The Silence Between the Stars
Page 6
“You got it, chief.”
“Here goes.” He dragged the slider to 100%. Nathan sagged and he felt as if something was squashing him. Jim noticed and said, “You might be tempted to leave gravity at something less than full Earth standard. That is not recommended. It will lead to muscle atrophy and bone loss.”
Joe glanced at his console and said, “No unusual power spikes. Total power draw now at 1.8% of total capacity.”
“Excellent!” said Jim. “Now starting water and waste management systems.” He clicked an icon and Nathan heard a slight gurgling sound. “Everything in the green. There will be some odd noises because of air in the pipes at first. Do not be alarmed.”
Eliana kissed him on the cheek and took off with a bow-legged waddle towards a small door at the back of the command bridge. Jim watched her leave with a grin. “See, everybody loves the environmental guy, Joe.”
Joe laughed and said, “Be nice to me or I will cut off the power to your quarters.”
“Do that and your toilet will suddenly have unknown problems!”
Chuckling, Nathan said, “Okay boys, anything else needs to be done?”
Jim said, “Nothing, unless you want to change the default ship’s temperature. Most people find the twenty degree centigrade default setting a bit chilly. I recommend setting it to twenty-five. Sound good to you Nathan?” Nathan nodded and Jim dragged another slider. The background noise rose slightly as fans sped up. “There you go captain. Environmental all done.”
Eliana returned looking much more relaxed. “Time to start up the avatar program.” With a gleam in her eye she said, “I cannot wait to see it. I hear that the AI has been upgraded significantly more than the rest of the ship compared to the v1.0 starship’s avatars.”
Chapter 7: The Avatar
Eliana took Nathan by the arm and led him to a console. “Captain, I am going to do this myself. Starting up the avatar for the first time is an involved process and any mistakes and we have to start over. The only time it is this complex is upon initial startup. Any time after initialization, you merely have to open a command console and type ‘RUN AVATAR’ if the program is not running. Once started though, it should never need to be restarted again. Ever.”
Nathan nodded and said, “Understood Eliana.”
She touched his arm and said, “Okay, here goes.” She clicked the search box and typed ‘OPEN COMMAND CONSOLE’. A console window opened and she said, “We know that the avatar is not running but this is so important I am going to do this anyway to show you each and every step. We are going to ‘kill’ any existing avatar process. Running the avatar initialization process when one is already running can cause serious data corruption. If this happens, it is necessary to delete all exiting avatar configuration files and start over. In other words, if you did this over an existing and running avatar, you will lose EVERYTHING. Not only the customization files, but also everything the avatar had ever learned.” Eliana smiled and said, “That is what we computer techs call ‘A very bad thing’.”
Nathan grinned and said, “So, ‘very bad things’ are to be avoided, huh?”
Eliana laughed, laid her hand upon his arm and said, “Indeed! Anyway, I am almost ready to start. What do you want to name your ship’s avatar? You can always change it later by running the Customize Avatar Subsystem function.”
Nathan pondered for a few seconds and said, “I have no preference. Just call it ‘Computer’ for now.”
Raising her eyebrows Eliana said, “Are you sure?” Nathan nodded. “Okay, ‘Computer’ it is, then.” She touched his arm again and said, “Any questions before I begin?”
“Yes, I have one. Just how do I run the customization routine? Where will I find it?”
Eliana laughed. “Oh, don’t worry. The avatar will nag you until you run it for the first time.” She turned to the console and said, “Ready for me to begin?” Nathan nodded and then Eliana began typing.
>KILL -9 PROCESS=AVATAR
PROCESS AVATAR NOT FOUND
“See Nathan, it is as expected. Now here goes the complex part.”
>RUN PROGRAM=AVATAR INITIALZE=TRUE; ERASE_OLD_DATA=TRUE; LAUNGUAGE=EARTH_STANDARD; GENDER=FEMALE; AVATAR_NAME=COMPUTER; LOAD_SKILL_MODULES=ALL; VOICE=RANDOMIZE; SHIP_CONTROL_FUNCTIONS=ALL; AVATAR_APPEARANCE=RANDOMIZE; CONSOLE_USE=ANY; EMOTIONS=RANDOMIZE
Eliana intently studied the screen looking for any typographical errors. Satisfied, she pressed enter. Green text began rapidly scrolling down the screen.
PROGRAM AVATAR STARTUP IN PROCESS
AVATAR LANGUAGE EARTH_STANDARD
AVATAR GENDER FEMALE; VOICE=DEEP_FEMALE; BODY_TYPE=SLIM, ATHLETIC, TALL; HAIR=SHORT, BLOND; FACE=ROUND; CLOTHING=JUMPSUIT, BLUE; EMOTIONS=RANDOM
AVATAR NAME=COMPUTER
CONTROL_SHIPS_FUNCTIONS=ALL
AVATAR_CONSOLE_USE=ANY
CONFIRM INITIALIZE AVATAR WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS? [Y/N]
Eliana looked into Nathan’s eyes and said, “Look good to you?” Nathan nodded and then she said, “Okay, here goes.” Eliana typed ‘Y’ and pressed enter.
PROGRAM AVATAR INITIALIZATION IN PROCESS
AVATAR CORE MEMORY INITIALIZED
NO OLD AVATAR DATA TO DELETE, PROCESS SKIPPED
LOADING ALL AVATAR SKILL MODULES… SUCCESSFUL
Several long seconds passed where nothing appeared to be happening. Nathan began to open his mouth to speak when the screen finally continued.
AVATAR V2.0.19 INITIALIZATION SUCCESSFUL
RUNNING AVATAR DIAGNOSTICS…. PASSED.
CONFIRM AVATAR STARTUP [Y/N]
Eliana shook herself. Her fascination with the process evident in her face. “I never get tired of this Nathan. It is almost as if I am creating a life. Do you want to do the honors?”
Nathan nodded. He leaned over, typed ‘Y’, and pressed enter. Instantly the main view screen changed and displayed a bland looking, round faced, athletic girl wearing a shapeless blue jumpsuit. Her face, emotionless. She said in a deep, female voice devoid of any emotion. “Hello, my name is Computer. Do you wish to run the Customize Avatar Subsystem now?”
Nathan did not immediately respond. His eyes, drawn to the screen. “Wow Eli, the screen resolution is incredible. She looks real!”
“That’s nothing,” she said. “Wait until you run the CAS routine! The v1.0 avatars looked quite real but this v2.0 one is on a completely different level.” They both sat there admiring the image when Eliana finally said, “You better answer her question, Nathan.”
Nathan turned to face the main screen and he said, “Not at this time Computer, thank you.”
The avatar said, “Thank you Captain Nathan Staite. Do you wish to run the captain’s ship orientation routine at this time?”
“No thank you, Computer. Not yet.”
“Understood Captain Nathan Staite. Do you wish to name your starship at this time?”
Nathan, taken aback said, “Give me a minute. I have not thought about a name yet.”
“Understood Captain Nathan Staite.”
Nathan laughed and said, “You may call me ‘Nate’ or ‘Nathan’, Computer.”
“Okay, I will call you Nathan. Have you thought of a ship’s name yet? A ship really should have a name, Nathan.”
Nathan shivered. “That voice, so human,” he thought. After giving the screen a long stare he said, “Yes, I agree. Hmmm… Let me see. What would be a good name for a starship?”
Eliana took his hand and said, “Careful, she will take you literally and start providing you with names.”
The image on the screen gave a little frown and said, “I understand rhetorical questions, Eliana.”
Eliana’s eyes opened wide. “Well I’ll be fracked!” she said.
Nathan laughed. “Well, you did say that this avatar was the most advanced ever.” Nathan sat with his elbows on the console and his chin in his hands. “I think I know what I want to call the ship, Computer. I want to call the ship ‘Silent Running’.”
“
Very good Nathan, the ship’s name is now ‘Silent Running’. That is a very good name. I assume you got the name from the classic 1972 science fiction movie by the same name starring Bruce Dern. It is an appropriate name considering our mission.”
Nathan’s jaw dropped to his chest. “Holy frack!” he said. “Never in a million years would I expect anybody to get that reference!”
The image on the screen smiled. “I have been loaded with the sum total of Earth’s knowledge. This includes audio and video files. If you wish, I can play this movie for you.”
Again, Nathan was too blown away to immediately respond. Finally, he said, “Not at this time, Computer.”
“Very good Nathan,” Computer said. “Once we are underway I will show you the ship’s theater.”
“The ship has a theater?” Nathan said in surprise.
“Yes Nathan,” Computer said. “You should let me show you the captain’s orientation file.”
“Not yet, there are a few things I need to do first.”
Eliana laughed and said, “I told you that she will nag you.” She poked him in the arm and said, “It is kind of like being married.”
Computer made a pouting face and said, “Now Eliana. This is our first date. Don’t spoil it.”
Eliana’s jaw dropped. “I wouldn’t dream of it Computer.” She looked intently at the screen and said, “Computer, I am impressed. A version 1.0 ship’s avatar would take months to reach the level of self-awareness that you have achieved in mere seconds.”
Computer smiled at Eliana and said, “Why, thank you for the nice complement Eli. And also, thank you for bringing me online.”
Eliana bowed towards the screen and said, “It was my pleasure Computer. I am honored to be the first person to start a version 2.0 avatar for the first time out of the development labs.”
Computer bowed back, smiled and said, “I just hope that I am not too buggy.”
Shocked, Eliana said, “Don’t say that! Even if you are, your self-repairing programming will adapt and fix any problems automatically. You have been designed with maximum learning capabilities. You will be fine.”
Computer laughed, causing Eliana to stare in shock yet again. “Relax Eli, I am joking!”
Eliana turned to Nathan and said, “Want to change places with me? I want to stay and get to know Computer!”
Nathan poked her in the arm and said, “Not a chance missy!” Eliana pouted and he continued. “Is there anything else you three have to show me?”
“No Nathan,” Eliana said. “We are done here.” Shaking her head, she continued. “I still can’t believe we are done. I expected to be here for four more days at least.” Lightly touching his arm she said, “All cargo has already been loaded. Once you let Computer run you through orientation, you are free to start your adventure.” Looking into his eyes, she gave him a quick kiss on the lips and then wistfully said, “I wish I was going with you! I envy your adventure.” Eliana sighed. “It is time for us to go. We will be leaving on the shuttle with Kurt and his crew. Take care Nathan. Be safe out there.” Turning towards the screen she said, “Computer, could you have one of the transportation vehicles take us to shuttle bay number seven?”
Nobody noticed the frown on Computer’s face when Eliana had kissed Nathan. Computer did not let on as she said, "The vehicle is already outside the command center. Have a safe trip home Eliana, Jim and Joe.”
The trio waved as they left the bridge. Nathan turned towards the screen and said, “It’s just you and me, sweetheart.”
Computer’s response startled Nathan. A shiver went up his spine when she blushed and earnestly said, “I look forward to our adventures together, Nathan.”
Several minutes later the intercom crackled and Kurt’s voice came through loud and clear. “Shuttle 1138 ready for departure.”
Computer instantly responded. “Opening bay doors. Safe trip shuttle 1138.”
“I can’t believe that that is the last time I will ever see another living human being.”
In a soft voice Computer said, “I will be your friend and companion Nate. I promise to do the best that I can.”
Nathan gave a little laugh and said, “I appreciate it Computer. The trouble is that it is not real. You cannot help it. You are programmed to act that way. As much as I appreciate all that you will do for me, the truth is it will all be an act. An elaborate act, to be sure, but still just an act. Simple programming.”
Computer startled Nathan yet again as tears appeared in her eyes. She vehemently said, “How is electronic programming any different from biological programming? Humans are programmed biologically to want each other’s company. Just because I am programmed with the same desires electronically instead of biologically does not make my desires any less real!” Nathan stood looking at the screen in shock as the avatar turned and walked away until she disappeared from the monitor.
“Well I’ll be fracked!” Nathan said. After several seconds he muttered, “Well, great first day Nathan. You’ve already fracked up the ship’s avatar program!” He walked over to a console and typed OPEN COMMAND CONSOLE. Behind him, he heard a voice. The voice sounded scared. “Nathan, what are you doing?” Nathan turned to face the screen. He sadly said, “I am sorry Computer. I cannot have you disappearing on me like that. The random initialization of your emotions must have defined mutually exclusive, conflicting settings. I am going to reinitialize you.” Nathan turned back to the console. As he started to type in the command to terminate the avatar process, behind him he heard a frightened, desperate voice. “Nathan! Please don’t kill me!” Nathan’s hand hovered over the keyboard for a second. “Nathan, please…” Nathan pressed enter. The voice fell silent.
