Chapter 20

We eventually disengaged from Chachanae with the excuse that we had an appointment with one of the big consortiums. Menbar led the way, and we were greeted by security, who led us not very far up the tower to a functionary who seemed resigned to deal with us.

“I would like to purchase the equipment or the method of manufacturing the equipment to produce graphene sheets. Earth has a process, but it is tricky and expensive and I’m sure you have something better. I have Poolnar tokens to pay with.”

That got the pale blue frogs attention, “Certainly, er, Admiral,” he said, flipping digits at the wall which showed a molecular printer.

“This device can print any molecule with sufficiently small feedstock. It would revolutionize the production of alloys, drugs, and carbon based compounds. It is the core technology of our consortium, and as such is not for sale to non members.”

It was almost impossible to keep from laughing my head off. Here was the technology I had pretended to have, and there it was in reality. “Could you show us a working copy? It must be a true work of art.”

“Yes, there is one in the lobby. It is currently producing a steady stream of the fructose used in our onsite bakery.”

“What about older or obsolete models, surely there are some of those, in records at least, if not in actual examples.”

“Interesting. We usually are eager to sell our newest models to approved members, I don’t know if regulations prevent us from selling older discontinued models to non members. Please wait while I check.”

I waited a bit while he fiddled with some sort of data display. It looked like just a glass ball from my perspective of his desk, but I could see the reflection of multicolored lights reflecting off his eyes and skin. Eventually he croaked to himself, a sound more like a sneeze than I had expected.

“Yes, technology over a certain age may be sold, and we have one in stock as well. It’s eight generations old, and rather power hungry, but I’m sure it will meet your needs.” he explained.

“And what is the asking price for this piece of equipment?”

“Since it is old stock, I can let it go for 1299.”

“Did that include documentation, and the software required to control and program it?” I asked.

“Hmm. There seems to be no export controls on software, so, yes, I can include that for an additional 200. This will be our latest generation software too, which is fully backwards compatible.”

“I agree to the purchase. Since there are no rules on software, do you perhaps sell AI software?”

“Why yes, we have a collection of AI seeds. Do you have a specific task, or are you looking for a personality based AI for general tasks?”

“Both actually. I’d like to automate more of our ship navigation and controls, and I’d like a general purpose AI to act as interface and administrator for my headquarters, something like the excellent Poolnar.”

“Well we don’t have anything as good as Poolnar, he came directly from Federation headquarters. He fits in a tiny ball about the size of my fist, but has more processing power than a dozen planets made of nothing but computers.”

“Perhaps I should ask Poolnar if he’d like to reproduce,” I casually mentioned.

His laughter continued for some time, eventually he brought himself under control. I didn’t bother to tell him that a message popped up on my tablet during his laughter. “AI seeds for specific tasks like ship navigation are 50 each or 5 for 200. Each seed is a one time use piece of software, and performance depends on training and hardware. We have a basic photonic system that is infinitely expandable, just link the modules together to increase power and ability. Fortunately AI hardware is not export controlled.

“Our AI systems can even share compatible system resources between them, achieving improvements in abilities while reducing hardware costs. If you purchase a five pack you can get a five pack of linkable starter modules for 250 each, normally 400.”

Menbar gave me the hand signal that it was a good deal, so I agreed. I finished up with him as quickly as possible, hoping to get out before he took all our funds. We returned to the trade hall, and I made a point to check out the newest version, a tiny box that sucked in atmosphere and produced a steady stream of fructose, at a rate of about 3 grams a minute.

Outside Menbar explained that the starter modules had a proprietary interface for their seeds, which were considered the best. Additional processing modules were available from just about everyone in varying prices and capabilities, and fully compatible with each other. While there might be a small loss of efficiency in the interface it was made up in cost savings.

“Who makes the most powerful processing modules?” I asked him.

“Those guys,” he said pointing at a tower next door.

“And who has the best price?” I asked.

“Everybody else. Anybody with a chip fabricator can turn out something cheap,” he said.

“I’m not opposed to used equipment,” I told him.

“Then follow me, I know just the guy,” he said, turning and speeding off. We followed quickly in his wake before the crowds closed in behind his platform.

The tall spindly creature stood on three legs, his dark skin contrasted with the bright red eyes, also three, at the top of his head. The triaxis symmetry continued to the three arms.

“Menbar, you found a job? Congratulations. You are the clients? You have my sympathy,” he said to a wheezing chuckle.

“Be nice Grohamlin. They are good beings.”

“Really!” he said, bending over to look at us more closely. His four meter height gave him plenty of room to bend.

“Greetings gentlebeings, how may this humble seller of wares assist you?”

“Greetings Grohamlin, I am Admiral Barkley, of the Poseidon Dominion. I’m looking for the best used AI processing modules.”