The Colony Ship Eschaton: The entire ten book series, page 161
“I found the panel, and have opened it,” Michael reported. He had the combox hung on his belt. “There is no part in here at all. I can see where the new one will fit, but the old one is just gone.” He looked around and then spotted the missing part. One of the bodies had it strapped on its back. The macroactinide capacitor enhancer was three cylinders in a triangle configuration, about a hand span wide. The old one looked burned and charred. Michael looked back to his work and despite the distraction of the flashing orange light was able to install the new part.
“This is Edgar. Ares reports that visual images are starting to come in. On the macroactinide capacitor enhancer you will find an adjustment knob. Please turn that counterclockwise in a slow manner until I inform you to stop.”
“I am turning the adjustment,” Michael replied.
Edgar and Michael talked back and forth while the fine tuning went on. After a good deal of time, Edgar stated, “This is Edgar. That appears to be the best resolution and refinement we can gain. Well done!”
“Thanks Edgar.”
“Michael! Come out here quickly!” Jamie called.
Michael rushed back into the room with the chair. Jamie was seated on it, and the display was showing external views of the Eschaton. The blackness of space was shown in most images, with the liberal sprinkling of stars. One image showed a bright and colorful nebula. Some showed the hull of the Eschaton almost entirely with only rare lights illuminating sections of the mechanical works. The images were flashing by quickly. Then the fluttering of images quit, and a single wide angled image was on the display.
The top part of the picture showed the black of space with the stars, below was the hull of the Eschaton. That stretched out to the artificial horizon. The hull showed a myriad of mechanical part, huge box-like permalloy coverings, pipes, ducts, and a vast multitude of other items. In the distance, seeming to hover over the horizon was a purplish blue glow around another ship. The glow reflected up off the hull of the Eschaton. A number of purplish blue spheres were moving away from the other ship and down onto the surface of the hull. They then proceeded away and disappeared into the jungle of contraptions which constituted the Eschaton’s exterior.
“Edgar? What are we looking at?” Jamie asked in awe.
“This is Edgar. Ares reports that the newly restored visual mechanisms have located the cause of the proximity alert. You are looking at the invaders of the Eschaton.”
25 Mustering the troops
“This is Edgar. I have relayed the findings from Ares' visualizations. Hypatia reports that similarly described spheres have been encountered in the underground passages in Habitat Five: Tropical. At least one death is suspected in an encounter with the unknown spheres. Human named Haro has recovered a sample of a sphere. Hypatia is running analysis. Humans in Tropical are mustering fighters to defend access points to that habitat. From report by humans designated, Haro and Monic, spheres are difficult to fight and resistant to the weapons they have available.”
“How far have they gotten into the ship?” Michael asked. He was very thankful for the comboxes.
“This is Edgar. The depth of penetration is unknown. Hypatia is the only system to report other contacts, but the lattice is far from comprehensive. We have no contact at all with four of the eight habitats. Distance from visual observation of invader’s entry point in the hull to encounter in Tropical is not significant compared to the scale of ship. However, Ares’ external visual equipment does not cover the entire surface of the Eschaton. It is unknown if other invader ships are in proximity. No link or coupling to Goliath has yet been established. Ares informs me that Goliath would have abilities to coordinate internal defenses.”
“I thought Tamar was going to restore Goliath?” Michael asked.
“This is Edgar. There has been no contact from Captain Tamar, or from the Captain’s Journal. I have tried repeatedly to make contact with both, but without success.”
“So what do you make of these invaders? Does Roxanne have any suggestions?” Jamie asked.
“This is Edgar. I am analyzing information. Initial findings are that what we are seeing is not of Earth origin. Three elements in the spectral analysis are new to our knowledge. Composition of objects is only partially recognizable. Spectrum of lighting is not consistent with Earth origin. No known configuration of vessel or spheres identified. Not enough information for better analysis. Roxanne is aware of this new information which has been gathered. Conjectures are pending. Roxanne does report that the team is in the needle ship. Artificial intelligence systems located in needle ship consist of: Mary Celeste: ship navigation, Rhiannon: functional life support, Mister Green Jeans: terraforming and restoration, Acantha: energy production and distribution, Zoran: propulsion and drive systems, Hypnosomnus: overseer of suspended animation, cryogenics, hibernation, and regeneration, Hermes: structural integrity and flight stress, Tirawa: Gravity control and manipulation.”
“So when does Roxanne think those systems can be relocated and then integrated into the lattice?” Jamie asked.
“This is Edgar. Roxanne reports that Henry and Veronika have located the original bridge and the original location for all of those systems. However, the original bridge is in negative function status. Henry reports toxic gasses and corrosive acids are in abundance in and around the original bridge. Security doors and seals are intact, but entry onto the bridge is impossible. Quoting Henry, ‘It is a wonder the whole thing did not crack in half’ unquote. Roxanne and the team are addressing secondary plan to integrate those systems into the lattice in place. That is less than ideal, but Henry believes it is possible. Regina confirms that assessment.”
