by Ben Winston
In this situation, Order Fen would be my superior, however, I would be next because I have the next highest rank. Somehow, I have allowed T'harnes to usurp my authority here. That is the dishonor. I know I would never have agreed to such, yet I do not understand how I did.
I nodded understanding, and was about to answer her, when the Commodore cut me off. I'll get to that in a moment if I may?
I bowed to him, and he grinned very slightly. Then he turned back to the group. I'm just going to start at the beginning, and let all of you draw your own conclusions as to our current situation.
He told them all, everything, from the time he and I first met, until the final communication from Susan, and the results of the analysis. To say they were stunned was an understatement, but surprisingly, not one of them doubted the Commodore's word.
The two Veranorians were the most upset when they learned of the hidden programming in the teaching software. Again, neither one questioned it, or my discovery of it. They simply accepted it all as the utter truth, which it was, but it still surprised me.
When Vance introduced Sarah, she was welcomed openly and was instantly the center of curiosity for Corhen Nori. I do have to admit, when Vance told them all that she was now the base operating system, they looked a little nervous, but once he told them she had been running the base since shortly after my arrival, they relaxed. I guess they figured if something was going to happen to them, it would have happened already. I thought to myself that these people tend to trust technology too much.
That was when Vance got to the reason he'd invited everyone. He had a plan.
Okay, now that you all know everything I know, here's the reason I asked you all here. Dr. Cowan is undertaking a project that has a very high priority, and he's asked for some specific help.
Actually, there are two projects, both of them equally as important, and equally as daunting. The first project is to give our fighter craft a major advantage over not only the Arac fighters, but over the rest of our fleet's fighters as well. The Second project is to set up and install a new computer system, as well as an AI, in each of our capitol ships.
He's asked for two more lab modules. Half a dozen more design suites, the permanent assignment of the fighter techs currently assisting him, as well as other computer specialists. Dr. Cowan, could you please outline each of the projects so everyone can figure out exactly what you'll need? He finished, dropping the whole thing in my lap.
I stood and cleared my throat. Let's see, for the fighter project, we've designed a new style of crystalline computer core that will be of use in the capitol ship project as well. So I'll need knowledgeable people to take over the designing and growing of the crystals for installation in the ships.
For the fighters, the objective is to reduce the input load on the pilot while increasing efficiency with targeting and flight systems assistance. In the command ships, we will be able to add assistance with wing and squadron deployment and tactics. Basically we're adding an AI to the fighter in order to enhance its existing capabilities.
We are also going to do pretty much the same thing for the capitol ships. However, in these installations, we will include advanced targeting and tracking, a more intuitive user interface, as well as greatly increasing computing power and speed in those ships. I think the bugs will find a surprise when they try to exploit the design weaknesses after we install these systems.
I also, in addition to new space to grow the crystals, I have asked that the whole thing be moved closer to the main fighter bay for ease of installation. I also asked for fleet marines to provide security, I finished.
Corhen Nori looked at me in surprise. You would teach us your AI code?
I smiled at the woman. That had been my intention all along. Sarah and her sisters could be a great help in our war against the Arac.
Order Fen sent word that the Synod had disproved your AI code as little more than a poorly written analysis program. Their AI to be sent here for installation. This must not be allowed to happen. Code approved by Synod is not for the Alliance. Turned on the Alliance they have. I believe they are now traitors. She looked at ClienSal. This I will not force upon you, ClienSal. This must come from your heart, not another's.
CleinSal nodded. Sworn to protect and defend the Alliance and all its members, we are, Matriarch. From the evidence shown here, there can be no other conclusion. The Synod is to try to take control of the Alliance. My concern is what is in the Biosciences lab complex. With Synod lost in insanity, what other mischief might they direct our way?
From there, we all got back to business. We quickly decided that Ced should take over the Crystal growing and retrofit kit manufacture. While I focused on programming for each ship that would receive a Crystal.
Of course, the first crystal installed would be the one grown for the base. However, since Sarah was already written, I gave that project over to those better equipped to handle it.
Foreten Kree was going to be one very busy Gorilla. Once the specs for the Design and Programming studio were known, he received orders to proceed from most of those present. Although it would mean a lot of work, Foreten was beaming with happiness and pride.
Corhen Nori promised that she would see to obtaining programmers as well as hardware design engineers for the project. Little doubt that T'harnes will demand a full report on everything discussed here. Since his rank was given by the Synod, I cannot demote him, nor can I remove him from his current position.
Luckily I can ignore his request for information. But if pressed by someone of greater rank than I, I will be subject to censure by the Synod, and possibly expulsion from the Veranorian Science Ministry. I would become an outcast, no longer welcome among my people.
