17 Chapter 16

While Jacob walked to the scouts, he asked Genesis to search the store for any items that would help the scouts identify useful things for the colony. Like metals or useful minerals, etc. He also wanted them to find quicklime if they could, as it would allow him to use the gravel and sand near the beaches to make cement, which is essential for modern cities.

Jacob was well-versed in literature about rebuilding society, as he enjoyed reading about it and spent days at a time devouring novels on the subject.

"Yes, sir. I have found one item in particular that you can afford which could identify these materials," Genesis said.

Jacob looked up the details of what Genesis found.

It was a compact, handheld device designed to identify the molecular makeup of any substance quickly and accurately. By emitting a focused beam of high-energy particles, the device could scan the atomic and molecular structure of a sample, analyzing its chemical composition in real-time. The results of the scan were displayed on a small screen on the device, showing the types and quantities of each element or molecule present in the sample.

It was easy to use - simply point and scan to get a detailed analysis of any substance. This device was a powerful and reliable tool for molecular analysis.

1000 points

The cost made Jacob's eyes pop out, but Genesis had told him that no other option could identify all the materials they needed based on the current price range and technology tiers.

"Hello everyone, I would like to know your names. I am Jacob. The A@@hole sending all the commands around through the AI." He tried to joke to lighten the mood.

A tall, gruff man with a thick Canadian accent spoke up. "Name's Sam. It's about time I got to explore those new hunting grounds, right? Do we get a gun?" he asked straightforwardly.

"That's what we're here to discuss. You guys are the experts," Jacob said, turning to the other three scouts.

A woman with longer black hair and a strong build spoke up in Spanish. "I'm Maria Rodriguez. I have a background in search and rescue, with specialties in wilderness tracking."

A fit, more tanned woman introduced herself next. "I'm Tasha Patel. I was a firefighter in India with disaster response training. I'll do my best to keep this group alive," she said, looking at her teammates with a serious expression.

Sam rolled his eyes.

The last scout introduced himself. "I'm Alex Thompson, a park ranger from the US." He was extremely direct and upfront, giving Jacob a nod before saying no more.

Gathering his thoughts, Jacob spoke. "We don't know what's out there, which means we don't know the dangers. But the colony needs access to and knowledge of its local resources. You should have seen the video on the ... Swiftstalker. That's what the guards are calling it." Jacob paused, feeling weird about the name.

The scouts nodded in agreement, understanding why they were being sent out.

"As far as I know, that's currently the most active danger in the forest. But we don't know if the one we killed controlled a large territory or was part of a pack. There's also the possibility that the entire ecosystem could be toxic to us, although I think that's unlikely considering what the aliens have done so far. But it's likely there are more dangers than just the predators."

"Either way, it works for me. I need to get a simple lay of the land if I want one of those beasts on my wall. I'll have the first mount in the colony!" Sam said, his eyes shining with excitement at the prospect of hunting the dangerous beast.

"On Earth, I did several hunts, all sanctioned, of course. I've killed tigers, bears, wolves. None of them were as dangerous as this beauty. I can't wait to tango with one." He was more excited about the prospect of encountering a Swiftstalker than finding helpful resources.

The other scouts looked at Jacob with serious expressions, a little less excited about the possibility of meeting this monster.

"Ok, this scanner here," Jacob said, holding up the device, "will work up to 2 meters. It's as simple as technology gets. If you have questions, ask the AI orb. Remember to use it as best as you can. I've found the holo's and communication functions to be extremely useful. As far as I know, you should have no issues contacting anyone while in the forest. Be creative with the orb. I'm sure it can enhance your survival rate and your ability to explore."

They smiled as they heard that. It was much more relieving to know they could be rescued in a dangerous situation. Just like on earth, even the most extreme adrenaline junkies often had backup and safety plans.

"We are looking for metal veins and quicklime for concrete. And anything else you can find that may be useful. There could be unknown materials out there."

