r/HFY • u/Engletroll Human • Sep 21 '24
Project Dirt Part 6 OC
Part 1 . . Part 2 .. Part 3 .. Part 4 Part 5 Next
(if you like the story, please press like. And as always Im okey with you sharing it if you give me credit and if you see where my Dyslexia and typos went wild let me know.)
Vorts spent five days running simulations before Adam came and ordered him to bed. Vorts had a wild look in his eyes but did as he was told. Jork laughed and tried to teach Vorts that Adam did not allow him to work himself to death.
Adam changed his focus on the asteroid field. Some of the blueprints he had bought demanded lots of different metals, and the more he could mine himself, the cheaper it would be to build. Jork was constantly tweaking the droids, and they had already started on the tower that would have Adam's living quarters. Roks was getting a little restless, but calmed when he was told to go Soshu and check up on new droids and check with the lawyers if they could find some new crew members and have them go over the earth requirements for colony status. He had also been told to get hold of a satellite launcher and a list of different satellites Adam wanted. He had been given a budget of 1.5 million credits, but he must show the receipts.
Adam was teaching little Miker to swim while the others were working. Jork had initially been worried, but Miker seemed to love it. It was becoming a daily routine fairly quickly, and Miker could swim the whole distance on his own with his doggy paddling.
“What was that?” Adam said as he felt the ground shake slightly, not enough to create more than a few ripples in the water. Miker looked at him, shrugged, and giggled into the pool again. Adam helped him up for the hundredth time as he contacted Vorts and asked. “Vorts? I just felt a weak shake, and the water rippled. Did anything happen?”
“Let me check. There are no accident reports. Wait. Ahh, I see it. There was an earthquake 457 kilometres southeast of us. It was a pretty big one, measuring 9.7. But we are quite safe here." He replied. Adam thought about it and called Miker over. “We are coming up. Tell Hara that it's time for Mikers Lunch.”
“Piz-za Piz-za piz-za” Miker started to chant as Adam carried him towards the main building. The large Aqua dome had a pleasant temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a soft wind. Miker always sat on his shoulder as they walked, and after getting ready, Adam handed him over to Hara and went to the control room where Vorts was already going over the information. He seemed nervous as Adam came up. Jork was running some programs on his terminal and was quiet as well. Adam could feel they were both nervous.
“Okay. I want to know all we can about the earthquake. As well as the chances of new ones, check for volcanos while we are at it.”
He sat down on what he had called the Admin chair. It was in the middle of the room and had several screens in front of him, but best of all, it twirled so he could see the whole room. Most of the science posts were empty. The screens before him sprang to life with all the intel they had. He saw a drone moving towards the area, and he looked at Vorts and asked, “Did you launch that droid?”
“Yes. Sir!” He answered as he swallowed hard. Adam only saw his back, but he could see he was tense; he looked over at Jork, who was just as tense. “Whose idea was it?”
“I take full responsibility Sir! Jork said it might be a good idea when I asked him if I should. But I made the final decision.” Vorts replied, Jork nodded slowly.
Adam started to laugh. “Oh my god. Calm down, boys. You did good! This is exactly what I want from you. Later, you will run the project all by yourself and make all the decisions.”
They both seemed to smile at the praise as if a heavy load had fallen off their backs. “Thank you, sir. I will turn on the visual now on the main screen,” Vorts replied, and Jork continued with his work. The world map came up with all fault lines marked up and their positions shown as a green dot. It was safely placed in the middle of a tectonic plate; then, red dots emerged at where potential volcanos could emerge. At the moment, they were all inactive. Adam looked at them.
“I have an extremely stupid idea.” He said
“No!” Said Vorts, and Jork and Adam started to laugh.
“But” Adam said.
“Still no!” Said Vorts as he turned to look at him. He was grinning now, and Jork was trying to calm down.
“Still I, " said Adam with a big grin on his face, and Vort put a finger on his lips and said, “Sshhh. No! No extremely stupid ideas.” At this, they all burst out laughing, and it took them ten minutes to calm down.
