It took another three days of trial and error to figure out how to connect the M1a robot to the mini rover. The robot and the mini represented breakthrough technology, and September had not supplied an interface manual. In the end, the solution proved surprisingly simple. The team discovered that all they needed was a wired connection between the robot chest plate and the mini rover. Once they printed and attached the wire, they were able to add the rover to September's active register.

  During the discovery process, Chase instructed the crew to take the robot apart and reassemble it twice. This repetitive exercise frustrated everyone, yet they could not deny that it offered invaluable insights into the robot's inner workings and mechanics. It also confirmed that until the wire was connected, September did not have access to the mini rover. This revelation sparked further questions. Why would the AI be kept from the vehicle? Could it access the 3D printers by any other means? After extensive reflection and investigation, the team concluded that September was directly linked to all 3D printers and controlled them completely.

  After reviewing every manual available, the crew found an intriguing detail. None of the items they printed came with a dedicated controller. Instead, the AI served as the controller for every device. This arrangement meant that all commands and operations ran via the AI, making the process of creating equipment much simpler. Although this complete reliance on September introduced an element of risk, it also promised a streamlined production process for future devices. The revelation that every printed piece of equipment relied solely on the AI for control proved to be a game-changer. It meant that the devices no longer needed their own set of separate controllers. Instead of managing multiple electronic units, the system operated through a single, centralized force that ran all commands, monitored every function, and maintained overall harmony among the devices. This unified approach not only reduced the complexity of the individual parts but also paved the way for a much smoother production process.

  Chase felt that this strategy held special significance for construction on Mars. In the harsh Martian environment, every ounce of efficiency matters. With a central AI pulling all the strings, colonists can expect a simpler, more reliable manufacturing process. Instead of dealing with a dozen separate controllers, each device works as an extension of one intelligent system. That means fewer potential points of failure and less need for spare parts. When every tool and machine is integrated into one control network, troubleshooting becomes straightforward, and repairs can be executed with minimal downtime.

  Moreover, the benefits extend to ease of adaptation. A central AI controller is well suited to handle unpredictable variables on Mars, such as temperature fluctuations or pervasive dust. The AI can automatically adjust operating parameters and fine-tune performance as conditions change. This built-in flexibility is invaluable when you are far from normal supply lines and external technical support. The streamlined process ensured that even the most complex machinery is maintained with fewer resources, offering real-time adjustments to keep production running smoothly.

  Finally, Chase felt that the simplified construction method significantly lowers the barrier for future projects. With the AI as the backbone of every printed device, training crew members to manage and maintain equipment becomes more straightforward. New tools can be designed, printed, and integrated quickly because there is a single control protocol to learn. For a colony on Mars, where every minute and every material counts, this means faster setup of habitats and infrastructure, along with an overall boost in productivity and safety. However, it did force a total reliance on September, further supporting his idea that they may actually be in a futuristic prison.

  When the mini rover was finally running, Jacky, the leader of the printing team, gave his approval for its first journey outdoors. But the festivity was cut abruptly short. Chase had requested that the team in charge of mechanical work spend another day dismantling and reconstructing both the robot and the rover. Before long, Jacky began to notice Chase's strange tendency to take apart every piece of equipment and then rebuild it. With every disassembly, the crew gained an opportunity to inspect all parts for any wear or potential damage.

  While Chase maintained a composed exterior, Jacky sensed that his understanding was far greater than what he revealed. Drawing on his extraordinary memory and time spent making bespoke items, Chase had grasped the system's full intricacies at an almost eerie rate. One might think that he had dealt with this type of equipment before, although he never admitted it.

  For their final task, Chase had the team disassemble the mini rover once more, using the robot as an intermediary. Jacky, Kaya, Sam, and Luke took turns using the immersion room equipment to control the robot during the process. They soon discovered that the task was even more challenging this time around. The robot's small size meant that every tool needed to be printed in precisely the right dimensions, and the process was fraught with awkwardness. Although the robot offered good control, it lacked the natural touch of human hands. No digital command could fully substitute for the satisfaction of doing the task themselves.

  After they had finished taking everything apart, the crew needed to reprint every part that had been damaged. These delays frustrated everyone because they were eager to discover what lay outside the train. Nevertheless, they understood that testing the breakdown procedure before venturing out was a practical step. Almost everyone had grown weary of hearing Chase repeat his mantra, “the devil is in the details.” September provided only scant feedback during the assembly process, Chase held hopes that as the AI compiled more data, it would become more forthcoming. True to his nature, Chase did not let September off easily; he required an image and a detailed analysis of every single component.

