy pipe interface on Gloria's Vladimir Sage Armor emitted a low hum of agreement; Lucius's Thorne Sage's precision sensor array flashed a calm blue light, nodding slightly.

He understood that Vox brought not only allies, but also a completely new game of strategy.

“I understand the current situation,” Chen Yu responded calmly and clearly. “The power of the collective is the key to breaking the deadlock.”

This clear alliance, centered around Vox and bound by shared interests, became a solid backing, completely changing the negotiation landscape.

When Vox led a joint delegation composed of representatives from the foundry world back into the negotiation hall of the Martian Parliament, the atmosphere was completely different from when Chen Yu faced the assembled sages alone.

On one side of the long table stood the Martian Parliament delegation, representing supreme authority and ancient traditions, their crimson robes forming a burning barrier; on the other side was an alliance led by Vox, bringing together the wills of Nexus, Gloria, Lucius, and others.

Chen Yu, now part of the alliance, has transformed from a focal point who had to cope with pressure alone into an indispensable technical core and a holder of common interests within the alliance.

Skipping over formal pleasantries, the chief sage announced the start of the meeting, and the two sides immediately engaged in substantive debate.

The torrent of binary languages ​​collided fiercely above the negotiating table, far more complex than ever before, with the data clash implying a redistribution of resources, power, and the future landscape.

The technological prospects are clear, but the voyage to the future still requires careful navigation among the reefs of practical interests.

The actual gameplay demonstrations have not yet begun, but the covert war concerning the future industrial landscape of the empire has entered a white-hot stage as the two major camps confront each other.

(End of this chapter)