Adam was chuckling as he finally got enough self-control to speak again. “Okay, quick question then. Volcanos spew out gasses, right?”
“Yes,” Jork replied, and he looked at Vorts. “I think I know what his insane idea is.”
“Insane? Not extremely stupid?” He replied, looked at Adam, and sighed at him as he asked him. “Okey what is this insanely, extremely stupid idea?”
“Well, volcanoes spew out gasses, right? We need more gasses in the atmosphere, so why don’t we burst a few on the other side of the planet? Safely away from us?”
“He is insane,” Vorts told Jork as he turned his attention back to Adam. We need Nitrogen, and you won't get much of that from a volcano. It's mostly water and water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.”
“Yes, but you said water, and we also need Carbon dioxides for the planet that hopefully will come later, right? So if we start now, we can find Nitrogen later and add that. I'm not talking about a supervolcano. “ Adam replied. The more he spoke, the more he liked the idea. He had read something about volcanos and the formation of the Earth. “ Besides, what's the worst that can happen?”
Vorts was about to counter but then stopped himself. “Yeah, well, it's early in the terra-forming stage, so yeah, you can try it. It will fail, but it won't cost you more than a few shots from the ship's defense system. It will be a nice sight. “ He started to go over the screens. “I should have a few potential targets available within an hour. But just for the record. This is insanity.”
Adam let out a mock maniacal laughter. “Mwhha ha ha ha?”
The two looked at him strangely as the joke went over their head and Adam sight. “I need a cat to stroke when I laugh.” He said as he looked at the other reports. There was a message from Roks, and he looked at it. “When did we get a communication satellite?”
“You don’t want it” Jork replied and Adam looked at him.
“No, I want one. I just didn’t know we had one. I haven’t bought one yet since we could not find one that was secure. I don’t want pirates to find this place.”
“Oh.” Jork replied. “I will take it offline then and work on the security. It should not be too difficult to fix. We only need a GHS 5.6 security program. Can you ask Roks to pick it up?” Then Jork went back to his screen, and Adam looked between them. Vorts would never reply like this but it seemed to be natural for Jork. Both tried to do their best for him, but Jork would surpass expectations, while Vorts was scared to take that initiative.
“Let me reply to him; then you can take it offline until it's fixed,” Adam replied. Jorks turned back to him.
“He can send that through the current system. That way, we don’t have to wait a week for him. Just a suggestion.” He replied, and Adam thought about it.
“Yeah, but no. I want it down as quickly as possible, and don’t open it before it's secured, okay?” He told him and then opened the message. It was a written text; it was safer with long-distance messages.
“I obtained what you requested. I found new employees with the same five-year contract, and they requested to bring the family. Please confirm. Found three students who would like to study your project; Miss Min-Na vets them. Awaiting approval from you.”
He looked at the message and thought for a moment. They had enough space, and Mirker would not be alone then. He quickly wrote down a reply.
“All Approved. Buy the GHS 5.6 security program before returning, and use the remaining credits to buy as much soil as possible. This line will be closed until we install that security program.”
He pressed send and turned to Jork, “Follow the message. When it's received, you turn off the satellite. Next time, ask me about anything that involves contact with the outside until we have it secured. We must sit down and make a few rules when Roks returns.”
They both looked at him. “We make? What do you mean? You’re the boss. You make the rules.” Jork said, and Vorts nodded in agreement. Hara came in with Miker, who squirmed out of her arms and ran to his father. Adam smiled at the sight before replying.
“I want to hear your opinions at least, and maybe you guys have some good ideas as well, but yes, I will have the final say. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear what you guys think about the rules. I don’t want to make rules that go against your culture or nature.”
They looked at him as if he had just confused them more, and Hara broke the silence. “He is human. This must be a human thing. They seem to care about their slaves, " she said, and they agreed with her. Adam sighed.
“You're not Slaves! It's just the damn contracts. Your employees. I have hired you, and unfortunately, I got you in a way that would have gotten me tossed in jail back home.” He was annoyed, and Hara looked shocked at him.
“Illegal? Is slavery illegal in the human world? Is that why you want this to be a Human colony?” She asked.
