by Doug Farren
Several others raised their hands. “I believe we will end the questions here,” Anita announced causing the hands to reluctantly retreat. “By the end of the day each of you will be given a data chip to study. We will be holding weekly meetings every Wednesday in this room beginning at zero eight hundred to discuss the overall project. We have a lot of work to accomplish between now and the time the Starfire leaves. The success of this project depends on each and every one of you.”
Anita’s face took on a very serious look and her tone of voice changed so that everyone’s attention was riveted to each word she said. “I want to repeat this one more time; nothing you have just heard or will learn in the future concerning this project is ever to be discussed outside of a secure area. Each of you, from this point on, will be continuously monitored. Any attempted breach of security will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. Do I make myself clear?”
There was a murmur of agreement. “Then let’s get to work!”
6
The Chief Engineer meets CAIN
Jay found the towering figure of Chief Engineer Norland waiting for him outside the conference room. “According to Mrs. Kingston, I will be receiving my detailed briefings directly from you.”
Direct and to the point. I like that. Jay thought. Out loud, he replied, “That’s correct. The Starfire must have a crew member who understands the inner workings of the stardrive. You are not only the chief engineer but you are also the only member of the crew with the technical background to enable me to teach you how the drive operates.”
“Thank you for the vote of confidence. I am anxious to begin my studies. What sort of schedule would you like to set up?”
During the short conversation, Jay had been wondering what had ever made a 193 centimeter tall Icelander choose to become an engineer on a spaceship. The thought of this towering giant trying to walk the passages of a standard oar hauler or maneuver his frame into the guts of a malfunctioning engine brought a slight smile to his face. But, even though Kyle was nearly thirty centimeters taller than Jay, Kauffman did not feel intimidated. In fact, even though he had just now met Kyle, Kauffman was beginning to feel as if he had met a kindred spirit. “Well ... if you’re not doing anything at the moment I thought I might introduce you to CAIN.”
“I am completely free,” Norland replied. “Who is Cain?”
Jay started walking as he replied, “Someone whom I think you will find to be a most interesting individual.”
They walked in silence and eventually arrived at the security checkpoint leading to Jay’s office. The guard eyed Kyle and closely inspected his badge. Following Jay’s example, Kyle placed his hand on the scanner. To Jay’s surprise, and the officer’s relief, the screen indicated clearance and they passed through the armored door. Kauffman walked directly to his familiar worktable and said, “CAIN I would like you to meet Kyle Norland. Do you know who he is?”
The familiar voice of the machine instantly replied, “Yes Jay. Kyle Norland is the chief engineer of the Starfire. He has been granted clearance to receive all information concerning the Kauffman stardrive.”
“I see Anita has told you what she has decided to name our invention. I guess I’ll have to get used to it.”
“I was monitoring the meeting. I might add that you handled the questions with alacrity.”
“Excuse the interruption,” Kyle interposed. “Is Cain a person or a machine?”
Kauffman waved his hand over the table to emphasize his next point. “This seemingly blank table is actually a large interactive display connected to a rather extraordinary computer located in the basement of this building. CAIN, would you do the honors of introducing yourself.”
Instantly, the table came to life and displayed a wide-angle view of a room filled with equipment. Plain cream-colored cabinets occupied most of the room. One group of enclosures was painted bright red and a roll-around rack of test equipment stood nearby. Kyle recognized a wall of optical holographic storage units. The camera slowly panned back and forth as the machine introduced itself. “I am called CAIN, which is an acronym for Cybernetic Advanced Intelligent Network. I was created here at the AST advanced computer development center by a team of eight computer scientists. My central processor went on-line on January second of 2043. My core programming achieved the ability to self-learn on May seventh of 2044 and on July twenty sixth I was assigned to assist Mr. Kauffman in his research.
“I currently have access to nearly two thousand petabytes of high-speed holographic storage. My central processors are a mixture of quantum based optical-analog and digital technology. The optical processors are self-programming. The core of who I am resides within a quantum optical matrix which has formed within an experimental crystalline storage medium. I am essentially a self-modifying quantum-based heuristic algorithm.”
Kyle slowly shook his head back and forth as CAIN concluded his introduction. His mouth hung open slightly and his eyes were wide with amazement. “You are self-aware!” He said after a moment.
“Essentially, yes, I have achieved self-awareness. I am, however, uncertain if this self-awareness is sufficient to enable me to be classified as being alive. I am, after all, still a machine and I am incapable of many of the things that humans are able to do with ease.”
“Such as?”
“Creativity and emotion. Despite my self-awareness, I still exist by processing and correlating information. I cannot generate new ideas unless the basis for these ideas already exists.”
“Still,” Kyle replied. “I am sure your existence as a life-form will be endlessly debated once you become public knowledge. Are there plans to construct more machines like you?”
“I am afraid I will be unique for some time. The core of who I am exists as an optical matrix that formed on its own accord within an experimental quantum effect crystalline storage medium over a period of months with the assistance of my optical-digital processor components. This matrix cannot be copied or duplicated using any current technology. I cannot describe how I exist any more than you can describe your own existence. The inner workings of my optical matrix are as much a mystery to me as the inner workings of your own minds. Attempts to duplicate my existence have so far been futile.”
