Ala Crescent
Director, Special Projects
[SIZE=11pt]Image Source:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] N/A[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Intent:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] To create an effective combat AI. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Development Thread:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Model:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] KM-2 Minerva[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Affiliation:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Kiribian Systems Union, Closed Market (Lightside Factions/Customers Only)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Modularity:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Yes, software can be modified. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Production:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Limited[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Material:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Pyronium[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt], Reinforced [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Duraplast[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] and [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Ferrocarbon[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Casing, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Hypermatter[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt], Internal Components[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Special Features:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE]
[*]
[SIZE=11pt]Software[/SIZE]
[*]
[SIZE=11pt]EMP/Ion Resistance[/SIZE]
[*]
[SIZE=11pt]Water Resistance[/SIZE]
[*]
[SIZE=11pt]Corrosive Resistance (Ferrocarbon)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Strengths[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]+Minerva is portable - about the size of a grapefruit - and is able to be plugged into preexisting platforms without any special modifications.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]+Is capable of real-time astrogation due to a combination of superluminal processing speeds that can keep up with the speed of hyperspace travel, and Force detection. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]+Resistance to EMP/Ion blasts. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]+Resistant to Mech-Deru or Force based slicing techniques that can circumvent normal security protocols. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Weaknesses[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-Minerva units are strong willed, capable of rejecting commands it deems counterproductive to the overall mission and strategic aims of its organization. It takes a long view on matters, which may frustrate more short-sighted and impulsive commanders. It can go as far as disabling systems to prevent its user from taking actions it does not agree with. However, this is usually reserved in extreme instances where it may interpret some action as an illegal order, again according to the standards of its organization. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-Minerva requires a continuous energy supply to maintain the formation of hyperspace matrices. Loss of power or power surges will result in the destruction of the matrices and the processing clusters requiring a lengthy repair process required outside of battle. (Once a minerva unit is disabled in a thread, it’s done for the remainder). On internal power for normal operation mode, it can last between 2-6 hours depending on workload, or 72 hours in standby/hibernation mode. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-Its functionality limited by the feature set of the host platform. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-The use of hypermatter in the design makes the unit potentially volatile when targeted for destruction.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-As with other alchemical items or Force Sensitive beings, it is vulnerable to anti-FU techniques and technology, which can reduce functionality or disable the unit. Specific effects depend on the item or technique used. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Description[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Minerva is a portable, Force-enhanced artificial intelligence platform specialized for warfare on the tactical, operational, and strategic level. Its operation is based around a new computing architecture pioneered by KSA’s Special Projects Division, which combines quantum and hyperspatial mechanics to create a system capable of processing and transmitting information at superluminal speeds, dubbed a hypercomputer. While only the fraction of the size of typical AI setups, which may require large server clusters for operation, Minerva boasts the power of a full sized system. Its portability is a major asset, as a point of weakness is removed as its processing center is self-contained. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]A reliance on cloud computing had left Kiribian military Command and Control (C2) networks increasingly vulnerable to cyber and electronic attacks despite the development of countermeasures. However, the reason why the military had been adopting cloud computing solutions was that local server clusters for super computers and AI required large amounts of space for housing, which took away from storage and the installation of other systems, leaving designers stressed with a constant balancing act.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]The Special Projects Division of KSA was tasked with developing more compact computing solutions that could be reasonably fit within vessels without a sacrifice to the placement of other systems. Several parallel projects began in order to find a solution. One such development would be the creation of the [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]memristor[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt], which operated both as a processing and storage unit which allowed for compact processing blades.[/SIZE]
Success would later be found with an even more radical solution involving the use of pyronium. Long had the exotic substance been used in energy storage and defense applications because of its ability to hold abnormally large amounts of energy. Closer examination confirmed the theory that this special property came in part because of the material’s natural ability to form hyperspace matrixes to store excess energy. Ala Crescent, Director of the SPD, determined that these pockets of hyperspace could be used to host processing clusters made from entangled atoms of tachyonic matter, more commonly known as hypermatter. Within these matrixes, these processors could function well beyond the speed of light as their operations were not bound by the laws of realspace.
