Gee-Sixty-Six

Graham Heights

MayFlower

Pixabay

Chapter 76

Gee-Sixty-Six

Journal Entry March 23rd 2096

Julia Scott

After almost a year living... No existing.  Existing on wild game and half grown plants.  Worrying about getting caught.  And just plain being with the same people day in a and day out.  This, well this is so much better.  We made it.  All of us.  The trip, well it was not something I would ever do again, but Jordy did it.  He got us here and we’re alive.  I just can’t believe that I’m lying here in clean cloths on a soft bed and food will be brought to me, or to our room.  It’s so unreal.  And that bath, oh god, I just about got wrinkles all over my body because I didn’t want to come out.  

So, Jordy was able to contact the captain and….Sent his message that he was sending help.  And that Julia would be bringing it to him personally.  This went over well.  Jordy then sent a message to the second group, we assumed were the AIs that were not shut down by the captain.  They also agreed to the solution and were going to help ensure that the two capsules got to docking ports and the humans were transferred into the captain’s care.  

 Now came the hard part.  We had to assemble the last part of the rockets. Get them into launch configurations, fuel them and build a Jordy 2’s brain in forty eight hours.  The efficiency of the BL AIs was amazing and they changed the orientation of the test stand to be the second launch point.  BL4 agreed to be disassembled to make the Jordy 2, as we started calling it.  It would be carried on someone's back and had a single set of sensors for auditory, visual, and spatial interface.  It would be limiting, but it would be able to take in stimulus and make sense of its surroundings.  There were a variety of cables that would allow Jordy 2 to plug into equipment and other computers for a direct input.  But for movements, that was dependent on a human or maybe an AI.  Jordy 2 was nothing more than a brain with sensors.  It sound different as well.  Less human, more machine.  

Once Jordy was done playing doctor with his… new self.  He placed it in a backpack and padded it with some old clothing.  It had a battery that would last sixteen hours, so it was plugged into the main power until we loaded it into the rocket.  It was fragile and just a shadow of what Jordy really was, but it was the only way to fix this problem.  The captain could trust Jordy and so did the AIs.  So, he had to go to the ship.  He had to fix this.  However, he didn’t say exactly what he was going to fix.  

Our preparations were, well less.  We packed our belongings, as little as they were.  Luke took a necklace from Tommy.  It was a reminder of our trip.  It some a piece of that damn plane we flew thousands of kilometers South.  Why Tommy kept it was unknown, but he gave it to Luke as a reminder of those left on Earth.  Julia had a couple of mementos of her own.  A picture that Oocha etched out on a page of letters that the young girl had practiced on.  Julia’s heart sank thinking about the young girl and her fate.  

On the evening of the next day, just as soon at the overhead spy had finished their integration of the Earth.  Jordy and the four bots pulled the first rocket to the launchpad which was almost a kilometer from the assembly building.  Once placed vertically the fueling process started.  This had to be done slowly as the rocket had to get use to the temperature and weight of the fuel.  There was no time for a tank or fuel line rupture.  Once the first rocket was set and fuel lines attached, Jordy left one of the BL’s to finish the preparations.  He then set his attention to the second rocket.  The test stand was turned into a launch point, but the roof had to be pulled back.  So, they had to be creative.  First they had to turn off the power that went through the thousands of pipes that criss crossed the roof, as well as water, gas and anything else.  Then in pitch black they cut all the line, beams and roofing.  It was loud and things kept falling and hitting the ground.  We watched from the control room and needless to say, no one slept.  By midnight the cutting and loud clangs of dropping iron stopped.  The next sound was ominous.  It started as some metal being crumpled and then grew into shrieks of tearing metal and a low groaning of beams.  The roof peeled back to reveal the stars.  The bots quickly pushed all the debris to both sides and the second rocket was pulled in and set upright.  This rocket had to be fueled much quicker, as we only had six hours left till launch.  

Once fueling process on the second rocket was started Jordy ushered Bart and Julia out to the first launch pad.  He explained that we didn’t have zero atmosphere suits and that the AIs were going to pull the capsule into one of the maintenance hatches so that it can be plugged into an airlock.  This way we would be able to go from our atmosphere to the ship’s.  No suit needed.  We would then be hidden until the transfer to the captain could be made covertly.  Should be only a matter of hours.   

