Chapter 26

Mei-Lin could not believe what was happening. One moment she was obsessing over this new AI device that appeared beside her while the world went to hell. But then some kind of announcer told them they were going to be in the 'Galactic Games'… whatever that was.

She looked around at the panicking crowd with curious eyes. Not worried. Mei-Lin's eyes finally fell on a woman standing on a stage. Two people with batons on either side.

Her eyes narrowed. How could they have set up already? What's going on? Are these people working with the announcers?

Suddenly, the woman on the stage spoke up. "Hello, my name is Akiko. You have all been transferred to a world called New Eden. For us it has been a few days, for you it has only been moments since leaving earth…" She continued to talk.

However, Mei-Lin was more interested in learning as much as possible in her own way. "Do you know anything about this place?" She asked her AI.

"Yes, this is New Eden. You have been added to a colony run by Jacob Davis. There are a multitude of jobs posted, there are rations twice a day, and water is abundant. Here is the information." Mei's AI said. As it created a holo screen displaying the jobs and data relevant to the colony.

Her eyes narrowed when she saw a posting. 'Join the science division! Help us design a new modern world! For more questions, please head to the storage facility and talk to Sophia.'

Mei's eyes twitched at the mention of the name Sophia. 'Is it her?' She was curious if the name belonged to who she thought it did.

"… If anyone has any emergencies, please ask your AI to call the guards or the medical team. I will stand by the stage to answer your questions, if there are any. Welcome to your new home!" After bowing slightly, Akiko then stepped down and stood by the stage, waiting for anyone to come up and ask questions.

The people had heard the rest of Akiko's speech and dispersed from the fenced area through its gates. Some headed to ask questions and others headed to find a spot and come to terms with what had just happened.

Only Mei walked directly towards the storage facility. Her eyes burning with determination. This was her chance, she thought to herself. Her chance at a new life.

***

Sophia smiled. "It looks like the individual is named Mei-Lin. I read a few of her research papers back on earth, actually! She was on the team to create the first commercial graphene chip. They released it last year. Just nothing came from it as they couldn't mass produce them at the rate of silicon semiconductors." She shook her head, smile turning to a frown. "The odds of finding someone like this… Jacob, you have either won the lottery or there is someone playing with the numbers…" Sophia ranted on. Having realized that, it's highly unlikely for Mei to come in one of the first batches of colonists.

"I can't confirm anything… but I also am suspicious of our luck as well. It feels similar to the fact we haven't had social issues until new colonists came as well. But… there is always the chance we just got lucky this time. So far, the rest of the new colonists have been as random as random gets."

A woman then walked into the facility and stopped as soon as she saw Sophia.

"I can't believe you're the one creating the team! The Sophia Zhang!? How are you here?" Mei asked.

"Well, we got here 4 days ago. This will be the 4th night. There is no rhyme or reason as to why anyone is picked. They are sending more colonists each day. I'm assuming until all of humanity is unloaded." Sophia replied. She smiled and continued. "Well, aside from that, I have read some of your papers on graphene semiconductors… I think what we have to show you will be most satisfying. Although, are you sure you don't need time to adjust? A few minutes ago, you were back on earth living a different life…"

Mei raised her hand to stop Sophia. "No, my life is dedicated to my research. What I care about is if it's possible to continue this."

Jacob interjected, "Well, you might be in luck. We have a graphene printer which might be better than anything you used …"

"I would like to see this 'printer'" Mei said straight to the point.

"Sure, it's just over in the corner. But you should know, we don't have any way to pay people aside from the GG points you get from helping the colony in ways."

"What are GG points?" Mei asked with a raised eyebrow.

Her AI answered. "Here ma'am, this is the store one can use GG points on. It has a limitless number of products, if you can afford them." While a holo appeared in front of Mei.

"Do you have any printers for semiconductors?" She asked.

"Yes, there are over 300 varieties. Would you like to see them?" Her AI replied.

"We can check later, lets get a look at this printer. How do you design things… don't tell me it's with paper."

"No! This is the best part of the AI! Look, Silver, show her my current progress with the motor, and show her my research on gravitalodium!" Sophia was excited to show Mei this, thinking it would be any inventor's dream.

Two holo's appeared, one of a motor that was clearly highlighted and segmented. While another holo showed a bunch of data and a video of the tests Sophia did with the rock.

Mei's eyes lit up. This was incredible! It would increase research time exponentially. Being able to design at a moment's notice with interactivity built in. While she was also interested in the new material. She was still focused on designing a chip. She would make the first chip on this planet! No matter what, she, would go down in history.

"AI, can you show me a basic blueprint holo? I wish to design a microchip. This will require tiny details. Is this possible?"

"Absolutely ma'am. I can show blueprints down to the expected quark if one chooses. You simply need the proper knowledge to create your imagination."

"How does this printer work?" Mei said, looking at Jacob and Sophia. Straight to the point, clearly more interested in the work than the people.

"Jacob can show you. I have a few things to do myself. The workers are coming in. Remember that orders are in a queue like a regular paper printer. The other colonists need to use it as well for their tools. While it is on standby, it will automatically print a solar panel, which takes about 5 minutes. Don't mind all the workers, it's getting busy in here these last two days!" Sophia waved at her and walked away, while a holo of a basic boat floated in front of her. As well as paddles.

"Well, it's nice to meet you! Thank you for offering to help so soon. I would love for the colony to have chips! Something tells me it will be very important. With no knowledge of this planet. Using graphene solar panels and iron batteries, we can make drones with extreme capabilities not possible on earth. The only missing piece was a chip!… and cameras and sensors… but a chip comes first! That way, we could explore the planet without risking people." Jacob laughed and scratched his head. Slightly embarrassed that his plans might be dumb in Mei's eyes.

But her reaction surprised him. "That is a very smart application, Jacob ... But you are correct, just a chip won't do the job. Once I get a few designs in, I think making such a drone would be very compelling for me. I wish to be the first to make many of these things in this new world. It's like a fresh start of world records and first inventions!" Mei seemed to be very dedicated to being the 'first,' in whatever she made. Clearly competitive.

They walked over to the printer and Jacob explained the basics. While taking out a solar panel that had just finished.

Jacob then began helping Mei-Lin with using the graphene printer. She would attempt to create a basic design of a microchip. Something that would be elementary back on Earth. But on New Eden, it was a step in their path to success!