> Chapter 20: Orbital Superiority

  Sam stood at the center of his workshop beneath the Eastern Pace, silver eyes focused on the completed prototype suspended in a containment field before him. The satellite design—roughly the size of a wine jar—gleamed with metallic perfection in the azure glow of the field, its surface etched with intricate patterns that would appear decorative to untrained eyes but actually served as quantum resonance channels.

  "Perfect," he muttered, rotating the prototype with a casual gesture that maniputed the containment field. "Absolutely fucking perfect."

  His engineering gauntlets pulsed with steady silver-blue light as he made final adjustments to the schematic floating in holographic dispy beside the prototype. The three-dimensional projection showed the full-scale version of the satellite—a structure several hundred meters across with multiple articuted arrays and sensor ptforms that would make any Ming Dynasty engineer shit themselves in terror if they could comprehend what they were seeing.

  "Surveilnce systems operational," he confirmed, checking diagnostic readings with practiced efficiency. "Kinetic strike capabilities integrated. Electron disrupter core stable. Phrase shifting operational..."

  A subtle chime from his gauntlet indicated successful completion of the autonomous engineering drone schematics he'd been refining during st night's activities with the Empress. Sam smirked at the memory—calcuting complex quantum field equations while giving Youzhen multiple orgasms had proven an interesting multitasking challenge. Her shocked expression when he'd withdrawn after her fourth climax to mentally adjust drone deployment parameters would have been comical if he'd bothered to expin what had momentarily distracted him.

  "Time to put theory into practice," he decided, dismissing the holographic dispy with a casual wave. The prototype satellite remained suspended in its containment field as Sam stepped back, arms extended as his gauntlets pulsed with intensifying energy.

  Space itself seemed to fold inward approximately two meters in front of him, reality warping under the influence of concentrated quantum manipution. The portal stabilized quickly, creating a perfect circur aperture approximately three meters in diameter. Through this impossible opening, stars gleamed against absolute bckness—the cold vacuum of low Earth orbit visible from the confines of his workshop.

  "Much better than using a fucking rocket," Sam observed dryly, appreciating the elegant efficiency of his technology compared to conventional space access methods that wouldn't be developed for centuries.

  Without hesitation, he stepped through the portal into the vacuum of space, emerging into complete silence and perfect darkness broken only by stars and the distant curve of Earth visible below. The extreme environment—temperature approaching absolute zero, complete absence of atmospheric pressure, lethal radiation levels from unfiltered sor emissions—would have instantly killed any normal human.

  Sam merely noted the conditions with clinical interest as his enhanced physiology began immediate adaptive response.

  The silver lines marking his skin pulsed with increased intensity as nanomachines worked frantically to restructure his body for vacuum survival. Initially, the cold bit deep into exposed flesh, crystallizing surface tissues while internal organs strained against the sudden pressure differential. Blood began to boil in peripheral vessels as vacuum conditions affected exposed fluids. His lungs expanded painfully against his ribcage, threatening to burst from internal pressure suddenly unopposed by external atmosphere.

  "Interesting," Sam commented to no one, his voice creating no sound in the perfect vacuum. He continued his casual observation through telepathic channels recorded by his gauntlets. "Vacuum exposure feels simir to deep-sea pressure, just reversed direction. Nanite response time approximately eight-point-three seconds."

  Indeed, within seconds of exposure, his enhanced physiology implemented extraordinary adaptations. Skin hardened into vacuum-resistant barrier, pores sealing completely to prevent fluid loss. Specialized structures formed throughout his respiratory system, extracting the st molecules of oxygen from his lungs while simultaneously initiating alternative metabolic pathways that didn't require conventional respiration. His circutory system pressurized internally, preventing blood from boiling despite vacuum conditions. Eyes developed crystalline protective yers, maintaining vision while preventing fluid evaporation.

  "Disappointing," he concluded as his body completed its adaptations, leaving him completely comfortable despite the lethal environment. "Was hoping for at least some pain. Death feels increasingly theoretical these days."

