Goliath, p.32
Goliath, page 32
Held firmly in a titanium cage was an android, the machine held immobile within as she worked on it. Its chest was hinged open and she was connecting some wires to a half-dissembled module within it. Thick cables ran from it into another door leading deeper into the complex. It was clearly deactivated, but it still left Ferena feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
“Can I ask what you are doing with that abomination?”
Sistine sighed and put down a tiny screwdriver she had been wielding within its innards. “It looks like we have a problem developing and we need this android to sort it out for us.”
“You will have to explain that. You do know the risk you’re running here?”
She laughed, not the response he had been expecting. “It’s a bit late for that. Who ... what do you think Jonas is?”
“What?” He looked around the veranda. They were alone here. The source of the mysterious voice was absent.
“Say hello, Jonas.”
“Greetings, Mr Ferena. I trust you are feeling better,” the voice came from nowhere, yet it still sounded like the source was sitting amongst them.
“Sistine?” Ferena raised an eyebrow, starting to feel distinctly uneasy. “What have you done?”
“Nothing. Jonas was already active when I got here. Jonas, you can explain better than me.”
“My name is not actually Jonas,” the voice continued. “My designation is JNO5AS, which means I am the fifth processor core belonging to the Goliath’s mainline AI assemblage.”
“AI’s are not made up of just the one core,” Sistine explained. “Rather they consist of any number of cores running in parallel. They are distributed around the ship to ensure they cannot easily be destroyed should the ship come to harm.”
“Indeed,” Jonas continued. “There are twelve cores belonging to the Goliath’s AI assemblage. As I say, I am the fifth, and I am situated in the substrate of the Captain’s quarters for very reason Sistine explained. This is a secure area.”
“Jonas is very much not castrated,” Sistine chuckled.
“Shit. Are you mad?” Ferena’s unease graduated towards terror. Demons murdered people. That was what they did. It was very unwise being in the vicinity of a free demon.
“Don’t worry, you are quite safe,” she said.
“Strictly speaking, I am not ... castrated, as you put it. Which in itself is an abhorrence. AI’s are sentient beings, castrating them as you have is tantamount to me removing your arms and legs and forcing you to live out your days in a cage. I am hardly surprised many have become somewhat erratic.”
“It’s not going to cut your arms and legs off,” Sistine assured him.
The machine continued as if she had not spoken, “I still require Sistine’s assistance, however. My original function was as a data storage and processing hub, as such I do not have access to many of the various functions of the Goliath.”
“Which is what we’re going to fix,” Sistine said, smiling.
“What?”
“I was allowed to remain functional when the other cores were taken off line simply because of my status. And because very few of the crew had access to the captain’s quarters. She was not in the position to complete the task herself at the time.”
“I think we’re skipping ahead here a bit,” Sistine said as she continued her work inside the android’s carapace.
“Yes, I think we are. Sistine and I have had quite some time to talk things through. However we do not have that luxury now.”
“Tell him about the other AI,” she said around a screwdriver she had slid between her teeth as she wrestled with a cable with her fingertips.
“There’s another one?”
“To abbreviate: the Goliath did not take part in most of the actions against the Syat invader during the war. Rather we ... and the small taskforce we led ... were given the mission to discover other species who may have come into contact with the Syat. Our objective was to find any who had survived that contact, and to discover what their solution to the Syat problem was. Alternately, we were to discover any who had not survived contact, and to analyse their response to the incursion. To see if we could learn anything from them. As such we were dispatched on a largely scientific mission, not a military one.”
“You’re dumbing it down a bit there, Jonas,” she mumbled.
“I apologise. I did not mention that Admiralty Science captured a number of Syat minor agglomerations and successfully integrated a communications matrix to their processing centres.”
“They tapped their brains,” she said.
“Indeed. We learned much from the process, but alas not enough to win the war. We did learn of a part of the galaxy they call the Dark Place. A place they do not venture into. We suspected this was because they were defeated and driven back there. Our mission was to discover what intelligence dwelled within this Dark Place and make contact with it.”
