Gundam: From Piece to Player

For Zeon to avoid total defeat in this war, the primary challenge is the thirty-fold disparity in national strength.

There are only a few things that can make up for a numerical advantage: more elite soldiers, more advanced equipment, sound strategic decisions, and a firm fighting will.

The Zeon officers talked about lofty ideals all the time, but if you asked them to explain what those ideals meant, nine times out of ten they couldn't.

The ability to carry out kamikaze attacks only indicates that the soldier wanted to die. Fighting will refers to the desire to win and why failure is unacceptable.

An army that cannot achieve this level of discipline will almost inevitably descend into chaos after its leader is assassinated.

His studies at the military academy and his rational thinking both told him that it was impossible to turn the tide by mass-producing the Great Zam and capturing Luna II.

"Will the Zeon National Foundation provide investment subsidies to the company I founded?"

"Yes, Your Excellency, you could have greeted us back then."

After Kalmar returned to Side 3, Monahan, the son of Prime Minister Darcia and an officer from the Weapons Research and Development Bureau Foundation, came to visit.

They all provide R&D funding for domestic military enterprises and, through investment and participation in corporate decision-making, advance the development direction of military weapons.

Zeonnik and Zmmad are both important recipients of funding, and the Zeon government can also guide the research and development of their equipment.

Is this compensation for Karma's mental distress after her assassination attempt on the moon, or is it somewhat of a form of training?

Karma, of course, could not refuse.

Have you decided on a name for your company?

As for the name, Karma was terrible at naming things; he figured he'd probably have to call it that for a long time. He hesitated for a moment.

"Deep space industry".

"It's a good name, but it doesn't sound like a military-industrial enterprise."

"My ambitions extend beyond the military industry."

"That's wonderful." Monahan smiled politely as he watched Karma cross her arms. "I wish you all the best, and please let me know if you need any support from us."

"Please convey my gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief for their support."

"must."

The two shook hands.

Having learned about Kalmar's current situation, Meixi, who had previously worked in Anaheim, quickly established a management team with the assistance of AI, centered around herself, Sally, Oliver, and Meixi.

It also brought the chronology of AE's development from a small company to a large company, its current management structure and experience, and then simulated a development direction under the scale of a deep space industry startup.

With the funding secured, the production equipment issue was resolved. Next came the employees. Currently, there are still some crucial aspects that AI cannot address. Kalma assigned this task to Sally, whose responsibility is to ensure loyalty and meet other performance standards.

Now, as the helmsman, Kalmar needs to consider the company's next product.

It involved porting the learning computer functionality to the Zeon MS.

Upon arriving at the Pezen base, Misaki quickly adapted to using the Zeon mobile suit, while Karma took her for a spin in a Bugu equipped with a new cockpit.

"How was it, senior?"

"good."

"Just polite talk?"

"If this is the first time you've seen this cockpit, it might not seem like anything special, but seeing the old cockpit is undoubtedly a revolution in operation. I heard you invented it."

"Ah."

Karma was overjoyed to hear Misaki's affirmation, but the Doctor quickly poured cold water on her enthusiasm: "But the upper limit has been lowered."

"You mean the original operating system allowed the driver to reach a higher level of performance?"

“I didn’t say that, but if someone can process that much information, this cockpit actually limits the potential.”

Karma thought of Amuro Ray again, who had bought the Manatee Gundam but hadn't assembled it yet.

"Then how can the upper limit be increased for regular drivers?"

"You went to von Braun to recruit me, so doesn't that already give you the answer?"

The answer is AI.

Humans defeat ferocious beasts like tigers and bears not with claws and teeth, but with spears and arrows. However, when facing NTs (Newtypes) who have awakened brainwave abilities, we must rely on AI.

Newtypes have varying abilities, but almost all of them can use brainwaves to predict enemy movements, which is why OTs (Original Technicians) often struggle to defeat Newtypes when using the same machine and technology.

However, introducing artificial intelligence as a variable will cause the situation to deviate.

After thinking for a moment, Miki recounted a battle that had occurred in the past.

"Computer learning has also been tested in combat decision support, and long-range exercises have been conducted on Swordfish fighter jets."

What was the result?

“But it didn’t achieve the intended effect,” Meixi said. “Simply put, the driver and the AI ​​were fighting over the control stick.”

