Chapter 295: Customized Needs
"A very good starting point," Ryo agreed. "Focusing on a few clear demand directions can more effectively control research and development risks and time. The 'Anti-Psychic Specialized Model' and the 'Stealth Reconnaissance Model'... the technical paths are clear."
He manipulated the holographic projection, beginning to make simple outlines and annotations on it, illustrating how to modify these base models.
"Then, regarding the specific method of cooperation," Inquisitor Karras steered the topic toward the substantive stage. "The Inquisition hopes to obtain a batch of test models as soon as possible for actual combat evaluation and data collection. Aside from the three to five standard models mentioned earlier, we hope to gain priority access to at least one 'Anti-Psychic Specialized Model' prototype to verify it in the most critical missions. Correspondingly, the Inquisition will provide the most detailed combat data feedback and is willing to bear part of the additional research and development costs for the specialized models."
Ryo did not answer immediately. His optical lenses gazed at the annotated diagrams of the specialized models on the projection, his internal processors evaluating resource allocation, technical difficulties, and production sequences.
After a moment of silence, he gave a more prudent timetable: "Acceptable. For the standard model prototypes, their basic framework and system integration will take time; I can have the first batch ready within three months. As for the 'Anti-Psychic Specialized Model' prototype..."
He deliberately slowed his speech to emphasize the complexity involved. "This involves brand new research and development of non-standard components, adaptation with the technology provided by the Inquisition, and the most critical actual efficacy and stability testing. This cycle has many variables; preliminary estimates suggest it will take one to three years, depending on how smoothly the technical verification goes. Furthermore, as you understand, deep customization projects of this kind require the Inquisition to pay a substantial R&D deposit upfront, used for procuring special materials, activating dedicated production lines, and forming and maintaining a specialized technical team."
"This timeframe conforms to the objective laws of major technological development." Karras showed no surprise or dissatisfaction, readily accepting this more realistic expectation.
He knew well that within the Imperium's borders, the fusion of psychic powers and cutting-edge equipment was never something that could be achieved overnight.
"The amount and payment method of the deposit can be hammered out in detail later by my accompanying technical advisor and your assistant, Lady Ignis." He knew very well that when dealing with the Adeptus Mechanicus, especially regarding customized R&D, paying fees according to the rules was a necessary means to ensure the project entered the priority queue and maintained R&D efficiency.
"As for the subsequent formal procurement," Ryo continued, "once testing is complete and the model is finalized, Nexum can establish a dedicated production line to prioritize supply to the Inquisition. But I must also state that because the 'Iron Guard' project has also attracted preliminary attention from certain departments of the Astra Militarum, future production capacity allocation will require comprehensive consideration."
He opportunely revealed the existence of other potential clients. This was both a statement of fact and invisibly increased the value of the "Iron Guard" and the necessity for the Inquisition to make a decision as early as possible.
Karras, of course, understood this underlying meaning.
He did not show any urgency to sign a large order immediately, but his words already indicated a positive intent: "Understood. Excellent equipment always attracts many eyes. The Inquisition will make a procurement assessment as soon as possible based on the test results. I believe the performance of the 'Iron Guard' will not disappoint us."
He paused slightly, as if mentioning it casually, yet pointing out a deeper strategic consideration. "However, allow me to add one thing, Lord Magos. If the massive demands of the Astra Militarum are to be considered in the future, perhaps a simplified version could be planned in parallel.
"I mean retaining the core protection and firepower framework but appropriately lowering the pursuit of extreme performance—for example, simplifying the output of the power core, using lower-cost secondary alloys to replace some Ceramite, and making some expensive auxiliary systems, like the psychic protection module we just discussed, optional.
"This would provide the front lines with support power far exceeding current standard equipment while keeping costs under control. After all, most battlefield environments do not always require dealing with threats like Chaos Sorcerers or corrupted Space Marines."
The light in Ryo's optical lenses flickered slightly, rapidly understanding the logic behind the Inquisitor's proposal.
This was not just about equipment performance; it was a strategy about market segmentation and maximizing the user base.
He responded, "A standardized version that is easier to mass-produce... is technically entirely feasible. Stripping away some high-end customized functions and focusing on improving basic combat efficacy and producibility would indeed significantly reduce manufacturing costs and logistical complexity. Thank you for your suggestion, Lord Inquisitor. This will help the 'Iron Guard' technology achieve broader deployment across different tiers of military units."
He did not immediately promise to do so, but clearly incorporated this proposal into future project planning considerations.
This once again proved the value of cooperating with the Inquisition; not only could they provide top-tier demands, but they could also offer pragmatic suggestions from the perspective of the Imperium's overall strategic resources.
The meeting lasted for quite a long time. Both sides conducted in-depth discussions on technical details, R&D cycles, cost sharing, and preliminary delivery plans.
Ryo consistently maintained the calm and objectivity of a technology provider, focusing on answering technical possibilities and setting reasonable expectations.
Inquisitor Karras, based on his rich actual combat experience, proposed specific and practical requirements one after another, pushing the design philosophy of the "Iron Guard" to evolve in a direction closer to the Inquisition's practical applications.
When the main framework content was mostly discussed, Inquisitor Karras stood up. "Today's exchange was highly valuable, Magos Ryo. Your professionalism and clear understanding of technical boundaries fill me with confidence in this cooperation. I will have my advisory team interface with your side regarding the specific details as soon as possible."
Ryo also controlled his massive body to lean forward slightly in a gesture of farewell. "I look forward to our subsequent cooperation, Inquisitor Karras. May the 'Iron Guard' play its rightful role in your cause of purging the enemies of the Imperium."
After the Inquisitor and his retinue left, Analysis Room 7 returned to silence.
The "Iron Guard" model on the holographic projection table still hovered quietly.
Ryo's crimson optical lenses gazed at it.
This contact with the Inquisition successfully pushed the "Iron Guard" into a demand trajectory with greater strategic value.
Although the R&D of specialized models brought challenges, it also meant higher technical barriers and profit margins.
And the Inquisitor's proposal regarding developing a simplified version to suit the Astra Militarum revealed to him another path leading to a vaster market and influence—by providing products at different tiers, he could both satisfy the high-end needs of elite forces like the Inquisition and penetrate the Imperium's most massive military body with the advantage of scale.
He knew that the true competition was only just beginning now—he needed to quickly transform these concepts into powerful weapons in reality, using irrefutable performance and flexible product strategies to deal with the impending attention and pressure coming from within the Mechanicus and other Forge Worlds.
(End of Chapter)