Chapter 6 - Arkon Delta, Launch, Hire Staff
Arkon Delta, 12,028 Wk-03, Mon, 0925hr
Captain Mark Cheng, from Arkon One module two, would be acting Admiral on Arkon Delta module 'A'. The six Captains (acting) would be the Executive Officers from Arkon One. When they arrived on station, the promotions would be permanent.
All six modules of Arkon Delta launched on Monday, Wk-3, 12,028 for 10 days of sea trials. After which they hooked up with their AgroSembly barges and headed out for their rendezvous station (25 N, 135W), cruising at 5 kph, faster than most ocean currents, February and March being the minimum storm period. When on station they will be carefully bolted and welded together into a large hexagonal floating island, 800 m across, with protected slot anchorage for cargo and guest boats.
Looking at the space available, Stakka and his team decided to merge two primate labs into one large one amidships on Module C, with a pig lab in the stern. The two clone labs would be merged into one large one amidships on Module D, with the virus lab in the stern, at a biohazard safety level of four. With five main modules cruising at 5 kph straight for their station, Admiral Cheng agreed to allow Module C to proceed directly to Arkon One at 7 kph, so they could still arrive on station with the main fleet. Karl, Robin, Ed and Mary supervised work on Module D, while Stakka, Renka, Allan, and Jane stayed on Module C.
'Now all hands hear this. In celebration of our passing sea trials there will be a Beer and Pizza Party on the fantail this Saturday night. All hands not on watch or work welcome.' "Wow" said Allan, "Captain McDougall gets my vote." "You'd vote for any redheaded female with a tight butt," said Jane, "Like me." As she dodged his swat at her derriere.
ArkonDelta, 12,028 Wk-04, Sat, 2015hr
Pizza Party
After a craft beer and two tokes of Red Zinger, Stakka had this philosophical observation, "I have been wondering why, when we spend time on floating islands, I feel more relaxed and comfortable than when we were on shore in Monterey or San Fran. I think it has to do with a little bit of order and cleanliness and not worrying about getting mugged on each corner or shot in a gang war. There are no little pieces of trash blowing down the street, or blobs of stinky air to hurry through. What do you think Renka?" "There's that, plus not worrying about if you're breaking some law or city ordinance," she replied, "Oh, and visually things look solid, not crumbling down."
"While we haven't lived in any cities, we have experienced a feeling of unconstraint," said Allan "Like we could try anything without worrying about immediate consequences." "It's a definite sense of Freedom," agreed Jane.
"Another thing," said Renka, "Is everybody wants to be here. The staff, workers, and visitors. If they don't like it, they can leave."
Arkon Delta, 12,028 Wk-05, Sun, 1915hr
Sunday evening they were exploring the central mall area, when Jane said, "Look, a Rusty Rooster Pub." "Just like on Babylon," said Allan, "It must be a franchise." "There's a Red Fox Bar and Grill," said Renka, "Across the Esplanade in the corner." "Let's try their beer and snacks," said Stakka. On the way they passed a Smokie Dokie shop and looked in for some Red Zingers, but they were sold out.
The Red Fox seemed quieter than Rusty Rooster and they were seated at a table near the back. The custom smoke umbrella was less intrusive than the one at Rusty Rooster. After the beer and snacks came, Allan said, "How are we going to promote the business of genetic tweaks for improved life outcomes?" "Initially we will count on referrals from Babylon and Arkon One, with small signs and brochures in lobbys," said Renka, "Later we will have signs and brief advertising campaigns in large college towns in Europe and Asia."
Arkon Delta, 12,028 Wk-07, Sun, 0905hr
Captain McDougall of Module C sent a message to Admiral Kaiser of Arkon One, "Request permission to take on cargo from slot E-F, 1500 hrs." An hour later came the reply, "Permission granted."
After Module C was secured stern first to Arkon One, Stakka and his team went to meet their group taking care of the primate lab.
In their conference room Stakka said, "Let's just outline the transfer process to Module C, and go for an early dinner." "That sounds good," said Zak, "We have individual carrier boxes prepared." "How are the patients doing?" asked Jane. "All the little mothers are very healthy," said Sophie. "One idea we had to make them feel comfortable in the new environment," said Dan, "Is to take some of the old litter at the bottom of the cage and transfer it to the new cage so it has a home like smell." "Also," said Katie, "We will stay in the new lab while you bring them from here. That way they will always see someone familiar and not get alarmed at the changes." "It looks like you have a good working plan," said Renka, "Let's meet at the Rusty Rooster at 2000hr.
