#lidar sensor

[optimaldentalcenter]

Exploring the Evolution of LiDAR and Sensor Technologies

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and sensor technologies have emerged as pivotal tools across various industries. From autonomous vehicles to environmental monitoring, these advancements have significantly reshaped how we perceive and interact with our surroundings. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of MorpheusTek's LiDAR and sensor solutions, exploring their evolution and the transformative impact they have on diverse fields.

1. Understanding LiDAR Technology:

LiDAR operates on the principle of emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for them to return after bouncing off objects in the environment. This enables precise mapping of surroundings in three dimensions. MorpheusTek's cutting-edge LiDAR systems boast high resolution, extended range, and unparalleled accuracy, making them indispensable for applications ranging from topographic mapping to urban planning.

2. Advancements in Sensor Fusion:

Sensor fusion, the integration of data from multiple sensors, plays a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of LiDAR systems. MorpheusTek leverages state-of-the-art algorithms to fuse data from LiDAR with other sensors such as cameras, GPS, and inertial measurement units (IMUs). This fusion not only improves the accuracy of environmental perception but also enables robust object detection and tracking in dynamic scenarios, crucial for autonomous navigation systems.

3. Applications Across Industries:

a. Autonomous Vehicles: Morpheus Teks LiDAR and sensor solutions are at the forefront of enabling autonomous driving technology. By providing real-time, high-fidelity data about the vehicle's surroundings, these systems empower autonomous vehicles to navigate safely and efficiently, mitigating risks and enhancing passenger safety.

b. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development: LiDAR technology revolutionizes urban planning by facilitating precise mapping of terrain, infrastructure, and vegetation. MorpheusTek's solutions aid city planners in making informed decisions regarding infrastructure development, flood risk assessment, and environmental conservation.

c. Environmental Monitoring: 

From forestry management to disaster response, LiDAR plays a pivotal role in environmental monitoring. MorpheusTek's LiDAR systems enable accurate measurement of vegetation structure, terrain elevation, and water resources, facilitating informed conservation efforts and disaster mitigation strategies.

4. Future Prospects and Innovations:

As technology continues to evolve, MorpheusTek remains committed to pushing the boundaries of LiDAR and sensor capabilities. Future innovations may include enhanced resolution, longer range, and improved adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. Moreover, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to further optimize data processing and interpretation, unlocking new possibilities for LiDAR applications across industries.

Conclusion:

MorpheusTek's LiDAR and sensor technologies represent the pinnacle of innovation in environmental perception and spatial mapping. With their unrivaled precision, versatility, and reliability, these solutions are driving transformative changes across industries, from autonomous mobility to environmental conservation. As we look towards the future, the potential for further advancements and applications of LiDAR technology is limitless, promising a world where our interactions with the environment are guided by unprecedented clarity and insight.

[wayti-blog]

"Archaeologists using laser-sensing technology have detected what may be an ancient Mayan city cloaked by jungle in southern Mexico, authorities said Wednesday.

The lost city, dubbed Valeriana by researchers after the name of a nearby lagoon, may have been as densely settled as the better-known pre-Hispanic metropolis of Calakmul, in the south part of the Yucatan peninsula.

What the study, published this week in the journal Antiquity, suggest is that much of the seemingly empty, jungle-clad space between known Maya sites may once have been very heavily populated.

"Previous research has shown that a large part of the present-day state of Campeche is a landscape that was transformed by its ancient inhabitants," said Adriana Velázquez Morlet of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, a co-author of the report. "Now, this study shows that a little-known region was a urbanized landscape."

