Story Reader / Interlude / The Chess Player / Story
Go to this address tomorrow.
I'll do a simple test on you first to determine the coordination and synchronization rate between your M.I.N.D. and the specialized frame.
Any request you have on the frame, you can tell me then.
Chrome arrives at the address Asimov sent him, reaching the classified laboratory of the Science Council.
This is the first time Chrome is here. Constructs rarely have the chance to step inside the Science Council unless specifically requested by a mission.
Opening the door, Chrome finds someone he has not expected.
Chrome?
You are...
Have you forgotten already? I was in charge of the operation that turned you into a Construct.
Yes... Of course I remember. I'm just surprised that you remember me.
I remember the name of everyone I've turned into Construct.
Not to mention that you were one of my proudest works.
You're here for Asimov, aren't you? I remember him mentioning a visitor. I'm afraid he's still buried in work with the other technicians of the council.
An urgent R&D project on something called "bit domain."
So I'm doing his meet-and-greet for him until he's done with that.
I'm here to submit this.
Chrome hands him the digital document he has been holding on to since the moment he left John's office.
This... is about the specialized frame.
A very detailed proposal... and very ambitious.
Is this your father's request?
No, it is mine.
Oh? Is that so...
The researcher raises his brows, astonished, before flipping through the proposal.
Hmm... Still a Tank-type Construct, but with a focus on advances instead of defenses, unlike your current one.
Removing the artificial skin on the legs... Improving the cooling system, focusing on short burst capabilities, and maintaining high-speed movement... Is that really a good idea?
I seem to remember that the first request for this frame is "to resemble a human as much as possible."
I have explained to my father that the abilities and direction of the new frame, as well as everything related, will be determined by me.
Compared to non-essential aesthetics, we should focus more on optimization that benefits me on the battlefield.
You might have guessed it, but I still have to explain to you what is so special about this specialized frame.
It's difficult just to adapt to it. The specialized frame will be a stressful burden to your M.I.N.D.
Even if the adaptation works, it will still take a long time of adjustment before you can properly use the frame.
It'll take a long time, and the process is extremely painful... No less than the operation that turned you into a Construct.
There is barely any research on this frame. With nothing to reference, we have no idea what problem will surface in the future.
I will work with you on the adjustment.
I won't be as impulsive as I was.
Your eyes, they're different.
Sorry?
They're different from how they were when you were first operated.
Back then, you were like a child abandoned by his parents, desperate to prove his worth.
You were only accepting what was happening to you, even when they were consequences of your choice.
You even accepted the specialized Inver-Device right out of the gate without inquiring what it does.
Is... is that so?
Chrome is about to say something else when the door to the laboratory opens with a bang.
Oh, it's over? Here's the person you've been waiting for.
Asimov enters with a serious expression. His hair looks even messier than usual as if it has been ravaged in a fit of frustration.
Finding Chrome next to the researcher, Asimov pauses for a second before reverting to his usual calmness.
Made up your mind?
I did.
Asimov takes over the file from the researcher, reading through it with furrowed brows.
...Pretty much what I expected.
Will it work?
The optimizations will work. The problem is still the specialized part of the specialized frame.
You already know the theories and the risks of the project.
I do.
I'm here, which means I'm ready for the price.
I'm afraid it isn't that simple... There will be many unexpected complications.
Anyway, let's start with a virtual connection. The frame is still a prototype, but we'll see how much your M.I.N.D. deviates for now.
I'll get the equipment ready. Wait here.
With that, Asimov goes back through the door, mumbling to himself.
I'll leave you to it, then.
The adaptation and the adjustment of the new frame will be done by Asimov in the future. Remember to cooperate, yeah?
...
What? Do you want me to do it?
Unfortunately for you, I'm sick of this life here already. I'm turning into a Construct tomorrow! You'll soon find my name on the list of deployment.
...I'm kidding. I can't do it because the only person who knows the ins and outs of the specialized frame is the Chief Technician.
Plus... I did my test long ago. I'll never become a Construct.
So I'm staying right where I am until the end of the war or the end of my life.
Don't think that it's made my job easier. I'm still plenty busy right now.
After all, we're getting volunteer applications outside of the usual Construct program sometimes.
Perhaps... something is changing.
Regardless, I believe that you are the planet's future.
Looking at the blue planet outside the window, the researcher subtly smiles.
If there are sparks, then there are those who light them.
Even today, someone still believes that Constructs, born from bloodshed and sacrifices, are humanity's future.
The connection device is calibrated. Are you ready?
Please begin.
Following Asimov's instructions, Chrome connects the connection cable to the back of his neck.
I have to remind you that even if this is just a virtual connection, it might still affect your M.I.N.D. stability.
Don't get careless. Eject if anything happens.
In the next second, Chrome falls into a data stream.
His M.I.N.D. stability hovers around the threshold in the virtual connection. Any fluctuation will result in deviation.
Chrome keeps his eyes closed until the impact and dizziness from the first connection pass before slowly opening his eyes.
He is standing in a space constructed from erroneous data. Alarms glowing in red float in the air all over the place.
This is what happens to his M.I.N.D. after connecting with the specialized frame, a situation that can only be described as "tricky."
Just like puzzle pieces trying to randomly match with one another or a yarn ball all tangled up, all kinds of information jumble together here.
There are disorderly memories, echoing raves, and nightmares yet to show up.
What a waste of time.
I'm disappointed in you.
What can good grades and being a Chief do if he fails the connection test? He'll never be a commandant.
They're no longer deployable.
Capt—
For a moment, the massive amount of information overwhelms Chrome's senses. Like opening Pandora's box, unignorable emotions from his fragmented memories flood over him.
The pain starts to eat away at his brain and takes over his mind.
The adaptation rate is too low—your M.I.N.D. is overloading! You're showing signs of deviation already. I'm disconnecting you in five seconds!
Holding his trembling hand, Chrome gives a wry smile.
If this is what happens on a virtual connection, it is quite possible that he will immediately deviate before he can adapt to the new frame at this state.
...This doesn't look good.
Chrome frowns, trying to stabilize and sort the chaotic data in his M.I.N.D. to no effect.
...Is this the problem that a specialized frame faces?
This will be a difficult battle.
Having disconnected from the virtual connection, Chrome opens his eyes.
Asimov is standing in front of a screen, going over the data from the connection with furrowed brows.
How is it, Asimov?
Expectedly bad.
As I expected, the adaptation will come with a lot of problems.
Fully adapting to the frame will take a very long time of adjustment.
I'd be lying if I say the adjustment process is easy.
Are you ready for it?
Without hesitation, Chrome nods.
I was ready long before I stepped through the door.
