Chapter 5.4 (1/2)

Pioneer

Chapter 5 Part 4

They returned to the rocket. Pioneer talked about the system of delivering cargo into the near-earth orbit. The rocket was located on a launchpad, but still not complete. It was still necessary to install auxiliary missiles and fairings. And it couldn’t take off anyways. The movement mechanism of the launch pad still had to be checked. Before, this was an experimental installation for launching intercontinental ballistic missiles. The visible part of the city was leading an unpretentious life. After the collapse of the government everything was abandoned, and all of this was taken care of by Pioneer.

Dingo asked, “What kind of cargo do you want on the s.h.i.+p?”

“And why so many difficulties?”

“So you also built the rocket? It’s good that we did not use hybrid rockets before.”

“So you have been doing this for over 40,000 days… How much is this…”

Dingo began to mutter something under his breath, and Angela sighing, said, “More than a hundred years. But what for?”

Pioneer answered with an indifferent mechanical voice,

Angela glanced at Pioneer again. This was just a robot, he had no expression on his face. It was impossible to tell what was inside of him by looking on the outside. But his words were sincere. It did not seem like he was lying to them. Such a simple concept as time in the real world was different from the one in Deva. There it could be controlled. If a person has enough computing power, the process of thinking also gets faster. If necessary, it can be compressed. And if running late, on the contrary, it can be slowed. Most prefer it to go faster. And that’s why they need computing power. With limited capabilities and resources, it takes time to overcome each emerging problem. And in order to achieve anything, there was no other choice but to go forward, even with just baby steps. Pioneer also did this, getting to his goal for over a century. All alone. And all for the future of mankind. Dingo said, “And what do you plan to do after you go on your way?”

“So you are planning to leave Earth?”

Dingo turned to Angela.

“And you, as a security official, what do you think?”

“What about me…” Angela hesitated, “I’ll write a report and send it to the management, they will make their choice.”