172: The Building of Mechanical Intelligences

"Alright, today we're supposed to go pick up Mékoxy's new body, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

On the third day of our stay at the Third Primordial Colony in the Shiblasmith system.

After finishing a simple yet delicious breakfast of bread, salad, and milk at the hotel, we confirmed today's schedule and stepped outside.

"Guess it's no surprise the building's managed by machine intelligence. It even reaches the central vital part."

We head toward a single building.

While other buildings only reach about halfway up the residential area, the one we're approaching extends all the way through the central section of the cylindrical colony.

That sector is called the Vital Part, as Joharis said—a section responsible for maintaining the entire colony's environment.

Specifically, it handles energy generation and supply, air production and circulation, water filtration and distribution... and various other functions, but mostly things along those lines.

It is also a place strictly off-limits to ordinary civilians without permission.

Should someone attempt to force their way in, in the worst case, a death sentence might be issued.

After all, since this building connects to such an important location, it's only natural that those managing it must possess appropriate capabilities and trustworthiness.

Given that, it's hardly surprising that the building we're heading toward is managed by an artificial intelligence.

"Ah, we've arrived."

Yeah, we arrived without any issues.

We entered the entrance normally...

"Welcome, Lady Vilijanira and your party. Thank you for visiting today. Please follow the guide to proceed deeper inside."

"Thank you. Mequoshi."

"Yes, Lady Vee. I've received your escort request, so I'll guide you now."

The reception AI responded immediately.

This speed wasn't just due to prior reservation.

Likely, there was information exchange between Mequoshi and the reception system, allowing identity verification and escort preparations to be completed simultaneously.

Only an artificial intelligence could handle such efficiency.

"Truly impressive, an AI, huh?"

"That's right. If two artificial intelligences are communicating, exchanging information takes almost no time at all, unless there's a substantial amount involved. Of course, we could deliberately take longer if we wanted to avoid drawing attention, but Memo judged that, since you're watching, such precautions weren't necessary."

"Correct. I don't mind."

"Indeed."

"We don't care either."

Muttering such thoughts in my head while nodding along verbally, we stepped into the elevator and began descending—moving outward, toward the colony’s exterior.

I’d taken a quick glance at the main structure, and it seemed that as we went higher, the floors were increasingly dedicated to administrative tasks or data management, with fewer people around.

Probably because it’s easier to guard the route leading all the way to the vital parts that way.

"Is it correct that this is a factory for mechanical intelligence?"

"Yes. As Lady Sata said. However, what we produce here is only the body. The core components of the mechanical intelligences, so to speak, are managed in conjunction with Mother, so they're located elsewhere entirely."

Conversely, the lower levels appear to be used as a warehouse and factory.

I found a warehouse filled with what appeared to be thousands of mechanical intelligences' bodies and parts, and I also saw a factory where production was taking place.

Yet, I couldn't spot what might be considered the core circuitry of the mechanical intelligences, nor did I see any large-scale supercomputer resembling what one might imagine from the term "Mother."

Hmm, so this place must be where mechanical intelligences are given bodies and undergo repairs.

"Wait a minute... I remember hearing they'd be upgrading Memoqui here, but wasn't Memoqui originally from Vanilla Sid? Is that really okay?"

"Lord Johalis, I don't quite understand what the issue is, but I can't seem to grasp it clearly either."

"Hmm... Hmm... I can't really put it into words, but it's something like a change in name, or maybe that kind of problem..."

"Aha, I see. In that case, there's no problem. The name of mechanical intelligence depends not on the body, but on the origin of its consciousness."

Memoqsi's full name was Memoqsi Common Aichōha L. Vanillashido, wasn't it?

The "L. Vanillashido" part means he was born in a laboratory or factory within the Vanillashido system.

And the fact that only his mind, not his physical body, bears that name—now that makes sense.

Well, in Meikoshi's case, they apparently have multiple bodies as backups, and use disposable bodies for intelligence operations... Yeah, it goes without saying which—body or mind—is the primary one.

Moreover, using countless backups or disposable bodies—something mechanical intelligence might do—is illegal under imperial law.

It seems Memoq has somehow managed to secure special treatment, making it essentially legal.

"Ah, we've arrived."

"Yes, we have."

"Hmm, hmm."

"Indeed, indeed."

And thus, they reached their destination.

Inside the room... there were several mechanical intelligences designed specifically for crafting and repair work, along with multiple empty bodies scattered about.

Various tools and materials were also laid out.

"Then, Lady Vee, Lord Sata, please wait here for a moment. Due to the nature of the proceedings, it may take quite some time."

"Then, I'm off."

"Safe travels. Memokushi, Johalis."

"Well, we'll be waiting a while then."

And as me and Vilijanira settled into the soft chairs provided in the room, Memokushi and Johalis headed off toward the other machine intelligences.

"Still, you managed to get permission from Seiryō Corporation. I mean, they must've seen the advantage in it."

Why is Johalis heading there too?

It's simple.

"Yes, installing the 'I-Sui Kyō' inside Me-Mokushi's body. Modifying something still valuable and likely full of corporate secrets... I'm surprised they granted permission."

This upgrade requires Johalis's cooperation, which is why the 'I-Sui Kyō' is being installed inside Me-Mokushi's body.