“Does he understand the changes?” Jalat was an Alton and extremely brilliant. If anyone could understand the modifications done to the ship, it would be him.
Anne smiled. “For the most part. He escaped injury and has spent most of his time with the AIs learning their technology. He feels confident he can operate and repair everything as needed. Many of the other surviving Altons are helping in other areas of the ship. They seem to be grasping the new technology very quickly.”
“What happens if the ship needs repairs?”
“Some we can do,” Anne answered. “We’re also going to have some of the small repair robots on board similar to the ones on the Dominator, but more advanced. We’ll also have a supply of nanites that can repair major system damage if need be.”
Kathryn was silent for a long moment and then turned toward Camlin. “Just how badly was I injured that it took so long to revive me?” She had been curious about this since her awakening. Why had it taken over seven months?
Camlin hesitated and then replied. “You were near death when the Distant Horizon reached us. Much of your body had to be rebuilt. A number of your internal organs had to be regrown including your heart and lungs. While we have the knowledge and ability to do all of that, it takes time.”
Kathryn shuddered thinking of how close she had come to dying. She also suspected Camlin wasn’t telling her everything. Perhaps it would be a good idea to speak to the ship’s doctor. Doctor Alexis Keil had survived and assisted the AIs in healing many of the injured crew personnel.
“One final question and then I would like to go on a tour of my ship. We destroyed the Dyson Sphere in the Triangulum Galaxy. How are we going to return?”
“Even though the Shrieel has been destroyed intergalactic travel using one of the other Shrieels is still possible. It just takes a tremendous amount of additional energy. We also have accelerator rings, which can be used without a Shrieel. They can send a ship almost anywhere very quickly. However, we’ve equipped the Distant Horizon with an intergalactic hyperdrive, which will allow the ship to travel between galaxies if necessary. While the drive is not as fast as using the vortexes in the Shrieels or the accelerator rings, it will get the ship where it needs to go.”
Kathryn drew in a sharp breath. Camlin had just told her the Distant Horizon was now capable of returning home to the Milky Way Galaxy. Perhaps she would get to see her father again. However, for now she wanted to walk around her ship and see just what changes the Originator AIs had made and to speak to the surviving crewmembers. Then later, when she had time, she needed to review the list of those who had died. She fully intended to write a personal letter to the families of all those who had perished.
-
Reesa had been summoned to the observation lounge. Upon arriving, she saw that most of the Humans on board were already there. “What’s going on?” she asked as she walked up to Sergeant Wilde.
Brenda turned and replied. “Leeda says we’re about to drop out of hyperspace at the Communication and Transport Hub for the Originators.”
“Any idea what’s waiting for us?”
“No clue whatsoever,” Brenda said with a grin. “I can’t imagine anything being more impressive than the Dyson Sphere we just left.”
“I think you will be in for a surprise,” Leeda said as she put in an appearance. “What you’re about to observe has been seen by no one else but the Originators.”
“Dropout in two minutes,” reported Sible over the ship’s comm.
-
“So, Sergeant,” spoke up Corporal Metz, who was sitting nearby. “Are we going to see some action on this trip?” Metz was growing bored with little to do on the small Originator ship.
“Anxious to kill a few more Conqueror Drones?” chimed in Private Sandra Carton, who was sitting next to the corporal. “I thought you got enough of that in the vortex Control Center back on the Dyson Sphere.”
“Conqueror Drones,” muttered Metz, shaking his head in disgust. “I don’t see how any race can be so savage as to create a ruthless killer like that.”
Brenda looked over at Leeda. “So why did you insist I bring my Marines along? Surely there’s no threat at the Communication and Transport Hub, is there?”
“No,” Leeda admitted. “However, we’re growing concerned that the Simulins may learn of it. We may have a mission for you and your Marines. We will discuss it once we meet with the others. In the eons since the Originators perished from the pathogen that swept through their race, we have made a number of advancements. One of the reasons the Shrieel in the Triangulum Galaxy was established inside the black matter nebula was to see if the range of the intergalactic vortexes could be extended. At that time to travel from one end of Originator space to the other, it might be necessary to pass through a dozen Shrieels.”
“That’s no longer necessary?” asked Kelnor, who was standing close by listening.
“No,” replied Leeda, looking over at the Alton scientist. “We can now project a vortex anywhere within Originator space. That’s how this ship is traveling to the Communication and Transport Hub. During the time of the Originators this trip would have taken several weeks; we’re doing it in twenty hours.”
Brenda felt a cold chill pass over her. If the Simulins gained access to this technology, they could send fleets of their ships to the Milky Way even with the galactic core closed off to them.
“Dropout,” announced Sible over the ship’s comm as the ship seemed to shudder slightly.
Outside the large observation windows, stars suddenly appeared. The room instantly grew quiet as the first of hundreds of massive artificial structures appeared. Many of them were thousands of kilometers in size.
“Welcome to the Originator Communication and Transport Hub for all of Originator space,” announced Sible. “We will be docking shortly.”
Kelnor stepped closer to one of the windows gazing at a truly massive structure that had just come into view. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes,” Leeda replied. “It’s a Shrieel. There are four of them here at this location.”
