Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 408 Sincere Cooperation
However, even though Chen Xi had tried to explain in the most tactful way, Company Commander Galadon's reaction was as intense as expected.

The commander of the Imperial Fist suddenly stood up, the servo system of the precision-engineered power armor emitting a suppressed hum, like a beast poised to pounce.

His steely face was taut as iron, his eyes, which had witnessed countless battles, stared directly at Chen Xi, his voice as cold as ice: "So in the end we will all be replaced? Just like when we, the Astartes, replaced the Thunder Warriors?"

The air in the conference room seemed to freeze instantly.

The other company commanders tensed up simultaneously, their power armor joints emitting a faint but dangerous metallic scraping sound.

This blunt question, like a sharp blade, pierced through the facade of calm that everyone was trying so hard to maintain, exposing the deep-seated fears—fears of being abandoned by the times, fears of losing the meaning of existence, and even more so, fears of repeating the mistakes of the Thunder Warriors.

Kaul's mechanical eye flashed with a calm light as he replied steadily, "No, you misunderstand. Thunder Warriors are defective products that were eliminated, while you are perfect warriors who have undergone enhancement."

His voice was adjusted to the most peaceful frequency: "Every active Astartes only needs to undergo one modification surgery to complete the evolution into a Proto-Forged Space Marine."

This is not a replacement, but an elevation.

Your genetic seeds, your chapter traditions, your spirit and will will all be preserved intact.

Galadon looked around at his colleagues and saw that they all had similar doubts on their faces.

"Your Excellencies," he said, his tone softening slightly but remaining firm, "could you elaborate on this plan? We have the right to know that this concerns the future of all Astartes."

As he sat back down, the precision-engineered power armor collided with the ancient stone chair with a low, muffled thud, as if bringing the intense reaction to a halt.

“Of course, you should know that,” Chen Xi replied immediately, her voice filled with unwavering conviction.

His gaze slowly swept over each soldier present, his voice steady and clear: "We will explain in detail this important plan concerning the future survival of humanity."

Kaul glanced helplessly at Chen Xi, a complex emotion flashing in his mechanical eyes, before finally explaining, "The so-called Original Space Marines originated from the foresight of the Lord of the Thirteenth Legion ten thousand years ago."

In the wake of the Great Rebellion, he foresaw an unprecedented threat facing the Imperium, one that the existing Space Marines were ill-equipped to meet with the growing challenges.

His mechanical tone was steady and precise: "Therefore, Lord Guilliman ordered me to find a way to strengthen the Astartes."

After thousands of years of research and experimentation, the Original Forged Warrior upgrade program was finally developed.

"So how exactly was the upgrade and modification carried out?" The question from the Chapter Leader of Yolandil broke the brief silence, voicing the most pressing question in the minds of all the Astartes present.

Kaul's prosthetic eye flickered, and the processor quickly weighed the method and extent of the interpretation.

Seeing this, Chen Xi immediately took over the conversation: "By implanting three new artificial organs."

"A new artificial organ?" Company Commander Tycho frowned, his eyes flashing with vigilance and doubt. "Lord Chen Xi, could you please explain in detail?"

“That’s exactly what I’m going to explain next.” Chen Xi nodded slightly, his voice steady and clear: “As we all know, Astartes requires nineteen modification surgeries to implant nineteen different artificial organs.”

The original casting modification involved adding three entirely new modifications to the existing structure.

Company Commander Galadon leaned forward slightly, his precision-engineered power armor emitting a soft hum: "Could you elaborate on the specifics of these three new surgeries?"

At this moment, the atmosphere in the meeting room changed noticeably, and all the Astartes' expressions gradually shifted from initial anger and doubt to focused scrutiny and reflection.

Their steely bodies leaned forward unconsciously, showing an unprecedented level of interest in the topic.

Seeing that the atmosphere had eased, Kaul took over the conversation, his mechanical voice carrying a scholarly rigor: "The three newly added organs are: tendon coil, pituitary gland, and Belisarius furnace." He brought up a holographic projection, showing the structure of the first organ: "The tendon coil is a semi-mechanical construct, shaped like a nerve bundle or a living cable."

It actively integrates into the recipient's muscle tissue, significantly enhancing power output.

The projection switches to the second organ: "The Belisarius furnace will be implanted between the two hearts."

Its primary function is not to increase the height of soldiers to three meters—that's just a side effect.

Its true value lies in the special repair factors it stores, which can be released instantly upon fatal injury. Combined with existing Lariman organs, it can even achieve a 'resurrection' effect.

Kaul paused, a hint of pride flashing in his mechanical eyes: "As for the Holy Pituitary... it is a precious legacy derived from the technology of the Primarch's creation. The Emperor himself designed it, although I only have half of the design."

It can significantly strengthen muscles and bones, while also improving brain function—thinking speed, reaction ability, and tactical intelligence will all experience a qualitative leap.

Simply put, it allows Primarchs to acquire some of their Primarch traits.

Chen Xi keenly observed that with each technical detail revealed, the facial expressions of the six Astartes warriors underwent subtle yet significant changes.

Their initially furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and a look of shock began to flash in their resolute eyes. Finally, they all fell into deep thought.

These battle-hardened warriors had never imagined that the Emperor's creations could have such groundbreaking evolutionary possibilities.

Inside the enclosed meeting room, low murmurs of conversation rose and fell.

The soldiers exchanged opinions cautiously, sometimes nodding, sometimes shaking their heads, each knowing that this decision would change the future of the chapter.

After a heated discussion, Company Commander Galadon finally stood up, his precision-engineered power armor gleaming coldly under the lights.

“Based on these irrefutable technical arguments…” He paused, his voice steady and powerful: “The Fist of the Empire is willing to accept the Original Forge brothers.”

His gaze swept over each of his colleagues, and he gained silent support from their resolute eyes.

“In this crisis-ridden era,” he continued, his voice filled with an unprecedented sense of urgency, “we need to unite every ounce of strength we can muster, no matter where it comes from.”

This decision was by no means made lightly.

With imperial territories shrinking and internal and external threats growing daily, every strategic choice is crucial to the survival of human civilization.

A stronger warrior not only means a greater chance of victory, but also represents the hope of continuing the emperor's great cause.

"This couldn't be better!" Chen Xi's voice broke the brief silence, his eyes shining with satisfaction.

"In this future era of turmoil for the empire and the galaxy in peril," he looked around at the crowd, his tone firm and fervent, "we should all put aside our prejudices and cooperate sincerely!"

This resounding declaration won the heartfelt approval of everyone present.

Even the usually cautious Caul showed a glint of approval in his mechanical eyes.

At this moment, warriors from different backgrounds and with different stances reached a rare consensus in the face of the greater cause of protecting the future of humanity.

(End of this chapter)