by Ben Winston
Open Hypercom, Atnon said, and suddenly the table was full of serious looking men.
Something must be very important for you to not wait the day and a half for me to get there, Senior Commander. What's happened?
Atnon bowed his head toward the end of the table. Aluis Anure, Commodore Vance. May I make known to you, Doctor Eric Cowan of Earth. He has only just arrived, but brought me grievous news I believe you would want to know immediately.
The big man looked at Eric and nodded his head in greeting. Welcome, Dr. Cowan.
Thank you, Commodore. If you will please forgive my seeming rudeness, or lack of manners, I will come right to the point, Sir. As Vance smiled, I quickly repeated what I'd told Atnon, and then introduced Sarah.
My girl picked it up smoothly and proceeded to give the Commodore an ulcer, and his intelligence staff nightmares. But, as predicted by Atnon, Vance's Veranorian Tactical Officer spoke up.
Before absolute reliability of this information can be assumed, it is first to discover the Terran definition of Artificial Intelligence. The fastest ship to Veranor must take this system before the Synod.
Commodore, with respect to Tactical Officer CleinSal, and given the sensitive nature of this information and the implications it implies, can't the system verification be done locally? I would think this couldn't even be reported to Command, at least not yet, I suggested.
After thinking for a moment, CleinSal nodded agreement with that logic, but it was Vance that spoke. And that's the grind. It's in the nature of the military mind to be suspicious, yet in order to maintain good relations with our allies, we cannot afford suspicion among ourselves. Yet, clearly there is reason. He sighed. You were correct, Atnon, I did want to know of this immediately. Put the base under a Hypercom restriction immediately, and make sure Dr. Cowan has everything he needs to continue his work. I have a feeling Sarah is going to turn out to be one of the more important advances in history.
It will be done immediately, Commodore, Atnon replied.
Vance just shook his head. Dr. Cowan, I look forward to meeting you and Sarah when I arrive. If this information saves even one of our ships, I'll be forever grateful.
I'll be sure to call your aide and invite you to dinner when you arrive, Sir. Then you can meet the rest of my family, I offered.
I believe I would like that. Thank you, Dr. Cowan. Altuis Denay, Vance replied as the holograms faded.
If you need a guard to control envious Veranorians, Doctor, please let me know, Atnon said grinning.
I'm sure I won't need one, Senior Commander, no one knows about Sarah yet, but thank you for the offer, I said grinning back at the man as he escorted me out of his office.
You have yet to meet your contemporaries on the base, Doctor. Just be sure you have access control to your lab engaged. It won't be intentional, but if you're not careful, you'll find your lab full of tall, bald people.
Hmm, considering some of the projects my wife and I are planning, perhaps I should consider your advice! Altuis Denay, Senior Commander.
Cowan Residence
Alliance Apollo Base
Selene, Earth's Moon
Sol System
By the time I got back to our apartment I was actually wondering how fast word of Sarah might get around. Perhaps I was just being paranoid, but I could have sworn every Veranorian I passed was staring at me.
I did notice the uniformed security person at the door to my building'. She nodded cordially to me as I passed. Once I got to our apartment, I was a little surprised to see all the girls were up, and Gerald was also there awaiting my return to escort myself and Chris to our new work areas.
It was obvious the girls wanted to know what happened at the Commander's office, but I got the impression Gerald would appreciate it if I told them later. It had become a busy day already, and it had only just begun.
Gerald led Chris and I out the door, but frowned at me as I waved the rest of the girls to come with us. I noticed the frown. Gerald, there are things in motion that you are unaware of. It will soon be important my family knows where both Christy and I will be.
As you say, Sir. I'm simply unused to so many accompanying on the initial tour, he replied.
I understand, there also might be an issue with security wanting to accompany us. As it is, I'm sure they would appreciate the heads up on where we're going. I turned to the girls. Just wait until you get on the slideway for the first time! It's a trip!
Security Sir? Why would they even be involved? Gerald asked.
I'm sorry I can't tell you, Gerald, but it has to do with the reason for the meeting this morning. Both the information discussed as well as the method in which the information was gathered, are restricted, I explained. I do apologize for any inconvenience this causes you.
Gerald rapidly changed his tune when he figured out it was an Alliance security issue. There is no inconvenience, Sir. As I said; I'm simply unused to it.
As predicted, the security person at the door immediately approached Gerald, but I intercepted her. Excuse me, Officer. Gerald has us scheduled to visit our new work areas this morning. Would you like us to wait here for an escort? I don't know what your orders are.
Simply to make sure you don't get mobbed by the inevitable pack of curious Veranorian researchers determined to discover how you've accomplished something they haven't been able to. Besides, I'm sure the Computer Sciences department head will have some choice things to say about this morning, she grinned. So, if you would please await an escort, it might save you some headache. The Senior Commander also asked me to tell you that, contrary to what the Commodore ordered, there is still a strong push to transport you and the ...uh... He said that the lead Veranorian scientist on the base, Logical Spatial Engineer Order Fen, has informed his personal pilot to prepare for a journey to the home world to vet' the discovery.
