Chapter 105: Chapter 105: First Day at Helix

“Thank you all for gathering on short notice,” he said. “I’m Orion Starr, the new owner of this facility. Before we discuss the new research agenda, I need everyone to sign updated NDAs.”

He gave Rene a mental signal through the BCI.

Documents appeared on every tablet in the room.

Several researchers looked surprised. A few glanced around, clearly wondering how their devices had just received files without any visible action from him. No typing, no hand gestures, no verbal commands.

Sofia frowned at her tablet. How had he done that? Some kind of wireless control? Pre-programmed automation? She had theories but kept them to herself. Around the room, other researchers seemed equally puzzled but nobody voiced their concerns.

“The technology we’ll be developing is revolutionary,” Orion continued. “I cannot afford information leaks. These NDAs are stricter than your previous agreements. Read them carefully. If you’re not comfortable signing, you’re free to leave with a generous severance package. No hard feelings.”

Silence. People pulled up the documents on their tablets.

Sofia skimmed through. The NDA was serious. Lifetime confidentiality. Severe penalties for violations. Basically, anything they worked on here could never be discussed outside the facility without explicit written permission.

But the severance clause was generous. Six months salary if you chose to leave now.

She looked around. Nobody was leaving. Everyone was signing.

Sofia signed too. Whatever this kid was planning, it was clearly big enough to require this level of secrecy.

“Good,” Orion said once everyone had submitted their signatures. “Now, first order of business. This facility will be rebranded as part of Innovatia. Helix Research Facility becomes Innovatia Advanced Research Division. The name change is effective immediately.”

Murmurs around the room. Innovatia. Nobody had heard of it before.

“I know you’ve never heard of it,” Orion said. “But in the following weeks it will be the only thing on your minds.”

“Second, your computer systems have been upgraded to Aether OS. This happened automatically a few minutes ago. You’ll notice your tablets and computers look different.”

More murmurs. People were already checking their screens.

“What the hell?” someone muttered.

Sofia pulled up her tablet. The interface was completely different. Sleek, smooth, fast. Everything loaded instantly. The old clunky system was gone, replaced by something that looked and felt years ahead of current technology.

“Aether OS includes a special scientific research module,” Orion continued. “It’s powered by advanced AI and runs on optimized algorithms. The module covers all scientific fields—materials science, chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, economics. It includes simulation tools, AI-assisted analysis, automated data processing, and predictive modeling.”

Sofia opened the scientific module.

Her breath caught.

The interface was beautiful. Molecular modeling tools. Material simulation engines. AI assistants ready to suggest improvements. Physics rendering with incredible visual clarity.

She spent five minutes just exploring the features.

Around the room, researchers were having similar reactions.

“This is insane,” David said, staring at his screen. “It’s showing me optimization suggestions for the catalyst project I’ve been stuck on for three months.”

“The simulation accuracy,” another researcher said. “It’s running molecular calculations that used to take our old software hours. This is doing it in seconds.”

“It covers everything,” someone else added. “I can run simulations across different scientific fields?”

One of the fusion researchers, Dr. Amara Okafor, was practically shaking as she explored the nuclear physics modules. “The plasma modeling… this is more accurate than anything ITER has access to.”

Orion waited for the initial excitement to die down. “The software is a tool. Use it. It’ll accelerate your research significantly. But remember—it’s proprietary technology. Covered by the NDAs you just signed.”

Sofia was barely listening. She was already testing the materials simulation engine. Putting in basic compounds, watching the AI suggest changes, seeing results appear in real-time with full visualization.

This wasn’t just advanced software. This was a complete revolution in how research was done.

“One important note,” Orion added. “For heavy computational simulations, your tablets won’t be powerful enough. The facility’s supercomputer has also been upgraded to Aether OS. You can connect to it remotely from your tablets. The supercomputer will handle the intensive calculations while your tablet acts as the interface.”

Sofia checked the connection options. Sure enough, there was a link to the facility’s main supercomputer. She tested it—connected instantly, full access to massive processing power.

“Third order of business,” Orion said. “I have specific experiments that need verification. The procedures and expected results are being sent to your tablets now. They’re divided by specialty—materials science, battery technology, laser systems, fusion engineering, and general R&D.”

Again, files appeared on everyone’s tablets without any visible command from him. More puzzled looks around the room. How was he doing that?

Sofia opened the materials science folder.

Two experiments: Advanced Thermoelectric Material Synthesis and Room-Temperature Superconductor Fabrication.

Sofia blinked. Read the titles again.

She opened the thermoelectric file. Complete experimental procedures. Material compositions. Step-by-step fabrication. Expected results: 98% heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency.

Ninety-eight percent.

Current best thermoelectric materials barely hit fifteen percent.

She opened the superconductor file. Even more incredible. Room temperature superconductivity. 300 Tesla magnetic field strength.

“These results are…” Sofia started.

