Andrew got busy, looking over the sensor data from their surroundings, but there was something bugging him and he was unable to focus on the task.
It took him a few minutes, but it finally clicked and once it did a lightbulb went off in his head.
-Aelita can you come here for a moment?
He asked with a smile.
Once she approached they started to whisper amongst themselves and Nairin didn't like the changes in her teacher's expression as it went from surprise to understanding and even approval in an extremely short time.
She didn't need to guess what was going on for long as they both called her over a moment later.
-Nairin, I have a special assignment for you.
Andrew began with that devilish grin she hated to see as it always meant trouble for whoever it was meant for.
-For this entire day you have full control of the 50 component manufacturing modules and all the resources of this station at your disposal.
The Task is to build your own substation, whose purpose will be production.
Starting from this moment, you have till the end of the day to manufacture all the modules you deem necessary to accomplish it, and as of tomorrow, you will need to rely on your substation to get whatever you need to accomplish further tasks.
You can use the modules you built earlier as a starting point.
Nairin was speechless, hearing this, but Andrew didn't even blink and proceeded to explain further.
-Tomorrow, you will have the resources, but not the modules from the station at your disposal, and from the day after tomorrow, it will be your own substation at work and nothing more.
To make it even more challenging, you cannot ask for help from anyone except Lanarine, who will only be able to give you her scan data.
For the duration of this assignment, Aelita will take over the production of modules for the new stations and upgrades for our station.
The girl was stunned and it took a moment for her to figure out that he was not joking around.
-Then what's my goal?
She finally asked.
-The goal is to achieve as much as you can with only what you have, the further you progress the better.
You have a time limit of one week, to accomplish as much as possible, and if you want a definitive goal, then let's set it at building either a shipyard or a jump gate, both if you think you can manage that.
Aelita said while watching her student's jaw hit the floor with amusement.
-Additionally, you are going to be sleeping as usual and you are prohibited from skipping meals.
Andrew added.
-Chip 05, deactivate.
He said after a second, surprising her even more.
-This is your reward if you manage to fulfill my expectations, and if you fail, you will be my sparing partner for a whole week.
Andrew said with a wicked smile.
He was amused, by seeing Nairin's happiness turn into sheer horror, when she heard the penalty for failure.
All the ladies at one point wanted to spar with Andrew and witness the martial arts he was training.
However, one session was more than enough to make them regret their decision and swear to never spar with the human again.
Even though no one was seriously injured, the beating they received was enough for them to be horrified of ever challenging him into hand-to-hand combat, even if it was just a sparing match.
-Do you accept the challenge?
Andrew asked after a moment, giving her some time to get back to her senses.
-So I can refuse?
Nairin asked, surprised as she was convinced that this assignment was mandatory.
-You can, and everything will be the same as before this conversation, but do you really want to reject this challenge?
Andrew asked seriously, knowing full well that she would not back down from this as this was her chance to shine and prove herself.
-I'll accept, but if the penalty is to be like this, then I want an additional reward if I manage to reach both main goals.
She said with determination.
-And what would that reward be?
Andrew asked.
His curiosity was piqued.
-You will grant my one wish if I succeed in building both the shipyard and the jump gate.
She said with a challenge in her voice.
the human thought it over for a moment before answering.
-If it's in my power to grant then I agree.
He said, accepting her terms.
-Then I accept the assignment.
She said happily, like she had already won, and went back to her console to start producing the modules she would need to make her substation.
Seeing this, Andrew was sure that he had guessed correctly.
Nairin was just like any other student, and she wanted recognition of her talents and also needed a challenge to prove her worth to herself and everyone else.
Once he figured this part out, the rest fell into place, making him understand her motives for secretly manufacturing modules and adding functions to the drones.
The girl was simply looking for a challenge and attention, so he decided to give her both at the same time.
He shared his discovery and plan with Aelita, who was surprised at first, but after an explanation, she understood what was going on and accepted his plan.
Seeing how energetic and enthusiastic Nairin became once she accepted the assignment, she knew they made the right decision.
-That was an unexpected development.
Lanarines voice came from the entrance, making all three of them look that way and see that they had an audience to their little conversation, as everyone else except Iliana was standing there.
-You want an assignment to?
Andrew asked with a mischievous smile.
-No thank you, I'd rather not suffer as your sparing partner for a week.
The geologist refused with a smile.
The rest of the ladies also shook their heads, declining the offer, except for Arien, who had no idea why everyone was so afraid of a sparring match with him.
But she also decided not to find out if she didn't have to.
Not long later, Sarill contacted Drevon and Rhuneek to let them know that the ships could come to pick up the next batch of modules.
The whole fleet was stationed at the two new stations, to protect them if anyone tried to attack them.
Not that there were many pirates dumb enough to go against 25 ships when most of the pirate groups consisted of 3 to 12 ships of the same class.
It also helped that most of them heard what happened to anyone who crossed Andrew.