With the Avdrulla Stela completed and standing like a work of art in the workshop, Tanya felt the weight of unfinished business settling on her shoulders. She wanted nothing more than to be alone with Sage, to explore the mysteries of her Stage 1 advancement, but first she needed to understand how Janet had managed to smuggle military hardware onto Eden-Five without triggering their security protocols.
"Now that the fabrication is done, we need to talk," she said, her tone making it clear this wasn't a request. The siblings exchanged a glance that confirmed they'd been expecting this conversation.
Tanya took a deep breath, deciding that honesty would serve better than diplomatic dancing around the truth. "I'll go first, though I doubt anything I say will surprise you. I'm bonded. That means I have an alien AI in my head helping me design and build ships. I'm guessing you already know this because I suspect one of your parents is also bonded."
"Our father," Janet replied without inflection, as if confirming the weather.
"I assumed as much," Tanya said. "So would your father be the reason you were able to get that reactor onto Eden-Five without anyone noticing?"
Surprisingly, it was Cameron who answered, his relaxed calm cutting through the tension. "Somewhat, but mainly it's our sister as she supplied the device. Deep space exploration makes resupply nearly impossible, so our father equipped each of our ships with linked storage devices. I don't fully understand how the technology works, but it has something to do with dimensional manipulation beyond current human science."
//A dimensional bubble,// Sage's voice whispered in her mind. //Not technology known to any of the known races in my database except for gardeners. A fixed-dimensional space that can be accessed from multiple points in normal space. Think of your multitool's storage device, but exponentially more advanced.//
The explanation clicked into place with uncomfortable clarity. No wonder their security hadn't detected the delivery, as it had never technically entered Eden-Five's space through normal channels.
"That makes sense," Tanya said, though the effects on operational security were troubling. "What do I tell Amara? She's going to want a complete explanation for how our perimeter was bypassed."
They spent the next thirty minutes working out a protocol that would satisfy Amara's need for security while protecting the siblings' family secrets. Any future deliveries through unconventional means would be coordinated through Tanya first, and she would claim the capability as another function of Sage's advanced technology. It wasn't entirely a lie as dimensional manipulation was certainly within Sage's abilities.
"This stays between us for now," Tanya said as they prepared to leave. "But no more surprises, agreed?"
Both siblings nodded, and she could see relief in their expressions. She could tell they wanted to keep their capabilities to themselves.
Later that evening, alone in her workshop with the soft glow of the Avdrulla Stela providing ambient light, Tanya finally had the conversation she'd been anticipating since the naming ceremony.
"What does Stage 1 actually mean?" she asked, settling into her workshop chair with a cold drink.
//Stage 1 represents completion of the tutorial phase and unlocking of advanced educational assistance with deep integration capabilities. You have demonstrated sufficient competency to access the full learning management system.//
"Tutorial phase?" Tanya nearly choked on her drink. "You mean everything up until now has been basic training?"
//Correct. You have now earned access to the Knowledge Point system, which quantifies learning achievements and provides controlled access to my complete library of technical knowledge. Each successful design project awards Knowledge Points based on complexity, innovation, and execution quality.//
Tanya felt a mixture of excitement and mild irritation. "So I've been playing on easy mode this whole time?"
//Educational progression requires structured advancement,// Sage replied with what might have been amusement. //The tutorial phase ensured you developed fundamental competencies before accessing advanced capabilities. Additionally, minor genetic modification options are now available to enhance learning capacity and fabrication precision.//
"Absolutely not," Tanya said firmly, setting down her tea with enough force to make the cup ring against the saucer. "No genetic modifications. I want to remain completely human."
//Understood. However, you should be aware that genetic enhancement could provide significant advantages in processing complex dimensional mathematics and improving fine motor control for precision fabrication work.//
"I said no, Sage." Her voice carried the kind of finality that ended arguments. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not interested in becoming something other than human."
//Acknowledged. Your current biological parameters remain unchanged. Would you like to review your Knowledge Point allocation options?//
"Yes, definitely. And how many points did I earn from the Avdrulla Stela?"
//Project completion awarded 100 Knowledge Points. Breakdown: Base complexity (40 KP), innovative design elements (35 KP), successful Stage 1 rating (25 KP).//
"Show me what I can access now."
The holographic interface that materialized took Tanya's breath away. The knowledge library resembled a massive tree with three main branches, each subdividing into countless smaller pathways of interconnected understanding. It pulsed with possibility, every node representing capabilities that could revolutionise her work.
The Knowledge branch contained theoretical understanding of physics, mathematics, material sciences, and exotic topics she'd never encountered. Dimensional Theory Level 3 glowed tantalisingly in the distance, but its 300 KP cost made it a long-term goal.
The Design Principles branch focused on engineering methodologies and system integration approaches. Effective Automated Systems Level 1 caught her eye at 100 KP, as did Energy Efficiency Level 2 at 200 KP and both were directly relevant to her current challenges.
The Fabrication Principles branch already showed the most unlocked nodes from her previous work, but she was drawn to Multimaterial Atomic Welding and Quantum Enhancement Level 2, capabilities that would revolutionise her construction techniques.
"I can see interconnections between the branches," Tanya observed, studying the pathways that linked seemingly disparate areas of knowledge.
//Correct. Advanced nodes require competency across multiple disciplines. Mastery emerges from synthesis, not specialisation.//
"This is incredible," she breathed, studying the interconnected possibilities. "But I think I'll hold off on spending points right now. I want to understand the system better before making permanent choices."
//Wise approach. Knowledge Point allocation is permanent, so careful consideration is recommended. The transition from tutorial to Stage 1 means you are now directly responsible for your educational trajectory.//
"If this is just Stage 1, what comes after?"
