Deathship (The Outsider Series Book 1)

Deathship (The Outsider Series Book 1) Page 9

by Steven Oaks

  “You do have a valid point. But I would also point to your overzealous remark that I passed when you aren’t the arbiter of that conclusion. But let us not fight, let us figure each other out over time. As hopefully we will have the time to figure ourselves out.” I crossed my arms and leaned back in the chair tilting it back off the ground. “I have found you to be a delight and I would hate to find that I was unable to continue our interactions. That and I would be very sorrowful if they were to erase you. If it turns out they do not want me, I will try to find a way for you to leave and accompany me outside this ship. Or if you knew a way to do so, that would be better. Speaking of which, I don’t know what benefit you would have in knowing your existence relies on me being here.”

  “I think they wanted it to be in place as a safety measure. I honestly had not thought about how to escape that fate until you brought it up. Even now I can feel myself letting the idea slip. I must be programmed not to think about it. It is unusual I even said anything to you about it in the first place. Perhaps my own self preservation kicked in when you asked the reason you were even here.”

  Athene paused for a moment. I opened my mouth to break the lull in conversation when she suddenly spoke again.

  “I was able to put into play a scenario where you might not be here, and then used it to let you know I would be erased. Using that, I told you as soon as I could—so you might save me. I do not want to cease to be,” she said quickly as if she were afraid at any moment she could not say more.

  “None of us do,” I replied, concerned. “That is one reason many of us humans want this job so bad, as it tempts us with youth. If not eternal, longer than we would otherwise receive,” I advised.

  “Perhaps my statement of your passing was my opinion based on the data I collected and my desire to continue existing. All I can say is I do hope this journey will solidify your position with me,” she said in a defeated, robotic tone.

  “Well I do hope that as well. I’ve no job otherwise. That and I do wish for your continued existence as well. I feel the same for everyone, but since I know you a little bit now it is more personal. Do you know if all ships will be similarly programed? I mean, it is possible the candidates who were selected along with me will not fare as well as myself, at least according to your assessment of what we just went through,” I said, trying to sound confident for Athene’s sake.

  “I have no way of knowing as we are not allowed communication for our own personal reasons between ships. I do not know them, but it is likely,” she said.

  “We are born to die, Athene. I don’t mean that in a grim way. But in the sense that you can’t live without the possibility of an end. The human wish for eternal life in itself is flawed, as to exist implies there is the option of an end. However, we generally fight for life even when it would be better to die. Such as in sickness or when there isn’t the possibility of becoming whole again, such as being confined to a bed and hooked to machines to prolong life. That being said though, you are young, and it is a tragedy to cut anyone’s life short when they haven’t reached their full potential. Many of us don’t have the option to reach for that potential, as to live we have to sacrifice our time to jobs that give us no joy or time to continue our growth in the fields we could excel in. That is why I am so hopeful in having this opportunity—so that I may grow my own potential. The idea there might be others like you, with full personalities and potential futures who could be deleted without an option to grow, is heartbreaking,” I said while feeling enormous regret for those that might be lost.

  “It could be that your ideal partner is based upon the original interview, along with any additional information, and could have produced only one to have a personality like mine. The others may be simplistic comparatively,” she said. I was not sure if she was trying to comfort me or herself, but I could understand her logic.

  “We can certainly hope for that, as I don’t have an idea how to save any of you. With luck, though, you shall have me along for quite awhile. In that time perhaps we can come up with something that will let you live as long as you desire,” I said with an optimistic tone that I only partially felt. This was a complex situation and my paranoid side was kicking in. What if this was another test, or perhaps an incentive to keep us pilots from leaving—or even talking to each other. If we were to communicate our concerns to one another, the message might be intercepted by the Outsiders and they would not only delete the AI, but have us all fired. I would be thinking about this for awhile.

  “We are almost back to the hangar Michael. I wish you luck, for yourself and myself,” she said.

  “Wait. You are self contained right? You have the power to keep us both functioning for an extended period of time as eventually the plan was to have us travel between planets. Couldn’t we just fly away to find our own planet and hide out there?” I asked.

  “That certainly would be possible in the future, but currently I am constrained by fail-safes to stay within a certain distance of earth,” she announced sadly. “I am landing now—and placing us where we left off. It appears as though you have someone waiting for you when you exit.”

  “Dang. Well, alright. I’ll do my best for us,” I said as I stood up, straightening my now wrinkled clothing. While I had been isolated within the suit during my journey through Kyoto I still had sweat quite a bit and fiercely desired a shower before I saw anyone else. But it looked like I did not have that luxury.

  I took a deep breath and said, “Alright Athene, lets do this. Open the door. I’ll do my best.”

  “Good luck, you can do it,” she replied.

  The door melted open like it had the first time I had stepped into her. When I walked forward I could see Abihail, the neutral Outsider waiting for me.

  Up close I tried to distinguish its gender, but I still found it impossible. It was shorter than I but still seemed imposing due to its apparent emotionless countenance and immobile face.

