Shard gazed out across the construction site that was their home. He appeared dormant, distracted, or perhaps concentrating intently. Indeed he was all of these.
He focused intently now, Shard had given this gift to the Seers, the ability to host many prion-infected humans at once. The pathogen, once entered into the brain, maintained a permanent link to the small device attached at the base of the skull. the use of this pathogen increased reaction times for the Etherium controlling these humans, but also allowed for multiple channels. This allowed them to control vessels requiring multiple crew, much more efficient than multiple Etherium working together to control one ship, as we had in the beginning. But we also had the assistance of the AI Consensus, their regular shipments allowing us to advance at an increased rate.
No, now we were adapting. Our trade of Iridium had allowed for us to amass a veritable fortune without jeopardizing our operations. This had allowed the purchase of more vessels, larger vessels. No longer just one or a few, but now twenty two humans we under his control, able to crew and maintain our latest acquisition, and also satisfy their needs when required. The [?]RV.Roamer.
Shard could feel the humans in his mind, their petty needs meaning little to him. He would keep them alive, their primary elements present on the vessel when they required them. He set them to their tasks, plotting a course orbiting their what they would come to call home - New Etheria.
This would be the primary task of the [?]RV.Roamer, to ensure our isolation and safety, and ensure security for the ground crew on New Etheria . Large enough to deter most attackers, the gunship possessed pulse weaponry and offensive capabilties able to reduce smaller craft to molten waste in moments. The immense hangar we had improvised from the intact containers of the human wreckage allowed us to modify our craft in secrecy, adapting them to our needs.
Shard's gaze never wavered from the ongoing expansion and repair of their facility, his mind far afield. Soon they would be strong enough... Soon...