USD: Around the sa ti that SMS Grazhdanin left for 90 Pegasi
Location: 92 Pegasi, Tears of Fire, rendezvous with A3123Y wharf
Alex stared out the observation decks window as Naless slowly guided the Tears into position for the automated mooring system to dock the ship to A3123Ys orbital. That orbital had grown from a simple shell to a multi-ringed orbital that would be the sa size as Ackman Station in another month.
Thousands of drone units patrolled the area, carrying out their tasks. Larger human operated mining ships waited in a queue to be unloaded, and an automated repair dock took care of ships that needed patching up on their way out after unloading their hauls.
A second orbital, the black cylinder she had noticed on the way in, was the manufactory that she had bargained with Portmaster Whitely for. It had turned out Wyles Hammock of MilTech Arms had co through for her: he had convinced Portmaster Whitely to allow A3123Y to take care of the operation without her personal supervision.
The fact that the fledgling subcore had hired human employeesAmy and Loganhad made a big difference. Putting a human face on things had made it a bit easier for the Portmaster to swallow. While FedTech AI wasnt sothing that was unknown, it wasnt really present in the sector.
The current technology levels post-collapse ant that a sapient AI required massive buildings dedicated to the task. The nanite computronics modules that they were using could fit in a small module slot on the ship or station. Thankfully, this had not been noticed or comnted on. Alex hoped it stayed that way.
Even without the issue of nanite technology hanging over them there had still been several incidents where bad actors had tried to break into the station, but between the IHMC frigate that she had hired to patrol the area, and the station's own automated defenses, the small-scale attempt at theft or espionage had been dealt with via extre ventilation.
That was just the reality of the frontier. Thankfully, it hadnt scared off the custors.
That might have had sothing to do with her new Mining Operations Director. After having read the reports, Alex had been impressed. Amy and her brother had convinced a large portion of the independent miners to try A3123Ys services.
Which couldnt be beat. So they had kept coming back. Which drew more and more custors. Now most of the independent mining traffic preferred the A3123Y orbital over Ackman Station. Which had produced the ongoing traffic between the stations as A3123Y serviced Ackman Stations production needs.
Normally those minerals would be shipped out bi-annually in massive ore barges for processing in a distant industrial system. Alex hoped they wouldnt be furious with her start-up companys sudden acquisition of all those resources.
As she had examined the stations accounting records, the reason she had only been getting negative balance updates had beco clear. Rather than accepting paynt for the materials sold, A3123Y had directed Amy to only accept certain resources and items as paynt.
Specifically, rare materials that were harder to acquire in the Ackman system. That had enabled the subcore to rapidly build out its capacity. It had hurt their bank balance by the tune of nearly 150 million, but Alex wasnt worried about that.
Between the rapid delivery fee and their rcenary contract, they still had half a billion credits. They werent worth as much in her mind when they were nearly self-sufficient.
The manufactory was already hard at work producing two new freighters that A3123Y had designed. They were multi-purpose in that they were a mix of FedTech and expediency. Rather than having an expensive double hull, they would have a single hull with a single layer of heavy plating.
A Bi-phase Linear Drive would make them faster than most warships of similar size while saving them anti-matter costs that an enhanced drive would have needed. They also carried an impressive weapon loadout for a non-military ship with four bow mounted missile tubes, two railguns, twelve lasers, and twenty-four PDC-Ks.
They would never be warships, as a massive amount of space was taken up by their cargo systems and they lacked the heavily redundant systems a military vessel needed to survive combat.
They each had two main holds that could be pressurized, but the big developnt was the radial attachnt systems.
They were part of a new system that would allow the ships to take and deliver their cargo via the detachable containers. The downside was that the containers werent cheap. At least the pressurized ones. They had to have their own life-support and energy systems.
However, for bulk goods like ore, there was no need for that, and they could simply use a steel shell with a simplified A-Grav system to keep the ore in place inside it once it was loaded.
The glaring issue to Alex, though, was that no one else used the system yet. That ant it wouldnt actually save ti with operations unless it beca popular. Although, at the rate of progress they were making, she figured it would catch on quickly. Even if they had to encourage that by selling the containers at a discount and offering to make the modifications needed for existing ships to use them for free.