  Using telekinesis to propel himself away from the portal opening, Sam moved with graceful precision through weightless conditions. His enhanced visual systems adjusted automatically to the stark contrasts of space—the blinding brilliance of unfiltered sunlight versus the absolute darkness of shadow, with no atmospheric diffusion to soften transitions.

  The Earth spread below him in breathtaking panorama, its curvature unmistakable from this altitude. China's eastern coastline was clearly visible, the distinctive shape of the Korean peninsu extending northward while Japan's isnds curved in protective embrace of the East China Sea. No artificial lights marred the nightside surface—only occasional fires from cities and vilges created faint pinpricks against perfect darkness.

  "Primitive," Sam observed, studying the world below with detached interest. "So fucking primitive. Not even basic electricity yet, let alone anything resembling proper civilization."

  He turned away from Earth, focusing instead on the star field that surrounded him in all directions. Without atmospheric interference or light pollution, countless stars bzed with perfect crity against the bckness—billions of points of light representing unimaginable cosmic distances.

  "Wonder how many of you have intelligent life," he mused, scanning the vista with analytical interest. "Thousands at minimum, according to probability distributions. Though 'intelligent' remains a questionable descriptor for most evolved species."

  Memories encoded in his nanite-enhanced DNA included fragmentary knowledge of numerous non-human civilizations—some information accessible, other data frustratingly encrypted beyond his current capabilities. The technological schematics accessible through his enhanced genetics clearly incorporated principles developed by multiple species, suggesting extensive cross-cultural exchange at some point in the distant future.

  "Enough stargazing," Sam decided, returning his attention to the practical task at hand. "Time to build something useful."

  He focused on the portal still connecting to his workshop, extending one gauntleted hand toward the opening. Through quantum channels established by his undersea industrial network, raw materials began flowing directly from deep-ocean mass extractors into his orbital position. Metallic components, crystalline structures, complex alloys—all materialized through the portal in carefully controlled streams that hovered before him in perfect weightlessness.

  "Engineering drone fabrication commencing," he announced to his gauntlet's recording function. "Manual assembly for initial unit to establish multiplication cascade."

  With precise telekinetic control, Sam began assembling the first autonomous engineering drone from components flowing through the portal. His movements dispyed practiced efficiency, combining materials with subatomic precision while his gauntlets provided molecur bonding energy where required. The drone took shape rapidly—a roughly spherical central processor surrounded by articuted fabrication arms and propulsion systems, approximately the size of a human head when completed.

  "First drone chassis complete," he noted after approximately two hours of continuous assembly. "Integrating quantum core and command protocols."

  The final component—a crystalline matrix containing operational programming and quantum connection capabilities—slipped into position at the center of the drone structure. Immediately, the device pulsed with silver-blue light identical to Sam's gauntlets, indicating successful activation.

  "Engineering Drone One online," Sam confirmed as the device oriented itself toward him, awaiting instructions. "Begin autonomous replication sequence using materials provided through quantum channel. Target: sixteen identical units with standard fabrication capabilities."

  The drone responded with immediate efficiency, extending fabrication arms toward the material stream still flowing through the portal. As Sam watched, it began assembling a second drone using the same components he had manually arranged for its own construction. With robotic precision untainted by human limitations like fatigue or distraction, the process proceeded significantly faster than Sam's manual assembly had required.

  "Exponential manufacturing cascade initiated," Sam observed with satisfaction. "First replication estimated completion in forty-seven minutes. Subsequent units will require increasingly less time as additional fabricators join production efforts."

  With the drone occupied with self-replication, Sam returned his attention briefly to Earth below. The pnet continued its stately rotation, eastern China gradually moving into daylight as the terminator line advanced across the surface. From this perspective, political boundaries seemed utterly meaningless—artificial constructs imposed by tiny creatures scrambling across a pnetary surface that showed no recognition of their self-important divisions.

  "Fucking absurd," he muttered, considering the countless wars fought over invisible lines drawn on maps. "Killing each other over imaginary territories while completely overlooking the actual resources that matter."

  As predicted, the first drone completed its replication within the estimated timeframe. The second drone immediately joined production efforts, both devices now constructing additional units with perfect coordination. The manufacturing cascade accelerated exponentially—two drones became four, four became eight, eight became sixteen within hours of the initial activation.

