Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 392 "New Moon" Level (Eighth Update)
Chen Yu's mechanical body stood before the screen projecting the final design drawings, the crimson optical lens sweeping across the lines that embodied countless debates and the results of "practice." Without much hesitation, he calmly gave his name:
"Crescent-class".

He paused briefly, as if retrieving some ancient data archive, and then explained in a calm, synthesized voice: "In the records preserved in Holy Terra, about the time before mankind left their ancient homeland, the moon in the night sky would show periodic waxing and waning, and people used this to divide the time into units called 'months'."

Among the many phases of the moon, the new moon symbolizes the beginning of a completely new cycle, representing the starting point of hope and rebirth.

He looked at the assembled sages, the data flow smooth and clear: "This ship, carrying new technology, is born under a new order."

The name 'New Moon' signifies a new beginning for the Empire's interstellar travel and future development.

May its course, like the new moon guiding the calendar, usher in a new era for humankind.

“Crescent level…” Archsage Vox repeated in a low voice, a hint of understanding flashing in his human eyes, before he emitted a binary confirmation sound of agreement.

Other representatives, whether from the Alliance or Mars, also expressed their approval in their own ways.

This name not only contains profound classical connotations but also accurately matches the current historical juncture, and avoids any tendency that might trigger a new round of controversy. It is undoubtedly an excellent choice that can be accepted by all parties.

Thus, against the backdrop of the reshaping of the power structure within the Mechanicus, the first demonstration ship, embodying warp drive technology and the collective wisdom of all parties, was officially named the "Crescent-class" cruiser.

It symbolizes the end of an old era and heralds a new era full of unknowns and possibilities, just like the slender yet hopeful crescent moon in the night sky, quietly emerging among the stars of the human empire.
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With the production license for the Crescent-class cruisers granted in a symbolic ceremony to the various casting worlds involved in the design, the first technology rollout under the new framework was officially launched.

Inside the Mars Orbit Shipyard, the keel of the first standard Crescent-class ship was laid, and the massive outline of the hull began to emerge under the starlight.

At this critical moment, the great sage Vox, the overseer of Nexus, made a profound suggestion to Chen Yu.

His body, which incorporated a multi-tracked chassis, approached Chen Yu, and the data stream was transmitted at a relatively private frequency: "Chen Yu, the main structure of the forged ship you ordered in Neksam is now basically complete."

If the final construction plan were adjusted at this point, there would be a real opportunity to convert it into the first Crescent-class cruiser to be completed and commissioned.

Vox's mechanical tentacles made a weighing gesture. "Designating your flagship as the 'first ship' carries symbolic significance and potential subsequent impact, which I'm sure you understand better than I do. What do you think?"

Clearly, the Great Sage of Vox, representing Neksam, showed a strong desire to compete for the prestigious honor of being the "first Crescent-class ship," a title of great historical and political significance.

This would not only greatly enhance Neksam's position in the new order, but also further strengthen his alliance with Chen Yu.

Chen Yu's processor quickly evaluated the proposal.

The cast-iron ships he originally ordered were based on the traditional Luna-class framework, and their performance was generations behind the Crescent-class.

If it can be upgraded to the first Crescent-class, it would be a substantial improvement for him, both in terms of ship performance and its symbolic significance as a technological landmark, with the benefits outweighing the drawbacks.

“Sure.” Chen Yu’s response was concise and clear. “The performance improvement meets my needs.”

At this moment, the Martian side, which had previously been on the defensive in the negotiations, unexpectedly displayed rare magnanimity. A Martian sage in charge of the ship's construction intervened in the communication, his voice deliberately crafted in a grand and generous tone: "Since this ship will bear such important significance, Mars is willing to provide its full support."

We propose that this unfinished hull be transferred to the highest-standard shipyard on Mars, with us bearing all subsequent reconstruction costs and resource consumption.

He paused slightly, then offered an even more enticing offer: "At the same time, we will open the treasure trove of ancient ship components on Mars to Sage Chen Yu. Some of these are technological relics and special weapon systems from the Dark Ages, which may contain treasures suitable for this 'first ship'."

This is both a tribute to the pioneers of technology and a demonstration of sincerity in the deep cooperation between Mars and the New Order.

Mars' move was undeniably brilliant.

Through generous investment and the opening of secrets, they attempted to regain control of the construction of the "first ship" to some extent, thereby currying favor with Chen Yu, easing previous antagonism, and seizing a favorable position in the new landscape.

Seeing this, representatives from other foundry worlds immediately realized the influence and potential opportunities for technological exchange involved, and expressed their views accordingly.

Sage Vladimir of Gloria promised to provide an enhanced energy core and shield generator; Sage Thorne of Lucius offered to optimize his detection and fire control systems…

For a time, Chen Yu's unnamed flagship became a focal point for various parties to invest in, showcase their technological prowess, and express their sincerity in cooperation.

Chen Yu calmly accepted the proposals and promises pouring in from all sides, and the red light from the optical lens remained stable as usual.

He knew perfectly well that this ship was no longer just a warship, but also a political symbol and a window to showcase technology.

The convergence of resources and technology from various factions here can certainly create an unprecedentedly powerful flagship, but it also means that he needs to skillfully balance the demands of all parties.

"Thank you all for your support," Chen Yu finally responded, his synthesized voice remaining steady. "I accept this renovation plan."

For him, improving the performance of his flagship was the primary consideration. As for the interpersonal relationships between the various casting worlds involved, he didn't mind as long as it didn't affect his ultimate goal.

“Very good.” Archsage Vox responded immediately, his metallic voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. “Nexus will transfer your unfinished forge to the Martian dock as quickly as possible. I look forward to its rebirth there.”

The matter was settled.

This is not a complex political game, but rather a friendly exchange between the parties based on common interests and technological enthusiasm under the new cooperation framework.

Chen Yu gained a more powerful flagship and some additional benefits, Nexus gained a sense of participation and honor in the construction of the first ship, Mars showed a cooperative attitude and had the opportunity to exert influence, and other forging worlds also took this opportunity to leave their own technological imprints on this highly symbolic project.

A special construction project, bringing together resources and technologies from multiple parties, is about to begin in the dock on Mars.

This "first ship," destined to be extraordinary, has been under the watchful eyes and expectations of the major factions within the Cult of Mechanics since the moment the decision to refit it was made.

(End of this chapter)