Interlude Solean/ Draconic Computing (Patreon)

Computer technology is practically a must for any spacefaring civilization. As such any race capable of interstellar travel has some form of computer technology no matter their developmental path. Afterall, charting an interstellar course is no simple matter. Not to mention many systems on a starship require constant monitoring and adjustment. Only a computer is capable of doing that. We aren’t here to discuss all the reasons computers are a must for an interstellar civilization, but rather to look at the computing technology of two precursor races. The Soleans and the Dragons.

As strange as it might seem, the technology of the two races shares a common root, and this can actually be seen in their computing technology. As their computer systems, while not identical, are remarkably similar.

The two races use a form of crystal-based computer technology. These computers are designed to support direct mind-machine interfaces and are capable of psionic communication. We have in fact already seen Megumi talking to a dragon directly in this manner. For both races the ability to communicate with their computers in this fashion is actually essential.

Being crystalline in nature, the computers of both races are effectively grown. The exact structure of these crystals is highly guarded, but they use several types of crystal. One of which naturally exists in a semifluid state.

These crystal-based computers store data in the very structure of the crystal itself and are capable of very rapid calculations. These computers are structured into crystalline arrays with different components serving different roles in the computer. Memory and storage functions are fulfilled by special crystalline discs that can store petabytes of active data, and many fold more in hard storage.

They use a structured array, and embedded positronic pathways to produce a psionic field. Data is transferred both positronically and psionically. The center of the array is the primary processing crystal, and processes the information held in active memory.

It is important to note that large complex core arrays are capable of sentient thought. Such complex arrays are often supplemented with secondary computer cores and made the primary core of Solean or Draconic ships, and facilities. These self-aware computers have tremendous ability to calculate and direct enormous amounts of data. Making them invaluable for numerous purposes including research and combat operations.

As you might have guessed, the neural interface element of these computers is controlled by a special subset of crystals embedded in the computer. These psionic crystals take advantage of the field to communicate between arrays, while the positronic components communicate within a crystal array. These positronic filaments are also how these crystal-based computers store and retrieve information within the memory disks.

How quickly can these computers process information? Well, that depends on the specific computer, but they can very quickly access and process exabytes worth of information. Even the weakest of these computers are fast enough to run some very realistic simulations. As such any Solean or Draconic crystal computer is capable of providing a fully virtual environment for people to explore. Neural interfacing is the preferred method of entry into these environments.

The standard psionic links these computers use is not the preferred method for this type of neural interfacing. For a truly immersive virtual environment, a much more substantial neural connection is required. For this, the Soleans make use of special pods. The dragons use a special set of rings. In either case, the underlying technology remains the same. Both the pods, and the rings make use of a special psionic crystal array. These special arrays are able to form a much more robust psionic connection able to fully interface with the brain.