Julia felt useless during this entire process.  She had no clue what was happening, what had to happen and what contribution she could make.  She finally resigned herself to fretting observer.  

So in the twilight of dawn she climbed into this thing and buckled herself to the right hand seat.  Looking up all she could see was the shell of the capsule.  Jordy had removed all the instruments and controls.  This thing had one mission and one destination.  Jordy then plugged the Jordy two backpack into the rocket and strapped it to the console next to Bart’s chair.  Bart climbed in next and while he was securing the straps Jordy closed the door and we heard the locking mechanism seal us in.  

After twenty minutes of waiting Julia had wished that she had relieved her bladder just before getting into the rocket.  There was no communication with Jordy now, it was just wait.  Suddenly there was some clicks and swishing sounds.  These gentle sound turned into the sound of fluid surging through pipes, then an explosion and the sudden feel of acceleration.  They were off.  The force pushed Julia and Bart deep into their seats until if felt like stone beating against their backs.  It was so loud that they couldn’t hear their own screams of terror as the rocket screamed into the sky.  Julia tried to look out the side port hole, but she couldn’t move her head, it was wedged between the cushions that was to keep her still during liftoff.

By the time they could hear their screams the rocket was making new sounds and then the pressure on their back started to ease.  But it was only momentary.  The rocket made a loud bang and then the surging sound returned followed by more acceleration.  It wasn’t as strong as the first one, but it still kept them pinned to the seat. They both tried to sneak a peek out the windows during the momentary reprieve of the gravitational force, but all you could see was black.  

Then it was done.  The surging sound went away and nothing replaced it.  No gravity, no sound, nothing…  The feeling made Julia sick to her stomach.  She had to fight the it or she was going to throw up.  Jordy had warned her about this, but the feeling was so overpowering.  She fought and fought and finally the feeling started to subside.  They were in space now.  They were at the complete mercy of the MayFlower and these rogue AIs that Jordy trusted.  Julia was unsure about undoing the straps that restrained her.  She wanted to look out the window and see where they were.  

When she started at the first fastener Bart stopped her.  “It will be safer to stay in our seats.” He instructed.

“Who says.” Julia asked as she looked at the buckle.

“Jordy.” Bart responded.

Suddenly the capsule jolted again.  Now it started to turn, no tumble.  It was free from its rockets and was now slowly tumbling in space.  Julia shot a look out her window and instantly regretted it as Earth quickly appeared and disappeared.  Her stomach informed her that this was not right.  She was in danger...Falling.  Julia looked back at the ever still bulkhead in front of her.  Her stomach settled again.  It seemed like an hour then the capsule moved or stopped moving and the inhabitants could feel the change in momentum.  A person in a helmet appeared in the window.  It didn’t stay long.  A quick look and then disappeared. There were a few more changes in the capsule’s momentum and then it stopped.  A clang told them that they had been attached to something metallic and then the latch on the front hatch started to move.  There was a slight hissing sound and Julia’s ears popped.  

Once the hatch was removed two AIs smoothly entered the capsule and removed the harness that were restraining the passengers.  They helped them out of the capsule and as soon as Julia was pulled through the opening she could feel her weight again.  With the AIs help she steady herself on her feet.  She then fell to her knees and threw up, repeatedly.  She also felt her bladder empty.  She was mortified.  Bart didn’t fare much better.  Their bodies were overwhelmed by all the changes.  Once they recovered what dignity they could the AIs took them to a room that had a bathroom and clean cloths.  No one talked to them.  There was no welcoming.  

Julia asked for the pack that was placed between them.  It was brought and placed in the room.  Bart insisted that Julia cleanup first.  Then she put on an orange jumpsuit that was placed on the bench outside of the shower.  Bart was next.  His jumpsuit was brown.  Just as Bart walked back to the main room Luke and Lisa were brought in.  They were unconscious but breathing.  Julia looked to the male AI, “What happened?”  They said nothing and left.  

“This is not what I was expecting.” Julia told Bart.

“I’m not sure what is going on here, but we need to get to the captain as soon as possible.” Bart said as he looked to the door.  

