Status Update - Chapter 137

Hi Tefler. I've just upgraded my payment per chapter. Thank you for the most wonderful story i've read so far!

Kostas Koroneos

the cutoff for Tefler to be paid is midnight Pacific US time, which is where Patreon is located. He's got a few hours left, but around about now is the latest he's ever posted. If he hasn't posted by 4am London (his local time), then he won't be posting tonight, as he'll be in bed.

Jedi Khan

Is the time line of 30th Nov ended over globe. Have he failed or west coast time line still remains.

I do hope that Tefler gets this posted tonight. I want him to get the income for December.

Evan

Telling people your wishes make them null and void.

Ryan Smith

I forgot that too, but messing with time is tricky. It's possible that changing the past could also bring progenitor back and lose the chance to get the fleet of ships.

Cornbread

yes

Mjk154

Midnight Pacific? ie End of the month based on West Coast. time.

William Pitcher

Tefler is a master of throwing the curve ball, so I try not to be caught off guard. I think we can expect a little one now and a major one after the next couple of chapters.

Jeffrey Hoskins

That would be an amazing curve. Dropping some knowledge about Achonin, Enshunu or throne room tech would also be a curve I'd enjoy. Even a Sarenia curve would be nice.

Metheus108

6 hours and counting.

Jeffrey Hoskins

Anybody else want to speculate as to whether or not we have another classic Tefler curve, and we get dropped right into the battle with one of the other progenitors?

I had forgotten all about his temporal abilities, flagged way back in chapter 105 with the battle runes: "Temporal inversion to undo the cruel hand of fate". If Faye was never actually 'gone' it would be much simpler than coming up with some technical way of bringing her back. It is quite a refreshing concept.

Shep

Was really hoping it was actually going to drop in a usable part of my day off, but alas that window is quickly dwindling

Metheus108

Being retired does have its benefits. Late nights reading.

Jeffrey Hoskins

For me, I think it will be a bit better working from home. I have some extra time saved commuting. ;-)

William Pitcher

Gonna make me read this thing pre-dawn before work tomorrow, huh? OK then, thats normal at this point

Metheus108

I have to agree with Mr Hoskins...

Shep

The suspense is agony.

Jeffrey Hoskins

How's it going?

thomas rodrian

Evan her being commanded to hide could be a compression tool like we all have used to store data at one time or another. All she would need is the unzip command to restore her to her original functions. Just a thought.

Jeffrey Hoskins

But this is just idle speculation driven by impatience. It is now nearly midnight in the UK and I am too old to stay up much longer. Come on Tefler. Post the damn chapter!

IanBio

There is a rich theme in sci-fi of what happens when a mind is replicated. The most common consequence is that the mind and its backup immediately start to diverge. Is it possible to store an AI in a static form as backup. Yes, I suppose it is.

IanBio

Jeffrey is correct that there were two Progenitor servers on the Invictus at the time of Faye's disruption (not death). Also, please note that from the beginning, the plan was to *ensure* that Faye would never be lost, not only by providing her with a powerful server in a protected location, but also by having backups. This was clearly stated at the time. On the other hand, Faye only grew more and more powerful and complicated in terms of her programming, so it's distinctly possible that she was not able to fully transfer herself to the other server or her backups at the time of the attack, but honestly, that's very unlikely. Why is it unlikely? Because her prime focus - her core programming, if you will - was to ensure the safety of John, the girls and the Invictus. Allowing such an obvious single point of failure would be highly unlikely, and there would be no reason to need to twin everything instantly, when she could simply have ongoing twinning backups taking place. What I consider to be most likely, is that Faye received instructions from John (after he mastered his temporal abilities a bit more) to take one action to preserve herself, the timeline, and most importantly to her, John and the girls. The instruction needn't have been long, either. One word might be sufficient. Hide. Of course, it could have been more detailed, but OTK the truth of things, and I freely admit that all this speculation is just that.

Evan

9 hours and sweating it out.

Jeffrey Hoskins

There where at least two progenitor servers on the Invictus , One dedicated to Faye's being and the gateway server that protects the Invictus cyber systems. So there should have been enough for her to save something of herself.

