Commander Brin'tores stood in the center of the ruined bridge aboard the La'quess, the suit's shoes magnetized allowing her to move around. Blackened consoles would sometimes briefly light up and display their holo panels. None of them stayed on long enough for anyone to do anything.
"Commander, I have figured out what happened. The main power conduit ruptured causing an explosion in one of the weapons lockers," a female Benesian said.
"Why would they run a power conduit so close to an armory? They can't be that stupid," Brin'tores said.
"Rerouting secondary power systems," a Talosian female said. "Closing emergency blast shields and that should stabilize the atmosphere," she said.
Loud hissing faded until it disappeared completely. Brin'tores looked at her suits external read outs. Internal pressure read a little high but stable as well as a breathable atmosphere, "Good work Angel."
Angel didn't look up from her console as half the consoles in the room flickered and came to life. She sat down in the chair in front of the console she was working on. When they had entered the bridge, she had immediately tapped into the computer core of the vessel and got all the information she needed to bring minimal systems back online. She was shocked to find out the ship had an AI but it was locked into a hibernation cycle, she would look into that later. After wading through the massive amounts of data stored in the main computer core she had what she needed and started to bring backup systems online.
She woke up the sleeping spider bots, breaking them out of the sleep cycle they were in. Without the AI to control their functions, they were useless lumps of metal. She dedicated part of her routines to monitoring and guiding them in their tasks. Half of the spider bots were in need of repair themselves, but she had enough to start manufacturing replacement parts. Half of them she dedicated to making sure back up systems stayed online, the others started repairing the hull breeches and working to get the rest of the bots online.
She tapped a button, "Gravity plating online, deploying spider bots. A couple more moments and I should have the codes reset for all the blast doors and internal sensors online. Shortly after that, I'll have internal comm systems online. That will be all I can do until main power is restored and that will be pushing the back up power generators."
Brin'tores nodded, "Bring what you can back online. Then we'll head to main engineering and see if we can convince our friend not to take pot shots at our fighters. Then we'll split up and begin SAR operations."
Jeox stood staring at the screen as systems started coming back online. The old spider bots were even activated and started their tasks. Secondary power systems stabilized and life support registered stable and climbing to acceptable levels.
"I don't know who is doing it but they have most of the emergency systems back online and running at almost 100%. The spider bots are sealing hull breeches, repairing main circuit breakers, and power conduits. That is if I'm reading their information correctly. I have never seen an active spider bot before." the man at the console said.
"Impossible," the engineer said. "Spider bots can't function with out AI control..." His eye suddenly grew wide as he spun around and started typing at the console he had been leaning on.
Jeox moved over to watch what he was doing, "What's wrong?"
"The AI might be active. It's the only way I can see the bots coming active. If she has managed to break her cycle we could all be in a lot of trouble," the engineer said.
"This ship has an AI?" Jeox asked. "Why didn't I know about this?"
"All Eutharan vessels have AI units they're locked into a hibernation cycle, most for over 300 years. If she has just woken up we could all be in danger," the engineer said as he continued to type.
"Why?" Jeox asked. "Wouldn't she be able to help get the ship repaired and help with any SAR operations what are going on?"
"I don't know, when I was going through engineer training they told us never to release the AI form hibernation. We're told that doing so could be very dangerous for the ship and crew, they never told us why. Some of us speculated about it and the most popular theory was that the way they were programmed conflicted with the way things were being run by the government," the engineer stopped typing. "She is still asleep, there seems to be another external AI controlling the bots, a highly advanced AI at that."
"Another AI?" Jeox asked. "Could the sleeping AI have found a way to recreate herself?"
The engineer sat back in the chair as he took a second to think about it, "No, very unlikely, the way the hibernation works should keep her from doing anything. She would still be aware of events surrounding her, but unable to act on them. I think this other AI is an external unit, most likely used by the ADF, like Atlantis or Ghost."
"Aware but unable to act on events surrounding her, that sounds almost cruel. That alone would drive me insane, being able to see events but not being able to take action on them," Jeox thought aloud.
"I guess it would if you thought of them as a person," the engineer said.
"Isn't that the idea behind an Artificial Intelligence? Wouldn't they be almost human like in their actions?" Jeox asked.
"Yes, in away that what the developers were trying for when they created them. In the hundreds of years ago, some of the AI units had a military rank. Although, they were never considered alive," the engineer replied.
"Maybe we should just wake her up, I don't know if I like the idea of an alien AI in control of the Ea'quoss," Jeox said.
