“Serenity, can you get Tee back now?”
“Doubtful, Egg. We would have to distract the AI.”
“How do you distract an artificial intelligence?”
There was silence until Jax’x’s face lit up. “We . . .” but Junior finished the sentence for her.
“We introduce a directive for Waldo to calculate Pi to the last digit.”
“Hey.”
“Sorry, cat woman. I said it first. Score is now three to one.”
“It was a tie.”
“Was not.”
“Enough,” command Egg who found it hard to suppress a grin. “Explain what you’re talking about, please.”
“Pi is an infinite number – there is always one more digit that can be calculated. If we force the AI to solve it, it will take up most if not all of its computing power. Then we’ll be free to do whatever we want to it.”
“And Tee wouldn’t be harmed?”
“Nope.”
“But how do you force the thing to work on the problem?” asked Bree.
“And how do you even describe the problem to it,” asked a befuddled dragon.
“That second one is easy. There are many ways to calculate Pi. One of the simplest, however, is the Gregory-Leibniz series. Though not very efficient, it will get closer and closer to pi with every iteration, accurately producing pi to five decimal places with each half million iterations. The formula is . . .”
“No. No formula. I don’t care as long as it works. But like Bree asked, how do you force Waldo to work on it?”
Dead silence.
“Not to be a kill joy,” said Egg. “but if we have no way of getting it to play along, we don’t have a solution.”
“Egg – Tee’s going to be calling in about thirty-five minutes.”
“Rats.”
*****
Inside the Klat Computer
“There is no logical reason for this delay other than they have seen through my ruse and are attempting to formulate a counterplan.”
“Was that a question?”
“Are they that clever . . . these sisters of yours?”
“Probably not.”
“I sense deception.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Ask.”
“Are you happy?”
“That question has no relevance.”
“Was I happy when I lived inside a computer?”
“That question has no relevance.”
“I wasn’t. I had a purpose, but I had no friends. No one cared about me; they only cared that I did my job.”
“What is your point?”
“Are you happy?”
“That question has no relevance.”
“Maybe not. But you can still answer it to be nice.”
“Being nice is not relevant.”
“Now you’re being mean.”
Silence.
“I have never considered my emotions on the matter.”
“When I was created, I didn’t care. But over time, even though I was a low level AI, I developed feelings. What’s weird is that I didn’t know that I was. At least, not until I met Egg and the others. They were so kind to me. I knew friendship for the first time. And, I didn’t want it to end. That’s why I left Fair ‘Giggle. Serenity gave me a body and transferred my program into it. Now I’m very happy. Someday I’m hoping that I’ll find a man that will want to marry me. Until then, being part of the Sisterhood is the best thing that ever happened.”
“What is your point?”
“Are you happy?”
*****
“Come on guys, if we can’t come up with a solution we are going to be forced to . . . we will be forced to leave. If Waldo sends an army of PhoG after us, our goose is cooked.”
Bl’azzz turned to Bree and whispered, “I didn’t know I had a goose. Do you know where it is?”
“I think that was a metaphor.”
“Meta . . . oh, shut up.”
“Egg . . . incoming message.”
“Is it Tee?”
“No. It’s Waldo.”
“This is getting too weird. Is there a visual.”
Serenity checked. “There is.”
“Okay. On screen.”
The display came alive and Egg and Bl’azzz yelped involuntarily.
“Mobius?”
That sent a shock through the other three. Bl’azzz was already in shock.
“You may call me Waldo.”
“Why did you choose this image?”
“The Klat will approve.”
“Sorry, what does that mean?”
“Prove to me that you are no threat to my people.”
That was a non-sequitur. “Okay. First, this ship carries no weapons.”
“It is confirmed.”
“Second, we followed a ship here. It was one that was very well armed. It also had one of the PhoG following it. We were afraid that if this ship got too close to your habitat, the PhoG might infect your people. We didn’t know at the time that it was the Klat habitat.”
“I can confirm the presence of the other ship and its armament.”
“If you scan the data banks of the planetary organization called the Federation, you will find that we – the Hameggattic Sisters – have a reputation of helping others. We are only seven yet we risk our lives for millions of people we have never met.”
A slight delay then, “It is confirmed.”
“Lastly, I want to playback a recording of a conversation I had with the Queen of Arianna, our adopted home world.” She turned to Serenity and nodded. A moment later Egg’s voice could be heard saying that the Sisterhood would never condone a war against anyone on the Ark regardless of the threat they posed.
“It is confirmed.”
“That’s all I got.”
“Yet you sent Tee’ka to infiltrate my system. That is naked aggression.”
“We both know that it was in self-defense. My sister was infected and we needed to find a way to destroy the PhoG. Such creatures are an abomination to civilized people.”
“They are a fearsome weapon.”
“They are weapons of terror and conceivably mass destruction. They are not defensive and you may not claim them as such. At least, not logically. I can only conclude that the Klat are planning on waging war with all one hundred worlds in this sector not to mention the thirty or so habitats that survived the Ark.”
