The Industrialist

Kranian Industries, AmdonCore Sector

The next day

***

His illegal exploit the other day had been worth it. The 800 terabyte data inside his Universal Serial Hard Drive (USHD) was uploaded inside Jasper's core drive, successfully.

Higher-echelon class citizens had these kinds of mobile AI, but it cost a fortune, 200,000 units or maybe more. Such value was not meant for middle-classers, much more like a commoner. Even some of the high-classers could acquire such technology.

He used the core processing module of a scrap service robot of fourth-generation models, rare level, that he scavenged in the Scrap Tier 3 yard that he recently acquired.

The core module of the service robot served as the operating system of his AI, Jasper. With other Programmable Logic Controller boards attached to the core processing module served as the heart and brain of Jasper. Lance used all scraps, uncommon and rare level components to construct Jasper.

It only costs him around 800 units for the scrapped components that formed its hardware. But the software and the data that he downloaded cost a fortune.

Setting up was tedious. He had two monitors and computers on top of his fabrication table that conducted a lot of computer run-downs, software calibration, compatibility checkings, and even bug removals. He needed Jasper to be bug-free to provide reliable reports and data.

He had a searing backache, and occasional eye sore as the electronic parts installation were minute. Even though his fabrication table could magnify microscopic circuitries, he needed to see them with his magnifying glass to verify. Sometimes machineries needed calibration of its accurateness from time to time, and he failed a calibration week cycle.

"Jasper, test features," Lance commanded.

"Copy, Master," Jasper said. "Thank you for the upgrades."

The data logs loomed in Lance's iris contacts, a small glass that covered his left while also serving a small display monitor on whatever Jasper would show.

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[Units Available] 3400 units

[Rank] Mechanic Tier 1

[Objectives – priority] 100% on time and in full RoFlo production

[Status] 60% production of production target

[RoFlo Rarity] Rare Level

[Current production Efficiency] 90%

[Delays] 0

[Raw Material wastages] 0.5%

[Quality non-conformance] 0%

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Jasper could already conduct calculations based on historical data, algorithms, statistics, and other mathematical basis achieving his AI's capacity even the unquantifiable ones.

It was over a month, and at 60% production, he felt the success of his RoFlo production project coming to fruition. Luckily for the past two weeks, Flanegan stayed silent in his office, tending his other ten production lines.

However, Lance anticipated another scheme working beneath the imperceptible. With his human intellectual capacity, he could determine a few options that Flanegan could attack his production momentum, resulting to total failure.

Brigz happily reported about their zero delays a week ago, even with his experience, he had never seen his team more robust and motivated in working on such a project. As he had shared a few times, almost redundant, expressing his appreciation towards the new TOR.

However, on the other hand, Flanegan was an experienced TOR and Supervisor, moreover, an Electrical Tier 3. Such a personality would not just let his embarrassment slide.

With that notion, Lance sometimes was paranoid. He had this feeling of micromanaging the inspections, the equipment modifications, and even his constant conversation with the operators just to ease his disturbed thoughts.

"Jasper, generate risks possibilities," Lance commanded.

"Right away, Master," Jasper responded.

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[a] Employee connivance – 7% possibility

[b] Equipment Breakdown – 10% possibility

[c] Prolonged power outage – 0% possibility

[d] Raw material unavailability – 20% possibility

[e] Raw material bulk rejections – 25% possibility

[f] Lack of manpower - 17% possibility

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He prepared for the worst especially possibilities beyond his control – the raw material production from other companies.

Another day passed. Surprisingly, there were no mishaps. Did Flanegan surrender his attempts to sabotage the RoFlo production?

The way Flanegan was embarrassed in front of many and his mentor, Doctor Zee, he would surely even the score. His ego had been tested and stomped on. But the question remained, when will the sabotage materialize?

Two more days passed, no mishaps. Lance had been waiting for the moment, hence, he prepared for the worst.

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[Production Status] 70%

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Jasper had his monitoring every day, alarming Lance of the unseen happenstance that might surprise them.

Until, the production status was 80%, Brigz ran towards Lance, a company Opticom on his right hand. It was two in the afternoon. Industries, especially the larger ones, had licensed to have Opticom units for ease of communication.