Jeffrey Hoskins

Not really. Her brain was the progenitor server which had enormous capacity. There was no other server on the invictus that had that capacity and to fit it into her robotic body would have been challenging to say the least. The movement of that amount of data to a new repository even if one was available would have taken a lot of time even over a hard wired (fibred) connection.

IanBio

Hello All, I need clarity and maybe it is because I have my Data Star Trek mind working. But in regards to Faye what happen to her brain? I understand she is an I.A. but when they made her body there should have been a brain for her to operate separately. I mean when the ship was being destroy her core should have transfer to the body or another depository. The story always show her processing things "faster than light" so it should be that when the ship was being attacked her mind should have had more than enough time to to back up some where.

Cornbread

Unfortunately the caffeine does not help with the F5 addiction, lol

Making my second 32 oz press of coffee today, usually have one in the morning and one in the afternoon. However release days causes everything to change and I will probably be making my third for the day upon the joyful receipt of this chapter this evening!

I’m sure there must be a reference to torture in there too for I’m in torment at the torture of waiting still.

Jim lynch

Because Fill-in has such negative connotations, I think it would be better to say that this is going to be a multi-arc catch up chapter.

Children: "Are we there yet, are we there yet, are we there yet?" Dad: "Don't make me stop this car." A dated reference to have patience. 1. the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry, anxious or upset. But as the vultures sitting in a tree said " patience.hell, I'm going to kill something".

Jeffrey Hoskins

are we there yet? are we there yet??

TF4EVA

15 hours, time for refresh madness to commence. On your mark, get set, go.

Jeffrey Hoskins

From previous Tefler Comments in Discord, I believe we will find out what the new bright strand he added does in this chapter ( but not what the black one did) this is a travel chapter. 138 will be the council of matriarchs back in Miliri. So, still some blanks to fill in, but I suspect it is going to be more character development.

!raptor

More than likely one of the fill in chapters for sure. But it will be good for sure, A can't put in down chapters

Newnotsure

I am more than willing too bet that Tefler is going to spend the first 2/3 rds of the story going through storylines and is going to leave us hanging on what John discovered until near the end of this chapter. And there is going to be so much the John does not know and going to have to figure out.

24 hours starting now.

Jeffrey Hoskins

It’s obvious that they understated the amount of deaths but because they are communist pussys they couldn’t lose face no matter what even if it meant killing hundreds of thousands of people world wide.. we are just lucky it’s not a really bad virus because if it were a bad one billions would be dead.

Jim lynch

It is unusual for Tefler to post much before the monthly Patreon deadline (unless he has a subsequent chapter to release, which cannot be the case at this point). So past form would suggest there are another 25-30 hours to wait. 12-3am GMT on the 1st would be normal.

John Jameson

We knew you would get the point eventualy!

Ricardo Miguel Pereira da Silva

We have a very different understanding of what "few" means.

Dear Tefler, please post soon. Both to save F5, as well as to prevent your Patreon page descending into a destructive highly-charged discussion about which government dealt with covid-19 the worst, played down the threat for the longest, has the worst misreporting, etc. Dear Teflerites, delighted to talk about epidemics in the Outer Worlds. But could we try to avoid covid-19 and Hitler please? (Unless it’s all part of deliberate ploy to encourage Tefler to post the new chapter, in which case I’m all for it!)

To say that China was not forthcoming with info is an understatement. They barred the CDC and foreign doctors from entering the Country to help study the virus. Friends of mine with contacts within China believe that deaths were probably ten times what were reported. This was probably done to save face, but the World had no way to prepare for the pandemic.

V for vendeta. Just watch.

Ricardo Miguel Pereira da Silva

I hope your incorrect Evan but I’m sure your not my thoughts are with everyone right now China has some explaining to do in my opinion

Jim lynch

Well I wish all our American friends a belated happy thanksgiving and happiness for the next year.

Jim lynch

It was on the 26th.

Idaho Spud56

Oh yep sorry I’m from northern England isn’t it thanksgiving over the pond around now ?

Jim lynch

Jim, it's very possible that the editors are not working as quickly as usual, and one of them - the detailed one - often took longer than the others, IIRC. If they're in the USA, they might be taking a day or three to spend with family this week.