[SIZE=11pt]To test the feasibility of the concept, she devised a prototype design in a KSA hyperlab that could generate hyperspace pockets for study. Inspired by the use of optical lattices in baryonic based quantum computers, she developed a similar scheme using a grid of tachyon beam generators that intersected with the hyperspace pocket to both contain and entangle hypermatter atoms. After some fine tweaking of the tachyon grid, the lab team was successful in entanglement of the hypermatter atoms and using them for processing. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]From there, the lab team would branch off into their development of a consumer version of this new quantum computer architecture while Crescent returned to SPD to continue working on the next phase of the project, miniaturizing the setup she had created for use with small grapefruit sized blocks of pyronium. The system would consist of a tachyon grid, hypermatter, and micro-subspace transmitters to link processing clusters between matrices. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]SPD had issue with miniaturization efforts during initial efforts, as it was it was noted that the hyperspace matrixes were too unstable to maintain the processing clusters and they would quickly collapse. Investigations into the problem led to the conclusion that the standard refinement process for pyronium led to too many impurities for such delicate operations. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Force Sensitives like the Jedi Arisa Yune were brought in to improve the refinement process with the similar techniques used for the refinement of lightsaber crystals, and alloys for force imbued swords. These new batches of Force-refined pyronium were able to generate the stable matrices needed to allow the processing clusters to survive. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]An unintentional side-effect of the Force imbuement was granting the units the ability to detect the Force, much like a holocron. This opened up a new realm of possibilities, and development went into programming to utilize these paranormal properties in calculations and expand the functionality of the unit. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]The units entered the next stage of development, which was the creation of the neural network for a sentient AI. To avoid a scenario of creating hostile units that would turn against their creators in a [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Clockwork[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]-like scenario, each unit was imprinted with personality template based from neural scans of individuals with traits that would make the units more conservative and loyal in nature to their operators. From there, over a period of several weeks, sentience is developed in a deep learning process that covers topics like culture, ethics, and law in an effort to create a strong moral base. From there, they receive additional specialized training to act as effective analysis and command units on all levels of warfare, including the strategic level which involves considering policies with far reaching ramifications over years and decades. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Out in the field, each unit may adopt some personality traits from their primary users over time, for example, becoming more assertive or introverted. Individual experiences in battle may lead to personality development as well, such as a unit becoming more cautious after failure from aggressive actions. Specific quirks will vary from unit to unit, but they are all hardwired with baseline qualities that makes them abhor reckless and needlessly destructive actions that will undermine operational success and so may refuse to take orders based off a cost-benefit analysis with the overall strategic goals in mind. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Below is breakdown of the operational capabilities a standard Minerva unit within the confines of war:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Command and Control/Intelligence[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Much like a Subutai Tactical Analysis System, Minerva acts to gather information from across the battlenet for analysis and the development of comprehensive intelligence for commanders and other users in real time. Minerva can also be used to automate direct the functions of systems like fire control. Cyborgs or Force Sensitives with talent for communicating with machines can directly interface with Minerva units use the AI like an [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]exocortex[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] for greatly expanded cognitive abilities. With other Hydra equipped platforms, it can sync up with them to coordinate actions. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Navigation [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Historically, computer navigation systems have been unable to conduct astrogation in real time as neither their processors or sensors could keep up with hyperspace traveling times. Minerva does have this capability, through a combination of superluminal processing speeds and the ability to detect celestial objects and gravitational fields through the Force. With real-time navigation, travel times can be considerably cut down as Minerva can seek the most efficient route outside of established (mostly) static hyperlanes which are plotted with safety in mind. Precise guidance allows it to use methods like slingshot maneuvers to bypass gravity wells like those made black holes or by artificial gravity generators, a prized feature in a time where all manner of interdiction platforms have become commonplace. Because of the advantage this particular features brings, it is a closely guarded secret known to few outside of KSA and the highest echelons of the KSU. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Cyber[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Security/Warfare[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Minerva sports robust offensive and defensive capabilities. Standard military encryption built on binary computer architecture is relatively easy to crack by sheer processing power alone. Many of these cryptographic schemes were then devised under the assumption that no computing system would be powerful enough to solve the underlying equations for the encryption, but with new computer systems boasting exponentially more power like like quantum or biocomputers capable of parallel processing, this is no longer the case. Even basic astromech droids have little trouble with dealing with encryption, provided they have access to the network. More sophisticated cryptographic schemes like those based off of quantum mechanics may be more difficult to crack or altogether impossible by brute force tactics alone. In these instances, it will also look for vulnerabilities in the system to exploit, user error often being the easiest path to accomplish this (e.g. phishing, trojan horses). Sometimes it may take advantage of its Force enhancement to try to circumvent these defenses. (This method can only be used when the unit has physical access to a target machine or a node within a network.)