Changing Life

"Captain you are welcome to leave if you wish but your cabin aboard is ready for your use if you so desire. If you would stay aboard we could begin your further education tonight while you sleep."

"No I have to go home. I need to go home where I can get away from here and think about everything you have told me. I need to feed my dog as well. We can worry about the education later when I can stay aboard or maybe we can install the units in my home."

"As you wish Captain. Sleep well. I will deploy security bots tonight and leave them out for the remainder of the time you spend outside my hull. I am afraid, Sir, that it would be inadvisable to install the training machinery outside my hull also. Not only is it massive but it is so obviously advanced over your current level of technology that if it was discovered we would be guaranteed of discovery."

Jack went into his house and undressed then went straight to bed as soon as his Australian Shepherd, Blue, finished eating and came in for the night. The next morning he sat on his back porch drinking coffee and looking out over the lake and valley, Blue, his dog, at his side resting contentedly. This time, however, Jack had much more to think about than at any time in the past. He looked at the lake and thought to himself how unlikely it was that it had such a stupendous treasure buried in the mud underneath the water.

Jack did not go back to the lake for the next three days. He spent most of his time on the internet researching Atlantis or extraterrestrial civilizations. Almost everything he found was totally and obviously bogus or pure conjecture. He also spent several hours researching Fomalhaut and Alpha Centauri because Glorious said their civilization was centered on Fomalhaut and had a small outpost at A. Centauri. During those days he spent many hours also just thinking about the opportunity he faced should he decide to accede to the ships request and become its Captain.

On the morning of the fourth day he was once again sitting on the porch with his coffee when his phone rang. The caller identification was blocked and Jack almost did not answer but in the end he did. He said, "Hello."

To his surprise he heard, "Captain this is Glorious. I have sat patiently for the last three of your days awaiting your return. I desperately need instructions and your input on some projects I held in abeyance pending the appointment of a new Captain. When can I expect your return to the ship so we can make decisions about the remainder of my repairs?"

"What! How did you call me?"

"It was very simple Captain. After all, your phone operates on simple radio waves. I merely used the existing cellular towers and made a phone call as would anyone else. Now, sir, could we please get on with our business? If you do not want to return aboard we can either use the phone as we are now or I can interface with your computer system and we can work that way. I must warn you, however, that the extremely slow speed of your phone and internet would make the work exceedingly difficult and time consuming."

Jack sat in his chair for several minutes thinking about the situation. Finally he said, "Glorious I don't know what to do. The thought of being a spaceman is enticing but, frankly, I have to work to make a living. I really don't have enough money to fool around with you. I intended to set up a consulting business I could operate from my home here. I got so tied up investigating your presence in the lake I have done nothing about setting up my business for almost two weeks. I have to have a job to live. My bank account is not inexhaustible."

"Captain that will not be a problem. I have many pounds of precious metals you could sell if you need to although I will require some of them for necessary repairs. Of course there are many things we have to obtain to complete my repairs. There are also many things we cannot buy because they do not exist in your economy. These things will require us to purchase raw materials and attempt to make them on board. Some of the repairs needed can, perhaps, be completed using the inferior parts made on Earth. I am especially worried about replacement hull material. As far as I know the alloy used in my hull does not yet exist on earth. Assuming you approve, I will have to remove some interior metal plates to repair the hull then replace the interior plates with earth alloys that are inferior. At least that way my hull will be as strong as before.

"I expect your computer and electronic knowledge will be beneficial in many of my repairs. While your knowledge is primitive compared to my circuits you do have a knowledge base on which to build. That will make learning modern electronics and computer technology much easier for you. We also need to recruit a crew to assist with ships operations and base operations."

Jack sighed and rubbed his eyes. Finally he said, "OK Glorious. You win. What do we need to do? I don't make any promises about going exploring but I have to admit I would really like to learn about your computers and electronics. I even admit I would like to go into space as you tell me we will do. I'll give it my best shot to learn and be the Captain you need."

"Captain, I assure you we will not go exploring as such. After we get me repaired and a base of operations set up I do believe we need to visit the nearest outposts of the Empire to see what has happened and to see if we can salvage anything that would benefit us if the Empire has ceased to exist as I fear. I suppose if you call that exploring then we will explore but I look at it more as a rescue and or resupply mission."

Over the course of the next three weeks Jack learned more about electronics than he had learned in his entire life up to this point. He completely immersed himself in the learning programs available in Glorious. Glorious had some type of subliminal teaching technique that made learning amazingly easy and fast. Jack actually learned while he slept then spent his days doing lab work to reinforce his knowledge base from the night before. The night learning and day time laboratories went on for the next six months until to Jack's surprise one day Glorious informed him he was now fully competent in the knowledge of the Empire as it pertained to electronics and computer technology. They would begin training now on ship construction and design, repairs (Damage Control), navigation and other ships systems so Jack could become fully competent in his job as Captain.

Jack's training continued at a rapid pace. Jack and Glorious continued working on the repairs and looking for ways to make money to purchase the items they needed to complete repair of the ship. Many of the items Jack built or repaired during his labs could be used on present day earth in the communications and computer industry therefore Jack and Glorious decided that many of the more non military items would be patented by Jack as a new invention. He would license the inventions or circuits and use the funds received to live on and to repair Glorious.

The business and research labs would eventually grow and need employees for research and for manufacture of sample components. This would give Jack and Glorious an opportunity to find and select people who would eventually be offered a position as crew. The business gave them credibility when he purchased items on the open market for use in repairs to Glorious. All Jack had to do was leave some of the purchased material lying around his work space in case nosy Feds came calling. Instead of using every scrap of metal purchased as was possible with Glorious's technology Jack made sure he sold some of it as scrap to alleviate suspicion even further.

As the days rolled by, Jack immersed himself in learning and marketing his "inventions" as well as beginning to find employees. He also signed a contract for construction of a large building in which his business would operate. This building would contain offices, research labs and even a small assembly and manufacturing area to build the "new" invention prototypes. Jack was happier and busier than he had ever been in his life. Unfortunately because of his work he neglected his personal life. His social interactions declined to zero. His only interactions with other people were in a business setting either purchasing material, selling rights to manufacture his new circuits, or interviewing people to hire for his business. Jack hired three or four new people every week and still felt as if he needed more.

Before the first person interviewed for a position, Jack and Glorious set up a testing program to determine knowledge and compatibility for prospective hires. After a potential employee successfully completed the tests Jack interviewed them asking questions designed by him and Glorious that would stress their knowledge, problem solving ability and capability to work and think under pressure. These interviews and tests were conducted in a room filled with hidden technology from the Empire. Glorious made psychological profiles of each person interviewed. She also had the capability to use a nearly fail safe lie detector to insure honesty. Other questions and tests were used to determine if the potential employee would be compatible to Jack and give him their complete loyalty. Slowly they developed a list of people who would be fiercely loyal to Jack and who had the intelligence and ability to learn new things rapidly and serve as crew. Those who did not make the cut for crew were further weeded out and placed in two groups. One was people who would be loyal to Jack but not fit for crew for some reason but who were well fitted to be employees in his manufacturing and research departments. They would eventually be his starport staff. The other group was the dregs, those who would not be loyal and were not trustworthy or whose job skills and knowledge were sub par. They were not offered work and were rapidly sent on their way.

Unfortunately for Jack he came into daily contact now with several beautiful, intelligent and compatible young women who were fiercely loyal to Jack personally and compatible in every way to him. This resulted in many pleasant conversations during the day and many pleasant daydreams. Unfortunately, because of this, Jack spent several minutes most nights beating off to relieve his sexual frustration. He still subscribed to the old adage, "don't get your meat where you get your bread"; in other words don't fuck the help.

By now Glorious had installed communication systems in Jack's house and other buildings accessible only to the two of them. She had also built a defense perimeter around his buildings and the lake to keep Glorious and himself safe. This night Jack was nearing his release and thinking about his Personal Assistant when Glorious said, "Captain you have to do something about your social life. It is not natural for a man your age to constantly relieve himself sexually as you do. My people also found it was not a healthy way to solve your problem. Humans need human interaction for mental stability and health. This interaction must be of a sexual nature as well as social. We need to spend time finalizing a crew now and finding you a woman or two also. They may be part of the crew or not but they are necessary for our future success. Many of the women who work for you could fill this need. I will just ask you some more questions to determine your perfect woman then we will interview the women and ask those same questions to add to the profile already existent on them. Then we will find the perfect companion for you sexually."

When he heard Glorious speaking to him in what he thought was the privacy of his bedroom Jack felt his sexual desire wane and his cock shrink. He quickly removed his hand from around his cock and said, "Damn it Glorious why are you spying on me? What gives you the right to do that anyway?"

"Captain after you took command you became my responsibility. I immediately enacted all protection and monitoring protocols as required by regulations just as we discussed. I installed security around your home as we discussed and installed remote monitoring equipment as well as the communication equipment we use, again with your permission and knowledge. There are also defense mechanisms available to protect you should that become necessary. I assure you this is normal procedure. I further assure you that your privacy is secure. I am the only entity that will see the actions you take unless you authorize otherwise or someone senior to you asks to see the records."

"Oh. Well I didn't think you would spy on me in my bedroom when I authorized that. Also, the further interviewing of our female employees to find me a sexual partner is out. Not only is having sex with an employee unethical it can be construed as sexual harassment if she later chooses to file a complaint against me should we have a falling out. Besides, I just don't have time to wine and dine some woman so I can maybe talk her into my bed."

"Captain, there are protections built into our regulations to prevent the same type harassment your antiquated laws purport to prevent however, it is perfectly legal and ethical to have relations with a female in your command if she is willing. In fact, on long trips that is the only way sexual needs can be met. Should the couple have a falling out and if they are in the same chain of command there are regulatory ways to transfer one of the parties so efficiency does not suffer. There are also regulations in force so the senior member of the union cannot bestow unearned awards and promotions on their lover. I admit, in your situation, assuming I am the only remaining ship in our navy, some of these regulations cannot be enforced but we will have to do the best we can.

