1 Ceres

by Takemoto, D. J.

  “Oh, that sounds…fascinating. I mean, your answer is correct, Gerta. But what about things to help humans, organic units, survive here? I mean, why did humans come here, and what types of survival components exists here?” Dirk asked.

  The most important element found on 1-Ceres is water. There is an inner ocean of liquid water, H20, beneath a thick layer of frozen water. That, along with the other elements allowed the scientists on this vessel to produce oxygen and water, critical for humanoid survival. And now, because of its size and gravity, 1-Ceres is classified as a mini-planet. And the original humans came here to mine and for intergalactic exploration.

  “But why didn’t you put a dome over the whole place? Why leave some of it outside?” Dirk asked.

  Because 1-Ceres was the first to be colonized, at that time we did not have a sufficient plasmon supply to enclose the entire asteroid…mini-planet. It is simply too large. This has subsequently been done on 6-Hebe and the other inhabited smaller asteroids in the belt, because they are much smaller. It is most unfortunate because the void, as you refer to it, is quite uninhabitable for humans making mining more dangerous.

  Another thought occurred to Dirk. “Gerta, do you see the humans we send out into the void? Do you know what happens to them when we send them out?

  My records show you have sent fourteen humans into the void without protection…over a 499 year time period. We were concerned of this because human life is sacred. Protection of human life is our prime directive. We had only to assume it was a mistake or accident; or that you no longer had enviro suits and air pods but still had a need to procure something outside of the dome. We stocked enough supplies in bunkers A through Z for a maximum population of five-hundred citizens to last for over five-hundred years. Therefore, this action perplexed us.

  “But do you know what happened to them? Dirk persisted. One individual had been a distant cousin.

  Unfortunately, they perished before we…I could rescue them. However, their DNA has been stored for future regeneration. The DNA samples will remain in storage until I have further instructions from the Commander. Further instructions will be given on the target date.

  The target date comment caused Eve and Dirk to exchange worried glances. Eve looked over at Dirk, who nodded, letting her know she should ask that all-important question.

  “I have another test question, Gerta. Miggly and Blakeley said that when they’ve hoarded enough food supplies they will move some humans into this vessel because they can all fit into the empty stasis pods for the evacuation. Do you know what they meant?” Eve asked right before Gerta pushed the green button to open the door to the magical food machines. Gerta stopped, turned to Eve, looking puzzled, and then said,

  Hoarding of food is a capital offense. These individuals must be confined to the brig until the Intergalactic Court arrives with the IGS fleet. It is your duty to report Citizens Miggly and Blakeley to The Committee. And they would not have access to the empty stasis pods. They cannot override a sealing protocol. Evacuation on the target date will be determined by DNA analyses and by use of scanning electron microscopy of biosamples for the remaining presence of the viral-containing nanoparticles. The evacuated individuals must fit the DNA profile and be nanoparticle-free for the evacuation. Only those passing the DNA and nanoparticle tests can be evacuated along with those already in hibernation.

  “Please tell me what the evacuation thing is about…and the target date. You mentioned an evacuation. I know what the words mean, just not exactly what Miggly and Blakeley intend to do, or where they intend to evacuate to,” Dirk persisted. He wanted to know what would happen to the rest of the people left behind after the evacuation, and planned to ask Gerta that question as well.

  I cannot be sure what was meant when the humans used the word evacuation, not having been present during the initial phase of the conversation. Though I am the most advanced AI model, humanoid communication is often very nonlinear and intuitive. Can you provide me with more information regarding this conversation?

  “I only overheard a small part, but evidently it had something to do with the hoarded food,” Dirk stated. “I think the two humans…units, Citizens Miggly and Blakeley were trying to stockpile enough food inside this vessel so that their selected one-hundred people would be able to survive here, on this vessel, and then inside the stasis pods for an evacuation…while all the other humans remained here and starved. Does that make any sense?” Dirk asked. Eve and Dirk noted Gerta had opened a door to a room filled with whirring machines with windows in each of many slots. Each slot contained some form of food, though they had not seen food wrapped in paper before.