“Ambitious,” Orion finished. “I’m aware. That’s why I need verification. The data was developed using the scientific module’s simulation capabilities. The theoretical basis is sound. But I need physical confirmation before we proceed to full-scale production.”

Sofia understood immediately. The data came from that simulation software they’d just received. Which meant it was probably accurate—the simulations looked incredibly sophisticated. But experimental verification was still necessary. Theory and practice sometimes differed.

“You developed all this using the simulation software?” Dr. Amara Okafor asked from the fusion team section.

“Yes. The software provides the framework and computational power. But it still requires human direction. Research questions, experimental design, interpretation of results—that’s where you all come in. The AI can optimize and calculate, but it can’t replace scientific knowledge and experience.”

Sofia felt a surge of respect. He understood the relationship between tools and talent. The software was powerful, but useless without skilled researchers directing it.

“Anyone have concerns?” Orion asked.

Dr. James Kowalski, head of the laser systems group, raised his hand. “The laser ignition parameters show only a few kilowatts of input energy. How do we get the necessary megajoule output for fusion ignition?”

“Good question. The design uses a gain medium—a specially made crystal that amplifies light. You pump the crystal with electrical energy, then fire the laser through it. Light passing through triggers more light emission with the same properties, multiplying the beam energy to hundreds of megajoules.”

“A gain medium that efficient doesn’t exist in current technology.”

“It does now. The procedures for making it are in your folder. The crystal composition and fabrication process are included.”

Kowalski checked his tablet. His eyes widened. “This is… this is actually brilliant. A layered crystal structure with rare-earth doping…”

“Exactly. Your lab will test the laser output and power amplification. No need to test actual fusion ignition yet—that comes later when the reactor is assembled.”

Dr. Amara Okafor raised her hand, practically vibrating with excitement. “The fusion reactor data. Is it complete?”

“Yes. Complete reactor design, assembly procedures, manufacturing specifications. You’ll receive that after we verify the component technologies. But I can tell you now—we’re building a compact fusion reactor. Eight meters across, 3,000-megawatt output.”

The fusion team erupted in whispers.

“Eight meters?” Amara said. “That’s… that’s smaller than our current test chamber.”

“The superconducting magnets provide 300 Tesla fields. We can compress plasma far beyond current capabilities. Combined with 98% efficient power conversion, the entire design shrinks dramatically.”

“If this works…” Amara’s voice cracked slightly. “If this actually works, we’ll have achieved fusion. Real, commercial fusion. Not a test reactor. Not break-even. Actual power generation.”

“That’s the goal. And it’s why I acquired this facility specifically. You already have a fusion research lab. It’s passed all Federation safety regulations. We don’t need to waste time building new infrastructure or dealing with government procedures. We can start immediately.”

The fusion team looked like they might cry with joy.

“Any other questions?” Orion asked.

Silence.

“Then let’s get to work. I want preliminary results by evening. Full verification within three days. Team leads, coordinate with your groups. Use the Aether OS module for analysis and troubleshooting.

“One more thing,” Orion said. “I know research facilities always struggle with funding. Equipment budgets, material costs, staffing limitations. That ends today.”

He paused, making sure everyone was listening.

“Your budget is now effectively unlimited. If you need new equipment, order it. Latest models, best manufacturers, whatever you need. If an experiment requires expensive materials, buy them. If you need to hire additional specialists, hire them. Don’t worry about costs. Focus on the science.”

The room went completely silent.

Sofia stared at him. Unlimited budget? That was… that was every researcher’s dream.

“I’m serious,” Orion continued. “This facility was built by the Federation but they couldn’t afford to operate it properly. Helix couldn’t either. That’s why the research stalled. But Innovatia has the funding. We will not compromise on quality or capability because of money. If you need something, get it.”

David Kim raised his hand tentatively. “Even the new quantum-grade electron microscope? The one that costs 50 million credits?”

“If it improves your research, yes. Order it today.”

Murmurs of excitement rippled through the room.

Dr. Amara Okafor from the fusion team looked like she might faint. “We’ve been requesting upgraded diagnostic equipment for two years. The previous ownership kept denying it because of budget constraints.”

“Not anymore,” Orion said. “Make a list of everything you need. Submit it to your department heads. We’ll process all equipment orders by the end of the week.”

The researchers were practically glowing with excitement now. Unlimited budget meant they could actually do proper science. No more cutting corners. No more making do with outdated equipment. No more rejected proposals because of cost.

“The on-site manufacturing complex will also be upgraded,” Orion added. “New machines, better tools, expanded capabilities. If we can’t find equipment commercially, we’ll build it ourselves.”

Sofia felt a surge of hope she hadn’t experienced in years. Real funding. Real support. Real opportunity to push the boundaries of science.

Around the room, the mood had shifted completely. The skepticism was gone. These researchers weren’t looking at a rich kid playing scientist anymore. They were looking at someone who understood what they needed and was willing to provide it.

“Connect to the supercomputer for heavy simulations. Let’s make history.”

He walked out.

The room erupted into noise.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep