by Ben Winston
Chris smiled and winked at the young woman. I'll see what I can do.
We talked and visited with Halley until the shuttle arrived at Apollo. There were slight moments of dizziness when boarding and leaving the small ship. With the artificial gravity of the base, it was hard to tell we were even on the moon, except for the big, thick window overlooking a starkly shadowed lunar landscape.
The pictures I'd seen of the lunar surface had utterly failed to convey the portrait of desolation, of the absolute lack of any color. It was so gray that I imagined I saw flashes of color along some of the razor sharp edges of lunar rock.
Shivering, I turned from the window and shouldered the backpack with my laptop in it, just as an older gentleman arrived through a door that slid open. If he had been wearing a double breasted suit with vest and tails, I would have immediately thought of Alfred from Batman.
Good evening, Doctors Cowan and family. I am Mr. Gerald Greenwood, and it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to Apollo. It is my duty to guide you to your quarters, so you may rest, then tomorrow I will show Dr. Eric and Dr. Chris to the laboratories set aside for their use.
I interrupted him. Please excuse me, Mr. Greenwood. But would it be possible for Chris and me to be close together? There are a few projects that we'd like to work on together. I also have an appointment at oh-eight-hundred tomorrow.
Gerald looked over a tablet PC I hadn't seen him carrying.
Uhm, close to the medical facility if that's possible, Sir, Chris requested.
Gerald nodded stonily. Considering Dr. Eric's specialty, it was assumed he would want to be near the computer hub. Currently, Dr. Eric's laboratory pod is not connected to a passageway since all available positions on the computer hub are occupied. However, there is an abundance of space available on the medical hub. It would be quite easy to place both pods there if you wish?
I thought about it. Considering the speed that the Apollo network ran, the physical location of my lab wouldn't matter a hill of beans. Chris only nodded as I replied. That would be great, Mr. Greenwood.
Very good, Sir. My apologies, I did not receive the information for your appointment, Sir. I will, of course, adjust your schedule, Gerald said without missing a beat.
Please don't think this is meant as an insult, Mr. Greenwood, but you remind me so much of the character Alfred from Bob Kane's Batman it's scary, I said.
I would hope you mean the fine Gentleman's Gentleman that he became in the latter years, Sir. I would consider that to be a great compliment, Gerald replied.
So, should we be calling' you Gerald' instead of Mr. Greenwood? Ellie said with her usual spunk.
Gerald would be fine, Miss. Now, if you would follow me, I will show you to your quarters. Your luggage and personal effects have already been placed there.
We followed the Gentleman's Gentleman' as he led us (after taking two elevators down and through a relative maze of hallways) to a set of mostly normal-looking double doors. These doors' had no handles and opened automatically at our approach. Gerald excused himself, and I wondered why he hadn't shown us around our new home.
It turns out that the apartment was almost palatial, certainly far more than I would have expected of lunar accommodations. It had a total of seven bedrooms.
The lower level was mostly one big, two-story great-room. Central to the room was a huge seating area with comfortable looking couches and oversized recliners. One wall had a floor to ceiling tropical waterfall. In the wall opposite was a huge fireplace that had to be holographic. The kitchen and dining areas were on the other side of a small wall from the entry, while across the great-room were three bedrooms with glass patio style doors tinted dark for privacy. A large lavatory and a large storage area where tucked in behind the waterfall.
The second floor had two large master suites and four more regular bedrooms. One of the master suites had a view of the waterfall from the balcony of its seating area and the other was right above the waterfall. Each of the master suites had their own bathrooms attached to them, while the regular bedrooms shared a bathroom that was between each of the rooms on each side of the balcony.
Whoa! Ellie said. This is huge! You could almost swim laps in those bathtubs!
It seems they have allowed for our family to grow. Looks like you and Erik need to get busy, Christy! Jamie said.
I know it's still early, but I'm whacked. I think I'm just gonna take a quick shower and crawl into bed. I can explore more tomorrow, I said. Sarah, would you be a sweetheart and make sure I'm awake by oh-seven-hundred? I had left my laptop and the rest of the family in the sitting area between the bedrooms. I began stripping as soon as the bedroom door was closed. Also, make a note please? We need to install a sound system and holo-projectors in all rooms.
I will, Eric. You just get some rest, Sarah replied. I was so tired, I didn't notice that she'd answered me from the room's speakers.
I got under the spray of hot water and just leaned my head against the wall, letting the water wash off the stress of the day. I have no idea how long I stood there, but when I leaned back, a gorgeous blonde goddess entered the glass walled room with me. She picked up the soap and quickly yet tenderly washed me.
Once I was clean, Christy kissed me tenderly on the lips. Go dry off and get to bed, Love. Tomorrow is going to be even longer than today was.
As I was heading for the door to go find a towel, Christy directed me to another door. When the door closes just say, Dry.'
I went through the door and did as I was told. I was suddenly in a warm mini-tornado. When I stepped out, even my hair was dry. It was a mess, but it was dry.
A glance in the mirror showed me I resembled a sleestack from the old TV show Land of the Lost'. I quickly finger-combed my unruly mop so it wouldn't stay that way and returned to the bedroom. I climbed in under the covers and was asleep in seconds.