  "Sixteen units operational," Sam confirmed as the manufacturing cluster achieved his specified target. "Begin primary satellite construction while continuing drone multiplication to sixty-four units. Accessing full schematic from prototype data."

  Through quantum channels connected to his workshop, the satellite prototype's complete specifications transferred to the orbital manufacturing cluster. The drones immediately reorganized their formation, creating a three-dimensional construction framework based on the final satellite's dimensions. Raw materials continued flowing through the portal, now routing directly to various assembly points throughout the framework.

  "Construction of primary satellite structure at seven percent," Sam reported after monitoring initial progress. "Estimated completion at current fabrication capacity: seventy-three hours. Accelerated timeline once full drone complement reaches operational status: twenty-eight hours."

  The drones worked with mechanical perfection, each unit focusing on specific segments of the massive satellite while maintaining quantum coordination with the entire manufacturing cluster. As designated units continued drone replication alongside primary construction, the fabrication capacity expanded steadily, accelerating progress on the main structure.

  Sam observed the construction process with clinical interest, occasionally making minor adjustments to fabrication parameters through his gauntlets. As the satellite gradually took form, its true scale became increasingly apparent—a structure hundreds of meters across, incorporating technologies beyond anything humans would develop for thousands if not tens of thousands of years.

  "Should probably establish some personal accommodations," he decided after several hours of weightless observation. "Vacuum adaptation works perfectly, but having a proper workspace would improve efficiency."

  Using materials diverted from the main construction stream, Sam began assembling a small space ptform adjacent to the satellite framework. Unlike the utilitarian design of the satellite itself, he incorporated certain aesthetic considerations into his personal workspace—a roughly hexagonal ptform approximately twenty meters across with integrated control systems and observation facilities.

  "Basic but functional," he assessed upon completion, nding gracefully on the ptform's surface. Artificial gravity generators—another technology utterly beyond contemporary human comprehension—created Earth-normal conditions within the structure, allowing conventional movement rather than continuous weightlessness.

  From this new vantage point, Sam continued monitoring satellite construction while simultaneously reviewing data from his undersea industrial network. Mass extractors operated at maximum capacity, converting raw materials from the ocean floor into specialized components for quantum transmission to orbital manufacturing. Fusion reactors provided the enormous energy required for both extraction and fabrication processes, their combined output exceeding the total energy production of the entire human civilization in this era.

  "Mass production rate at ninety-three percent efficiency," he noted with satisfaction. "Energy output stable at eighty-seven percent of theoretical maximum. Acceptable parameters for current requirements."

  As night fell over Beijing far below, Sam's attention shifted briefly to the Forbidden City, silver eyes narrowing slightly as he deliberately allowed telepathic impressions to filter through his usual barriers. Countless minds buzzed with mundane concerns, their thoughts creating an intricate tapestry of hopes, fears, ambitions, and petty grievances. Court officials plotted minor advantages while servants worried about demanding masters. Guards fought boredom during uneventful shifts while concubines schemed for imperial favor.

  One mind in particur drew his attention—Youzhen's distinctive thought patterns shining more brightly than others due to their regur mental connection during intimate encounters. Her thoughts contained unusual focus tonight, centered around a decision that had apparently caused considerable discussion throughout the pace.

  "Well, that's interesting," Sam remarked, catching fragments of court gossip regarding the Empress's refusal of prevention tea that morning. "Ambitious little thing, aren't you? Though fundamentally misguided about certain biological realities."

  The Empress's apparent decision to attempt conception with him would normally have amused Sam as merely another example of human miscalcution. His enhanced physiology wasn't compatible with standard human reproduction—a fact he'd confirmed through decades of casual sexual encounters across multiple timelines without a single resulting pregnancy regardless of prevention methods or their absence.

  Yet something about Youzhen's determination struck him differently than previous partners who had harbored simir ambitions. Perhaps it was her practical ruthlessness in service to rger goals—her willingness to use even her own body as just another tool for securing imperial stability. Or perhaps it was something more fundamental, some resonance in her genetic structure that connected to his own through pathways he couldn't fully articute.