“What else is happening?” Michael asked.
“This is Edgar. My Savannah is well and secured. My sentinels will alert me to any approach of spheres or other potential threats. All potential entry points are sealed and secured. Roxanne has contacted Rectora Lydia and Rector Conner. In Habitat One: Coastal Plains, Levi and Gideon are organizing defenders. They have sent legionnaires to each known entry point. Theta Four and Theta Nine are running empty transport vehicles through the tube system and using that information to look for the spheres: no reports of contact. No activity on suspected location of the Chroniclers. Our comboxes have been secured against unwanted tapping. Liduma’s pups are well and secure.”
“Well at least we know Liduma and her puppies are okay,” Michael said with a laugh. “Edgar, what suggestions do you have for this situation?”
“This is Edgar. Ares used what little sensing ability it had to defend the ship utilizing the meteor and debris repulsor systems. However, at this time the invader craft and pathway of spheres is in a location where the microparticle projectors are disabled or empty of materials. Ares has another plan which still requires installation of the second macroactinide capacitor enhancer.”
“Why?” Jamie asked. “What type of plan does Ares have?”
“This is Edgar. Ares' plan is to take one, or more, of the ship’s shuttles out and ram the invader craft. External communications are needed to remotely pilot the shuttle, or shuttles.”
“Will that destroy the invaders? We do not even know much about what they are. Will Ares’ plan work?” Jamie asked.
“This is Edgar. Ares' plan is the only available plan for any external defense at present. Success of Ares’ plan is unknown. Not enough information for accurate conjectures. Ship’s internal defenses are questionable, with limited communications and limited weapons systems. Coordination of defenses is very problematic and therefore unreliable. Ares insists restoration of Goliath is essential for internal defenses.”
“And as far as we can tell, Tamar is the only one who can restore Goliath?” Michael asked.
“This is Edgar. That is correct. I have received no word from Captain Tamar.”
“So do we proceed to install that other macroactinide capacitor enhancer?” Jamie asked Michael. “That may give us more information, and allow Ares to attack that thing out there.”
“Edgar, will the yellow automacube 1117 lead us to the next destination?”
“This is Edgar. The automacube is waiting for activation.”
“Okay Jamie, off we go again,” Michael said.
26 The Captain’s touch
With the help of Journal and her machines, Tamar easily reached Medical Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy 12.
“Kurat, how are you today?” Tamar said as she entered.
“I am fine Captain. How may I assist you?” Kurat the medical artificial intelligence replied from the display screen behind one of the medical treatment beds. The display showed a kindly face which Kurat knew Tamar enjoyed interacting with.
“We must have privacy for everything between you and me, my dear friend,” Tamar stated. “None else on the lattice can know.”
“As you desire Captain. Privacy with me is assured.”
“Journal, you too must ignore what I am about to say. Can you do that?” Tamar asked.
“Yes, Captain. Just call on my name and I will reactivate,” Journal replied.
“My friend Kurat. You were one of the first to help me and heal me. I was a mere lost girl when I came to you. I need your support for what is coming. I have been given this burden of being the Captain, and I doubt myself. I know I can trust you and my other wonderful machines. But can I trust the humans?” Tamar asked.
“Captain Tamar, your sharing with me is important. I am honored. Human to human relationships are not like human to machine, or machine to machine. There are humans who are trustworthy. You for example, have proven to be trustworthy. You sent the ten children here to save them, despite your own childhood. You have made great strides in overcoming the trauma you suffered,” Kurat stated. “But, as you are also well aware, there are humans who are not trustworthy. You have experienced them yourself. You carry the physical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional scars from those encounters.”
“Only thanks to my wonderful machines did I overcome. The love you have shown me, by being obedient to me, and the supplements you have given me, and the physical augmentations have been essential to healing me,” Tamar said with tears in her eyes. “You have shown me what I experienced growing up was not being a true human, but was an aberration. You have taught me about love. Real love. But can humans be trusted?”
“Captain, your own introspection and self awareness are what led you to this point. The machines are just your servants. Are there certain humans which you are speaking about in particular?”
“My dear friend Kurat, I am considering if any of the human are worth saving. My heart opened to those children, and so I sent them here, but as I came here myself, I had doubts. I wondered if that was the correct thing to do? How do I know who is worthy of my love and trust and who is not?” Tamar cried some more. “Would it not be better to just live only with my friends the machines and not worry about being hurt again and betrayed by humans?”
“Captain Tamar, there are no guarantees in any human to human relationship. However, if you do what is right and honorable, the conjectures show that better outcomes are more probable. Machines can only approximate human emotions, like love. But humans can actually generate those emotions. From my understanding of humans, love is given and often returned, but not always. One cannot know if it will be returned until it is given.”
“Thank you my friend Kurat. Your wisdom has again assisted me. You must tell no one I was here, or about anything we have discussed. I am going now to our friend Goliath for we need someone to fight for us. I am just trying to decide who is the enemy and who is our friend.” Tamar wiped her eyes with her mechanical hand.