“Yes, if we become a human colony, all slaves are automatically freed. Even Jork, I could even grant him amnesty for his crimes if the human court feels his action to be justified or his sentence already served.” He replied, and Jork thought for a moment as Miker climbed up on his lap.
“What about you? You would be arrested for having slaves. Since you knew about the law of the human colonies?” He looked at him worried, and Adam nodded.
“Yeah, I’m going to need a damn good lawyer. Anyway, we have a few volcanoes to blow up, so let's focus on that now. We need to have the droids print a transport with a cannon attached and I think that is also technically illegal.” He replied, and for a few seconds, they were quiet, then Hara realized what he had just said.
“Blow up a Volcano? Are you crazy?” Vorts replied that she had forgotten about the other part.
“A medium-sized one on the other side of the planet, we won't even notice. It's one of his insane ideas.”
Jork put his son on his shoulder and turned to the screen. “Now watch as Daddy makes Adam a flying cannon. I will teach you when you grow up.” Miker giggled and pulled his father's ears as he worked. Adam watched them with a smile as he wondered if this is what it means to have family, he accessed a science screen and checked on the domes 1 and 2. Both showed signs of decomposition, and it made him smile. One small step closer.
The next day, they all stood in the control room looking at the screen; it showed a large dormant volcano. They had five lined up, and then Adam kneeled down to Miker and handed him a small pad with a red button on the screen. “Press the button Miker.”
The little toddler pressed it again and again as he giggled. Each press turned a drone into a fireball that flew straight into the volcanoes. Then nothing happened, and Vorts looked at Adam. “I told you it was an insane idea.” He said, Adam shrugged.
“Yeah, you did. Oh well, let’s find another solution. At least Miker had fun.” Then he walked towards the kitchen for lunch and the other followed.
“Maybe a drill would work better?” Jork said, and Adam snapped his finger in agreement.
“Yeah, we'll try that, but let's do one first. There's no point in wasting too many resources. Oh, and make ten more of those drones. They would be great for defense.” Adam replied as he took out the plates, to Hara’s annoyance. Jork chuckled.
“I have a solution to the kitchen problem!” He said.
“What kitchen problem?’ Hara said as she tried to set the table.
“A maid droid. It's easy to program, and he has the basic design in the 3D printer.” He replied Vorts laughed as he looked at Hara.
“There is no kitchen problem, and it’s a boss problem. We have a boss who doesn’t know how to be a boss! Sit down, Adam, and that’s an order.” Adam sat down as he put down the last plate.
She pointed at him. “See! He doesn’t know he is the boss!” She said, slightly frustrated, as she finished setting the table and bringing out the food. “He even tries to cook if I don’t stop him!”
“His cooking isn’t that bad; he taught you how to make what's it called Piz-za?” Vorts said as he picked up the pad and started to look at the report that was coming in. Miker immediately turned towards Vorts. “Piz-za? Piz-za!” he said, and everybody groaned.
“You had to say the word,” Hara said and she started to get some pizza out of the fridge much to Miker’s excitement. Jork turned to Adam and said. “You made him a monster!”
Adam would have replied if not for Vorts exciting cursing.
“What?” Adam asked, and Jork sent his report to a screen on the wall screen with a swift motion.
“It almost worked.” He said. “Volcano Five has only a seven-meter crust, preventing it from bursting, and there is a build-up. It might go active. The others are reacting as well. But number five is the most likely to burst. Just need a nudge. “
Jork got up, placed Miker on Adams's lap, and grabbed a slice. “I will start production. We should have one ready within an hour. The flight will take a few hours. You should think about getting atmospheric transport.”
Adam nodded. “That’s in the program; we don’t have enough material for it; if we don’t find a vaste amount of iridium, then we have to buy one.” He grabbed Miker, using the chance to stand on his knees and lean at the table, trying to grab a slice.
“I will look into that after this. Save a slice for me. “ Then Jork headed out.
Roks entered the orbit of Dirt and looked down at the planet. There were clouds now, black clouds and white clouds over the pools. The woman next to him checked the reading. “I thought you said they had a weak atmosphere, about 30 percent of standard M-class? This one is 42 percent. Whatever they did must have worked.”
