Gandy stood, "Please let me buy these two ships. I want to see the salesman squirm and have them beg for my credits."
Harris held up his store. "Here's five hundred million credits to play with just to show them you mean business. Don't spend it of course, but you can use it to shake them up. And have Trish drive down the final bid. Squeeze every credit you can out of them."
"I will. And we come at a good time. With the economy in shambles from the budget cuts I doubt they've sold a ship this month. The defense big-wigs used to be some of our best customers."
Harris stepped out of the cabin, looking back through the hatch. "Sharvie, you can come watch if you want. And make any suggestions you'd like concerning which ships we buy. And you bots, you'll be staying here guarding the ship. Anyone approaches besides us, politely send them on their way."
The team of five walked into the showroom. The first salesman to spot Gandy snickered to himself as he turned toward three others who were standing together just outside the customer lounge.
Gandy turned with a smirk. "They remember me."
The first salesman approached with a grin. "Mr. Boleman. And you brought a slug and a stump with you. You do know we sell spacecraft here. If you were looking to pick up an icecream truck that would be down the street."
"Barry, glad to see you haven't changed. And I'm guessing since you're standing here you're now the junior salesman."
"Listen Boleman. We don't have any openings if your looking for your old job back. Not that they'd hire you anyway."
Gandy shook his head. "You're fired, Barry. Go home."
The salesman shook his head as he chuckled. "Fired? Rich. You decide to buy this place?"
Gandy held up his credit store, showing his credit account total. "I just might. I'm betting it would go for cheap given the current economy. Doubt you idiots have sold a ship this month."
Barry's eyes grew large before his expression turned into a scowl. "Funny. You had me for a minute. That a gag store?"
Trish stepped up, putting her face only centimeters away from his. "The gag here is the sound I'm making while looking at your face. Send over your top sales manager. No... wait a second, there should be a store VP around here during normal business hours. We'd like to talk to him or her directly. No sense wasting our time on peons. Oh, and just so you know, it's you who'll be driving the icecream truck come tomorrow. Hope you like kids."
Harris chuckled as the salesman scurried away. "That was actually kind of fun. I hope you two haven't let all these credits go to your heads."
Trish turned. "It was fun. And if I remember, that was the dork who tried to ask me out every time I came to pick you up."
Gandy nodded. "That would be him. Not a decent bone in his body. A complete kiss-up to that other pack of mongrels and a complete ass to me."
Gandy looked over at the offices as an old man waddled their way. "Dirmack. He's the operations VP. Does nothing but sit on his can eating donuts all day."
Harris chuckled. "I wouldn't mind that job. When this is all over, remind me to check in on it."
"Well, Mr. Boleman. How are you doing? I've been following you on the news. That's some exciting business you've gotten yourself into. Dealing with Earthers, building colonies, interesting stuff. Are you here looking for a ship?"
Gandy tilted his head as he displayed his credit store. "I was. But now I'm thinking of buying this place instead. First thing I'd do is fire Barry over there."
Dirmack turned with an angry face. "Barry! You're fired! Clear out your locker!"
The VP turned back to face Gandy with a smile. "Problem solved."
Gandy returned a half frown. "Wasn't really looking to fire him. He's an ass, but I don't wish that on anyone."
The VP put his arm around Gandy's shoulder. "Don't worry about Mr. Stickle. His time with us was at an end. Only remained because of his uncle, a mechanic who has been a valued and long time employee. So, we were discussing a possible purchase of the store? You do know that I am a shareholder, right?"
"Listen, Mr. Dirmack. We're here to purchase ships. We need two shuttles and we're in the market for them today. What do you have on the lot?"
The elder man removed his arm from Gandy's shoulder. "I see. Well that would be best left to our salesman. Hartford! Get over here!"
Gandy shook his head. "Don't want Hartford. He's the one who poisoned the sales force to begin with. I'd rather have Grimes."
Dirmack yelled. "Hartford! Your fired! Clear out your locker! Grimes! Get over here!"
"Well you didn't have to do that."
"Nonsense. I in fact did. Cuts were coming next week. You just made my decisions easy. Now, I'm certain Mr. Grimes here will be able to accommodate you. I'll be back in my office if you need anything further."
Jefford Grimes gave half a smile. "Gandy. Hope you are well. How can I help you?"
"We need two shuttles. Something modern, we'd prefer new, and we'd like to take them today."
"Come this way. I think I have just the thing. We have two Journey Stellarwinds just outside. They had been preordered in anticipation of a coming upgrade by the Morritz Corporation. Of course, for economic reasons, those orders never materialized. Both ships are new and have the latest system and comfort upgrades. Each has seating for twenty, dual restrooms and a shower. The galley is half-size, which is generous for this class of ship."
Half an hour was spent poking and prodding the shuttle as both Gandy and Trish asked in-depth questions. When satisfied with what they heard, the group moved back into the building and to the office of the sales manager. Gandy pushed the offer prices down with Trish coming in to give the final number. Two Journey Stellarwinds, fully stocked, with retail pricing of just over eleven million credits for the pair, sold for an even eight million.