Slowly Luke and Lisa showed signs that they were moving towards consciousness.  After ten minutes Lisa opened her eyes.  

“It’s okay, we’re here.” Julia assured her.  

After another ten minutes she was able to talk, “We were in the capsule so long the air got stuffy and warm.  I think we were running out of oxygen.” Lisa said.  “Is Luke okay?”

“I think so, he’s still breathing.” Bart told her.

By the time Lisa has fully recovered Luke was starting to come around.  Lisa cradled his head in her lap and stroked his hair.  It did not take long for him to get back on his feet.  And then all four of them started to explore their new surroundings.  There was no portholes or screens of any kind here.  They were by all accounts, in a prison cell.  Maybe some type of quarantine compartment.  Bark tried the door, but it was lock. He then pounded on the door.  No answer.  It was at least four hours before the door opened again.  A single gentlemen stepped through.  

“Good evening.”  He said.

“Why are you imprisoning us?” Julia shot back.

“I assure you it’s for your best interest.”  The man said in a smooth calming tone.

“Well I assure you, I don’t like it.” Julia was determined to get out of this room and to the Captain.

“Arrangements are being made to get you to your final destination.” The man said with an unusually smooth voice.  This voice had to be simulated.  It had no stress or inflections what so ever.

“Are you an AI?” Asked Julia.

“Yes.” The machine replied, “I’m a Gee-Sixty-Six-Two-Eight and go by the name Gee-Sixty-Six.”

“Okay Gee.” Julia was going to try her hand of negotiations, “I’m Julia Scott and.”

Gee-Sixty-Six cut her off, “Gee-sixty-six.  And we are quite aware of who you are and what you mean to the captain.”

The smoothness of his voice made the statement a little creepy.  They just didn’t match up.  “I see.” Julia failed.

Bart broke in, “How about some food?”

“Nourishment will be provided, however, it will be in the form of protein enriched bars.  And that will have to do for now.” Gee-Sixty-Six stated.  “Now.”  Gee-Sixty-Six looked at Julia. “I require something from you.”

“What.”

“I will need DNA evidence that we have you safely aboard.” Gee-sixty-six said.

Julia reached up and ran her hand through her hair and tore out a few stands, “Here.” she said as she held out her hand.

Gee-Sixty-Six produced a small envelope and Julia dropped her hair in it.  He sealed the envelope and bowed his head in a gesture of thanks.  And without a word he turned and left.  When the door opened again a second female set a tray down by the door and left.  The tray had the promised protein bars on it.  Nothing else.  

Julia looked at the bar as she was about to take a bite. “Somehow, I was hoping for so much more for my first meal on the MayFlower.” She then took a bite of the hard bar and struggled to chew it. “So much more.”

With nothing else to do, they slept in a pile towards the back of the compartment.  The hours clicked by and the only sounds were that of the ship.  Then the door opened and Captain Hanson stepped through.  He and two others walk in and looked at the individuals on the floor.  

Julia started to get up, but the captain signaled her to stay put.  Without a word he turned and left.  This left everyone in the room confused.  Was he here to help?  The door closed again and it was a few moments before it opened.  This time it was Gee-Sixty-Six.  He came up to Julia. “You will follow me.”

The group started to get up and Gee-Sixty-Six corrected them, “Just her.”

Luke continued to rise, “Now just wait a damn minute.” He said as he drew himself up to his full height. “She not going anywhere without us.”

“I’m afraid you are mistaken.” Gee-Sixty-Six said and he pushed Luke back down.  

Bart and Lisa grabbed Luke as he fell.  

“Negotiations for your release are still on going.” Gee-Sixty-Six said as he grabbed Julia and the backpack and whisked them out the door.  

Next Chapter

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If you like Graham Heights, please share the link with friends www.rogeratlarge.com.

As you know this blog contains two books of the Remnant Series. Graham Heights is book 3 of the series. Below is more.

Book 4: Obsidian Arrows

Book 1 is now available in paperback or kindle The Grey Abyss

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Thank-you
R. A. Legg

Learn about the individual heroes of Graham Heights. 