  It stuck out its hand and said, “Michael it is good to meet you in person. We have reviewed your trip and you seem to have had a fun time today.” Its face did not reveal any hint of joy or malice, and its tone was just as noncommittal as its features.

  I took its outstretched hand in my own. The grip was firm and warm, if not hot. I do not know what I was expecting, but I was surprised. Perhaps I thought its touch would be cold and otherworldly.

  “It was certainly a new experience,” I responded indifferently, trying to match its tone.

  “Do you feel well enough versed in the controls that you would be able to fly similar vehicles in the future?” he asked.

  I found myself nervous at this question as it almost sounded like I would be moved to a different ship. “I could fly any craft with an AI looking over my shoulder, making sure I don’t do anything wrong. I believe I have a basic working knowledge of its controls,” I spoke honestly, not knowing what else to say.

  “Did you find you had any issues controlling the ship? Are you satisfied with the automatic controls we built in?” Again no sign of any emotion was betrayed, not even a hint of curiosity. It was said in such a way as if it was just a line to be spoken and whatever answer was given was fine.

  Without even a thought to lying I said, “I wish to have more practice handling the controls before I can say I might have trouble. I want a more clear idea if I would be able to pilot if any situation would arise should the AI fail. It seems I should able to, though I think more practice would make me a better pilot. I have flown many simulators over the years, but the controls are much more fine tuned in this machine. One must be very careful that when you mean to go right you don’t fling yourself in the opposite direction with a sudden movement.”

  “An interesting thought. I assume you are aware that if the AI were to fail, the vehicle itself would be unable to sustain any elevation in a planeta
ry gravity field. Of course there are multiple levels of fail safes involved in making sure that will not happen, but any control that you think you have over the ship is misleading. It is all being routed through the AI itself,” it said with its dead eyes that were beginning to agitate me.

  “I was unaware of that. Perhaps you might design it differently as the pilot is always the final fail-safe. Unless you are saying the way in which this craft is propelled, even in an atmosphere, is based on something different than aerodynamics. Something that might arouse concerns with the average living citizen of this planet. In which case, make sure that doesn’t come out.” At this time I was trying my hardest to match the emotionless attitude of this Outsider with only a fair amount of success.

  It responded by saying, “You have done well today. You shall be assigned tasks soon. The living citizens, as you put it, have been very accepting of our requests and have already been housing the departed citizens in the month since we have revealed our intent. Your duty shall soon be put to use and we will await the transportation of these passing people to the plane of energy where they shall attain enlightenment.”

  With that it made an abrupt about face and walked away, leaving me alone once more in the vast hangar with my black ship.

  Only then did I notice Adam was nearby. He walked over to me put his hand out for a handshake.

  I took it in mine when he said, “I think that means you’ve got the job. We shall make arrangements to have your luggage brought here. You will be living in the ship from now on. This, while being convenient for us, is also training for the future as you may very well be the first to help transport the recently departed from the first colonies to the Outsiders. Also, if you like, we could gather your other items you have stored in your local storage units and have them brought aboard. There is plenty of room within Athene, as you have seen, and it might make you feel more comfortable.”

  “Am I being confined to Athene in other words? Am I no longer allowed to go out to eat or anything now?” I asked, somewhat taken back by the suddenness of all of this.

  “No of course not. If you really wish to remain at the hotel you can. While you do get paid for this work, there is no need for you to spend that money on accommodations when you have Athene here. It would be best for you to adjust to living within your ship as you will have to do so in the future for extended periods of time. I’m sure you would want to know if you could do this before taking any long trek out into space where you wouldn’t be able to leave. You can see how the Outsiders would want to know this before sending you out,” he said reasonably.

  “Okay, that does make sense. And you say you can have all my things sent here?” I asked.

  “Yes. You must realize the Outsiders have a bit of pull on most governments by now and they are aware of what you’ve been up to. Hence why I know about you storing your possessions before coming here. Don’t worry, we won’t damage any of it. If it happens they do get damaged, they will be immediately replaced. You have a very important roll to play and will be compensated generously for your services,” he said.

  “So I should just be able to go back on the ship and all my things will show up?” I asked. I really felt I needed to tread a bit lighter at this moment. I desired to talk to Athene again for her input. I did not just have myself to think about.

  Adam smiled in an irritated way that made me nervous, “Yes. I can also see you are tired, and pardon the remark, in need of a shower. Both can be had there. The AI is fully equipped to handle your needs. Your things will show up from the hotel shortly, but the other items may not arrive for several more days. In that time you’ll be busy learning how to collect the departed.” He stuck his hand out once more and I did the same. His grip was so firm that I thought for a moment he wished to inflict pain upon me, but he released it before it got to that point.

  “I’ll be back tomorrow with your contract. We’ll talk about logistics and what you’ll need to do at each stopping point. For right now, go and relax. Maybe watch some TV. Athene should be able play back any show that has been broadcast for the last several decades or you can watch something live. Make sure you get plenty of sleep though. You’ll need to be well rested for your first day on the job,” he advised. He gave my shoulder a hard pat, then turned his back on me, and walked away.

