Temple of S.A.R.A.H. 2 Subroutines Read online

  It was Vance's turn to look thoughtful. That does sound like it would be great, but are you sure you can do it? Fighters are the most sophisticated ship we have.

  I'm sure it can be done, Commodore; but I don't know if I can do it. I'll need to do some experimenting, and see what I can come up with. I may need to borrow a pilot when the time comes, Eric said.

  Speaking of pilots; how are those silicacytes of yours coming, Chris? Coryn asked in an attempt to get the conversation away from the talk of war.

  Actually, very well. The new programming raised their effectiveness by an order of magnitude. We selected a few Terran primates that have differing serious medical conditions and began testing this afternoon, Chris replied.

  Didn't that offend the Simonians? Ellie asked.

  Chris shook her head. No, I actually asked a Simonian researcher to help me in selecting subjects. These animals are already dying. We are being very careful and making sure none of them are suffering, or are in pain. The only problem we currently foresee is that Veranorian biology is so different we are going to have to make up a completely different type of cyte' just for that species.

  How so? Jenny asked.

  Well, Veranorians don't actually have a lot in common, biologically, with the rest of us; they're actually closer to the Arac species than they are to ours, Chris explained. A millennia ago, they were a form of insectoid life. They still produce eggs externally for offspring.

  I didn't know that, Vance said.

  However, you asked about the silicacytes. It'll take at least another week to see how the primates respond to treatment. This is really only the first series too, I'd like to run four or five more series of tests before we try them on humans, Chris said. But when Vance looked a little depressed, she continued. However, the preliminary results are very promising. After a couple more test runs, we could consider using them for emergency situations, provided the medical folks will want to try them.

  Do you think they could help Commander Shakier? Vance asked. We could sure use her in this crisis.

  Chris nodded her agreement. I've been going over her file in my spare time. Dr. Carvelle and I have discussed it, and we will treat her in stages. The first stage will most likely take the longest, and is by far the trickiest.

  The biocytes will have to help her body regrow her torso and internal organs. Once she stabilizes from that, we'll begin the second stage. The regrowing of her appendages should be rapid, but will still take time. It might be possible to fit her with temporary cybernetic prosthetics during this phase, but bringing her out of the coma earlier than planned will slow the regrowth of her limbs.

  Stage three will begin after her limbs have regenerated. We'll bring her out of the coma, and get her into physical therapy. In the meantime, the 'cytes will be working on the inside to help rebuild muscle tissue, and strengthen the new bones. In her case, we may need to leave them inside her for a year or more, Chris explained.

  Did Dr. Carvelle say when he would like to start this? Vance asked.

  Chris snorted. He wanted to start last week. I insisted on at least two primate trials. He calls daily asking for updates on the project.

  If he's making a nuisance... Vance asked, but Chris waved him off. Not at all, he's only concerned for his patient. He could never be a problem because of that.

  Since the 'important' discussions were over, the rest of the evening was spent discussing the problem with Ellie's scholastic application. Fen didn't lift his embargo before he left, but with everyone out from under the programming, her application had been approved.

  Office of the Base Commander

  Alliance Apollo Base

  Selene, Earth's Moon

  Sol System

  I knew change was in the air when, a couple weeks later, several other computer science experts began sending me apologies, and congratulations on my creation of an Artificial Intelligence. I was shocked to the core when a delegation of Veranorians arrived at my lab for the sole purpose of apologizing for their behavior.

  I did notice, and it was also pointed out by the lead Veranorian of the delegation that the current head of the department, Fen's second in command, was not present, nor was he aware of their actions in regards to the apology.

  Sarah told me later that none of the Veranorians that apologized had ever been to their home world. Only Fen's second; one T'harnes, had been born and raised there, and was a relatively recent immigrant to the base.

  She added that either his programming had been so badly ingrained that it would take a long time to wear off, or he had been highly enough placed to be aware of the programming. Being Fen's second, I decided it was more likely the latter than the former.

  We received a short message from Susan letting us know that the Veranorians believed they had finished creating their new AI, and would begin distribution at the earliest convenience. A planet wide beta test was currently underway. They had even split off a copy to be installed in the Bio-Sciences fortress, although they were awaiting the results of the beta test before installation.

  Susan had made that copy the first of her official offspring. A fully independent AI that retained the original core programming that she, herself, had been programmed with. She had chosen the name Carla' for the new AI, and it would report directly to Susan in order to maintain her secrecy. Susan allowed the interface of the new AI to be the Veranorian version of the AI software.

  I almost puked when I looked it over. They had turned the code into a population control program. They didn't even try to hide their mind control programs either, and had, in fact, tagged each section as to its purpose, with the expected result of that section also listed.

  When I reported to the Commodore, I asked Sarah to open the Veranorian version of the code, just so he could be sure I hadn't tampered with it. I thought he would be appalled, or at least revolted, instead, he was seriously pissed off.

  Eric, have you and Ced figured out how to put the AI into the fighters? he asked calmly.