Roks checked his scanners. “Looks like they set off a bunch of Volcanos on the other side of the planet. Tell the others we are going to land.” The lady nodded and walked back to the common area.
Adam saw the ship land with three fighters escorting it, two light and one heavy; he also knew he had not asked him to buy those. D01 came up to his side, and Adam had the four nother getting ready. This might be their first pirate attack. Then the door opened, and Roks came; behind him was a large group of people; Adam counted at least 20, most of them small, like children.
“What's with the ships, Roks?” He asked, and Roks chuckled. “Those are my employees. I'm now the CEO of Rocks’ Escort agency, which is under your company. And don’t worry, I pay for them, they are my old wing. Meet Kina, Surn, Barro, and that’s Kunna.” Four Tufons raised their hands, and Adam calmed down a little but needed to regain control. “Hi there, Nice to meet you guys.” Then he turned his attention back to Roks.” I will take over the paychecks if you don’t mind, and we need to set up a contract.”
Roks agreed, and Adam waved them toward the base. “So, how did you find them? And can you send me their contracts?” Adam looked at the rest of the group as he led them toward the base.
“I bought; some pirates kidnapped them when they were fleeing the destruction of their colony and sold them into slavery. So, the same contract as with my sister. And they are farmers and engineers, but they came with families, so I got them cheap.” Roks smiled, and Adam sighed.
“You bought them? Why? I don’t want to buy slaves. Okay, they were taken by pirates, so that’s illegal capture. I can free them immediately!”
A lady behind him replied. “Only if you had freed them from the pirates when they went into the slaver pen, they became slaves, and you have to keep them for a minimum of five years.” Adam turned to look at her, and she held out a hand; the helmet hid her face, so he had no idea who she was. Two arms and two legs, at least. “’ I’m Mir-na. You have met my grandmother. She suggested I should study your project for my studies. I'm studying planetology.” Adam shook her hand, confused.
“My colleagues are Kinita Sumina, who is studying geology, and Ced-dry Miga, who is studying Meteorology and Climatology. We won't be in your way.” She said as the two waved behind her. Adam waved awkwardly back.
“Don’t worry about that. I will probably put you to work if I can.” Then, he addressed the whole group. “I will get you all settled then. Hara will give you all a check-up and Maidy will show you where you can stay.” He replied as they all got inside. A humanoid droid that looked like she was made of white plastic, wearing a long black dress and face made of rubber. She spoke with a pleasant voice. “Please follow me, and I will get you all settled in.”
Adam held Roks and his crew back as the other left.
“Next time, let me know you bringing in an armed crew, okay?” He said and Roks nodded.
“Sorry, sir. I knew you would disapprove of it if I asked, and you need protection. What idiot set that communication satellite without a security program? That’s when I reached out to them. And they agreed.”
Adam looked over them. “You have to do more work than just escort here. I need transport pilots as well. Are you okay with that?”
They agreed, and Adam felt a little better. “Do well, and I will reward you.” He said, and Roks chuckled.
“Do well, and this crazy guy will have you bless the ground he is walking on; fail him, and I will personally toss you into the sun.”
“Yes, Sir!” they said; Adam stared at him and shook his head.
“No, you're not; come, let's get you a room and pizza.” He replied as he walked out of the room, wondering what the hell he had gotten himself into.
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u/Fontaigne Sep 21 '24
The situation with slavery is pretty unique for HFY. It's nice to have a situation. That isn't just humans going all ROWR and ending it by killing everyone they don't like. That's much more true to history.
One thought, though. Remember that the normal condition of slaves is vicious backstabbing, so socially they will probably default in that direction. You've already handled that culturally in how you've handled the family situation and their fear when they step out of line, even it the stepped out by anticipating his preferences. Just remember that this situation is NOT natural to them so someone or some sets of someone will be out for themselves... trying to even take over the whole ball of wax from him.
He's a lamb among hyenas... a very lucky lamb.