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Opposing AI or powerful data centers can give Minerva some trouble, but it can pool computing power with other platforms or slave systems to itself to create botnets to vastly increase its power to overwhelm these systems. This can be a particularly effective tactic against shipbound AI units with relatively limited resources. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]For security, Minerva runs a special installation of Mithril Security Software optimized to run with the sentient AI. Outside of that, Minerva has its own inherent ability to improve its encryption methods as it encounters new threats. The Force imbuement process gives the unit a high degree of resistance to hostile Mecha-Deru users attempting to seize control.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Electronic Warfare [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]In this realm of combat, Minerva is limited to the capabilities of its host platform. No ECM/ECCM capabilities would mean that the unit couldn’t do anything. However, when these conditions are met, it can help enhance the operation these platforms. For example, helping to process out background clutter in readings created from jamming (including [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]gravitic amplitude modulators[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]/[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]pulsemass-generators[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]). Decreasing the time it takes to descramble wireless communications (or strengthening the encryption of one’s own communications). Analyzing a jamming signal to create an inverse signal to cancel it out.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Primary Sources[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Chaos[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Teigra, Suravi. “Kiribi.” February 9, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwarsrp.net/topic/79302-kiribi/[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Teigra, Suravi. “Slingshot Missile Guidance Module” February 16, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. http://starwarsrp.net/topic/80018-slingshot-missile-guidance-module/. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Foster, Judas. “AXIOS Central Artificial Intelligence System.” December 22, 2013. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwarsrp.net/topic/15380-axios-central-artificial-intelligence-system/[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]isard, Willa. “La Rasa.” April 10, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. http://starwarsrp.net/topic/83764-la-rasa/. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Quee, Gir. “Atropos-class Artificial Intelligence.” January 7, 2017. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwarsrp.net/topic/102339-atropos-class-artificial-intelligence/?hl=%2Blucerne+%2Blabs[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Star Wars Wiki[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Hyperspace/legends.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Hyperspace/Legends[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Navigation Computer/legends.” Accessed February 15, 2017. http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Navigation_computer/Legends. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Instinctive Astrogation.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Instinctive_astrogation[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Real World Inspiration[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Quantum Computing.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Quantum_computing[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Optical Lattice.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Optical_lattice[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Quantum Neural Network.” Accessed February 15, 2017. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Quantum_neural_network. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Phys. “Entangling the Atoms in an Optical Lattice for Quantum Computation.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]https://phys.org/news/2014-03-entangling-atoms-optical-lattice-quantum.html[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Nordrum, Amy. “Quantum Computer Comes Closer to Cracking RSA Encryption.” March 3, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/computing/hardware/encryptionbusting-quantum-computer-practices-factoring-in-scalable-fiveatom-experiment[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://www.wired.co.uk/article/quantum-computers-quantum-security-encryption[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Bourque, Brad. “MIT’s Newest Quantum Computer Puts Us One Step Closer to Defeating Modern Encryption.” March 8, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/mit-five-atom-quantum-rsa/[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Feinberg, Ashley. “Sneaky ‘Honey Encryption’ Stops Hackers by Drowning Them in Phony Data.” January 29, 2014. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]https://gizmodo.com/sneaky-honey-encryption-stops-hackers-by-drowning-the-1511718913[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Intent:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] To create an effective combat AI. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Development Thread:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Acquiring Pyronium - [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]The Wheel of Fortune[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] (Relevant posts: 97,143,147, 149, 156) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]AI Development, Alchemizing Pyronium - [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Peacemaker[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] (21 posts at 3,291 words)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Arisa [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Yune[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] using a Minerva unit in live combat - [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Don’t Pay the Ferryman[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] (Relevant posts: 31, 35) (Ongoing thread) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Model:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] KM-2 Minerva[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Affiliation:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Kiribian Systems Union, Closed Market (Lightside Factions/Customers Only)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Modularity:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Yes, software can be modified. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Production:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Limited[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Material:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Pyronium[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt], Reinforced [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Duraplast[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] and [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Ferrocarbon[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Casing, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Hypermatter[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt], Internal Components[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Special Features:[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Communications[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Biocomm[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Subspace Transceiver[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Hyperwave Transceiver[/SIZE]
[*]
[SIZE=11pt]Software[/SIZE]
[*]
[SIZE=11pt]EMP/Ion Resistance[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Deionizer[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Energy Sink[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Reinforced Duraplast Casing[/SIZE]
[*]
[SIZE=11pt]Water Resistance[/SIZE]
[*]
[SIZE=11pt]Corrosive Resistance (Ferrocarbon)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Strengths[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]+Minerva is portable - about the size of a grapefruit - and is able to be plugged into preexisting platforms without any special modifications.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]+Is capable of real-time astrogation due to a combination of superluminal processing speeds that can keep up with the speed of hyperspace travel, and Force detection. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]+Resistance to EMP/Ion blasts. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]+Resistant to Mech-Deru or Force based slicing techniques that can circumvent normal security protocols. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Weaknesses[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-Minerva units are strong willed, capable of rejecting commands it deems counterproductive to the overall mission and strategic aims of its organization. It takes a long view on matters, which may frustrate more short-sighted and impulsive commanders. It can go as far as disabling systems to prevent its user from taking actions it does not agree with. However, this is usually reserved in extreme instances where it may interpret some action as an illegal order, again according to the standards of its organization. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-Minerva requires a continuous energy supply to maintain the formation of hyperspace matrices. Loss of power or power surges will result in the destruction of the matrices and the processing clusters requiring a lengthy repair process required outside of battle. (Once a minerva unit is disabled in a thread, it’s done for the remainder). On internal power for normal operation mode, it can last between 2-6 hours depending on workload, or 72 hours in standby/hibernation mode. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-Its functionality limited by the feature set of the host platform. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-The use of hypermatter in the design makes the unit potentially volatile when targeted for destruction.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]-As with other alchemical items or Force Sensitive beings, it is vulnerable to anti-FU techniques and technology, which can reduce functionality or disable the unit. Specific effects depend on the item or technique used. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Description[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Minerva is a portable, Force-enhanced artificial intelligence platform specialized for warfare on the tactical, operational, and strategic level. Its operation is based around a new computing architecture pioneered by KSA’s Special Projects Division, which combines quantum and hyperspatial mechanics to create a system capable of processing and transmitting information at superluminal speeds, dubbed a hypercomputer. While only the fraction of the size of typical AI setups, which may require large server clusters for operation, Minerva boasts the power of a full sized system. Its portability is a major asset, as a point of weakness is removed as its processing center is self-contained. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]A reliance on cloud computing had left Kiribian military Command and Control (C2) networks increasingly vulnerable to cyber and electronic attacks despite the development of countermeasures. However, the reason why the military had been adopting cloud computing solutions was that local server clusters for super computers and AI required large amounts of space for housing, which took away from storage and the installation of other systems, leaving designers stressed with a constant balancing act.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]The Special Projects Division of KSA was tasked with developing more compact computing solutions that could be reasonably fit within vessels without a sacrifice to the placement of other systems. Several parallel projects began in order to find a solution. One such development would be the creation of the [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]memristor[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt], which operated both as a processing and storage unit which allowed for compact processing blades.[/SIZE]
Success would later be found with an even more radical solution involving the use of pyronium. Long had the exotic substance been used in energy storage and defense applications because of its ability to hold abnormally large amounts of energy. Closer examination confirmed the theory that this special property came in part because of the material’s natural ability to form hyperspace matrixes to store excess energy. Ala Crescent, Director of the SPD, determined that these pockets of hyperspace could be used to host processing clusters made from entangled atoms of tachyonic matter, more commonly known as hypermatter. Within these matrixes, these processors could function well beyond the speed of light as their operations were not bound by the laws of realspace.
