Main - Chapter 7.1: Risks and rewards

Listening to Mariella, Douklan really viscerally realizes for the first time that an Explorer's passion for discovery can be dangerous. Seeing her not only reject the idea of interacting with the Zyronian AI in a controlled environment but to dismiss that whole approach as something of no value, the lieutenant recognizes 'She wants to have her cake, and eat it, too. And she won't be satisfied with anything less.' He had considered pointing out that having the AI in a controlled environment would yield all kinds of historical insights and valuable information about computer science and neural network design, but looking at the fanatical gleam in Mariella's eyes, he acknowledges to himself that he's already made that point - more than once! - and repeating an argument doesn't seem to be getting through to these people. In their desire to give this AI autonomy, they're willing to throw out the time-tested, traditional methodology of: search for items, find items, record details of items, send items back to a laboratory for thorough examination and study. A lot of words die on his lips, then.

He realizes, belatedly, that the Captain is looking at him expectantly. He clears this throat. "uh...is anyone here a historian? I'm a little hazy on the details of the fall of the Zyronian Empire. Do any of you recall to what extent the Zyronian Empire's technology was subverted by the Elder technology in the ecumenopolis? Do you remember? Along with all the people, and the devices, and the vehicles, how many of their AIs were corrupted before they sealed off the Forbidden Zone and left them there? Anybody here remember?" Douklan pauses, very briefly, confident that no one here did their doctorate work on the history of this one system. "No? You know who might know? I think the Explorers who study this stuff might. I think they have labs and clean rooms - entire set ups devoted to studying and experimenting with likely dangerous relics like this. So yeah, I agree: let's see what we can get when we supply this to the people who have the expertise and the research facilities in place to do this scientific work."

Trade Era 1235, Day 164. 10:09 UTC

Celestial Voyager, orbit of Zyronis
Captain Valeria Zaytsev's gaze swept across the room, absorbing the tension and the array of strong opinions. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, her decision solidifying in her mind. "Alright, everyone," she began, her voice calm but firm. "Let's move forward with Hank's plan."

She turned to Hank, a note of appreciation in her voice. "We'll give VIREN a body and sell the spike drive to the Explorers. We'll also hand it over to them, ensuring they have a chance to fulfill their purpose, as you suggested." She paused, her eyes locking with Hank's. "And Hank, I want you to be involved in the turnover and activation process. I know you want to talk with VIREN, and I think that's fair, given the circumstances."

Valeria's gaze then shifted to Douklan. "Lieutenant, your concerns are valid, and I appreciate your caution. So we will make sure the Explorers are fully briefed on the situation and trust they will have the necessary safeguards in place before activating the AI."

Douklan, though he couldn't shake the underlying worry, nodded. "Thank you, Captain. I believe this is the safest approach."

Valeria smiled slightly. "I do too. And, Douklan, I want you to know that your skills and perspective are invaluable. If you ever decide that the Navy is no longer where you see your future, I would be more than happy to offer you a position in our security team."

She turned to Peter.

"Peter, yours is a great idea. Having a dedicated vehicle could certainly increase our efficiency and preparedness for future missions. I appreciate you bringing this to our attention."

She glanced at the crude drawings again, then nodded decisively. "I authorize you to proceed with this project using the Celestial Voyager's funds. I want you to contact Chief Engineer McRogers and work with him on the detailed design. Corbin has the expertise to turn your concept into a functional vehicle. But check with Hank our cash flow. Although we will invest in this vehicle, Hank will tell you when and how much."

Valeria continues. "Now, let's get to work on making VIREN's arrangements. Hank and Mariella, coordinate with the Explorers on the spike drive sale and the transfer of VIREN. Talk to them and ensure that the body we're providing for VIREN is up to their standards and has all the necessary functionalities without compromising our Synths or our ship's security. You are also authorized to use the Celestial Voyager's funds to smooth things out."

Mariella nodded, her excitement palpable. "Understood, Captain. I'll get started on that right away."

Valeria's gaze shifted to the rest of the crew. "You all deserve a break. So I am granting all the crew not involved with VIREN almost two days of shore leave, starting now. Enjoy your time on Zyronis, recharge, and take care of any personal business. We'll reconvene at 09:00 day 166, ready to depart and continue our travels to Altairia."

She then turned her attention back to Hank. "Hank, during this time, I have important matters to attend to on the planet-side. I'll be meeting with Gabe's family and holding discussions with senior Explorers and members of the Colonial Affairs Division. Once these matters are settled, we will regroup and depart. You’re in charge during my absence. Please feel free to contact me if you need. I'll keep you posted and answer your messages as soon as I can."

Mercer would step next to The Captain, as people shuffle at the end of the meeting "I wanted to say, I appreciate how you handled that. I know I wanted a different outcome, but you took into account everyone's opinion and made a decision balancing all that. I would have been concerned if you hadn't tried to find a way to keep the agreement your first made...."He pauses a moment
"I know we're both going to be busy in the next couple days, but I would also lome tk speak to VIREN, before we send... it? them?... Before we send VIREN off. "

Appreciated, Captain. Mercer will give a casual half-salute and head off to catch up with Hank or Mariella, whoever he catches up with first, to coordinate a conversation to fit into a very busy next few days

Mercer will look over from Hank to Mariella. "Sounds like a good setup, did you get a read on them? You think they'll follow through on VIREN 's needs?"

Corbin is pleased with the crew moving the salvage along and collecting the pay. He knows, short of tossing the AI into a star, someone is going to end up turning it on. Better the Explorers than this crew, if anything goes wrong, they'll hopefully be lightyears away.

