Defenders of the Rim: Beginnings: A Far Future SciFi Thriller

by Randal Sloan

  Once again anger flashed in Jarra’s eyes. “That’s not very nice. Although, that won’t matter to me as long as I can answer my own questions and I’m sure I’ll still be able to keep up with him. See if you can find out how he did it and block his hack. In between, we’ll play along. If nothing else, I’ll be able to beat him to the answer on the tiebreaker, I’m sure.”

  Jarra smiled a somewhat evil smile of her own. “By the way, that AI will not be able to block my AI access. My Imperial codes will override any attempted block. I won’t use that to cheat, because I intend to win on my own. But when you figure out the hack, let me know.”

  Greg was really feeling good about the situation. Before coming to the duel, he’d set up a little extra insurance just in case he needed it for this round, although possibly it was going to get him in trouble with his father. His father had explained to him that part of the plan for the rebels was to take over the AI’s in the District Capitol and that was almost completed. His father had hired one of the foremost AI experts in the Empire to do the work, accidentally letting slip his name in front of Greg. Just before the match, Greg called the man, telling him they needed to do a test using the Rim Patrol AI as their system. The man had grumbled he wasn’t ready yet, but he had finally agreed to give it a try.

  So far, that strategy seemed to be working perfectly. The AI was answering directly to Greg, and it had chosen the match exactly as he told it to do. Plus to make it more fun, it not only would back him, it would give Greg the answer to the questions. That and his questions would always be easier than hers. No way would she be able to answer hers. This was going to be easy and she wouldn’t have a stick to hit him with this time.

  By “random” choice, i.e. the AI hack, Greg was given the first question. He wanted to show off to her that she stood absolutely no chance. “Red: Name the five Districts in the Empire and their capitols.”

  “Earth - capitol NorthAm, Sirius - capitol New London, Benjuir - capitol YonSai, South Basil - capitol Deliphina, Rigelus - capitol Rigelus,” Greg recited as if he knew them off the top of his head, which he realized he should have known but didn’t.

  “Correct,” the AI said, just a little too quickly, only a fraction of a second there, but Jarra’s implants informed her of it. Not surprising, since the AI knew he would have the correct answer.

  “Blue: How many members in the Imperial Senate? In addition, name the three main affiliated political groups and their leaders within the Senate.”

  Jarra couldn’t help but smile. Both parts a bit of a trick question she suspected, plus most wouldn’t know the Senate leaders at all. “891 Senate seats are defined. Three seats are currently unoccupied, for a total of 888 active members. In majority affiliation, the Conservative Party, currently served by Jonsai Rensee Von Hasson; in minority affiliation, the Progressive Party, currently served by Jackson Marsell Minsot; in opposition affiliation, the Libertarian Party, currently no leader elected, outgoing leader Jamil Cartane Asentee.”

  “Correct,” the AI said, this time just a fraction slower than it should have been. Jarra knew it was because the AI was trying to figure out how to use the ambiguities in the question to fail her answer, but she had covered all possibilities. She sent an Implant ping to Sara. “Any update on what he did to hack it?”

  “I haven’t been able to figure it out. It doesn’t look like a normal hack.”

  For his own part, Greg couldn’t believe she had just gotten that question right. How could she have possibly known that one? I wouldn’t have had a clue, especially on the second part. And the AI was supposed to make a trick question, so whichever way she answered it, it would be wrong. But in both cases, she gave both answers. His smirk faded a little, but he shrugged his head. It didn’t matter; no way would she continue to get them all and his answers were assured.

  “Red: List the classifications of ships the size of destroyer or larger in the Rim Patrol fleet. Name how many we have in at least three of them.”

  His smirk back, Greg mostly knew the answer to that one on his own, well the first part. He wouldn’t have been able to answer the second part. Once again, he recited, “Destroyer, Super-destroyer, frigate, light cruiser, cruiser, heavy cruiser. Frigate, five in service; light cruiser, ten in service; heavy cruiser, one in service.”

