Checking Out the Territory (IC)

[KnightDisciple]

Katastroff grinned.

"It's more than "technically possible". It's possible. Though you're right, in a sense. A lot of the initial calculations, test modeling, and engineering isn't easy. But past a couple of key points...well, every road of research has speed bumps, doesn't it?"

The Baron's tone suggests that he's speaking of something more solid than a theoretical concept.

[Dr Archeville]

Error in Baron Katastrof's statements detected.

The strange robot was still and silent for a long moment, appearing more like a statue than a functioning piece of machinery. Only the soft whir of assorted internal mechanisms betrayed its still-functioning status. When at last it spoke, it said something neither Supercape nor Fenris may have expected.

"Apologies, Baron Katastrof, but I believe your assessment is incorrect. Solar power should have the capacity required to elevate human civilization to the next level of technological advancement, without the dangers associated/predicted with vacuum energy."

It turned to one of the small keyboards recessed into the conference room table and began inputting commands. The ceiling-mounted projector descended, and projected the image of the web searches it was running at superhuman speeds. "The latest report from the World Energy Council indicate that the human civilizations of Earth currently generate/consume approximately 16 Terrawatts of energy. However," it then began pulling up astronomical data, though as with the WEC data it was all publicly available information, "Earth receives 174 Petawatts of energy from the Sun, or 1,366 Watts per square meter of the Earth's surface which is directly exposed to the Sun. If 1% of this can be harnessed, that would more than fill humanity's current energy needs."

Observation: Shared ideas are easier to implement.

"One project I have been working on," it stood and faced the two men, "is converting the far side of the Earth's Moon into a solar collector. However, problems persist in transmitting the collected power to Earth. I am currently studying the beamed power transmission theories of Nikola Tesla for ideas."

[KnightDisciple]

Magnus frowned slightly.

"There are still problems. Cloudy days and long nights can have an impact on energy flow for a location. To say nothing of the hoops you'd have to jump through for areas near the Arctic circle, where night can last for months. Even worse, solar cells can't armor themselves in thick cement against the elements, leaving them inherently more vulnerable to inclement weather patterns.

Connected to that, you've got issues with placement, transmission, and storage. It's easy to put a few solar panels on a home's roof. But you need more and more area for things like skyscrapers. Then of course you have to move the power, and current conductor materials means you lose power along the way. And current battery technology is not up to the task, besides the fact that we still rely heavily on chemical batteries.

While yes, in theory, covering half the moon in solar cells would give us enough power, there are two major problems I see. First is the potential dangers of beaming that much power across open space. What affect would it have on the ozone, on wildlife, and so on? And secondly, how will you get it built up there? That's a lot of resources just to build it.

Also, what dangers associated or predicted with vacuum energy? We've run thousands of "worse-case scenario" tests on all our exisiting generator models. The absolute worst physical damage that occurs on the largest models is that the central chamber, the "heart" if you will, crumples a bit, due to the vacuum nature. We've shot them with all manner of weapons, hit them with things, bombarded them with energies, shaken them, crushed them. They never exploded. No harmful radiation was found. And we invented a few new types of scanners, discovered a couple of new radiation wavelengths, just to confirm the risk is less than that of the Large Hadron Collider."

He smiled.

"And our models will be ready in less than 5 years, for practically all applications."

[Supercape]

"I must confess a degree of caution, Sir", chipped in Supercape.

"If I had to choose, solar energy would be my choice - although the set up costs could be prohibitive, especially if its lunar based. Prohibitive, but not impossible. "

He approached the subject as gently as he could. "Vaccuum energy does sound exciting, but it is an unknown quantity. Would you be prepared for some of us at the Lab to look over the maths? and if possible the prototypes?"

He anticipated a negative response. Whilst the Baron professed advancement for human civilisation, he appeared possessive over his project. That wasn't surprising, or indeed blameworthy: Supercape judged him to be half scientist and half businessman.

