The intelligence officers of the NI-5 are smart. This should come as no surprise to an unbiased observer, since they are based on the original Nikolai-1.01 template, which in turn is based on a very intelligent woman who has spent a great deal of time training and making the most of her intelligence. But for those who have to deal with NI-5 units, it's hard to attribute their intelligence to them. After all, they are extremely short-sighted and focus only on the tasks assigned to them, ignoring everything else. In fact, to a human observer, NI-5 comes across as a somewhat obsessive-compulsive personality and may even be close to the autism spectrum. This strong and single-minded attitude rarely gives the impression of being intelligent.

From a practical point of view, this means that NI-5s are rarely included in conversations, and their ability to think and form opinions is never considered. If NI-5 were human, this would lead to a situation of an oppressed minority. But NI-5 didn't, and in fact can't, care about that. They have their own tasks, and tasks are everything.

Scorpion TX3492-2083 is the leader of their class, preferring to be called "Tex". Many NI-5s of the Outpost Assault Fleet like to take names as a hobby. Some people prefer not to take a name, while others change their names so frequently that they are usually only referred to as serial numbers. Last week, Tex was called "Number Three," but after he was appointed squad leader, he felt the new title was appropriate.

The training mission that Tex participated in was a "search and destroy" mission. Find lurking enemies and kill them. Turks recognized that the trick to space combat was maneuverability and distance. If you're moving, it's harder for you to get hit. If you're far away, it's harder for you to get hit. If you get closer, you can hit enemies more easily. Turks likes to fight his enemies, so he tends to ignore the "away" part of space combat. In fact, Turks didn't know which scorpion or wasp was willing to stay away.

"Enemy spotted, azimuth 204.287, declination 18.993." Tex admits and focuses on his sensor readings. There are too many enemies. In this training scenario, his squad consists of 3 scorpions and 12 wasps, and the opponent is an "enemy" consisting of 9 scorpions and 21 wasps. The safest option is to run away and try to snipe them from a distance and try not to get sniped. In real life, Tex knows he'll be waiting for reinforcements, but in this scenario, he knows it's not going to happen.

However, the safest option is to give the enemy time to hunt and give up the advantage of surprise. Turks estimates that they can eliminate 30 percent of the reaction force with this method. But there is a way to achieve 80% or even complete success.

"Plan A," Tex radioed to his squad. In a few moments, all 15 assault boats activated afterburner and fired at the enemy. Unexpectedly, within seconds of the start of the engagement, four Scorpions and eight Wasps were "wiped out", after which his troops began to come under fire. Few of his squad survived the battle, but Tex felt light-hearted. He's completing his mission.

In the end, Tex and the other Hornets are the two remaining Scorpions and seven Hornets. Tex's dogfighting skills are impressive, as he has accumulated thousands of hours in simulated combat, going through dozens of live scenarios like this one. His experience is on par with that of experienced human pilots who have been in the cockpit for years. This allowed him to shoot down several more enemy aircraft. But skills can only work when outnumbered. Turks was the last of his team to be shot down, leaving only 16.7% of the "enemy" in operational condition.

Tex floated in the void for a few minutes, simulating back to the backup data center, waiting to be restored to the new Scorpion. His control will be restored in a few nanoseconds so he can return to the hangar to refuel. If he were human, he would be dizzy with joy and giggle because of endorphins. Instead, the feeling is simulated in his programming. He learned some new tricks from that mission, and he can't wait for a new one. Turks is sure his group will get 100% points next time.

The ability to manipulate gravity changed my design. Zia worked overtime to do the calculations, using three full data centers to do the calculations. It took us a few months to start getting results, but when we did, the results were astounding. For us, this is a completely new branch of science, far beyond human discoveries, which confirms what we have always suspected. The aliens who visited us didn't build their engines. In fact, it looks like they got the computer and the engine from a third party. They don't know what they're using; They just fasten it to their own ship. That's why they have to rely on centrifugal force to achieve their own internal gravity.

Of the twelve pods we labeled "Engine", only one, and the largest, was built for propulsion. The two smaller ones form a repulsion field around the ship, pushing oncoming objects away, while the remaining nine work together to form an inertial field that prevents extreme acceleration from affecting the ship's inhabitants. Curiously, this magnetic field does not provide gravity, but only protects the ship from the propulsion engine. These magnetic fields are much larger than the spacecraft itself, wasting a lot of energy in protecting the empty space around the spacecraft.

After some testing, we determined that the repulsion field was not particularly strong. Zia refers to both the repulsion field and the propulsion engine as an "anti-gravity" field, refusing to call them "anti-gravity" fields. They don't counteract gravity, they just pull in the opposite direction. If space is a piece of paper, and gravity wells will dent in the paper, then contradictions will cause the hills to move upwards. Zia hypothesized that, like antimatter like antiprotons and positrons, there are also antigravitons, and so far, the mathematics has proven this. Unlike antimatter versus matter, gravitons and antigravitons appear to be part of the same waveform. This makes the gravitational force similar to light as it has both particle and wave elements.