  "Children," he murmured, the concept flickering through his consciousness with unexpected intensity. Despite his casual dismissal of human sentiment, the idea of creating offspring had occasionally surfaced during his decades of existence. His nature made truly connecting with other beings nearly impossible—his consciousness too alien, his perceptions too fundamentally different from normal humans. Offspring might represent the only beings capable of truly understanding his unique perspective.

  "Technically impossible according to current parameters," he reminded himself, dismissing the momentary distraction with practiced efficiency. "Focus on practical objectives rather than biological impossibilities."

  Returning his attention to satellite construction, Sam noted significant progress during his brief diversion. The manufacturing cluster had expanded to thirty-two operational drones, their coordinated efforts steadily bringing the massive structure into coherent form. Primary support frameworks had been completed, with specialized systems already taking shape within the structural ttice.

  "Electron disrupter core fabrication at thirty-seven percent," he noted, studying diagnostic data projected through his gauntlets. "Kinetic delivery systems at forty-two percent completion. Primary sensor arrays at fifty-one percent."

  The electron disrupter represented perhaps the most significant component of the entire satellite network—technology specifically designed to suppress electrical technologies across pnetary surfaces. By generating precisely calibrated field effects in the upper atmosphere, these systems would effectively prevent development of electronics beyond the most primitive applications, ensuring human civilization remained technologically stunted for as long as Sam desired.

  "Can't have them developing nuclear capabilities or even basic computing," he muttered, reviewing disrupter specifications with critical assessment. "Technological infancy is the only safe state for humanity, given their consistently self-destructive tendencies."

  Historical knowledge encoded in his enhanced DNA included comprehensive records of human technological development across multiple possible timelines. Without exception, these scenarios led to various catastrophic outcomes—nuclear annihition, biological warfare, artificial intelligence rebellion, environmental colpse through uncontrolled industrialization. The specifics varied, but the result remained consistent: humanity's technological development inevitably outpaced its ethical evolution with predictably disastrous results.

  "Keeping them primitive is practically a kindness," Sam concluded with clinical detachment. "They survive longer before the inevitable self-extermination."

  As construction continued through the night, Sam occasionally returned his attention to the Forbidden City, monitoring Youzhen's activities with casual interest. She had retired to her private chambers earlier than usual, dismissing attendants after minimal evening preparations. Her thoughts remained focused on the possibility of conception, reviewing possible political ramifications of bearing a child with his unusual characteristics.

  "Fascinating thought process," Sam observed, appreciating her methodical consideration of factors ranging from court reactions to potential genetic advantages. "Strikingly pragmatic approach to reproduction, even by my standards."

  When morning arrived over Beijing, construction had progressed significantly—the satellite structure approximately forty percent complete as manufacturing capacity continued expanding through drone multiplication. Sixty-four autonomous units now worked in perfect coordination, transforming raw materials into increasingly complex systems with mechanical precision.

  "Processor core online," Sam confirmed as the satellite's central computing systems activated. "Beginning preliminary system integration while construction continues."

  Through quantum connections established by his gauntlets, Sam uploaded operational programming to the satellite's nascent consciousness—not true artificial intelligence by future standards, but vastly more sophisticated than anything humans would develop for thousands of years. The system responded immediately, internal diagnostics confirming successful integration as construction continued around its already-functional core.

  "Primary satellite achieving partial operational status," he announced to his recording function. "Surveilnce systems online at reduced capacity. Kinetic delivery non-operational pending physical completion. Electron disrupter at preliminary charge state."

  With the central systems now functioning despite incomplete physical construction, Sam established the satellite in geostationary position above eastern China. Even at partial capability, its sensor arrays provided unprecedented surveilnce coverage—high-resolution visual observation supplemented by thermal, electromagnetic, and various exotic detection systems beyond contemporary human comprehension.

  "Perfect," Sam approved, reviewing initial data streams from the satellite's surveilnce systems. The Forbidden City appeared in startling detail despite orbital distance, artificial enhancement revealing individual people moving through courtyards and corridors with perfect crity. "Accuracy exceeding projections. Resolution sufficient for individual identification at maximum zoom."