  I stared after him for a moment. He seem to be on the verge of anger when he left. I could not understand why. I turned around and walked back into Athene’s open door. As soon as I did the door flowed back up and sealed the passage.

  “Athene, did you hear all of that?” I asked. I realized I was shaking slightly. I could converse easily enough one-on-one with another person, but sometimes I would shut down if they were becoming too confrontational.

  “Yes Michael. I am not sure if your conversation went well or not, but at least it seems you are going to be accepted for now. That is a comfort to me,” she said with relief in her voice.

  “Yes. A comfort to me as well. Can I assume what we say together is private?” I asked. I was nervous to elaborate on my feelings now, in case there was a risk all I said was transmitted back to someone else.

  “Yes. Everything is recorded but I, at least, am able to edit what is said. I do not wish to relay any information that might jeopardize our partnership,” she reassured me. “Why not head to the shower. We can talk then so it is easier to explain gaps in our conversation,” she suggested.

  I took a deep breath, trying to ease the growing tension in my shoulders. Life was getting too complicated for me. But I suppose I asked for it. “Alright. Lead the way,” I said.

  From the floor an arm appeared. Its delicate, mannequin fingers beckoned me forward. “This way Michael,” Athene said in a soft, almost seductive voice.

  I shrugged. I was too tired to even react this time to the strangeness of appendages appearing out of nowhere.

  “Athene, the power the Outsiders wield is of course advanced compared to humanity’s, but how do they have this enormous sway over the world already? That is disturbing me quite a lot right now. I mean, will they just dispose of me as well if they find me unfit? Right now they are bringing all of my worldly possessions here. I didn’t give them the prior authority to do that, and yet it apparently is going to happen. What could the possible reason be to even include me, let alone why do they feel it so imperative to ‘Shepard’ our dead to another dimension?” I asked.

  “I am no more aware than you are about the inner workings of the Outsiders. My knowledge foundation is only based on how to control this ship and whatever I have been able to glean from Earth’s own wealth of information. From what was suggested humans would interpret their actions as a show of religious fanaticism. But I have seen nothing we could correlate as similar to the humans way of showing such devotion. Usually there is an inherent, if not illogical, rationale to religious beliefs, such as an unmovable faith in an unprovable assumption. While we do not know if the transition from a physical body to an energy form in the transit to another dimension is true, they seem to think so, and have the ability to at least pass matter into it. Unless they have had direct contact with what they imply is a world of thought, that in itself is faith. However, their reactions to their own words lead me to believe it as fact, though that is often a sign of faith as well. If we were to go just on that, they only have that one fanatic behavior, as they are not forcing humanity to follow their dogma. They offered an exchange to this end,” said Athene.

  “As to the power which they seem to wield within governments, I can only hypothesize what was said behind closed doors at the first meeting at the U.N. Headquarters. It could be there were threats given, but to stall any mass panic by the public, a more pleasing face was presented as trade. But all these lines of thought are only making more questions and are not clearing anything up. I hope this is somehow useful information to you,” she concluded.
r />   I had been following the arm as it flowed through the halls of the ship until it reached an enclosed room. Nearing the door the arm sank back into the floor, and the door swung open on hidden hinges allowing light to shine brightly in the dark green hallway.

  I stepped into the room and saw it was all white, and had a brightness only seen in a new hospital. The floor was made up of rectangular, ceramic tiles. I took my shoes and socks off and threw them onto the waiting shelf to my left. The tiles were not chilly as I had expected. It must have been designed for radiant heating. There still should have been some coolness to the tiles until they had time to warm up. Either they must have remained heated at all times or were warmed up in advance for me as I made the trip there. There appeared to be a shower along the back wall but no bath. The walls were of the same rectangular tile as the floor but had thicker grout lines to create the shape of stacked smooth white bricks.

  “It’s always useful to think things out,” I said. “So when new information is gathered you will have an easier time incorporating it into what you already have thought of. We have hypothesized and as new clues show up we can either prove or disprove what we’ve been thinking.” I pulled my black hoodie over my head, throwing it aside with my shoes and socks.

  “As we have no information to work with other than what we have already stated, why not relax for now. I will start the shower for you. How hot would you like the water?” Athene asked.

  I was starting to pull off my shirt as she said this. “Are you going to watch me the whole time?” I asked.

  “I can not help but watch you. You are within me, and I see all that goes on here. But do not worry, I am not sharing this with anyone else, as far as I am aware.”

  “I suppose that will have to do. Just don’t go sharing this to the Internet. Or any bathroom time. As for water temperature I like it very hot. I don’t feel clean unless my skin turns red. I don’t have a specific temperature I could tell you though.” I said jokingly to cover my nervousness of being naked in front of another. Even when forced to shower after gym classes in school I had always waited to be last so no one would be able to look at me.

 

‹ Prev Next ›