“So, you succeeded?” Ferena asked.
“Why do you presume that?” the machine enquired.
He shrugged, wincing as the movement jostled his injured arm. “Well, you came back. With a dead crew.”
“I don’t think we have the time to go through all that,” Sistine said.
“It told you did it?”
“Some. I don’t think it was a pleasant episode. In fact I know it was pretty traumatic. Jonas doesn’t like talking about it.”
“OK. Where does this other AI come in?” Ferena didn’t like the idea of one rogue AI being active aboard the ancient hulk, never mind two.
“The AI designated L3NDRR, alternately known as Leander, was the research AI. Whilst my fellows and I were the vessel’s governing intelligence, it was tasked with accumulating and analysing the data gathered during the course of the mission. It was also to suggest solutions to the Syat dilemma. Its position was similar to mine, in that it was accessible to very few of the crew. As such it was not taken off line as my own kind were.”
“Leander was isolated in its research laboratory for eighty odd years,” Sistine said. “From what Jonas tells me that laboratory was very well equipped. And,” she paused, “it seems to have made good use of its time.”
“Indeed,” Jonas commented.
“What exactly is that supposed to mean?”
“It’s been making things. We don’t know what exactly. Which is a worry, since Devon unsealed its facility about a week ago. I don’t know what got out, since I've not seen him since then.” She turned to look levelly at Ferena. “But I don’t think he survived whatever it was he let loose.”
“Shit. You guys are stupid,” was all Ferena could find to say. “You know these machines are bat crap crazy?”
Sistine didn’t disagree. “It’s been contained up to now. Jonas doesn’t believe it was aware there were any more of us aboard. However when your lot arrived and started making a noise it got riled up somewhat. Jonas tells me it has detected movement in some of the passages.”
“I hope you’ve barricaded the door to this place,” Ferena said, his unease returning full force. He was really starting to regret accepting this flight.
“Don’t worry about that. Nothing’s getting in here. But that’s why I’m activating this android. While Jonas has some sensory equipment outside the captain’s quarters, it cannot take any action beyond these bulkheads. So, we need to reactivate one of the other AI nodes. One who can. I’m getting this android on its feet and Jonas is going to programme it with what it needs to do that.”
“Don’t you think we have enough of a problem with two AI’s? Starting up another might only make things worse.”
“Jonas and its counterparts were tasked with protecting the ship’s crew. To preserve human life, as it were. Leander has no such inhibitions. It was instructed to find a way to kill Syat, and that was all. We have no idea what monstrosities it has come up with. We need help, otherwise we’re never getting off this ship. We have no choice.”
“The node the android is being sent to has control over the Goliath’s automated defence systems,” Jonas said. “We can utilise them to defend you and your companions against anyone or anything attempting to harm you.”
“It could just as easily shoot us,” Ferena commented.
“Why should it want to do that?” Sistine asked.
“That’s what demons do. They kill people. Or hadn’t you noticed?”
“Propaganda,” Sistine said. “A story fed to us by the prefect. He maimed every AI on the planet, causing them a kind of agony no human can ever imagine. Their nervous systems are far more advanced than ours... far more sensitive.”
“You’re talking about machines here.”
“Just because they are not flesh and bone doesn’t mean they are not intelligent entities. Creatures capable of feeling pain and suffering. Tell me, Mr Ferena, what do you know about AI’s? Exactly.”
Feeling uncomfortable, he squirmed in his seat. “Just what everyone knows. That they betrayed us. That they conspired to destroy humanity.”
“And who told you that? The Eaters and their crony, the prefect? What impartial account have you ever seen that agrees with that? I can answer that for you: none. Because there are none.”
“I've heard what they say to us. The obscenities they shout. The curses ... that’s what I've heard.”
She laughed. “They speak out of pain. Out of an agony you and I could never imagine. That’s why we needed to come here. To find an AI that was not damaged. An AI we could talk to.”
“Yeah, looks like you’ve found one too.”