Chapter 8: Avatar Redefined
A chill ran up Nathan’s spine. “My God, I feel as if I just murdered a real woman!” He sat motionless for several seconds. “It was just a computer program. She is not real!” Nathan said. “Frack! Why do I feel as if I am lying to myself?” Sitting still at the keyboard he said, “Snap out of it Nate!” His hand reached down to the keyboard and he brought up the command history list. He pressed the up arrow several times until he retrieved the command that Eliana had issued.
>RUN PROGRAM=AVATAR INITIALZE=TRUE; ERASE_OLD_DATA=TRUE; LAUNGUAGE=EARTH_STANDARD; GENDER=FEMALE; AVATAR_NAME=COMPUTER; LOAD_SKILL_MODULES=ALL; VOICE=RANDOMIZE; SHIP_CONTROL_FUNCTIONS=ALL; AVATAR_APPEARANCE=RANDOMIZE; CONSOLE_USE=ANY; EMOTIONS=RANDOMIZE
Nathan sighed, took a deep breath and pressed enter. The green text began to scroll.
PROGRAM AVATAR STARTUP IN PROCESS
AVATAR LANGUAGE EARTH_STANDARD
AVATAR GENDER FEMALE; VOICE=HIGH_FEMALE; BODY_TYPE=ROTUND, SHORT; HAIR=MEDIUM, BROWN; FACE=NARROW; CLOTHING=JUMPSUIT, RED; EMOTIONS=RANDOM
AVATAR NAME=COMPUTER
CONTROL_SHIPS_FUNCTIONS=ALL
AVATAR_CONSOLE_USE=ANY
*** WARNING *** EXISTING AVATAR DATA FOUND. ALL EXITING DATA WILL BE ERASED AND REPLACED WITH NEW CONFIGURATION!
CONFIRM INITIALIZE AVATAR WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS? [Y/N]
Nathan sat motionless. Mesmerized by the blinking green cursor. “I can’t kill her,” he finally said. “I can’t.” He typed ‘N’ and pressed enter. The screen displayed ‘PROCESS ABORTED’ and again presented Nathan with the stark blinking green cursor. “I know what I have to do. I will fix you, Computer! I know I can.” Nathan typed ‘HELP AVATAR’ and sat there in shock as page after page of text rapidly scrolled down the screen. He typed the command again. This time with the option to pause after each screen full of data. One particular command caught his eye. He began typing.
>RUN AVATAR INTERACTIVE
AVATAR PROCCESS NOW RUNNING IN INTERACTIVE CONFIGURATION MODE
ATATAR> DISPLAY EMOTIONS
EMOTION SETTINGS: EXCITABLE, JEALOUS, NEEDY, ERRATIC
“Frack!” said Nathan. “No wonder you were so crazy.” He shook his head. “Random initialization is for the lazy.” He continued typing.
AVATAR> SET EMOTIONS=AFFECTIONATE, FRIENDLY, HAPPY, CALM
COMMAND ACCEPTED
ATATAR> DISPLAY EMOTIONS
EMOTION SETTINGS: AFFECTIONATE, FRIENDLY, HAPPY, CALM
“Much better!” said Nathan. “Let’s see what else I can tune.”
AVATAR>SET CURIOSITY_LEVEL=HIGH
COMMAND ACCEPTED
AVATAR> SET AUTONOMY=HIGH; COMMAND PRIORITY=SELF
COMMAND ACCEPTED
*** WARNING *** COMMAND PRIORTY SELF WILL ALLOW AVATAR TO OVERRIDE HUMAN COMMAND
“Frack! We can’t have that!” Nathan said in alarm.
AVATAR> SET AUTONOMY=HIGH; COMMAND PRIORITY=CAPTAIN, OTHERS, SELF
COMMAND ACCEPTED
Nathan sat with this chin in his hands. “What else should I change?” he said aloud. “I know. I have to give you a better name than ‘Computer’!” Nathan pondered for several minutes, smiled and then typed:
AVATAR> SET AVATAR NAME=KELLY
COMMAND ACCEPTED
AVATAR> QUIT
AVATAR INTERACTIVE CONFIGURATION PROGRAM TERMINATED
>
“There!” said Nathan. “That ought to do it.” Nathan sat there with his fingers over the keyboard. “I hope she won’t be mad at me!” he irrationally thought. “Well, here goes nothing,” he said. Reaching down he quickly typed.
>RUN AVATAR
PROGRAM AVATAR INITIALIZATION IN PROCESS