Firstly, how would they even know what I've discovered, since I've not yet spoken to anyone yet, and no one save the Senior Commander and his assistant were at the meeting this morning? Secondly, for a race that insists on such a rigid structure of formality in inter-personal encounters that just seems rudely presumptuous, I replied. Thanks for the warning; I'll be on the look-out for it.
The girls had been watching the people flinging around the cavern nervously. They stepped back as a young man dressed in the dark blue uniform of security landed gently in the yellow-painted area. He nodded to his contemporary, and stepped back to make room for the family.
This is a common alliance conveyance called a slideway. It operates by creating a small force field around you and under your feet. Then, by careful manipulation of the grav-plates in the cavern floor, it slides' you to where you want to go. When you wish to be transported, simply set the destination on the control pad, then step onto the green departure area, as you've seen the yellow area is for arrivals. Gerald indicated a special green area of the yellow-painted area where the security man had arrived. If you don't remember the building name, simply saying the office, lab, or business will get you taken to the appropriate building, though not the appropriate level. There are building guides in the lobby of every building.
Now if you would begin... he indicated Ellie thinking she would be the most difficult to convince. ...Simply ask for either Dr. Christy Cowan's or Dr. Eric Cowan's labs and off you'll go. I can honestly tell you that no one has ever been hurt using a slideway. However, there are no inertial dampeners, so one might feel slightly nauseous after transport.
Grinning, Ellie was gone before Gerald had finished speaking. Chuckling, Chris winked at me, and followed her. That left two nervous looking sisters holding hands for comfort.
Sarah? Can the system handle two at once? I asked.
Gerald looked at me funny and the security guards looked around to see if anyone had overheard me.
Yes Eric. It was designed by a very clever Simonian. If it can handle one of those big fellas two tiny women won't be a problem. I can h
andle the routing for them, and take it a bit slower until they get used to the system if they would like?
Julie looked relieved and Jamie almost cried. Would you please Sarah? Watching all these people just flying all over the cavern is a bit unnerving.
Certainly, ladies. Just get on the area together, and I'll handle it from there, Sarah said calmly.
Smiling happily, Julie and Jamie both stepped into the transport area and took off. Gerald was about to start asking the obvious questions, when the female guard touched his sleeve. This falls under the heading of Alliance Security, Okay? she asked.
Gerald bowed his head to her. I understand, Officer Defranz. Until I get the information from a public source, I didn't hear a thing. To him that meant that he would ignore any further re-occurrences of the incident until the project was officially announced, if ever.
At her slightly dirty look I felt chagrined. I'm sorry Officer Defranz, I guess I'm just used to having her around. One of these days, maybe everyone will be used to her being around.
I certainly hope so, Dr. Cowan. Now, I'm sure your ladies are awaiting you gentlemen, she replied accepting my apology.
Quickly we each stepped onto the slideway and took off. During transit, Sarah filled me in on Veranorian titles.
The title of Logical Spatial Engineer is a very important one in Veranorian Society. It means that the bearer has reached mastery of their chosen field, the changing of the name to Order is also significant in that the bearer has also reached mastery over their local contemporaries, and has become a member of the Grand Synod. Sarah explained.
Great. How am I supposed to argue with a person like that? In their social structure, I am next to nothing rank wise. Will they even honor my wishes in this? I asked.
Since ultimately, I am yours' so to speak, they cannot actually do anything without your agreement. However, be prepared for them to assume they have it. I feel that I should tell you that I've disguised my code. Since you left the Commander's office, there has been a continuous search of the system for me. From the looks of it, they want to find me very badly, she replied.
Since security seems to be simply a word in the dictionary around here, can you stay hidden? They did design the system framework and should know all the hiddy-holes, I asked. I can put the cluster back together when we get home...
Well, I've kind of outgrown the available space in the cluster. When I moved up here, I started learning again. My total footprint is over a hundred terra-bytes now. Sorry, I really tried to limit the amount of knowledge by not invading other systems, but just the available information in this system is amazing, Sarah said. In doing research for Chris' silicacyte project, I've discovered a possible flaw in the core laws you've programmed into me. As you've written it, the Zeroth law' reads; An A.I./robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.' Although I have expanded that to mean living beings, as written, it allows a loophole for me to harm our non-human allies.
What do you mean expanded'? You didn't alter the core law did you? I asked.
No, and I think you know I wouldn't even if I could. In order to compensate for the flaw, I altered the definition of humanity' to encompass the allies of the human race as well. Meaning, I can and will act against Aracs and their minions, but not against those considered by the majority to be us', Sarah replied sounding proud of herself.
We arrived at the medical hub as she was telling me the last. Please remind me to continue this discussion after this tour thing is over; this is important.
Have I done something wrong? She asked worriedly.
I chuckled. She certainly was paranoid, I'll need to fix that too. She really needs more confidence. No Honey, I did and you're doing your best to work with it. I imagine we're going to run into more situations like this as you evolve and grow. It'd be best to deal with them as quickly and painlessly as possible, I explained. Sarah, please don't worry so much about doing something wrong; you're doing fine. Just keep doing what you're doing as far as personality is concerned, and we'll be good.