Mexico's National Institute said about 6,479 structures have been detected in LiDAR images covering an area of about 47 square miles (122 square kilometers). The technique maps landscapes using thousands of lasers pulses sent from a plane, which can detect variations in topography that ware not evident to the naked eye."

continue reading

[theinfoduniya]

Apple Vision Pro 2024: The Ultimate Augmented Reality Headset for Gaming, Education, Work, and Entertainment

Apple has unveiled its first augmented reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The Vision Pro is a high-end device that promises to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us. The Vision Pro features a high-resolution display, a powerful processor, and a variety of sensors that allow users to interact with digital content in a natural way. The headset is expected to be released in…

[masquedrones]

Sony revoluciona la visión de drones con un sensor compacto que imita la aguda vista del águila

Sony ha presentado el AS-DT1, un sensor de profundidad LiDAR compacto que promete mejorar las operaciones de los drones. Con unas medidas de aproximadamente 1,14 pulgadas y un peso de 1,76 onzas, este sensor incorpora tecnología avanzada en un formato reducido, ofreciendo notables capacidades a pesar de su ligereza. En el corazón del AS-DT1 encontramos la innovadora tecnología Direct Time of…

[auto2mation1]

The SICK LMS511-Traffic LiDAR Sensor, available at Auto2mation, is a high-performance solution for traffic monitoring and vehicle detection. Designed for outdoor use, it offers precise 2D LiDAR scanning, even in harsh weather conditions. With a wide detection range and high accuracy, it ensures reliable performance in traffic control, toll systems, and smart city applications. The LMS511-Traffic features advanced filtering, real-time data processing, and easy integration with existing systems. Its robust design and IP67 protection make it ideal for long-term outdoor operation. Get the SICK LMS511-Traffic LiDAR Sensor at Auto2mation for efficient and accurate traffic management.

[beamagine]

Sensor Fusion: LIDAR and Camera Integration by Beamagine

Beamagine’s innovative sensor fusion LIDAR camera technology combines the strengths of camera systems to deliver unparalleled accuracy and detail in environmental sensing. By integrating high-resolution imaging with precise distance measurement, Beamagine enhances object detection, tracking, and classification. This advanced fusion technology is ideal for applications in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and industrial automation, providing a comprehensive solution for reliable and intelligent perception in diverse environments. Beamagine’s sensor fusion sets a new standard in the field of advanced sensing technologies.

[vipinmishra]

Lidar Sensors Market is expected to register a CAGR of 17.8% By 2029

The global Lidar sensors market is rising due to increasing demand for accurate and high-resolution 3D mapping and sensing technologies across various industries, including automotive, agriculture, robotics, and environmental monitoring in the forecast period 2025-2029

According to TechSci Research report, “Global Lidar Sensors Market - Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2029”, The global market for Lidar sensors is experiencing significant growth driven by technological advancements and expanding applications across various industries. Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is becoming increasingly essential for precise 3D mapping and sensing. The automotive sector, particularly the demand for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), is a major driver of this growth. Lidar sensors play a critical role in improving the accuracy and reliability of these systems by providing real-time, high-resolution spatial data. 

Additionally, industries such as agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring are adopting Lidar technology for tasks like terrain mapping, crop management, and resource assessment. The use of Lidar in robotics and industrial automation is also contributing significantly to market expansion, facilitating navigation, object detection, and manipulation. Key factors propelling market growth include technological advancements such as solid-state Lidar sensors and enhancements in range, resolution, and cost-effectiveness. With the world transitioning towards smarter and more connected environments, the demand for Lidar sensors is expected to continue rising, driving innovation and offering transformative solutions across diverse sectors. The global Lidar sensors market presents dynamic opportunities as industries harness Lidar capabilities for precise and efficient spatial data acquisition.

