Chapter 200: Ghost Going to Sea (Part 2)

Transformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List

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"Is the transformation complete?"

Sun Cheng's spirit was shaken when he received the news of the completion of the Arkhangelsk's transformation from Hephaestus, who rushed to report.

"Yes, master. Although it took an extra day beyond the expected time, the first phase of the submarine's transformation is complete, and it can set sail at any time!"

Before Sun Cheng, Hephaestus, whose blue light in his eyes had noticeably dimmed, was trying to gain credit with a very obsequious tone.

Decepticons have a strict hierarchical system, with high-ranking Decepticons exerting terrifying suppression on low-ranking ones, and abuse and killing are commonplace.

Therefore, every low-ranking Decepticon, from the moment of their birth, strives to seize every opportunity to climb up. Even under Megatron's rule, their fate is that of miners, cannon fodder, and slaves.

"Well done!"

Sun Cheng nodded approvingly, acknowledging Hephaestus and their efforts.

He is not a true mechanical being; his mechanical body contains a human soul. Although not exactly cheerful, he has no malevolent inclinations and thus has no interest in mistreating these engineers.

However, Decepticon's strict hierarchy has indeed brought him many advantages.

With a thought, facing Hephaestus' expectant gaze, he slowly said, "I am pleased with your loyalty. Once the submarine's remodeling is fully completed, I will give you an opportunity—a chance to become stronger. Now, Hephaestus, lead me to see my great monster!"

"Yes, master!"

Though it was merely an empty promise, it filled Hephaestus with excitement, causing his mechanical body to tremble.

After promptly responding, he respectfully stepped back, guiding Sun Cheng as they strolled through the interior of the Arkhangelsk, which had completed the first phase of its renovation.

Just one week later, following the transformation by a team of Decepticon engineers, this old Typhoon-class ballistic missile nuclear submarine underwent a remarkable rebirth.

Although only a small number of changes had been made to the submarine's internal structure for the time being, it significantly altered the somewhat cramped interior space.

The library, gymnasium, swimming room, rest room, swimming room, and soldier dormitories that once served the Russian Navy's submariners were removed, increasing the usable space within the vessel by over 370 square meters.

Don't underestimate this change; keep in mind that it is within a submarine, and such a transformation can only be described as a complete overhaul.

The equipment within the original vessel was one of the three focal points for the engineers' renovation efforts. Almost all the previously installed equipment was dismantled, and some of it was replaced with new equipment that the engineers had stolen from the warehouses in the Severodvinsk Shipyard. Most of the new equipment was intended for use on the two "Borei" submarines currently under construction at the shipyard, while some original components were sourced from the ongoing construction of the Kilo-class submarine.

The core components of the equipment were designed by the engineers themselves, utilizing materials they had stolen.

After the transformation, the space occupied by the submarine's internal equipment had been reduced by four-fifths compared to its original state, and the level of automation had greatly improved.

Furthermore, the performance of the newly installed equipment surpassed that of the original equipment by more than threefold.

In addition to equipment, another key transformation project for the engineers is the submarine's power system.

The original power system on the Arkhangelsk had two OK-650 (VM-5) pressurized water nuclear reactors. In the eyes of Hephaestus and the others, it was evident that these nuclear reactors designed by Soviet engineers in the 1970s and 1980s were completely outdated and inadequate.

Their original proposal was a supermagnetic fluid water jet propulsion device. Theoretically, just one of these devices could provide abundant power, allowing this colossal behemoth weighing over 20,000 tons to reach underwater speeds of over a hundred knots.

Hephaestus and the others planned to replace the two OK-650 (VM-5) pressurized water nuclear reactors on the Arkhangelsk with two supermagnetic fluid water jet propulsion devices, enabling this terrifying sea monster to achieve a fearsome speed of over two hundred knots underwater, even faster than a fired torpedo.

However, as remarkable as the supermagnetic fluid thruster was, the engineers did possess the manufacturing technology for it.

Yet, manufacturing a supermagnetic fluid thruster requires additional equipment. In theory, manufacturing just one thruster would require at least thirty engineers working tirelessly for over twenty days, provided there is a sufficient supply of materials.

Therefore, it could only be included in the second phase of the transformation.

Over the past week, Hephaestus and the others have dedicated a significant portion of their efforts to transforming the two OK-650 (VM-5) pressurized water nuclear reactors on the Arkhangelsk.

For over three consecutive days, the four Decepticon engineers tirelessly worked on these reactors, which were originally built in the 1980s. Finally, the reactors were given a new lease on life.

After the transformation, the size of the two reactors has been reduced by one-third, the replacement rate of parts exceeds 90%, and the total power has been boosted from 380MW to 535MW. Additionally, the lifespan of nuclear fuel has been extended by nearly 30%.

Although the engineers were puzzled by Sun Cheng's command to expend a substantial amount of precious energy to upgrade this outdated equipment, their efforts have resulted in the once sluggish and ridiculed sea creature now possessing a genuine underwater ghost-like speed of over forty-two knots.

Of course, it remains nothing more than a ghost of the sea!

Upon completing his examination of the data on the newly transformed Arkhangelsk, Sun Cheng ran his hand along the submarine's wall, his eyes harboring a hint of regret.

The reason it is said to be merely a sea ghost rather than a terrifying sea monster is that despite the outstanding performance of the newly transformed Arkhangelsk, one fact cannot be ignored: its weapon systems remain unchanged. As a ballistic missile nuclear submarine, the Novarchangelsk was supposed to be a nuclear arsenal that instilled fear worldwide, but now it is empty!

Correct!

After mooring at the dock in the Severodvinsk Shipyard, the Arkhangelsk, along with its companion, has been cleared of ammunition by the Russian military. Especially the nuclear warheads carried within the submarine, which had the potential to destroy the world, have been relocated to the arsenal.

During the chaotic period following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, a significant number of nuclear weapons were lost to the black market, casting a shadow over Earth for nearly two decades.

After Russia's assertive new president, Vladimir, assumed power, he reinforced the protection and management of the country's nuclear arsenal.

Therefore, if Sun Cheng wanted to acquire the P-39 (NATO codename: SS-N-20) submarine-launched ballistic missile designed for the typhoon, he had to create a major disturbance within Russia.

Putting aside whether he alone could accomplish the feat that Baricade, Onslaught, and Bonecrusher had jointly achieved, merely by provoking Russia, Sun Cheng deviated from his original plan.

Hence, he could only temporarily abandon arming the Novarchangelsk and consider it for later.

Suppressing a slight sense of regret within him, Sun Cheng satisfactorily wandered around the submarine, becoming increasingly pleased the more he observed.

Upon completing the inspection, he generously commended his team and happily addressed Hephaestus and other engineers gathered around him, saying, "Well done! The results of your work have left me highly satisfied. Once the second phase of the transformation is completed, I will grant three of you the opportunity to enhance your Core. So, engineers, continue working for me and show me your accomplishments!"

Having spoken, he paid no further attention to the group of engineers, their faces beaming with joy.

Proudly humming a familiar celebratory tune in his heart, Sun Cheng glanced at the submarine's interior, which had been significantly dismantled by the engineers' modifications, and cheerfully made a decision.

"My precious, you need a new name. From now on, I shall call you 'Ghost'!"

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 201: Ghost Going to Sea (Part 3)