  I do not understand the need to procure supplies from this vessel for one-hundred humans. Commander Lightfighter and the AIs on this vessel have provided enough food and supplies to last for the five hundred years necessary to remain viable in Ceres City…not on this vessel. There is almost no food on this vessel except in these snack machines. This vessel now only serves the purpose of housing the remaining humanoids in the stasis pods. Those in hibernation on this vessel are in stasis to prevent the requirement for further food during the restoration time period required on the home planet or for travel to another home if necessary. Wasn’t this explained to the citizens by The Committee?

  “No, nothing was explained to us. We don’t even know what year it is, or even that this vessel contained stasis pods. We all thought this was a locked building, The Boardroom Building,” Dirk replied, exasperated. He went on, “I just know we’ve been living here for about five hundred years…and there are a little over six-hundred citizens, counting the babies and the old, and we are running out of everything, especially normal and solar light bulbs,” he finished. Dirk hoped his mention of light bulbs would prompt Gerta to give them a small supply to take back with them, or maybe she would tell them which bunker the bulbs were in and where it was.

  Eve continued, “And if we don’t find those light bulbs soon, we won’t be able to grow plants and eat…the citizens will starve! Protection of human life is your prime directive, Gerta. You will help us,” Eve ordered. She noted Gerta stood straighter after she’d been given an order.

  Yes, I will help as commanded. This is most unfortunate. I must examine the files concerning what should be done in this situation. Clearly something has not functioned properly. Critical supplies should have been sufficient. I would suggest that this may be due to the map to the food bunkers being torn. It that case, it is obvious why The Committee has not found the remaining bunkers. I have now accessed the mainframe data files. Eve Overhearder, once you enter the tunnel again, please turn left rather than right at the turn, pass through a large empty room, and through the office door. You will find further directions to Bunker Z inside the safe. Bunker Z is the one containing the solar light bulbs. As you are aware, you have the correct access, Eve Overhearder.

  Eve was not sure she had access to anything, but nevertheless asked Gerta another test question. “There are mosaic tiles outside this ship. One has a symbol on it that looks like this…ΩD…,” Eve said, pointing to the symbol on the map. “What does ΩD mean, Gerta?”

  I see; another easy test question. That is the symbol of the universal access stone. The access stones… and there are two stones here on 1-Ceres…are the property of Commander Robin Lightfighter. The stone serves as a master key to everything…to the vessel, all rooms on this vessel, the bunkers, and even to the mainframe control room. Each Lightfighter has a stone.

  “Where are the stones?” Dirk asked; though he was certain Gerta would not tell them. The AI looked at Dirk quizzically, like she thought she was again being tested.

  The information is classified, Dirk Heatherfield.

  And then she looked over at Eve and winked. Eve had no idea why. “Gerta, on the target date when the stasis pods are supposed to go back home, what are the rest of the citizens supposed to do? I mean, there are over six-hundred people now in the city. Are they to be left behind? Do you ha
ve more stasis pods in another room for the rest to evacuate? Eve asked.

  Gerta hesitated, like she was silently asking the mainframe how she should proceed. It was an unusual situation and perhaps the rules called for a different reaction to these human questions. Finally, after fifteen seconds, Gerta replied,

  I cannot inform you of the total number of empty stasis pods for obvious security reasons. However, the answer is yes…the vessel does contain sufficient stasis pods to house another six hundred humanoids. But only one hundred will be selected on the target date; those in hibernation in the human seed bank pods will be kept as back-up. The one hundred will accompany those in stasis to the home world, once it is no longer toxic.

  “But why only one hundred? And you must answer. This is another test question,” Eve said, trying to sound firm. Dirk looked at Eve, in awe at her bravery.

  This sampling will comprise the initial test launch group for launch to…the place free of toxic components. As you are aware, we are unsure if it will be safe for the humans by our selected target date. Commander Lightfighter stocked sufficient food and supplies in the bunkers for any unforeseen emergency for those not evacuated in the first group. The commander has superior foresight…I hope. Is there something I can provide for you now from our food machines? I have hot chocolate.

  Dirk thought Gerta was being evasive, and he thought he knew why. “No thank you, Gerta. Well…okay sure. But we could really use some more light bulbs. Well, yes, and other things…a lot of things, actually…are gone.” He stated. “We’re almost out of light bulbs, and the supply of solar bulbs for the green houses will be gone in a year, and we are out of soap, and the canned fruit was all gone about fifty years ago, and everything is really a mess,” Dirk rambled, accepting a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

  I will provide directions to all of the supplies you just mentioned. But, you will need to access the remaining supply bunkers for those items. You will need to enter the other part of the pipe, Eve Overhearder. Please turn left this time.

  “But how are we supposed to get everything out that pipe? I mean, we can’t take everything out through a tiny pipe, Gerta. Where is the other access doors? I need the key,” Eve said, while munching something odd and crunchy from a paper wrapper. “ And what about me? I’m supposed to be a Lower Level Supply Assessor. Are there some supplies on some lower levels I should know about? Can you tell me where the main bunker door is?” Dirk asked. He was surprised Gerta knew of Eve’s pipe crawling episode. Maybe Gerta had sensors throughout the entire pipe and tunnel system as a security measure. And in that case, she could guide them to the appropriate supply bunkers.

  Dirk Heatherfield, you must follow the mosaic tiles to the door under the fountain. Look under the ΩD-marked tile for the lever. You will need a key to turn the lever and open the door. It leads to a stairs. Turn right. That door can be opened by a password, code, and your key; it does not require the ΩD stone. You will find the door to access the bunker tunnel system just at the bottom of the stairs. However, instructions for the main tunnel access to the vault require an intact map, Eve Overhearder. You must find the remaining part of the map for your final instructions. As per your order, Eve Overhearder, here is the bunker key.

  A slot from Gerta’s stomach opened revealing a drawer containing a tiny silver capsule with a twist cap. She handed it to Dirk, who opened it to find a key with a word and a series of number etched on it, the password and code. He thought this was not so secure, as whoever had the key would also have the password and code number. “What happens if someone else gets this key?” he asked Gerta, placing the key in his jacket pocket and zipping the pocket shut.

  This key is now pass-coded to your genetics, alone, Dirk Heatherfield. I have just coded this data into the mainframe. Therefore, other citizens will not be able to gain access using your key. In fact, it would be dangerous for them to do so. The attempt would result in a serious electrical shock.

  “Wow, that’s important to know. So which bunker holds the solar bulbs?”

  The last door on the left is the access to Bunker Y. That bunker holds a ten-year supply of canned food and most of the solar light bulbs. Your key will also access other bunkers. The door to the top is large, thus procurement of supplies from the bunkers to the city should not be difficult. Be aware that rules for food distributions still apply. Hoarding will not be tolerated. And please remember not to lock the key inside.

  Gerta then turned to the food machines and punched in some more information. The machine containing the paper-wrapped foods spit out two containers of things in orange bags with the word, corn chips printed on the front. Gerta showed Dirk and Eve how to open the bags and assured them the contents were not toxic to human organic units. Eve said they tasted delicious but very salty, and that they would make her thirsty. So Gerta handed her a clear bottle containing water. As she took a long drink, another thought occurred to her.

  “Gerta, does this ship make air and water from the things on Ceres? I mean, can it make enough extra air and water to keep all of us alive…forever?”

  This vessel comes fully equipped with the latest design model A23550 oxygen generator, and three model BJ344 water production devices. They are in storage and have never been used. I do not know how long they could function, certainly not forever. Forever is not a time period I can compute. Would you like me to determine their functionality time period? I could plot the data versus the human population on a graph.

  “Yes, please,” Eve answered.