  “Correct,” the AI agreed, again just that tiny fraction of a second too soon.

  “Blue: What are the goals of the Rim Patrol and who was the chief architect of those defined goals?”

  A little bit of karma, Jarra thought. She knew it was another trick question, but she knew the answer because it directly involved her family, in this case her grandmother and her aunt. “The Rim Patrol was formed early in the history of the Empire. Many believe that Maximus Sorilus Von Hasson was the author of those goals since it was he who formed the Rim Patrol, but actually the initial goals themselves were penned by Admiral Carissa Eloisa Von Hasson, his wife. The Rim Patrol was tasked with the defense of the worlds in the two Rim Districts and the policing of the space lanes between those worlds. However, with the discovery of aliens on two sides of the Empire, the Rim Patrol’s goals were expanded to include first contact with alien worlds and first defense for the Empire against any potential alien invasion. The additional goals were authored by Admiral Margarette Janel Darnell-Von Hasson, then Administrative Commander, Rim Patrol.”

  The AI answered, “Correct,” once more just a fractional second later than it should be. “Both contestants are currently tied at three points to three.”

  Jarra once more queried Sara, “Any updates?”

  “No, it’s like the AI code is all clean, no updates at all. It doesn’t make any sense. Hold on a minute, I’ve got a crazy idea. Give me a few more minutes. I need to be sure first.”

  “Red: Name the three primary components of a hyperspace drive and indicate which consumes the most energy.”

  Greg had to admit even to himself, that question sounded a little too easy. He actually knew this one without any assistance. “Field generators, Field Manipulators, Controller circuits. The field generators far exceed the energy requirements of the other components.”

  “Correct,” came the immediate answer.

  “Blue: Name the children and grandchildren of Maximus Sorilus Von Hasson.”

  Jarra smiled. Talking about your karma, if Greg only knew. After all, Maximus was her grandfather and they were all her family. No tricks to this question, unless the plan was to fail her if she didn’t know all the full names and their titles.

  “Children: Emperor James Cessor Von Hasson, Emperor of the Galactic Empire of Man; Ambassador Marcus Joshin Von Hasson, Ambassador to Borjon; Senator Jonsai Rensee Von Hasson, Majority Senate Leader; Admiral Margarette Janel Darnell-Von Hasson, Admiral in Chief Imperial Space Navy.

  “Grandchildren, in order of succession: Crown Princess Jarraosa Christinee Von Hasson, daughter of Marcus; Crown Prince John Dansi Von Hasson, son of Jonsai; Crown Prince Benjamin Partel Darnell-Von Hasson and Crown Princess Arissa Susai Darnell-Von Hasson, twin son and daughter of Margarette.”

  As Jarra finished speaking, she turned to look directly at Greg who couldn’t believe she had just answered that question in such detail. Almost begrudgingly, the AI answered, “Correct. The score is now tied six points to six. This will necessitate a tiebreaker. The contestants will be given fifteen minutes to prepare before proceeding.”

  Jarra hurried over to see her friends. “What have you figured out on the AI,” she asked Sara.

  “You’re not going to like it,” Sara answered. “It’s much worse than we thought. He didn’t hack the existing AI; they’ve replaced it with a new AI, one that responds to their orders and not to ours.”

  Jarra stared at her. “You’re right. I don’t like it at all. The ramifications of this are much deeper than our little contest. It affects the entire Empire. We have to deal with this now, but unfortunately for them, the boy has just tipped their plans to me and I should be able to stop it.�
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  “Guys, I need to do a quick implant link and the four of us need to talk with the District Commander, now. Sara, if you will do the honors.”

  Sara nodded. She began to initiate the link. This time it was easy and it was only a fraction of a second later that they were all in the link. “We’re ready,” the team said. “Making a direct emergency implant call to Commander Crusoe, using Crown Princess Jarra’s command codes.”

  “Commander, this is Jarra and her team. We have just discovered something urgent and we need to talk with you now.”

  Taken by surprise, nevertheless the Commander responded quickly. He recognized the command codes. “Your Highness. What can I do to help you?”

