“So, is that bot going to be able to teach Issi properly?” I asked Nyx as I stepped out of the living area and into my garage.
Define properly.
“It’ll keep her on track. Teach her reading, math and stuff.”
It may be called the Class I Basic Teaching Catalog, but that catalog contains training for every profession, trade, and basic skill on your planet; There’s no need to worry about the materials. If your concern is the bot, you should know the AI core you popped into it comes equipped with millions of training techniques, and can integrate up to Class II technology into its teaching plans. As is, it’s probably one of the best teachers on the planet.
“So… it’s overkill.”
Not at all. Most higher tier civilizations use even more advanced technology, and techniques, for training their young ones. It’s actually amazing that humanity got as far as it did relying almost entirely upon optical and aural inputs.
“Yeah, well, as long as it benefits the kids, and isn’t a threat, it was probably a worthwhile investment.” By this time I was approaching the center of the cavernous room, so I stopped to look around.
Thoughts?
“I want to start producing the heavier bots, and get some squirrels out there for recon purposes, I’m just trying to figure out where to set up.”
If you’re planning on running salvage missions for raw materials, I would recommend near one of the garage doors, with plans to separate the drop off area and manufacturing in the future.
“Makes sense…” I wandered over to the east side, which was relatively barren, determined how much room I’d need to leave for a garage, and stepped just outside the area. “Here. This is where we’ll put the production going forward.”
And what exactly do you want?
“In the short term? Class II production capabilities, the ability to produce Class II combat bots, and Class I recon. Maybe the vehicles too… but those machines are expensive.” As I stared at the open space I had another thought, “Oh, and going forward I want all weapons to be locked to the bots. The undercity is volatile enough, if any of the gangs get their hands on my tech it would almost certainly escalate things.”
Makes sense. Well, if you wanted both a Class II Industrial Creation Machine, and a Class II Mass Creation Machine it’ll put you back 25,600 points and a token.
You’d also need to invest in the blueprints for the upgrade. For the combat bots you’d need five thousand for the basic Class II combat bot, six thousand for the heavier chassis, five thousand for the Class II sensor upgrade, four thousand for the Class I Full Spectrum Environmental Armor.
The squirrels will only require one hundred for the Class I modular recon robotics, and another thousand for the blueprint. Finally a Class I weapon safety catalog will require one hundred points to unlock, and five hundred for bear-o-metric identification blueprints.
“Bear-o-metric?” I asked.
Well, they’re not alive, so it’s not bio-metric. What else would you like me to call it?
“Fine,” I sighed and rubbed my brow. “Where does that put me point and token wise?”
You earned an additional two tokens for that hive, and helping with the Seattle cleanup operations, so right now you have 106,432 points and five tokens. Afterwards you’d have 59,132 points and four tokens.
“I expected it to cost more than that. What if I wanted to take it one step further?”
I assume you mean Class III bots. Well, there would be two issues with that. First, you’d need to invest in another related Class II catalog, and second you wouldn’t be able to produce them using your current set up.
“I know, I’d need Class III Matter configurators.”
Not just that, Class III tech isn’t like Class I or II; it needs some very rare materials. Things you can’t get by salvaging the graveyard.
“But if I wanted to upgrade my squad…”
Possible, but it’ll cost you the rest of your tokens. The Class II Robotic Environmental Hardening will put you back five hundred and a token, and if you want to implement Class II armor the Class II Full Spectrum Environmental Armor blueprint will cost you ten thousand points.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
The Class III modular combat robotics catalog will cost you twenty-five thousand and three tokens. The biggest downside? Upgrading a single combat unit would cost a minimum of ten thousand.
“Expensive, too expensive to roll out on the entire squad after the Class III catalog cost.”
It’s up to you. One thing I WOULD recommend, if you plan to continue recycling, is to place an additional creation engine in the back of your collection vehicle. It’ll cut down on the amount of waste material brought back.
“We can pull the Class I off my truck for that. Now that I have alternative transport options I don’t have to stuff all the bears in the back of my trailer anymore.”
True. Anything else you’re considering?
“Still need to do the weapon swap over for foxes and heavies, but if I go to Class III bots I won’t have the tokens to give them Class II weapons for a while. Not that they'll need them until we have another Incursion.”
