Time flew when Jack felt useful. He had started to feel more comfortable with the station's daily routines. After two months of missions and investing his earned units in learning programs, the station's AI granted him access to a broader range of activities, each divided into three levels: easy, medium, and advanced.
This morning, the holographic panel above his bed displayed:
"Good morning, Jack Done. Today's priorities are as follows:
Category 1: General Repairs
Low Difficulty: Inspect external solar panels.
Medium Difficulty: Replace a defective module in the water filtration system.
High Difficulty: Recalibrate the artificial gravity system for Module G2.
Category 2: Conflicts
Low Difficulty: Mediate between two technicians arguing over the use of a matter printer. Medium Difficulty: Resolve a trade dispute between two ships near Argos.
High Difficulty: Negotiate a contract with a hostile Rysal delegation.
Category 3: Creative Exploration
Low Difficulty: Simple object design using the matter printer.
Medium Difficulty: Develop an alternative solution for recycling organic waste.
High Difficulty: Design an innovative solution to optimize living spaces on the station.
Jack scanned the lists with interest. Over the past two weeks, he had discovered a passion for variety in his tasks and a new hobby: designing functional and artistic objects using the matter printer. With some of the credits he earned, he purchased an older model for personal use along with raw materials. In his free evenings, he experimented with creating simple items like a customized holographic lamp or an adjustable tool holder. He wasted half his materials on failed attempts and imperfect models.
Today, he decided to challenge himself by selecting one task from each category:
Medium Difficulty in "General Repairs."
Low Difficulty in "Conflicts."
High Difficulty in "Creative Exploration."
When he confirmed his choices, the AI responded:
"Selections confirmed. Good luck!"
After several evenings experimenting with the matter printer, Jack had discovered an unexpected talent for design. His creations—ranging from multifunctional tools to elegant decorations for personal modules—began drawing attention from his colleagues on the station.
A technician requested a special adjustable equipment holder compatible with variable gravity levels. Another colleague asked for a protective casing for a fragile device. Each project came with a small reward: credits, bartered goods like better food or rare materials, or valuable favors.
Jack, thrilled by this new flow of resources, began dreaming bigger. What if I had my own workshop? Maybe I could even work on unexplored technologies…
That evening, while planning his next project—a small assistive robot for Andy—Jack mentally sketched ideas for advanced printing modules, new alloy materials, and experimental technologies that could revolutionize life on space stations.
Jack headed to the repair section where the station's water filtration system was located. It was a technically complex task, but he had developed a routine for navigating the station's equipment. The defective module had been reported the previous day, and the replacement process required precision to avoid disrupting the entire system.
As he entered the compartment, Jack noticed a group of technicians discussing the issue around a console. One of them greeted him quickly:
"Jack, you're here for the water module? Looks worse than we thought."
Approaching the main equipment, Jack realized the importance of the system. Water was essential on space stations, and any malfunction could lead to serious issues. After some checks, he identified the faulty module. Jack crouched down and began dismantling the old parts with precision, ensuring the rest of the system remained intact. He then installed the new module, connecting it to the station's water network.
After a few minutes of testing, the system began functioning smoothly. Jack activated a control panel to check the water flow, and confirmation that everything was in order brought a satisfied smile to his face.
"All done," he said contentedly.
A technician who had assisted him earlier approached.
"Great job, Jack! The system's running perfectly now. Thank you!"
Daisy, the AI, notified him:
"Congratulations, Jack Done. You successfully completed the medium-difficulty task in 'General Repairs.' Skills utilized: advanced technical knowledge, problem-solving. Your account has been credited with 50 units."
A short walk, ten minutes later, brought Jack to the matter printing workshop, where tension filled the air. On one side of the room, a human technician gestured frantically, pointing to the floor where drops of glowing green liquid had pooled. On the other side, a tall, semi-transparent being—92% composed of a viscous fluid—swayed slightly, emitting low rhythmic sounds.
"I can't take it anymore!" shouted the technician, pointing to the floor. "How am I supposed to work like this? Every day I have to clean up after him. That puddle ruined two of my orders already!"
The fluid creature—a member of the Sythran species—adjusted its form, trying to shrink. It emitted a deep sound, translated by the AI:
"It is my body. I cannot control the evaporation. I would need a more humid environment, but the workshop does not provide that."
Jack ran a hand through his hair, thinking quickly. The workshop needed to remain functional for everyone, but the Sythran had a right to work there too.
"Alright, let's figure this out," he said, trying to diffuse the situation.
After analyzing the situation and listening to both sides, Jack proposed an innovative solution:
"We can adapt the station's water collection platforms to be compatible with Sythrans. Simultaneously, I'll add a recycling system that uses your liquid to maintain optimal humidity around you. This way, you can work without disrupting others."
The technician raised an eyebrow, visibly skeptical.
"How long do you think that will take? I have orders to complete!"
Jack grinned confidently.
"With the matter printer and a little help from Andy, we'll have it ready by tomorrow morning."
The next day, the platform was installed, and the captured liquid was efficiently recycled. The Sythran was delighted, and the technician, though still slightly irritable, acknowledged the solution's effectiveness.
The station's AI notified Jack:
"Congratulations, Jack Done. You successfully completed the low-difficulty task in 'Conflicts.' Skills utilized: negotiation, technical creativity. Your account has been credited with 200 units: 35 units for the task, 100 units from the Sythran, and 65 units from the technician. The Sythran has sent you a proposal and a draft contract to patent the evaporation platform and commercialize it on other human space stations."
Jack reviewed and accepted the proposal, noting the minimal risk and potential influx of units.
Later that afternoon, Jack retreated to a quiet corner of the printing workshop. Although living on the station wasn't uncomfortable, the spaces were small and left much to be desired. The idea of creating a solution to optimize living spaces, saving room while adding comfort for residents, fascinated him.
The first step in his creative process was analyzing existing furniture configurations. Jack quickly realized that most living modules were equipped with functional but inflexible pieces. He envisioned something more adaptable, adjustable to suit each resident's needs.
Sitting at his workbench, he began sketching the design for a modular furniture system that included adjustable pieces—easily assembled and disassembled—to maximize every corner of the station's small rooms. In his imagination, these modules could transform into beds, tables, storage spaces, or even workstations, all adaptable to daily activities.
After hours of intense work on the initial design, Jack used the matter printer to create prototypes of the pieces. His goal was to integrate elements that saved space without sacrificing comfort.
When the prototype was complete, Jack installed it in the residential section, demonstrating to his colleagues how it could be used. Each piece could be adjusted as needed, and combinations formed highly functional and pleasant spaces.
Though the furniture was user-friendly for humans and Rysals, who shared nearly identical traits, it proved difficult to adjust for other species.
The station's AI notified Jack again:
"Congratulations, Jack Done! You completed the high-difficulty task in 'Creative Exploration.' Skills utilized: innovation, design, optimization. Your account has been credited with 500 units."
Jack felt a twinge of frustration. He had spent so much time on the utility of the furniture but hadn't considered designs beyond human-like appendages. There was still so much to learn.