A warm feeling settled over Alex. This was exactly what she had wanted to do. Building new things, improving the lives of the people in the system, and making progress towards well, she wasnt sure what their ultimate goal was, but this was definitely the correct direction!
Being a rcenary had left a sickening, haunting feeling wrapped around her. Worse, shed have to continue to deal with the fallout from Dedia IV for a long ti.
The Tears finally killed its relative velocity to the station, and an automated tube extended from the mooring arm to the ship, matching the Shrikes original docking collar perfectly. Alex realized the space had been specifically crafted with the corvette in mind.
Thanks, A3123Y.
|Thanks! are always nice|
|Although complete understanding|
|Might be lacking|
USD: A few hours later
Location: 92 Pegasi, A3123Y Orbital, Command Center Module, eting Room
Alex was late for the eting, but only because she had been inspecting A3123Ys massive food processing facility. Shed been srized by a massive aquaponics bay that had thousands of little fishies swimming inside of it. Apparently, they were very productive and able to be converted into tasty proteins.
There had also been a garden to explore, but the eting was important. It was the first ti that everyone except H-3233L would et in person. Or well, as close to as in person that A3123Y and Naless could get.
Alex had already thought of how the AIs could be represented, with a nice little holo display of a floating ship and station to put on the table.
The main concourse of the station was clean and polished, but Alex noticed the differences between Ackman and Nucrateri station and A3123Ys imdiately. It was empty. The signs of human habitation were missing, and while there were rooms and buildings along the way, they were mostly empty.
A few had boxes or supplies stuffed in them, but that did little to break the stark, bare tal aesthetic. White and blue lighting clearly lit everything to drive the difference ho.
The entire corridor was flanked on the outer edge by a massive window that helped form the torus. A clear view of the sun and the nearby asteroid greeted her as she continued toward the eting area.
Several cargo bots drove back and forth, carrying heavy loads on their backs. That was the most activity she had seen so far. She felt a slight pang of loneliness. She knew the cargo bots werent exactly alive, although bots with personality matrix upgrades like Beeper and Booper blurred the lines heavily.
Alex wondered how long until the orbital would possess a real population. One thing was for sure, before they could consider that, they would have to examine and prepare proper security asures to keep the station and everyone safe. She didnt want a ss like Ackman Station, where bad operators and kidnappings could happen.
That security could bring problems of its own if the inhabitants didnt like to be constantly under the eye of a sentient AI.
Pausing at the door to the room where they were gathering, Alex let out a sigh. Those were troubles to consider later. She needed to focus on the eting and greeting her first employees.
Of course, everyone was already there when she arrived.
Elis, Amy, and Logan were already seated and chatting. Alex felt her cheeks burn when they all stopped to stare at her.
Uhm. Sorry, I got busy over in Aquaponics. A-3123-Y was showing the food systems.
As Alex approached, Amy stood up and shook her hand.
Nice to et you, Ms. Alex. My brother and I are happy to finally et you. We look forward to working with you.
The words were all correct. The sentint was probably perfect for a new employee eting with their first CEO. Alex had to give the girl credit. She was trying very hard to fill her new job requirents.
Except it all felt so very wrong.
Alex scrunched up her face. That sounds terrible. Ms. Alex? Urgh.
Amy hesitated. Umm, your file didnt have a last na listed. Would you rather be called Captain instead?
No, not really. Maybe in public. How old do you think I am?
Amy looked Alex over, seriously considering the question before answering. Seventeen? Eighteen? I wouldnt say much older.
Alex nodded. Youre older than , so it feels weird for you to call that. Just call Alex like Elis does.
A conflicted look filled Amys face. But...
No buts. If you didnt notice, this isnt a typical corporation. Heck, we dont even have a crew for any of the ships.
A bit of surprise appeared on Amys face, but she tried to hide it. Curiosity filled her question, though. But how do you run the ship then?
Well, the ship probably is less complex than the asteroid base, but it also has soone for you to et. Naless?
[Notice: Starship operations are no less complex and share considerable overlap with orbital station operations. If Avatar is attempting to diminish this units capacities, it is making faulty calculations.]
Logan spoke up, Woah. There is another one? Cool! How many AIs do we have!
