Matrioshka Micronodes (A1-0)

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A Matryoshka Micronode being constructed around a gas giant undergoing stellification.Image from Steve Bowers on Orion's Arm.

A Matryoshka Micronode is a large megastructure consisting of multiple layers of orbiting processors, constructed around a stellified jovian or brown dwarf. While Micronodes are far less computationally powerful than their larger 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 vast radiant energy source. The various moons, asteroids, and ring materials orbiting the stellified body are then reconstructed into multiple layers of orbiting processors arranged in a configuration similar to that of the 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, support large populations of virtual beings, or be the homes of vast artificial intelligences.

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 close to none. Furthermore, since the future state of even the most stable seeming system can only be predicted in a limited manner due to chaotic effects, virtually all Micronode components 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 into these devices than their larger, much more stable counterparts.

Matryoshka Micronodes In Sector A1-0

Sources