Getting a Technology System in Modern Day

Chapter 718  Probing and Conversation I

“So, how is it going to work? Are there things I need to keep in mind during our conversation?” the ship’s captain asked the AI, concerned that the script might need revision. The captain wanted to ensure that there were no limitations or special considerations for communication, given the AI's understanding of the other side's system and any potential nuances that could affect the exchange. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

{You don’t need to worry about that. During your communication period, I'll serve as the translator, ensuring that all contexts and reasons for your statements are conveyed clearly so that they understand your intentions with minimal loss in translation. The same will apply in reverse. However, please note that at the moment, we’re limited to sound transmission. We can’t transmit large amounts of data through our current means, which allows us to communicate in real time without delay,} the AI clarified, adding a slight pause to distinguish between the two topics.

“Okay, good. Send a request to start the communication; we are ready on our side,” he said, clearing his throat to ensure his voice was clear for the upcoming conversation.

{You can start; they are ready,} the ship’s AI responded shortly.

“Greetings, I am Niwildan Nideha, acting representative of the Terran Empire attempting to initiate contact. Please confirm receiving and understanding what I am saying,” he said, beginning the direct conversation between the two sides.

They waited in silence for a response, unsure if the translation language they had developed was functioning correctly or if it was merely a hallucination between the two AIs.

“Greetings, Niwildan Nideha. I am Xalthar Zynara, Sage of the Astral Conclave. We have received and understood your transmission, although it was challenging as we had to downgrade our systems to accommodate your attempts at communication. How about your side, can you understand me?” came the response, relayed by the AI to preserve the tone and context as accurately as possible.

Upon hearing the response and noting the tone, Niwildan raised an eyebrow. He wondered whether the AI had detected a hint of arrogance in their tone and had emulated it, or if it was simply the way the other side spoke. He thought to himself, 'Everything would have been easier if we had their brain data.' Being one of the few privy to this knowledge, he knew it would have made the process much smoother.

“Yes, we can hear and understand you too. However, before asking any further questions, I would like to inquire about the reason for your presence in this sector,” Niwildan said, deciding to move the conversation forward.

“We came here to investigate mana pulses from this sector that attracted our attention. We thought it might be an interesting phenomenon that could increase our understanding of mana,” Xalthar responded.

“Do you still perceive the mana pulses at this moment, and where were they coming from?” Niwildan asked. Although he was aware of what the pulses were, having been briefed beforehand, he needed to confirm that they were indeed discussing the same phenomenon, or at least to ensure they were talking about something relevant.

“The pulses are no longer present, as they ceased during our journey. From our observations, they originated from the star system you are based in. Since it appears that you may not be well-versed in mana, we request permission to investigate the phenomenon in exchange for sharing our knowledge about mana,” Xalthar replied, his tone still carrying a hint of arrogance. Niwildan noted that the AI's translation had accurately captured the tone, confirming that the arrogance was part of Xalthar's communication style rather than a quirk of the translation.

Upon hearing their request, Niwildan was taken aback by their directness. Their offer to share knowledge about mana, while assuming that the Terran Empire had no such knowledge and was merely technologically oriented, was both surprising and revealing. This assumption could either benefit or complicate the relationship between the two sides, depending on how their understanding and relationship between technology and mana.

“Unfortunately, since we cannot infer what you are referring to and both sides still lack sufficient information between each other to formulate trust, we cannot grant you access to our star system at this time. Instead, how about we exchange information with each other and upgrade our means of communication from this basic setup to one that allows for a more extensive and detailed exchange?” Niwildan proposed, steering the conversation in a direction that maintained control from his side while addressing his own needs and keeping their demands in check.

There was a moment of tense silence following Niwildan’s response and suggestion, causing everyone in the control room to hold their breath as they waited for the other side’s reply.

After five minutes, the response came, “Sure, we will accommodate your request. Please send the technology you want us to upgrade to, and we will proceed with the communication enhancements.” This time, the speaker’s tone was noticeably more humble and welcoming compared to Xalthar’s earlier arrogance.

“How long will it take to transmit all of the schematics and instructions for the equipment and code?” Niwildan asked the AI in a casual tone, maintaining his composure thanks to his extensive experience with similar situations.

{Since we are sending the tech for both microwave and millimeter-wave communication through the hydrogen line, it will take at least a few days, considering signal retention and loss,} the AI responded.

Niwildan nodded, acknowledging the information before saying “Understood. We will begin preparing the necessary files for transmission immediately. Please ensure that your systems are ready to receive the data and provide confirmation once the upgrade is complete.”

He paused for a moment, then added, “In the meantime, we will be getting closer to accelerating the speed of transferring communication”  attempting to probe for the possibility of arranging a face-to-face meeting or gaining more visual information.

However before even doing anything into implementing what he said a response came swiftly, “Please maintain your current distance. Any attempts to close the distance will be considered a hostile measure, and we will react accordingly.” The tone was firm and serious, making it clear that they were not open to negotiation on this matter.

‘This is exactly what I needed to know,’ Niwildan thought to himself, knowing that their preferred distance provided insights into their defensive capabilities, including the potential strike range of their weapons. Armed with this information, he responded, confirming that he would adhere to their distance request and instructed the AI to begin the transfer of information.