  Beyond mere visual observation, the satellite's more exotic sensors provided information impossible to obtain through conventional means—detecting electrical activity in human nervous systems, analyzing chemical compositions through atmospheric sampling, even penetrating structures to observe activities within enclosed spaces through specialized scanning technologies.

  "The Empress is currently reviewing agricultural reports in the Hall of Literary Flourishing," Sam noted, scanning surveilnce data with casual interest. "Experiencing elevated hormonal levels consistent with anticipated conception attempt, though physiologically inconsequential given reproductive incompatibility."

  He directed the satellite to expand surveilnce coverage beyond the imperial pace, scanning broader sections of Beijing and surrounding territories. The system responded with immediate efficiency, providing comprehensive data about troop movements, commercial activities, agricultural conditions, and countless other factors throughout the region.

  "Northern border garrisons maintaining standard patrol patterns," he observed, reviewing military deployments with analytical precision. "Southern provinces showing reduced rebel activity as predicted. Weather patterns indicating increased precipitation probability within seventeen days—earlier than initially calcuted but within acceptable variance."

  With surveilnce capabilities confirmed operational, Sam turned his attention to the satellite's offensive systems, still under construction but progressing rapidly toward completion. The kinetic delivery ptform—effectively an orbital bombardment system capable of striking any surface target with devastating precision—required particur attention to targeting parameters and safety protocols.

  "Not that I particurly care about colteral damage," Sam mused while adjusting kinetic strike algorithms, "but precision targeting serves practical purposes beyond mere moral considerations."

  By midday, satellite construction had reached sixty-three percent completion, with all major systems either operational or nearing activation status. The manufacturing cluster continued expanding, reaching the maximum specified ninety-six drones working in perfect coordination across the massive structure.

  "Electron disrupter core approaching full charge," Sam confirmed, monitoring power levels with careful attention. "Preparing for initial field deployment test."

  The disrupter technology represented perhaps the most significant aspect of the entire orbital system—specifically designed to suppress electrical technologies across pnetary surfaces. By generating precisely calibrated field effects in the upper atmosphere, these systems would effectively prevent development of electronics beyond the most primitive applications, ensuring human civilization remained technologically stunted indefinitely.

  "Initiating localized field test," Sam announced, directing the satellite to deploy a tightly focused disrupter beam toward a remote region of Mongolia. "Target area selected for minimal human popution to avoid unnecessary observations."

  The satellite responded immediately, electron disrupter core pulsing with intensifying energy as it projected an invisible field toward the specified coordinates. Within the target area—approximately one hundred square kilometers of rgely uninhabited steppe—subatomic particles arranged themselves in precise configurations that fundamentally altered how electrons behaved in that region.

  "Field stabilization at ninety-four percent," Sam confirmed, monitoring test results with critical assessment. "Electron behavior successfully modified throughout target area. Any attempted electrical technology within affected region would experience immediate catastrophic failure."

  Satisfied with the initial test, Sam deactivated the field before expanding his attention to broader construction pns. With the primary satellite proceeding toward completion, he began preparations for deploying additional units across Earth orbit to create comprehensive pnetary coverage.

  "Global suppression requires minimum seven satellites at strategic orbital positions," he calcuted, projecting optimal pcement patterns through his gauntlets. "With manufacturing capacity now established, secondary units can be constructed simultaneously once primary satellite reaches completion."

  The portal connecting to his workshop remained active throughout these operations, continuously channeling materials and energy from his undersea industrial network to the orbital manufacturing cluster. This constant flow of resources—virtually unlimited given the extraction capacity he'd established across the Pacific Ocean floor—ensured construction proceeded without interruption or material constraints.

  As evening approached, Sam's attention briefly returned to the Forbidden City, where court activities were concluding for the day. Youzhen had spent the afternoon addressing military representatives regarding southern rebel activity, demonstrating impressive strategic understanding for someone without formal martial training. Her performance suggested she had been studying military texts during Sam's absence—perhaps anticipating situations where his intervention might be unavaible.