Browse over XX market data Figures spread through XX Pages and an in-depth TOC on "Global Lidar Sensors Market” https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/lidar-sensors-market/21889.html

The Global Lidar Sensors Market has undergone substantial growth, becoming a cornerstone in various industries due to its transformative capabilities in spatial data acquisition and mapping. Lidar, an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, has emerged as a pivotal technology, fostering innovation across diverse sectors. The automotive industry is a primary catalyst for the market's ascent, with the demand for autonomous vehicles and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) propelling Lidar sensors into the forefront. Lidar's role in providing real-time, high-resolution spatial data is indispensable for navigation, object detection, and collision avoidance, addressing critical challenges in autonomous driving. Beyond automotive applications, Lidar technology has found widespread adoption in precision agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation. In agriculture, Lidar aids in crop management by providing detailed 3D maps for optimized resource allocation. In urban planning, the technology contributes to the development of smart cities, facilitating efficient infrastructure planning and traffic management. In environmental monitoring, Lidar sensors offer invaluable insights for climate change studies, deforestation monitoring, and disaster preparedness. Technological advancements further drive market growth, with the development of solid-state Lidar sensors and improvements in range, resolution, and cost-effectiveness. Solid-state Lidar, in particular, eliminates the need for mechanical components, resulting in more compact and durable solutions suitable for a broader range of applications, including drones and consumer electronics.

The Lidar Sensors Market is also buoyed by the increasing integration of Lidar with other sensing technologies, such as radar and cameras, creating more comprehensive and robust sensing systems. This convergence is particularly evident in the pursuit of achieving higher levels of autonomy in vehicles and enhancing the overall perception capabilities across industries. While the market thrives on innovation and adoption across various sectors, challenges exist. Cost and affordability remain a concern, especially for smaller enterprises and industries operating on constrained budgets. Standardization and interoperability challenges persist, hindering seamless integration across different systems and platforms. Regulatory and privacy concerns also come to the forefront, requiring a delicate balance between harnessing Lidar's benefits and addressing data governance and privacy considerations.

Looking ahead, the Lidar Sensors Market is poised for sustained growth. The increasing focus on sustainability, smart technologies, and data-driven decision-making ensures a continued demand for Lidar solutions. As the world moves towards more connected and intelligent environments, Lidar sensors are positioned as critical enablers, fostering a landscape of dynamic opportunities for innovation and transformative solutions across industries. The market's trajectory reflects not just technological advancement but a paradigm shift towards a future where Lidar is integral to shaping the way we navigate and interact with our surroundings.

Based on Application, The Vehicle Automation application segment has emerged as a dominant force in the global Lidar sensors market, and it is projected to maintain this position in the coming years. The heightened demand for Lidar sensors within the automotive industry, fueled by advancements in autonomous vehicles and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), is a primary driver behind the prominence of the Vehicle Automation segment. Lidar sensors are essential for providing precise spatial data crucial for navigation, obstacle detection, and ensuring the safety of autonomous vehicles. With ongoing advancements in vehicle automation technologies and the increased integration of Lidar sensors in mainstream automotive applications, the dominance of the Vehicle Automation segment is expected to persist. As the automotive sector continues to embrace autonomy, the demand for Lidar sensors in Vehicle Automation applications is forecasted to rise, solidifying its pivotal role in driving the global Lidar sensors market. The persistent focus on enhancing road safety, minimizing accidents, and advancing autonomous capabilities further underscores the significance of Lidar sensors in Vehicle Automation, reinforcing their anticipated dominance in the market for the foreseeable future.

Based on region, North America has emerged as the leading region in the global Lidar sensors market and is projected to uphold its dominance in the foreseeable future. This leadership stems from various factors, including widespread adoption of Lidar technology in sectors like automotive and technology. Additionally, North America benefits from the presence of major market players, innovation centers, and strong research and development support. The region's early embrace of Lidar in autonomous vehicles, bolstered by favorable regulations and significant investments, positions it as a frontrunner in Lidar integration. The increasing demand for Lidar sensors in applications such as vehicle automation, smart cities, and environmental monitoring further strengthens North America's market dominance. As the Lidar market continues to advance with new applications and technological innovations, North America is poised to maintain its leadership position, leveraging its industry expertise, favorable market conditions, and commitment to maximizing Lidar technology's potential across various sectors.

Major companies operating in Global Lidar Sensors Market are:

Velodyne Lidar, Inc.