Brenda looked out seeing the dark structure Kelnor was referring to. “Is there a star inside?” The sheer amount of work that had been done to build all of these structures was beyond anything she could imagine. The Originators definitely built on an immense scale.
“Yes,” Leeda replied with a nod. “We are in intergalactic space between the galaxies. Around us is a small star cluster of forty-six stars. When the Originators found this cluster, they decided it would make an excellent location for their Communication and Transport Hub. While there are two habitable planets in the cluster, there are no advanced lifeforms.”
Even as Brenda watched, more structures appeared. There were several giant rings and what appeared to be massive shipyards. “Can you build ships here?”
“Yes,” Leeda answered. She pointed to one of the large structures. “There are eighty-two shipyards here which are capable of building any ship ever designed by the Originators. All the shipyards use the most modern construction techniques and can create a new vessel in just a few weeks.”
Brenda turned to face Leeda. “Are there ships here as well?”
Leeda nodded. “Yes, there are a number of Originator vessels in stasis waiting for activation if they’re ever needed. I’m not sure of the exact number without checking one of the core computers, but I believe they number in the tens of thousands.”
Brenda suddenly found she couldn’t speak. Tens of thousands of ships! The power possessed by the AIs was astounding. Power they had never chosen to use against the Simulins.
Looking back out of the large observation window, Brenda could scarcely believe what she was seeing. There was no doubt in her mind that if the Originator AIs wanted to they could crush the Simulin Empire with little effort. The problem was the AIs weren’t interested in fighting a war; it went against their basic programming. She was also curious to hear Rear Admiral Barnes views on the Originator AIs an
d the war with the Simulins.
“We’ll be docking shortly at one of the shipyards where the Distant Horizon is being repaired,” Leeda informed them. “As soon as we’re aboard we’ll be meeting with Rear Admiral Barnes and an AI named Camlin. Camlin is one of the AIs in charge of this complex and is one of our leaders.”
-
A few minutes later the small spacecraft slowed down and then moved toward a large structure that was easily one hundred kilometers in length and fifty across. It was immediately obvious this was a shipyard. A number of large vessels were docked to it and several lighted cavernous bays were visible. The ship entered one and then set down on a landing pad.
“We’re down and the ship is secure,” Sible announced. “Thank you for flying the Originator Express.”
Leeda shook her head. “Sible’s developed a strange sense of humor. It really shows when she’s allowed to fly one of our spaceships.”
“I like it,” announced Reesa. “It makes her sound more Human.”
Kelnor took a hard look at Reesa. “We’re going to see a lot of amazing technology plus more Originator AIs. Don’t get carried away with your research and cause any problems.”
Reesa nodded. She did have a tendency to find herself in self-induced situations that continuously found her in trouble.
“Let’s get off the ship and see what’s out there,” suggested Brenda. “I’m really curious as to what Rear Admiral Barnes has to say. I’ve never met her, but I know Admiral Tolsen had a lot of respect for her.”
-
Exiting the ship, Reesa looked around in amazement. The bay was brilliantly lit and a number of other vessels were visible. Some were smaller than the one they had just exited and several were much larger. Taking a deep breath, Reesa tried to take everything in. Here was evidence of very advanced technology. Small robots, some similar to the ones she had seen in the Originator city, scurried around. The entire bay seemed to be a flurry of activity. A number of Originator AIs were also visible doing work in the bay. For there to be no live Originators, it sure seemed as if a lot was going on.
“With the Originators gone, I would have thought there would be very little activity,” she said, tilting her head and looking over at Leeda.
Leeda shook her head. “Not here. This is where much of the advanced research was done by the Originators and is still being carried out by my fellow AIs. While the AIs in the Shrieels located in the different galaxies are tasked with keeping them operational and the environmental systems functioning, the AIs here are much different. They have been programmed for research and a deep scientific curiosity.”
Going through a hatch, they were soon on their way to the Distant Horizon. Leeda had explained the meeting was to be held on the exploration dreadnought and Rear Admiral Barnes would be present.
Perhaps once they spoke to the admiral, Reesa would know why she and Kelnor had been sent here by the AIs.
-
“You’re fit as a fiddle,” Doctor Alexis Keil said as she indicated that Rear Admiral Barnes could get up and get dressed. “You’re in better health now than when we set out on our mission to find Fleet Admiral Strong.”
“They said they reconstructed a major portion of my body including my heart and lungs,” Kathryn said as she put on her uniform. “Am I still Human?”
Doctor Keil laughed. “Yes, you’re perfectly normal. I was there most of the time the AIs were working on you. Their medical technology is amazing.”
“I must have been in pretty bad shape for it to take nearly seven months to repair my body.”
Doctor Keil frowned. “Yes, there were a number of severe injuries. I think it’s best we leave that in the past and not dwell on it. Your body has been healed and you’re ready to resume command.”
Kathryn nodded her head. “We still lost a major portion of the crew. A lot of good people died when we destroyed the Dyson Sphere. I wish I knew what happened after we left.”