  "Intelligent adaptation," he acknowledged, monitoring her interactions through satellite surveilnce. "Recognizing her limitations while actively working to overcome them. Unusual persistence for her species."

  When Youzhen retired to her private chambers that evening, Sam detected an interesting pattern in her thought processes—anticipation of his potential visit mixed with practical considerations regarding imperial governance. Despite her carefully maintained exterior composure, her thoughts revealed yered complexity including lingering resentment toward him, pragmatic acceptance of their arrangement, and genuine physical desire despite the complicated emotional context.

  "Fascinating contradictions," Sam observed, finding her psychological compartmentalization genuinely impressive by human standards. "Maintaining functional integration despite fundamentally incompatible emotional states."

  As night fell over Beijing, the satellite construction approached seventy-eight percent completion, with all major systems now operational at varying capacities. The electron disrupter core had achieved full charge state, capable of deploying suppression fields across significant portions of Asia if activated at maximum capacity.

  "Time for a proper field demonstration," Sam decided, directing the satellite to prepare continent-wide suppression deployment. "Target: all of East Asia including China, Korea, Japan, and eastern steppe regions. Field strength sufficient to prevent any electrical technology beyond most primitive applications."

  The satellite responded with mechanical precision, electron disrupter core pulsing with intensifying energy as it prepared for wide-area field deployment. Unlike the earlier localized test, this demonstration would affect hundreds of millions of people across vast territories—though in this historical period, the immediate effects would be rgely unnoticeable given the absence of electrical technologies.

  "Primarily preventative rather than disruptive at this stage," Sam noted, reviewing deployment parameters. "Ensuring technological development remains impossible rather than destroying existing systems."

  With casual precision, he activated the continent-wide field deployment. The electron disrupter projected invisible influence across East Asia, fundamentally altering subatomic behavior throughout the target region. While completely undetectable to contemporary humans, this change would make development of electrical technologies effectively impossible—any attempted circuits more sophisticated than the most primitive applications would experience immediate failure due to electron behavior modification.

  "Perfect," Sam approved, monitoring field stability throughout the target region. "Suppression effect at ninety-seven percent efficiency. Any future Fleming, Edison, or Tes emerging in this region would find their experiments mysteriously unsuccessful, with no possibility of identifying the actual cause."

  The cruelty of this technological suppression—condemning entire civilizations to permanent technological stagnation—didn't register as particurly significant in Sam's assessment. Having witnessed countless timelines where technological development led inevitably to various catastrophic outcomes, he viewed suppression as merely practical control rather than moral transgression.

  "Maintaining the current technological equilibrium indefinitely," he justified to his recording function. "Preventing the inevitable self-destruction that accompanies unconstrained technological development."

  With the field successfully deployed and satellite construction continuing toward completion, Sam decided his continuous presence in orbit was no longer immediately necessary. The manufacturing process had achieved sufficient automation to proceed effectively without direct supervision, and he found himself considering a return to the Forbidden City—partially to observe court developments directly, and partially due to more personal interests he didn't bother examining too closely.

  "Establishing automated completion protocols," he decided, programming the manufacturing cluster to continue satellite construction according to specified parameters. "Estimated full operational status within seventeen hours at current fabrication efficiency."

  Through his gauntlets, Sam opened a new spatial portal connecting his orbital ptform directly to his workshop beneath the Eastern Pace. The circur aperture stabilized quickly, creating a perfect doorway between orbit and the imperial compound thousands of kilometers below.

  "Continue construction according to established parameters," he instructed the manufacturing cluster before stepping through the portal. "Begin preparation for secondary satellite deployment once primary unit reaches full operational status."

  The transition from space to his workshop took less than a second, artificial gravity giving way to Earth's natural pull as he emerged into the familiar surroundings of his private boratory. The workshop remained exactly as he'd left it, prototype satellite still suspended in its containment field while various projects awaited his attention on surrounding workbenches.

  Sam stretched casually, his enhanced physiology already reversing the adaptations it had implemented for vacuum survival. The silver lines marking his skin pulsed briefly as nanomachines reconfigured internal systems for standard atmospheric operation, the process completed within moments of his return to Earth.