Alex smiled and scratched the back of her head. Umm, three?
Amy had a question, Avatar?
Realizing that line of questioning was in the wrong direction for how much exactly she wanted to share with them still, Alex hedged her words. Oh, yeah. Thats what it calls since its sort of keyed to . So, it cant ever be hacked or anything.
Woaah. Thats so seriously rad security! I imagine there are a lot of people whod like to steal the AIs, though, so its probably a good idea.
Amy gave her brother a chill out look and returned to her seat.
Elis brought them all back to the reason they had gathered. We have a lot to discuss. Maybe we should get started?
Pulling out her chair, Alex scanned the faces looking back at her.
First, welco to Starlight Revolution, Amy, Logan. Youre our first two employees. A3123Y vetted you, and I dont plan to question that. But I would like to be careful about who we recruit in the future because there will probablydefinitely be those who want to take advantage of so of the unique resources we have.
That said, well likely have to expand our criteria quickly since the scale of our operations is likely to balloon in the future. As much as I know that Naless, A3123Y, and H-3233L can handle a lot on their own, limiting ourselves to just AI is not sothing I want to do.
Why not? They seem to be super smart, and you dont have to pay them? Seems like adding human employees has a lot more drawbacks.
Logan seed to realize the sentint wasnt in favor of his own job. He continued hesitantly, Uhh not that I want you to get rid of my job, or anything!
Alex frowned. They are very smart, and you bring up a good point. Maybe we should pay them? They arent slaves. Naless? A3123Y? What do you think?
Nalesss little hologram on the table lit up first.
[Informative: This unit receives compensation by performing its operative functions.]
A3123Ys hologram changed from a small asteroid base, into a floating kebab.
|A purpose held|
|Agency gained|
|Compensation unending|
Elis shook her head. They seem to be happy with doing what they do. Im not sure paying them wages makes any sense when they can literally build whatever they want over ti without buying anything.
Alex had an idea. Maybe they should be allocated resources for building things theyd like at so point.
|Already construction|
|Of tasty treat makers|
|Goes splendidly|
Alex nodded. Ok, but if sothing cos up, dont hesitate to bring it up.
Elis spoke up. What is our goal, actually? So far, weve only had a vague idea, Alex. I an, I was sort of joking when we first arrived to 92 Pegasi. I said wed build ships and take care of the locals I didnt think it would be possible this fast.
Alex frowned and considered her words.
Shed been thinking about this for a while. Corporations usually just tried to make money to make their owners rich so they could do whatever they wanted at least that was the picture of them she had.
It wasnt what she wanted, though. Their stint as a rcenary ship had shown her that money wasnt worth giving up your agency. It was even worse when it involved killing or deploying weapons on a planetary scale that would affect so many people.
At the core of it, I would like to help people. People in the broadest sense of the term, not just humans. AI, Rexxor, Human, or anything that can think and decide for itself. All while not giving up our own agency to others, being trapped to slave away at sothing not aningful Im not sure If Im doing a good idea explaining.
Amy offered so support. No, I get you. It is different from what Id expect from a corporation and sothing more like a charity or non-profit organization. Its a lot nicer goal that I had imagined.
I thought we were going to take over the universe. Logan mumbled.
Alex shook her head. I dont want to be a charity. People need to be given the tools to take care of themselves, not be taken care of.
It sounds nice, but Im not sure how realistic that is, Alex. There will always be people who need to be taken care of.
But we have so many tools, we can provide resources for all of them!
Sotis its not even about having enough resources. We can talk about the pitfalls and benefits of a lot of systems of governnt. None of them are perfect, and Im not sure we should be considering replacing whats there without a lot of further research and discussion, along with input from more people. Vastly more.
Replacing the world order hadnt been what she ant, and she nodded. I didnt really want to replace anything like the governnt. Really just doing our own thing was what I had in mind.
Amy raised her hand to get everyones attention.
Maybe what we really need to do is just narrow the scope of the goal, then. Alex wants to help people. Why not do that from the context of what you seem to have built here so far? Shipbuilding, Orbital Construction, Resource Refining and Mining Operations. Military too?
That sounds like a smart plan, Amy. We can always talk about bigger things in the future once they are more developed.