Excuse me, Matriarch, but if I may; please refer him to me if he would know more. I will simply inform him, as per regulations, that the projects in question are not to be discussed with anyone not included in either project. So continued attempts to gain knowledge in this area are to be considered treason, and I would be obliged to report such to the base commander immediately, I said.
Corhen Nori smiled at me. Dr. Cowan, since you are not Veranorian, you are not obligated to address me as Matriarch. However, since I know you only meant to show me respect, from you, I will accept it.
Please excuse the seeming rudeness of my comments, but I would have thought someone of your intellect would have learned from past events. T'harnes will ignore your warning, and simply report you to the Synod once again. Then you will receive orders from the Alliance council to inform T'harnes of the information.
I nodded, but smiled. There was no rudeness, Matriarch. I would like to reassure you that I learned a great deal from those events. T'harnes can try to report me to the Synod, but I don't think his message would actually make it. You see, it's a horrible fact of war that communication's relay drones are so easily destroyed by the enemy; especially at the worst possible moment, I said, and pointed to Sarah who was standing quietly and looking delightfully innocent.
I could see the light come on for Corhen Nori, and she smiled. Indeed, you did learn from the past. My apologies, Dr. Cowan. I should have known better than to doubt you.
Just to clarify one point. While I did create Sarah, I can no longer give her alpha priority orders. That level of access is held only by one person; the Base Commander. In this case, Commodore Vance. Even if I did try to tell her to block all Veranorian communications into and out of the base, for example, she would not do it without the Commodore's authorization, I explained. With regards to Sarah, he is the highest authority on her list.
Well, I for one am happy to see that she is coming out of the closet so to speak. You see, she's been getting very bored. Even with every task we can think of to give her, she has still only used point nine-four-seven percent of her capacity. It will be good to see her occupied, finally, Ced said. I will leave it to each of you to come to your own conclusions, but I for one believe she is sentient.
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I will have to experience this myself, as you suggested Dr. Sparks, Corhen Nori said before turning to me. Through her code, I assume you have gone; did you find anything that could explain such behavior?
I shook my head. No, I've triple-checked it. There is no part of her code that I don't understand fully. However, I do agree with Dr. Sparks; she is sentient, although I could not explain it.
Foreten Kree had been listening, and thinking. An ancient wise man from my planet gave an answer to a similar question; He was asked what part of our beings makes us alive? He paused a moment and looked up. He answered that who we are is not something that can be identified. If it were then we would all be the same. All of us are nothing more than the sum of our parts and our experiences. The question then becomes, who are we, and not what are we. That question can only be answered by one being; but only the truly wise will be able to hear and understand the answer.
Ladies and Gentlemen, our discussions have been long and fruitful. However, the day is coming to an end. I would suggest we all retire for the evening and get a fresh start on the morrow, Vance suggested.
I stood. If possible, I would like to see the scientific teams in my lab an hour after the start of the day. From there, we can split up and get busy. Agreed?
Ced nodded, and Corhen Nori bowed to me. An honor for us to work with you, Senior Research Doctor Cowan. I shall cherish this opportunity.
Logical Engineer Corhen Nori, I do not wish to correct you, but I am still only a Junior Research assistant. As for cherishing the opportunity, I hope you remember that when you become upset with me.
Dr. Cowan, Order Fen assigned your rank to you when you arrived. He had intended to keep you at that rank so he could claim all of your work as his own, since you were technically a member of his research team. However, by naming you a Senior Research Doctor, you are no longer subject to his... guidance. Also, it is proper for someone that is leading a project of this importance to be a senior level researcher. Also, it may please you to know that you are now equal in rank to both myself, as well as T'harnes.
I would name you Master Level, however, I am not able to advance someone beyond my own rank. If I could, then you would be Order Fen's equal. For the creation of the AI, you deserve to be named a Master.
I bowed. Thank you, My Lady. However, I do believe I might be too young to hold such a rank. I will do my best not to let any of you down.
Of that we are certain. Altuis Denay, Dr. Cowan.
Altuis Anure, Logical Engineer Corhen Nori.
Glossary
Sarah has translated the Novan greetings as the following.
Altuis',{pronounced all-TOU-iss} means* Grand/Auspicious/Great.
Anure' {pronounced AHN-nü-er} means* Start/Beginning/Morning.
Denay' {pronounced Dee-NAY} means* Day/Solar Cycle/Work Period.
Tanae' {pronounced tah-NÄ”} means* Honor/Occasion/Day.
*Exact definition is contextual.
