Chapter 470: Disguise
The transport shuttle hovered at a safe altitude, continuously enduring the energy interference from the radiation cloud below.
The multi-spectral deep-scan protocol had been running for seventeen minutes and thirty-two seconds. The primary cogitator array was processing the massive amounts of data returning through the radiation barrier at its maximum computational capacity.
On the console screens, the originally blurry outlines were gradually becoming clear as data accumulated.
What first appeared were the anomalous energy flow trajectories.
The scan revealed that the radiation was not diffusing evenly; its energy flow exhibited a distinct convergence and directional pattern in a certain area, as if constrained and guided by a massive energy field.
The outline of this energy field was gradually sketched out—a hemispherical structure covering an area of approximately one point five square kilometers. Its energy signature shared similarities with the void shields commonly found in the Imperium, but there was a significant difference in its frequency modulation method.
"Operating signs of a large-scale energy shield generator detected. The shield type exhibits approximately a twelve percent deviation from standard templates," the cogitator reported.
As the scan probed deeper, the physical structure beneath the shield began to manifest.
The first thing identified was an extremely high-density metallic return. Its outline was colossal, irregular, and exhibited non-natural structural characteristics.
Data analysis indicated that this was not a geological formation, but a gigantic artificial construct, partially buried underground and partially exposed on the surface.
Its form was twisted, with one end towering high and the other sinking deep into the bedrock. The overall outline was vaguely recognizable as the bow section of a massive starship, having evidently endured a violent impact and the erosion of a long passage of time.
"Presence of a large starship wreckage confirmed. Structural integrity at approximately thirty-seven percent. Primary material is high-grade alloy; multiple structural breaches detected."
Clinging around and atop this bow wreckage was a sizable cluster of artificial buildings.
These structures were not haphazardly erected; rather, they displayed a clear defensive layout and functional zoning.
The scans clearly revealed multiple meticulously camouflaged weapon platforms: their outer shells were shaped to resemble rocks or heaps of discarded metal, but their internal energy cores and weapon rails had nowhere to hide beneath the deep scan.
"Lascannon turret arrays identified; quantity: twenty-four, distributed across outer vantage points. Missile silos identified; quantity: eight, located in the central sector. Automated attack sentry gun batteries identified; quantity exceeding fifty, covering primary approach vectors."
Ryo's mechanical fingers rapidly operated the control panel, retrieving the weapon identification database for cross-referencing.
The design style of these defensive weapons shared commonalities with the Imperium's active-duty wargear, but their details appeared much more ancient. Some energy readings were even slightly higher than the standard templates.
This further corroborated his speculation—the technology here was connected to the Dark Age of Technology.
He commanded the cogitator to conduct a simulated assessment of the defensive firepower.
A data model was swiftly established. By inputting the identified parameters of weapon quantities, types, ranges, yields, and the strength data of the energy shield, it simulated a scenario of engaging a standard-issue Imperial Navy light patrol flotilla.
The simulation results were presented seconds later.
"Based on the current data model projection, this defensive system can inflict moderate to severe damage on a patrol flotilla in the opening volley. The energy shield is estimated to withstand three to four rounds of concentrated bombardment from the flotilla's main macro-batteries.
"The defender's lascannon turret array possesses effective armor-penetrating capabilities against ship hulls. The missile weapons are presumed to be equipped with armor-piercing or plasma warheads."
The assessment conclusion was clear: the defensive firepower here was sufficient to pose a severe threat to a light flotilla, potentially delivering a decisive strike even before it could close the distance.
A forced assault, even if ultimately victorious, would inevitably exact a steep price.
Ryo's gaze swept over the meticulously marked defensive nodes on the screen.
Aside from the energy shield and heavy weapons, the scan also identified dense sensor arrays and probable minefields.
The entire settlement—if it could even be called a settlement—was more akin to a highly militarized fortress, a heavily fortified stronghold established upon the ancient starship wreckage.
"Log the coordinates, types, and presumed parameters of all defensive installations. Establish a tactical threat level database," Ryo issued the command.
This data was crucial and would directly influence his subsequent operational decisions.
He noticed that the internal structure of this fortress was equally complex.
The scan revealed expansive subterranean spaces. The zone with the highest energy reading was located deep within the core of the bow wreckage; that was very likely the location of the STC system.
The passages leading inside were limited and inevitably heavily guarded by checkpoints.
Directly utilizing the Eternal Seeker for an orbital bombardment might destroy this stronghold, but it could not guarantee the STC would remain intact, and it was highly likely to trigger the opponent's self-destruct sequence.
Dispatching Legio Cybernetica automata and Skitarii for a forced assault would inevitably incur massive losses while breaching the outer defenses.
Ryo's processors rapidly ran feasibility assessments of various plans.
Risks and yields needed to be calculated with precision.
A moment later, a preliminary conclusion formed in his logical core: a forced assault was not the optimal solution.
He needed more detailed intelligence. He needed to understand the internal layout, the distribution of guards, the routine operational patterns, and any potential weaknesses.
His optical lenses swept once more over the outline of that fortress, hidden beneath the radiation cloud and formidable defenses on the screen.
The essence of exploration was sometimes not merely about discovery, but about how to acquire the target safely.
He needed an alternative method of entry.
"Terminate deep scan. Save all data. Set return course, heading back to the preliminary observation point," Ryo ordered.
The transport shuttle's engines began adjusting their output, and the hull slowly turned.
He needed time to analyze this newly acquired information and formulate a more strategic operational plan.
A forced assault was the method of last resort. Prior to that, covert infiltration and intelligence gathering would be the more efficient choices.
Equipping for Infiltration
Inside the transport shuttle's armory, Ryo began conducting necessary wargear adjustments.
First, he unequipped the large weapon platform on his shoulder and the conspicuous heavy equipment rack on his back.
Multiple external mechanical arms used for auxiliary operations or bearing heavy firepower were also detached one by one, temporarily secured to the racks in the armory.
The removal of these components made his silhouette significantly less overtly aggressive.
He retained the weapon systems integrated beneath his arm armor.
Hidden inside his left forearm was the firing mechanism for the Arc Scourge, while his right forearm housed the compact excitation device for a Tachyon Arrow.
Both systems were properly covered by exterior armor plating. In a non-combat state, they blended seamlessly with his gauntlets, making them difficult to detect.
Within the interstice of his back armor, the miniaturized void shield generator remained in place.
This was his life-saving trump card; its low-power standby mode produced virtually no detectable energy fluctuations.
The high-density plasma reactor within his body was an unremovable core component.
The unavoidable low hum of its operation and the faint, ghostly blue light bleeding through the armor seams were characteristics that could not be completely concealed.
He could only explain it away as a necessary system for life support and baseline motive power, which was not particularly rare among individuals who had undergone deep mechanical augmentation.
Finally, he checked the encrypted communicator hidden within his auditory sensor array, as well as the multi-mode scanning micro-probes distributed around his optical lenses, ensuring they functioned normally.
He did not carry any weapons or tools that glaringly exceeded the identity of a technician.
After completing these adjustments, his massive frame was still conspicuous, but it was no longer saturated with an immediate, unnerving threat of heavy firepower.
He now looked more like a down-and-out technical expert who had survived a severe accident and relied on heavy mechanical systems for sustenance, rather than a Magos of the Adeptus Mechanicus armed to the teeth.
This image fit perfectly with the cover story he had set for himself—an archeo-technician searching for ruins in the wasteland who had lost the majority of his wargear and companions.