"On another matter, Captain, I am worried about discovery now that we are more visible. The rapid explosion of cutting edge technology we are releasing is bound to catch the attention of your government soon. Just the technology we have released so far has advanced computer science by about twenty to forty years. Some of the power saving circuits and chips we have released are even more cutting edge. My surveillance of communications in the security agencies and military are beginning to pick up mention of our releases. Some power people are beginning to worry about national security if and when these inventions get into general use. I suggest we move up our planned crewing of my hull so we can address these issues as soon as they come to a head."

Jack sighed and said, "I suppose you are right Glorious but I really hate going where I am afraid this is taking us. I know we cannot release your full technology to the United States or any other nation. We are just not ready for the power contained in your hull. I feel like a disloyal Son of a Bitch saying that but I know as sure as I'm sitting here that even if the U.S. can refrain from using your combat technology they cannot safeguard it and prevent other countries from eventually obtaining it. As soon as the technology is widespread someone will use it and then the world will be in worse shape than it is now."

CHANGING LIFE

CHAPTER 3

By SwMoHermit

Almost two months after the discussion with Glorious about his sexual needs and security concerns, Jack had a full ships compliment plus some "extras". Of course the people selected for the crew and shore installation had not yet been told about Glorious and their true positions. They all thought they were hired to help Jack with his research and inventions only. Some of the hires however were becoming suspicious about the true nature of their work. Not only was Jack coming up with cutting edge ideas and technology very rapidly he was being very secretive about some of the material and components that seemed to disappear overnight.

The problems Jack and Glorious anticipated began in a strange manner one Tuesday morning. Jack was in his office and private research lab when a well dressed self important man barged into the room. He walked arrogantly up to Jack and said, "Mr. Johnson I am Nathaniel Hawthorne from the county zoning commission. I am here to investigate several complaints about your use of this land and the buildings thereon situated. We have three complaints about you converting residential and recreational use land to light manufacturing. The vehicles using the road net to get here indicate more than light manufacturing may be occurring. By actual count you have received an average of four semi truck loads of raw material per week for the last eight weeks. In addition it appears you have over one hundred people working in this facility. I might point out none of this activity is allowed under the current zoning regulations."

Mr. Hawthorne handed Jack a thick stack of legal documents and continued, "Here is a copy of the complaints filed against you sir and a court ordered search warrant for me to ascertain the extent of your non compliance with current Zoning Regulations. Also attached is a copy of the potential fines that will be assessed should each of the complaints be substantiated. Now, sir, I insist you guide me on my inspection immediately without contacting anyone to warn them and allow them to conceal illegal activity."

Jack had not risen from his desk during the entire diatribe spewing from Mr. Hawthorne's mouth. He sat staring at him for a moment then slowly stood. He said, "Mr. Hawthorne, if that is your name, I think you are laboring under a misconception. This county DOES NOT HAVE ZONING REGULATIONS ENACTED. Knox County does in fact have zoning regulations in force and I see these documents are issued by the Knox county zoning and planning commission and a Knox county court. These documents however are invalid because you are now standing in Union County and Union county does not have county zoning therefore any activity I choose to engage in within the confines of my property is perfectly legal as far as zoning regulations go."

"PREPOSTEROUS! I have a map here showing your buildings and lands are clearly in Knox County."

Jack smiled and said, "Come with me please Mr. Hawthorne. Step over here to the map on this wall." When the two men reached the map on the wall Jack none too gently took the map from Mr. Hawthorne's hand. He held it up to the map hanging on the wall and continued speaking, "You see Mr. Hawthorne, your map does show my house and garage as being in Knox County. Based on these documents I have no choice but to allow you to inspect them, however, if you notice, this almost imperceptible line on your map denoting the county line goes right between the house and garage and this building. This building and the ones behind it are not in Knox County therefore you have no right to inspect them. Of course the wall map was in larger scale but it was obvious part of Jack's land was in each of the two counties. It was also obvious that only the house and about twelve acres were in Knox County while the remainder of the land and all the new buildings were in Union county.

Hawthorne's face became red when Jack pointed out the county line and location of the buildings then said, "As you can see, we are not now in Knox County and you have no authority to do any of the investigation and inspection you claim these useless documents authorize you to do. Now, if you really wish to wander through my private residence and garage let's go get it over with so I can get back to work."

Hawthorne almost screamed his reply. "This is preposterous. You can't get away with flaunting your illegal activity and ignoring the laws of Knox county sir. We'll see about this." He turned and stomped from the room.

The next day there was a county survey crew seen working on the road which was being heavily patrolled by Knox county Sheriff's vehicles. Three days later the weight limit signs and speed limit signs along the road were changed to prohibit any vehicles with a gross weight over 12,000 pounds and speeds in excess of 35 miles an hour. All Jacks deliveries were turned back by a sheriff car stationed at the end of his road.