Climate wars 19 - shrinking data centres, and a sudden alarm

In which someone is destined to leave the ship.

Captain Cyan

“Captain, it looks like somebody else is going to get to market before us with far more efficient chips, which will obviate the need for huge data centres, said Kaurna.

“Hmmm”, said Captain Cyan, two blue tentacles scratching her head as she read the specifications. “We can do better. But that is good. It won’t look so unlikely that our company could come up with something that good. Fabricate some prototypes slightly poorer than theirs and demonstrate them, and put it out that we will put them into production slightly later than they expect to produce theirs. Start entering contracts to buy the raw materials. I’d prefer it if we were second so that they get all the publicity. But if they experience significant delay, the Earth can’t wait, and we’ll have to risk going ahead. And after they get theirs into production, we can engage them in a race to improve.

“The Earth can’t wait because the data centres that they are building will use masses of water and energy. They are also polluting water.

Suddenly everyone jumped as an emergency klaxon sounded.

“Action stations!” cried the captain, “sitrep!”

“Captain, there was an unauthorised opening of the entry to a lock, and someone is out in the hold, apparently without a suit. We’re on our way”, said Chief Maoru.

“Of all the stupid, dangerous things to do!” said the captain. Bring up the surveillance camera footage from outside the hold from a few minutes ago”.

The footage showed a laughing Djindan opening the hold and pushing someone in before locking it again.