So, what’s your final decision?
“Let’s get the Class III going. Even if I can’t implement the upgrades immediately, it’s nice having the option. Where would that leave me?”
With no tokens and 28,132 points.
“That’s still a lot of points. Throw in another Class II industrial engine then. Even if I can’t fuel all three of them at once, I’m sure I’ll have use for them soon.”
You sure?
“Yeah. Put the mass creation engine here,” I said, pointing to an area near the south side of the garage door. “And the industrials here and here,” I gestured to a couple of spaces just a little further north of the mass creation engine. It might just be an open space for now, but soon it would be the heart of my production floor.
Purchased:
Class I Modular Recon Robotics Catalog - 100 points
Class I Weapon Safety Catalog - 100 points
Class II Matter Reconfiguration Machines Catalog - 400 points, 1 token
Class II Robotic Environmental Hardening Catalog - 500 points, 1 token
Class III Modular Combat Robotics Catalog - 25000 points, 3 tokens
Class II Modular Combat Robot Blueprint - 5000 points
Class II Modular Heavy Combat Robot Blueprint - 6000 points
Class II Modular Robotic Sensor Upgrade Blueprint - 5000 points
Class II Full Spectrum Environmental Armor - 10000 points
Class II Industrial Matter Reconfiguration Machine x 2 - 8400 points
Class II Mass Matter Reconfiguration Machine - 21000 points
Class I Bear-o-metrics Weapon Safety System blueprints - 500 points
Points remaining: 24,932
The first machine to appear was a massive twenty-five foot cubic clear room, with a garage door and touch screen on the front, and filled with hundreds of robotic arms mounted on a massive framework. The Mass Reconfiguration Machine could build entire vehicles, once I actually purchased the necessary blueprints for it. The two Class II Industrial machines popped in next, at ten foot square they were bigger than my Class I version, and able to produce much more advanced equipment, once I had the raw materials.
“I could have planned ahead a little better, actually have the materials to test them on hand before I bought them,” I said, while flipping through the available blueprints. I really wanted to start production.
You’ve had a lot of things on your mind. You could get both Heavy and Bandit started on their upgrades, there’s enough scraps left around here to cover the material requirements.
“That won’t mess them up, will it? I’ve kinda gotten used to their eccentricities by now.”
No, it’ll be similar to an upgrade serum. The Industrials will upgrade their frames, but leave most of the processing intact. It’s already Class II, so there’s no point in remaking it.
“Good, let's give it a try.”
I sent out a quick command and a few seconds later Heavy and Bandit were climbing onto the two new industrial configurators. Although Bandit only needed some minor head changes, Heavy was getting a complete frame replacement, and a full Class II armor upgrade. Based on the blueprints it looked like he was gaining a full foot of height, and a LOT of mass. It took seconds to queue up the changes, and set the machines working. Soon both my boys would have a new look.
I just stood there for a minute, watching the minute changes go on over their carapaces, until my Augs alerted me of an incoming call from Sharron.
“Hey Squidy, what’s up?”
“Hey yourself, Tiny. Are you done in Seattle already?” From what I could see Sharron was behind the wheel of a vehicle, probably her RV.
“Yeah, I got home yesterday. Seemed like they were eager to get rid of me,” I joked. “Sorry, I should have let you know when I left.”
“We’re both adults, and the job was done, I understand.” She grinned, “Say… is that offer for temporary parking still open? I’m a little hesitant to park my ride in a public place right now, even if it’s Samurai tech. Unfortunately the security isn’t quite up to scratch yet.”
I nodded, “Sure, it’ll be safe here, and I’m sure the family would be excited to meet you. I’m sure you remember where the shelter is, message me when you get close, and approach from the west side, I’ll let you in.”
“Sounds good, I’ll talk to you soon.” She hung up, ending the call.
I’d normally turn down a house guest, especially with the situation outside, but Sharron was an exception. She was one of the very few people I’d trust with my family. Maybe Angeline too, but I suspected she’d be a lot more hesitant to head to the undercity for a visit.
I quickly checked on the progress of Heavy and Bandit before turning back to the residential area. I learned a long time ago not to spring surprise guests on Jane, and I needed to replace the microwave, just in case. It wasn’t often that we had company.