After a hearty meal of pasta primavera at the Rusty Rooster, washed down with craft beer, the team was relaxing with a shared Red Zinger. "This reminds me," said Allan, "You might want to bring an extra packet or two of Red Zinger while they're available here." "Thanks for the tip," said Sophie, "We now have some Green Zingers available, and they're delicious."
They easily finished the lab transfer on Monday then did some shopping on Tuesday and advised Captain McDougall Tuesday night that their part was finished and they could leave when convenient. Wednesday morning the Quarterdeck announced "Now all hands hear this, we will set the sea and anchor detail at 0800 hours Thursday morning."
At their Friday review meeting Zak said, "I worked up some marketing copy for the Clone project, what do you guys think?"
'Servident Workforce ... more flexible than robots. Big John 1.8 m, 100 kg, and Slim Jim 1.6 m, 80 kg. Also available in female models. Indentured servitude contracts going for 3, 5, and 7 years.'
"That sounds good," said Karl, "And reminds me, what happened with the suggestions we made to 'Lure the Tiger down from the mountain' and find the clone factory?"
"I saw the website," said Katie, "Its called 'Designer Workers', they never rust and reprogram quickly. Now taking applications for employment." "The other idea we had," said Allen, "Is to send two male and two female chinese students to register for genetic courses at Gwangju University." "They could say straight out they got a scholarship from Arkon One," said Jane, "And some of the graduate students and teachers that worked on that project 9 years ago may still be there, or know where they went."
"I'll check with Commodore Kaiser and Captain Nelson's staff," said Stakka, "And see what they've found out."
Arkon Delta, 12,028 Wk-08, Fri, 1915hr
At their Friday meeting Stakka said, "We've got some nibbles on our bait, heh. The first two, male and female with Chinese family names, came in the same day 7 weeks ago, from an eMail address in Kyrgystan. The resumes were similar, both having done postgrad work at Guangju University. Then 3 weeks ago we got two from Brazilia with Spanish family names. They also had done postgrad work at Guangju University. We sent all four a positive response and asked if they were familiar with a new technique in the field from three years ago. We also asked what city airport and airline we could send tickets to for an expense paid interview to Arkon One.
"The students on scholarship also had some luck. They found one very old professor and an old lab assistant. They are questioning very slowly and indirectly so as to maintain an open and friendly relationship.
"What they've found so far, is the top four students in that class went to work for a Russian oligarch in Astana, Khazakstan, and the next four went to work for a private lab in Brasilia, Brazil.
"So the next eMail we send will invite them to Arkon Delta," he concluded.
"Next Friday," said Stakka, "Let's bring some ideas for the gene tweak promotional brochures."
Arkon Delta, 12,028 Wk-09, Fri, 1915hr
At their usual Friday meeting, Stakka opened with, "How does a little mascot sound? A little dragonfly winged girl with a carbine titled, 'Let us shoot those bad genes holding you back. We have snip and zap technologies for many genetic improvements. Schedule your free assay exam today.' Not Tinkerbell, mabe an Asian with tan?" "How about a shiny robo-android," suggested Ed. A chorus of 'Yeah'. "OK," said Renka, "Now for a short list of popular tweaks."
Enhanced muscles
Stronger fingernails
Faster reflexes
Reverse lung damage
Permanent lighter darker tan
Enhanced immune system
Boost neurotransmitters
Straight curly hair swap
Reverse kidney damage
Boost learning and retention
Reverse liver damage
Boost interleukin-33
Procedures take 2 to 5 days in deep sleep under a doctor's supervision, followed by one day of mild exercise for recovery. Make your appointment today, for a better tomorrow.
"Shut up and take my money," said Zak.
Arkon Delta, 12,028 Wk-10, Sun, 0915hr
With calm weather forecast for the next week, the joining process began. Module A was designated North, B through F arranged clockwise from there. With teams working around the clock, they finished in five days. Of course they had a big Saturday night beer and pizza party to celebrate.
All the openings where the modules were joined were standard 3 by 10 meters. You could imagine them forming a Ring Road about the center of town. The first one on the second deck was about 75 meters from the center. The next connection on the third deck was about 150 meters from the center. The third connection was on the fourth deck about 100 meters from the center.
Arkon Delta, 12,028 Wk-11, Sun, 0915hr
The next Saturday night was also an all hands party. "So what are we celebrating tonight?" asked Dan. "Well, I understand it's two things this time," replied Zak, "number one, the ship fitters assembled the 600m raised landing strip for STOL aircraft, and number two, we deployed the solar powered desalination plants at every AgroSembly barge." "I read where those are unique," said Allan, "They employ an air pump to reduce the pressure over the water and double or triple the evaporation rate." "I rode in an STOL once," said Renka, "They are a little bit rough but they only need a clear patch of dirt, maybe 300m, to take off and land. Typically they can carry 6 passengers plus camping equipment and have a range of three thousand kilometers."