"Boss, according to Ultrasteel, they can't provide the round casings for four days. That's about five percent of our production target. We can't make it in time, boss!" Brigz said hurriedly, the Opticom was still active.

"Who said that?" Lance asked.

"Supervisor of Ultrasteel. Equipment breakdown, he said, that caused their delays. Do you want to talk to him, boss?"

Brigz handed the Opticom to him and left their hanging. Lance only glanced at the active Opticom.

"No need, Brigz. It's already expected. Let's activate the alternative supplier."

"We don't have an alternative supplier, boss?"

"Oh yes, we do. KroMagnon Steel from the West Sector."

"We haven't made arrangements yet, boss? They can't even start production immediately and our delay would still be 5%."

'Flanegan,' Lance thought. It was his retaliation, probably convinced his buddies back at UltraSteel to delay raw material production. Equipment breakdown? Highly unlikely! It was an apparent sabotage, but subtle enough to prevent questions from company executives. Four days delay?

That's an acceptable error, however, Lance wanted the full price of the commission.

"It's been forecasted, Brigz. Luckily, I have a guardian angel that helped me mitigate for these risks." Lance maintained his nonchalance. "I talked to Doctor Zee about it. The risk. I justified it to him and he agreed. He was even pleased.

He endorsed me to the Supervisor of KroMagnon and made arrangements already. They already produced days ago the same casing quality. I have checked them, and it passed."

"Should I call them, boss?"

"Call KroMagnon. Look for J.Ryan, the supervisor. Tell him to activate transport right away. They have been producing for a week's worth."

Brigz immediately called KroMagnon through his Opticom and conversed with J.Ryan. They had agreements as Lance already had the alternative supplier provided proper setup.

***

"Master, it's the last day of your project's production. Congratulations. Your mitigating plan worked." Jasper whispered as Lance watched his crew cleaning up equipment.

They finished early on the last day. The crew talked about booze after five to the nearest and cheapest booze centers in Brasslot. Lance had wondered why the Booze Centers sprouted many sites in Commoner sectors, even though, the majority of the people strive for units just to buy groceries and not some liquor. Somehow, people, lowlifers, frequented such places.

'Poor mindset.'

Lance declined for reasons they already knew – he is under aged and he could not squeeze it into his hectic schedule.

He had been traumatized by Jonaz's restaurant, the invasion of Synapz drug cloud into his senses, breaking down his rational thinking. Many had told him that such feelings, the drowsiness, the stupidity, the ragged walks, the heavy body, the headaches, had common effects of booze and drugs. However, the synapz drug tripled the effects.

Who would want that feeling? Lance convinced himself that booze was not for him at his age.

The elevator slid open and came in Mister Flanegan. He sauntered across the crew, moving about the equipment after they cleaned it, and never laid eyes on them. He went directly to Lance.

Unafraid of what would ensue, Lance just watched the emotionless Electrical Tier 3 Scientist.

"Congratulations," Flanegan extended a hand for a handshake, his voice was monotonous.

Lance accepted it and shook hands with him.

"Thank you," Lance responded.

"In behalf of Doctor Zee, he congratulates your performance and the team's, 100% on-time and in full production of RoFlo. He already evaluated you in advance and commended your assertiveness, especially acquiring the alternative supplier, KroMagnon. If you check your account, you will receive today the complete commission of an Excellent rating performance.

Congratulations, once again," Flanegan said almost monotonously. He turned his back and walked toward the elevator to where he came.

"Master, your commission has been added just now and some offerings," Jasper said.

"How much?"

"Fifteen thousand units!" Even Jasper was excited.

"That much?"

"Not only that, Master. You have other offerings from Doctor Zee Andradez."

"Can you show me?"

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Offerings:

[1] Supervisory Position at three Semi-conductor Manufacturing Companies, including Kranian.

[2] Salary offers of 2000 units to 3000 units depending on the task coverage.

[3] Upgrade Mechanic Tier 2. Cost of 3000 units.

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The offers were tempting. Supervisory position? He would not stain his hands anymore with the scrap grease when he scavenged.

Two weeks have passed since he was caught by the police stealing in TechNova. His worry shifted to the rebels, his comrades, about a full sweep raid.

He hurried his steps, celebration was unnecessary. Then, towards the Rebel camp.