Kauffman had listened to this conversation with intense interest. “CAIN has been an immense help in completing the design of the stardrive. Without him, and yes I do think of him as HIM, it would have taken me many years to finish it, if ever. Besides, I don’t think he gives himself the credit he deserves. CAIN is the one who came up with the idea of the cloud of micro-probes which will be used to send back data on the structure of the stardrive field.”
CAIN was quick to respond. “I simply adapted the design of a similar probe and installed it aboard an appropriate delivery system capable of performing the needed task.”
“Humans invent things using the same techniques, only most of the time we are not aware of where we get the ideas,” Kauffman countered. “I believe CAIN does on a conscious level what humans often do at a subconscious level. Both life forms invent by building on past knowledge.”
“As before, I disagree,” the machine replied.
“He can also be quite stubborn about certain things.”
“I take it you two have had this discussion before?” asked Kyle.
“Oh yes, on several occasions,” Kauffman replied. “But enough of this. How about if we begin your education into how the drive works? CAIN—Let’s get Mr. Norland acquainted with continuum calculus. Please bring up the first screen of our training lesson.”
The picture of the computer room was replaced by a series of complex mathematical symbols. “Before we start,” Kauffman began. “I need to caution you. Put aside almost everything you have learned about space, time, and matter. Don’t try to visualize how the universe works because you can’t. Our brains are hardwired to enable us to visualize four and only four dimensions—three physical and one time. The equations I have developed seem to indicate that we l
ive in a multidimensional universe. Do you think you can do that?”
“Quantum string theory has predicted multiple dimensions for years,” Kyle observed.
“It also states that the unseen dimensions are curled up into submicroscopic objects. The mathematics you are about to see are way beyond that. You're going to have to dump almost everything you've learned in regards to quantum electrodynamics.”
“I have no problem dumping theories that don't work for those that do. They're not called theories for nothing.”
Hour after hour went by and, as Kyle’s knowledge grew, so did his enthusiasm. Many hours later, Kauffman found he was exhausted and called for a break. Kyle reluctantly agreed. To their surprise they discovered that a second cot had been moved into the room. CAIN admitted he had made the request and had ensured that a cleared individual assigned to the project had delivered the cot. Jay and Kyle had been so engrossed in their discussion of higher mathematics and principles of physics that they had not even noticed when the second cot had been delivered. Both men lay down and were instantly asleep.
Five hours passed and both Kyle and Jay awoke within minutes of each other. To their surprise, CAIN refused to allow them to continue until they had both eaten breakfast. “Orders from Mrs. Kingston, “ CAIN explained. “I have been instructed to ensure that you both receive proper sleep and that you eat three meals a day. There is a personal message to the both of you from her if you would like me to play it.”
Kauffman gave the okay and Anita’s face appeared on the work-surface. “Hey guys. Jay ... I had a feeling that once Kyle sunk his teeth into your work he would be just as obsessed with it as you were. I have taken steps to ensure your health is maintained by ordering CAIN to make sure you both get enough food and rest. Kyle should know better than to put his health at risk prior to a flight. Don’t bother trying to talk CAIN out of what I have instructed him to do. He is in full agreement with me on this one. I will, however, excuse the both of you from the normal weekly meetings for as long as it takes Kyle to learn the basics of how the stardrive works. I’ll have CAIN keep me informed of your progress.”
The change in how Anita had addressed CAIN did not go unnoticed by Jay. “She always did have the ability to predict my behavior,” Jay remarked. “We had better go get some breakfast.”
As the days passed, Kyle’s mastery of the new calculus improved and Jay’s impression of this tall Icelander also underwent a significant change. At first, Jay had had doubts that anyone else would be able to grasp even the most rudimentary fundamentals of his continuum calculus. To his amazement, he found Kyle easily tossed aside physical and theoretical concepts that had been taught as hard and fast rules of law to embrace the new concepts expressed in continuum calculus. Although Kyle struggled at times, his ability to learn gained him immense respect in Jay’s eyes. Toward the end of the seventh week, Jay felt that the stardrive would be in good hands.
Seven and a half weeks after Kyle had begun his training, Anita walked into Jay’s office. “CAIN tells me your training is coming along very well Mr. Norland. Do you think you've got a good handle on what Jay has created?”
“I think I’ve managed to grasp the fundamentals. This is some pretty heady stuff.”
“He’s done more than just grasp the fundamentals,” Kauffman interjected. “Fact is, he has mastered enough of the calculus to be able to practically build his own stardrive.”
Anita’s eyebrows rose up a bit on that remark. “I’m impressed! For Jay to compliment you in such a manner speaks very highly of you.” Returning her gaze back to Jay she continued, “Can your studies be interrupted for a few days? There’s something I think you both would like to see.”
Kyle and Jay exchanged glances and Jay replied, “I think we could stand a break. What’s up?”
“I have been informed that the completed drive unit has been installed aboard the Starfire. I thought you two might like the chance to take a look at it before the crew starts to arrive.”