"I am sure we can sort out all the logistics - I am guessing you are stuffed to your eyeballs with patents so we wont be stealing any ideas. "

[KnightDisciple]

"I'm pretty sure we've made it a very known quantity. Like I said: we've run thousands of tests. Not computer models, actual tests. With physical devices. I've had three dozen of the top European minds on the subject go over my math and my designs. Don't misunderstand me; "caution" was the name of the game every step of the way."

He shrugged.

"But right now, the only thing holding back the next stages is finalizing some design elements, and finding ways to produce things more rapidly and efficiently.

That all said, I'd be willing for you to look over the math at your leisure. Prototypes...Hm."

He seemed to consider this matter for over a minute.

"Only if and when I am directly, physically present to make sure nothing untoward happens. These designs are patented for a reason, after all. I'll have my lawyer and assistant arrange something, if you'd like."

[Supercape]

"Good good" replied Supercape.

Half scientist, half businessman, and sharp as a razor throughout! he concluded.

"I only speak for myself of course, but it does seem rather interesting. The other Lab-members may have their own views of course. "

He gave Protectron a look. Totally unreadable as always... he decided after scrutinising the.. well what was it? robot? The best he had come up was "artificial intelligence". He really must find out more about "him" - in a friendly manner of course. The fact that Protectron was, to his extraordinary senses, lit up a like a beautiful Christmas tree had nothing to do with that determination.

"Protectron here isn't a full Lab member, more a kind of sitting guest. More than enough brains to join someday I shouldn't wonder" he continued with a smile. "Anyway, I'm sure he can formulate his own views too. "

[Dr Archeville]

Protectron's unflinching gaze never left Katastrof, though its hands remained hovering over the keyboards.

Analyzing...

Organic Baron Katastrof claims to have made real physical tests with vacuum energy, but seems ignorant of the dangers associated with them.

Probability that findings of Katastrof's team has solved problems elucidated by other researchers: unable to calculate, too many unknowns.

Additional Observation: Baron Katastrof seems dismissive of alternative alternative energy solutions. Would this be pride?

"The dangers I had heard of," the strange robot began, in its same flat electronic monotone, "is that all actual attempts at extracting vacuum energy resulted in the creation of new, exotic particles with unknown properties, which made such processes impossible to stabilize. The only safe alternative I have heard proposed was to tap into the vacuum energy of a region of subspace, where the unwanted exotic particles could be left and only the usable energy would be extracted."

"As for my proposal to place solar panels on the far side of the moon," it tapped away on the keyboard, and a list of names appeared, some with small videos of news footage, "there are a number of superpowered metahumans, such as Dark Star and Supercape, or superheros utilizing advanced technology, such as Daedalus, Doktor Archeville, and Star Knight, who can effortlessly make the trip and place those panels. Protection of the panels could be achieved via a super-tough transparent polymer, such as the ones used in certain cells at Blackstone Federal Penitentiary."

[KnightDisciple]

The Baron frowned thoughtfully at the dangers Protectron spoke of, almost as if he'd never heard of them.

"I've seen some of those papers, yes. But our method tends towards "tapping in". I'm not going to explain everything here and now, but rest assured we've generated no exotic particles. Not a one. Only energy. Energy that can be used to power homes, offices, cars, planes, anything we wish it to. And instead of huge, vulnerable panels, it can be buried safe within the vehicle. Even better, the energy can be throttled up and down as needed, with no need for cumbersome capacitors or batteries to store and dole out that energy. As well, the various materials required to build our designs carry less risk than the leading materials in solar cell technology. You'll forgive me for wanting to promote my own company's growth, Protectron. I understand what you seek to do. I seek the same end result, of a world with perfectly clean energy available for everyone. I simply am going down a different route, one that I feel has more advantages,and that will catapult my company to the top of the market, if you will. Besides, with the profits from selling some of our tech to large private companies, rich individuals, and more prosperous countries, we can offset the profit loss of distributing power supplies cheaply or for free, depending on the location. We'd have to involve a few other companies in time, to help manufacture and improve designs, of course. Then again, that means more jobs around the world, yes? End result, we have clean energy for everyone, jobs for more people, and my company makes money. Everybody wins!"

