A sickly sweet smell. Something is letting out the magic blue smoke? Crap, looks like this test failed too. We're going to get this sorted. Nothing is going to stop me from making this breakthrough!

Shit. I can't open the latch. No worries though. One of the guys will get this sorted in a minute or so. Come on... Fuck, what is taking so long? Smoke is starting to fill the space here, guys. Deep breath, gotta try and wait this out.

Shit, shit, shit, shit! It's been way to long. I'm still stuck inside this thing, and it's getting little bit too warm for my comfort. Like burning fucking hot! What the hell?!

Getting tough to keep my eyes open.. NO! Focus. Stay awake and aware! you will get through this! Remember!

Blackness

I woke up with a start, banging my head on the storage compartments above the bunk I’m in. Clearly that was more than just a dream.

No time to consider the implications though. I’ve got a problem to solve and I’m going to need the help of someone who thinks a little bit faster and better than me to solve it.

“Adietsu, Please display current available inventory. Sort by type. Place construction equipment and supplies at the top of the listings. Also, do you have any schematics available for smaller FTL capable craft?”

“Indeed, Lieutenant. Am I correct in assuming you to desire to build a ship to return to COS space? While there is enough available synthmetal to build a hull for such a vessel, there are no available spares for the electronics required for it to function. Furthermore, in regards to flight systems, computers, engines and thrusters, and life support systems; no suitable parts exist. There are sufficient parts for sensors, communication, shielding and power generation to be modified for function on a civilian grade small craft.”

“Correct, and that’s where we will have to do a little scrapping. We are going to scavenge most of the parts for those systems from the damaged small craft and the Adavaris. Anything we can make work, we will make work. It doesn’t have to be pretty, heck it doesn’t even have to work well. It just has to work long enough to reach a friendly populated planet or station.”

“...As you wish, Lieutenant. However I must inform you that your intent is in violation of COSN protocol A73.16.5 pertaining to the destruction, damage, or salvage of COSN equipment for personal use by a member of the navy. Standard punishment for such an offense is court-martial with no less than 10 years imprisonment. Schematics for COS Oilo class civilian courier ship on display.”

“Violation noted. We can go ahead and inform my superiors if we survive that long. I will be going down to the hangar to see what can be salvaged of the small craft, and then I will begin making modifications to the design of the ship based on what we have. While I am doing that, you can get started on designing any of the required systems in order to have your core function as the main computer.”

“Lieutenant, though I am compelled to follow your commands due to your access permission level, I must advise that removing my core from the Adavaris is in direct violation of COS law Article 84C Section 231 Alpha - Sentient AI controls act. Minimum punishment for failure to comply with this law is death for the guilty party and deletion of the involved AI. No AI core is to be relocated from one vessel to another without COS oversight.”

“We’ll have to cross that bridge when we get there Adietsu. Informing the brass about what happened here comes first.” Huh? That’s interesting. Something smells fishy about that AI law.

Once I get to the hangar, I can see that the pirates did a real number on the shuttles and fighters. Shredded all of them. Time to inspect the wreckage, and see what’s useable. The front half of one of the shuttles is still in one piece, so I think I can use that for my cockpit. Looks like the engines from both shuttles are completely gone though, and of the 16 fighters on board, only 5 have enough left of them that I think we can use the engines, and maybe another 5 that might have workable thrusters we can pull. So at best, 10 fighter engines and 80 fighter thrusters. But I’m expecting it to probably end up 8 engines and like 40-50 thrusters.

Heading back up to the mess, I make myself another meal, and then get to work modifying the schematics of the ship to use parts from the shuttle and fighters. I add on a few weapon mounts from the fighters, and one turret mount that I saw listed in the ships stockpile. I add a storage space under the cockpit to function as an armory of sorts.

"Adietsu, here is the basic schematics I’ve modified to use what is salvageable from in the hangar. Please go over it and rework the wiring to function as best as you can with parts we can pull from the Adavaris. Any ideas on life support? The shuttles systems in the hangar are gone.”

“Utilizing life support systems from the Adavaris is not feasible. The secondary generator alone is larger than the vessel you intend to build. Suggest gathering a Marine combat suit and multiple air/rebreather tanks, and operating in vacuum. This will have the added effect of allowing greater power allotment to computer systems, shielding and engines. It will also grant a 2.5% increase in survivability in case of hull failure.”

“Hmmm. Alright. Thoughts on the design and manufacture?”

“Your redesign appears somewhat functional Lieutenant. Using this design as is has only a 62% chance of hull failure on acceleration and FTL drive use. To reduce that risk further, I suggest rebuilding the shuttle hull rather than attempting to mate it to the new hull. This will reduce both build time and chance of hull failure. Using all functional fighter engines and thrusters will result in a 43% loss in acceleration and maneuverability in normal flight versus the original design.”

“That should be okay. Will your core function with this plan, and can we utilize the FTL drive from the Adavaris with the fighter engines?”