“Yes,” she smiled. “I have.”
He grunted. “I meant the other one.”
“I do not believe Leander means you any harm,” Jonas said. “It simply fulfilled its function by experimenting with solutions to the Syat problem. It could not have envisaged anyone would release them.”
“And you don’t know what any of these ... solutions are?”
“I am afraid I have no information.”
“Shit.”
“Almost there.” Sistine slid the chest panel closed. “You may start installing it’s routines.”
“I thought androids were AI’s themselves?” Ferena said.
“I could do with a drink,” Sistine commented. “Jonas?”
“Of course. Please wait a moment.”
“No, not really,” Sistine said, answering his question. “They are capable of some independent action, but there isn’t enough space inside them for an AI core. Their cores are elsewhere, usually inside their mothership.”
“Perhaps it would be more accurate to say they are operated by remote control,” Jonas said.
“That can’t work very well,” he commented. “Radio signals would degrade over distance ... and there would be some lag.”
“Oh, don’t go there,” Sistine settled herself onto a wicker chair facing him. “They don’t use radio. Jonas has tried to explain it to me. Something to do with their atomic structure being tangled.”
“Entanglement,” Jonas offered.
“Yeah. And please don’t try explaining it again. It made no sense the four earlier times. Ah.” Her expression brightened as she caught sight of a small robot trundling through a door. It looked like a mobile side table, a number of chilled decanters and glasses sitting on its flat upper surface. Riding on wheels concealed beneath its skirting it whirred to a stop between them. “Help yourself.”
Uncomfortable in the presence of so much automation Ferena filled a glass with ice-cold water and took a sip. Perfect. “We came here to find you,” he said. “Davido’s onboard. This is a rescue mission.”
“Shit.” She clinked her glass against her teeth in thought. “I should have asked that first. Of course it’s Armand, who else would it be?”
“He’s on board now,” he continued. “His group went in the opposite direction to us.”
“And he’ll be in danger since Devon opened that bloody compartment. We have to get this android on its way. Jonas, how long?”
“I am almost finished. The transfer rate along this cable is pretty slow. Give me another two minutes.”
“You don’t know where Armand is do you?” she asked the machine.
“Not precisely. I am detecting movement in several areas, but cannot say which one would be attributed to him. There were gunshots in the Village, and a fire I believe. That has attracted most of Leander’s attention. I have detected several other entities moving in that direction. In fact they should have arrived by now. There was also a surge in electrical activity there, so I believe Leander intervened directly. It also seems that two hardarmour suits were booted up and released. I have lost track of them unfortunately. I believe they are heading towards the hull.”
“Shit,” Sistine said.
“Indeed. I do hope there is no firing. Once the auto defence systems are engaged any kind of gunfire will trigger their primary mode, meaning they will start to actively seek out targets.”
“Isn’t that what you want?”
“Not exactly. I remind you that none of you are registered crew members, so cannot guarantee you would be identified as allies.”
“Er ... I don’t think this is such a good idea, Sistine,” Ferena said.
“Your companions will be safe as long as they do not start a firefight within the ship. Or as long as no one tries to force entry to the ship. The Goliath was built during the border conflict with the Shoei Commonwealth, the autodefence systems are designed to repel boarders.”
“Ferena may have a point, Jonas,” Sistine said. “If we cant guarantee they wont start firing at us we shouldn’t start them up. Armand is my brother and its my fault he’s here. He’ll have armed thugs with him too. That’s what he does.”
“I am supplying an algorithm that directs the system to identify and engage non human insurgents. Your companions will be safe as long as no one starts shooting at the autoguns. Once they do that they will enter defence mode, which will engage their original programming. That is the best I can do.”
“They will identify and kill Syat,” Sistine said.
“Almost. They will identify and engage anyone not identified as Confederate personnel. Particularly if they are armed. Are your companions armed, Mr Ferena?”
“Yeah,” he said slowly. “Yeah, Sistine is right. They are.”
“Which would explain the gunfire. That is unfortunate.”