"The test pilot was too rebellious?"

Meixi gently shook her head, "The important tests that determine the future of the project are all done by selecting experienced and reliable veterans."

"While this wasn't a matter of habit, and wouldn't necessarily lead to safety incidents, the AI ​​and the pilot actually hindered each other, preventing a significant increase in combat effectiveness. Later, the focus of computer learning development shifted from improving combat capabilities to recording and reproducing actions."

Karma thought to himself that, just like with self-driving systems, drivers always have doubts about whether the machine can ensure safe driving.

He thought for a moment, "Perhaps it's because neither side understands the other enough. I think it's necessary to train the AI ​​and the driver to work together so that the AI ​​can truly become a partner of humanity."

"Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to tell you. Come out, Alice."

As if to set the stage, the doctor suddenly took out a terminal. Instead of projecting the usual interface, a blonde girl in a princess dress, only the size of a thumb, stood on the terminal with the projection of light particles. She looked very cute.

Karma thought to himself, "Finally, the most powerful artificial intelligence in the Earth sphere, and even the solar system, has appeared."

Pokémon?

No, it's more like an electronic fairy from Digimon.

"This is Karma. This is the first time you've appeared in front of him like this, Alice. Say hello to him."

“Yes, Master.” Alice turned to Kalmar, lifted her skirt and gave a greeting. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Kalmar.”

"Hello, Alice, you know my relationship with my senior, so there's no need to be so formal."

"Do you want to be my father?"

Karma is embarrassed; will this AI even provide assists?

"Haha." Misaki laughed. "That's so rude, Alice."

"I'm sorry, Master, I just thought this might help to quickly shorten the distance between us."

“There is a lot you need to learn. Over the next few days, go out with Karma and explore the world. I’m sure you’ll gain something from it.”

Karma frowned after hearing this.

"Senior, I can guarantee your safety, please trust me."

Chapter 16: Join the Federation Army?

“I know it’s not that I don’t trust you, but I want to establish my own intelligence channels.”

Meixi took the initiative to shake his free hand, which was not holding the joystick, and placed the mobile phone terminal, symbolizing Alice, in his hand.

"I also hope you will keep this a secret. Even Liao doesn't know about Alice's existence yet."

“Okay.” Since the doctor had already put it that way, Karma had no choice but to take the terminal. “But it will be at most a week. I will definitely return it to you after a week.”

"Alice is a very powerful assistant."

Karma knew, of course, that this was an assistant, and he also knew that it was like a mobile camera; nobody likes being monitored.

After arriving in Zeon, Dr. Misaki did not let her guard down. Her years of independent living had also made her accustomed to not relying on others.

They are also afraid of betrayal.

"Kalma, how much longer until your birthday?"

"Senior, why are you asking this?"

"I'm giving you a coming-of-age gift."

Meixi stared at him and licked her lips.

"Okay, senior, could you please focus your energy on research?"

The PhD was willing to be recruited and join the organization.

The most practical reason is that he is a direct descendant of the Zabi family and can freely conduct research.

Secondly, she was obsessed with his body.

Gentleness comes next.

As for the organization's philosophy, Kalmar believes that Misaki didn't take it too seriously.

He must produce tangible results before the doctor will truly recognize his abilities.

During his free time, Karma went to a toilet stall, took out his terminal, and wanted to make a deal with a certain electronic fairy.

The little figure reappeared, but now the electronic fairy was covering its mouth and laughing.

Alice, what are you laughing at?

“Your Highness Kalma, I feel that my master is now like a young mother to her stepson.”

Karma thought to herself that she wasn't Char Aznable and didn't have the habit of drawing maternal love from her lover.

"You called me Your Highness?"

"Isn't this acceptable? Mr. Kalma is the little prince at the Zabi family's house, isn't he?"

"Even if you call me that, I won't be happy."

"Then what should I call you? Do you want me to call you Dad? Or do you want me to call you Master..."

"Let me think... call me brother." Karma stroked her chin.

"Okay, brother, I didn't expect you to like this."

Looking at the AI ​​testing her reaction, Karma crossed her arms. "Also, we must make some rules. You might hear a lot if you're around, but you can't tell the Doctor everything."