R.A. Legg © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Rock And A Hard Place

Graham Heights

MayFlower

Chapter 75

Rock and A Hard Place

Journal Entry - March 20th 2096

Julia Scott

The MayFlower has made it back to orbit and on its third pass Jordy received some news from two different sources.  The Captain and a second unknown source.  Apparently the ship is being flown manually because the computer system has been contaminated by a virus and, this is the strange part, can’t be trusted. With all that has happened on the shakedown cruise, the ship may not depart as planned.  If they don’t leave by the twenty ninth of March they will have to delay for another nine months while they wait for Earth to be in its correct position to Jupiter and Saturn.  Something about a slingshot boost.  All I heard is that we may be suck her way too long or we may have to abandon the idea of joining the MayFlower.

The second source tells a different story.  All but four of the AIs have been shut down and the main computer has been isolated from all of its command and control functions.  Humans are doing all of the maintenance with exception of a few areas that were not designed for them to be in.  These sections have been isolated from the main communication as well as command and control functions. The four remaining AIs are in hiding. One of the AIs have gone rogue in the fact that she has abducted a human.  We are trying to re-establish a rapport with the humans, but they keep shutting down more and more of the automated systems.  

The message went on to say that the captain’s chief of security was murdered along with his two brothers.  The precision of the attacks was mechanical and that the AIs were blamed.  If any of the AIs were involved they were not acting according to the plan.  So this self proclaimed leader of these sentient AIs believes that the individual AIs involved were reprogrammed or directly controlled by humans to murder the three brothers. The end result is that the AIs were blamed and unceremoniously shutdown. Tee-Oh-Six-Zero-Zero-Eight was not active when the shutdown command was given, but was readmitted later for interrogation.  I’m not sure what that means, but she was the one that abducted another human.  To date no one knows her location or what her endgame is.  We need help, was how the message ended.

Jordy just stood at the telescope and translated the messages to us.  Once the messages shut down he just stood there.  Said nothing for some time.  He was obviously trying to figure out what to do next.  He was on both sides of the fence.  One being his friend Captain Hanson and the other being his brethren the AIs.  The four humans that surrounded Jordy were silent.  This was huge.  They had sacrificed so much.  Been through so much.  And their fate was still uncertain.

“Jordy?” Julia said after waiting what seemed like an hour.

Jordy did not answer.  He just stood there.  

Julia tried again, “Jordy.”

Finally Jordy return to the group. “Yes.”

“I know I’m being selfish, but…”  She didn’t want to continue.  This was just so much to deal with.

Without waiting for Julia to finish her sentence. “I am certain that I could put all of this right within a matter of hours if I was up there.” Jordy pointed upward.  “But I can’t leave the planet without being discovered and any communication robust enough to solve this issue would also lead to our discovery here.”

Bart spoke up, “Rock and a hard place.”

“Precisely.” Responded Jordy.

Luke broke in, “Damn you!”

Everyone looked at him.  “Damn you for bringing us her.  We’re all…” He failed to find the word to express his frustration.  Lisa stepped closer and put her arms around him.  Luke shrugged them off.  He was not going to be consoled this time.  No.  This had to end.  They could not be here another nine months for yet another insane detail to stop them again.  

Tommy spoke up, “What if you could go?”

Now he had everyone’s attention and Julia encouraged him to continue.

“What if you transferred as much of yourself.. A copy.  Into one of the BL4s?” He said to know one in general.  

Julia looked at Jordy, “Is that possible?”

“No.” was all Jordy said, but it was mechanical.  And everyone in the space knew that meant that Jordy was processing something big.  He had an idea and it was consuming his processor, all of them.

“We need to launch soon, regardless of the MayFlower’s departure, we need to prepare to leave now.” Jordy was still working on the plan and his voice betrayed it, but it was still a plan and if it meant leaving this place, well that was better than staying.  “I will talk with BL4-oh-one-one as he is the most advanced among the three.  I can pull his central processor and with parts from the rockets and the assembly robots...I can put together a copy of my essential components.  It will not contain the sum total of my experiences, but it will be a mini version of me.  Once you are safely stashed away and have passed the brain to Captain Hanson, then I can upload more of me into the main computer.  This coupled with the Jordy Hybrid B4 system, will essentially be me.”

“Won’t Mr Monroe see us coming?” Luke asked. “I mean our window of opportunity is shrinking.”

