"I will continue to follow up on the overall progress of the project and provide guidance at critical technical nodes," Osiris added, clarifying his position as the project's overall lead.
"As for the specific technical execution, daily progress coordination, and liaison with the Priest team dispatched by the Forge World, they will be responsible for handling those administrative tasks.
You need to demonstrate sufficient professionalism, actively cooperate, and ensure the project progresses smoothly and efficiently."
"Don't worry, Boss, we will definitely cooperate fully!" The two responded almost in unison, their voices filled with the solemnity of being entrusted with an important task and the excitement of finally having something to do.
"Regarding compensation," Osiris' next sentence immediately brought their attention to a sharp focus.
"Once this phase of development is complete, the first batch of two power armor units, officially rolled off the line, personally tested and finalized by you, will serve as your personal compensation for this mission."
This news made Jackie let out a low gasp, and Valerie also took a deep breath, an uncontrollable excitement flashing in her eyes.
A power armor unit, entirely personal, combining powerful firepower and excellent protection, is worth far more than money can measure. It is undoubtedly a huge guarantee for their survival and a symbol of strength in this perilous universe.
Amidst her excitement, Valerie hesitated slightly but decided to speak.
She knew that in the Adeptus Mechanicus system, focusing on needs like food might seem less "rational," but for the long-term stability and work efficiency of the team, she felt it was necessary to bring it up.
"Lord Magos," she tried to keep her tone objective and pragmatic, "thank you very much for your generosity. Also... regarding living conditions, there's a situation I need to report to you."
Osiris' optical lens turned to her, its steady crimson glow silently enveloping her, signaling her to continue.
"We understand and respect the Forge World's principle of efficiency first," Valerie carefully chose her words. "The current food allocation indeed provides sufficient nutrition and calories.
However, long-term consumption of this standardized 'life-sustaining meal' may gradually affect the work state and morale for those of us who have not fully adapted to the Adeptus Mechanicus way of life.
This might have some adverse effects on testing work that requires high concentration."
She did not directly complain that the food was unpalatable but cleverly approached it from the perspective of work efficiency and personnel status. "If we could be permitted to prepare some food that better suits our original dietary habits, I believe this would help maintain the team's long-term work efficiency."
Jackie nodded repeatedly from the side, unable to resist interjecting, "Boss, after eating that stuff for so long, there's really no taste at all in my mouth, and I can't even get motivated to work!"
Hearing this blunt complaint, the focal length of Osiris' optical lens showed a subtle change.
He recalled that when he first joined the Adeptus Mechanicus, he also went through a similar adaptation period.
The subordinates from another world's obsession with food gave him a sense of familiar amusement.
He quickly retrieved Sekhmet's logistics report, confirming that they were indeed using the lowest standard nutritional provisions of the Forge World—synthetic compounds designed only to maintain basic physiological functions.
For them, accustomed to Night City's diverse diet, this extreme pragmatism indeed seemed overly strict.
"I understand the situation," his synthesized voice remained steady, but it seemed to contain a hint of humanized understanding rather than purely mechanical logic. "The previous logistical standards were set based on the most basic survival guarantees.
Since you are now undertaking important responsibilities for the 'iron guard' project, it is reasonable to appropriately improve living conditions to maintain optimal working status."
He then connected Sekhmet via internal communication.
"Sekhmet, upgrade the logistical supply level for Maine, Valerie, Jackie, as well as David and Lucy, from 'Standard Worker' to 'Tech-Priest Apprentice' level.
At the same time, grant them permission to self-process some basic ingredients and provide a set of necessary cooking equipment."
"Instruction confirmed, Lord Magos," Sekhmet's calm reply came immediately. "Supply levels adjusted. Corresponding materials and equipment will be delivered to the designated living quarters within one standard hour."
Ending the communication, Osiris turned to the two expectant individuals: "It's been arranged. The new supply standards will be delivered to your residences very soon. I hope this helps everyone work in better condition."
Jackie's face instantly broke into a huge smile, so excited he almost jumped up: "That's great! Boss! You're really... you're really too generous!" He was so excited he was a bit incoherent, as if he could already smell the aroma of real food.
Valerie also visibly relaxed, her tense shoulders dropping, and a sincere look of gratitude appeared on her face: "Thank you very much, Lord Magos. This will absolutely revitalize everyone's morale and is crucial for the subsequent work."
"Remember, focus on your tasks," Osiris' tone returned to his usual calm, but the earlier relaxed atmosphere had not completely disappeared. "The power armor project has received high attention and resource allocation from Archmagos Vox.
Do not fail to live up to this investment and expectation. Now, go receive your new supplies, then prepare to fully engage in the next phase of work."
The two bowed solemnly again, this time with noticeably lighter movements, almost with a hint of impatient eagerness, then turned and quickly left the laboratory, eager to bring this good news to their companions who were enduring hardships in the living quarters.
— —
When Valerie and Jackie returned to the living quarters with the news of improved food allocations, the previously dull and oppressive atmosphere seemed to be pierced by an electric current, instantly erupting into long-suppressed commotion.
"Really?! No more toothpaste-flavored nutrient paste and hard-as-brick compressed biscuits?!" Rebecca sprang up from her metal bunk, her large eyes sparkling with almost frantic joy. She unconsciously licked her lips, as if recalling some distant delicacy:
"Oh god, when I was a kid, I went to a fancy restaurant in Charter Hill with my dad and had a real steak once... that taste..."
Pilar adjusted his goggles, his voice filled with rare excitement: "Exactly, exactly! I remember too! My dad made a fortune on that mission, took us to 'Heaven's Kiss' in the Heywood District, their roasted chicken and fresh vegetables..."
His voice suddenly trailed off, his eyes a bit dazed, as if struck by a sudden memory.
Maine rubbed the scar on his chin vigorously, letting out a long-held sigh, and finally, the first genuine smile in days appeared on his face: "Finally... finally something decent to eat. V, well done." His gaze towards Valerie was approving, clearly understanding whose credit it was.
Dorio reached out and patted Valerie's shoulder, this simple gesture containing so much gratitude. Even the usually expressionless Kiwi's lips curved upward almost imperceptibly.
"At least we don't have to stare blankly at those gray nutrient blocks anymore," Lucy whispered to David, who nodded emphatically, his eyes shining. Although his thirst for knowledge could temporarily mask his dissatisfaction with food, the thought of being able to eat something closer to "real" food than Night City's synthetic bottom-tier fare still made him look forward to this world a bit more.
Valerie watched her companions' reactions and couldn't help but recall the exquisite meals she had enjoyed in the Arasaka Tower's top-floor restaurant.
Those dishes, cooked with real ingredients, were a world apart from the industrial products designed only to sustain life that they currently had. She gently squeezed her mechanical right hand, understanding what this seemingly simple change meant for team morale.