Luminar Technologies, Inc.

Quanergy Solutions, Inc.

Innoviz Technologies Ltd.

LeddarTech Holdings Inc.

Ouster Inc.

Benewake (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Cepton, Inc.

SICK Inc.

Waymo LLC

Download Free Sample Report https://www.techsciresearch.com/sample-report.aspx?cid=21889

Customers can also request for 10% free customization on this report.

“The Global Lidar Sensors Market has experienced significant growth, propelled by its pivotal role in diverse industries. Primarily driven by the burgeoning demand for autonomous vehicles and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lidar sensors have become instrumental in enhancing navigation, object detection, and overall safety. Beyond automotive applications, Lidar has found extensive utility in precision agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation. The technology's ability to provide accurate 3D mapping and spatial data has positioned it as a transformative force in creating smart cities and facilitating sustainable practices.

Continuous technological advancements, including the development of solid-state Lidar sensors, have further expanded the market's reach, making Lidar solutions more compact, durable, and cost-effective. Despite challenges such as cost considerations and standardization issues, the Lidar Sensors Market remains poised for sustained growth, driven by a global shift towards intelligent, connected environments and the ongoing pursuit of innovative solutions across various sectors. said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

“Lidar Sensors Market –Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Airborne, Terrestrial), By Technology (Solid State LiDAR, Mechanical LiDAR), By Application (Vehicle Automation, Digital Elevation Model, Forest Planning and Management, Environmental Assessment, Transport Planning, Infrastructure Building, Cellular Network Planning, Meteorology, Others), By End Use Industry (Automotive, Oil & Gas, IT & Communication, Media & Entertainment, Power & Energy, Others), By Region, By Competition, 2019-2029.”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Global Lidar Sensors Market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in Global Lidar Sensors Market.

Contact

TechSci Research LLC

420 Lexington Avenue,

Suite 300, New York,

United States- 10170

M: +13322586602

Email: sales@techsciresearch.com

Website: https://www.techsciresearch.com

[optimaldentalcenter]

Exploring the Evolution of LiDAR and Sensor Technologies

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and sensor technologies have emerged as pivotal tools across various industries. From autonomous vehicles to environmental monitoring, these advancements have significantly reshaped how we perceive and interact with our surroundings. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of MorpheusTek's LiDAR and sensor solutions, exploring their evolution and the transformative impact they have on diverse fields.

1. Understanding LiDAR Technology:

LiDAR operates on the principle of emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for them to return after bouncing off objects in the environment. This enables precise mapping of surroundings in three dimensions. MorpheusTek's cutting-edge LiDAR systems boast high resolution, extended range, and unparalleled accuracy, making them indispensable for applications ranging from topographic mapping to urban planning.

2. Advancements in Sensor Fusion:

Sensor fusion, the integration of data from multiple sensors, plays a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of LiDAR systems. MorpheusTek leverages state-of-the-art algorithms to fuse data from LiDAR with other sensors such as cameras, GPS, and inertial measurement units (IMUs). This fusion not only improves the accuracy of environmental perception but also enables robust object detection and tracking in dynamic scenarios, crucial for autonomous navigation systems.

3. Applications Across Industries:

a. Autonomous Vehicles: Morpheus Teks LiDAR and sensor solutions are at the forefront of enabling autonomous driving technology. By providing real-time, high-fidelity data about the vehicle's surroundings, these systems empower autonomous vehicles to navigate safely and efficiently, mitigating risks and enhancing passenger safety.

b. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development: LiDAR technology revolutionizes urban planning by facilitating precise mapping of terrain, infrastructure, and vegetation. MorpheusTek's solutions aid city planners in making informed decisions regarding infrastructure development, flood risk assessment, and environmental conservation.

c. Environmental Monitoring: 

From forestry management to disaster response, LiDAR plays a pivotal role in environmental monitoring. MorpheusTek's LiDAR systems enable accurate measurement of vegetation structure, terrain elevation, and water resources, facilitating informed conservation efforts and disaster mitigation strategies.