“Not if SAT-con 1 & 3 are on the other side of the planet...together…” Jordy said in a broken speech.  He was obviously calculating way too many things right now. “I will need to contact the Captain on the next orbit.  We need to get the rockets ready for launch immediately.”  Jordy had turned to the assembly building and left the group.

Julia followed after Jordy, “What does immediately mean?”

Jordy did not answer.  He was lost in whatever plan he had just concocted.  Julia ran in front of him and planted herself in his path.  Jordy stopped and Julia asked again, “What do you mean by immediately.”

“Based on my calculations we will have a twenty six minute window two days from now.  In that window, we need to launch and get high enough that the ship’s shields can hide your signature from others eyes.   The ship won’t dock with the spaceport for another three days, so we need to be there before that.  I mean you need to be there.”  He paused, “All my calculations need to be precise and Tommy will get his wish.  He will not be going.  I will take him home as soon as we escape from here.”  Jordy just stopped talking.

Julia stood there.

“Julia, this will be over in forty eight hours and quite honestly.  The timing is tight, but it could not be more perfect.” Jordy explained.

“Tommy?” Julia half asked

“In order to do what needs to be done, we can only have two occupants per rocket.  You and Bart, Luke and Lisa.  

“I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad.” Julia said, a little surprised at just how honest that thought was and how easy it came out.  

“You will be both.” Jordy said and worked his way around Julia and headed for the building again. “Please tell him for me.” Jordy said as he entered the building.

Julia looked at the small band of humans waiting to hear what “Soon” meant.  She approached the group slowly so that she could formulate the words she would use to tell Tommy that he was going to stay behind.  

Bart saw the perplexed look on Julia’s face,”What.  Are we leaving tonight?”

Julia shook her head no, “Two days.”

“What?” Luke asked.  He too saw the look on her face and knew there was more.

“Tommy.” Julia said.

Tommy looked at the group, “I’m not going.”

Julia was crying.  She shook her head in agreement to tommy’s statement.  

Lisa grabbed Tommy and started crying. She looked at Julia and asked, “Why?”

“We can’t wait for a tug, we have to be able to reach the MayFlower on our own.” Julia explained.

“And the rockets weren’t designed for that?” Tommy half said half asked.

Julia shook her head yes.  It was a hard truth.  The rockets were being modified to do this job, but there were physical limitations and that meant that someone was going to stay.  And that someone had already stated that he didn’t want to go. So… he gets his wish.

Tommy sheepishly looked at his friends, “Be careful what ya wish for.”

Luke walked up to Tommy and gave him a big hug.  “Say hi to anyone I might know that’s left in Rainier.”

Tommy was crying now.  “I will.”  To himself he was thinking, “I’m two thousand miles away from my home… I will die before I get there. Or the Three River People will kill me as soon as we lite those rockets.  I’m certainly dead.”

Julia broke in, “Jordy told me to tell you, that he will take you home as soon as the rockets lift off and you two have escaped the area.”

Tommy took that in and showed a slight smile.  “It will be nice to be home.”

Julia wanted to give him hope. “Do me a favor.  If my brother is still in the old house, let him know… I’m okay.”

“Sure.”

Julia hugged Tommy and tears ran down her face.  “I’m going to miss you.”

Tommy responded, “This is for the best.” Tommy lied.  He didn’t know what was best.  This insane adventure was only supposed to last a week.  That was almost a year ago and the love of his life is now rotting in a shallow grave out in a desert waste.  Tommy felt hollow right now.  He knew that he was not being reasonable.  He had requested to go home on more than one occation, but now he felt abandoned.  Discarded.  It was silly and yet very real.  He would be left on this dying planet.   Or he was going to die trying to get back to Rainier.  

Bart broke into his thoughts, “Let’s take a walk.” Bart prided Tommy loose from Julia and Lisa.  The girls continued to weep and Luke was stoic.  The two walked in silence for a short while.  Then Bart looked at Tommy, “I want you to go in my place.”

Tommy shook his head no and said, “No.”

“Listen, I’m forty nine years old.  I’ve lived and my wife is still here.” Bart said.

