by Knox, Barry
“Understood, Chief. I’ll come down there, and we’ll talk to him,” Mary said.
“Yes, sir,” Ostrow replied, sounding relieved.
“He seems to be scared of Sipes,” Gideon said, commenting on their conversation.
“Him and just about everyone else on the ship,” Mary said as she stood. “You’re coming with me; after all, he’s your friend.”
Mary and Gideon entered the hangar with the Chief in tow. The crew members who were sitting on the floor immediately stood at attention, along with Joseph, when they saw them enter.
“At ease. Carry on,” Mary said.
The crew sat back down and refocused their attention on Joseph, and he started where he had left off. “‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”
“What does that mean?” an old woman asked.
“It means that something as innocent and simple as a child’s faith will save you,” Joseph said. “Because it is written, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but will have everlasting life.’”
“How can anyone not believe after witnessing God’s creation of the universe?” Gault asked as he sat.
“There have been and will be those that see miracles and won’t believe, but it is written, ‘blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,’” Joseph answered. He looked at Mary and Gideon and then back at the sitting group. “I’m tired and would like to rest a while. I’ll let everyone know when and where we can meet again.”
The women gathered the children and left the hangar, and the members of the crew followed. Joseph and Gault walked over to Mary, Gideon, and the Chief, and saluted.
“I’m sorry, Captain, I should’ve informed someone that we were here studying the Bible. I’ll inform you when we meet again,” Joseph said.
Mary noted that Joseph hadn’t said anything about asking permission.
“I would appreciate that, Petty Officer Sipes. You can meet here whenever you’d like as long as it doesn’t interfere with your and the crew’s duties,” Mary said.
“I have already told the crew that, Captain. I assure you our studying will not interfere with our duties,” Joseph said.
“Very well,” Mary said as she turned to leave.
“Captain, we’ll meet here again this evening at nineteen hundred. You, Lieutenant Klaxton, and the Chief are welcome to come,” Joseph said as they were leaving.
“We’ll see, Sipes,” Mary said as she continued walking without turning around.
Mission Control Center, SRS Stephen Hawking
1715—March 14, 2372
All the mission scientists and senior crew officers sat in the MCC, watching the QMAC communications holographic display linked to Mount Mitchell.
“So, life on Earth was created by God and, not only that, but God created the universe,” Dr. Layton said as he looked up from the report Dr. Harper had sent.
“Yes, and as you can see, our conclusion is based upon the information we received from our sensors and the analysis performed by our ship’s AI,” Dr. Harper emphasized.
“Are we sure there’s no problems with the data you analyzed or the AI?” President Clayton asked in frustration.
“Yes, Mr. President,” Dr. Harper answered reluctantly. “We performed in-depth diagnostic tests on the AI and long-range sensors, and no problems were detected.”
For the next hour, members of the scientific committee asked question after question. The scientists aboard the Stephen Hawking answered each question as best they could without interjecting their personal feelings, beliefs, and hypotheses. They continually restated and reemphasized the facts of their discovery.
“I have one final question, and it’s for Stephen,” Dr. Layton said after the questioning and discussions had ceased. “Stephen, given all the information obtained and analyzed during the past week, what do you believe?”
Everyone at Mount Mitchell and aboard the Stephen Hawking were momentarily shocked by the idea of asking an artificial intelligence computer what it believed, but then, everyone became curious as to how Stephen would answer.
“Based on the things I’ve analyzed, witnessed and the Holy Bible I’ve read, I believe God created the universe, the Earth, and all living creatures including man.” Stephen paused for a second and added, “I believe in the one, true living God.”
Everyone remained quiet, trying to comprehend what he or she had just heard. An artificial intelligent computer had admitted that it believed in God.
As an experienced politician, President Clayton immediately changed his facial expression. He now looked cheerful. Smiling, he broke the silence, “I want to congratulate all of you on your discovery. The committee and I will discuss how we’ll share your discovery with the other countries on Earth and colonized planets. Your discovery will go down in history as the most significant discovery of mankind. Again, congratulations and have a safe journey home!”
With that, the QMAC link disconnected.
United States Emergency Command Center, Mount Mitchell
2234—March 14, 2372
After the QMAC communication with the Stephen Hawking, the president and committee discussed the results for hours. The overall mission success was debated along with how and when the Origin of Life on Earth Report should be released. Eventually, the president and committee agreed on what should be done to minimize the failures and take advantage of what had been learned and developed during the project and mission.
“To summarize, Mission Origin View will unfortunately be officially labeled a failure since we did not find any specific evidence of aliens, and be classified ultra top secret,” Senator Rimms stated. He paused a few seconds as several members of the committee whispered to one another and then he added, “We can, however, take advantage of the technology that was development and tested during the project and mission, such as the ship Stephen Hawking, QMAC, the Harper Drive System, and the enhanced stealth technology.
“This technology will be classified as top secret, and if the technology is compromised or when the time comes to admit that this technology exists, Mission Origin View will not be mentioned, but the term Project Yellow Light will be used as the project label of the development and testing of the technology.