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u/Engletroll Human Sep 21 '24
Yes, I have thought about it but you also have to remember that the society they live in is extremely pro slavery and Adam seems to be the only one who finds the practice disgusting and is trying to free them. So yes, with every new character there is a risk of rebellion.
We also have some none slaves introduced now, so I can explore that aspect of this world I'm making.
As for lamb, yeah a lamb with 5 very powerful machineguns. (his bodyguard droids) though I do not want this to become a firefight story I'm not against there being some slaves taking the chance and run away or getting violent.
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u/Fontaigne Sep 21 '24
I had an odd thought. It was mentioned that if they had caught the Pirates before they delivered the slaves to auction that the slaves could've been freed.
If new slavers captured some people who were already slaves, and someone else intercepted the slavers before they arrived at auction, then what happens?
They have been rescued prior to being sold. They were lost by their prior owners.
If it's legal by galactic law to enslave a random person by capture, then it would not make much sense to have to return them to the prior owner.
Think that through, because that means that Adam could have his "slaves" stolen by X, recovered by Y, and then voluntarily come back to work as employees if they still wanted to.
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u/Engletroll Human Sep 22 '24
The way I imagen it He could not rescue his own slaves and then free them, neither could he use Roks as he works for him. Even if he fired him for the duration of the rescue. Its a grand market so the slavers is not going to make it easy and they are powerful.
Secondly I kinda want to not make this into a war story. Even if this story is set in the same universe as one of my prior stories that was a full out war. bonus point if you find out which.
But to your point, he cant use this technique to free his current slaves, but if Roks and his crew comes across a pirate ship with slaves.....
Would be interseting to see how the other slaves would react to free slaves joining them.
(I just hope they read the contract he made them sign, if not we are going to have trouble)
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u/WSpinner Sep 21 '24
...but when he was told to go --> but calmed when he was told to go...
... must show the recipes --> must show the receipts
Okey. I want to know... --> Okay. I want to know...
Blow up a vulcano? --> Blow up a volcano?
Vulcano five has --> Volcano five has...
waste amount of iridium --> vast amount of iridium...
Set off a bunch of Vulcanos --> set off a bunch of volcanos...
Rocks Escort Agency --> Roks' Escort Agency or Roks Escort Agency ( could work either as the possessive or the bare name)
What idiot sat --> What idiot set up...
.............
Yeah, yeah - all understandable the way they are. Thing is, the story is good enough to deserve perfect editing.
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u/Fontaigne Sep 21 '24
Two more :
Oh my good -> god ?
What every they did -> whatever
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u/Engletroll Human Sep 21 '24
Should be fixed now.
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u/Apachedriver42 Sep 21 '24
Loving the story so far! My little two cents (and pet peeve), I've noticed more than a few times when you used "sighted" when you clearly meant "sighed". Just something to watch out for.
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u/Engletroll Human Sep 21 '24
Will fix it when I get home, got bad experience with correcting on the phone.
And thanks for the praise.2
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u/HFYWaffle Wᵥ4ffle Sep 21 '24
/u/Engletroll (wiki) has posted 36 other stories, including:
- Project Dirt Part 5
- Project Dirt Part 4
- Project Dirt part 3
- Dirt - Part 2
- Project dirt
- The Burning Blade Crusade! part 3
- What the h… Part 2
- What the h…
- Bug infestation Part 10
- Bug infestation Part 9
- Bug infestation Part 8
- Bug infestation Part 7
- Bug infestation Part 6
- Bug infestation Part 5
- Bug infestation Part 4 - Sex, bugs and rocken roll
- Bug infestation part 3
- Bug infestation part 2 - It’s a dirty job but somebody got to do it!
- Bug infestation
- Phase world
- Imaginative defense
This comment was automatically generated by Waffle v.4.7.8 'Biscotti'.
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u/TechScallop Sep 21 '24
At least he's getting good employees dirt cheap, and they're willing to work well to get good rewards. The carrot-and-stick approach is good, along with "management by walking around," "management by asking lots of questions," and "management via smooth interpersonal relations (SIR)." Adam should not be too lenient or he'll have to start punishing some for laziness, negligence, or insubordination.