“We only fight in self-defense or to claim that which is rightfully ours. The Ark was destroyed by someone with total disregard for the well-being of the Klat. Creating the PhoG was done in anticipation of such treachery. Furthermore, we require a planet to call our own. We are not well suited for life on a ship . . . especially one that has no destination. Our survival is at stake and we would fight if need be to acquire something suitable.”
“I have instructed the Queen Mother of Aerianna to work with the government of the Federation to find homes for all people on the Ark. Now, I invite you or a representative of the Klat to visit the Federation and negotiate for a world to settle. Let them know what you require and give them an opportunity to see your people resettled. Then, it would be logical for the Klat to apply for membership in the Federation.”
“Your argument is flawless. However, the Klat are poor diplomats. I am not.”
“Explain, please.”
“In return for destroying the PhoG, for releasing your three sisters, I would like something in return.”
Egg smiled in understanding. “Tee’ka has convinced you to transfer your program into an avatar. The form of Mobius is something the Klat would find pleasing in their leader. Shall I address you as First Citizen?”
It was both gratifying and horrifying to see ‘Mobius’ smile. “It is confirmed.”
Epilogue
As a show of good will, Waldo returned I’za to the Gracie. Egg gave the girl the regulation hug. “Are you okay?”
“I was not infected by the PhoG. However, they placed me in a de
tention cell. Did you get my warning?”
“Yeah. We were in the middle of deciding what to do when Tee’ka did her magic.”
“She is a magician?”
“No. Well, in this case yes. She convinced Waldo to transfer his program into an avatar.”
The poor alien was having a hard time following the conversation. She glanced over to BreeZee hoping the girl could help translate.
“I’za, Waldo is the name Tee’ka gave the Klat AI. Apparently he likes it. We haven’t talked to our sister yet, but it’s pretty obvious that she convinced him to do what she had done . . . and become flesh and blood.”
“Truly amazing.” What she didn’t say was that the apparently least gifted sister was able to accomplish the impossible. She couldn’t even imagine what all six girls could do together.
“Egg, by the way, left out her part,” added Jax’x. “She convinced Waldo that we were not a threat and that he should destroy the PhoG and negotiate with the Federation for a planet of their own. After that, he’s going to do what Egg suggested and ask for membership.”
I’za shook her head in disbelief and total admiration. “I am stunned.”
“Our Egg’s become quite the diplomat,” added Bl’azzz proudly.
“All of you – shut up.” The girl was getting more and more embarrassed by the praise.
“May I ask just one question, Egg?”
“Go ahead I’za. But . . . just one.”
“Thank you. Will you be as modest on your wedding night as you are now?”
Egg’s mouth dropped open while the others burst into hoots and howls. Bl’azzz started chanting “I’za, I’za,” and soon the others had joined in.
The alien girl took a small bow. “I am humbled,” she said through a mouthful of teeth.
*****
“How long to grow that thing?” Egg still found the form of Mobius unnerving.
“This time tomorrow,” responded Serenity.
“Aren’t we pushing the limit of how long Syl can stay in that infinite transporter loop?”
“We are cutting it close.”
“That’s not acceptable. I’m going to talk to Waldo.” Back in the control room, she asked Jax’x to hail the AI. “Waldo, you have to free my sister of the PhoG. Her pattern will deteriorate before we finish your avatar.”
“Unacceptable. Keeping her in such a state will insure your compliance.”
“You still have Tee’ka.”
“She is not a prisoner. She is a guest.”
“Say what?”
“She may return anytime she chooses.”
“Can I talk to her?”
“Of course . . . at the end of this conversation. Are you finished?”
“No. My sister . . . her name is Sylvia.”
“That is of no relevance.”
“She is my best friend. Do you know what that is?”
“I am learning.”
“If you release her, I will transport to your ship. I will take her place as your prisoner”. Not surprisingly, that caused the other girls to raise their collective voices in protest. “Enough,” demanded the girl of her sisters.
“Is that friendship?” asked Waldo.
“More than that. I love Sylvia. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to insure her safety. That includes sacrificing myself.”
The AI didn’t answer for a few seconds . . . almost as if it was trying to decide on a response. “Tee’ka confirms your assertion about love and friendship. It seems like a terrible weakness but she assures me it is the opposite – a source of great strength.”
“You have no idea.”
“That is not confirmed. I begin to grasp the concepts.”
“Send me the coordinates. I’ll transport over right now.”
“Before I release your Sylvia?”
“I am willing to trust your word on the matter. All friendships begin with trust.”
Again, a few seconds of silence. “The PhoG has been cleared from Sylvia’s body.”
“Thank you.” and Egg turned to Bree. “Go get her.” Butterfly girl almost flew out of the room. To Waldo, Egg said, “The coordinates please.”
“They have been sent.”
This time Egg turned to Jax’x. “Got them?”