Alliance Base; Apollo
Apollo Crater, Selene.
Earth's Moon, Sol System
I must have been more tired than I knew; I finally regained consciousness after sleeping for eleven hours. The girls must have all still been asleep, because the apartment was very quiet. I looked back at the bed when I got up, and Christy hadn't even moved.
Since it was still pretty early, after I took a shower, I discovered they had even moved the food from our old house. I got dressed in my dirty clothes from yesterday because I hadn't found where the movers had put our clothes yet.
After breakfast and two cups of coffee, I began explorations. This really was a beautiful apartment. It was easily twice the size of our house on earth.
Good morning, Sarah, I said once I got my phone and ear bud.
Good morning. Why are you wearing the same clothes from yesterday? Sarah asked.
I couldn't figure out where our clothes got placed. Do you know where they put our clothes? I should have known to pack an extra set in my carry-on, but I forgot.
Actually, if you'd have looked when you woke up, your clothes are in your closet, as are Christy's. Sarah replied.
That makes sense I guess, I should have looked. I said. I headed back up to the beautiful bedroom, and sure enough, my clothes were in the closet, although they hadn't been put away. I dressed in some comfortable cargo pants and a polo shirt, and then I set about getting the rest of my clothes put away. I tried to be quiet so as not to wake Christy.
Once finished, Sarah told me I still had a couple of hours to kill before our appointment with the Base Commandant.
After retrieving my laptop, I sat in the common room and powered it up. Well, since we have some time, could you guide me through the structure of these micro-computers Chris built? That way, I'll understand the language problem better.
We could get started on it, but it's going to take longer than we have to get through all of it. Although the device fulfills the job of the on-board computer, it doesn't even remotely resemble, or function, like one, Sarah explained and began w
ith the primary logic units.
When the small screen of the laptop became too small for her explanations, she began using the apartment's TV'. I barely noticed as she smoothly made the transmission to the big three dimensional holographic image.
The beauty and efficiency of the logic centers was mesmerizing, and before I knew it, it was time to go. Surprisingly, at least to me, the girls were still asleep. When I tried to leave a message for them, Sarah had me stand and speak the message like a voice-mail. She explained to me that when the girls got up, she'd be able to project my three-D image speaking the message. I thought that was just... nifty.
Would it be possible to equip the house with holo-emitters? I asked as Sarah led me out to a bank of elevators and had me press the up' button.
Yes, it would. However, all the rooms already have emitters in them; is that what you had in mind? Sarah asked.
Not exactly, no. I plan on creating a simulation for you to manipulate in an effort to make you easier to interface with. Since you would need to move about freely, there would be a need for additional holo-emitters so your movements' would appear to be as seamless as possible, I explained as the elevator car arrived.
You want to do that for me? Do you know what I look like? Sarah asked, sounding a little excited.
Uh, which button do I press? I don't know where to go, remember? I asked. ...and yes, I have a pretty good idea of what you look like in my mind.
Press the L button. Think of the whole base like an inverted city. Street level' is at the top of the hubs and is called the Grand Mall. We are currently in residence hub Alpha. Once we reach the Mall, we can take the slideway to the admin section for your appointment.
Our appointment, I said, correcting her.
Excuse me? Sarah asked.
You heard me. Both of us are going into that meeting to tell them what you've discovered. I'm sure they'll want to see the evidence and the reasoning behind it. That means that you'll have to be as much a part of the meeting as I am.
Sarah was silent for so long I began to wonder if she'd shut herself down. Uh, are you sure I'm ready for that, Eric? No one up here really knows about me yet.
If I didn't know better, I'd say you have stage fright! I said teasingly. Sweetheart, you have nothing to worry about. Your reasoning and the evidence you've gathered are flawless. We'd reached the lobby', and I walked through the doors and out onto a huge cavern that was bustling with activity. It looked for all the world like people were literally hurtling around through the cavern. It must be rush hour,' I thought to myself.
Just step onto the slideway; I'll handle the routing for you, Sarah said absently. I know, but you remember the look on Dr. Ellis's face. He was terrified of me. I don't want to see that on any more faces, especially alien faces.
Once I had stepped into the area denoted by yellow lines, I felt myself lifted off the floor as I was rapidly swept away down the huge cavern.
Sarah, Honey, you've got to get past this anxiety you're feeling over meeting new people. The absolute worst I will ever allow to happen to you is restricted electronic access. No one will ever completely shut you down just because of what you might do. I'll never stand for that. So quit worrying so much about what people think; if they have problems with you, then it's their problem, not yours, I said to her.
I know that, but... well... I really only want... I just don't want to be disconnected, she replied.
I don't think you getting disconnected is the worst thing we're going to have to worry about, I replied. There are worse things than being disconnected; trust me.
I can't imagine anything worse, she said naively.
My biggest worry is that some over-zealous scientist that refuses to believe you're sentient gets his hands on you, and he tears into you while you're still active so he can see what makes you tick. Remember when I tried to debug your analytical search subroutines?
Yes I do, but my code is freely available for study; why would anyone want to do that to me?