“It’s war,” Doctor Keil replied as she sat down on a stool and gazed at the admiral. “People die and most of the time there’s nothing we can do to prevent it. Over the years I’ve seen a lot of people pass through my medical bay. Some I could save and others all I could do was to help relieve their suffering. Don’t blame yourself; you did what had to be done. As for what happened back in the Triangulum Galaxy, we will find out when we return.”
The door to the med bay slid open and Clarissa came in. She looked radiant in her dark blue uniform without insignia. “Camlin said a ship has arrived from the Dyson Sphere in our home galaxy.”
Kathryn was surprised to hear there was a megastructure back home. She wondered what that might mean to the Federation if it were ever discovered. She was also highly curious as to where it was located. Much of the galaxy was still under control of the Ralift, Borzon, and the Shari.
“Why is this ship so important?”
A strange look spread across Clarissa’s unblemished face. “There is another AI on board who is coming to see us, but that’s not the most interesting part. There are also a number of Humans and Altons on board from the Federation.”
“What? How? When we left the Federation no Dyson Sphere had been discovered.” Kathryn wondered if somehow the Federation had managed to locate it and if they did how had they managed to get anyone on board? From what Kazak had said, she knew it was virtually impossible to land a ship on one of the Dyson Spheres.
“Well it has now and they want us in the main briefing room.”
“Who are they?”
“Camlin and an AI named Leeda. Leeda is one of the AI leaders from the Dyson Sphere in our home galaxy.”
Kathryn fastened the last button on her uniform and nodded. “Very well, let’s go see what’s going on. Maybe we’ll finally get the answers to some of my questions. I want to know what’s been going on in the Federation and how they managed to find a Dyson Sphere.”
-
As they walked down the long corridor outside of the med bay toward the turbo lifts, Kathryn couldn’t help staring at Clarissa. “How does it feel to have an actual body?”
“Unbelievable,” Clarissa said with a huge smile spreading across her face. “I never knew what it felt like to be alive. Both Ariel and I could feel emotions but the actual senses such as touching someone or smelling the food on a table were beyond us. I can’t wait to see Ariel. Camlin has arranged for an AI body to be built for her as well. We just need to download her engrams into it and she’ll be just like me!”
Kathryn laughed. Leave it to Clarissa to brighten up her day. “No one can be just like you.”
As they reached the turbo lifts, they entered one and were soon on their way up to the command level where the main briefing room was located.
“How does having an actual body affect your ability to operate the ship?” Kathryn was curious as in the past Clarissa could operate the Distant Horizon on her own.
“Unlike the Human crew of the Distant Horizon, I have a neural implant that allows me to access the ship’s systems. I can also still use the holographic emitters to allow me to appear anywhere in the ship I need to.”
“So you can be in two places at once?”
Clarissa looked a little guilty. “I’ve actually done that before. There were a number of times I was needed in more than one compartment of the Distant Horizon, so I activated additional holographic figures.”
“How many can you do and still maintain your efficiency?”
“Only three,” admitted Clarissa as the turbo lift slowed and then came to a stop. “I didn’t do it all the time, only when the need arose.”
Reaching a door at the end of the corridor, Kathryn and Clarissa stepped inside the briefing room. Kathryn paused as she took in the small group of Humans, Altons, and Originator AIs present. A Human Marine with the rank of sergeant instantly stood and saluted. The others all stood respectfully.
“As you were,” said Kathryn, returning the Marine’s salute. “If everyone will be seated, we’ll get
this meeting started.” Kathryn walked over and took a seat at the long conference table. Turning her head, she looked over at Camlin. “I believe you called this meeting.”
Camlin nodded and stood. “Several million years ago the Originators in the Shrieel in what you call the Triangulum Galaxy created an advanced military AI. His name was Kazak and he had one and only one responsibility: to preserve what remained of the Originator race. At the time, the deadly pathogen created by the immortality treatments was sweeping through the Shrieels and killing tens of millions of Originators daily. In desperation, the Dominator was sent out with the brightest scientists and their families in the hope of finding a cure. On the ship they could focus their energy on research without worrying about what was going on around them.”
Kathryn nodded. She was anxious to talk to the Humans and Altons who were here about what was going on back home and if they knew how her father was doing on Ceres. “Why are you so concerned about the Dominator and Kazak?”
“Inside the center of the ship is a stasis compartment that could be used to preserve some of the Originators who might fall victim to the pathogen. If Kazak followed his programming, he would have done just that. At the very least he would have saved the children.”
“And you have the cure for the pathogen now,” Reesa said in understanding. “If you could revive these children, the Originator race would live again.”
“Precisely,” said Leeda. “We have preserved all that they built and it’s just waiting for them.”
“Then what’s the problem?” asked Kathryn. “Surely once you’ve contacted Kazak he would willingly turn them over to you.”
A pensive look filled Camlin’s face. “We’re not so sure. Kazak is a military AI, one of only a few ever built by the Originators. His programming is very specific about him preserving the Originators against any external threats. Even if we have the cure, he might not be willing to turn them over.”
“That’s where the Distant Horizon comes in,” said Kathryn as she realized the dangerous role the Originator AIs were planning for her ship. “You want me to force Kazak to turn the children over.”
The Lost Fleet: Search for the Originators: A Slaver Wars Novel Page 5