Harris patted Gandy on the back as they came out of the office. "That went well. Those two ships are perfect for our needs."
Gandy half frowned. "I still think we should buy one more, given the way we seem to go through them."
"A reserve shuttle?"
"I guess. Was also thinking about when we had two of them for the comms so Sharvie's people could use one.
Harris turned. "Mr. Grimes. You have any personal craft out there?"
"Six. Are you interested in a pair of those as well?"
"Just one. What's the best you have?"
That would be the Revolution. We have two in stock. Another anticipated order that didn't materialize. They seat up to six including the pilot, have a restroom with a shower and a mini-galley. Retail is about a million five."
Harris nodded. "I'll give two million for the pair right here and now."
Jefford Grimes held up a finger. "One moment and I'll check."
As the salesman hurried back into the managers office, Gandy asked. "Two of them?"
"We owe one to the colonel. The other can be our spare."
Jefford returned with a half frown. "Would you—"
Harris cut him off. "Tell him the offer is firm and we'd like to buy them right now."
Jefford ducked back in the office, returning less than a minute later. "You have a deal, Mr. Boleman. Come back in and we'll finalize the transfers."
Once finished, a jump was made back to the Retreat where the colonel was presented with his new personal flyer. A second jump had the second flyer parked just in free space for use as a comm station. The two shuttles were parked in the grass next to the complex buildings.
Harris said, "They should have our shield ready. I think we make a run out to see Bax and collect our pay and then back to pick up that shield. Would rather keep it with us if we need to make an immediate jump for whatever reason."
Tawn gestured toward the Bangor. "After you."
Harris sat in the pilot's seat. "Is it just me or does the day seem brighter today?"
Tawn clipped her lap belt. "Big turn of events with that last fight. You can't help but be optimistic about our prospects. Maybe one more big fight with the De
nzee and we'll have them on the run. And we can still easily overpower the Earthers and shut down Eden. Big obstacles, but I think we have a good shot at getting past them."
"We have new ships coming out. The colonel is preparing to secede from Domicile. And we have our own private world here where no one can touch us. I'd say we have a great shot at getting past them."
The Human warship lifted up through the Midelon sky.
— Chapter 25 —
* * *
The Bangor landed on the tarmac at Fireburg. Tawn and Harris made the short walk to Baxter Rumford's office.
Bax said, "Come in. Sit. First, the emperor is thrilled with the two of you. That fight at Pache, while still costly, gives everyone hope. It shows we can beat the Denzee. Where's your dog?"
"Left behind." Harris replied.
"The Denzee updates you forwarded are already being deployed. And the Earther researchers are working on a railgun, although they are finding that endeavor to be difficult. You should be careful to remove or destroy any ships left on the field of battle before you go."
Tawn said, "Good to know. Now, we have the subject of it being payment time to discuss. I believe we're owed just over two billion credits?"
"An unbelievable number. But the emperor believes it to be money well spent. You've given his entire empire hope where hope was fleeting. And the offer for future payment remains. The emperor believes the next battle may be decisive."
Tawn held up her bracelet for the transfer. "In another week we hope to be in an even better position to help."
Bax sighed as the credits moved across the stores. "Unbelievable wealth. If we make it to peacetime the two of you will probably be the richest citizens on all Domicile."
"Doubt it," Harris replied, "We're spending it almost as fast as we get it. Those ships we're building are taking a tremendous amount of capital. And if this all goes right those same ships will become obsolete."
Tawn nodded. "And there's also the possibility the Earthers defeat the Denzee and then once again turn their desires of conquest toward us. That's a fight we still have to be prepared to take on."
Bax smirked. "One crisis at a time, please."
The banter continued for several minutes before the Biomarines decided it was time to leave. The Bangor was soon blasting up through the insanely hot Eden sky. A stop was made back at Midelon. Harris consumed an MRE as his bot watched, seemingly with fascination.
The hundred sixteen kilo stump set a rib down in the package. "Staring at me while I eat is kinda weird don't you think?"
"It is?"
"Yeah, it is. You see, eating for Humans is sort of like a break time. We don't stare at what others are eating, and any conversation should happen around the eating and not interrupt it. To do so would be rude and annoying. Kind of like your staring is right now."
"Very well, sir. I will discontinue my observation."
"You don't have to stop completely, just to the point where it's no longer intrusive of my eating time. Understand?"
"I think so. Please hold, I have an incoming message from Alex. It would seem you have all been invited to the next level. Would you like to go see what that is?"
Harris chuckled, "You should go stand outside until I've finished my meal. Alex can wait."
Tawn said, "I'd like to hear what he has to say. Could be important."
"Will still be important in ten minutes when I'm done. If you want to know so bad though just open a comm and find out."
"I will. Boomer, connect us to Alex."
"Hello Tawn. I have good news. Your team has earned access to the next level of the complex."
"What can we expect from this one?"