Arkon Delta, 12,028 Wk-12, Fri, 1915hr
At their Friday review, Karl said, "After we evaluate the first stage of Gibbon acceleration, I propose we start two more fetuses with enhanced vocal chords and brain to include Broca's Area. Then they could tell us how something feels, or where it hurts, heh." "Do we need to worry about international opinion?" asked Sophie. "I think not," said Stakka, "We aren't publishing any papers." "And they are much less agressive than Chimps," said Renka. "I would suggest we also modify their hands," said Zak, "So they can work a keyboard." "Also the feet and hip joints," said Jane, "For comfotrable walking." "And short thick grey fur," said Katie, "For the coming ice age."
Arkon Delta, 12,028 H.E., Wk-13, Fri, 1315hr,
Regular Review Meeting
At their Friday meeting, Stakka said, "This is the proposal I've put together for Jose and Carla, based on your inputs from Monday and Tuesday:
"Upon further consideration, we urge you to bring your favorite Lab Tech with you, their skill set must be rare and you're already a team. Six business class tickets are at the Condor Airlines desk, and we have prepaid for 30 kg extra luggage each. Assume you will be hired and will get 4 days paid vacation after 8 months, should you need to return for anything. If child tickets are needed, please advise soonest. The Condor Air direct to LAX leaves every Friday 6 am local time, takes 13 hrs, arrives 5 pm LA time. When you arrive at LAX, look for our agent carrying an 'Arkon Delta' sign. They will get your luggage transferred to the charter STOL and arrange food. Do not go outside LAX, it is not safe.
Carla da Silva sent back my tech's name is Anita Morales, with husband Pablo Morales.
Jose Lopez sent back my tech's name is Earnesto Garcia, with wife Lupita Garcia.
We sent a similar proposal to the Astana team.
Mei Wang sent back my tech's name is Fan Wu, with husband Lee Wu.
Chang Huang sent back my tech's name is Cong Yang, with wife Jing Yang.
"This is a general layout map we sent," said Renka.
Module A - Admin
Module B - Gene Tweak Tourists
Module C - Primate Lab, gibbons
Pig Lab, beef, organs
Module D - Clone Lab, Virus Lab
Module E - Clone Production Facility
Module F - Education, Training
She continued, "We will put them in 4x8m cabins in the same hall, in module D. The Astana team will be in an adjascent hall. I'd like Ed, Mary, Dan, and Katie to do a basic setup for the Brazil Team cabins: sheets, pillows, towels, soap, instant coffee, cream, sugar. Cola, water, and egg salad sandwiches in fridge, small bottle of rum.
"Karl, Robin, Zak and Sophie, can do the same for the Astana Team, who will arrive a week later."
"Since Renka and I don't have you guys scientific skills," said Stakka, "We will act as facilitators to make your jobs easier." "Which brings us to 'Who Does What'," said Renka, "So discuss among yourselves and decide which lab you want to work in. We can review and change in six months."
"What pay grade will the new teams start at?" asked Karl. "Good question," said Stakka. "Here is a chart:
Pay Creds/ Creds/ Creds/
Grade Hr 4 Wk 52 Wk
01 - - - 5 - - - 720 - - - 9,360
01A 8 1,152 14,976
01B 11 1,584 20,592
02 - - - 15 - - - 2,160- - - 28,080
03 20 2,880 37,440
04 - - - 25 - - - 3,600 - - -46,800
05 30 4,320 56,160
06 - - - 35- - - 5,040 - - -65,520
07 40 5,760 74,880
08 - - - 45 - - - 6,480 - - -84,240
09 50 7,200 93,600
"The first paygrade has three levels for the guild program; Trainee, Striker, Novice," said Renka. "Admiral Cheng is at grade 08, we're all at grade 03," said Stakka. "I propose we hire the scientists at grade 05, their techs at grade 02," said Renka, "Then after three months we go up to 05, the techs to 03. What do you think?" A chorus of 'Yeah, sounds good,' sealed the deal. "I should remind everyone," said Stakka, "Even at grade 01 its possible to pay rent, food, entertainment, health insurance, and save a little, with some discipline, of course, heh. Oh, and 50% of rent goes towards purchase of a cabin."
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(expect next post 1 May, 8 am EST)
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