  Finally, several weeks after discovering the portal, Chase gave the go-ahead to venture outside the train. The entire crew gathered in the immersion module, with Sam taking control of the JC robot to lead the expedition. Sam navigated the vehicle to module one, positioning it right at the portal entrance. “Can you please open the portal?” Sam asked.

  September replied, “You need Commander Chase’s permission.”

  In his usual manner, Chase boredly responded, “Permission granted.”

  Yet September quickly added, “Commander, you have not given any instructions regarding the air.” Puzzled, Chase asked, “The air?” September clarified, “I mean the air in module one. If I open the portal, the air will escape.”

  “What options do I have?” Chase inquired further.

  September explained, “There are two choices. The first is to allow all the air to escape. The second is to activate the vacuum pump so that it removes the air from module one, leaving a near vacuum. The first option is not advisable because rapid depressurization may damage module one. In addition, safety protocols require that no one remain in modules one and two while the portal is open.”

  "Alright, September, please use option two to draw the air away. Make sure that modules one and two remain completely empty. Let this be the default rule for operating the portal. We must protect our people and equipment," Chase ordered calmly.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  "Initiating vacuum pump activation. The process will take thirty minutes," came the measured reply from September.

  Eager to see what lay beyond the train, everyone felt the wait was agonizing. Those extra thirty minutes seemed as slow as a balloon's steady deflation of air. To pass the time, the crew gathered in the command module, where they shared coffee and conversation.

  "How are our coffee supplies holding up?" Chase asked.

  "As you requested," Julie replied. "I am tracking every unit of food onboard. Coffee is our top item because we use it heavily. Not surprisingly, alcohol is also being consumed at a rapid clip; at moderate consumption, our alcohol reserves should last only six months, while our coffee might run out in a year. Milk is more complicated since it serves many purposes. We may have to begin rationing coffee if we expect it to last for two years, or consider growing our own coffee beans. Adrian, are there any coffee bean tree seeds in the vault?"

  Adrian paused before answering. "I will need to check, but I doubt they can sprout in six months. We also need to stay focused on items that provide essential calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats."

  Julie countered with a smile, "You may want to reconsider. I have never seen twenty coffee enthusiasts attempt detox at once. It would quickly become a mess."

  Amused, Adrian added, "That brings up another point. What do you plan to do with the kitchen waste? I could compost it and use it in the garden."

  "I make every effort to reduce waste to a minimum," Julie explained. "Every scrap of food gets used. Any leftovers from a meal are cooked into an old-fashioned casserole, just like they made a hundred years ago: everything goes into the pot, and then I season it to taste. Anyone who is hungry can enjoy a serving between main meals. I even freeze a small portion of the kitchen waste for emergencies. You are welcome to join me in the kitchen anytime if you feel hungry or just want to talk."

  Adrian grinned. "I certainly will drop by. Perhaps you can help me decide what to grow when we manage to acquire more soil."

  Chase rolled his eyes and laughed. "Yes, Adrian, we all know you are eager to secure more soil for your garden. Let us hope that happens sooner rather than later."

  Finally, Chase turned back to September. "Could you display the current pressure in module one on the screen and show the estimated time until module one reaches Mars atmospheric conditions?"

  Finally, module one neared Mars conditions, and the crew retreated to the immersion module with pounding hearts. The main display revealed an open portal in module one that led into an endless void of darkness. With a mix of determination and apprehension, Sam donned his immersion gear and activated the rover. Even though he was safely ensconced in the immersion room, he felt the weight of responsibility and a stirring desire to be the first to venture out and lead his team into the unknown.

  Outside the portal, a small ramp descended about one meter to a solid yet mysterious ground. The tunnel beyond was cloaked in darkness, with the rover’s modest lights offering only a weak glow. Sam advanced slowly along the ramp, and as the rover reached solid ground, he drove exactly one meter forward before pausing, as agreed with Chase. The low hum of the machinery mingled with the eerie silence of the tunnel, and each step felt charged with both caution and possibility.

  Back in the command module, Chase strove to maintain his controlled excitement. "September, we have now accessed the outside chamber. Are there any assets outside that we can control?" he inquired in a measured tone, his words carrying the weight of leadership and anticipation. The AI replied confidently, confirming their status. Chase then continued, "Is there a lighting system installed in the tunnel outside?" to which September responded affirmatively. "Activate it, please," Chase commanded, and the system came to life, illuminating the tunnel with a cautious glow.