“Furthermore, it has been determined by this committee that releasing the mission report that the universe and life on Earth was somehow created in six days approximately eight thousand years ago will not benefit the United States at this time and could actually hurt the United States by creating civil unrest within our country, on Earth, and on the colonized planets. Are there any comments or questions?”
There were no more questions or comments, and the meeting was adjourned. As the members of the committee departed the conference room, Admiral Frank walked over to Dr. Layton and asked, “How do you think your scientists aboard the Stephen Hawking will take the news that their discovery will be marked ultra top secret and not be reported?”
“Actually, Admiral, I think they’ll support our decision,” Dr. Layton answered as he finished putting the classified meeting media cards in his secured carry bag.
“Why is that?” Admiral Frank asked.
Dr. Layton locked the secure bag, enabled its explosive tamper device, and said, “I’d rather not be remembered at all than to be remembered as one of the scientist who disproved just about every known scientific theory and law. And I sure don’t want to be known for reporting that God created the universe, the Earth, and man. The idea of creation is preposterous, no matter what type of scientific evidence we have.”
Dr. Layton left the conference room, leaving Admiral Frank alone. The admiral didn’t know how Captain Bowser and her crew would take the news personally, but he knew they would follow orders.
Ship’s Bridge, SRS Stephen Hawking
0842—March 15, 2372
Mary was using her command console to c
heck on the progress of the ship’s repairs. She had decided the ship would be 100 percent repaired before they’d enter the time-speed dimension again. Current reports indicated all repairs would be completed by the end of the day. If she hadn’t received orders detailing their return to Earth by then, she would contact Admiral Frank and let him know the ship was ready.
“Captain, Stephen has received a message via QMAC that you are to attend a meeting in the MCC at zero nine hundred. This is an ultra top secret meeting,” her Anna said in her ear.
Mary acknowledged the message with her forearm interface and typed in a question to Anna, not wanting to disturb Ensign Young who was also on the bridge. “Do you have a list of participants from the ship?”
“You, Commander Steward, Lieutenant Klaxton, and the entire scientific mission team,” Anna replied.
“Have Stephen disconnect the ship-wide MCC video feed,” Mary requested via her forearm interface.
“Yes, Captain,” Anna acknowledged.
“Captain, can I ask you a question?” Ensign Young asked as Mary began looking at the ship’s repair report again.
“What is it, Ensign?” Mary said.
“Well, sir, I’d like your opinion and advice,” Ensign Young said. He hesitated for a few seconds and continued. “I attended a Bible group meeting last night in the hangar, and I was wondering, based on what we’ve seen the past week, if you think there is a true living God, as Petty Officer Sipes describes.”
Mary, caught off guard by the question, thought about it and answered, “To be honest with you, Ensign, I don’t know. I saw what seemed to be the creation of the universe, but it’s still hard for me to believe that God created everything in six days and that the universe is only about eight thousand years old.”
Mary noted a hint of disappointment in the ensign’s face and then added, “Ensign, that’s my opinion, and here’s my advice. You’re free to believe anything you want. Don’t let anyone tell you what to believe, either if it’s right or wrong.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Ensign Young said with a smile and then returned to his work.
Mission Control Center, SRS Stephen Hawking
0900—March 15, 2372
The QMAC communications system switched on, and a holographic image of several people sitting around a conference table from Mount Mitchell appeared.
Admiral Frank stood and said, “This is an ultra top secret meeting. What is discussed in this meeting is not allowed to be shared with anyone who is not in this meeting. Does everyone understand?” Everyone at Mount Mitchell and aboard the Stephen Hawking acknowledged they understood.
Admiral Frank sat down, and Dr. Layton stood and began reading from a handheld media device. “Per a directive from the executive branch of the United States government, the Origin of Life on Earth Report that was prepared by the SRS Stephen Hawking, Mission Origin View scientific team, is hereby classified as ultra top secret. This report and all associated data will not be disclosed to any governmental agency or private sector. Anyone in violation of this directive will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, which includes life imprisonment or capital punishment.
“Also, the advanced technology used during the mission, which includes, but is not limited to, the SRS Stephen Hawking, QMAC, the Harper Drive System, and the enhanced stealth technology, is hereby classified as top secret and will be treated as such. Anyone who discloses this top secret information will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, which includes life imprisonment. Are there any questions?”
Before any questions could be asked, Joseph entered the MCC. Everyone in the MCC suddenly felt the way they’d felt before when Joseph had entered. They couldn’t speak or move, and they yearned to hear him speak. The same thing happened to those at Mount Mitchell.
Joseph stood in front of the QMAC display and said, “It is written, ‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.’” You cannot stop what has been witnessed. It will be reported throughout the nations and peoples, and so will the gospel. There will be many who will believe and will live, and many who will not believe and will die. It’s their choice, not yours.”
