For the next 6 months, Kain and Steven, the father and son pair, dive into the project that they had named 'Cortex: The Sentient Starship' after Kain's experimental AI, Cortex. Were it not for Martha bringing them meals from the cafe every once in a while, there would have been days where they didn't eat all. Sleepless nights were spent immersed in tests and experiments as the pair attempt to step into a new realm of science. So many nights were spent in the workshop that they had to install cots to sleep on. Coleman would also often visit the workshop, checking on their progress and ensuring that they had all the resources they needed. He had even somehow convinced the world leaders to allow a two way link between Cortex and the Catacombs.
'The Catacombs' is the largest collection of information in all of the known world, and has all information gathered by humans on planet earth, dating back from before the interstellar era. Even the most respected scientists are required to submit all research to the Catacombs. A direct link between Cortex and such a large source of information, combined with Kain's AI, opens many new possibilities. Not to mention, because it is a two way link, any new information from future explorations would go straight to the Catacombs, as well as any information regarding the ship itself. Naturally, such a thing would be closely guarded, requiring approval from all of the world leaders to access. For that reason, Coleman getting them a two way link with Cortex was all but a miracle, and the father and son pair were ecstatic.
With Allan Croft's work alone, Cortex will be able to scan an individual's DNA and identify them without errors. using this, Kain created 5 levels of security clearance that can be afforded to an individual. The first level only allows access to the ship, with no other privileges. The second level gives the individual Access to all areas of the ship labeled as 'public' by the captain. Level 3 personnel get their own room on the ship and access to public areas. Level 4 individuals can move freely on the ship anywhere except for the captain's quarters and are allowed to make requests to Cortex itself. Level 5 is for the Captains, which are highest priority and must be protected at all costs. They can move freely on the ship and can ask almost anything of the AI.
Kain links the core of his AI to a bracelet so that he can have access to his AI at all times, even off of the ship. The ship and Bracelet can act as separate entities, but share a link to share information, and all memories will be downloaded between each other once coming back into range. Essentially, the bracelet is a more mobile extension of the ship's 'consciousness.'
After 6 months, the ship is largely finished, only missing the core. The space for the core is about the size of a basketball, covered in an incredibly dense metal, capable of withstanding most attacks. the unfinished core has been put together, having 3 parts connected by many small cables. the center is occupied by the core of Kain's AI, which looks like a rectangular metal box, faintly glowing a light blue from inside. This box is about the size of a pocket book, which is quite large compared to most AI cores, which can be microscopic in size. on each side is a separate piece of his father's technology. On one side rests a strange box, a deep purple in color. this box is the storage of the ship. similar to Kain's ring, this device bends space to create a place to store materials. similar to his ring, it can expand indefinitely with enough energy. this feature is important, because having the ship go so fast requires vast amount of energy, so this storage will be used to store materials for fuel. It can also be used to store anything else of interest if needed. The other side is connected to a black spherical device, the largest of the 3 parts of the unfinished core. This is the most important part of the ship, which allows it to bend space around itself to exceed the speed of light. coming off of the unfinished core is many loose cables that look like they should connect to something, or some things.
leaning back to admire their work, Steven and Kain Rust both let out deep sighs. These months of hard work have finally shown their results, and it was now time for the finishing touches. the long journey was almost over. Steven turns towards his son, who has a pleased expression on his face, with the expression of a proud father. Over these months, Kain had shown his determination and ability to the farthest extent, surprising even his father. Steven puts a hand on his son's back, saying, "now that it's time for the finishing touches, don't you think it's time to go see your mother?"
Kain looks at his father with a curious expression, he had almost forgotten that his mother, Martha, was to be a part of the project. It had been too long since Steven had said so. Kain nods anyways, and Steven grabs the unfinished core, trudging out of the workshop almost marching. "Let's go then, she should be waiting for us."
Navigating through the research institute, they eventually arrive at a small and meticulously cleaned workshop. in the corner of the room sits Martha, a short statured woman with short brown hair kept in a ponytail behind her head. she sits huddled over her work as usual, but the sound of shuffling feet causes her to sit straight as she turns her head to see her husband and son have arrived. A smile blossoms on her face as she gets up and hugs the pair. "My boys! Have you finally finished that project of yours? Finally ready for my help?"
The Rust family enjoy a warm family hug for a few moments before Steven breaks the hug to talk business. "Yes, we are almost done, all that's left is the finishing touches. Do you have them here?"
"Of Course" Martha replies, turning around to rustle in a drawer for a while before pulling out ten strange devices. "These are my best work yet, the accuracy and speed are revolutionary. naturally, under the control of a good enough AI such as Kain's, they can alter things on the molecular level, change matter into energy, and can remake the entire ship with enough time and resources from the core alone. and, as you requested, they are able to connect to the spacial storage so there should be no problem with storing materials. With my research, that AI of yours should even be able to create more rudimentary versions outside of the core and alter the structure of the ship itself freely."
Not wasting any time, Steven attached the ten devices to the cables prepared for them, and Kain cannot help but liken the core to a very large ten-legged spider, which sends a shiver down his back. While catching up and chatting amongst each other, the family makes their way back to the workshop. Once there, Steven takes the lead to very dramatically place the core within the sphere, which immediately takes to life and closes the hole in the shell. after a few seconds a whirring sound is heard as the ship comes to life, lights flickering on as Kain's AI familiarizes itself with its new task.
The family of three stand together watching their creation whirr to life with their eyes lighting up. after a few seconds, Kain's bracelet glows as his AI adjusts itself, and a soft androgynous voice sounds from the ship's speakers. "Hello creators, and father, I am Cortex, the sentient starship. It is wonderful to meet you."