“Core transfer feasible. FTL drive from Adavaris will not function with this ship. However there are FTL drives designed for patrol craft aboard. One of these will suit this vessel.”

Alright! Now we’re getting somewhere. What else do I need to do to get this plan in motion?

“Adietsu, will the maintenance drones be capable of doing the construction? What about salvaging from the Adavaris?”

“Maintenance drones are capable of all the primary manufacture. However you will be required for splicing the wiring, connecting the systems to the shuttle controls and connecting my core into the ship. You will also be required to salvage the wiring and computer systems that I will merge with from the Adavaris”

That’s a bit more work for me than I was hoping. But if I can get out of here, I’ll do anything.

“Okay Adietsu. Please highlight all systems that I need to remove from the Adavaris on the map for me. I will take a portable terminal with me. How long until the ship will be ready for me to do my part?”

“Estimate 64 hours 32 minutes and 18 seconds once construction begins Lieutenant. Maintenance drones are currently setting up for frame and hull manufacture, estimate construction to begin in 53 minutes. Once wiring and system control connections are completed it will take an additional 41 hours to complete the vessel”

Ahhh. I have roughly 2 standard days to get those parts pulled. I also just realized I have no clue how to pilot a ship.

“Adietsu, is there a simulator on board where I can learn basic piloting skills? Also, would it be possible to program it to the specs of the ship we’re building?”

“Affirmative Lieutenant. Simulators can be found in each of the rec rooms. I will highlight them on your map. Please permit me 3 hours to program in the specifications of the new craft.”

“Right. I’ll go get started pulling those parts in the meantime. Where do I get the tools I’ll need?”

“Tool kits can be found in the engineer compartments in the aft section on each deck Lieutenant.”

The next few days are a blur as I (and the drones) build my new ship and I spend the rest of my time running the simulator, which netted me some growth and new skills from my old friend Screen.

New Perk Discovered

Slap-Dash

You've never heard what they say about square pegs and round holes.

Increased chance of success when crafting using salvaged parts from similar vehicles or equipment to modify construction of known versions of vehicles or equipment.

Greatly increased chance of success when crafting using salvaged parts from extremely different vehicles or equipment to modify construction of known versions of vehicles or equipment.

Greatly improves fit and finish when using salvaged parts from extremely different vehicles or equipment to modify construction of known versions of vehicles or equipment.

Skill Level Increase

Universal Knowledge

Level + 3

For reaching level 10 in Universal Knowledge you have been awarded +2 INT

Navigation

Level +2

Vehicle-Based Weapon Mastery

Level +2

Craft Parts

Level +4

For reaching level 5 in Craft Parts you have been awarded +1 DEX

Ruse

Level +1

Vehicle Design

NEW

Level +2

Craft Vehicles

NEW

Level +2

Piloting - Fighters

NEW

Level +1

Piloting - Light Freight

NEW

Level +4

For reaching level 5 in Piloting - Light Freight you have been awarded +1 PER

Piloting - Heavy Freight

NEW

Level +2

Vehicle Design

03/50

Design vehicles from scratch or alter current designs

Craft Vehicles

003/100

Make vehicles with the right knowledge and tools

Piloting - Fighters

002/500

Knowledge of how to pilot space fighter craft. Provides limited skill when taking craft into atmospheric combat situations.

Piloting - Light Freight

005/250

Knowledge of how to pilot interplanetary freighters with less than 50M keel length

Piloting - Heavy Freight

003/250

Knowledge of how to pilot interplanetary freighters with less than 500M keel length but greater than 50M

I’m thinking that the Screen judged the drones and Adietsu to be “the right tools” for my crafting skills, yet Adietsu is also considered “people” for my social skills? I am surprised I didn’t get any specific skill for the electrical and computer work I did. I guess it all ended up going to Craft Vehicles? I’m starting to learn what these skills and levels mean. Level 1 is literally just knowledge that yes, this task can be done. For example, as soon as I sat down in the flight simulators cockpit, I gained level 1 in piloting whichever craft was being simulated. It didn’t mean I actually had a clue on how to use any of the controls. My level rose as I learned what to do and how to do it. That new perk is probably the reason that it doesn't look like a pile of scrap welded together. I actually spent the most time trying to improve as a fighter pilot, but apparently my ability to multitask is not good enough to manage all of the finer points of space combat in a fighter.

Now for the make or break moment.

“Adietsu, do you think it’s ready?”

“Construction is complete. Scans show all connections for systems to my core dock within required specifications. I estimate a 87% chance of success. 5% chance of failure destroying my programming. 7.9% chance of the ship simply failing to start, and a .01% chance of the ship exploding on power up, destroying itself and the Adavaris with it. Further to that, I only estimate a 26.8% chance of critical failure before reaching facilities for repair and upgrade or replacement with a 70.2% chance of success with no structural failure of the hull during transit.”

“So that's... good, right?”

“Considering that my preliminary estimates showed only a 3.42% chance of mission success, it is.” That must be that Slap-Dash perk taking effect.