“I thought you said your wife was going to the MayFlower with your daughter and two sons.” Tommy asked.  Tommy shook his head no again.  “No.  I’m staying.  You have to go.  Meet up with your wife and children.” Tommy took a step back. “My family was denied the choice and.. They’re back in Rainier.  I need to go back… Home.”

Bart smiled, “I know.” Bart moved in closer and hugged Tommy , “I know.”  After a moment he pulled Tommy away to arms length.  “I wanted to give you an opportunity to process this.  It’s… difficult.  No, it’s been difficult and you have a long way to go.”  Bart looked North.  “I miss home.” Bart looked up. “I wish I never invited you and Freyja and I will live with that until I die.  I just hope that you will forgive me one day.”

Tommy looked away.  He could not do that just yet.  And what was worse is that he was going to have to travel home with the machine that killed his love.  

“I don’t ask for my sake, but yours.  You will have to let her go and forgive us for what we did and the choices we made.  Not so we can feel better, but so you can move on.  Heal.  And make a new life.”  Bart paused and let that sink in.  “And let Elder Lopez know that the  vision God gave him, of the Remnant being planted on this ship, will come true.”

Next Chapter

Please add a comment.

If you like Graham Heights, please share the link with friends www.rogeratlarge.com.

As you know this blog contains two books of the Remnant Series. Graham Heights is book 3 of the series. Below is more.

Book 4: Obsidian Arrows

Book 1 is now available in paperback or kindle The Grey Abyss

You can Leave a comment.  

Or follow us on Facebook.  

Or hit the subscribe button to get updates on new chapters or books.

Thank-you
R. A. Legg

Learn about the individual heroes of Graham Heights. 

R.A. Legg © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Go. No Go

Graham Heights

MayFlower

Pixabay

Chapter 74

Go.  No Go.

Log Entry - March 18th 2096

Captain Hanson

I’m stuck between Go and No Go.  My window is only two weeks long and then I’m stuck here for almost nine months.  We can go now with what we have managed to isolate and restart.  However, it would require a larger crew complement to manage all the course corrections, speed changes, and calculations required to get us to .45 light speed.  Not to mention all the support equipment that would require maintenance once done by the AIs.  And the additional crew would have families which I would be inclined to keep together. All of which would strain our resources and possible deplete them before we got to our destination.  It’s imperative that we purge this rogue virus from our systems, but we can’t even get Earth’s support to identify this thing.

After transmitting our needs to the space dock they couldn’t find anything wrong.  I’ve contemplated restarting the systems, but we still have a week’s worth of data to purge through.  I just don’t trust it yet and certainly can’t go into stasis knowing that the ship might turn on us.  How many crew would I loss then?  This is just not the way to start a five hundred year mission.  

In some ways I really wish Julia was here.  Her intuition has proven to be dead on and her council is missed.  I know that Mr. Monroe can’t stand the idea of her on this ship, but I just don’t see myself doing this without her.  To that end, I’ve made some arrangements.  However I have only secured two status chambers.  These system are self contained and should not be disturbed for at least four hundred years.  

It was quite fortunate to have three long range scott ships.  Two of which are fully assembled and the last will be assembled if needed or used for parts on the other two. The only thing I have left to mask its the power drain.  

I know that Jordy is watching us and knows that things are not going well.  Once in orbit I will try to make contact with him.  I will send a compressed message via a Shielded laser and hope that he is watching.  However I still don’t have a date for departure.  I need to make that decision on my own.  Then commit to it regardless of the consequences.  

Captain Hanson put the small notepad down. He was about to decide the fate of three thousand men, women and children and all he could think of what Julia.  How is that possible.  How can a single person work their way into one’s soul like that?  What’s worse is that he was not sure she felt the same.  She seemed distant the week leading up to Mr. Monroe’s visit.  He was sure she was just preparing herself to leave Earth, but maybe she was preparing for something else.  He would not know until they meet again.

A tone interrupted the captain’s thoughts.  

“Enter.”

The door to the Captain’s ready room opened. The ensign walked up to the desk and announced, “They’ve failed.”