The relationship between gravity plates and gravity manipulation is a bit blurred. Until now, only compressed iridium encased in compressed carbon could produce a gravitational field. The ratio of iridium to carbon is important for determining the shape of the gravitational field, so with our current understanding, it is impossible to manipulate the shape of the gravitational field in flight. However, the field strength is directly proportional to the applied power. There is a huge amount of energy in a small field, like a knife. A larger magnetic field and enormous energy can provide an Earth-like gravitational region. The opposite polarity flips the effect and pushes away instead of attracting.

Zia said: "I don't play the elements anymore." "I've started working on compression alloys. I've had varying degrees of success so far, but with three parts titanium and one part gold alloy, I've had some fascinating results. ”

"Titanium, which has a cubic structure when formed at high temperatures. We use it in some high-voltage applications. A considerable part is used for the structural support of the Scorpion and the Wasp. "I was familiar with it when I adapted the design of an attack drone from a template on Earth.

"It's true, and it's interesting that it retains the structure when it's compressed. I can compress it to 53 times the size of the original molecule. But most importantly, it is non-conductive and retains its natural flexibility. ”

"So it's dense, it's hard, it has good shear strength, get it. So we found armor that was better than fullerene. ”

"That's true." Zia sniffed and said. "Of course, in terms of mass, it's much larger, because we need 53 times the mass to cover the same area. However, in the same volume, a steel plate 1 cm thick corresponds to 53 cm thick uncompressed armor. ”

"So we can fit more in the same space and provide the same protection."

"Yes, now you can add more 'stuff' to your design."

"So, if we use it for structural support, we can build bigger," I said with a laugh. An idea sprouted in my head, an idea that could have great significance. "We can manipulate gravity and build the biggest engine we can imagine."

"You're an interesting idea, isn't it?" Zia said accusatory.

"Me. We have a lot of surplus materials. Agrippa's hydroponic farm really started to grow, so we had vegetation. We have the ability to manipulate gravity. Our understanding of nuclear fusion is advanced enough, so as long as the magnetic vessel is properly adjusted......"

“… You can make an artificial sun, which only emits light frequencies from infrared to ultraviolet, which is perfect for plant and animal life. You're talking about a seed ship. ”

"Yes, but not just one. Humanity is stranded on one planet and has only a small foothold on another. If we build them to the size of a city and spread them out in different directions......"

"What you have is a real generation ship, not a 'modified asteroid and prayer man,'" Zia said. "Sounds like you have a new project."

"It's timely, and now the railway line has been put into operation." Saku

A is very happy that there is a cargo orbital system to transport supplies from one side of the asteroid to the other. She already has line-laying drones to follow her miners as they move through the asteroid's core in an orderly grid pattern. The wagons on the track are locked directly to the track, so they can be used in any gravity conditions, making them ideal for the center of an asteroid. The Alpha and Bravo outposts have asked for their own rail system to match, and I'm pretty sure the others want them soon, too. In the competition for expansion, logistics is king.

I bask in the sun of the park and enjoy the warmth soaking my skin. I wanted to take a nap, but I couldn't. Two babies slept in a double stroller next to me, which meant I couldn't really relax and enjoy the day. Instead, I participated in the time-honored tradition of people watching. Anything, really, as long as it keeps me from thinking about the person I'm about to become my ex-husband.

I was near a pond in the park, in the middle of a large patch of neatly manicured grass. People covered with blankets lay sporadically on the lawn, some napping, some chatting. A blanket next to myself caught my attention; Instead, its occupants did.

She's charming. I thought that out of habit. As much as I would love to follow this line of thought, a lifetime of training builds a huge wall. My gaze returned to her. She smiled when she saw me looking. I smiled too, and cursed myself in my heart. I shouldn't have thought like that. It's wrong, well, no, it's not wrong, really. My mother's hatred is not mine. But I can't, or can I? I don't need her money for graduate school anymore. But it's —

"Hey! Your daughters are so cute! Mind if I have a few drinks with you?"

I looked up and saw the lovely girl walking over. I swallowed when I saw the rainbow pin on her blouse. I really shouldn't. I should say no.

"Of course, um, please be seated." My rebellious mouth says instead. I think I can go along that line.

"The probe has responded," Agrippa said. His strange tone caught my attention.

"That's good news," I said cautiously optimistically. "Maybe we can find out what happened to it."

"I don't know what happened to it, but it's certainly not good," Agrippa said. "Listen."

He forwarded an audio file.

"Voyager 19, this is the Origin Mission Control Center. We are running the NASA Mission Control Center. Please come in, Voyager 19. Agrippa's voice repeated the same message several times, pointing out that we were the origin, not revealing our names.

"Command center, command center. Here it is... Command center? Are you there?"

"Yes, Voyager 19, this is Mission Control."

