The door opens slowly to a remarkably old fashioned office, with a simple wooden desk with coffee stained research papers strewn about and many a tablet still on and displaying plans for various projects. Behind the desk sits a man with shaggy brown hair much like Kain's own. The man seems to be in his early 40's with a light stubble, marking the fact he had forgotten to shave that morning. His face is buried in some papers until he hears the door opening. This man was Kain's father, Steven Rust. Seeing his son stepping into his office, a smile blossoms on his face and he shoots up from his seat.
"My son! What took you so long? Follow me, we have a lot of work to do," he walks in hurried steps out of his office leading Kain through a series of side halls, "I trust Allan didn't give you too much trouble did he?" He asks, glancing to the side at Kain.
Kain rolls his eyes at his father, "Of course he did, that arrogant man didn't even read my research! You didn't help either, requesting me before I was even accepted. They all think me a product of nepotism, you know?"
Steven shakes his head, "They are fools then. I needed the best AI in the market for my project, and you are the only one that can give me that. Do you not believe yourself qualified?" Steven was a caring father, but he was not one to bring in someone incompetent due to family ties.
"Of course I am qualified, this is my life's work."
"Good, then pay no attention to the peanut gallery, only science matters. Here, this is just the thing to cheer you up." Steven nods and smiled wide at his son. It is then that Kain realizes that they had come to a stop in front of a large door. When his dad opens the door and flicks the light on, Kain stands there with his mouth agape.
as the whirr of machines sounds, Kain sees a large warehouse-like room with four large mechanical arms work together to build what seems to be the beginning of a space ship, molecule by molecule. materials were provided from deep inside the department's buildings. By the looks of things, it would be large enough to house lodgings for 10 separate people, a canteen and meeting area as well as a captain's quarters. The mechanical arms were working off of a predetermined plan, and were clearly his mother's work.
Steven plants his hands at his hips, true admiration in his eyes for the scientific marvels his wife has built. he sighs, almost whispering, "Your mother is an amazing woman, kid."
Kain smiles softly as memories of his mother flood his brain. She really was a wonderful woman, brilliant in her work but equally gentle as a mother. "That she is, dad. Where is she now, is she not helping us?"
"You know her, she is a perfectionist if nothing else. She invented something revolutionary, but only focuses on improving it. Even the ones being used now are already 10 or so versions old. not even the department can keep up with your mother." Steven begins to walk towards the unfinished ship. "Don't worry though, she is a part of this project, but more for the finishing touches."
Kain follows behind his father, letting curiosity get the best of him as he asks, "What exactly is this project, by the way?"
As if he had been waiting for that question, which he probably had been, Steven turns around and looks at his son. "You know how they say that the speed of light is the speed limit of the universe?" A broad smile breaks out upon his face "Don't you think it's time humanity do a little speeding?" Kain stares at his father, recognizing something within his eyes. That familiar light of defiance towards the rules of the universe, the very thing that drove his father to his field of study. Kain recognizes this light in his father's eyes, and he smiles. This was sure to be fun, defying the universe's rules. It is a family business, it seems.
Seeing that his words had the desired effect, Steven explains his plans in more detail, "If we can shrink space around the ship between it and its destination, even a slight movement can mean travelling long distances. the speed of light will be an afterthought at that point. Your mother's technology will make the ship able to use any source of matter as a fuel, and give it the ability to modify its own structure on the molecular level at any time. Of course, all of these tasks require large amounts of fast-pace calculations and flawless multitasking. such a thing could never be done by a human, and regular AI systems are too rigid. That is why your AI is the perfect pilot. Together, we have the pieces to put together the greatest marvel of technology yet seen."
Before Kain can say anything back to his father, the door behind them is opened, catching the attention of the father and son pair. Through the door walks a fairly ancient looking man, with long white hair tied into a bun on his head and a bushy gray beard. his back is hunched over and his skin seems to be clinging to his bones as he looks around the room, finding the pair, "Ah! There you are, my good man! I was looking for you in your office, but of course you would be here." His eyes shift to Kain and he smiles, "And the prodigal son is here as well. As the president of the department, it is an honor to have you on the team. I hear your pops here has a lot of work prepared for you. Work hard."
Kain sports a serious look on his face as he nods heavily. "Of course, sir. It's an honor to be on the team."
This old man's name was Coleman Walker, the Research Department's president. He was a very agreeable man and supported Steven often when he fought for resources from the higher-ups. Kain had an admiration for the man, and treated him almost like his own grandfather.
Steven places a hand on his son's shoulder, "Yes, we are all so very proud of him. Speaking of the project, I hear you are the reason I got the approval for the resources? Once again, I have to thank you. I already owe you too many debts for me to repay in my lifetime."
Coleman shakes his head, insisting, "Nonsense Steven, what kind of scientist would I be if I did not support this project? Going faster than the speed of light has been the dream of many since before the great Schism of humanity. If you need anything at all, just ask. I would pay out of my own pocket if I had to."
Steven lightly chuckles, "Thanks again Coleman, but that isn't necessary. I have this covered."
Coleman nods and begins to walk away leaving Kain and Steven to their work. "I will leave you to your work then, work hard."
Steven nods before directing Kain towards the corner of the warehouse where he notices two work stations, one of which clearly having been being used, with machine parts strewn about and a small partially finished project placed atop the table. That was clearly his father's, Kain concluded, and the other must be his, as he noted the neatly ordered materials, everything he would need to assemble and work on his AI. "Let's get to work then, shall we?" Steven asks before patting Kain on the back, as if pushing him towards his destiny.