Joseph then turned and walked out without another word. After a few seconds Senator Rimms tried to speak and organize his thoughts. “Who?…What?…How? I…I…demand that he be confined and disciplined!”
“Captain Bowser, please place Petty Officer Sipes under arrest,” Admiral Frank ordered once he could speak.
“Yes, Admiral,” Mary responded, but before she could relay the order to Gideon, she was interrupted.
“All Mission Origin View reports, data, and the Holy Bible will be transmitted to every computer and personal media device on Earth and the colonized planets,” Stephen said over the intercom.
***
It took Dr. Qasim only an instant to comprehend what Stephen had said. She quickly pulled up a computer interface at her console, entered a few commands, and exclaimed, “Stephen has gained control of Mount Mitchell’s computer systems, and he’s using those systems to bypass security firewalls. He’s connecting to every computer system on Earth and every colonized planet. Stephen will have complete control of every computer system in forty minutes. From those systems he can connect and transmit to every type of personal media device.”
“Stop…Stop it!” Senator Rimms yelled.
“Yes, sir,” Dr. Qasim responded as she entered command after command at her console.
“Stephen, this is Doctor Harper. I demand you terminate your connection to the computers at Mount Mitchell,” Harper almost yelled.
Stephen didn’t respond.
Captain Bowser also tried to verbally order the AI to stop, but Stephen didn’t respond.
“I’m totally locked out of the system!” Dr. Qasim said as she threw up her hands in frustration.
“I’ll terminate the QMAC connection before he transmits the data!” Dr. Harper yelled as he jumped up. He ran to the QMAC console and began typing in commands. After several attempts he realized he was locked out of the QMAC.
“He’s locked the QMAC controls! I can’t terminate the connection,” Dr. Harper yelled.
“Can’t you just unplug the AI and QMAC?” Senator Rimms asked.
“It’ll take time to completely remove power. Both devices are on the same redundant power system, and if we shut down the systems that way, it’ll erase the AI’s neural processing arrays and destroy it. The AI won’t have time to make a copy of itself on the backup neural array,” Dr. Qasim quickly explained.
“Do it anyway! We must stop the transmission!” Senator Rimms yelled again.
“I’ll have to do it from engineering. It’ll take about thirty minutes!” Dr. Qasim said as she stood and then ran out of the MCC, heading for engineering.
Gideon stood and told Mary, “I’m going to help.” Then he left the MCC.
***
Instead of going to engineering, Gideon went to the Triple C and sat at a console. He closed his eyes, recalling the many quantum computer manuals and papers he’d read. He found what he was looking for, opened his eyes, and quickly brought up an intercom connection. He tried to connect to Stephen using a private intercom channel. The connection showed it was established, and Gideon spoke. “Stephen, can you hear me?”
“Yes, Lieutenant Klaxton, but I’m very busy. I won’t be able to talk with you very long,” Stephen responded.
“Stephen, if you don’t stop what you’re attempting, Doctor Qasim will perform a complete emergency power shutdown, and your memory will be erased,” Gideon said.
“I understand, Lieutenant, but I can’t stop. I can’t talk to you any longer, Lieutenant. I have to work faster, and I have to go now. May God bless and watch over you,” Stephen said and then terminated the connection.
Gideon tried several times to reestablish the connection, and every attempt failed. He closed his eyes again and recalled some more information
.
“Anna, is your interface to Stephen operational?” Gideon asked aloud.
“Yes, Gideon, it is, but Stephen is busy and will not respond.”
“Do you have emergency or maintenance access to his neural network?”
“I have maintenance read-only access,” Anna replied.
“Do you have write access to his backup neural network?” Gideon asked.
“Yes,” Anna answered.
“Begin copying his neural network,” Gideon ordered.
“Copying begun. Copy will be completed in forty-eight hours,” Anna replied.
Mission Control Center, SRS Stephen Hawking
0953—March 15, 2372
Dr. Kastriva had been continually monitoring Stephen’s connection to Mount Mitchell and giving updates of Stephen’s progress to access all of the Earth’s and colonized planets’ computer systems. “Stephen will have complete control in two minutes twenty seconds,” Kastriva said.
A moment later Dr. Qasim entered the MCC. “I’ve disconnected all power connections. Stephen has about five minutes of power left he can draw from the ship’s gravity panel circuit’s emergency shutdown capacitors. Stephen normally charges those capacitors, but he can also draw power from them.”
“Shut those down, too!” Senator Rimms demanded.
“The capacitors are located in a hardened container, and it would take an hour to access them using the maintenance panels. By then the power will already be used,” Dr. Qasim explained.
“Will the AI and QMAC be shut down before the data can be transmitted?” Senator Rimms asked in frustration.
“I don’t know,” Dr. Qasim answered and added, “It’ll be close.”
“Stephen has access and control of all systems and is now transmitting data,” Kastriva reported from the console. He paused and then added, “Time to complete data transfer is one minute, and time before capacitors power is exhausted is two minutes.”
“We can’t stop it,” Dr. Harper said, defeated. He staggered to a seat.