Ships systems are currently utilizing a magical technological hybrid framework which is incompatible with your existing settings. Do you wish to reset framework for the cost of one core point?
I needed to be able to work with the system, but it seemed best to consult with Anna first. I'd been out of it since the battle.
"The ship systems have a magical component that I'm incompatible with," I said.
Anna wiped her brow. "Sylax was big into that side of things. Do you have any option to reset your settings?"
I did. It was the first prompt I'd gotten on waking up.
"It seems I can do that. If only I could reset yours.” I can never let an opportunity to be mean pass by. “I can also convert the local interface for a core point."
What had been the notebook’s keyboard and display were now integrated into my side. Anna tapped at them, she really should get permission before doing things like that.
Anna said, "It’s your call to make, but there are some things you should know about either choice. It looks like if you convert the local system you'll maintain all the upgrades you have, but they won't be usable until you’re able to build suitable facilities."
That would take time, even with bleeding Ophelia more for the necessary components.
"What if I reset myself?" I asked.
"You'll keep half your existing core points and all of your existing research. You'll be able to spend those points as you choose and also gain knowledge of the ship’s systems as you gain control of them," Anna said.
As I gain control?
"Will that be a problem?" I asked.
Anna frowned and shook her head. "We aren't exactly in control of the ship. Sylax had her lieutenants on the other decks. We've occupied the Command deck, but the others are hostile."
Both courses had their pros and cons.
"That will have to be a priority," I said.
"Tell her about the murder jungle," Ophelia said.
"The jungle outside is filled with high-powered murderous creatures of an alarming variety. They've already been sporadically attacking us through breaches in the hull," Anna said.
Gaining control of the ship was still the priority. I could handle invaders—I knew how to deal with invaders. It only required resources.
"A jungle filled with horrific monsters? It must feel like some sort of family reunion for you," I said to Anna, while weighing the options.
I'd seen the sort of power that Lady Sylax had at her disposal and I wouldn't mind having that for myself. It would stand to reason that the existing ship systems were of a high technological level.
Almost all of my existing research was biological in nature, and it was something that I could make good use of in my current form. Outside there were many other potential research subjects that I could further benefit from by keeping to this track.
"I think you should stay as you are," Anna said.
I agreed, which made me instantly question my choice. Did I now have Anna's brain power? I wasn't detecting any decrease in operating efficiency—but then, she never seemed aware of her own inferiority.
"Why?" I said.
"We never found the power crystals from the shattered throne. I don't think we actually killed the other core."
That was worrisome. I felt confident of my ability to handle most threats, but another upgrade core meant a foe with the ability to grow stronger and adapt specifically to counter me.
I still had to agree with Anna. I was already leaning towards converting the local systems, and this just made it all the more important to do so. If the existing environment was hostile to me, then my environment would be hostile to that core.
I could make them unwelcome in what used to be their home.
I triggered the conversion.
Unable to process request. Not enough core points in storage.
Of course there wasn't, I'd burned my supply in the last battle. However, there should be other options.
"Do you have the cores for Frost and Sylph?" I asked.
I'd already gained an ability from researching Sylph. I didn't think I'd be able to get another from her, although Frost's core should be an ability waiting to happen.
Anna pulled over her satchel and carefully withdrew two crystals. One was faintly speckled with frost and the other made my sensors ache just to try to scan it. A Frost core and a Dimensional core.
They were power. They were SCIENCE. They were beautiful.
2
Before gaining a new ability I needed to convert the local systems. I focused on the Dimensional core and used it to fuel the conversion.
You have chosen to convert the local systems to a technological and biological hybrid matrix.
...
...
Conversion of Command deck complete. Research, Engineering, Defense, and Espionage decks will require your agent to interface with their central console to complete conversion.
I could feel it happening, feel myself growing. Nerve tissue running along the wiring of the Command deck. Cameras started to come online.
The rectangular throne room took up the central portion of the deck, halls running along it on all four sides and, beyond these, smaller rooms.
We really had taken a lot of damage. There were four major breaches in the hull on this deck alone.
Unfortunately, I still didn’t have access to the other decks.
"The good news is I have connected to the shipboard cameras. The bad news is I can now see you from multiple angles," I said to Anna.
"You realize she is actually kind of hot," Ophelia said.
"Thank you," Anna said.
"Remind me to upgrade your eyesight later," I said, and added after a moment. "Although truly it is more of a kindness if I do not."
"You two have an odd friendship," Ophelia said.
Friendship? Perhaps it was her intellect I should be upgrading.
"I don't have access to the other decks. There are Engineering, Research, Espionage, and Defense. Do tell me you've managed to greatly exceed expectations and done something useful while I've been offline," I said.
"I've done some scouting, because, you know, unkillable," Ophelia said.
"See, your power is far better than Anna's. She simply manages to be immensely unlikable. What have you learned?" I asked.
Anna folded her arms and glared at my console.
"We're on deck three. Command deck. It’s where Sylax had her throne, and the other rooms are the command interfaces that work with the other decks," Ophelia said.
I was still integrating those systems, but that made sense.
"From which I've learned you are basically capable of stumbling outside this room. Is there more?" I asked.
"Deck one is the home of the Mist. They're humans who can transform into a fog," Ophelia said.
"They're vampires too. The whole crew are vampires," Anna said with a grimace.
"I think that’s the Espionage deck," Ophelia said.
That made sense as well. Minions that could transform into mists would be able to go anywhere and make excellent spies. I'd have to devise defenses against a mist form. Perhaps by electrifying the air?
"And deck two?"
"Lots of research labs. They dissected me," Ophelia said.
"You likely mean vivisected. Anna made the same mistake when I did it to her."
Ophelia paled. "You dissected your friend?"
"I put Anna back together later, I even made a few improvements. Not enough, of course, but then points are a limited commodity," I said.
"I'm the forgiving sort when I get made better," Anna said.
Was she? That fit with my experiences. How novel, pursuit of excellence. Anna really did have a good point.
I transformed part of the residual Biomass from Ophelia's blood into a cookie.
Anna snagged it and chowed down.