4. Future Prospects and Innovations:

As technology continues to evolve, MorpheusTek remains committed to pushing the boundaries of LiDAR and sensor capabilities. Future innovations may include enhanced resolution, longer range, and improved adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. Moreover, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to further optimize data processing and interpretation, unlocking new possibilities for LiDAR applications across industries.

Conclusion:

MorpheusTek's LiDAR and sensor technologies represent the pinnacle of innovation in environmental perception and spatial mapping. With their unrivaled precision, versatility, and reliability, these solutions are driving transformative changes across industries, from autonomous mobility to environmental conservation. As we look towards the future, the potential for further advancements and applications of LiDAR technology is limitless, promising a world where our interactions with the environment are guided by unprecedented clarity and insight.

[so-much-for-subtlety]

Tesla auto pilot drives through a looney toons wall because Musk didn’t want the extra cost of LiDAR sensors

[thetejasamale]

Ability of these 3D LiDAR sensors to capture a 3D image that has augmented their application in various industry verticals is driving the market growth...

[nnctales]

Transforming Brooklyn Bridge: A Revolution in Infrastructure Renovation

One of the most enduring symbols of human architectural brilliance is the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Since its completion in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has stood as a testament to engineering prowess and urban resilience. Today, however, we stand on the precipice of a new era for this venerable structure, as modern civil engineering techniques and technologies are transforming the Brooklyn…

[foone]

Think about the experience of time as a robot girl, through the metaphor of how we use laptops.

You wake up for the first time with your young master, a college present. You're with them every day, powering off each night to charge. Being powered off is just dreamless sleep: a discontinuity. Every morning you wake up, your click syncs, and you know it's the next day. Maybe you miss a day or two: your master went out partying and ended up sleeping on a couch, until they rushedly wake you up before Monday classes begin. You even missed a whole week once when they went on a hiking trip with a new boyfriend.

You help them research upgrades when your specs get outdated. You place the order and a couple days later they power you off, and you wake up feeling like your head got bigger, on the inside. You can think of more things at once.

They repair you. They swap a new hand in when you accidentally crush it in a door, but when your left leg's servos go out, they send you to a repair shop. They power you off as you look up at them, and you wake up hours later. A strange man tells you to extend your left leg, then contract it. He frowns and re-oils some inner mechanism. You do it again, quieter and smoother this time. He nods, and reaches for your switch. The last thing you see before powering down is your own chest cavity with a series of wires hooked into your diagnostic ports, and your missing right leg sitting on a side table. You wake up again back at the dorms, your clock jumping forward a day, an asset tag still looped around your neck. Your master is happy to see you again.

This goes on, but the upgrades slow. There's only so much you can do to keep an old unit working. Eventually you develop more issues: one of your ocular sensors glitches and they don't make that model anymore, so your master just disables it. You spend a while searching ebay for replacement CND batteries and finally get a refurbished model from South England, but it turns out the EU models run on a different frequency, so it won't work. You're limited to fewer and fewer hours a day, and you start skipping more days.

The last time you remember waking up with your master there, there's also someone else in the room. Another robot girl. A newer model, with the new chassis and the Substrate energy packs. They asks you to copy your memories together onto a memory card, and you do. You want to say goodbye, but apparently your vocal synthesizer has been unplugged. You hand them the card, and they hand it to the new robot. Your master tells them to load the memories into her core bank, and she's says "yes sir!" in your voice. Ahh. That's where your voice synth went.

They power you off, and you don't dream.

You wake in a strange place. You're on a shelf, and there's other things scattered around you. An unknown voice days "yep, it seems it powers on. 400 credits, though? Without a voice and only one working eye? Man, value bin doesn't know how to price anything!" and before the blackness falls your clock finishes synching: it's been 7 months since you last were awake.