  “Commander, we have just discovered an integral part of the plot by the rebels. They have somehow replaced the Rim Patrol AI with an AI of their own and I suspect this is going to be done other places in the Empire.”

  The Commander didn’t respond, but with the strength of their connection, Jarra was able to sense his internal response to the news. He immediately grasped the meaning of that.

  Jarra quickly went on, “I have a solution we’ll be implementing for the Rim Patrol, but we will have to come up with one to take care of the governor’s civilian systems and anywhere else in the Empire.

  “As soon as the duel is completed, I’ll need a full real-time link set up with my uncle and Prince John. Set it up in the assembly room we’ve been using. You’ll need these command codes to initiate the call.”

  Sara sent the indicated command codes to the Commander using an encrypted data channel. “We should be wrapping up here in fifteen minutes. Set the meeting for the top of the hour.”

  “I’ll get it done, My Lady,” was the response from the Commander.

  Jarra quickly broke the connection. Before they dissolved the link, Jarra explained to her team just what they needed to do.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Clearing Up Some Things

  Jarra shortly thereafter had to return to the center of the arena. She now suspected Greg would use the AI to claim he was first to answer the tiebreaker. If that happened and he gave the correct answer, she would have to end the charade they were attempting. They really didn’t want to do that if at all possible, since their knowledge of the AI plans was currently not known by the rebels and they could use that to a strategic advantage. They would just have to wait and see, but she was prepared.

  It was obvious to Jarra that Lieutenant Commander Connors had been briefed about the AI, but had been told to go along with everything for now. From the looks he was giving her, she also suspected he had been told of her true identity, something Jarra had left to the discretion of Commander Crusoe. If everything fell apart, it would be an advantage to her if he already knew.

  Connors stepped up to the podium. “Because the match is currently a draw, we will move next to the tiebreaker question. In order to ensure an impartial determination of the responder who is first, the AI will do so and will allow an implant connection to itself to facilitate that initial response. As always, the second contestant will be allowed to respond to the question if the first contestant’s answer is incorrect.

  “Are both of you ready?”

  Greg just nodded his head, his smirk going full force, while Jarra inclined her head and said, “Yes, sir, I’m ready.” Jarra knew that the Commander would be able to interpret her double meaning to that statement.

  Connors pressed the button to initiate the AI. “We are now ready for the tiebreaker question. Please begin in five seconds.”

  After the five seconds, the AI began. “The following question requires an exact answer and is a two-part question, so you must listen to both parts of the question. The first to respond after I complete the question will be the one I select. How many planetary systems are in the Galactic Empire and who is the ambassador to the most recent addition?”

  A fraction of a fraction of a second later, Jarra’s implant sent her acknowledgement. It was easily the first answer, but it didn’t matter, as they suspected. Instead, the AI announced, “Red was first to respond. What is the answer to the two questions?”

  Greg was already anticipating the fun he was going to have with the girl. “Six hundred ninety-five. Ambassador Jason Bajour Marquis to Saint Martis.”

  “Correct,” said the AI. It started to go on, but Jarra interrupted.

  “I challenge the answer to the question. It is incorrect.”

  The AI tried to override her, but Lieutenant Commander Connors cut it off. “The second contestant has the right to challenge. What is your answer to the question?” he asked with a smile.

  Jarra suspected she had had a little help here. The District Commander had outsmarted the AI by making sure it didn’t receive any news updates. “The correct answer is six hundred ninety-six. Borjon joined the Galactic Empire just a few hours ago. As you know, the Ambassador is Marcus Joshin Von Hasson.” She smiled brilliantly. Her father had pulled it off! She hoped her small part had helped.

  Lieutenant Commander Connors smiled at the audience. “Blue is correct. For some inexplicable reason, our AI is not up to date on the latest news, nor is apparently Lieutenant Resault. Borjon did indeed join the Galactic Empire a few hours ago and it is currently being debated in the Senate to change the name of the Galactic Empire of Man to be simply the Galactic Empire. We’re all part of historic times and should feel privileged.”