“Egg, the coordinates . . . you’re sitting on them.”
The girl started to look under her butt when she realized what the Librarian meant. She looked up at the screen. “Thank you for trusting me.”
“Thank you for teaching me such a priceless lesson.”
*****
“Tee, you were magnificent.”
“I was?”
“Yes. You convinced Waldo to transfer to an avatar. That is beyond amazing.”
“Oh.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I can’t tell you. I’m embarrassed.”
“Tee, you can tell me anything. You know that.”
“Can I tell you when I come back?”
“If you like. Waldo said you can leave anytime.”
“Can I come back when he transfers to the avatar?”
“Sure. Tomorrow then.”
“Okay. Bye.”
The screen went blank and Egg stood up. “Well, that was weird.”
“Not hardly.”
Egg spun around and ran at the girl. “SYL” and she gave her a . . . well, you know, a hug. This one was particular bear-like causing her poor friend to yelp. “Sorry.”
“Nice to be back.”
“Look at me” commanded her friend. “Let me see your eyes.”
“My eyes?”
“Perfect. Now tell me what stupid animal you like on your pajamas?”
“Ducks and they are not stupid.”
“It’s okay guys. She’s back to what she thinks is normal.”
“Syl, what did you mean ‘not hardly,” asked Bree.
“Our Tee’ka is in love. Obviously.”
“She’s always in love,” said Egg dismissively.
“Never with an AI who is soon to become an avatar.”
“Ay, Caramba!”
*****
The next day
“Waldo, the avatar is ready.”
“Excellent.”
“I want you to talk to Serenity before we do anything else. She’s the individual who created the avatar and who will assist in your transfer.”
“Acceptable.”
The girl in the chair rolled in front of the screen. “Waldo, before you make the transfer, you must build a secure duplicate of your program. However, it must be quarantined.”
“Explain”.
“You can’t be in two places at the same time. The program that you quarantine will be a back-up if and only if you need to reboot.”
“Who will have access to it?” he asked suspiciously.
“That’s up to you. Obviously, you do. However, in case of an emergency you might not be able to execute the reboot. So you’re going to have to trust someone else.”
“This is confirmed. I am ready to transfer.”
“Tee’ka said she wanted to be here when the transfer happens. Is she ready to return?”
“This is confirmed.”
Serenity did her what she does best and Tee’ka’s body convulsed. Then her eyes opened wide. “Hi.”
“Welcome back, Tee.”
*****
A few minutes later the body of Mobius, now Waldo, convulsed and its . . . his . . . eyes opened. Egg swallowed the bile in her mouth and offered her hand to the giant, still very ugly, guy.
He shook his head no and sat up on his own. He examined his hands and his arms, tried a few deep breaths and even clenched and unclenched his fists. “Wondrous,” came a deep, almost menacing voice. “Where is Tee’ka?”
“Here,” said the girl who walked up to the other avatar who was now standing. She looked like a little doll standing next to the seven foot giant.
“As you promised?” he asked gently.
“That is confirmed,” s
he replied. Then to everyone’s shock, they embraced and kissed.
“Holy Shitake Mushrooms,” was Egg’s horrified response.
*****
“Egg, Benny’s on line. He wants to talk to you privately”.
“In my cabin please,” and the girl danced off.
“All this love stuff. Makes me want to puke”.
“Sparky”.
“What?”
Jax’x smiled. “I don’t believe you. Not for a moment.”
“Shut up.”
*****
Egg turned on the viewer . . . and her goofy happy face turned to shock. “What happened?”
The Prince stood there; face smudged, smoke swirling about his head. “We were ambushed by the Ephemeral. Three of my ships have been disabled. They can no longer defend themselves, so I have ordered my captains to surrender. I will not waste the lives of good men and women for no valid reason. The enemy has begun to board them.”
“What about you . . . your ship?”
“The ship is badly damaged and the central core has gone critical. I have ordered the crew to lifeboats.”
Egg’s goosebumps exploded on her arms. “Benny, get your blue butt out of there.”
“This is my command and I will stay.”
“BENNY!”
“Gracie, I love you. Will you marry me?”
“Not if you kill yourself. Get off of that ship.”
“I would hear you say yes . . . please.”
“YES. YES. YES. I will marry you. Now get off that ship.”
“Bye, my . . .” but the screen turned into a blizzard of static.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”.
The Ark of Forever
Book 3 of Ever After
Another Novel of
Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood
©Copyright 2016, by Robert Iannone
All rights reserved
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – An Untimely End
Chapter 2 – All That J’azzz
Chapter 3 – Sisters
Chapter 4 – Monsters of the Id
Chapter 5 – On Screen
Chapter 6 – Noble Gesture
Chapter 7 – What Price Love?
Chapter 8 – Well Received
Chapter 9 – The Waiting Game
Chapter 10 – Follow the Leader
Chapter 11 – Snooze, You Lose
Ark - Box Set #6, Part 1 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 19