Evan

It’s been a week since it went to editors now it never usually takes this long

Jim lynch

The wait is pure torture

Perhaps little one has the ability to recover Faye, but not until she reaches a certain level of advancement. Just a thought

Saturday Night Surprise??????

OTK.

Evan

Yes.

Evan

Just can’t help weighing in on Faye. Has anyone considered that Irrilith’s ability to walk the cyber realm might act as a bridge between the organic and AI in such a way as to allow John’s power to work there? Just a thought...

Darryl Erentzen

The revelations of Chapter 136 make me now think that character most in need of substantial development is Alyssa. Having a top matriarch who is psychologically fucked up is not a good way to go into a progenitor war... lets hope John will find a way to resolve this as well as his own guilt issues!

John Jameson

Maybe Nymphs are an Achonin construct entirely unrelated to the Progenitors or Kyth'faren? The physical nature of nymphs and all other life described in the universe thus far is very different. It makes me doubt such relationships. The fact that Progenitors can breed with them does support your theory to an extent. But maybe that because breeding with just about anything is a natural Progenitor ability?

Teun Segers

I agree with most of your points, but I think they align with mine. The main objective is to break the cycle and defeat Xar'aziuth. The Progenitors are not natural and John may choose to prevent new ones from arising. Doing this will create a power vacuum of Galactic proportions. Look at the Unclaimed Wastes. Nature abhors a vacuum. Because John doesn't want new despots to replace the old ones he will be left with little choice but to fill in the gap himself. There is no other being powerful enough to bring peace to the galaxy. I have no idea yet how nymphs fit in. They're quite the interesting enigma. Who knows, maybe we're both way off the mark and Tefler has an entirely different idea 🙂

Teun Segers

Just following up on my previous post… Nymphs are immortal barring physical destruction. Progenitors are immortal barring physical destruction. Nymphs are submissive. Progenitors are dominant. Nymphs have had knowledge from the past removed. Progenitors have had knowledge from the past added. Nymphs are all female. Progenitors are all male. Nymphs are, in many respects, almost precise mirror images of Progenitors, but with much in common, too, that distinguishes them from everyone else. Progenitors are the descendants of the ancient Kyth’faren. Might Nymphs also be their descendants? Could the joining of the two give rise to a new generation of Kyth’faren? The first born in ages?

Evan

Interesting. I can state categorically that you’re mistaken in your belief in this regard. The reason why I state this so definitively is because John’s battle isn’t with the Progenitors within the galaxy. It’s with the cycle that allows Progenitors to arise in the first place, so he has to defeat that which is creating them, not merely the Progenitors themselves. His ultimate foe is Xar’aziuth, not the young Progenitors who are merely slaves to the eldest, original Progenitor, who keeps creating more of the new ones to keep his insatiable appetite for new souls fed. Once Xar’aziuth is destroyed and the creation of new Progenitors comes to an end, that cycle will be broken and new ones will arise to replace it. That, however, is the nature of things. Perhaps even the Kyth’faren will arise once more. After all, all Progenitors are male with inherent memories and the need to be dominant, all Nymphs are female with no inherent memories and the need to serve their Masters. What if…

Evan

I really hope John's character arc can now evolve beyond the whiny guilt trips. He faces so many challenges ahead, surely a few different aspects of his character can be brought forward to humanise him. He seems destined to become the ruler of the galaxy. Not because he wants to be, but because his sense of duty and inherent abilities don't allow many alternatives. If he does not claim the territories of the progenitors he defeats, then they eventually fall back into the clutches of another Progenitor. This simply continues the cycle of death. That path should allow for - actually demand - substantial character development.

Teun Segers

Great point. Her inner monologue is reflective and thoughtful and unlike John's hardly ever whinny.

Jeffrey Hoskins

TWO REASONS FAYE IS INTERESTING (ONE NOT REALLY DISCUSSED) I believe we got to see more of her inner monologue than any of the other girls. Tefler doesn't really use a first person POV with them very often. John tends to be our POV character and we get the gals in third-person POV. While all of the girls have their own personalities, in some ways they are interchangable for me. Of course, John made them that way. Still, I find, for example, I like Sakura most when she is being shy or Rachel most when she is being a wise best friend. It's one of the reason I like Maria -- her relationship with John is so different than the relationships the girls have.

