The success of the "WS-7a" alloy was like the first falling domino, clearing the initial hurdles for deeper modification plans while forging a rock-solid foundation of trust. Swann was now thoroughly convinced that the "Far Star Alliance" behind Osiris commanded a system of materials science surpassing the standard paradigms of the Koprulu Sector.
Thus, when Osiris proposed the next step—systematically replacing the materials of the CMC powered armor's main chassis framework and outer plating—Swann responded not with skepticism, but with laser-focused professional anticipation.
"The WS-7 series proved the feasibility of our 'enhancement' direction," Osiris brought up a full exploded schematic of the CMC-300 on his data slate, dividing the structural load-bearing frame and external armor plates into two distinct objectives. "However, 'enhancement' is merely patching and upgrading an existing foundation. The goal of the next phase—'replacement'—is to redefine that foundation."
He displayed two new material designations: "CF-44" frame alloy and "CA-19" armor alloy.
"They are not composed of rare elements," Osiris explained, his tone resembling the recitation of a technical manual. "Their base remains an iron-carbon system, but through our proprietary 'directional crystal cultivation' and 'pre-stressing' processes, near-ideal crystal alignments and internal stress distributions are achieved on a microscopic scale."
He brought up a set of comparative metrics. Compared to standard warship-grade steel currently utilized in CMC armor:
CF-44 (For Frameworks): While maintaining equivalent toughness, its specific strength (strength-to-density ratio) is roughly 60% higher. This means structural components of identical strength can be produced at significantly lower weights, or load capacity can be drastically raised without adding mass.
CA-19 (For Armor Plating): Its kinetic impact resistance is enhanced by approximately 40%, with energy weapon resistance (against lasers, plasma, and similar threats) showing an even more pronounced jump, projected at over 70%. Simultaneously, it boasts exceptional fatigue limits and crack propagation resistance.
Swann stared at the metrics, holding his breath slightly. As an engineer, he understood all too well what those numbers implied—a lighter, stronger skeleton meant better mobility and lower strain for soldiers, while tougher armor translated directly to higher survival rates. Yet it sounded almost too good to be true.
"Cost?" Swann cut straight to the core, tapping his finger against the sample of WS-7a on the desk. "And what about the manufacturing process? That 'directional crystal cultivation' you mentioned doesn't sound like something our existing assembly lines can pump out."
"That is precisely the key point," Osiris seemed to have anticipated the question. "The raw material costs for CF-44 and CA-19 sit in the same tier as your current high-grade armor steel, even slightly lower due to a cleaner formulation. The primary cost increase lies in the new heat-treatment protocol and the required specialized processing energy field generators. The latter is a one-time equipment investment; once deployed, unit production costs remain controllable."
He further projected a simplified schematic: "The core of the process is straightforward. It requires molten metal to solidify within a specific high-frequency energy field that guides crystal growth along pre-determined vectors, pre-forming beneficial microscopic stress networks inside the material to withstand external impacts.
We have miniaturized and modularized this energy field generation apparatus so it can be integrated directly into existing casting lines, requiring only the replacement of the corresponding temperature control and energy guidance modules."
Swann took the complex energy field parameters and equipment diagrams, his brows furrowing tightly, yet his eyes remained sharp as he rapidly processed the information. "So it's like... fitting our smelting furnaces with a brand-new, ultra-precise brain and a set of specialized vibrational molds?"
"That is a valid analogy," Osiris confirmed. "It alters the microscopic process of matter formation rather than macroscopic casting geometries. Consequently, most existing molds and downstream machining workflows remain unchanged, maximizing the utilization of present manufacturing capacity."
To offer a more concrete demonstration, Osiris had Valerie retrieve a sealed sample case. Upon opening, several metal blocks with varying surface treatments were revealed: matte dark-gray framework samples, alongside an armor plate specimen bearing ablation test marks.
Donning a pair of gloves, Swann picked up the framework specimen. It was noticeably lighter than he had anticipated, yet tapping it produced an extraordinarily solid, deep resonance. He scrutinized the scorch marks left by energy weapons on the armor plate sample, noticing that crater depth and fracture webbing were far smaller than those of any material he was familiar with.
"I need physical testing," Swann looked up, his eyes burning with intensity. "Direct comparative tests. Put our best current armor plate side-by-side with this CA-19, and hit them both with the same C-14 Gauss rifle, frag grenades, even low-yield laser cannons. Fatigue tests, low-temperature brittleness tests too..."
"A comprehensive validation is appropriate," Osiris nodded. "We have provided sufficient samples for destructive testing. Furthermore, I recommend fabricating a complete set of CMC-300 chest and thigh armor prototypes, mounting them on training dummys for integrated battlefield environment simulations."
A broader, more systematic testing regimen unfolded with the full cooperation of the engineering department. The commotion coming from the testing ground drew crowds of curious mechanics and Marines. Murmurs of awe broke out among the onlookers when standard armor plating was gradually shredded by armor-piercing rounds from a C-14 Gauss rifle at a fixed distance, whereas the CA-19 specimen of equal thickness retained its general structural integrity after taking even heavier punishment. During simulated energy weapon strikes, the disparity proved even starker.
Swann recorded every metric throughout the process, his expression growing progressively more solemn yet increasingly ecstatic. This was no longer a mere upgrade; it was the birth of a generational leap. He sought out Osiris, holding the preliminary test summary in hand.
"I've seen the data, pal," Swann's voice was steady, though he spoke rapidly. "If follow-up testing and mass-production consistency hold up, this stuff will raise a soldier's survival odds by a whole tier." He pointed at the material codenames. "CF, CA... these designations are a bit different from the earlier WS series. In your Earth-sphere, does this material have a common name?"
Osiris paused briefly before answering: "In certain technical literature, it is classified as a high-tier variant of 'plasteel'. It can be understood as the product of hammering steel's performance to near its theoretical limit under a specific technological framework."
"Plasteel... got it." Swann glanced toward the unyielding CA-19 armor plate in the testing area and nodded. "Then we'll hold it to the standard of 'plasteel'. We'll start by trial-producing a complete torso assembly, while simultaneously fabricating the CF-44 framework."
"Agreed," Osiris's response was concise.
"Alright, I'll re-map the workflow." Swann turned to leave, then paused and flashed a grin. "Seriously, Consultant. How many more toys like this is your Far Star Alliance hiding?"
Osiris met his gaze calmly through his optical lenses: "Technology is merely a tool. The key lies in identifying the right problems, and finding those willing to forge the solutions together."
Swann laughed, waved a hand, and strode off into a new round of frantic work. On the engineering deck, new hope was seeping from blueprints into reality alongside the trial fabrication of "plasteel". A quiet revolution was brewing amid the ringing clatter of forged steel.