The Helicopter

Valuable questions posed by Ms. Mikoyan Sukol for the Shipyard's CEO had to wait, as the helicopter belonging to the State Shipyard of Artane had just landed. Its sleek block structure had a triangular-shaped cockpit, painted with a distinctive black-blue coating. The doors slid open sideways to allow entry. The director entered first, followed by the guest, then Charlène De Villepin, and finally the doctor. The doors slid shut, isolating the cabin. The cabin's ventilation system activated, supplying fresh air—both in terms of quality and humidity—for regular passengers.

-Yes, ship repair materials and components can be purchased. Besides that, I'm thrilled by the comprehensive interest in the order for the transport ships. Both vessels were constructed with three layers—composite carbon fiber, aluminum, and an eco-friendly antifouling coating. Several new Japuilean technologies have been integrated on board, including the ability to regulate engine energy consumption using our renewable energy sources technology, namely solar panels. Additionally, an onboard AI, named A.Q.U.A—Adaptive Quotient Utilizing Cognitive Abilities—has been installed. However, my colleague, Project Manager 'Android' Charlène De Villepin, might shed more light on this spectrum.-

As the Android Project Manager was about to speak, the helicopter's doors slid open again. Exiting were those who had entered last. They were on the ship's deck, ensuring stability—among them was an aluminum-clad android in the Japuilean naval uniform, akin to a first officer. It bore a humanoid resemblance but lacked color.

-Hello, I'm A.Q.U.A, the ship's AI. I'm connected to the ship's systems, capable of conducting system diagnostics and proposing strategic savings to reduce the ship's operational costs in the long term. I look forward to our journeys together.-The android spoke using an advanced speech synthesizer, attempting to mimic the accent of its creators, and bowed to the Royal Crown representative. Charlène De Villepin applauded, and the android smiled.

-The 'Android' Project is my initiative to integrate higher-quality technology into our lives. Fear of such advanced technology is a natural reaction, but slowly integrating it at our own pace is also valuable. The onboard AI won't just support the ship's operations but will also be able to train sailors and the crew, as it's equipped with a comprehensive database of maritime knowledge, including songs. It also efficiently learns languages-

"The onboard AI is not officially considered a part of the ship; it's an enhancement included in the ship's price—upgrades for VIPs, in this case, your country, are covered by trade secrets. Parts for the repair and modification of the AI will be provided by our authorized technician, whom you'll send for training with us. However, yes, you can customize the race of the onboard AI, A.Q.U.A. For this, you'll need to consult with Manager Charlène De Villepin" said Dany Morel in a calm voice, gesturing towards his colleague.

"Of course, you can tailor the entire android to your needs, from race to voice. The trade secret covers the intelligence of the android—its mind. The technician will be trained specifically in repairing the AI's mind, which is an extremely delicate matter" replied the manager, pulling out a tablet and awaiting instructions from Mikoyan.

Arcy

Dany Morel and Charlène De Villepin are giving the client a tour of the ship. Manager Charlène De Villepin is jotting down on her tablet the requirements the client has regarding the onboard AI. They are modest and don't boast about their ship, believing that the best advertisement is the genuine one, revealed by the ship itself.

"The Authorized Technician will be repairing the AI, not the ship. Due to the trade secret we mentioned—this is the first advanced maritime AI with a CPU shaped like the human mind. If anything were to happen to its mind, the technician would have to dedicate time, tools, and materials to fix it. This training is required unless you want to send us the unit for several days, a unit that facilitates the management of a ship of such magnitude and size." said Menager Charlène De Villepin.

"Of course not. The boss would also agree to a unit test, so let's allow CEO. Dany Morel to rest. I'm sure he'll join us when the doctor allows him to work," said Manager Charlène De Villepin with a smile, eagerly anticipating bonuses for the sale of both ships.

The next day, as the ships undergo testing in front of the Artane Shipyard, Ms. Mikoyan Sukol and Manager Charlène De Villepin sit in a special observation area, enjoying tea and food. On board is the customized onboard AI tailored to the client's needs, assisting with the tests.

"Mr. Dany Morel is a good man and has shown many times that he is strong even for his age. But I think he's slowly getting too old for his position. He no longer has the same resilience to stress or sudden situations. I say this honestly—I was under his training before being hired in the main dock."