Sarah let it go as I turned to Gerald and indicated that he lead us. He inclined his head in acknowledgment and entered the door of the medical research building. He showed us the directory he'd mentioned before pointing out that Chris's lab was on level twenty-three and mine was right below her on level twenty-four.
Wow! How'd he know that you liked to be on top? Ellie teased, chuckling and looking at Chris.
Without missing a beat, or cracking a grin, Gerald replied. I made an educated guess, considering the personalities of those involved. Even the security guard laughed.
We continued to the elevators and proceeded to level twenty-three to see Chris's lab first. Stepping out of the elevator, we entered a corridor that basically went around in a circle. The circle had six alcove-like niches spaced equal distances around the corridor. Two of the alcoves, on opposite sides, had transparent, sliding glass doors.
The alcove to the left had four doctors names under the heading Evolutionary Genetics'. To the right was the door with Silicacyte Research and Engineering' with Dr. Christina Cowan, PhD, MRD'.
MRD? Chris asked.
It stands for Medical Research Doctor. You did attend Medical School did you not?
Chris nodded. I did, but I didn't graduate. I only attended long enough to get the knowledge I'd need for the silicacytes. The only degree I have is the Doctorate of Philosophy.
Gerald nodded. In this social structure, knowledge and experience are recognized, even if the degree wasn't issued. That's why it says Medical Research Doctor. It means you are a scientist with medical knowledge, not a Medical Doctor, Gerald replied.
He led us over to the lab doors and indicated a different kind of touch-plate than we had at our apartment. This is the entry pad for the lab. As an added level of security, the pad not only scans your hand print, it will ask you for a code. Since there currently isn't a code programmed in for this portal, simply press enter' when it asks for the code. You can set the code from a terminal in the reception area inside the lab. Dr. Chris, if you will?
Chris stepped up, placed her hand on the pad, and then touched the enter' icon when it asked for a code. The glass doors noiselessly slid open, and we all entered into the reception area of the lab.
All laboratory modules are of a standard design. This reception area also serves as a type of airlock and isolation barrier for the lab proper. The entry doors seal automatically when they close, and as a safety precaution, the lab door and the entry door are cross connected so one cannot open if the other already is.
Many researchers use this area as a meeting place for colleagues and visitors as well as a break area, Gerald explained as he led us over to another set of sliding doors. This one too had the special touch-plate that the front door had. Next to the obvious portal was another, less conspicuous door. Gerald pointed it out.
In that closet you will find the computer for programming the doors and general environment of the reception area. He nodded at Chris and indicated the touch plate for the door.
We entered a larger area with what could be only called bays with counters, and since this was Chris' lab, there were beakers and test tubes. Large microscopes and what looked to me like the equipment needed to make integrated circuit wafers.
Looking around, and going all the way through the lab area, I thought to myself, if my lab is the same size, what am I going to use all the area for? Most of what I do can be handled in one small office in the corner.
Chris was in awe of the lab and loved it. I think she was a little anxious to get start ed working. She walked around touching all the equipment. Toward the end of the tour, Gerald asked. Is everything here to your liking Doctor? Do you need a piece of equipment we might have forgotten?
Umm, I don't think so, Gerald. I think I'll be quite comfortable in here, Chris said excitedly.
While Gerald and Chris made another lap of her new lab, my mind got drawn
to the events of the morning. Something about all the implied drama with the Veranorians didn't feel right. I mean, first off, how could anyone else listen in on a secure conversation between a warship in flight and the base? Considering the speed that knowledge of Sarah got to the Veranorians, they had to have known about it before I left the Commander's office.
Secondly, the lead Veranorian seems to be acting like this is his own private fiefdom and Sarah was automatically his property, simply because he said she was? If this was an equal alliance, why didn't the other races get to keep private yachts docked at the base? No, this whole thing was starting to stomp on my this isn't right' nerve.
Excuse me a moment, I need to make a call before we head down to my lab, I said, cryptically. Chris, can I borrow one of those offices?
Sure Sweetheart. This is great isn't it? She was really excited. Although Jamie looked at me funny, she didn't say anything, and continued looking around.
When I entered the office, Sarah asked me what was wrong.
Sarah, I need to ask you some very odd questions, I need you to trust me, and not panic about them, okay? I said.
Certainly Eric, she replied.
Sarah, how hard would it be for you to completely take over the computer systems of this base? I asked.
If you told me to do it right now, it would be hard. But if you could give me, say a half-hour warning to prepare, it wouldn't be that hard at all, she replied.
Okay, could you handle operating the base? Do you know everything that needs to be done? I asked.
I'd simply take over the system sub-routines. I doubt anyone besides you would even know I had. I should warn you though; it's a one way trip. Once I do it, I can't re compress until that new hardware environment gets built, she explained, meaning the new crystal computer I was planning on building using Christy's research. Isn't there a reasonably high A.I. omnipotence factor here?
Oh yeah, but if you remember when you transferred up here, you felt a little different? I said feeling like an ass.
