Chapter 164: The First Molt
POV Rio
Today started with a meeting with the Science Division. I wanted to know what progress they had made. I left a Wood Clone to watch Chrysalis as she was showing signs of beginning her first Molt.
Rio: "Okay, let's get this started. Orochimaru."
Orochimaru: "I am happy to say that the Spartan IX is complete and fully stable. We managed to fully integrate the Witcher Trials with the help of Vesemir. There are only a few downsides. 3 maybe 4 depending on your viewpoint."
Rio: "How stable are the procedures?"
Orochimaru: "93% survival rate. And it is nearly painless."
Rio: "Okay, what are the downsides?"
Orochimaru: "The first is that they are so distinct from humans genetically that they are nearly incapable of producing viable offspring. Very low chances but not 0. Moreover, the Spartans can breed with Spartans with no issues. The second issue is that Spartans cannot have intercourse without a magical restriction band. Otherwise, there is a very high risk of shattered pelvises and crushed scrotums."
Everyone winces at the thought of such an injury.
Orochimaru: "Again Spartans can have intercourse with each other with no problems. The third issue is that once they become a Spartan it is nearly impossible to reverse the procedures. The only possible solution is to make an empty Clone and transfer the Soul to the empty body. The last issue is only an issue for some. Due to the inclusion of the Trial Of The Grasses, Spartans will live for hundreds probably thousands of years."
Rio: "All fair points but otherwise how capable are they?"
Orochimaru: "They can match base Tsunade in physical output without the armor. And in some cases surpass it. They have on average 97% accuracy using any type of gun. They have an average IQ of 125 and have been proven to solve complex problems in extreme situations. If they aren't killed instantly then they will be able to heal from almost any form of injury given time. The MJOLNIR Mk 12 Armor has been vastly improved. If they are severely injured they will be teleported to safety. The armor's shields are strong enough to take a Tsar Bomba and survive with only minor damage. The new Stealth Suit AI and capabilities have been integrated into the Mk 12."
Rio: "How many could you defeat before they brought you down?"
Orochimaru: "20 of them should be enough to kill me. That is if they don't develop their magic abilities. Which while small is still something. If they trained in Magic then 5 or 6."
Rio: "How many do we have?"
Orochimaru: "280 Spartans with 70 in training."
Rio: "How expensive is it to produce one?"
Orochimaru: "10 Million USD. Give or take a few million."
Rio: "Do you think it is worth it?"
Orochimaru: "Absoultely. In terms of value they give us there is no contest. Moreover, they are completely loyal to you by contract. As far as I know, there is no real comparison to other super soldier programs in the Universe."
Rio: "Good to hear now Faraday?"
Faraday: "We finished the Stealth Tech. We can harvest Zro. We can also awaken Psionic Potential but we decided to wait as we want to make sure that the Shroud or the Phoenix Force wouldn't become a danger to us."
Rio: "Hmm, you don't need to worry about the Shroud. The Aetherophasic Engine forced the Shroud to merge with other dimensions. Effectively destroying it. As for the Phoenix Force, they are not connected to Psionics as much as they may seem. It is just that their powers are mostly Psionic in nature. That being said I think we should only awaken a select few people. Then do tests to make sure that there are no major side effects."
Faraday: "Very well, that should be easy enough to do. Should we test on Criminals or Volunteers?"
Rio: "Criminals but be extra careful. We don't want to make a Psionic Supervillain. Dr. Claw."
Dr. Claw: "We have made excellent progress on the Grand Herald. Many pieces were removed from the ship and replaced with our more advanced technology. The Archeotech is interesting. While most of it is weaker than what we have it has still taught us a few things."
Rio: "When will the Grand Herald be ready?"
Dr. Claw: "2 Months possibly more. It will be done no later than March."
Rio: "And what about the Retrofitting of the other ships?"
Dr. Claw: "Only the old Munificents need to be done. The Chimaera is done and so is all the Providences. The Lucrehulks were the most difficult. And as per your orders, we have not done anything with the Subjugator Class. But we expect it would take 4-5 months to retrofit it once our cloaked Shipyards are done."
I look to Tex with a question.