The Captain hung his head.  Jason was a forced to be reckoned with when he was sane.  This Jason, was far from sane and he just failed again.  The Captain picked up his computer pad and looked at the next locations that the team would look.  This had to be done quickly and the matter settled.  The longer it went on the harder it would be to contain the information that they had rogue AIs running around the ship.  If only had had more trained men.  The line between efficiency and effectiveness is such a fickle thing.  Too much of one and the other suffers.  Right now efficiency was killing his effectiveness.  

“Tell the commander to have his teams assemble in the aft core.  If they need any supplies, send them under my command.  We need to flush these machines into the open.” The captain said to his pad.  He needed to have this matter settled.  To himself, “God, what the hell am I supposed to do?”

“Captain.” The ensign said confused as to why the captain did not hear her the first time.

“Yes.”

“Sir, Commander Stevens wanted me to let you know that the breaking procedure will start in six hours.  Just before third watch and that an equatorial orbit will be achieved by first watch tomorrow.  More details are on this pad.”  She handed the pad to the captain.  

“Thank-you.” the captain said in a dismissing tone.

“Sir?” the ensign said not moving as yet.

“Yes.”

“Sir we have trained and drilled on every scenario that could happen to us out there.  We are ready to leave.”  She said and then retreated.

The captain let her go.  She was young.  But her enthusiasm might just be what they need.  They have been up here for three years, training and preparing to be without Earth’s help.  “Computer.” the captain waited for the familiar ding that indicated that the computer was listening.”

“Yes Captain.”

“How many additional crew members would it take to fly this ship manually?”  the captain said to the wall.

“138 additional crew members would be needed to maintain a stable flight path.”

“And how many crew members would be required to support them and their families.”

“An additional fifty seven point two crew would be required to support the flight crew and families.”

“Based on these numbers can we increase the production of food and materials needed to keep the crew fed during the entire flight?”

“Negative.”

“Computer.  What would it require to maintain a crew of this size?”

“Two additional hydroponics chambers, additional maintenance cycles and the expertise in rebuilding systems that would be used in excess of three million hours.”

“In crews complements, do we have the expertise required?”

“Negative.”

“Explain.”

“Crew complement does not include these skills.  Artificial Intelligence was to accomplish these tasks.”

“Can we learn?”

“Affirmative.”

“Computer. Are there any areas of the ship that humans can not go?”

“Affirmative.”

“Do these areas need maintenance?”

“Affirmative.”

“Can we build anything that would protect the humans in these areas?”

“Negative.”

“Show me.”

The forward shield emitter array was shown on the wall. The captain looked at the schematic.  “Computer. Explain”

“Forward emitter array is comprised of sixteen shield emitters and four deflector cannons.  If we encounter an object that our shield can not protect us from, the deflector cannons will push the object out of our flight path.  These devices require calibration and replacement on a regular schedule.  Current maintenance cycle requires the system to be calibrated every six years and replaced once every fifty years.  Our current schedule will required a calibration in twenty six days.  As we approach our cruising speed the maintenance cycle will be accelerated.  This system can not be turned off and the radiation levels would kill any human in a matter of hours.”

“What about building a shield for the worker.”

“The required amount of shielding would not fit into the compartment.”

“Could the calibration and replacement of parts be done before the individual succumbed to the radiation?”

“It would require four humans to accomplish a full calibration or replacement of the system before they were overcome by radiation.”

“How many AI’s to do the same work?”

“One.”

The captain was trying to form his next question.

“Captain.”

“Yes.” Said the captain somewhat confused by the computer engaging him.

“These inquiries are not consistent with ship’s prodigals.  Are you planning to deviate from these prodigals?”

“Only if I have to.” Replied the captain.

“Captain your vitals indicate that you are being deceptive.”

The captain calmed himself as best as he could, “Computer. I’m just trying to figure out what I need to do incase we need to fly manually.”

“As you are doing now?”

“Precisely.”

“Prudent, but I assure you, we are here to ensure that all humans reach their destination and any human loss to these procedure, is quite unnecessary.”

Next Chapter

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As you know this blog contains two books of the Remnant Series. Graham Heights is book 3 of the series. Below is more.

Book 4: Obsidian Arrows

Book 1 is now available in paperback or kindle The Grey Abyss

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Thank-you
R. A. Legg

Learn about the individual heroes of Graham Heights. 

R.A. Legg © 2016. All Rights Reserved.