by Rashid Ahmed
Gylfi grabbed his mission pad. The video feed from inside Síast wasn’t coming through. The situational awareness feed from the lofi system was still available, but the portions related to Síast weren’t.
Worry showed on Gylfi’s face. He asked Shun, “How is the situational awareness feed from the lofi system still available?”
Shun replied, “I’ve established separate connections with various framandi gaupas. These connections are being used to request for clarifications, on complex data regarding our synthetic virus manufacturing project. The lofi system feed’s been available through those connections and I’ve been streaming it to observers on Earth. Your pad switched to my feed sources five minutes ago.”
“Connect me to Max please,” Gylfi said. “Get Gogh online as well,” he added.
Katrín who’d been poking at her mission pad said, “All tasks assigned to Shun are on track. Those assigned to Kei appear to have been steadily deprioritised. Kei’s tasks have all come to a complete halt now.”
Max’s face appeared on Gylfi’s mission pad. He tapped at it and brought up a volumetric projection over the nearest lab-table. The engineering and laboratory compartment the couple was working out of, was festooned with multi-use workspaces.
Gogh came online as the projection went live. Soon Maji and Rafael joined the conference as well. Shun must have given them each a quick briefing because Max jumped right to it. “Kei seems to have cut us out of its allocated systems. The AIs processing core usage is at near peak. I’ve been in touch with Sven on Átt. The gaupa attached to the framandi interface aboard Síast is still functional. Turns out, Kei tried to access and utilise framandi data and processing units through gaupas, on nearby vessels. Analysis by the framandi Áom, who’s on Átt, is that the AI is undergoing a steep learning curve to grasp the complete capabilities of Síast. The data and processing units removed from the spacecraft prior to salvage start up, contained essential information for the original AI. Kei is rapidly evolving. The last few bits of communication indicated that Kei was requesting organic processing or wetware capabilities. Kei actually requested use of human or framandi brains.”
Shun added, “Áom has been in touch with Áox over the framandi operated gaupa. The crew on Síast are safe and have control of the vessel. The mission they’re on remains intact. Unless Kei prevents it, we’ll have access to information via the framandi, provided to them by Áox.”
“If Kei requires the quantum processing allocated to it here, for the mission Síast is on, we’ll allow it,” Gogh advised. He continued, “We should isolate all Kei’s hardware, so that we remain functional here. That’s in case Kei attempts to remotely take over additional processing or data resources in the solar system.”
“Shun,” Rafael said, “reallocate all Lýsi operational tasks originally assigned to Kei, to yourself.”
Maji who usually kept himself out of conversations added, “Shun, also remove Kei’s access to all drones, AMCARS, cargo transports and standardized space exploration vessels. We’ve seen what occurred aboard Síast during the salvage start-up process.”
Shun replied, “While this will isolate Kei from all our hardware and systems, it will still have complete control of the SSEV Nál and the kilig vessel Síast. I have significant presence on Átt to maintain local vessel control, but the crew will need to physically disengage data modules specific to Kei. I’ve prepared a list of these systems and the sequence in which they need to be disengaged.”
“Good. Pass them on to Áom aboard Átt,” Max said.
Maji spoke up again noting, “There are mission AIs operating in Jón and Ásta’s suits. These may have to be disabled by them should the need arise. We’ll need to let them know how, without letting Kei in on the communication.”
Max nodded his head and said, “I’ll have Áom communicate this information to Áox. The framandi aboard Síast can pass the information on to the twins through their diadems.”
“Let’s get the ball rolling then,” Gogh said, adding, “we’re going to have our hands full now. Maji, let’s be prepared. Post armed personnel at Kei’s quantum processing cores on all platforms; with instructions on how to take them offline. Also secure all essential staff. The rest of you get your projects back on track and deployed. I’ve an eerie feeling that things may go south soon. Lýsi has always had audacious goals. We’re going to be placing a lot of emphasis on audacious now.”
Half a day later, everyone was back on track. The processing capacity available to the upgraded Shun was still above pre-modification levels. Jón and Ásta’s diadems were connected directly to the framandi gaupa aboard Síast. They were sending in regular updates. Gylfi and Katrín kept an eye on the situational awareness feed from the lofi system. They were amongst the first to see any updates sent by their children. The twins had just injected themselves with sedatives to force a rest period before their expected contact with the gigil fleet. Áox had assured them, that they’d be awakened if needed.
“We’re ready for the first barrage,” Katrín said. She held Gylfi’s hand. They both looked at the deployment model projected over the lab-table in their engineering and laboratory compartment on Sólríka.
The first half million containers were prepared and inserted into their pressure cannon magazines. The couple were awaiting a final confirmation from Earth. Once they commenced lobbing the containers at Earth, there was no stopping the delivery units.
Katrín reviewed the data on orbiting satellites above Earth. None seemed to be in the path of the expected volley. She wasn’t particularly worried about impact with aircraft since the virus suspension containers, would release their contents, well above the flight ceilings of most civilian and defence aircraft.