I, for one, would welco a benign despot if she were a cute blue-haired girl.
Amy glared at her brother. Logan!
Alex felt her cheeks heat slightly at the complint. I guess we should make a list of things to focus on in the short to dium term. A lot of them are probably just going to be about building out our capacity to produce more capacity
About that, we have several projects in the works. The freighters, finishing the manufactory, and building the orbital.
[Notice: Anti-matter stores are becoming critical. 6 AMCN missiles have been cannibalized for Tears AM Bi-Phase Linear drive operation. Recomnd prioritizing construction of AM creation facilities.]
Alex hadnt realized they had been consuming their AM supply so quickly. That they had only 23 AMCN missiles left was worrying, especially when she rembered her promise to Thraker to get him a resupply of them.
Amy looked shocked. We can build anti-matter production? But thats only done in major systems. Thats why its usually so expensive. Passive gathering can only supply a small amount and collider units are extrely expensive to operate.
I had forgotten about that. Whats our options for producing anti-matter?
[Informative: A passive AM net collection system has already been prepared to siphon much of the anti-matter inside the magnetic shadow from Ackmans magnetosphere. Estimate yearly production via deceleration spheres: 2-6kg of anti-particles annually. This volu is insufficient for continuous operations at current consumption.]
[Recomndation: Production of a solar AM collider facility is required.]
Yes, but as Amy ntioned, what will that take to build? There is a reason they arent just found everywhere; the power requirents are massive to produce anti-matter.
[Informative: A schematic for a collider has already been developed. Modular design allows building out of the proposed facility in steps. Cost is nearly equivalent to a freighter/frigate hull size vessel. Maintenance costs will require a complete replacent every 6-12 months, mostly comprising outer hull and solar energy generation elents.]
Wait, so you want to build a ship that we basically stick really close to the sun to generate a ton of power to operate the collider?
[Notice: This is a very effective form of anti-matter generation despite ongoing costs to maintain facility. Monthly production rates of 10-12kg per module can be expected. An AMCN missile contains approximately 5kg of anti-matter per warhead.]
So, one module will produce about 282,352 kebabs worth of anti-matter per month
Amy and Logan both looked at each other before giving Alex a skeptical look.
Elis fought back a giggle. She does that. Its normal.
Alex, unperturbed, did so napkin math. Umm. This is harder than I thought. I promised Thraker 20 new missiles. We are going to need multiple modules to keep up with our needs plus build those.
|A fiery orbit|
|Will soon collide|
|Many powerful particles|
There was another concern Alex wanted to bring up. We also need to prioritize food production. I promised Governor Tyler that we would help with the incoming food shortages the colony is likely to face. At least we already have a lot of progress on that.
Elis spoke up. Transporting it all will be an issue. Id say we need to get the freighters built ASAP to help with that.
Alex nodded. Seems like we just need more ti.
[Notice: Tears structural integrity restoration will require several weeks of dedicated repair ti.]
Elis nodded at the NAIs reminder. That should be a priority.
Alex leaned back in her chair. Urrgh. We need a priority list.
She pulled out her datapad and jotted things down. Naless filled in estimated ti fras for each item she listed. The holotable displayed the information for everyone to see.
|Repair Tears: 2 weeks|
|AM Collider Module: 2 weeks|
|Finish Freighters: 3 weeks|
|2nd AM Collider Module: 4 weeks|
|2 Freighter/Frigate Class hulls: 2 months|
|30 AMCN Missiles: 3 months|
|Fully Operational Manufactory: 4 months|
|Finish A3123Y Orbital: 6 months|
|A Cruiser-sized Warship w/FedTech Standard: 12 months|
Elis whistled. We can already do 2 ships a month?
[Informative: Manufactory expansion will increase the rate of ship production. Notice: Shipbuilding and Orbital Construction estimates are sequential.]
Alex frowned at the list. A lot of work could be done simultaneously, so it would allow them to work on most of the items pretty quickly. The new warship and finishing the orbital and manufactory would all need to co one after the other.
Why did it feel like ti was the one thing that was quickly running out to her?
She swallowed, then looked toward Amy. Lets go over those mining operation plans you sent . We are going to need to keep the rocks coming if we want to et these deadlines."
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