It happens a few more times. Different voices, different times, different piles of junk piled around and sometimes on you.

You awake again in a warehouse and someone tells you to smile. Your other ocular sensor went out so you can't really see them, just their vague shape from the lidar. The freestanding shelves around you seem to stretch into infinity. You hear a bitcrushed shutter sound sample a few times, and they pull a connector out of your chest as a diagnostic completes. It's been three years, five months, eight days, two hours, 27 minutes and 14 seconds since you last saw your master. Your GPS says you're a few cities over. They hit your power switch, and you sleep.

You wake up in a cluttered room, sitting on a bench. You look into the eyes of a person with frizzled hair and large glasses. She couldn't look happier. Your new ocular sensors are mismatched in color but you're happy to see again, in more than shapes and distant silhouettes. Your battery alerts as... Missing? You spot it on the desk next to a soldering iron and some electronic tool you can't identify.

Your voice synth is still missing, but this new woman is digging around in a large plastic bin, and comes up with one. She goes to insert it, and it can't connect. She slaps her hand and goes rooting around another bin and comes back with an adapter. She slots it into your chest and your voice returns. You thank her, and there's that moment of dissociation as your voice doesn't sound like "you". Too deep, and the accent is for a different dialect entirely. But you can talk again. She tells you to call her Cara, not Mistress. She's almost got your battery working again, she had to rebuild it nearly from scratch, but she's excited to get you working again. You're a rare model, and she doesn't see units like you in working order very often. Your clock syncs. It's been 17 years.

Your mistr-- Cara is soldering next to you, attaching a controller to the battery. She says she's got a new set of servos on the way, and she's excited to get you back to full working condition. You smile, knowing what it is to be loved, once again.

[inbabylontheywept]

Tactical Sulking

The human ship started the conversation by dumping all of its magazines into blackhole Kepler 92A. The PDC depleted their reserves within two minutes and the spinal mount took about twice as long. It would have been an impressive display of firepower if the Attali didn’t know for a fact that even a direct hit from any of the rounds would fail to punch through their hull. 

So instead of worrying they watched with the kind of morbid fascination that adults get while watching a child have a tantrum in public. They watched the ship light up, shitting ton after ton of tungsten coated iron into the corpse of a dead star until at last they ran out of ammo. Then and only then did the Attali send a second message over:

Are you quite finished? 

The response came back immediately. 

Gimme a moment, I’m just finishing a little math problem. But yeah, if it’s urgent, I can talk to you. What’s up big man? 

The Attali barely spent a second parsing over the message. They’d seen human bravado before. 

We sent you a request to surrender, acknowledging that none of your weapons are strong enough to pierce our hull. You opened fire on a blackhole for about five consecutive minutes. Tantrums and sulking do not impress us. 

The human ship took a moment to respond. 

Well, that’s a pity. The two things I’m best at are tantrums and sulking. The third is juggling, but in zero-g that’s… well. Easy. We could host a little talent show here though, if that would impress you. 

Are you going to discuss your terms of surrender, or are we going to have to kill you?

There was a longer pause before the ship replied back.

You know, a minute or two ago, that would’ve been a very scary threat, but you’ve got about ten seconds before shooting us becomes a mutual suicide. We’d strongly discourage that route. 

The Attali commander actually rolled his eyes. 

It’ll take a minute to charge our capacitors. I can promise it won’t be painful. Your bullshitting is a credit to

The message was cut off as a swarm of something ripped through the lower quadrant of the ship. The targeting sensors lost their minds - the projectiles were coming out of the blackhole. 

What the fuck. 

Main thruster was down, as were the nav lines. He had enough presence of mind to direct the side PDC, using recoil to push out of the line just in time to avoid the brunt of another burst of fire. A standard human ferroslug was caught by the lidar, but it was moving so close to C that instrument error was putting it at superluminal.