  "Are there cameras installed outside?" Chase asked next.

  "That is correct. Would you like to see all camera feeds?" replied September.

  "Yes, September. Display all camera feeds on screen," he ordered.

  In an instant, the display filled with fifty camera feeds. The crew watched in astonishment as multiple angles revealed a variety of views—some looking down on familiar printed equipment and modules, others gazing deep into the dark tunnel. In several feeds, the mini rover was visible, while others highlighted equipment like an arc metal printer and a copy of the plastic 3D printer. The constant flow of information and multiple camera angles felt like assembling a giant puzzle. Yet the most startling discovery was not the complex views at all, but the appearance of the ground and tunnel walls. Instead of the expected red rock, the surfaces were coated in a blue, plastic-like material that transformed the tunnel into something resembling a vast blue gymnasium.

  Sam advanced the mini rover farther into the tunnel, steering it toward what they assumed was the exit. He anticipated a short drive of about ten meters, but the path extended much farther. The rover moved steadily along a hard, compact floor while Sam searched for the tunnel's end. Through the rover's cameras, the tunnel appeared wide and almost cavernous. When Sam questioned September for more details, the AI offered little clarity except to report that he had covered 400 ft before encountering a blockage. This barrier, formed by rock backfill rather than natural hard rock, hinted that the tunnel driller may have passed this way.

  Stopping briefly, Sam examined the blockage. The rock was densely packed, with every crevice filled by a red, cement-like substance. Satisfied with his observation, he reversed course and drove in the opposite direction. As the rover neared a series of modules, Sam noticed they were painted a sleek black and displayed a prominent VORN symbol. Each module rested on a set of metal cones that he suspected were remnants of rockets used to land them individually. He encountered no further impediments as he navigated alongside the train.

  Soon, the rover had moved beyond the train and approached what they believed was the tunnel's deeper, non-surface end. This section of the tunnel did not end abruptly but stretched on indefinitely. Along the path, Sam encountered clusters of equipment. The cameras revealed rows of three-dimensional printers and large containers filled with raw materials. These containers were stacked from floor to ceiling in a layout reminiscent of warehouse racking and bore labels with names like aluminum, steel, and copper. It was clear from the volume that a substantial cache of raw materials was stored here.

  Continuing his journey, Sam passed beyond the line of equipment. At that point, Chase instructed him to return to the portal to search for loose soil, which had been a primary goal of the first expedition. Near the entrance, along a ten-meter stretch of the tunnel wall, Sam discovered a significant pile of soil. By his estimate, it amounted to no less than 700 cubic ft. With this discovery noted, Sam returned to module One and removed his immersion headset.

  Chase then directed his attention to the tunnel's mysterious surfaces. "What is the coating on the floor of the tunnel?" he asked September.

  "The tunnel walls and floor have been sprayed with a polyurea coating," the AI replied.

  "And why has it been treated with polyurea?" Chase pressed.

  "Polyurea is exceptionally durable and prevents water from seeping away through the soil," explained September.

  "So, we are meant to use the soil to grow food outside the train?" Chase inquired.

  September stunned them with its response, "Restricted information."

  Undeterred, Chase continued, "Please compile a list of the equipment outside that our system now controls."

  "Complete. Shown on screen," September confirmed.

  Chase then mused, "I see the train's utilities. Does this mean we now need to manage them?"

  "No. I will continue to manage these, although you now have full access to make changes," the AI replied.

  "Label the equipment on the camera feeds so we can identify what we are seeing," Chase ordered.

  "Complete," came the prompt response.

  The screen filled with name tags, revealing intriguing labels. One vehicle was marked "Resource Collection." Other items remained unidentified, and in the background there were what appeared to be a series of large ovens.

  In the silent aftermath of these discoveries, the crew gathered their thoughts. Faces showed a mix of awe and concern as they absorbed the new layers of the puzzle. The unusual blue coating, the strategically placed modules emblazoned with the VORN symbol, and the hidden caches of raw material certainly did not match what they expected on Mars. Instead, these clues hinted at a purposeful design behind the installations. To the crew, the findings offered both reassurance and a challenge: they now possessed tangible evidence that could redefine their understanding of the train's mission and pave the way for future exploration. With hearts stirred by the blend of hope, uncertainty, and excitement, they recognized that each piece of the puzzle fed into a grander scheme that bridged the present outpost with VORN’s schemes and the vast potential of Mars.