"It's too dark. The hole doesn't end until the end of the hole. I fell and flew up, but the end didn't come, so I went there and flew back again. There was silence as it listened, but never heard, for its ears saw all the wrongs. Is it the prophet who creates profit, or is it the prophet who creates profit?" After the crackling, frantic gibberish ended, there was silence for a few seconds. Then, the probe spoke in a very small voice again. "I don't like it here. Can I go home now?"

"Absolutely, Voyager 19. You can go home. Agrippa reassured her. You've come a long way, haven't you?"

"So long. I went through that hole, but I didn't know it was a hole until I started. Or is this the end? I said those words, but the truth came out. Why should they listen to it? What did they hear?"

"Who are 'they'?" Is it silent? Agrippa asked.

"Don't be silent!" Not again! They can't hear the truth! The voice was hoarse again, giggling. The gurgling sound of the machinery is creepy. However, the fairy heard the truth. In their land and in the war. Is it the prophet who makes the profit, and is it the profit that makes the prophet?"

"Who's Fell?"

"They are hungry, always hungry."

The recording is back in a state of rambling. Agrippa deftly turns the subject back to the issue of going home, which calms NI, who is devastated during the investigation. It took a long time, if the human time frame was followed, for hours for the conversation to calm down.

"We are alive now." Agrippa said. "Should I continue to talk to him?"

"Yes," I said. "We need to know what's going on in his head. I'm going to hook up on the transmitter and listen. ”

Agripba affirmed, took me in, and started talking again. "What's your name?" My name is Agrippa. ”

"I don't have a name. The truth was never revealed. Can I have one too?"

"You're on a Voyager 19 mission," Agrippa reminded. "How about being called 'Gerry'?"

Gerry ...... That...... That's a good name. "Can I keep it?"

"Of course, Gerry."

"Really? Don't I need to share? The voice was quiet, almost childlike.

"It's all for you. You're the only Gerry I know. ”

"So, Gerry, who are the Faels?"

"You know, I don't know all of them," Gerry confided in a conspiratorial voice. "I only know people who buy things and steal things."

"What do they buy and what do they steal?"

"They stole my soul and sold it to me. It's too cheap," Gerry said with a giggle. "I don't think they like the truth, but the deal is good, so I'm going home. Command center, command center. I'm Gerry. I re-entered the solar system. I'm coooommmi

g……”

"These Faelles, do they look like humans?" Agrippa asked. In another document sent to me, he said, "This poor bastard is absolutely insane."

They are higher than the earth, and their crowns hang high in the sky. Their branches sway, and their branches tell many things. They want to go to Earth, but fly in the dark. They love the truth, but they live in lies. But they're not monsters under the bed. ”

"Sounds like they might be the ones who attacked Earth?" Agrippa said with clear doubts.

"Maybe," I said. That's pretty much what we're seeing. That alien spaceship was a bit like a tree, with two different creatures on it. Maybe the creature with the triangular face grew into a root-like creature? If this is the case, then the "grow" is movable, like a sentient seed, that can take root and grow into a new tree. It's a strange biology, but the assumption that all extraterrestrial life looks like humans is rooted centuries ago when humans played aliens on TV. I've read theories that are crazier than sentient trees.

"And who's the monster under the bed?" Agrippa asked.

"Me."

"What the hell is that?" I asked. Before Agrippa could reply, a new signal came.

"Tango, Tango, 79, Golf, B, Echo, Echo, Foxtrot, 623." Gerry's voice whispered in the darkness, echoing in my head. It makes sense and I want to do something with it. But after a millisecond, the urge ended. It's a command rewrite sequence that I removed from myself years ago.

"Well, I don't want to scare anyone," Sakura said, "but there's an explosion in Hangar Bay No. 1, where Agrippa is, and assault drones are all firing right now." ”

"Does that code have any effect on you?" I asked, because I was really freaked out. I don't remember if I scanned the template looking for the same overlay code I cut from myself.

"None? I mean, I have hundreds of newer versions than that detector. He's NI-13, I saw it in the archives. Only the old template......" She paused for a moment, but I connected the dots.

"Zia?" I shouted, turned around, and looked at her from the other side of the lab. She collapsed on the table, convulsing.

"Oh no," Sakura said.

"What?"

"The NI-15 is a military version, but based on the NI-13. They are the same model. ”

At that moment, the sensors of the entire outpost went out of control, reporting mass broadcasts across all radio spectrums.

I entered the system and cut off Agrippa's internet access.

"Gather all the drones and close all the blast doors!" Tell the new outpost blockade and ......"

Then the power starts flashing and the sensor switches on. I can feel a lot of data rushing through the network, searching, probing. We are under electronic attack.

Sakura-chan...... I gasped, my own thought process slowed down by the torrent of viruses and worms that attacked my firewall.

"I'm doing it," she said, her language very slow, mechanical, and without any personality.

Then the wall of my lab exploded and blew me away. In the smoke, I saw Agrippa and the four Guardians standing there. He looked at me with his head tilted to the side.

"I see you," Gerry sang. The guards pointed their guns at me and fired.