Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1)(20)
As per your orders after the destruction of the Copernicus, AIDAN remains in shutdown mode, carrying out only essential functions, including recyc, climate moderation, and artificial gravity control. AIDAN is essentially the equivalent of a human in a coma; breathing and heartbeat continue, but no conscious thought or decision-making is possible. As a result, the AI has been unavailable for active questioning. However, in the opinion of my team, it is likely that AIDAN’s decision to destroy the Copernicus was resultant of its directive to prioritize the safety of fleet members.
Our review indicates that, over the last month, AIDAN has accessed Copernicus medical records with increasing frequency. As a matter of routine, all data the AI accesses is backed up to the Alexander’s servers, however, AIDAN seems to have taken steps to ensure we cannot locate these particular reports.
We believe AIDAN formed a view that the illness aboard Copernicus had reached a tipping point and posed a danger to the fleet. Nevertheless, we are concerned at AIDAN’s decision to (a) take such drastic action without consulting senior command and (b) shut down comms between senior command and the Alexander’s Cyclone squadrons, despite your direct orders. AIDAN’s design parameters prioritize the preservation of human life but allow the fleet commander almost unlimited override. We believe the damage to AIDAN may have impacted its willingness to factor in your commands and preferences.
Proposal
The halt at Kerenza VII(a) for water will have eroded our lead on the Lincoln. Without AIDAN online, main drives are inoperative, and we are left to reaccelerate on slower secondaries. It is increasingly likely we will need to engage the Alexander’s weapons systems, which cannot be done with AIDAN offline. Therefore, we propose increasing AIDAN’s operational level without restoring full independence. If you will permit me to continue the analogy, we propose bringing our coma patient back to consciousness, but under considerable restraint.
Potential Hazards
The Copernicus incident demonstrates we are not fully aware of AIDAN’s current operational capacity. On revival, AIDAN may not respond to restraints as anticipated, or the restraints may not function as expected. Danger exists for both Alexander and Hypatia personnel. This must, however, be weighed against the danger of doing nothing.
Revival scenarios will be run over the next 24—48 hours. We will aim to establish a scenario with a better than 90 percent chance of full control, and recommend AIDAN be revived if this is achieved.
If you have any further questions or wish to discuss options, we are available at your convenience.
Sanchez, E, Col: Nico, I’ve done the memo, can you proof it for me?
Lassinger, N, Maj: Printing it, hold on.
Lassinger, N, Maj: …
Lassinger, N, Maj: So basically what you’re saying is we’ll do our best to wake it up without it going loco, but our best promise is a 9 out of 10 chance it won’t kill us all?
Sanchez, E, Col: You know what the chance is if the Lincoln catches us?
Lassinger, N, Maj: Point. Okay, send. And pray.
Sanchez, E, Col: Sent. Praying.
Lassinger, N, Maj: I think I’m going to go see if Lisa needs any help getting the grease off. Climbing around the quantum core like f*cking spanner monkeys is below our paygrade and our dignity, I say.
Sanchez, E, Col: Are you dusted? You ask her if she wants her back washed, you won’t NEED to worry about the AI blasting us into the next system.
Lassinger, N, Maj: It’s the end of the world, Eva. Nothing left to lose.
ByteMe: 7 mins starts now. u there?
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Always :)
ByteMe: Wish that had been true, Ez. How things on your end? Tense here.
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Things here? Confusing, tbh
ByteMe: They’re still saying no comms b/c we’re hiding from the Lincoln.
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Oh, u mean how are things on the *ship*
ByteMe: Did AIDAN crash or did we take it offline?
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Um. Bit of both. Why?
ByteMe: b/c the Copernicus is gone and I’m scared, why else?
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Hey, at least we’re scared together. Ish.
ByteMe: This is not how I imagined us reunited. There isn’t any more gen than that on your end?
Mason, E, LT 2nd: (Shrug) I just fly the cyclones ma’am
ByteMe: I can’t believe you do. Not the future I imagined either.
Mason, E, LT 2nd: At least I got off world, right? If only BeiTech had shown up a day earlier. Might have saved you some shouting. And me some hangovers :p
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Sorry that wasn’t funny …
ByteMe: No, but to be fair, don’t think anyone’s found a joke that works yet.
ByteMe: Next time we’ll have to time our drama better.
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Well, practice makes perfect, as they say
Mason, E, LT 2nd: I miss you
ByteMe: You too.
ByteMe: 4 min left.
Mason, E, LT 2nd: You’re a poet, Grant
ByteMe: Hey, I’m talking to you. One step at a time.
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Talking is better than not talking. And infinitely better than shouting :p
ByteMe: Sorry there was so much of that. Should have got the msg sooner.
Mason, E, LT 2nd: Did u ever consider the possibility I just think ur cute when you’re angry?
ByteMe: Did you ever consider that I might not laugh at a joke about you breaking my heart?
ByteMe: Gotta cut. If u leave this window open and type in messages I’ll get them when I connect. Like a mailbox.