Chapter 718 Probing and Conversation I
“So, how is it going to work? Are there things I need to keep in mind during our conversation?” the ship’s captain asked the AI, concerned that the script might need revision. The captain wanted to ensure that there were no limitations or special considerations for communication, given the AI's understanding of the other side's system and any potential nuances that could affect the exchange.
{You don’t need to worry about that. During your communication period, I'll serve as the translator, ensuring that all contexts and reasons for your statements are conveyed clearly so that they understand your intentions with minimal loss in translation. The same will apply in reverse. However, please note that at the moment, we’re limited to sound transmission. We can’t transmit large amounts of data through our current means, which allows us to communicate in real time without delay,} the AI clarified, adding a slight pause to distinguish between the two topics.
“Okay, good. Send a request to start the communication; we are ready on our side,” he said, clearing his throat to ensure his voice was clear for the upcoming conversation.
{You can start; they are ready,} the ship’s AI responded shortly.
“Greetings, I am Niwildan Nideha, acting representative of the Terran Empire attempting to initiate contact. Please confirm receiving and understanding what I am saying,” he said, beginning the direct conversation between the two sides.
They waited in silence for a response, unsure if the translation language they had developed was functioning correctly or if it was merely a hallucination between the two AIs.
There was a moment of tense silence following Niwildan’s response and suggestion, causing everyone in the control room to hold their breath as they waited for the other side’s reply.
After five minutes, the response came, “Sure, we will accommodate your request. Please send the technology you want us to upgrade to, and we will proceed with the communication enhancements.” This time, the speaker’s tone was noticeably more humble and welcoming compared to Xalthar’s earlier arrogance.
“How long will it take to transmit all of the schematics and instructions for the equipment and code?” Niwildan asked the AI in a casual tone, maintaining his composure thanks to his extensive experience with similar situations.
{Since we are sending the tech for both microwave and millimeter-wave communication through the hydrogen line, it will take at least a few days, considering signal retention and loss,} the AI responded.
Niwildan nodded, acknowledging the information before saying “Understood. We will begin preparing the necessary files for transmission immediately. Please ensure that your systems are ready to receive the data and provide confirmation once the upgrade is complete.”
He paused for a moment, then added, “In the meantime, we will be getting closer to accelerating the speed of transferring communication” attempting to probe for the possibility of arranging a face-to-face meeting or gaining more visual information.
However before even doing anything into implementing what he said a response came swiftly, “Please maintain your current distance. Any attempts to close the distance will be considered a hostile measure, and we will react accordingly.” The tone was firm and serious, making it clear that they were not open to negotiation on this matter.
‘This is exactly what I needed to know,’ Niwildan thought to himself, knowing that their preferred distance provided insights into their defensive capabilities, including the potential strike range of their weapons. Armed with this information, he responded, confirming that he would adhere to their distance request and instructed the AI to begin the transfer of information.