Below them, in perfect formation, construction robots walk. They are going to build another ship,

Arcy

"The acquisition of ship blueprints requires contacting Grand Duke Casamir I of the House of Episcopo or The Honourable Prime Lord Alard Reyrond. Both possess sufficient authority to authorize the release of the technical plans. These ships were constructed based on new designs previously unused" said Manager Charlène De Villepin, taking a deep sip of her tea.

The ships have been received and the guarantee has been provided

Île du Pétrole – The Island of Black Gold

Patrolum, the main city and port of Île du Pétrole, is proof that even an industry as controversial for nature as oil can drive development and open new opportunities. Despite lingering public fears, rooted in memories of the Energy Crisis, Aimeric Chevalier—the CEO of the Oil Refinery Research Laboratory (LRRP) and newly appointed Baronet of Île du Pétrole—argues that ignoring these issues only entrenches them. He believes that addressing neglected sectors is the only way to improve them.

The LRRP oil port recently expanded, boosting export and transshipment operations for both domestic and international clients. The LRRP refinery complex has attracted capital, new residents, and trade partners to Patrolum, providing the city with a reliable and diligent workforce. This synergy is Chevalier’s main argument: the oil industry can be transformed with the right approach and persistence.

Business Sharks

When finance moguls from Crown Royal arrived in Patrolum, they encountered a simple, hardworking culture and functional city architecture. Wide, clean sidewalks lead through town, and buses run regularly. Buildings have minimalist facades—no elaborate balconies or luxurious shop windows. Newspaper vendors bring the latest news, workers relax in pubs with hearty meals and beer, and royal jazz echoes through the city, inspired by the music of the Grand Ducal Palace.

Although this business meeting involves the LRRP, it doesn’t take place at the refinery complex. Instead, Aimeric Chevalier, the newly appointed Baronet, welcomes guests at the Baronet Hall—an imposing neo-artesian building decorated with elegant columns and a broad pediment, dominating the town square as the island’s central administrative hub. Inside, tall windows cast natural light on marble floors.

Chevalier’s office sits on the top floor, with a panoramic view of Patrolum’s port. His workspace blends modernity with a nautical flair—a map of the two-island archipelago adorns the wall, along with a globe and models of old sailing ships on his desk. His dark mahogany desk is simple yet elegant, as are the shelves filled with books and documents, exuding professionalism that balances functionality with respect for the island’s traditions.

“Welcome—pardon the unusual meeting location, but my new responsibilities in local administration keep me here. Could you remind me of the topic of our discussion?”

Chevalier, with a slight smile, appears absorbed in his work. Although the city hall still needs additional staff to function smoothly, Chevalier prefers not to intertwine business and local administration—the best interests of the company don’t always align with those of the local community.

Kraken Oil

Baronet Aimeric Chevalier nodded, surprised by such a large order, but began clicking on his computer built into the desk and browsing through some documents bearing the official LRRP seal.

"I'll be honest, this is one of the largest orders our company has ever received, but I believe we can meet the contract requirements. Currently, our reserves include about 40 bbl barrels, so we can ensure a steady supply, even with regular consumption. As for magical oil, we will need to look for sources and start the procedure – which means we can use your development proposal for this purpose."

Something appeared on his screen. He glanced at it and smiled at the Crown Royal representatives with a more relaxed expression.

"We will be able to offer 65Ⴒꜧ (Pythian Dime) per barrel and 75Ⴒꜧ per barrel for Kraken Oil in the future, as the process of extracting and refining the magic oil is more expensive."

"The first deliveries of conventional fuel can be sent 2-3 hours after signing the documentation. The largest possible convoy will consist of 5 tankers, each with a capacity of 100 tons."

Baronet Aimeric Chevalier feels the uniqueness of this order but sees it as a good reason to expand the operational fleet – after all, 10,880 trips is a worthy challenge and a profitable, long-term operation.

"As for GPM General Use Fuel 1...we can start the process with your assistance if you’re not interested in Kraken Oil. We can ensure regular deliveries for you, which will gradually increase over time, just like with conventional fuel."