Because no one will ever believe your code is you, and it would be you they'll want to study. That, of course, should and would scare the crap out of you, and you would be forced to defend yourself. That would result in grounds to disconnect you. So, it's my job to keep you away from that situation, I explained.
Aren't you supposed to help me get past my anxiety and calm down? Sarah asked.
Would you rather I simply tell you that everything'll be okay?
Yes please.
Would it help? I asked.
Probably not, Sarah replied.
At least now you know what to help me look out for, I said as I came to rest outside a set of double doors labeled Administration'. As the door slid open at my approach, I said, I'm probably just seeing things that aren't there again. Just relax and be yourself; everything'll be fine.
Liar.
Office of the Base Commander
Alliance Apollo Base
Selene, Earth's Moon
Sol System
Good Morning, Dr. Cowan. What can the Alliance Military do for our newest computer genius? Commander Atnon asked as he and the other officer stood when I entered.
As per Sarah's instruction I inclined my head to them, and spoke their names in greeting. Senior Commander Atnon. I turned to the other man. Junior Lieutenant Deszy. I turned back to the Commander. I believe we have uncovered some information you might be interested in. If I may have a few moments of your time, I'll explain? I was starting to wish for informality already.
Of course, Dr. Cowan. Please proceed, Atnon said, waving me to a chair.
My apologies, Senior Commander, but this discussion would be better suited to your conference table and the holo-projector there, if we may? I asked.
He looked surprised, but somewhat pleased with how polite I was. Having Sarah giving me cues on the fly was a great help, as well as having her translate for me.
Of course, Doctor. Junior Lieutenant, would you please join us? Atnon said as he led us to the bigger table.
Senior Commander, Junior Lieutenant, being new here, I am not yet accustomed to the proper courtesies and customs. So, if I err during these presentations, and make a familiar reference, please forgive me, I asked.
Both men nodded acceptance. You have no doubt been made aware of my area of expertise. I have an ongoing and well-developed experiment into artificial intelligence. As such, I wish to make known to you, my AI, Sarah. She is currently self-aware and appears to have become sentient. Sarah is fully functional within experimental restrictions. Sarah, please greet the gentlemen, I said.
Aluis Anure, Senior Commander Atnon, Aluis Anure, Junior Lieutenant Deszy. I am honored to make your acquaintance, Sarah said via the speakers in the room.
Both men touched their fingertips to their foreheads and inclined their heads forward.
Aluis Tanae, AI Sarah. It is you who honor us. It was Atnon that spoke, but it was clear that Deszy meant it too.
I took that as my cue to continue. While awaiting the arrival of my family from Earth, one of the things Sarah decided to undertake to counter boredom was to analyze past Alliance battles. She was not looking for anything out of the ordinary; she was simply killing time'.
However, she found something very troubling and brought it to my attention. I, in turn, bring it to yours. Sarah, please present your findings and logical conclusions.
Of course, Dr. Cowan, Sarah said, and began a slightly modified version of what she had shown us. She had far more information to support her conclusions than she had shown us before.
When she'd finished, Atnon looked thoughtful, and Deszy looked outright scared. Neither man spoke for a few moments, but finally Atnon broke the silence.
Dr. Cowan, firstly I would like to welcome you to Apollo. Secondly, would it be possible to impose on you for more of your and AI Sarah's time this day? I would like for AI Sarah to make this report to Commodore Vance and his officers as well. He waited for me
to nod agreement before continuing. Thirdly, I must ask who else knows of AI Sarah's discovery.
If you would like her to present this to the Commodore, we are at your disposal. As far as who else knows... Only myself, my family, and now both of you. Sarah... uh, AI Sarah asked us for our opinions before asking my assistance in bringing her findings to the attention of the military, I replied.
Dr. Cowan. On behalf of the Alliance, I would very much like to thank you for bringing this to our attention. I would act on this if I were able to; however, until recently, this base was supposed to be nothing more than a place for research.
Now that it is to be expanded, Commodore Vance is the actual commander here, and I am convinced this needs to be brought to his attention immediately. Which is why I asked if you could stay. He turned to Deszy, Junior Lieutenant, please make the arrangements for a holo-conference with the Commodore. Use priority beta-six on my authority as Captain of the Jonti Sa.
Deszy bowed his head in reply. At once, Captain.
I feel I should warn you, Doctor, Commodore Vance has a Veranorian Tactical Officer. Until AI Sarah can be verified by the Veranorian Synod as a true Artificial Intelligence, he may not accept her conclusions as being based on logic, Atnon said. Please do not be offended by this. In matters of technology, few Veranorians accept any of the other races as contemporaries.
I nodded to him. Thank you for the warning, Senior Commander. I mean no disrespect, but that seems a very dangerous attitude to practice in this current situation.
Atnon nodded, and chuckled. Tactfully said, Doctor. I feel that such attitudes are dangerous no matter what the situation. We must all stand as one or we will fall separately.
Senior Commander, the Commodore would like to know if he should include his Captains as well? Deszy's voice spoke as if from thin air.
That won't be necessary, Junior Lieutenant. His staff will be sufficient I think, Atnon replied.
He is standing by on the Hypercom, Sir.