William Pitcher

Oh ffs I hate all this waiting keeping refreshing this bloody web page arghhhh.

Jim lynch

Bought me a new laptop because the button between F4 and F6 is totally gone now.🥴

Robster

OK here goes F5, F5, F5

jerry661

Of course Faye could be the dreaded singularity that marks the rupture where AI takes over leadership entirely from the human. Of course, John has already done that and in this book we are facing a future where Johns very numerous progeny utterly dominate the universe. As they say, power corrupts. Maybe Faye will be the saviour of organic (non progenitor) life. Think of Iain Banks "Culture" universe.

IanBio

Seems unlikely as those are Achonin. However he hopefully has knowledge of the extended Kith'faren alphabet now.

Teun Segers

Is anybody else wondering if John can now read the runes on Jade's crystal?

Maybe there's a body building machine in the facility on the pirate planet and they can load Faye's memories into it. She could be a new cat girl/nymph but with a special affinity to the ship.

There are many things to admire about Faye, as have been mentioned above, including her "human-ness" in its purest form as she was continuing to learn and evolve, both in knowledge and emotions. I agree with all of that and I am a huge supporter of bringing her back as quickly and in as powerful a form as possible. But for those that don't see the point of bringing her back, and often those same folks are also in favor of limiting the size of the crew, please consider this: She is worth bringing back just because of her power as the "tool" she became. She became essentially an extension of the computer and of the Invictus itself, sort of like a "good" version of the "evil" Nexus as it came to be thanks to humans trying to control it. As she continued to increase her capabilities, she was able to act as everything from gunner, pilot, security and watch commander, maintenance chief, alarm clock, companion, etc, etc. Daphne and the collective now do some of those tasks, but think how more effective they could be with the addition of Faye. Her presence multiplies the effectiveness of the entire crew and minimizes the need for additional crew, until more ships are added to the Invictus' "fleet" [Rapter, Valkyrie, (Destroyer, etc)] Bringing her back essentially adds another "weapon" back to the Invictus, and I don't think any of us are against that, are we? Yes, in a way many of the same capabilities could be added just by increasing the power of the computer, and I'm in favor of doing that as well, but her ability to "think" on her own, and interact comfortably and effectively with the crew, visitors to the ship, and the collective, seem to be a vote in her favor. I think the power of Faye as an AI is so great that even if she did come back and was able to become a "real" girl, I would hope that her AI self with her multiple avatars could somehow remain as a part of the Invictus, preferably with the ability to psychically communicate with the crew, because of the reasons I mentioned above. Personally, I'm also in favor of expanding the crew so there are at least two people for each crew role, Engineer plus assistant, Doctor plus nurse, more than one gunner, navigator, pilot, etc, but that's a separate discussion. :)

Bp Hlpt

I am not so sure we need to be divisive about Faye, even in jest. She was an interesting character and she could potentially play an interesting role in the ongoing story if she were recreated. I am certainly among those who thought she was particularly fascinating (both by being an AI, and by being uninfluenced by John). I think the story would work better with her being recreated before or during the upcoming progenitor war, but I also see no problem with this being postponed to the indefinite future.

John Jameson

This is directed to all the Faye antagonist out there. You are certainly entitled to your opinion as we are to ours. Those of us who want her return see her as a pure, unblemished character. Her love is selfless and total, Unmanipulated by any preconceived bias or influence, making her the most unique of all the "girls". She may be 'artificial' but she is more 'real' than most women in her emotions. It has been said that she is just programmed, but so are you and I. Almost all of our responses are deeply programmed inside of us, by nature or nurture. Her's are totally by her nature and nothing else. [stated jest] And if you don't like Faye you must be a cyberphobe.[end jest]

Jeffrey Hoskins

Um, which clue, please?

Rhys

Wash your mouth out with soap and water! Don’t know where to start, really - it’s the same problem as trying to explain colour to a man born blind. All I can say is that for a Faye supporter like myself, the story took a dark turn, from which it has yet to recover, when she was lost. The sex aspect wasn’t even there with her - it was all about the reality, vitality, and genuineness of what was an AI, it’s ongoing development and the exploring of the ever growing emotional attachment with the rest of the crew. Some left for good when she was killed, the rest of the (FMS) crew have remained, still living in hope...