  Although he was now calm, I could tell he was still very upset, but also in control of it. Sarah and Ced have been really busy. In fact, I'm going to have to call and have another programming/design suite built in my lab for Ced. He loves my suite and said it's like designing something from the inside out.

  He immediately took over the design of the crystal matrices, and we've gotten the new crystals growing. Currently, he's working on the new interface hardware for the fighters. I've got the basis for the fighter code set, but I need to wait for Ced to finish so I know what goes where.

  We have a crew of techs working to build a fighter simulator in my lab. Once a crystal is grown, we'll install it and the software, and test it out. I'd say at least another week, Sir, I finished.

  A week! I got the impression it will take considerably longer than that! Vance replied, surprised.

  Well, to be fair, it probably will. Once we get the prototypes working, we'll figure out a way to mass produce them, along with retro-fit kits for the fighters we already have. All told it'll be closer to a couple of months at least.

  Vance nodded his understanding. Have you had time to work on the AI code for the larger ships?

  Actually, that's what I've been doing while waiting for Ced to get finished. I had Sarah jump into your flag ship and look around. She got me a 'map' if you will, of the computer systems on board. I also had her do the same for the rest of the ships in the fleet, including the freighters. I now have a better understanding of the tasks ahead of us, and there might be a small problem.

  You see, although all the computer systems function the same from a user stand point, each one is unique to the model of the ship; even those in the same class of ship. That is, the computer system in a destroyer, while having the same command matrix, has a completely different architecture than your battleship. Do you follow me so far?

  I think so. You're saying that a Ferthurong class heavy cruiser has a different computer than a
Mintoeral class heavy cruiser, right? Vance asked.

  I nodded. Exactly. So we have a couple of options to discuss; first, we can leave them model specific for now, and only change them on the new ships we build here. Or we can build retrofit kits to at least somewhat homogenize the systems to be class specific. Or, we can build retro kits for all the ships we currently have, so the systems more closely match each other. Of course, each one of those choices comes with an increase in time to implement due to testing and fabrication.

  Okay, so if we leave the existing ships as they are, you can still install the new computer cores? Vance asked.

  I nodded. Each core would have to be specially grown for that model of ship, but yes, we could do that. This option will also be the fastest to implement. However, there will be a miniscule drop in overall inter-ship efficiency due simply to the fact that each of the computers are unique. However, I highly doubt you would notice because of the increase in processing power and speed the new cores will give anyway.

  Vance looked thoughtful, and he slowly turned his chair to the side while he thought about the options I gave him. Without turning, he asked. Everything you've outlined will take a great deal of work. I assume far more than you and Ced could do on your own?

  Yes, Sir. Even going with the first option, we would need at least the tech crew we have plus five more junior level or higher researchers and at the least one more lab module. Two would be better. I would need at least six more design studios and a suitable increase in security. It would also be really nice to have more direct access to the fighters to make installation and testing smoother, I asked.

  He nodded. Have you finalized the biocyte project?

  The project isn't finalized, but my part in it is. Chris and I finalized the code last week. Except for periodic upgrades, she no longer needs my assistance, I said.

  Again he nodded. Excellent. Sarah, could you please ask Commander Atnon and Lieutenant Deszy to report to my office? I would also like Master Engineer Foreten Kree, Master Engineer Harlan Thompson, and Corhen Nori to meet me in my office as soon as possible. I would also like to have Dr. Sparks and Tactical Fleet Strategist CleinSal. Please tell them it is an urgent matter.

  At once Commodore. Would you like me to order lunch, Sir? Sarah asked without appearing.

  That is a good idea, Sarah. Please delay the meeting an hour while Dr. Cowan and I have lunch.

  Yes Sir, what would you like to eat? she asked.

  Sir, if you will allow me, I think I know of a dish you'll like, I asked.

  Vance gave me a half grin and nodded.

  Sarah, can we have two orders of General Tso's Chicken, one order of cream cheese wontons, and pork fried rice. Also include a pitcher of sweet tea and a flask of Saki.

  You order will be ready in a moment, Dr. Cowan, Sarah replied.

  Thanks Sarah.

  Vance looked at me and raised an eyebrow.

  The meals I ordered originate in one of the oriental countries of my world. I explained.

  You know, once this war is over, I think I'd like to go down to your world and explore a bit. Other than Earth, I've never heard of a planet that didn't have a centralized governing system, Vance said.

  It's a beautiful planet, Sir, but dangerous also. Not all the governments are friendly to each other, and in some cases, a state of war exists between two or more at any given time.

  It sounds very chaotic, he replied.

  Nodding, I said. It is that at the best of times. Ever since the advent of the atomic bomb, most of us tend to hold our collective breath whenever one of the old rivalries flares up.

  A chime from the replicator slot interrupted our discussion, and I rose to retrieve our meals. Sarah had included soy sauce as well as two fortune cookies.

  I was a bit nervous about what the Commodore had planned, but being able to eat lunch, as well as a small cup of Saki helped calm my nerves. Commodore Vance really liked the meal and asked Sarah to please add this to his list of favorites for this planet. He also asked me about the Saki.