//The educational system operates in distinct stages, each unlocking greater capabilities and workshop access. Stage 2 advancement provides access to the artifact vault and rare materials chambers. Stage 3 unlocks the deep workshop sections, including exotic matter manipulation and advanced dimensional engineering facilities with large ship drydocking capabilities.//
"And beyond that?"
//Stage 4 and above require reconnection to my primary database systems. My current operational parameters are limited to backup archives and educational protocols. Without access to my full knowledge base, I cannot provide the advanced guidance required for higher-stage progression.//
"Do you know how to reconnect to your database?"
//That information is... fragmentary.// There was something almost wistful in Sage's mental voice. //The connection protocols exist in my archives, but implementation requires resources and knowledge currently beyond our capabilities.//
Tanya filed that information away as another long-term goal. For now, she had more immediate concerns. Such as sleep and rest.
The next morning brought a message from Amara that made Tanya's stomach flutter with nervous energy: Important meeting today, please wear your most professional outfit.
Uncertain of the meeting's subject but trusting Amara's judgment, Tanya selected the tailored suit that her business manager and Karen Mills had carefully chosen. The professional clothing made her feel more confident and authoritative. She hoped that was exactly the image she needed to project for whatever Amara had planned.
The office meeting revealed its purpose immediately. Waiting beside Amara's desk was an older woman of compact build, wearing glasses that were clearly a fashion statement rather than a medical necessity, since eye corrective surgery was readily available. Her silver hair was pulled back in a neat bun, and she possessed the kind of sharp, assessing eyes that suggested she missed nothing.
"Tanya, meet Helena Voss," Amara said with obvious satisfaction. "She's the advertising specialist I mentioned. Helena, this is our brilliant shipwright."
Helena stood and shook Tanya's hand with surprising strength. "Pleasure to meet you, dear. I've heard remarkable things about your work."
"Helena has worked with some of the biggest names in the aerospace industry," Amara explained. "She's going to help us create the right impression for your debut at the Trexlor Ship Show."
"The strategy is straightforward," Helena said, settling back into her chair with businesslike efficiency. "We create anticipation through a targeted holo-ad campaign that makes people wonder who this newcomer is and whether your ship can really deliver on our claims. People will visit your booth just to prove us right or wrong."
"That sounds intimidating," Tanya admitted.
"It is," Helena said with a sharp smile. "But it will generate attention, and attention generates interest. Now, tell me about your ship. What makes it genuinely special?"
For the next hour, they dissected the Avdrulla Stela's capabilities, target market, and unique selling points. Helena took notes with professional precision, asking probing questions about performance specifications and potential applications that revealed her deep understanding of the industry.
"Right," Helena said finally, consulting her tablet. "I have everything I need. The advertisement will focus on the impossibility of what you've achieved, that is, atmospheric surfing in environments that would destroy conventional spacecraft. We'll book studio time and use atmospheric simulation equipment to create dramatic footage that—"
"No," Tanya interrupted, her voice carrying the same finality she'd used with Sage. "It has to be real."
Helena blinked, clearly caught off-guard. "I'm sorry?"
"The advertisement must show actual footage of the ship performing in real atmospheric conditions. No studio work, no simulations, no computer-generated imagery."
"That's not practical," Helena said immediately, her professional instincts balking at the complications. "The insurance costs alone would be astronomical, and the technical challenges of filming in a gas giant atmosphere—"
"Then we'll film it here on Eden-Five," Tanya said firmly. "Or transport the ship to another system with suitable atmospheric conditions. But I won't have people claiming I faked the demonstration. I can't be a seen as a fake."
Amara leaned forward with concern. "Tanya, be reasonable. The costs—"
"Are worth it," Tanya finished. "This ship represents everything I've learned, everything I've built. I won't compromise its introduction with fabricated footage. People need to see that it's real, that it actually works in the conditions we claim."
Helena studied her for a long moment, then smiled slowly with something approaching admiration. "You know what? I like that approach. Authentic footage of impossible performance. It'll be expensive, but the credibility factor..." She made rapid notes on her tablet. "We'll need to hire specialised filming crews, arrange for atmospheric entry vehicles, coordinate with meteorological services..."
"Whatever it takes," Tanya said. "I want people to know that when they see the Avdrulla Stela dancing through storm clouds, they're watching the real thing."
"One final consideration," Helena said as they prepared to conclude the meeting. "What should we call your company in the advertisement? 'Furrow Incorporated' sounds rather... agricultural for a cutting-edge aerospace firm."
Tanya straightened, her voice taking on a firmness that surprised even her. "We're keeping Furrow Incorporated. That name represents my family's history and the generations of people who worked the land, built things with their hands, and never gave up when times got tough. I'm proud of where I come from."
Helena raised an eyebrow, clearly reassessing her client with newfound respect. "Agricultural roots, engineering excellence... actually, that could work beautifully. The contrast between humble origins and revolutionary technology creates a compelling narrative. Very authentic."
"It's not a marketing angle," Tanya said quietly. "It's who I am."
"Even better," Helena said, making a final note. "Furrow Incorporated. Perhaps we could use a tagline like 'Growing Beyond Horizons' or 'Cultivating the Impossible.'"
As they left the office, Tanya felt a renewed sense of purpose. The tutorial phase might be over, but she was entering this new chapter as herself—a farm girl from Eden-Five who happened to build impossible ships. The Knowledge Point system offered tantalising possibilities for advancement, but her core identity would remain unchanged.
She had work to do, both in mastering Sage's educational systems and in proving to the galaxy that Furrow Incorporated could deliver on its promises. The Trexlor Ship Show would be their proving ground, and she intended to make an impression that no one would forget.