These ships were no longer ordinary vessels, and they could not simply be treated as boats.
Coming alive meant having emotions, just as the gun in Elliot's hand refused to fire at him.
Elliot needed not only to repair their hulls, but also to communicate with them and let them know what they were fighting for.
Although this meant considerably more work, Elliot did not find it tiresome. These ships had fought alongside him; they were like silent friends.
And besides...
Elliot had a feeling that once his engineers truly communicated with these ships, the mechanical expertise of the entire Communion might improve considerably.
After all, these machines could actually describe the problems they encountered, and they should pick up mechanical knowledge quickly themselves.
Perhaps one day there would even be the spectacle of ships teaching people.
"Are any of the ships repaired already?"
"Yes. The Dawn, for example, has been fully repaired. Most of the parts used came from our stockpile. Repairs on the other ships will probably be slower."
Elliot nodded. When they had moved equipment from the War Fortress into the Courtyard earlier, they had also brought some spare parts from storage. Every part used meant one fewer left, and replenishing them would require the Factory to get its production lines running and manufacture them over time.
"Wait, wasn't the Dawn the one with eight engines installed? It wasted seven on that?!"
"To be precise, eight additional engines were installed... In any case, at least it has quite powerful propulsion now." Simon looked somewhat embarrassed.
Elliot laughed in exasperation. "Fine. As it happens, I have a mission for it that requires speed!"
Elliot's mission was, naturally, to explore the Deep Sea.
Holly had inexplicably disappeared into the sea and had not even returned for their appointment. Naturally,