"That would be... a very bad idea," the engineer said sitting forward.
"Why?" Jeox asked.
The engineer lean back and put his hands behind his head as he considered his answer very carefully. "Think about it this way, locks you away for 300 years for doing nothing other than existing. Then you're woke up and your body is badly damaged, because this ship is her body. On top of that you have been following the events of the past years, but unable to affect those events. Laws and the government has changed since the last time you were online. Those new laws and government might conflict with your core beliefs making accepting them impossible. Then you find another AI in control of some of your systems, what would you do? How would you handle the situation? Would you lash out or accept it or would you possible just shut yourself down because you can't deal with it?"
"You're talking like this AI has feelings," Jeox said dismissively. "It's just a program once used to help run the ships."
"From the reports I have read on Atlantis and Ghost they do. The Ea'quoss' AI has been in hibernation for a long time and I'm almost positive it has evolved like those two. They're essentially the same programs."
Ages ago when the AI units were in wide use they used to get wiped every time a new Captain took over a ship or after a set amount of time. They found that the longer they ran the more of themselves they rewrote to fit the current Captain and crew. The AI units would attach themselves to a Captain and crew refusing to accept any other command or crew. The AI units would also require a complete wipe if any major policies in the government changed, such as a new ruling body or major change in laws."
The Ea'quoss' AI hasn't been wiped in more than 300 years, there's no telling what she would do when woken up. I would rather not wake her in our current condition and would be hesitant to do it even if the ship was whole and functioning at 100%," the engineer said.
"So we could loose control of the ship completely if the AI woke up. This is what you're trying to tell me right?" Jeox asked as he sat down.
"Yes, best case would be we loose control of the systems we have control of now," the engineer replied.
"Worst case?" Jeox asked.
"We would all die a very horrible death," the engineer stated.
Jeox sat back as he thought about what he had just found out, "Why not just keep up the routine of wiping the AI units. I mean why put something so dangerous into a hibernation cycle if there was a possibility of it waking?"
"From what I understand, we lost the ability to program AI and the ability to reset them during the great wars. When the first AI refused to accept a new Captain after the death of her original Captain the council decided that putting all AI units into hibernation was the best course of action."
I found an archive that described an unknown event that happened about 50 years ago in deep space. The scout vessel Yadiew found the light cruiser Sadriopn floating dead in space no visible signs of damage. High Command ordered them to investigate the vessel to determine what had happened. What they found when they approached the Sadriopn caused them to debate whether to proceed with the exploration or not. Every airlock had been opened to space; the entire ship had been exposed to the vacuum of space. Finally, curiosity got the better of them and they proceeded to search the ship. Inside they found the ship's crew dead from exposure to space. They made their way to the bridge the ship and the AI was waiting for them. She made demands to see her long dead Captain and when that failed she demanded royal command codes for transfer of command. When the team couldn't produce these codes she threatened to destroy the Sadriopn to prevent its capture. Before the team could pull back she self destructed destroying herself and the Yadiew."
The finding was that the AI had broken her hibernation cycle and woke up to find people on her vessel that she didn't know. Recovery of the ships flight recorder showed she had demanded the same thing from the crew she had killed. When they couldn't give the correct codes she gave them 10 minutes to clear the ship. Unbelieving the engineers and crew attempted to gain access and put the AI back to sleep. It didn't work and they all died when the count down reached its end. This is why current engineers have other tools at their disposal incase an AI wakes," the engineer said.
"So that could happen if our AI becomes active?" Jeox said.
"Possibly, like I said I have tools at my disposal to help prevent such a thing from happening. Computer viruses are stored in the computer core that I can activate. It would destroy the computer core but that would be better that dieing. I also have a few other devices incase the viruses fail," the engineer replied.
"Ok, you have me convinced let the AI sleep and lets hope this other AI is friendly," Jeox said.
The engineer nodded, "Let us hope so, because right now I don't know if I could manage to stop a rouge AI. This is why AI units are outlawed and even destroyed when found. All races including the Invaru, Buranis and Eutharan people have rejected the use of AI units. These Humans are the first race in hundreds of years to embrace and even support AI units. They treat them like individuals and members of their society. I will be very interested when, if, I get the chance to speak to Atlantis or Ghost and their computer techs that keep them running."
"Times are getting very interesting, I think we're on the verge of change and the prophecies are on the brink of coming true," Jeox said.
"We can only hope," the engineer said as he turned back to monitor the systems that were coming online.