He smiled broadly and gave a little chuckle. There was no malice in his words, only the enthusiasm of someone with a dream.

"Perhaps we can both achieve our dreams, sir android. After all, competition promotes innovation! So bring on the competition, I say! The world will benefit all the more. No reason we can't save the world and make some honest money while we're at it."

[Supercape]

Sir Andriod mused Supercape. Yes I quite like that...

It seemed to capture first the fact that Protectron was an android) or something pretty close to it, but almost, and more pertinently, Protectron's inherent chivalry. Sure, he might not open to doors to maidens (come to think of it, perhaps he would), but he had that unshakable noble purpose: protect the weak, better mankind.

If anyone deserved a Knighthood, perhaps it was Protectron, and his selfless conviction.

"mmmmwuah" he said, turning to Protectron. "Sir Andriod, that's a good name, quite like that. "

Wondering if Protectron could pick up, Supercape started to play around with a few wave-strings, nudging them this way and that until they formed a shortwave radio beam directly to Protectron.

"I say, Protectron old chap, can you pick this up? Baron here seems a man with good intentions at heart - bit nervous about all this vaccuum energy myself - so best keep him on our side eh? check no problems and all that. Maybe ask Doctor A for his opinion?"

Turning back to regular speech, he continued "Excellent idea, Baron. Perhaps both projects have merit. I for one would certainly like to help with the solar power system. Just as long as I don't do to much heavy lifting. Lets all save the world!"

The short wave radio flicked back to Protectron.

"More saving the world than making money, if possible!"

[KnightDisciple]

Baron Magnus smiled at Supercape's opinion of his offhand remark.

"Just trying to be polite to a fellow sentient being. It's a skill I'm still polishing here and there, you know."

At Supercape's talk of everyone working to save the world, he smiled broadly.

"That's the spirit! More ideas, more competition, more solutions, I say! Why have one option, when you can have five? Keeps everything interesting, and like I said before, it helps make sure everyone wins!"

He shakes his head ruefully.

"I'm glad you don't see me as some sort of devil incarnate; so many people these days seem to rage against corporations, while shamelessly consuming what we make. It's nice to see people at least acknowledge how some of us try to help the world while we're at it!"

[Dr Archeville]

Analysis: 'Sir' is an honorific used as a title (cross-reference: Knight, Noble Ranks, Royal Ranks), or as a courtesy title to address a man without using his given or family name. The term is often reserved for use only towards equals, one of superior rank or status, such as an educator or commanding officer, an elder (especially by a minor), or as a form of address from a merchant to a customer.

"I am not certain 'Sir' is an appropriate form of address for me,"it said flatly, "as I am neither male, nor superior to you in rank or status, nor older than you, nor a customer of yours."

Observation: Many organizations fear competition, fearful that another organization will come about that can offer comparable products or services in a cheaper, quicker, or otherwise better manner. However, competition leads to innovation, as well as recognition (and increased revenue) form 'raising the bar.'

"Competition would be good," it continued, in the same flat tone, presuming, of course, that we all do so not as antagonists, but as respected rivals. Aside from energy production, what other projects might your company and The Lab compete in?"

ALERT: Incoming transmission. From Friend-Supercape.

Attempting to reply COMMUNICATIONS OFFLINE

Analysis: Use of radio communication, as well as content of communication, implies a level of secrecy is requested.

The strange robot gave no radio replay to Supercape, nor any indication it had even received the communication. It merely continued to turn its head enough to keep both the scientists in its field of vision.

[KnightDisciple]

"I am not certain 'Sir' is an appropriate form of address for me,"it said flatly, "as I am neither male, nor superior to you in rank or status, nor older than you, nor a customer of yours."

