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[center][h1][color=red][b]TSDC[/b][/color] / [b][color=0054a6]NHU[/color][/b][/h1][/center]
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“Sir. Mr. Marvelic wishes to speak with you.” Said the male, synthetic voice of Jonathan’s secretary AI. “Patch him through.” Said Jonathan in a cheerful voice. A holo-screen with the elderly face of Argus popped open on the desk of Jonathan, who sat back easy in his chair.

“Ah, Argus, how are you doing?” said Jonathan in his young, energetic voice. “Let’s cut the formalities here. We are both very busy people.” Argus’ voice was much older, a lot more weathered.

“Of course, so my proposal. What do you think of it? Apologies for keeping it so vague. You never know who read those. But rest assured. This comn link is secure.” Jonathan wasn’t that afraid terrorists would try to eavesdrop.

“Good. I’ve been wanting to ask you something. How are you going to make a cheap fighting force? Because I can tell you, if you’re going to make a cheap militia, then I’m afraid I can’t sponsor that complex for you.” Argus frowned. The older man had heard his fair share of plans. Most of those coming from idiots who don’t know what they are talking about. He had no desire to waste even more time. Especially now.

“They are no militias. I can assure you that.” Jonathan stated, as he took out a cigarette and started to smoke. He still got a little nervous when facing the CEO of TSDC. “I’m talking about robots.” 

“Robots? AI? A fool’s errand. Combat AIs and their platforms are already expensive enough.” It was what Argus had feared, a stupid plan made by someone who didn’t know what he was talking about. New Horizon was a mining corporation. Not a mercenary group.

“Yes and no. I’m talking about multiple, lesser AIs. Imagine a processor 10 times faster than the current generation. Those could easily power strong AIs and droid movement. Now imagine download and upload speeds almost as fast as single beam fiber optics cables. And finally, imagine storage capacity of its glory days. Where every year the average capacity doubles. I can deliver that through the new technology we’re developing. So to apply it to robotics and AI: We’d make robots who talk to each other faster. Think faster. And they require no training what so ever.” Jonathan had a proud smile plastered over his face. The pride obviously came from the discovery.

Argus looked skeptical at him. “So you just need funds? Nothing more?”

 “And employees you could spare. Considering the events of the UTG and EDC I’m certain you’ll get an influx of Elysium ex-employees soon.” Jonathan pushed the half burned cigarette in his crystal ashtray. A thoughtful gift from his ex-wife. Back when they were together.

“Why would you want to share this opportunity? Surely if you’d just wait a few years you could make a smaller complex yourselves.” Argus asked with a raised eyebrow. It was a good deal. But good deals rarely came without a catch.

“Just so. But nobody would buy. We are a mining company first and foremost. We deliver iron that doesn’t walk or shoot. At first only a few, minor companies would buy our robots. After the middle big ones would come knocking. But that’s only after a few years. In other words, we’d be building our image for 10 years. Why do that when you’re good friends with one of the major security companies?” Jonathan answered, as if it was easy. Never the less he put great effort into saying the right words. And even then he considered calling the TSDC ‘a friend’. Can corporations really be friends?

 “Who would own this complex?” Funding for building it was one thing. The real cost is in maintenance. Electricity, water. With already 3 holdings under his wings, Argus doubted he could finance having another one.

Jonathan felt like he was getting somewhere. But he had to answer carefully: “New Horizon. We would supply food, water, shelter and security for the complex. So the maintenance costs would fall down on us.”

“I think I’m taking you up on that offer, Jonathan. My legal department will contact yours to iron out a contract. But Jonathan. If this little project fails, it will be on your head.” With that, Argus ended his call. A second later and Jonathan collapsed in his chair. No matter what, the CEO of TSDC intimidated him. Rightly so.