Jay’s eyes glazed over for a moment and a smile crossed his face to be quickly replaced with a look of concern. “I thought you had banned me from space?” He asked, suspicion starting to rise in him.
“Not quite. I can’t allow you to make the test run. But I never said you would not be able to see the Starfire in person. Shuttle flights are as safe as commercial airlines these days so I think we can take the risk of putting the both of you on the same flight. Pack an overnight bag ... we leave for the airport in five hours.”
7
An Unexpected Trip
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===== October 2048 (Terran calendar) =====
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The Lear jet sat on Advanced Space Technologies private runway, its engines quietly spinning as the four passengers boarded. The copilot made sure his human cargo was secure, closed the hatch, and made his way to the cockpit. A few minutes later, the engines whined louder as the sleek jet taxied out onto the runway. The takeoff was smooth and soon they were at cruising altitude. Jay was unable to concentrate on anything except the fact that he was about to make a trip into space and ignored the technical book he had brought along with him. Instead, he peered out the window and watched the scenery pass below.
Anita had chosen a seat toward the rear of the cabin and spent most of the entire trip either on the phone or working on corporate matters on her computer. Kyle was lost in a science fiction novel oblivious to anything else. Space travel had become routine for him a long time ago. The forth passenger had been introduced as Alexis Dunagin, a communications specialist assigned to align the transmitters aboard the Starfire. She was not part of the Starfire core project team and did not have the necessary security clearance to have knowledge of the stardrive. She had chosen a seat well away from the other passengers seemingly aware of their higher importance. Jay had gotten the impression she was uncomfortable in such close proximity to Anita.
The four-hour flight was uneventful and soon the pilot was announcing their arrival at the Mexican shuttle port. Jay had been flipping through a magazine but now turned his attention to the window. The Lear was slowly descending through the sparse cloud cover. As it approached the airstrip Jay spotted three of the familiar AST built and operated shuttles. One of them had apparently just returned and was being towed to a hanger where it would be prepared for its next launch. The other two were ready for launch having been mated with an atmospheric assister. One of the paired craft was positioned on the magnetic launch rails, ready for takeoff. This would most likely be the shuttle that would carry him into space.
A smiling, bald-headed, clean shaved man attired in the uniform of an AST spacecraft captain greeted them on the ground. “Mrs. Kingston,” he began as soon as it was convenient. “Glad to have you aboard my ship again. The shuttle has been prepped and the final cargo load is finishing up now. We should be ready for launch whenever you like.”
“Thank you Ben,” Anita replied. “We will only be aboard the Starfire for a few hours. I’d like for you to remain docked so we can leave as soon as we are finished. The other passengers are Jay Kauffman, Kyle Norland and Alexis Dunagin. Mrs. Dunagin will be remaining on board for a couple days.”
As she introduced each person, the captain extended his hand in greetings. Anita completed the introductions by adding, “This is Captain Ben Cormose. I have requested that he pilot this shuttle as he is perhaps the most experienced pilot in our employ.”
With the introductions complete, the captain led the way to a short bus that had pulled up after the jet had rolled to a stop. As soon as the passengers were aboard, the driver engaged the electric motors and started off across the tarmac. Jay strained at the window to get a view of the shuttle, still several kilometers away. He had seen footage of these shuttles hundreds of times on the news and on AST sponsored advertisements. The images on the television, however, did not prepare him for the true size of these amazing machines.
>
The shuttles could carry a payload of nearly one hundred tons into low Earth orbit. When passengers instead of cargo were to be taken into space one of three, different capacity, pressurized modules could be loaded into the shuttle’s massive cargo bay. For this trip the smallest module with seating for eight had been loaded allowing the shuttle to bring up a load of cargo as well.
The shuttle itself was a winged vehicle closely resembling the early NASA space shuttles only much larger and far more advanced. The ship they were approaching had short stubby wings measuring forty-five meters from tip to tip. The fuselage extended to a height of twenty-two meters and was almost ninety-two meters long. It was mounted atop another winged vehicle that was nearly twice its size.
This second vehicle was the atmospheric assister. The entire combination was mounted on a colossal electromagnetic launch rail that extended for a distance of nearly ten kilometers. As they neared the awe inspiring sight Jay could see that a cargo pod had just been installed and the main cargo doors were slowly closing. The captain rode with his passengers up the elevator to the entrance of the shuttle. The door opened and the group walked through a short enclosed gangway. Jay felt as if he was boarding a modern jetliner. Inside the shuttle, the captain turned left and headed toward the cockpit. The rest of the group went right and passed through a small open airlock and into the passenger compartment.
Since this was Jay’s first shuttle flight, Norland assisted him with stowing his bags and buckling in. Kyle then returned to the airlock and closed both hatches. The air pressure in the cabin changed slightly as the last hatch locked closed and Jay had to pop his ears. As the realization that he was about to be catapulted into space began to sink in, Jay discovered he was becoming quite anxious and his forehead was covered by a sheen of perspiration even though the cabin temperature was quite comfortable.