"It was merely an expression, Mr. Protectron. I was attempting to be courteous, nothing more. And though you are obviously not biologically male, you do have a somewhat masculine sense to yourself. Consider my somewhat arbitrary gender label something of a human quirk."

"Competition would be good," it continued, in the same flat tone, presuming, of course, that we all do so not as antagonists, but as respected rivals. Aside from energy production, what other projects might your company and The Lab compete in?"

"Hm. Probably some of the general areas, such as materials sciences, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, computing, things such as that. Cybernetics. Transportation engineering. Possibly projects related to law enforcement. And probably other areas we haven't even conceived of yet!"

He grinned at both of them.

"That's what makes it exciting!

And of course it's as respected rivals. If someone out-sells me, I clearly need to figure out what I'm doing wrong, and fix it. Not sabotage their work."

The strange robot gave no radio replay to Supercape, nor any indication it had even received the communication. It merely continued to turn its head enough to keep both the scientists in its field of vision.

Magnus misinterprets the silence, and sighs.

"My apologies; here I was simply trying to meet and greet, and I keep going on with these speeches and debates! It's a consequence of being among my mental peers."

He winked at both of them with that remark.

[Supercape]

Supercape had no idea whether Protectron heard him, or it was not able to do pick up. Its stony "face" was of course unreadable as always.

What an enigma...

In any case, the automaton hadn't broadcast his secret transmission whilst emitting a klaxon and a flashing siren. In retrospect, he had that to be glad of.

He really must get to understand the old bean.

He held out his hand, and produced a small, palm sized cube of quantum material, the semi-translucent, crystaline stuff that floated in mid-air, ignorant of gravity. How long it would last under the gaze of Protectron and his guest he had no idea. It didn't technically actually exist. Or not-exist. And it tended to cease existing if anybody (particularly scientists) examined it extremely closely.

"Well, here's a jolly old thing I have discovered!" he smiled "Quantum matter! maybe something useful in the realm of material sciences, as you say. "

"I'll have to speak to Protectron some day about using that for his lunar sunbeam power thingy..." he said to his human guest, returning the wink.

[KnightDisciple]

Baron Magnus took a step closer and leaned in a bit, trying to examine it further. His expression was thoroughly curious.

"Fascinating! You lot will definitely keep me on my toes in this town! Though, "quantum matter" suggests there's a bit of instability inherent to its nature. I'm guessing you're still working on "pinning it down", as it were?"

There was a soft buzz from his coat pocket. The Baron frowned as he pulled out a smartphone, then cursed.

"Supercape, Protectron, I hate to cut this short, but I apparently have a couple of critical business meetings I need to attend. I hadn't anticipated the...erratic...nature of today's visit. I've had an intriguing time here. I'll see you both around, have a good day!"

He started for the door, then stopped and turned back with a sheepish look.

"Er, I suppose I'll need an escort out, won't I?"

OOC: This thread's a wee bit old; I'd like to wrap it up for now. We can always pick threads up later.

[Supercape]

"Well, it would be easy enough to programme the security protocols to let you out. Fully customisable paramater's and all that. However, I'd be happy to show you out - more polite that way eh?"

He took the Baron over to the nearest elevator and in a jiffy they had arrived at the ground level.

He strolled with his guest to the main door. "Make sure you keep in touch, dear fellow, eh? I have an inkling we haven't seen the last of you! I presume we have all your contact details? I'll keep them to hand for myself, and I imagine Protectron has already filed them away in his database".

[KnightDisciple]

The Baron gave Supercape another winning smile. He offered his hand for one last handshake before he left.

"Yes, I've got general and specific contact information saved. I'll try to drop you all a line now and again. Hopefully future meetings will be nothing but, ah, peaceful."

He shifted around a bit, slightly embarrassed. He then turned and began to walk out.

"See you gentlemen and ladies later!"

And with that, Baron Magnus Katastroff had left the building.