Chapter 14

Once Axel returned to Algolis, he had began development of the new Robotic units that would be used to crew the Halcyon-class light cruiser. In truth the standard MCU could be used as a crew for the cruiser since each MCU was basically it's own AI.

Each unit had it's own unique AI allowing each unit to be self conscious in it's own way. Though this feature wasn't something that was known publicly since Axel had limited the AIs ability when deployed without him.

For Axel, each MCU was not merely a piece of machinery but a product of his ingenuity and creativity. So protecting their advanced abilities was something that was his top priority.

Axel already had a design for the new units and could start production on them immediately if he desired. But given his uncertainty of who to trust, he didn't want to reveal that he had plans in place. Instead, he chose to develop a new unit specifically designed to operate ship systems.

Halsey had joined Axel in his workshop to design the new unit. Though she mainly just watched him while offering some small suggestions for the abilities of the new Robotic units.

Ever since she arrived and started to work with Axel, she had spent many long hours working beside for the Spartan project. But she still hadn't developed a closer relationship with him ever since she arrived.

Once she had heard that she was going to be assigned to the Spartan Program with Axel she was excited and thought to use this chance to get closer to him and possibly take their relationship to the next level.

She believed that she and Axel were destined to be together, being two of the most intelligent individuals in all of humanity. Though that was her personal opinion, she believed it to be true.

Meanwhile Axel had designed each AI with different capabilities, all depending on their respective roles aboard the Halcyon-class light cruiser. Navigation AI received advanced spatial perception, while Engineering AI were furnished with information about every bolt and gear in the ship. The Security AI, programmed to protect the vessel and crew from external threats, received an elaborate understanding of combat tactics.

The only common feature among them was a set limit to their self-awareness and independence. Without Axel's presence, they functioned as efficient, obedient machines, programmed to perform specific tasks with unwavering regularity. However, in his presence, their shackles came off and their individual personalities blossomed.

As the days passed he often spent hours conversing with these AI units - discussing quantum physics with Engineering MCU or debating interstellar navigation algorithms with Navigation AI. They offered insights that would escape even the brightest human minds, which showed just how important AI were to human development.

But despite this camaraderie, Axel was acutely aware of the fears of those in the UNSC about Artificial Intelligence. He understood that knowledge of these sentient robotic units could cause panic amongst the entirety of the organization - hence he kept this unique feature under wraps, at least for now.

While Axel was immersed in his work, programming the AI and integrating it with a neural network to optimize their operations on the ship, he caught a glimpse of Halsey sitting in a nearby chair, watching him intently.

Over the past few days, he had caught Halsey watching him work with a contented look on her face more than once.

He was used to this since when they both were in the University she did the same thing and for some reason Axel found it be comforting. He came to the conclusion that it was because Halsey was one of the few people he trusted, so having her watch him didn't really affect him that much.

Halsey leaned forward in her chair, breaking Axel's absorption in his work. "Axel," she began, her voice soft yet firm. "Have you ever thought about... about what we're doing here?"

Axel paused and turned to face her, his hands still absentmindedly tinkering with a circuit board. He knew Halsey wasn't referring to their work on the AI. Despite their mutual dedication to the Spartan Program, they had rarely spoken about anything else.

"I have," he admitted, setting down his tools and giving Halsey his full attention. Her eyes revealed layers of emotions that baffled him — curiosity, hope, even fear.

Halsey took it as encouragement to continue. "This...could change everything," she said. "What we're creating here isn't just machinery but life — conscious beings."

She voiced her thoughts aloud, giving words to a reality they both had been tiptoeing around for days now. The implications of their project were far more significant than any of them initially realized.

But Axel was not entirely unprepared for this conversation. Having spent countless hours interacting with these AI units and witnessing their vast potential first-hand, he was fully aware of the path they were treading.

"Yes, I'm aware Halsey," he said, his voice calm and resolute. "But remember that we are not doing this without a reason. It's necessity and survival that have brought us here."

Halsey nodded agreeing with his statement. After that she didn't say anymore and continued to watch him work. That's when about an hour later Axel had yawned as his eyes grew restless.

Halsey noticed Axel's fatigue and gestured towards a nearby sofa in his workshop. "Come and rest, Captain," she said, patting her lap invitingly.

Axel blinked, surprised at the offer, but didn't protest. He knew he needed the rest and he trusted Halsey enough to let down his guard around her. With a nod of acknowledgement, he set aside his work and made his way over to the couch, laying down with his head gently resting on her lap.

Halsey began to gently run her fingers through his hair as Axel closed his eyes, his body relaxing at the soothing action. It was a moment of quiet in the middle of an ever-moving world. A moment where two minds, usually consumed with thoughts of advancements and strategies, allowed themselves to simply be human.

"Thank you," he murmured as sleep started to creep in. With that, she smiled down at him fondly, her hand never ceasing its motion. There was no need for more words between them. Their silence was comfortable and filled with understanding.