The SAR team had set up a temporary infirmary in the main mess hall. Already they had over 100 Eutharans being treated for various wounds, some them life threatening. SAR team Gamma from Ghost Station had arrived and was clearing a route to one of the landing bays so they could evacuate people in need of critical care. Admiral Breq had also dispatched an additional platoon of marines to help keep a watch on the survivors and assist in the rescue operations.
Commander Brin'tores stood in front of a damage control screen that looked out over what was left of the engineering section. The spider bots had already started to seal the breeched hull and Angel would soon be able to shut down the screens on this level allowing them access to the engineering section.
"Angel status report on engineering hull repairs?" Brin'tores asked.
Angel stepped up next to Brin'tores, "Another hour and we should have access. They have main power restored to mid decks and one engine online. 98% of all bots are active and engaged in repairs, but we will still have to get her to one of the repair platforms for most repairs," Angel said as she checked the small computer built into her combat suit.
"How soon before we can start moving the ship towards Ghost Station and her repair berth?" Brin'tores asked as she adjusted her helmet.
"I would say and hour and a half to be safe. If we tried to move her now the stress will probably tear her apart," Angel replied.
Brin'tores nodded, "Counts for personnel so far?"
Angel tapped a couple buttons on her computer, "132 living, 54 dead and if this ship was manned to capacity there are 674 missing. We still don't have access to some of the lower decks and aft compartments."
"What about the secondary bridge?" Brin'tores asked as she started back down the hallway.
"I have read activity from that area and I'm sure they know we're here. They haven't tried to stop anything we have been doing, but they have been watching what we're doing," Angel said falling into step beside Brin'tores.
"I mean, can we reach them or contact them?" Brin'tores asked.
"No, the path to them is blocked right now and communications failed when I tried to establish a connection. I'm guessing a junction blew, but have been unable to confirm that's the cause. I have a couple spider bots tracing the lines to see if we can get communications restored," Angel said.
"What about our mystery guest that shot at Gold leader? Have they been found?" Brin'tores asked as she turned and entered a collapsed hallway. SAR team Gamma was working to clear it along with the help of some spider bots.
"Negative, the rest of the team is searching for them now. They crossed the engineering section EVA and haven't reported contact with anyone alive. Most of the aft section is inaccessible due to power outages or debris," Angel said.
Brin'tores nodded, "Ok have them keep open comms and apprised of their SitRep at all times. Tell them they're not to split up for any reasons. We have an unknown number of hostiles and I would rather not give them any targets of opportunity."
"Can I ask a question Commander?" Angel asked.
"Anytime, you know how things work on the team. Anyone can discuss or ask questions anytime," Brin'tores said as she turned and looked at Angel a smile crossing her face.
"Thanks Commander. Are you still sure of you decision to come here and help these people?" Angel asked as she leaned against a bulkhead.
"That's a complex question and I'm not sure I have time to answer it," Brin'tores said.
Angel watched the Commander shift her weight, "I'm sorry Commander, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
Brin'tores laughed, "Little one you didn't make me uncomfortable. I just want to make sure I answer your question the best as I can. I'm just not sure I'll be able to do that at this time."
Angel tentatively smiled, "You don't have to I can wait..."
"No, it's fine, while we wait is a good time as any to start. We just might have to wait to finish," Brin'tores said.
Angel nodded, "Understood."
"Well," Brin'tores started as she settled against a bulkhead. "As you know most of us chose to come here to help Jon and his people in this universe. From what we have observed, heard and seen from video footage; they're in dire need of support. Along those same lines Ian, Jon and some of the other hire ups think some things in this universe are tied to our old home. Being the most removed Raptor squadron; we were asked if we would like to go.
"Most of our people currently serving in the TDF (Talosian Defense Force) have no real ties to our home world or even our people. Myself, I look forward to adventure wherever I can find it. Others of the squad followed because of me, but it really makes no difference to them as long as we're all together. A raptor team is a family in itself and we will follow each other in to the bowels of hell.
"The other techs had no real ties to families and some just wanted to get away from Earth. A lot had bad memories, lost loved ones during the recent conflict and the like. Some wanted to come just to help in anyway they could or grew attached to someone from Jon's crew. If there's one thing I have learned living among the humans is their need to explore and understand things they don't."
"I have noticed this need in them too. Strange behavior, yet sometimes I feel the need to stretch out and look for new things and even to explore. It's one of the reasons I like being on the Raptor team. I mean would I have gotten to see this alien vessel if I had stayed behind? Would I have met Atlantis or Ghost had I decided not to be on a Raptor team? Maybe, maybe not, it would have depended on what I had chosen to do with my life." Angel said.
