Workstation

CSCSS Nomad > B Deck > Tech/Engineering Cabin
“Please finish anything YOU still need to do, but once you are done I could use your expertise over here.” They were bunked right next to each other, so it wasn’t a long commute. He started working again on the next flatscreen computer mounting.

“Certainly.” SA-Miii went about placing her things neatly into the built in drawers, and she placed the curious screw on a shelf, almost as if on display. Then headed over to Povel’s bed pod.

“Interesting. What are you installing?”

Povel turned around to look at SAM-iii and paused for a second as if remembering something in the past. He had just finished turning a majority of his interior wall into one big flat screen made up of several panels; save a few places where it wasn’t reasonable to cover. He still needed to do the ceiling and a few other odds and ends.

“A workstation would be the quick answer. I will be able monitor and even access all systems on the Nomad from here once I get it up and running. You know, in case something needs attention while I am sleeping.” He turned around completely towards the edge of the bunk to retrieve the components for the ceiling project.

“Plus my own private data and projects which will be kept outside of the Nomad’s mainframe.” He pointed to the computer server he had secured onto the wall, via a mounting ledge bracket, near the foot of the bed.

The best part is the screensaver. It will basically make this wall and ceiling look like a window out into space. I have a program that generates CGI scenes of breathtaking cosmic events.” He added with enthusiasm.

“I just have the ceiling screen to install, and then a synthetic diagnostic box for my leg and a ceiling mount for my arm.” He pointed to the large crate with those items still inside.

“Understood. I am programmed to perform the very tasks you mentioned during the crew's downtime or cryosleep. Hence, the necessity of these tasks may be limited. However, having backup protocols is a prudent measure, and I am capable of assisting in their implementation if that aligns with your preference.” she replied.

“Thank you, but I have a more important request than this for you.” He motioned for her to join him in the bunk near the foot of the bed where the new server had been installed. He made ample room for her, giving her the lion share.

“See this server, I need your help in creating a simulation that perfectly mimics the Nomad’s systems. I am going to use it to test and teach the AI I’ve been developing.” He paused and looked to her, “Do you think you might be able to help me with that?”

SA-Miii joined Povel on the bunk and took a closer look at the server and the displays. “Affirmative. With our downtime I can certainly assist you with that. Which of our ship’s functions would you like to focus on first, Mr Vieregg?”

“Brilliant! I made a list.” He brought out his hard copy book from its drawer and what looked like a potential bookmark he pulled out. It was a folded piece of paper. He opened it and handed it to her. “And you can just call me Povel if you like, unless it is a formal occasion that might call for a more professional address.”

His handwriting was very legible. The following was the list:
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Propulsion Systems:

Life Support Systems:

Navigation and Communication:

Artificial Gravity:

Energy Generation:

Hull Integrity and Defense:

Sensor Arrays:

Medical Facilities:

Laboratory and Research Facilities:

Replication and Fabrication:

Cryogenic Storage:

Security Systems:
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“Just to be clear, the simulation should mirror the real time workings of the Nomad; however, anything that happens in the simulation should have no effect at all on our actual systems.” He restated the intention of the project.

“Ok, Povel. Shall I get started now?” she asked.

“Yes please.” He replied. He would see her start, but then would get back to work on the ceiling equipment. Povel trusted her and knew as well that this task would take someone of her capabilities no time at all compared to a human attempt.

SA-Miii studied the idiosyncrasies and intricacies of Povel’s written outlines. She hadn’t yet done much of her own writing by hand and wondered how hers would compare.

She also noted the fact that he had a couple of bio-mechanical limbs, like her, she supposed. Something to inquire about later.

“Very well. I’ll get to work,” she said and reached for the pull-out console which immediately prompted her for a password.

“I first need access.”

Povel had already gotten back to work and had to stop to address her question. “Oh that’s right. Just place your hand on the console’s graphic interface and you should be good to go. Let me know if it doesn’t let you in.” He got back to work.

That was curious. It didn’t seem like his console was very secure. Nonetheless, the synthetic followed his instruction and put her hand on the console.

Upon contact, the synthetic hand triggered an authentication process with the server console's GUI. Advanced neural and molecular interfaces established a secure connection, unlocking password-protected features. The synthetic could now navigate the interface, access data, and initiate transfers wirelessly, showcasing a seamless blend of biological-mimicking technology and digital interfaces.

Internally, SA-Miii detected an extensive data roll out process, longer than a standard transfer. That amount of data output would quantify to something like 3 billion lines of code, but it was all done in nano-seconds, as if bio-metrically, like she had finger prints.

Povel paused briefly just to witness if everything would work out the way it was designed. He went back to work after seeing the access go through.