Chapter 103: Data Assessment
The success of the live-biomass transit experiment provided the critical empirical data needed for Joric's trans-dimensional research. The safe return of Maine's crew marked the transition of the Dimensional Sextant from theoretical verification to preliminary practical testing.
However, Joric was not seduced by the appearance of success.
His logic-engine remained cold, clearly recognizing this was merely one node on a long path of inquiry. Ahead lay a multitude of problems to solve and technical details to optimize.
Returning to the Warhammer universe to personally investigate the archeotech ruin where the Sextant was found, and to formalize his Ascension to Magos, were key milestones in his plan.
But he knew: haste was inefficient.
A single successful experiment was insufficient foundation for such a critical, potentially long-term trans-dimensional operation. He required a deeper reserve of technology and a more comprehensive contingency matrix.
The immediate priority was the total assimilation of the massive data-harvest from the live transit.
Joric allocated the majority of his computational resources to deep-dive analysis. He reviewed, again and again, every curve of the energy-injection, every oscillation of the spatial-resonance, and every micro-fluctuation in the bio-signs of Maine's crew.
On the main console, complex 3D waveforms and waterfalls of data scrolled relentlessly, reflected in his crimson optical lenses.
His low synthesized voice echoed in the manufactorum, seeming to converse with the hovering servo-skull, yet sounding more like the externalization of his thought processes.
"Old Friend, observe this anomaly."
A metallic finger pointed to a sharp spike on the energy curve.
"During the tertiary injection phase, a minor, anomalous overflow occurred. This energy was wasted. Inefficient."
He paused, as if awaiting a reply, then continued.
"The conduit-architecture requires redesign. The current schema is too crude to channel energy-deluges of trans-dimensional magnitude."
His gaze shifted to the spatial-resonance stability data.
"Resonant frequency exhibits cyclical decay during sustainment. The amplitude of fluctuation exceeds model projections."
The lenses flickered as he mused.
"Is our anchor-algorithm insufficiently precise? Or does the local spatial-fabric possess some uncharted 'turbulence'?"
"Without resolving this variable, long-term conduit stability is unattainable."
Finally, he pulled up the physiological reports of Maine's crew.
"Neural-electric signals exhibited massive chaotic-disruption during the reconstruction phase. While reversible, the recovery latency is excessive."
"This indicates the current life-support field has limited efficacy."
He stated the conclusion to the servo-skull.
"It appears a simple energy-shield is insufficient."
"We must develop a technology capable of synchronously stabilizing biological neural-networks. Perhaps... we can reverse-engineer principles from psionic-dampeners."
He had to parse the threads from the tangle of information, identifying potential instability factors and energy-loss points, transforming this precious practical experience into the solid foundation for the next technical iteration.
Through deep analysis, Joric discovered that while the transit was macroscopically successful, the energy-utilization efficiency was far below the theoretical optimum. Massive amounts of energy were consumed simply maintaining conduit stability and countering unknown dimensional resistance.
"Energy attrition is concentrated at the phase-transition critical point."
The voice spoke again to the silent skull.
"Over forty percent of output is expended neutralizing a dimensional repulsion-force we cannot yet quantify. The efficiency is unacceptably low."
Furthermore, while the transit did not inflict permanent damage on organic life or precision equipment, the intensity of the physiological and neural load was sufficient to cause a significant degradation in combat effectiveness for a short duration.
"Observe the peaks in these neural-signal overloads."
He called up Maine's bio-graph.
"If they were engaged immediately upon arrival, their reaction speed would be degraded by over thirty percent."
"For future force-projection scenarios requiring immediate combat readiness, this is a non-negligible defect."
Simultaneously, a hypothesis previously shelved due to insufficient data resurfaced in his calculation-queue.
The archeotech ruin itself—its structure and materials—might not be mere architectural debris. It might play an auxiliary or stabilizing role in trans-dimensional transit.
"Old Friend, we may have overlooked a critical factor."
He addressed the skull, re-examining the initial exploration logs.
"The asymmetrical arches and conductive-metal veins within the ruin... they may not be merely structural supports, but a massive resonance-chamber, or perhaps an energy-guidance matrix."
Perhaps certain structures within the ruin could focus or guide specific energy fields, lowering the energy threshold and stability requirements for activating the Sextant in isolation.
But this remained a logical inference based on limited observation.
"Without on-site scanning and energy-field mapping, it remains a hypothesis."
The truth could only be confirmed by a meticulous survey of the ruin upon his return to the Warhammer universe.
Therefore, before initiating the return voyage, Joric deemed it necessary to execute at least one cycle of deep optimization on the Dimensional Sextant.
He planned to approach from several vectors.
First, redesign the energy-conduit structure, attempting to utilize more efficient conductive materials to reduce bleed during transmission.
"We require a medium with higher affinity for dimensional energy. perhaps doping with the amorphous metal-ceramics unique to that world."
Second, fine-tune the resonant-frequency algorithm, seeking a resonance-point more compatible with the local spatial structure to enhance the conduit's inherent stability.
"The algorithm must introduce dynamic-adaptive variables. Fixed frequency parameters are no longer viable."
Third, install an auxiliary stabilization-field generator for the transit pod, specifically designed to mitigate the tearing and disruption inflicted on nerve and flesh.
"The stabilization field must synchronize with bio-neural rhythms, rather than crudely isolating all external forces."
"This requires a higher-fidelity bio-signal model."
These improvements required time for simulation, material fabrication, and physical testing.
On the other hand, ensuring the stability of his operations in the Cyberpunk world during his absence was also a critical preparation.
The desert manufactorum was his vital research base and retreat point; it could not be lost.
Maine's crew was his key tentacle for interacting with local factions and acquiring resources; their effective operation must be maintained.
"They require clearer mission-directives, and a power-level sufficient for self-preservation."
He assessed.
"During our absence, they must be capable of independently handling corporate probes and street-level threats."
He needed to make deployments in advance to maintain the current balance.
To ensure this temporary base remained intact and under control upon his return.
(End of Chapter)