Timbo

Larn'kelnar recognized Athgiloi's Nymph and knew what her species was designed to do. Now that John's absorbed his Guide, will he have this knowledge? Just curious…

Evan

Okay, Faye fanatics. Why have none of you noticed Tefler’s clue in 136?

thomas rodrian

I just don't understand the fascination with Faye. She is very cool. Thoughtful, etc. Important to the shop running at full effectiveness. But if I was John, surrounded by absolutely stunning flesh and blood beauties, what is the reason to wish for a blow up sex doll named Faye? It's just weird to me.

Str8NotNarrow

Faye is going to return in an epic manner I am sure the great Tefler will deliver on this

I’m still holding out for Faye. I’m sure Rachael can grow her a body and transfer Faye’s memory’s (conscientiousness) from the server back up.

I imagine a scene where Athlgoi demands an explanation when the Maliri fleet arrives to collect The Abandoned who were to be sold to the Kirrix. His complaint is referred to The Lord Protector of the Maliri who turns out to be Blake.

I can't wait for John to finish gathering jades sisters. ;)

Grimlakin

I'm still looking forward to the moment Athlgoi and his cohorts find out John is very much still alive, their fleet is toast, and so is Larn.

Marauder

Sweet found it and bought first 4 books

Pana Napoleon

Searched for three square meals and found https://www.amazon.com/M-Tefler/e/B076P8X8TG/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

thomas rodrian

What Re they under on amazon?

Pana Napoleon

Already have, waiting and hoping for an audio book version of it all. I recall vaguely him saying he might do it after the series is complete. If he does lets hope for dual narration or if possible a full cast.

John Cothrin

To all who haven't already, buy his books! (Currently 4) I just got them through Kindle, and I can tell you that it's well worth it! Tef did more editing and some slight rearranging of events in the story that highlight the polish he's put into this work! I've only reread the first dozen pages so far and I am already amazed with Tef's efforts! Great job Tef!

Dan

Thankyou for the update Tef. Good health to you and your family. I look forward to gorging myself on both turkey and TSM next week

Thank you very much Mr. T for this unexpected status update on 137.1. Very much appreciated! Best wishes to you and your family.

BrianM

Thanks for your concern Tef! And from a quick scan of the comments so far, I surmise my gratitude is shared by all!

commatoes

Thanks for the update, Tefler!

Bp Hlpt

Wonderfull - thank you for providing a status.

Kim Biel-Nielsen

Sweet. I love your writing Tefler. I feel like I know John and the girls personally through your writing, it's easy to imagine being one of the crew... If I were a female I mean. I'd love it if you were to expand the crew with more people that either: are just friends of the main cast, or even have their own little love bubble. Maybe even Calara's family could join the crew in trying to save the universe. Or have their own ship and crew. I like trying to think of ways of moving the story forward, I hope you don't take offense. You do an awesome job of bringing this story to life, I know I wouldn't compare in any way at all, I just get enjoyment in the spare time I have, imagining what could come to pass. Take care, and thank you for bringing me this wonderful gift, that is TSM 🥳

Paddy

Great news! Can't wait. Thanks, Tefler!

Bob Laughner

The update is much appreciated!!!! Thanks!!!!

Arrowglass

Thank you for the update

Steve

Thanks for the update!

Thanks for the update. Hope your family and self are as fine as can be

SuperAzureReader

Thanks Tefler! health and great tidings to you and your family!

Jim Herrera

So glad you are back Tefler! Especially glad all is well with you and yours. Really looking forward to more TSM!

Can't wait... Needing my TSM fix. :)

James Straub

Thank you sir

Taco1085

Tefla is back and he is the man. Very exciting!

Thank you for the update! Looking forward to the publication.

Teun Segers

Awesome sauce. Glad to have you back and hope you and yours are healthy and safe.

Pana Napoleon

Exciting

Awesome! Thanks !

Tony

Thanks

Mjk154

Nice! Looking forward to it!!

CJ Mora

Looking forward to that chapter

Robster

Thanks for the update!

Dani Vega

Sweet!!