"Med-Bay?" Asuka repeated the straightforward name. Considering its near-miraculous ability to bring the dead back to life, the name felt remarkably apt.
"Exactly," Pilar took over, his mechanical eyes flickering with the light of technical discussion. "That thing is a marvel of bioengineering and precision medicine. It doesn't rely on traditional treatments like drugs, surgery, or long recovery periods. It is essentially an extremely advanced system for matter reconstruction and biological information repair."
He attempted to explain it in simpler terms. "It uses a complex energy field to scan and analyze a patient's entire physiological structure, from the genetic level to macro-tissues, precisely identifying any anomalies, damage, or signs of aging. Then, it guides pre-stored or real-time synthesized biological substrates and energy to repair or replace damaged parts with cellular-level precision. The entire process is staggeringly fast."
"Even if half a skull is blown off, it can save you?" Asuka asked, seeking confirmation of Rebecca's earlier exaggerated claim.
"According to the data we acquired and local records, as long as the core information storage regions of the brain aren't completely physically annihilated in an instant, the Med-Bay can restore a patient to their pre-injury state based on residual biological information templates—including memories and personality," Dorio answered affirmatively. "Of course, this requires the Med-Bay itself to have sufficient reserves of biological substrate and energy. Under routine use, it can easily cure all known diseases, repair organ damage, and reverse physical degradation caused by age or environment, keeping the user at their peak physiological health."
Shinji listened, dumbfounded. This completely exceeded his understanding of medicine. At NERV, injuries were common, and treatment usually involved pain and lengthy recovery. This technology was almost equivalent to granting humanity a form of immortality, provided they could reach that bed in time.
Rei asked a question quietly, her voice flat: "Energy source?"
Falco looked at her with appreciation, recognizing she had grasped the key issue. "Nuclear fusion. The Elysium station itself possesses a massive array of fusion reactors, providing near-infinite energy for the entire station, including thousands of Med-Bays."
"Even Magos Osiris himself, back on Necromunda, expressed high interest immediately after receiving our preliminary reports and data," Maine said, his tone carrying the validation of a mission well-accomplished.
This news surprised the three EVA pilots. They knew of the "Magos" Osiris, though Osiris himself had never explained the exact connection between the Astartes Osiris on the Dead World and the Magos Osiris elsewhere. However, both the EVA team and Maine's squad had sensed that the relationship was far deeper than just sharing a name. For the reclusive Magos, focused on top-tier research, to show immediate interest meant the value of this technology was extraordinary.
Dorio explained further: "The Magos mentioned that the Imperium's existing life-extension and restoration technologies—such as the methods known as 'rejuvenat'—often depend on extremely rare psychic materials, specific gene-sera, or complex rituals involving Warp powers. These methods are not only costly but filled with variables and risks, with no guarantee of success."
She turned to the three pilots to ensure they understood the distinction. "But a technology like Elysium's Med-Bay, which can stably and efficiently maintain a body in peak condition or even reverse aging through purely controllable, reproducible technical means, is extremely rare in the Imperium's known technological systems—perhaps even unheard of."
She paused to let the information sink in before highlighting the core value. "This possesses incalculable strategic value for extending the effective service years of vital Tech-Priests, high-ranking military commanders, or core personnel in critical research projects. It provides a reliable life-support solution that could potentially be applied on a large scale."
This explanation gave Asuka and the others a clearer understanding: Maine's squad hadn't just brought back an advanced medical tool; they had retrieved a strategic asset capable of influencing the Imperium's power structure and technological path. This also confirmed why Magos Osiris had reacted so swiftly.
Asuka immediately thought of the Tech-Priests whose bodies were heavily mechanized. If they combined this medical technology, could they maintain the peak vitality of their biological components while retaining their mechanical advantages? It sounded incredibly attractive.
"Furthermore," Pilar lowered his voice, though it wasn't strictly necessary in this room, "this technology might have... reference value for certain specific biological projects." His gaze drifted toward the three pilots without explicitly saying it, but the implication touched upon the biotechnology involved in the EVAs themselves, and perhaps the long-term maintenance of the pilots' own bodies.
Shinji subconsciously touched his arm, as if he could feel the phantom flow of LCL through his veins. Rei remained calm, as if the technology being discussed had nothing to do with her.
Rebecca snorted triumphantly. "See? We told you this stuff was big! Once our Tech-Priests figure it out, maybe we can just hop in for a bit after getting hurt and come out good as new. No more smelling like disinfectant!"
The prospect was indeed enticing. For those who faced high-intensity combat and the constant risk of casualties, a treatment method that was fast, thorough, and without obvious side effects was worth a second life.
Asuka looked at the members of Maine's squad. Their faces held the honest satisfaction of having faced danger, achieved their goal, and brought back substantial results. This sparked a complex emotion in her—a mix of curiosity about the unknown, a thirst for adventure, and a hint of envy she couldn't ignore.
They were free to travel beneath different stars, witnessing and participating in the stories of various civilizations, even possessing the power to intervene and change the fate of a world. It formed a sharp contrast to her past—being bound to a planet destined for destruction, forced to fight for a vague and perhaps meaningless goal, filled with powerlessness and oppression.
She tilted her head and drained the last of the beer in her can, the cold liquid sliding down her throat, before slightly crushing the empty can with more force than necessary. She set the can aside, looked up at Maine, and asked directly:
"So, are you going to explore those two unfinished worlds next?"