"I don't want to waste time. I hope you don't find this too rude. But as soon as you can, it would be best if you began planning your exploration. My AI will update you with a map that has potential locations for resources. Take your time, don't take risks. Each of your lives is priceless and worth more if you keep them. Thank you all, be safe!"

Jacob gave them a wave and unceremoniously walked away. Already becoming slightly wary of having to deal with so many social situations. You must know on earth he was a recluse and introvert. Preferring to spend time alone or occasionally with just his closest friends.

He sighed, taking another deep breath.

"Genesis, get a message to all people with carpentry related skills to meet up in the square. I want to get them working on some projects that need their expertise."

"Yes, sir. I have sent a message to twenty-three individuals."

Waiting for a few minutes, Jacob sat down on the concrete block in the square. Taking a breather and getting some space from all the activity happening. So many people had mobilized. While he didn't like to admit it, having a bunch of guards with rifles helped, on top of the constant risk of death because of riot or monster attack.

Just then, a taller blonde woman approached Jacob. She looked to be Northern European or Scandinavian. "Hello, Jacob. My name is Ingred. While I would prefer not to be required to work, I understand the situation. But don't think I'll do this forever," she said, extremely straightforward and direct.

"Please explain what you would like us to build. I was a carpentry contractor in Sweden. I can already see from your hands that you have no skills in this area, so just let me deal with the process and don't waste our time," she added, speaking in English with a Swedish accent.

Jacob was taken aback. "Well, there are two major projects right now. But today's event also means we'll need houses and other infrastructure. So I..."

Ingred clearly didn't care as much about the future projects, interrupting Jacob. "Tell me about the two projects. Don't waste time."

"We need a fence, or some area made for when people arrive in the square. And we also need to build a wall around town. You may request as much labour as is available in the colony for these projects. I don't know how..."

Ingred interrupted Jacob again. "That's fine. Let me deal with this. But let me ask you a question. What makes you think you have the right to tell everyone to do what you want?"

As they were speaking, the rest of the carpenters had begun to arrive.

"Uh, well..." Jacob stuttered.

Ingred raised her eyebrows, clearly about to interject again.

Jacob quickly spoke before she could cut him off once more. "I don't have any right aside from the one given to me by our situation. I was put in charge by aliens...my authority can overrule yours with your AI. I didn't wake up yesterday expecting to be a leader. But today I am, and after last night and this morning ... I will do my best to fit this role, even if I die trying." His answer seemed to spark something inside him as he vocalized his resolve.

Ingred nodded, taking his words into consideration. Some of the other carpenters who had heard him also seemed to accept his little speech.

He was getting good at these. He smiled inwardly.

Finally, he met the group of 23 carpenters. Getting right into business.

"Thank you all for coming here. I know my message today of essentially forced labour is likely not what anyone wants to hear. But we all must use our skills to help. I'm not driving you into exhaustion. I'm telling you to do normal construction shifts. Any more is up to you and how safe you want the town to be. You all have the skills to build us a future we can live in. I'm asking you now to use them, at least until we are safe."

After seeing nobody object, Ingred explained to the team what Jacob wanted to be made in the square. As well as the need for the wall on the exterior. Any wood can be given from the cutting of trees.

Jacob spoke up one last time.

"Sophia, in the storage facility, will make any tools you need. Except power tools, currently they are too complex to design with our time restraints. You can spend your points you earn on whatever you like from the store."

The construction team was actually very positive. They seemed to not have a single refugee. So, Jacob meshed well with their personalities. His orders were followed with no objections, only some frowns.

Ingred pushed Jacob aside as they discussed the last details before getting to work. Jacob heard one carpenter even decided to use the wood to make some more outhouses, sick of waiting for the welding team.

Deciding he was no longer needed; Jacob left the group to check out the square and everyone's activity.

As he was walking, he got a message from Sam asking for a rifle or two. Jacob agreed and decided it was time to go purchase a few things from the shop. The iron printer would have to wait an extra day.

Jacob smiled as he walked back towards the storage facility. Maybe he was cut out for this after all.