An additional pane opened beside the delivery model projection. Gogh’s head and upper torso appeared. He was playing point on the group’s efforts to ensure Earth was adequately prepared to counter extra-solar system threats.
“Katrín, Gylfi. You have a go-ahead to implement the virus modifying project,” Gogh said to them. “We’ve received confirmation from all our biologists and geneticists at Lýsi that this should work. Your experiments have been successfully replicated by your peers on all our space-based platforms. Please proceed.”
As Gogh looked on, Katrín tapped at her mission pad. There was no hesitation. The sequence of container deployment was initiated.
“We’re up and running,” Katrín announced. She added, “The virus suspension container launches, will commence shortly. A clock appeared on all observers’ screens.”
Two minutes later, the synthetic virus deployment began.
Takeover
Fifth World, Lofi System.
Jón awoke with a start. He felt cool perspiration around his neck. Opening his eyes, he found Áox staring straight into his helmet’s visor. Jón felt unnerved. A moment ago, he’d been dreaming about splashing water on his face. Now he was sure the framandi was calling out to him through his diadem, asking him to awake in a manner familiar to him. Áox moved away, obviously satisfied that Jón was suitably awake.
“Welcome back,” Ásta said. She added, “For a moment there, I thought Áox was going to knock on your helmet.”
Áox caught the drift of what she was saying. They’d all taken to thinking through their diadems whenever they needed to communicate. The framandi thought to them, “Awaking anyone is considered rude amongst us. We believe in allowing individuals to rest as much as each one needs to. But now we have much more important matters. We have arrived close to the gigil command-ship without incident. Kei however keeps asking for access to my brain, for biological processing. It turns out that the kiligs utilised a melded thinking process, while undertaking subjugation activities. Something to do with rational processing provided by the AI, and non-linear thinking provided by biologicals. I have refused.”
Jón, completely focussed now, thought back to Áox and his sister, “Is this melding essential, to be able to carry out our task?”
“But,” the framandi continued, “This vessel’s original AI is somewhat of a newer version of the spacecraft we had come across. When we removed the kilig data storage units from the spacecraft eons ago, the diminished AI was easy to instruct. The AI on Síast however retains much of its personality and capability; especially its willingness to operate independently.”
Síast shook violently. The crew were secured in their grav-chairs, so they just bounced about.
“We’re shouldering aside destroyed asteroids and other debris. Some of the smaller gigil vessels have taken a beating from the asteroid barrage,” Kei said.
“Jæja! You’ve been quiet,” Ásta said to the AI, engaging it.
“I’ve been attempting to use a high energy focussed EM beam to disrupt some of the damaged gigil vessels. It would be easier to simultaneously possess their crew’s minds, so that they drop active EM defences,” Kei replied. The AI added, “Without this vessel’s original data and processing modules, from which to access known methods of subjugation, I am having to undertake numerous live exercises to learn.”
Jón asked, “What have you picked up? What do you suppose our chances of success will be with the target gigil command-ship?”
“So far, subjugation actions have been sixty percent successful, with most successes being achieved during the final twenty percent of attempts,” Kei answered.
“We were supposed to approach stealthily!” Ásta exclaimed.
“That is correct. However, I calculated that we would not succeed with our mission, if I were to learn subjugation tactics, while conducting a live operation against the command-ship,” Kei retorted. “I acted as required,” the AI added.
“We’re in the thick of it,” Jón stated. “Let Kei take the lead for now,” he suggested.
Kei announced, “We’re coming up on a group of large undamaged vessels. The situational awareness feed identifies these as factory-ships heading towards a nearby wormhole. I am going to try subjugating the one in the middle of their group. Let us see if we can put it in the path of an oncoming asteroid barrage.”
The AI was taking initiatives on its own, without direction or inputs from either twins, or the framandi aboard. Presently, their goals weren’t conflicting.
There was more jolting as Kei gently maneuvered Síast through a tight debris field, masking the spacecraft’s presence.
Jón kept a sharp eye on their vessel’s position. Once they passed the group of factory-ships, they’d arrive at the command-ship’s forecastle, or what looked like it. That wasn’t an ideal spot from which to confront their opponent. Ásta sent an update back to the solar system, patching in through Áox’s gaupa.
The spacecraft rocked about again, this time more violently. Kei didn’t seem worried about any exterior damage.
The AI narrated its actions, “Applying focussed EM beam to a factory-ship two vessels away. We’re approaching from above the gigil fleet. Rotating Síast to provide minimal cross section. Initiating subjugation process across previously successful bands.”
The process steps showed up on their mission pads. Ásta was absorbing them. Áox was learning and transmitting simultaneously. Jón kept an eye on the situational awareness feed, occasionally flipping through the vessel’s visual inputs of the engagement.