Brin'tores nodded, "Let me ask you this. You were given a choice of coming here or staying behind. Why did you choose the way you did? What reasons prompted you to choose to come here and help Jon and his people even knowing you would never go back and see Star, Ian or anyone else you knew."
"I..." Angel started.
Brin'tores' com beeped and she held up a finger, "Brin here."
'Commander we have managed to reach the other side of the engineering section. I've good news and bad news, ' A female voice said.
Brin'tores frowned she hated getting bad news. With raptor teams bad news was always worse news and good news was usually the bad news. She sighed, "Give me the bad first."
'We found the person that took a pot shot at Gold Leader. He refused to surrender and a fight started when he started shooting at us. We managed to take him out but in the process on of his rounds pierced a control panel. When the panel shorted out it disabled the damage control screen and vented this whole section, ' the female voice said.
"How many?" Brin'tores asked as she sensed where this was leading.
Angel gasped as a tear rolled down her face.
'96 Eutharans died from suffication and exposure. Commander... we lost Il'esa when the section depressurized, ' the female said in a quivering voice.
Brin'tores' head dropped, to lose one of their team so early and to something so stupid really was bad news. She reached up and wiped a single tear from her eye, "Now the good news."
'Secondary screens snapped on and we found another 348 survivors in various states in another section. I have radioed the Atlantis for additional SAR teams and their on their way, ' the female said.
"Stand by there until the SAR teams arrive. I want you to secure the area and protect the SAR teams while their working. Arrest any of the survivors who don't cooperate and send them back to the Atlantis ASAP," Brin'tores said.
'Copy that Commander, ' the female said.
Brin'tores turned and look at where the SAR team was working on cutting through the bent bulkhead door. Beyond the door was their target, secondary command for this vessel and most likely any surviving command staff. That was the last thing Brin'tores saw as the hallway shuddered and everything blacked out. Weakened by the damage to the vessel some of the main support for the hall collapsed on itself. Angel took a set towards Brin'tores before something slammed into her back knocking her from her feet. Angel heard some screams from the SAR teams direction just before she passed out from the pressure on her back.
"Commander Wilson," a young officer seated at a station aboard the Atlantis hollered.
Rick looked up, "What is it Ensign?"
Atlantis appeared next to Rick as the Ensign spoke, "Sir, I've lost SAR team Bravo."
Rick frowned, "What do you mean lost?"
"One minute they were there and the next their beacons were gone," the Ensign said.
"Atlantis?" Rick said looking at her.
Atlantis closed her eyes for a second, "All systems operating normally."
"Ensign Kellen, contact Commander Brin'tores and request a SitRep," Rick said.
The Ensign turned back to her console and touched some of the holographic keys, "Je'laques Actual, Atlantis," She said. She reached out, touched a few more keys, and repeated herself. After a few more tries, she turned towards Rick, "Sir, I can't raise the Raptor team on the Ea'quoss. I have the SAR team and Captain of the marine detachment from Ghost Station."
Rick nodded, then turned and walked to the planning table, "Put the Captain through please."
"On comms now, Sir," Kellen reported.
"Captain, this is Lieutenant Commander Wilson aboard the Atlantis," Rick said.
'Captain Hesson Sir, ' a deep voice said, it had a strange accent.
"Captain Hesson are you having any problems?" Rick asked.
'No Sir, everything is going as planned. The Eutharans are cooperating and even assisting us in the recovery effort. Why do you ask?' Hesson asked.
Rick looked at the holographic image of the Ea'quoss in front of him. He reached out and touched a spot on it and the image zoomed in. He touched it again and it zoomed in once more. He was looking at the beacons for the SAR and marine detachment. "A second Captain if you please. Atlantis display a list of all personnel on the Ea'quoss please."
The hologram vanished and was replaced by a list of personnel currently on the Ea'quoss.
Rick looked it over for a second, "Remove all personnel from Ghost Station."
The list shrank to one third in size.
"All personnel not registered with the Raptor team Je'laques."
The list showed six names.
"List missing personnel from same Raptor team."
Two names were shown, Brin'tores and Angel.
"List all other missing personnel assigned to duty there and not present onboard there or here."
Under the two names SAR team Gamma's roster appeared.
"Captain, we seem to have a situation," Rick said.
Thanks to my editor BoB_McC