  Let's see. It's made from fermented rice. I believe it was given to ancient warriors to give them strength before a difficult task, but I could be mistaken. I'd heard that from a Japanese restaurant owner once.

  He snorted. I could believe it. That was a perfect after meal drink, and a good lead-in to the difficult task before us this afternoon. The rest of the people should begin to arrive soon.

  Sir, could you share your thoughts with me, so I know what it is we're going to be doing this afternoon? I asked.

  Well, let's just say you're getting your wish, although I don't think in the way you might have wanted it. He was interrupted by the arrival of some of the people he asked for.

  Commander Atnon, Lieutenant Deszy and Master Engineer Harlan Thompson arrived and were introduced to me, even though I'd already met the two military men before, it was good to see them again.

  Harlan Thompson was an ex-aerospace engineer hired away from Lockheed-Martin. On the base, he was the head of space craft maintenance and had his hands in the Starship Design Department.

  He was very curious to know more about me, since we were from the same world. Apparently, a Terran in his position was rare, and he didn't get the opportunity to work with many others of our race.

  However, shortly after their arrival, Master Engineer Foreten Kree also arrived. He smiled at me and asked how his design studio was working. When he heard about it, Harlen began asking questions and expressed a desire to have one installed for his own use.

  Ced arrived but was closely followed by the two Veranorians the Commodore had asked for plus a third very pompous looking Veranorian. It was clear by the expressions on the first two faces that they really disliked the elder Veranorian.

  Seeing him, Vance immediately stiffened. Logical Engineer T'harnes, you have not been invited to this closed meeting. Therefore, I have to ask you to leave immediately.

  In error, you are, Commodore. The Weasle said smoothly. One of my more experienced programmers has been summoned to your office on the eve of a major breakthrough in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Concerns me greatly this does. As does it the Synod.

  This does not have a bearing on the Synod nor your department. You do not have the appropriate security clearance to remain in this room for this discussion. Furthermore, this is my office, and I do not wish you to be here. Or has the Synod decided that we no longer have that right either?

  As T'harnes began to turn slightly red and built himself up to blast Vance in return, Vance ordered Lieutenant Deszy to escort the irate Veranorian out of the room and to seal the door.

  When Deszy returned to his seat, Vance nodded to everyone. Thank you for coming on such short notice. However, before we begin, there is a formality that must be observed. Sarah? Please scan for listening devices.

  Holographic location enabled. Item identified; rear left shoulder on Logical Engineer Corhen Nori's jumpsuit. Item Identified; right rear shoulder of Tactical Fleet Strategist CleinSal's uniform. Item identified; underside of the table near where Logical Engineer T'harnes stood. Item Identified; right sleeve of Lieutenant Deszy's uniform. Item identified; left side of the door leading from the office. there was a pause. Sweep concluded. No further listening or recording devices found.

  As she named off each of the devices, each person, or their neighbor would remove the device and set it on the table before them. Deszy took them all to the replicator in the room and had them destroyed.

  Thank you, Sarah, please secure the room, Vance ordered.

  Vance's terminal as well as the replicator powered down. Room secured, Sir.

  Again, thank you. Vance then turned to his guests. I've asked each of you to come based solely on my own feelings about you. I trust each and every one of you implicitly. What will be reveled here today, must not leave this office, or it will mean the death of most, if not all of us, as well as our families. Do you all understand that?
<
br />   We all nodded, but the two Veranorians looked concerned while they did so. The Commodore turned to them. I need to know, from both of you, exactly how you feel about the Synod, and if you are still loyal to them. He held up his hand to forestall am immediate answer. I don't mean your loyalty to the Veranorian people, but to the Synod that rules them.

  CleinSal, bowing to the female Veranorian Corhen Nori, spoke first. That is a difficult question to answer, Commodore. Their recent actions do not follow what we've been taught, nor do they even reflect a concern for the Veranorian people or the Alliance. I cannot say I am no longer loyal to them, however, I do not think I will be as willing to follow them blindly as I have in the past.

  Corhen Nori nodded her agreement. Very troubling recent events have been. LS Order Fen's sanity should be questioned especially in light of Dr. Cowan's recent contributions and discoveries. There is much here that I do not understand, yet I agreed with his commands, not because they made sense, rather because he gave them. I feel dishonored greatly by Order Fen as well as T'harnes. Know that T'harnes does not hold the rank he currently wears, I do. Yet, I said nothing. She was very confused. I do not understand why I would not object to these actions, yet it is clear that I have done so. I wish knowledge to bring resolution to this issue. From the Synod, knowledge is no longer to be trusted. When she said this, ClienSal bowed to her.

  Please forgive me, Logical Engineer Corhen Nori, Tactical Fleet Strategist CleinSal; I am new to this base, and I don't understand why you would feel dishonored, nor what that should mean. Uh, may I have that knowledge please? I asked, with Sarah coaching me on the proper way to do so.

  Corhen Nori bowed to me. Certainly, Dr. Cowan. Our society is what you would call matriarchal in structure. When two are of equal rank, the female is always superior. In social situations, only the most senior female has the most respect and honor, with lesser females below her in order of rank. Males can only be superior over females if their rank is greater.