Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 123 Shipbuilding Planning (Third Update)
After a comprehensive technological upgrade, Chen Yu not only updated the main weapon system, but also systematically optimized the detection array and auxiliary equipment throughout the body.

At this moment, three newly acquired servo skulls floated silently in a triangular formation beside him, their multispectral sensor arrays continuously scanning the surrounding environment.

These sophisticated devices integrate high-precision scanning, deep space exploration, real-time data analysis, and combat support and defense functions, forming a complete mobile sensing network.

The servo skull, modified from the skull of a former classmate, has also undergone a significant upgrade.

Now, it is directly connected to Chen Yu's spinal cord interface through a set of high-strength data cables, becoming his external dedicated computing core, which is specifically responsible for handling complex cross-dimensional calculations and spatial topology analysis.

Under the escort of this special team, Chen Yu stepped into the long-silent orbital dock.

The guard duty was handled by the Royal Guard, personally led by Ignis.

These elite warriors are clad in heavy power armor, the surface of which is etched with intricate mechanical incantations, and the optical sensors on their helmets flash a steady red light in the dim environment.

Their equipment and combat skills are second only to the Titan Guard, which is directly under the Titan Order, within the Forging World.

The two differ only in their functional division and ceremonial status; in reality, their combat capabilities are comparable.

Ignis herself was like a silent war machine, her every step precisely positioned to protect Chen Yu from the side and rear, ready to deal with any potential threat at any time.

This magnificent construction site, once a symbol of ambition during the Great Expedition, now appears empty and dilapidated.

On the dome, which is several kilometers high, nearly a third of the lighting units have failed, casting large shadows on the metal floor covered with mottled rust.

The air was filled with dust from metal oxidation, the pungent smell of dried lubricant, and the icy smell of long-term disuse.

Occasionally, the knocking sounds of maintenance workers could be heard from afar, echoing hollowly in the vast space.

Ignis made a gesture, and the Royal Guard immediately dispersed to form a perimeter.

Their powered armor joints emitted an almost inaudible hydraulic sound, indicating excellent maintenance.

Surrounded by his guards, Chen Yu continued forward. The scanning beams of the servo skull danced and crisscrossed in the darkness, transmitting detailed information about the sleeping giant to his perception system in real time.

Under the direct command of the Great Sage who oversaw its construction, this long-dormant orbital dock is undergoing a slow and arduous restart process.

Several teams of cleaning machines moved slowly along the main aisle, their worn brushes constantly scraping away decades of accumulated cosmic dust, leaving intricate cleaning tracks on the metal floor.

The engineering priests, dressed in dark red robes, drove the maintenance platform through the massive structural framework, carefully inspecting the operational status of the dock's foundation system.

Scattered welding sparks occasionally flashed in the dim space, like fireflies in the night, illuminating the maintenance work that was underway in some areas.

The entire restart process is still in its most basic stage—restoring energy supply, ensuring structural stability, and activating basic life support systems.

The air was filled with the low hum of equipment restarting and the occasional system notification sound, which were particularly clear in the empty dock.

Despite the slow progress, these initial tasks have at least given this industrial behemoth, forgotten for decades, a minimum of new life.

In the center of this somewhat cluttered scene, the unfinished hull of the Luna-class cruiser floated silently in the fixed force field of the dock, like a sleeping metal giant.

This was a standard cruiser originally intended to be assigned to the Seventh Army's exploration fleet.

During that glorious era of expeditions, this fleet had not yet received the official title of "Imperial Navy." It was not until Guilliman implemented military and political reforms that the space fleet composed of ordinary soldiers was incorporated into the Imperial Navy's organizational structure.

Construction of this warship was forced to stop more than a century ago due to the sudden outbreak of a major rebellion.

What we see now is only the completion of the main keel laying and about 40% of the major structural assembly. More than two-thirds of the hull surface still lacks armor plates, exposing the intricate internal network of pipes, the unfinished structural frame, and system modules awaiting installation.

Several key weapon platform bases were empty, with unconnected energy conduits hanging from the engine interfaces.

To complete the construction according to the original design would require a massive investment of resources equivalent to rebuilding half of the secondary forging plant, which is the main reason why the project has been stalled for so long.

However, for Chen Yu, this "unfinished" state actually provided a rare opportunity for transformation.

The ship was originally designed as an exploration vessel operated by mortals, which is fundamentally different from the casting vessel used exclusively by mechanical priests.

He plans to completely restructure it.

The primary modification was the installation of a complete casting module, namely a shipboard miniature furnace system.

This standard configuration enables the casting ship to independently produce various types of equipment, from individual weapons to large machinery, basically meeting the routine production needs of the Imperial industrial system.

The weapon systems will also be fully upgraded.

Compared to the relatively conservative armament configuration of the Imperial Navy, the Mechanicus warships are typically equipped with more powerful weapon systems.

Take the Nova Cannon as an example. This heavy weapon, which is rare in the Imperial Navy, is only considered standard equipment in the Mechanicus fleet.

Other key systems, such as the oracle array, the void shield generator, the Geller force field, and the subspace engine, although not yet installed, have been agreed by Chen Yu and the supervising sage to use high-performance versions supplied internally by the Cult of Mechanics.

In Chen Yu's planning blueprint, a dedicated laboratory located in the core area of ​​the ship was given the highest priority.

This highly isolated research space will employ a multi-layered protective design, with special anti-scanning and anti-penetration materials filling the space between the inner and outer shells.

The laboratory will be equipped with a completely independent energy system, including a dedicated plasma reactor and multiple backup power supplies, to ensure its operation under any circumstances.

An independent life support system, internal communication network, and data processing center will make it a truly self-consistent research fortress.

The core mission of this laboratory is to conduct sensitive research that cannot be interfered with by outsiders, especially deep experiments on dimension teleporters.

Considering the unpredictable risks that the experiment may bring, the laboratory has also designed emergency isolation protocols and multiple security lockdown mechanisms.

Its structural strength is sufficient to withstand a medium-sized internal explosion, and it also has the capability to eject the entire laboratory unit from the ship in an emergency.

Besides this core laboratory, the rest of the warship's space has also been carefully planned.

The training camp will occupy three consecutive decks in the middle of the ship and will be equipped with complete training facilities, armories and barracks systems.

The adjacent recruit training facility is equipped with an artificial uterus array and gene modulation equipment, enabling it to continuously replenish the ranks of the Guardians of the Order.

The equipment maintenance workshops are located at key positions fore and aft of the ship to ensure rapid response to equipment maintenance needs in various areas.

Standing on the observation platform in the dock, Chen Yu's servo skull continuously scanned the unfinished hull, transmitting real-time data on structural strength, spatial distribution, and system integration to his thought core.

Although what he saw was just a huge metal skeleton, with exposed cables and unsealed compartments appearing chaotic, his logical deductions revealed a clear vision of the future for the ship.

A mobile base integrating scientific research, military and production functions; an exploration platform capable of transcending dimensional boundaries.

Every pipe route and every armor seam was precisely shaped in his mind, waiting only to be transformed into reality.

(End of this chapter)