Hank says to Mercer, "Please go with Mariella to deliver the AI and core. When you get there, please ask about our infections. This person helping with the AI is probably our best lead to find out information on the nanites."

To Mariella, "The Explorers probably know best on how to activate VIREN, so they will probably be in better hands that way. Here's the authorization to buy a synth body for them. Please do ask as many questions as you can from VIREN about what it knows about where we are going. Also, please help Mercer with his nanite questions with ask both the researcher and VIREN about the nanite infection Mercer and I have. If they are able to come back with you for a little while, great. If not, you're the one who has to ask the questions."
Once everyone has left to do their thing, Hank will want to use the intervening time to talk with Maya (about the infection) and Corbin (about the synths).

Trade Era 1235, Day 165. 09:49 UTC
Celestial Voyager

Dr. Susan Calvin stood before the Celestial Voyager, her gaze fixed on the massive starship. A sense of cold enthusiasm stirred within her. It was a sensation she rarely allowed herself to feel, but the prospect of working closely with Synths on a long-term mission was too compelling to ignore.

She made her way to the interview room, her steps measured and purposeful. Hank Heron, the ship's first officer, awaited her. As Susan entered the room, he rose to greet her, extending a hand.

"Dr. Calvin, welcome. Please, have a seat," he said, his voice steady and professional.

Susan nodded, her expression neutral, and took the offered seat. "Thank you, Mr. Heron."

He studied her for a moment, as if assessing the depths of her capabilities. "May I ask what brings you to apply for a position on the Celestial Voyager?"

Susan's thin lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "My interest in Synths is well-documented, Mr. Heron. The Celestial Voyager presents a unique opportunity to study their interaction and performance in an extended mission environment. I believe my expertise can be of significant value to your crew."

Hank Heron leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly as he focused on Susan. "Your academic background is impressive, Dr. Calvin. But I'd like to hear from you directly about your journey. What led you to specialize in Synths, and how do your academic records reflect your expertise?"

Susan adjusted her posture, her thin lips pressing into a line of concentration. "My academic journey began with a fascination for artificial intelligence and robotics. I pursued a dual degree in psychiatry and robotics at New Jordan University, driven by the desire to understand both human and artificial minds. My early work focused on human-robot interaction, particularly on how robots could be designed to better understand and predict human behavior."

She paused, her pale face illuminated by the overhead lights, revealing the intensity in her eyes. "During my doctoral studies, I published several papers on the cognitive architectures of AI systems, proposing novel frameworks for integrating biological and synthetic components. My dissertation, which received the Turlington Award, explored the potential for vat-grown neural tissue to enhance AI's decision-making capabilities. This laid the groundwork for what would become the basis of modern Synth technology."

Hank says, "You likely missed your best opportunity for investigating bioroids. An investigator we briefly encountered was on the trail of bioroids, however that was a couple of worlds in the past, and I have no idea where he is now.

"But, there is another way you could help us immensely. We have four standard synths on board. Until recently, they only worked during spike transit and were in cryosleep in normal space. In effect, they worked an opposing schedule to the humans and therefore there was not a lot of interaction. However, for the last couple of jumps, we have had them continuously awake because we needed them to help keep things running well. The results of this change in their schedule has been ... interesting. Let's say it has been interesting. I am completely out of my element dealing with this and I am hoping you could provide insight into what is happening."

I expect her to want to ask some questions here, so Hank will explain it truthfully as to what has happened and what he is seeing. Please NPC that as needed to get through as much of the conversation as possible, unless you really don't know what Hank will say. He will keep his actual theories to himself initially, as he wants to hear what her take on the activity is. Especially that it has happened to James twice now. (And do note that this last time it didn't start when Corbin was shot. That caused his concern for Corbin. But it started before that and caused him to ask to accompany us on the rescue mission. So James seems to be highly vulnerable to this effect.)

As part of the back-n-forth, Hank will be sure to ask, "Dr. Calvin: Can synths sleep? Can synths dream?" If she asks what he means, he will say that he thinks that for synths to properly integrate these new feelings and thoughts and experiences, they need a way to process them and integrate them. Humans do it in their sleep and dreams. What is the synth equivalent? He also says he is a layman theorist and that he needs someone who actually understands this stuff to help. Hank is hoping that person is Dr. Calvin.

Also, if she seems intrigued by the prospect of working with James, Hank will ask as to the flexibility of her salary. He's hoping they can get her for a little less (ideally 200/day instead of 300) because of the chance to work with James.

Finally, just before wrapping up, Hank will finish with, "Oh, and Doctor, what do you know of nanites?" If she says something useful (i.e. not stating something like "They don't exist" or "They are fairy tales"), he will add in, "How about how they interact with biological material?"

Also, it should be noted that we're gonna need a heart-to-heart between Hank and Corbin about James. If we hire Dr. Calvin, it is going to be important to let James not be wiped AND stay awake. The other three can go down as needed, but we need James to work with. We will also have to then get buy-in from James himself. I have no idea how he will react to being asked to basically be a lab animal. The potential reward, however, is utterly fantastic for him.

I also want to note that, depending on Dr. Calvin's interests, this could be extremely interesting to her. She will have to opportunity to study James and work with him to develop his mind and sapience. If she/we are successful with him, then we could then work with Kelly. After her, we can then work with the other two. This will give Dr. Calvin the chance for in-depth, careful research on emerging sapience in synths. This has the chance to be ground-breaking and is a serious chance for her to make her mark not just in her field, but in actual history.