Beta Ring World Section, underground headquarters of Ashes.
The enormous transparent chamber was filled with pale yellow nutrient solution. As the equipment ran, the solution gradually drained away. Warm radiation then filled the recuperation chamber, followed by high-speed jets of white air.
Hiss.
The chamber door opened, and the gas dispersed.
Xi Yan stepped out and stretched, steam rising from his slightly damp marshal's uniform.
An agent in a black cloak approached, holding a tablet.
"Your bodily functions have declined by 5%, Marshal. Your next recuperation session will need to be longer."
"Thanks for your hard work." Xi Yan nodded to him.
"With all due respect, your condition is insufficient to support the new genetic modification surgery. There is a 2% chance of failure."
The agent wore a medical department badge on his chest. He tucked his tablet into his cloak.
"If the Empire's genetic technology had reached its current level twenty years ago, I would certainly have recommended the surgery. The new genetic modification procedure would have greatly extended your lifespan."
Another agent emerged from among a mass of machinery and stopped in front of Xi Yan.
"Your bodily functions are still deteriorating. We dare not let you undergo an operation with a 2% chance of failure."
"Genetic technology is no longer suitable for achieving immortality. Perhaps we need to turn our attention to machinery."
Xi Yan clenched his fists and moved his body around. "Right. If I can't undergo genetic surgery, genetics has nothing left to offer me. We might as well research consciousness transfer technology."
"Of course, before that, we need a transition-and to buy ourselves more time. The Life Support Device built specifically for you is complete and can be put into operation at any time."
"Thank you for your hard work. Once everything is over,