Command Computer

Definition: A computer specifically designed to co-ordinate the calculations of the different classes of computers so that they operate as one. Also known as a co-ordination computer.

Notes: Whereas replication, astronomical, history and battle computers are filled with information specific to their functions, command computers differ in that their memory banks are completely empty. Command computers do not store information like the other types of computers. The crystal substance which composes its "wires" and "memory banks" only hold bits of data for the smallest fraction of a second before being naturally erased as a result of the strange material of the crystals.

Description: Four columns attach to a pyramid-like base at its corners. The columns lean inward and are topped with a mirror-like spherical orb that has an orifice which faces downward and toward the tip of the "pyramid." There are crystals inside of the columns, exposed at their tops, and also within the base, exposed at its tip. Unlike the columns' crystals, which are encased in the spherical orbs, the crystal on the tip of the "pyramid" can be plainly seen.

The pyramid itself is not a pyramid, but merely has the general shape of one. It looks more like the bottom half of a pyramid dug out at the top, with a crystal dropped into it. The bottom part of the exposed crystal is surrounded (at the point where it meets the "pyramid") with more of the strange mirror-like metal of the column orbs.

At each side of the computer is a console, which looks like a concave contraption, like the inside of a half-circle, full of interface ports. The console is attached to two of the columns at their mid-way points, spanning the distance between them. It is also attached at its back to the pyramid-like base.

Command computers can only be operated via the interface ports. More than one operator may connect themselves to it and use it at the same time. When activated, the crystal at the tip of the "pyramid" glows brightly, the mirror-like metal surrounding the base crystal and the mirror-like metal on top of the columns suddenly exhibit a lightning-like connection, and the orifices in the orbs themselves project visible light at the base crystal. It should be noted that the electricity seen does not touch the base crystal, nor does it proceed from the orifice, but only from the mirror-metal surfaces of the columns and the base.

These computers are normally black and blue in color, though they may come in any color desired. The exposed crystal is a very light blue color even when not shining.

Command computers may be used for any application, including the specialized applications of other computers, but because the crystals naturally erase the data poured into them almost immediately, it is necessary to continuously download data into their "memory" banks while performing calculations. Normally, when used these computers are operated by more than one person. One or more users serve as the constant "downloaders" of data. As they stand plugged into the machine, inputting whatever data needs calculation or manipulation, other users plug themselves in to oversee the actual calculation involved (to cause the machine to calculate).

To human minds this may seem ludicrous, but the advantage of using such a machine is its enormous memory and processing capacity. It can literally hold the memory and processing capacity of hundreds of other types of computers. This is due to the bizarre nature of the type of crystals used. Though it cannot hold its data for very long, it can hold much more data than normal computer crystals. It has the advantage of great processing power and the disadvantage of small processing time. The Æonans by-pass this disadvantage through continuous download.

Often, other computers are hooked into command computers and their data is continuously downloaded into it, allowing one user to operate it alone. Command computers are almost exclusively two-operator machines. Without a second person or computer to continuously download data into the machine, a single operator cannot perform both the function of download and the function of data manipulation. There are exceptions, however, to this rule. The Darumont of Æonos, Mornosh, has sufficient memory capacity to both download and manipulate simultaneously.

Command computers are similar to other computers in their processing manner. Instead of electric wires and magnetic memory chips, Æonic computers use light as a means of transferring information. The light is transferred wirelessly through an intricate array of super hard crystals. Additionally, memory is stored in the atoms of other crystals, no less hard but of a different substance. Despite the similarities, the crystals of command computers are distinct. The crystals hold many times the amount of data that the crystals of other computer types hold, but they only hold them for only a fraction of a second.

Like battle computers, which must be built for set-up and use in battle situations, in any kind of environment, rocky or smooth, command computers sit upon their column bases, which are adjustable in height to adapt to the environment and possess claw-like appendages that spread out to "embrace the ground."