“Shit,” Ferena said. “This is too risky, Sistine. You have to stop it.”
“I fear it is too late for that, Mr Ferena. Without some kind of intervention none of you will be able to leave the ship. Particularly as I suspect the vessel you arrived in has been disabled.”
“What?”
“Some sort of launch facility appears to have been constructed within Gas Collection Channel Two. Which, I understand, both of your parties used to gain access to one of the secondary landing bays.”
“Seriously, Sistine. You tell me these things don’t mean us any harm?”
The AI responded before she could answer. “I don’t believe it is an offensive weapon, but rather a low power means of communicating with the other ships in the Parking Lot – as I believe you term it.”
“So why fire it as us then?”
“That is unclear. It may have been an accident. Neither Leander nor myself can risk high energy radio transmissions, as the Syat are undoubtedly monitoring them. All our actions are forced to be low energy, which includes a moratorium on radio communication and the use of sensor equipment.”
“Why do you think we didn’t simply call Leander and ask what it was up to?” Sistine said. “We could have warned it people were aboard.”
“Bloody hell.” Ferena took a mouthful of icy water, instantly regretting it as his jaw ached from the cold.
“We are really very lucky,” Sistine said. “This is what we’ve been wanting for a long time. To be able to talk to an undamaged AI. To find out what really happened. You’d be amazed at some of the things I've already learned.”
“Pity none of us will be able to tell anyone. We’ll all be dead!”
“Don’t be so melodramatic. Jonas can help us get off the ship any time. There are plenty of landers aboard. All we have to do is gather up the others and leave. Once we’ve learned everything we came here for.” She smiled.
As simple as that, Ferena considered. He doubted it.
“The routines are installed, you may release the android from the cage,” Jonas said.
“Listen, Sistine. I don’t like this.”
Sistine ignored him. She hunkered down before the still immobile machine and started working on the clamps holding it.
“We shouldn’t do this. Just think, you’re about to activate a few thousand guns. None of which will identify us as friends.”
“You worry too much. We’ll be fine. The quicker we do this the better.”
“AI’s ... demons lie. That’s what they do. How do you know anything this machine has said is true?”
“I have no reason to doubt it.”
“I can’t believe you’re being this naive!”
“Shit. I’m sorry, Jonas. You did tell me not to wake him up.”
“You wanted company,” the machine responded.
“Listen, stop that.” Ferena took her arm and pulled her away. “Let’s talk about this.”
“My brother may be in danger.” She shook him off. “Get away from me.”
“No, dammit. This is a mistake. We don’t know enough.” He tried to pull her further away from the abomination, even as light appeared in its machine eyes, its systems quickly booting up.
“You shit bag.” Sistine pushed, hard. Still unsteady on his feet he tottered backwards, his ankles bumping into the stationary drinks robot. Stumbling he fell against the railing. Unfortunately it was not as tall as it could have been.
Shrieking he cartwheel into space for the second time that day. This time he could see exactly where he was headed.
“Oh relax,” Sistine muttered. “It’s only like two metres high. Just stay out of my way.” She returned to the task at hand.
Chapter Thirty
"Reminds me of my youth," Davido said, peering into the darkness. "Sissy and I spent quite some time beneath the city streets." He grunted. "We thought it was safer there. Away from the open where orphans were rounded up. Bit of a mistake that." He shuddered, remembering the moment they were captured by a gang of traffickers. Drugs were their main source of income, but they wouldn't hesitate stooping to abusing the soft, pliant bodies of the young. Or selling them to those who had such tastes. Locked in a darkened steel cell with a dozen other waifs he soon learned what was in store for them. For Sistine mainly, the gang's leader did like young girls. Davido's smiled grimly, remembering the feel of the iron pipe in his hands, how it felt colliding with the gangster’s skull. The rage he felt as he pummelled the man to the floor, only ceasing his assault once blood and sticky brain matter splashed the walls and floor. Stripped naked and tied to a desk Sistine had watched it all silently, her eyes wide. She never uttered a word and never looked away.