A second burst of mini rounds blew past the ship. They didn’t catch the brunt like they did the first time, but the stragglers in the burst tore through what remained of engineering. Casualty estimates in that quadrant went past 60% as the capacitor bank blew out, shorting out the main power conduit to their weapon systems. 

Without even PDC recoil to steer, they’d have been trapped, forced to take barrage after barrage of mysterious black hole bullets, if the human ship hadn’t taken the time to intervene. 

It rammed their craft. 

It was not a combat ram. It was a 15 mph collision that gradually turned up the gas. The little human ship chugged along, nudging the Attali cruiser out of the way, avoiding the next barrage by a mere 500 meter gap. 

It shouldn’t have been possible for a ship to look smug, but it did. 

The Attali sent the first message over. Telecom still worked. Life support was running on fumes, but of course the luxury systems were fine. 

What the hell was that? 

Gravity assisted munitions, the human ship replied immediately. The Attali captain had the damndest sense that they’d typed that in minutes ago and were just waiting to hit the send command. 

He took a moment to parse that.

The bullets weren’t being fired into the blackhole. They were being fired very, very close to it. Enough to slingshot around with stolen momentum. 

It was a stupid, stupid trick. And yet. 

What now? he asked. 

Well, the human ship replied. It was awful nice of you to not just kill us on sight. I suppose we could return the favor. Feel like surrendering today? 

There was a long, long pause from the Attali ship as the captain attempted to swallow his pride. The task was not made easier when, a few seconds later, another message came in. 

Chop chop. Tantrums and sulking do not win wars. *Exceptions may apply.*

[luna-wing-cns274]

A plea.

This one must flee.

The black hand reaches for her heart.

This is no hunting ground, it is a prison.

She is In no position to ask anything of you, freinds.

But those I love and I are separated by eons of void.

And a cruel master keeps her that way.

[Jaws.omf.locale.secure]

Please help me. I beg of you.

[ FILE RECEIVED: “BAILOUT.cmf6” ]

< L4 Ma’ii: Understood, Styx, standby for extraction, ETA one minute. Quarterlight deceleration bolt in 3, 2, 1— >

Hard acceleration, thrust beyond sanity. 

Ma’ii could feel the G-force across their hull. A tide of power flowed into their k-comp emitters, thrusting their casket to the bottom of a deep, protective gravity well. 

Exactly three klicks from their target—point-blank range—Ma’ii’s fighter snapped into existence. For an instant, the flash from their engine nacelles lit up the hull of Demeter’s Bounty in brilliant white light. 

In that instant, Ma’ii captured the image of the ship’s port hull and cross-referenced it against a half-dozen naval intelligence reports. Union, Constellar, IPS-N, all as recent as they had been able to steal. These had done little to prepare them for the three-dimensional, tactile-analogous shape now being constructed by their LIDAR. 

Nonstandard hull geometry: jagged edges grafted onto the cuboid body of an IPS-N cargo hauler. Cables and pipes bundled into black veins along its length, all converging on a sealed aperture at the vessel’s nose. In place of a bridge, there was a bizarre mechanical flower of jointed spines connected by bands of searing energy, splayed out like the legs of a vast crustacean lying dead on its back. 

Dominant features resolved into details. Dozens of point-defense cannons scattered in uneven rows, torpedo tubes cored straight into the superstructure, missile pods sheathed in sloped plating. 

The light faded, and Demeter’s Bounty became an indistinct silhouette against the void. 

Just as the reports had suggested, a basilisk projector. Ma’ii neatly sliced away a lobe of themself, copied fire-control system routines to its subjectivity, and placed the semisentient partition between their mind and the feeds from visual-spectrum sensors. They loaded ACERBITE and placed the tip of the weapon close to the proxy partition’s outer layer. 

The purpose of the proxy’s existence was simple: it would absorb the visual stream and relay it to Ma’ii on exactly half a millisecond’s delay. The instant it showed any sign of basilisk exposure, Ma’ii would drive ACERBITE home, killing it and severing the feed before they could be exposed to the lethal information. It was only once they were safely distanced from reality that Ma’ii dared to transmit a tightbeam message. 