Tex: "Once the current ships are retrofitted and the new propulsion tech is installed I believe we can start producing more ships. Admiral Thrawn and I have discussed at length on which ship should be produced."
Rio: "Which ships are you trying to produce and what ships does Thrawn want?"
Tex: "Thrawn wants to build more Venators as they can transport a large number of starfighters while still being fast enough to maneuver. I want to produce more Lucrehulks due to their ability to transport vast amounts of war materials and due to their low crew requirements."
Rio: "The Venators are less armed and structurally weaker. The Lucrehulks are slow, difficult to maneuver, and take longer to produce. Both have negatives and positives. Have you asked for opinions from the other command staff?"
Tex: "It will be brought up at the next strategy meeting."
Rio: "Very well. Now let's see what is next."
After that, we talk for a bit more when I suddenly feel my Clone dispel and I get the memories that Chrysalis had started Molting outside.
Rio: "Sorry but I need to go Chrysalis is Molting."
Orochimaru: "Congratulations I will go get the cake ready."
I teleport away and everyone gets the celebration items out. Once I arrive at Chrysalis' location I see her breaking out of her shell and I take pictures.
[Image Here]
Rio: "CONGRATS!!!!! You Molted for the first time. It feels like just yesterday you were a little grub crawling around. Sniff."
I tear up a bit at the site as my daughter was growing up.
Chrysalis: "Woah! I am so much bigger. And my wings feel way stronger. Hey! Stop crying. I am not going to be like my brother and stop playing with you."
Rio: "Come give me a hug. And your brother is just going through a phase."
Lucario: "IT'S NOT A PHASE DAD!"
Rio: "It's almost as if I can hear him now. And his talk about Emo culture."
Lucario: "I'm right here and I am not Emo!"
Rio: "Oh hi didn't see you there. Just like how you seem to be avoiding your old man."
Lucario: "Sigh. Ugh, Dad please stop. I am sorry for not making time for you recently. I have just been training."
Rio: "I was just messing with you."
Chrysalis: "Hehehehe, hahahahaha."
Rio: "Ah, so now you find me funny? I thought you said my jokes were lame."
Chrysalis: "I said your puns are lame. Yang is no better. Puns are the weakest kind of humor."
Rio: "No that's toilet humor. My puns are the pinnacle of humor."
Both of them avoid eye contact when I look at them.
Rio: "It seems I have 2 disobedient children that need to be disciplined."
I grab Lucario and Chrysalis in a hold before I get my wings out and they go pale.
Chrysalis: "Wait Daddy! I am sorry you are right your jokes and puns are the best. And you are the best dad that has ever existed. And I love you."
She gives me the best puppy eyes she can manage.
Rio: "Ahh, thanks Chryssi I love you too but that won't save you."
Chrysalis: "Darn it. Well, I tried. Don't blame me if I pee."
Rio: "Hahaha, I can sense when either of you are actually going to pee yourselves so now let us proceed."
I start tickling them like there is no tomorrow and they try desperately to escape but I am physically stronger than them.
6 Minutes Later...
Chrysalis: "Gasp! Freedom! Whew, ugh, I can't breathe. I need a minute. To... Catch my... breath."
I looked at her and then at Lucario who was fainted on the ground with foam in his mouth.
'Did I go too far? No, it is the children that are wrong.'
I levitated Lucario and Chrysalis to the dining room as it was time for the party.
As soon as we entered we heard a big shout.
Everyone: "SUPRISE!!!!!!!"
Chrysalis: "Huh? What? Is this for me?"
Rio: "No, it is for the other Changeling that just Molted for the first time. Yes, it's for you."
Almost everyone came for this celebration even those who were somewhat busy. I wasn't able to take too many pictures as I was dragged around to play games with Chrysalis.
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Authors Note:
In case I forget to write it with the picture the art is made by Otakuap on Deviant Art and is called Molting. I wanted to do a small update on the research going on in the background and do the Molting I had been talking about for a while now. Chrysalis and Lucario will be going to school. Ms. Frizzle will be their teacher or at least their supervisor. The next chapter will be Gacha so if you have any suggestions let me know. Until next time Ciao.