  He went on, “Blue wins the duel by winning all three contests. Although the Rim Patrol does not actively support these duels, we recognize the importance of being able to settle differences with the lack of bloodshed. In honor of that tradition, we appreciate your attendance.”

  Greg was staring in total disbelief. Jarra took advantage of his confusion to send a ping to Sara. “Are you ready? You need to substitute the AI’s now.”

  “I’ve never done anything like this, but yes, I’m ready.”

  Greg had been trying to persuade the AI to institute the planned rebel attempt to take over the District systems, using his direct link by implant to the AI which had been active the whole time. “You have to do this. I can’t go through with this. I won’t! That girl is never going to tell me what to do.”

  “I am not authorized to do so and it requires command codes you do not have. I also have been given a planned timetable for the suggested actions and it is to begin thirty-six hours from now.”

  “You’ll do as I say, AI. You’re supposed to be under my control.”

  “I cannot and will not. Your control was limited when I was installed and only by command codes can it be changed. Please hold, I am receiving instructions…”

  It was at that point that Sara initiated the transfer. Using the command codes given her by Jarra, she sent a copy of Jarra’s AI into the Rim Patrol systems and the commands to isolate the current AI into a system unit that would not be allowed to communicate without an outside entity supplying the correct codes. In essence, the AI was being imprisoned, an act allowed as proclaimed by the AI Accords if the AI was suspected of crimes, in this case treason.

  Following the completion of that process, Sara continued following her instructions, locking down all the District Capitol AI’s using Jarra’s command codes. No one would be able to update them without Imperial command codes. With no way to update the AI’s themselves, the rebels’ plan to swap out the AI’s should be stymied.

  As far as Greg was concerned, it appeared that the AI was listening to instructions. Finally, it replied to him again, “You and Lieutenant Carsean have been ordered to appear before Commander Crusoe at the Rim Patrol Headquarters. I would suggest you follow your orders.”

  “Only because you won’t do what I asked you to do. We’re not done with this, AI!” Greg didn’t notice that the AI sounded oh so slightly different.

  Sullenly Greg followed a smiling Jarra and a once more reserved Lieutenant Commander Connors. Jarra’s team fell in behind them, but his traitorous friends abandoned him. He would have to res
olve that later. Greg didn’t notice the Imperial Marines that discretely fell into the rear of the party or he would have been more worried instead of just unhappy at his circumstances.

  Arriving at the headquarters building, they were all directed to the assembly room that Jarra’s team had started calling their own. Along the way, Jarra had been debating internally about how she wanted to go about this now that she knew about the plans with the AI’s. That had to be priority, even if she let some of the rebels slip away, not that she was going to let that happen if she had a choice. God, she hated traitors.

  Reaching a decision, she sent pings by her implants to her Imperial Marine escort and to the Commander and his assistant with her orders. She would start with what she had and deal with the priorities as best she could. Moments later they arrived at their destination.

  #

  Commander Crusoe had completed most of the work to set up the real time communication to the Emperor. He had only met the Emperor in person once in his life, the day he had accepted the assignment to head up the District Rim Patrol, but he had been immediately struck by the compassion and intelligence of the man, tempered by a strong sense of duty to the Empire. All of those same qualities he also saw in the Emperor’s niece and he suspected it ran in the family. The Empire was very lucky it had that family firmly running things. He shuddered at the thought of the likes of Governor Resault and his son in charge.

  The timer for the connection said eight minutes remaining when the Princess and her party arrived. It appeared everyone was aware of what was going on but one person. If Greg had known what was coming, he probably would have tried to run, not that it would have done him any good. He was so distracted by his situation, he didn’t notice the Imperial Marines who had taken station outside the assembly room nor, the Marine Master Sergeant who had slipped into the room at the end of the party. What happened next was a total surprise to him.

  Jarra stepped up to the podium, which was decorated with the Imperial flag and emblems. She removed her lieutenant’s cap and replaced it with the Imperial coronet.