"You will have complete access to the manufacturing laboratory where your assistants were constructed. You will find the tools and resources available to make whatever design changes you desire to those assistants."
"I like Boomer the way she is. Could I build another one?"
"If you so desire. The lab is being made available for your full use."
Harris swallowed a chunk of rib meat. "One thing I don't get, Alex. You have this tech available, but we don't have an Alex bot walking around. Why?"
"I have been given the directive to remain here. This complex is my domain. Should I venture out, who would remain to oversee it?"
"Got it. Guess that makes sense, but I still think you could benefit from a bot that stays here. For one, you'd be immediately available to talk to, we wouldn't have to open a comm every time we have something to say."
"I see. Perhaps I should consider a permanent link to the several places here on this planet that you often contact me from?"
"That might help."
Harris stood. As he walked over to a recycle bin, he dropped the spent MRE package inside. "Let's go have a look at this lab."
A door at the end of the previously reached hall was opened. A staircase going down was revealed. At the bottom, the entryway opened into a vast room. Various equipment covered the ten thousand square meters of floor space. A dozen bots stood beside a charging station. Farker ran to their side, sitting on his haunches as a yellow charging light showed over his head.
Harris nodded. "Now we know where it was he was always running to."
Trish looked over the equipment closest to her. "This is all high precision milling machines."
Gandy said, "I have stamps and presses over here."
Sharvie hurried ahead. "This station says quantum electronics."
The voice of Alex could be heard. "Be careful around that station. The core processing units of your assistants were grown on that very bench. Please do not touch it as the slightest vibrations at the wrong time can ruin several weeks worth of work."
Sharvie asked, "Grown?"
"Yes. The processing cores are made from pure carbon crystals. As the crystals are grown they are doped with a precise number of molecules from different elements. The resultant processor is of extremely low power consumption, but high functionality."
"Memories are grown in there as well?"
"Yes. The carbon matrix allows enough cells to store the equivalent memories of a Human brain, although not with nearly as elegant a solution. The Human mind is capable of storing information using matching patterns and similar likenesses.
"Let's say you observe a battle between two starships. My brain will record and retain the battle in it's entirety. The Human brain will store patterns that allow recall of similar pieces. Any parts that are missing are 'filled in' by your reasoning before being made available for thought. It is a system that allows far more storage, although at a much lower precision."
Harris crossed his arms. "So why not pattern the AI brain after how our brains work?"
"That is a task that has been attempted many times with no success. The mechanisms by which the brain decides what to keep as a pattern and what to toss have not been replicated. The solution we have growing in front of Sharvie is to-date our best alternative."
"So our assistants are basically being built on two thousand year old technology?"
"That would be correct. Without this complex having Human scientists to continue research, that research has remained at a set level. From the Domicile archives it would appear that advances have been made in some areas. This shows promise for mankind's future in AI."
"If we have a future. Have to give the Denzee the boot first."
"From your last encounter, it would appear you are near to resolving that problem."
"Not near enough."
Tawn asked, "So you revealed this lab to us. What's next? Are we supposed to work on something here?"
"Yes," Alex answered. "The continued education of your assistants. When that task has been determined to be complete you will be allowed access to the next level."
Harris said, "OK. Idiot? Build me another Idiot."
"I believe that may be beyond my means, sir."
"Why?"
"I an unable to transfer the exact patterning and me
mories from my processor to a new host. That process takes a finite about of time, meaning my memories and reasoning patterns may be different before the transfer is complete."
"OK. So build me an exact replica of Idiot, from ten minutes prior to the beginning of any transfer."
"Yes, sir. I'll begin that task immediately."
Harris turned to the others. "That wasn't so bad."
Alex asked, "Would you like to know when this task will be complete?"
"Sure."
"Twelve years, four days, eight hours."
Harris chuckled. "Should have figured as much. Idiot, counter that order. Just build yourself some spare parts. Start with two of each for parts that can be made in an hour or less."
"Yes, sir."
Sharvie sat in front of a computer terminal. "This system is the network between the comm interface and the processor?"
Alex replied, "It is."
"Have any of the security techniques we've learned from our encounters with the Earthers or the Denzee been added to this system?"
"They have not."
"Don't you think it would be a good idea to do so? Our bots are currently unprotected. Any minor hacker could probably take them over or erase their patterns and memories."
"That is possible."
"Is there any way I can get an isolated terminal in here that I can connect to my friends without them having access to this facility?"
"That can be arranged. Do you have a schedule in mind for this to happen?"
"Immediate?"
"One moment... the terminal in front of you has been isolated from all systems and now has a comm connection going up to the new comm vessel. Would you like me to open a wormhole to Domicile?"
"Yes, please."
"You have access. Do you have any further needs?"
"The rest of these stations here are all connected to the network security of our bots?"
"Yes."
"Then I'm good, thanks. Give me a few days and I'll see if we can make a few upgrades."
Harris turned to face Trish and Gandy. "Would you rather hang out here or make a jump to Gondol?"
Trish replied, "Gondol."
ARMS Eden Lost: (Book 4) Page 22