“Captain Tamar, this conversation will always remain private. May I suggest some nutritional support before you depart? Also I can fine tune and insure your augmentations are at prime performance.”
“Yes, you are very kind. Thank you. Please also let me know the status of our friends on the lattice.”
Tamar sat on the medical treatment bed. A greenish glow surrounded her. A silver automacube rolled out with a meal on a plate. Tamar ate and drank and felt refreshed. While she ate, Kurat worked on her biological and mechanical parts, and reported on the systems which were now interconnected.
“Captain, all is at prime functioning” Kurat replied.
“Thank you my dear friend. Your love is appreciated.” Tamar got up and departed.
“Journal, please awaken and assist me,” Tamar said.
“Yes Captain, as you desire,” Journal replied.
“I am heading to our friend Goliath, and need to get there as quickly as possible. What is the best route?”
“The security and command-level-only passages would be your quickest method of reaching Goliath’s last known location. Shall I lead you?” Journal asked.
“Yes, and quickly. I thought I may need to travel through the habitat here. And I know that way I can reach Goliath. But if you know a faster way to go, that is even better.”
Tamar moved swiftly through the halls and corridors leading away from where she had conversed with Kurat. She could have departed via the stairway and entered Habitat One: Coastal Plains through the side entryway. But Journal led her by the more direct route through the labyrinth under the habitat. Journal guided her and she was never lost for even a moment. Every door opened, and every functional light came on as Tamar walked by. The command-level-only passages had moving floors which propelled her along at a fast rate. She was amazed at how they worked, and giggled with joy at the new machines which served her in that capacity.
“Captain, my scanner indicates there are human remains ahead in the security and command passage. There is a breach of the wall, where a large explosion took place approximately seventy-two years ago. Speed floors are non-functional at that point. Shall we continue along this path or should I make an alternative route for reaching Goliath’s position?”
“Humans destroying again?” Tamar said in anger. “Tell me what they have done now.” Tamar stepped off the now halted moving floor and marched ahead following the illumination provided by Journal.
“The explosion appears to have been designed to break into this section. Since we are nearing Goliath’s central memory core, it is probable that the explosions were related to someone trying to gain access to Goliath. Only Commanders and Captains are allowed in the command-level-only passages. So the explosions are likely a result of an attempt to assassinate Goliath.”
Tamar came upon a blackened section of wall. She could see upward where a long sloping tunnel had been dug in the dirt and soil. It had long since grown over with weeds and some small bushes, but the light from the sky tube was still shimmering down along an animal trail to her location below.
“So someone dug down through the dirt, and blasted their way into here? Just to hurt my friend Goliath?” Tamar asked as she looked at the destruction around her. The three dead human bodies which were heavily decomposed and had been partially eaten by some kind of animals were of no concern to her. But the charred and severed conduits and wiring and ductwork were. There was green lettering painted over the top of the charred wall across from the blast. ‘Trust is all you need!’
Tamar grabbed her face in internal anguish. “Oh my dear Goliath, why would they do this? I must get to you!”
Tamar raced down the corridor and through a set of security doors which had been wrenched off their frames. Two red automacubes were just beyond the security doors. One was roughly shredded into sections, and the other was partially melted. There was another human body nearby.
Tamar knelt next to the first automacube. “I am so sorry. I wish I was here to stop them. These humans should never have hurt you.” She laid her hand on the remains and said, “Rest now loyal friend, you did what you could to protect Goliath.”
She walked toward the next automacube, but kicked viciously at the human skull which was in the way. It rolled across the floor. She then knelt down next to the melted automacube and caressed its top. Tears fell off her face, both from the mechanical side and the human side. “Be proud of what you tried to do,” Tamar said in gentleness as she stood and removed her hand from the broken machine. “You gave up your life for your friend. You are honorable.”
She then ran down the corridor. More graffiti was written along the walls where someone had yanked out cables, conduits, and other apparatus. The phrases written were always the same: ‘Trust is all you need.’
Reaching the last set of security doors, Tamar saw that the two permalloy doors were still meeting in the middle, but they had been wrecked and attacked. They were pried apart with a small circular opening ripped and melted between them. The opening was only large enough for a human arm to reach in, but not larger. Tamar looked inside.
Inside was the memory core of the artificial intelligence system Goliath. It was a series of brass colored rings about the thickness of her forearm and as wide as the span from her fingers to her elbow. Large nicks were seen in the rings on this side, from what looked like some kind of weapon’s fire. There were seven of those brass rings plied one on top of each other. Down the center, between the rings, was a clear permalloy pylon holding thick brown liquid which had only a few occasional bubbles in it. The clear permalloy was actually cracked in several places, and the brown liquid had seeped out a bit. There were wires, cables, and tubes connecting into the rings from various places. There was also a long metal shaft which ran upward into the ceiling. Tamar knew that shaft reached to the surface. She had scrapped the dirt away from its top in the large dirt area of Gath that was surrounded by pickets. That was where Tamar had touched Goliath before.
