Matrioshka Micronodes (A1-0)

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Image from Steve Bowers on Orion's Arm.

A Matryoshka MicroNode is a multi-layered megaconstellation of orbiting processors, constructed around a stellified jovian or brown dwarf type body. While Micronodes are far less computationally powerful than their circumstellar counterpart, the Matryoshka Macronode or Matryoshka Brain, they are much less resource intensive and considerably easier to construct.

Structure

Micronodes are usually constructed by first introducing a Stellification Engine into a gas giant or brown dwarf and allowing it convert the body into a source of radiant energy. The various moons, asteroids, and ring materials orbiting the body are then reconstructed into multiple layers of orbiting processor elements in a configuration similar to that of a much larger Matryoshka Brain. The resulting processing environment can be used to run resource intensive simulations, provide computational support to the local polity or civilization, or support large populations of subsapient, sapient and transapient virtual life.

Unlike a circumstellar Matryoshka Brain, the completion of a Micronode generally leaves a number of planets, companion stars, and other bodies inside the local system, any or all of which could disrupt or even damage the structure and elements of the node at some point in its future.

To minimize or prevent such occurrences, Micronodes are generally only placed in areas where it is deemed that future disruptions will be minimized. Further, since the future state of even the most stable seeming locale can only be predicted to a limited degree due to chaos effects, virtually all Micronodes incorporate local and deep space monitoring systems, Effector Frame Modules to shift smaller intrusive bodies into safe orbits, and Maneuvering Thrusters of various sorts in the structure of the node elements to avoid or correct for any disturbances that may occur.

While larger Matrioshka Brains also certainly include such systems, Micronodes tend to incorporate a much larger percentage of their overall mass (comparatively speaking) into these devices than their larger counterparts.

Sources

• Orion's Arm: https://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/4a48cf99d24c8