Lazarus Forge — G.E.C.K. (Genesis / General Environmental Construction Kit) > Purpose: Define the minimum viable seed required to instantiate a new Lazarus Forge in a fresh location. The G.E.C.K. is not a factory-in-a-box. It is a capability seed: enough tools, logic, and memory to grow a Forge using local material, salvage, and commerce. --- I. Definition A G.E.C.K. is the smallest coherent set of tools, data, and doctrine that can: 1. Preserve embodied complexity (triage before destruction) 2. Create replacement parts for itself 3. Bootstrap power, motion, and fabrication capability 4. Retain memory across generations of artifacts If a deployed kit cannot eventually rebuild itself, it is not a true seed. --- II. When a G.E.C.K. Is Deployed A G.E.C.K. is appropriate when: Infrastructure is sparse, damaged, or absent Supply chains are unreliable or nonexistent Salvage is abundant relative to new manufacturing Human presence is limited or temporary Typical scenarios: Remote terrestrial locations Disaster recovery zones Frontier industrial sites Early orbital / lunar deployments --- III. G.E.C.K. Capability Threshold (v0 → v1 Bridge) A G.E.C.K. must support v0 Forge operations immediately, and enable growth toward v1 using local means. --- IV. Core G.E.C.K. Modules (Critical) 1. Power & Energy Module Portable generation (engine, solar, or hybrid) Energy storage (batteries, capacitors) Power conditioning and distribution Reason: No power, no learning. --- 2. Triage & Salvage Module Multimeter Basic electrical loads Hand tools Marking and tagging system Reason: The Forge must recognize value before it destroys it. --- 3. Motion & Actuation Module At least one reliable motor Linear motion components (rails, screws, belts) Basic bearings and couplings Reason: Motion enables every other capability. --- 4. Fabrication Module (Minimal) Small metal AM system or CNC / hybrid tool Manual machining tools (drill press, grinder) Welding or joining capability Reason: The seed must be able to repair and extend itself. --- 5. Thermal Module Heat source capable of controlled temperatures Basic temperature measurement Insulation and containment Reason: Metallurgy begins with heat control. --- 6. Sensing & Metrology Module Calipers and micrometers Scale Simple optical inspection Reason: Discernment requires measurement. --- 7. Memory & Doctrine Module Local compute Durable storage media Core Lazarus Forge documents Artifact and triage logs (digital or paper) Reason: Without memory, growth resets every generation. --- 8. Human Interface Module Manual overrides Clear labeling Simple operator instructions Reason: Early Forges are taught, not autonomous. --- V. What a G.E.C.K. Deliberately Does NOT Include High-throughput automation Exotic alloys Full autonomy Space-rated hardware (unless mission-specific) These emerge through growth, not seeding. --- VI. G.E.C.K. Success Criteria A deployed G.E.C.K. is considered successful when it can: Replace its own failed components Upgrade at least one module using local material Generate surplus value through repair or fabrication Preserve and transfer its operational memory --- VII. Scaling Beyond the Seed Once self-replacement is proven, the Forge graduates: G.E.C.K. → v1 Forge: Closed-loop material recycling v1 → v2: Reduced human dependency v2 → v3: In-situ resource utilization --- VIII. Guiding Axioms A seed that cannot grow is cargo. Tools matter less than the order they are used. Memory is the most compact machine. --- > The G.E.C.K. is not meant to impress. It is meant to survive. This document defines the minimal conditions for Forge genesis and should change only with demonstrated field experience.