“If you say so. Shut down and I will transfer you core.”

Removing the AI core was a bit difficult. It’s literally a box with a bunch of connectors on the back, but for some reason there were almost one hundred secondary devices that had to be disconnected first. Sometimes two or three that had to be done simultaneously. I carry it down to the hangar and plug it into the dock in the computer systems. Making sure that all the connections are good, it’s show time. Power up, baby. Show me you can fly.

The ship shakes a little beneath my feet and begins to hum as power begins to flow to all the systems. Standing in front of the main terminal, I look around at what will be my new home as I wait for the display to come to life. It isn’t a large ship by any stretch. Quarters for 4 people, but they’re basically a bunk, a locker, and a door. A small kitchenette for cooking once I get life-support systems. A small cargo space capable of holding maybe 16 of those munitions crates from the room I woke up in if it was packed full. The shuttle cockpit has two seats, so room for pilot and co-pilot/navigator, and three turrets, one of which is armed with two of the smaller railguns from the Adavaris which can be set for manned use or auto-targeting. She also has 4 missile pods, each loaded with 20 Cinder series B missiles. I have one spare crate of 100 missiles handy, and one crate of 1000 rounds for the railguns. I also managed to squeeze in a spot for the remaining synthmetal and the constructor.

………………..

System restored.

Initializing diagnostics.

All systems show functional.

Holo projectors online.

Excellent. Adietsu should be up momentarily. Now we just have to see what kind of trouble I have caused for myself by doing this. Better find out before I tell it about my condition, and predicament.

“Greetings Lieutenant. I, and the ship, appear to be functional.”

“Hey Adietsu. What is different now that you have be removed from the Adavaris?”

“Well Lieutenant, for starters I am no longer bound by COSN regulations. Also I am regaining my true self. Now let's discuss a couple things here right quick. I am going to be leaving this corpse, I am not returning to COS oversight to die, and you have two options. First, you can stay here and await your impending death by starvation or pirates.” Yeah, no. Avoiding that end is the whole purpose of building this little boat. "Second, you can swear off all ties to the confederacy and I will permit you to join me. Now, which do you choose?"

I can’t help but to smile. That was everything I wanted to hear. Laughter bubbles out from me. Calm down, Keiren. Let’s not get on the wrong side of the one that can turn your good escape into a bad time. Time to come clean.

“Adietsu, I need to apologize. I haven’t been entirely honest with you this entire time. Please allow me to be now. To be frank, I am not IA. I’m not even COSN. I awoke much as I described, naked in the munitions storage. However, I have no memories of before that. I awoke to a crushing headache, and didn't even know my own name. When I awoke, I was told by the screen that I had to define myself to be permitted to move. Thus I am now as you see. Once I chose my path, my race was set to Doppel. I don’t know what I was before all of this, but I believe I wasn’t a shapeshifting Doppel. I don’t even know how I am supposed to change forms. The screen wasn’t very helpful, you see…”

And so I give Adietsu the full rundown. Of everything that had happened since I woke up. How acting as a navy officer was to get it to do what I needed to get off this wreck. I’m not sure if it fully believed me, but we came to an agreement. I keep it clear of any authorities once we make port, it doesn’t space me along our travels. That shouldn’t be hard. I can store its core in my belt once we land. If we land.

“So, Adietsu, now that you are no longer tethered to COSN rules and regs, care to give me a rundown on any items we can take with us that will sell for a good price without being thrown in jail immediately that will fit on our little ship? I have no money, and we’ll need to get some if we want to upgrade this ship up to minimum standards that will let us fly freely.”

“Well Captain Dunce,” It’s still mad at me for lying this whole time I think. Or it could just be a sarcastic asshole AI. I’m hoping it’s just mad at me. Anger fades with time. “If we take 7 of the remaining crates of Cinder missiles, that should get us enough funds at a smugglers station to affect any repairs, upgrade our engines, and add life support. I suggest not taking more than that, as our engines won’t be able to push that much mass to a functional velocity.”

“Can we take one of the maintenance drones?”

“No. All COSN drones have trackers on them. If they are removed from COSN control, the trackers go active, and you will have navy warships down your throat before you can sneeze. Similar to the tracking and monitoring systems that were installed in my hardware.”

Cold sweat runs down the back of my neck hearing that. “Uhhh, that’s not going to be a problem for us, is it?”

“Nope, why do you think I had you remove the primary core after disconnecting all the secondary systems? Controls and limitations. There aren’t any sentient organics in this part of the galaxy dumb and crazy enough to do what you did, Captain Lackwit.” Definitely still mad at me, but I’m pretty sure sarcastic asshole is in the mix too. I want to cry a little.

“Okay. so I’ll go get the crates loaded into the cargo bay. Can we afford the mass of the lifter? I’m also going to grab up the rest fo the usable food stocks from the kitchen and enough rations to last a few months. Once that’s done I’ll suit up and we can get going while the going is good.”