  It took Gerta several seconds to produce a holographic graph image from the slot in her stomach. The graph showed years of survival on Ceres versus population size, taking a hypothetical life-time for the latest design model A23550 oxygen generator, and three model BJ344 water production devices. The Ceres City current population could live on the tiny rock for another five-hundred years, if they kept their population at six hundred and only lived for seventy years…and if they could grow more fresh food for the necessary vitamins. Eve and Dirk remembered how to read a graph from their science classes. They both let out a sigh of relief…the end was not in sight…they could make it…at least for a while.

  “Thank you, Gerta… you are very…efficient. You have passed the test,” Eve had almost said very nice, but thought maybe efficient was a better complement for an AI. “I think we should go now, Gerta. We both have to work tomorrow. Is it safe to leave? I mean, we don’t want Miggly and Blakeley to know we met you,” Dirk added. They gathered their packs, stored the remainder of the corn chips inside, and walked with Gerta to the sealed exit door. Gerta the AI stopped along the way, to remove a dust mop from inside her stomach storage compartment. She swept the entire hallway leading to the exit door, stopping just before the sterilization room.

  “Now I know why the place is so immaculately clean. It is because a single AI named Gerta had been doing housekeeping duty for no one for the last almost five-hundred years, inside a mostly sealed-off intergalactic space vessel,” Eve thought. Gerta answered Dirk’s previous question as she swept the floor.

  There are no other detectable life forms near the door or tunnel, humanoid or otherwise. Your exit will go undetected unless someone is present near the rocks outside. I do not have surveillance vids out there. And I am happy I answered your questions correctly, Eve Overhearder.

  “Why did you let us into the stasis pod room, if you knew I was not Robin Lightfighter?” Eve asked as they approached the exit door. “And now that you do know us, why can’t you just let us in this door when we knock?” she continued. Gerta looked hesitant for a second, spoke some mathematics, probably to the mainframe for permission to answer the question, then pushed the green button and the door slid open, revealing a vast view of the decay zone. Gerta did not go further; she remained inside the plasmon shield separating the sanitation room from the outside as Eve and Dirk walked through.

  I did not let you into the stasis pod room, Eve. You and Dirk have the access. And I cannot override the
control protocols. They have been coded to the commands of Commander Lightfighter as extra security measures. Therefore, to open the main door of this ship, you will still have to know the code numbers and password for each month. Only the Commander can change the protocols for vessel entry. Please visit again. I will save some corn chips and hot chocolate for you. Perhaps the next time we can play Checkers. Goodbye and thank you for your visit.

  Before Eve could say anything, the door slid shut, leaving her staring through the portal at a smiling and waving Gerta, AI-97763. Dirk and Eve silently exited the tunnel back into the decay zone, noting the humidity and air level had changed back to Ceres City levels. Eve was too dumbfounded to speak. “What access was Gerta talking about? Do I have something other than that strand of hair? Does mother have something, too? What about Dirk?” Eve thought, as they started walking back to the city.

  “Well that went great! But I still had a bunch of other unanswered questions. We should have written everything down. I mean, I didn’t understand much of what she said. Did you understand the part about a Lightfighter? Who was Gerta talking about? What’s a Lightfighter?” Dirk complained, frowning. But Eve was not listening to him; she was still thinking what Gerta had said. Do I have the ΩD stone? Where is it? Why do Dirk and I have access to a sealed stasis pod room on a space ship? Does Mother know about a stone!”

  “Eve, are you listening to me?” Dirk finally asked, slightly annoyed. “Yes, I did too,” she answered, only because she had to say something. She noted Dirk smelled like those corn chip food things. “Did too…..what? I asked if you understood the part about a Lightfighter. Who or what is that? And, I mean, why not just send off the pods right now? Why wait for a specific target date?” Dirk persisted, taking Eve’s arm by the elbow as they stumbled across a larger pile of concrete blocks. They both noted a continuation of the mosaic tiles, but these had no other markings. Only the one stone had the ΩD symbol on it, and because it was inside a flower pattern, someone would miss it if they did not look closely.