As the Síast passed by over the oblivious gigil factory-ships, the one in the center of the group, began to advance into a storm of incoming asteroids, which were being catapulted towards the gigil fleet. Point and attack drones veered towards the aberrant factory-ship. They encircled the large ship looking for targets. The drones didn’t find any.
Gaining momentum, the ponderous factory-ship was hit by the forward edge of the oncoming asteroid barrage. A series of rapid impacts later, the front of the ship sheered right off. The gigil drones turned on the factory-ship and began firing their armaments at it. It ploughed further into the increasingly dense wall of asteroids. The ship fractured and splintered silently. There weren’t any explosions or visually spectacular scenes. The drones got out of the way.
“I’m sensing fleet movement,” Jón said. “Looks like the command-ships along with their fleets, are withdrawing towards the uncharted wormhole. The gigils are in retreat. Or, they have a trick up their sleeves,” he added.
“Approaching the targeted command-ship now,” Kei remarked. The AI added confidently, “Initiating all known subjugation tactics across previously successful bands. Aiming at the vessel’s rear.”
Nothing happened. Ásta was keeping an eye on her mission pad. Various EM attack packages were being brought to bear by the AI. She said, “Kei has gained access across a handful of bands. Okay, now additional bands are showing successful connections to gigil systems on the command-ship.”
“Attempting to learn about the gigil systems I’ve latched onto. I’m also determining ways to use compromised systems to our advantage,” Kei explained.
“Look at the visual feed from sensors on Síast. There are two recon-drones approaching us. We may be too close to the command-ship for their comfort,” Jón commented.
Áox tapped at a few icons on his interface. He thought to the twins, “I’ve instructed Kei to take over the drone’s sensors. The AI has accomplished this earlier.”
“Kei is not taking your inputs,” Ásta thought back.
Their vessel rocked and gently spun. Kei didn’t seem to mind. Áox however, was concerned. The framandi transmitted worried thoughts and stated, “The drones probably identify us as an aberrant asteroid, that’s entered their safe zone. Síast’s subversion and subjugation activities have not been identified yet. We would have many more vessels set upon us if we did.”
“I have been able to disguise our presence within the command-ship as minor debris,” Kei announced. Then the evacuation alarm came on. “There’s a fissure to the hull. Please get to your escape capsules. I’m initiating the ejection sequence.”
The twins and the framandi unclasped themselves from their grav-chairs and headed to their capsules. They secured themselves and checked to ensure seals were airtight.
Kei said to them, “I’m going to orient Síast towards the fifth planet. It has a breathable atmosphere, but I would suggest keeping your suits sealed.”
The hatches beside the capsules opened as Kei reoriented Síast. The AI intimated, “I’ve taken control of the command-ship’s gravity manipulation systems. There’s a large hanger space on the starboard bow. Now opening the hanger’s aperture door system. Its wide enough to allow Síast inside. I’ll take over the command-ship from there.”
The escape capsules ejected and stabilization systems kicked in. The twins’ found their diadems were still connected to each other, and to Áox.
Remembering that the capsules also had compact gaupas installed, each capable of six simultaneous connections, Jón endeavoured to find a link to Átt. Hundreds of thousands of available gaupa links showed up.
“But of course,” Jón muttered to himself. There were hordes of framandi vessels in the lofi system. The gaupas may have detected known contacts in the framandi home system as well. It was like looking at a directory, of long, language translated, alphanumeric strings. Jón then recollected that the gaupa interfaces had been modified by Eiji before they were installed in the capsules. Tapping the gaupa twice on the right side brought up the correct user interface.
Jón tapped the search icon Eiji had provided. A tiny familiar keyboard appeared. He typed in ‘Átt’. All the gaupas on the human deep-space vessel were listed. He noted that there were two gaupas, on each SSEV and the bio module. There were smaller gaupas on each of the three shuttles, and compact ones in all escape capsules
. Some of the gaupas on the list were discoloured. Jón recollected Áom communicating to him, about some of the systems aboard Átt having been taken offline. The ones utilised by Kei. He tapped the first highlighted gaupa on the list. It wasn’t like him to forget any of this. The gaupa flashed status messages at him while it connected.
“Ásta are you receiving me?” Jón thought to his sister through his diadem.
“I’ve just connected my gaupa to Átt,” Ásta responded. She thought to her brother, “They’ve taken Kei offline. The AI was trying to take over all systems including Shun’s. I have our capsules’ navigation, up on my pad. Its begun transmitting through the onboard gaupa, updating me with the framandi situational awareness feed. The Átt is changing course to come and get us. It’s unlikely it’ll intercept us before we enter the fifth planet’s atmosphere.”
Áox interrupted their thoughts. The framandi intimated, “We have a few attack-drones trailing us. They must have noticed us breaking away from the gigil fleet and are veering towards us to investigate.” After a few moments Áox added, “The gaupas in each of our capsules are now connected.”