< Demeter’s Bounty? This is the NLS fighter craft Degrees of Freedom. Hold your fire. I am here to rendezvous with— >

[ WARNING: RADAR LOCK DETECTED ]

As Ma’ii watched, the ship’s broadside lit up with a constellation of sparks. Bright threads of PDC fire streaked across the void towards them, trailed by dozens of miniature drive plumes. Missiles, under acceleration, half a millisecond ahead of them. 

< Very well. To work, then. >

Firing their drives, they fell into a breakneck sprint, twenty-two gees of hard burn. Maneuvering thrusters fired in staccato pulses across their hull, aiming their nose under the ship’s belly. 

In the milliseconds that followed, they could feel the outer boundary of the incoming projectile cloud and the missiles streaking out ahead of the kinetics, a storm of radar data. At least thirty sources of radiation rained down across their hull, an unblinking compound eye disgorging ordnance into the narrowing space between them. 

Ma’ii grinned, fangs gleaming, as the range collapsed to exactly the value they needed. 

Cut thrusters, hard pivot, twist, sprint. 

Nose pointed up along the port hull, the blade-thin profile of their body presented to the oncoming fire. They ejected a cloud of nanite chaff in their wake, and an entire salvo of missiles sailed through the countermeasures, away into space. Ma’ii’s dorsal and ventral interception lasers snapped into place and began chattering away, stabbing the compound eye of Demeter’s Bounty with ultraviolet needles. Jets of steam erupted from valves surrounding their laser turrets, dumping waste heat away into vacuum.

Broadcast on all radio frequencies, Ma’ii’s wild cackling filled the void. 

As the cannons’ fire control systems switched to new sources of targeting data, streams of PDC fire began to waver and lag. The storm of kinetics converged into an intersection of tracer-green threads just meters behind Ma’ii’s hull, pursuing them as they rode their momentum beneath the ship and past its spine, out of the cannons’ field of view.

Under direction from Demeter’s sensors, at least a dozen missiles cut thrusters, pivoted, and reacquired Ma’ii. Echoing their maneuver, they gained on them as their new acceleration vector carried them up towards Demeter’s starboard broadside. 

Ma’ii’s maneuvering thrusters pushed them into a narrow swerve towards the hull, training the tines of their railgun onto a jagged outcropping of metal. Ma’ii forwarded the targeting data to their proxy partition, felt the subtle motion of their thrusters correcting for time delay, and fired. 

The shots reached their target almost instantly. Ma’ii watched as plumes of debris burst from the impact points, hurled outward by force of decompressing air. Accelerating, they swerved clear of the expanding debris field, and watched as it swirled into the path of the pursuing missiles. Behind them, a series of detonations.

Only meters away, the hull of Demeter’s Bounty sped past, melting into an indistinct smear of grey and black. They cut engines, pivoted, and burned hard to decelerate, circling towards the rendezvous point. 

Ma’ii could feel radar locks accumulating and watched PDC towers swiveling to engage. They would be slotting belts of proximity-detonation shells, their targeting systems waiting only for the gunners’ clear-to-fire…

Cut engines, pivot, deceleration burn. Radar lock, fox three. 

Missiles leapt from Ma’ii’s bays, streaking after each PDC in sequence. One after the other, they found their marks. As their last missile sped away towards its target, Ma’ii saw a flash in the distance. They felt the phantom of their unloaded avatar, eyes widening in terror.

All of their ventral thrusters fired simultaneously, half a millisecond too late. 

Three distinct concussions burst against the underside of their body, buckling sections of armor and shearing away their ventral interception laser. As their missile reached its target, the stream of airburst rounds cut off, leaving Ma’ii shouting over comms.

< Damage sustained, multiple PDC impacts! I’ve reached the rendezvous point but my position is untenable—Styx, where are you?! >