Chapter 27

Jacob continued helping Mei-Lin with the printer. She was amazed at how powerful the machine was. For her, its versatility was world changing. Either for manufacturing or prototyping.

As they continued to work, she would ask him a few questions about their situation.

"If we can buy anything, how much did that material cost you?" Mei asked as she watched it hover while Sophia had wires attached to it.

"I uh... never thought about that. Genesis, how much does the gravitalodium cost?" Jacob asked.

"Sir, Gravitalodium will cost you 1053500 points per ton."

Jacob's eyes widened in surprise. "That much!? We hit the jackpot! This stuff must be valuable!"

"Well, it defies many laws of physics we had on earth so, I am not surprised." Mei said as she continued with the semiconductor blueprint.

She learned about the Swiftstalker's as well, not reacting too much. Only concentrated on things that would affect her research. While she would answer questions, Jacob asked.

The fantastic part of the research is once Mei had created a working channel for holding a charge, she could copy paste it at will. The AI would simulate the basic process and tell her if the simulation was successful, showing her the intended exchange of electrons.

Computer chips were simply huge amounts of yes and no switches. Combine that with memory, which saves a specific state of that charge and you have a processor. Create a larger storage unit and you have a hard drive. The finer details were much more complex, but Jacob could only understand the basics as Mei casually explained each process. She seemed to think aloud.

For the rest of the day, they continued to work on the chip. While Sophia had already created a few fishing boats. They only had to print out 10 pieces, including two oars, to make a rudimentary boat. This way people could go on shallow ocean waters and fish. Although if they went too deep, it would end badly, the boats were not made for the deep sea.

The colony continued its push against the forest. And they even made good progress towards the mine. Have cut a few dozen meters for the path already.

The wall was becoming more interesting as well. A few buildings were being built on the inside against it. A barracks for all the recruits and storage of weapons close to the wall. As well as a smaller hut for farming tools. There was a larger one for woodcutting equipment.

Because of Jacob allowing people to request things themselves. The colony created its own structures without his full guidance. More bathrooms popped up and a group of 5 were making a wooden house together.

The wall had essentially been completed for its purpose. It was not meant to block bombs or sieges. Just to make it harder for the Swiftstalker's to close the gap.

By the evening, Jacob ended up as a bystander while Mei got into her own groove. For the past two hours, she had been very focused on some finer parts of the circuit.

After connecting them to some wires that Sophia used for testing her rock, the circuit did nothing, no smoke, no lights, nothing. But Mei gave off a cheerful look.

"Well, this should work. The charge is running as intended and the circuit is not shorting. However, we don't have anything to truly use it. I must design everything... an entire computer, from input and output to data exchange. This will take time. Let me continue research. Ill get back to you on any items and resources we need from the store to continue."

"Sounds great. I can't believe how fast you already made something like this."

"It's actually not too hard. The hard thing about chips is how to create new faster ways to move data from the processor to the memory. I used a basic design. Anyone who designed chips would learn in the first year of education. The difference being the efficiency of the material. I can throw much more power into it without it melting. Meaning it doesn't have to have as many semiconductors inside it as a regular silicon chip to achieve the same speed. I need to get some food. I will get back to work later. Where do I sleep?"

Jacob realized an issue. "Umm, we don't have anywhere for new colonists to sleep. Currently, everyone has just been doubling up with new people each night. The AI will guide them to a place to sleep. This will become an issue fast if I don't solve it ..."

"Well, i'll sleep here. That way I can continue researching when needed. But you are correct. If you hope to be a useful leader. I would suggest you solve some of those basic needs. You have barely done anything today for the colony. I don't like a leader who is not interested in his own job. Watching me make chips is not a priority when housing is currently not solved ..."

Jacob was shocked at her blunt response to his mistake. "... You're right. I uh. Yes, you're right, I'm sorry." Jacob turned around and left. Having felt his stomach drop. Embarrassed, he was already getting distracted when people didn't even have houses.

How could I think I was doing good? Jacob thought to himself. He had been so excited to learn about how they were making things; he didn't think as much about how a leader ensures the colony is successful. It was almost nighttime on the 4th day and Jacob had not even thought about houses. He was angry at himself.

He walked upstairs to the empty third floor. While his mind attacked him for his failure.

Jacob took a deep breath in the dark room. Having left the lights off. Once again, he shook his head. Not allowing these thoughts to break him.

Jacob looked up at nothing in particular and closed his eyes. He would lead this colony to success. He would help them live until tomorrow. This was his job as a leader, and to do that, he needed to get more involved with the colony. He needed to check out the constructions. Talk to people and find out what they need.

There was no longer time for him to be antisocial. Mei's simple question and response had forced him to run away. A leader of thousands could not do that anymore.

With a new resolve. Jacob gave a stretch and walked downstairs. This evening he would tour the wall. And see what has been done as well as what people think would help. Even though he was scared, he would be caught out in a Swiftstalker attack. He had a fire inside of himself. The only way he could start being a leader was if he started doing it. Not waiting for tomorrow, not trying to learn in a dark room. By going out and being a leader.

Regardless of how mad people got, Jacob would not allow himself to fall into this type of spiral again. If it was coming, he would push through it. His emotions were nothing compared to the fate of human lives.

With that, Jacob walked back down to the first floor.

Mei was eating on a crate with Sophia, discussing something. Jacob walked over and grabbed the extra bowl.

"Was this left for me?" He asked.

"Yeah, go ahead!" Sophia responded with a smile.

Jacob sat down and looked over at Mei. "Honestly, thank you for those words. I realize I may have been slacking off in a few ways. I have a responsibility towards all of you to play this role correctly." He took off the lid and had a spoonful of a soup which tasted fishy. And rather gross.

His eyes twitched.

"If you are being an idiot. I'll tell you, feel free to ask questions and learn. But remember, you must look after the colony before you look after your hobbies, Jacob." Mei said with a determined look on her face. "Leave the research to Sophia and I, I'm sure we will get more members in the future."

"That's right Jacob! You have helped a lot here, and I'm sure you will have time to do things you enjoy. But she brings up a good point. You should spend some more time with Akiko and go around the colony more often during the days."

Jacob smiled. "I'll be doing just that. After this I'm going to the wall. See how Adewale and all the guards are doing."

"Ok! Be safe!" Sophia cheered him on.

Jacob smiled, while he had almost had another meltdown. He was finally beating that inner demon. It will always exist inside him, but he will always get stronger. He had too, for everyone he was now responsible for.