[SIZE=11pt]To test the feasibility of the concept, she devised a prototype design in a KSA hyperlab that could generate hyperspace pockets for study. Inspired by the use of optical lattices in baryonic based quantum computers, she developed a similar scheme using a grid of tachyon beam generators that intersected with the hyperspace pocket to both contain and entangle hypermatter atoms. After some fine tweaking of the tachyon grid, the lab team was successful in entanglement of the hypermatter atoms and using them for processing. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]From there, the lab team would branch off into their development of a consumer version of this new quantum computer architecture while Crescent returned to SPD to continue working on the next phase of the project, miniaturizing the setup she had created for use with small grapefruit sized blocks of pyronium. The system would consist of a tachyon grid, hypermatter, and micro-subspace transmitters to link processing clusters between matrices. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]SPD had issue with miniaturization efforts during initial efforts, as it was it was noted that the hyperspace matrixes were too unstable to maintain the processing clusters and they would quickly collapse. Investigations into the problem led to the conclusion that the standard refinement process for pyronium led to too many impurities for such delicate operations. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Force Sensitives like the Jedi Arisa Yune were brought in to improve the refinement process with the similar techniques used for the refinement of lightsaber crystals, and alloys for force imbued swords. These new batches of Force-refined pyronium were able to generate the stable matrices needed to allow the processing clusters to survive. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]An unintentional side-effect of the Force imbuement was granting the units the ability to detect the Force, much like a holocron. This opened up a new realm of possibilities, and development went into programming to utilize these paranormal properties in calculations and expand the functionality of the unit. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]The units entered the next stage of development, which was the creation of the neural network for a sentient AI. To avoid a scenario of creating hostile units that would turn against their creators in a [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Clockwork[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]-like scenario, each unit was imprinted with personality template based from neural scans of individuals with traits that would make the units more conservative and loyal in nature to their operators. From there, over a period of several weeks, sentience is developed in a deep learning process that covers topics like culture, ethics, and law in an effort to create a strong moral base. From there, they receive additional specialized training to act as effective analysis and command units on all levels of warfare, including the strategic level which involves considering policies with far reaching ramifications over years and decades. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Out in the field, each unit may adopt some personality traits from their primary users over time, for example, becoming more assertive or introverted. Individual experiences in battle may lead to personality development as well, such as a unit becoming more cautious after failure from aggressive actions. Specific quirks will vary from unit to unit, but they are all hardwired with baseline qualities that makes them abhor reckless and needlessly destructive actions that will undermine operational success and so may refuse to take orders based off a cost-benefit analysis with the overall strategic goals in mind. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Below is breakdown of the operational capabilities a standard Minerva unit within the confines of war:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Command and Control/Intelligence[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Much like a Subutai Tactical Analysis System, Minerva acts to gather information from across the battlenet for analysis and the development of comprehensive intelligence for commanders and other users in real time. Minerva can also be used to automate direct the functions of systems like fire control. Cyborgs or Force Sensitives with talent for communicating with machines can directly interface with Minerva units use the AI like an [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]exocortex[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] for greatly expanded cognitive abilities. With other Hydra equipped platforms, it can sync up with them to coordinate actions. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Navigation [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Historically, computer navigation systems have been unable to conduct astrogation in real time as neither their processors or sensors could keep up with hyperspace traveling times. Minerva does have this capability, through a combination of superluminal processing speeds and the ability to detect celestial objects and gravitational fields through the Force. With real-time navigation, travel times can be considerably cut down as Minerva can seek the most efficient route outside of established (mostly) static hyperlanes which are plotted with safety in mind. Precise guidance allows it to use methods like slingshot maneuvers to bypass gravity wells like those made black holes or by artificial gravity generators, a prized feature in a time where all manner of interdiction platforms have become commonplace. Because of the advantage this particular features brings, it is a closely guarded secret known to few outside of KSA and the highest echelons of the KSU. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Cyber[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Security/Warfare[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Minerva sports robust offensive and defensive capabilities. Standard military encryption built on binary computer architecture is relatively easy to crack by sheer processing power alone. Many of these cryptographic schemes were then devised under the assumption that no computing system would be powerful enough to solve the underlying equations for the encryption, but with new computer systems boasting exponentially more power like like quantum or biocomputers capable of parallel processing, this is no longer the case. Even basic astromech droids have little trouble with dealing with encryption, provided they have access to the network. More sophisticated cryptographic schemes like those based off of quantum mechanics may be more difficult to crack or altogether impossible by brute force tactics alone. In these instances, it will also look for vulnerabilities in the system to exploit, user error often being the easiest path to accomplish this (e.g. phishing, trojan horses). Sometimes it may take advantage of its Force enhancement to try to circumvent these defenses. (This method can only be used when the unit has physical access to a target machine or a node within a network.)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Opposing AI or powerful data centers can give Minerva some trouble, but it can pool computing power with other platforms or slave systems to itself to create botnets to vastly increase its power to overwhelm these systems. This can be a particularly effective tactic against shipbound AI units with relatively limited resources. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]For security, Minerva runs a special installation of Mithril Security Software optimized to run with the sentient AI. Outside of that, Minerva has its own inherent ability to improve its encryption methods as it encounters new threats. The Force imbuement process gives the unit a high degree of resistance to hostile Mecha-Deru users attempting to seize control.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Electronic Warfare [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]In this realm of combat, Minerva is limited to the capabilities of its host platform. No ECM/ECCM capabilities would mean that the unit couldn’t do anything. However, when these conditions are met, it can help enhance the operation these platforms. For example, helping to process out background clutter in readings created from jamming (including [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]gravitic amplitude modulators[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]/[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]pulsemass-generators[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]). Decreasing the time it takes to descramble wireless communications (or strengthening the encryption of one’s own communications). Analyzing a jamming signal to create an inverse signal to cancel it out.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Primary Sources[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Chaos[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Teigra, Suravi. “Kiribi.” February 9, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwarsrp.net/topic/79302-kiribi/[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Teigra, Suravi. “Slingshot Missile Guidance Module” February 16, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. http://starwarsrp.net/topic/80018-slingshot-missile-guidance-module/. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Foster, Judas. “AXIOS Central Artificial Intelligence System.” December 22, 2013. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwarsrp.net/topic/15380-axios-central-artificial-intelligence-system/[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]isard, Willa. “La Rasa.” April 10, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. http://starwarsrp.net/topic/83764-la-rasa/. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Quee, Gir. “Atropos-class Artificial Intelligence.” January 7, 2017. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwarsrp.net/topic/102339-atropos-class-artificial-intelligence/?hl=%2Blucerne+%2Blabs[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Star Wars Wiki[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Hyperspace/legends.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Hyperspace/Legends[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Navigation Computer/legends.” Accessed February 15, 2017. http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Navigation_computer/Legends. [/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]Real World Inspiration[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Quantum Computing.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Quantum_computing[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Optical Lattice.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Optical_lattice[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“Quantum Neural Network.” Accessed February 15, 2017. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Quantum_neural_network. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Phys. “Entangling the Atoms in an Optical Lattice for Quantum Computation.” Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]https://phys.org/news/2014-03-entangling-atoms-optical-lattice-quantum.html[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Nordrum, Amy. “Quantum Computer Comes Closer to Cracking RSA Encryption.” March 3, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/computing/hardware/encryptionbusting-quantum-computer-practices-factoring-in-scalable-fiveatom-experiment[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://www.wired.co.uk/article/quantum-computers-quantum-security-encryption[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Bourque, Brad. “MIT’s Newest Quantum Computer Puts Us One Step Closer to Defeating Modern Encryption.” March 8, 2016. Accessed February 15, 2017. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/mit-five-atom-quantum-rsa/[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE]
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