by G. P. Hudson
It was true that the jump gates had great reach, but between every two jump gates there was often a thousand light years of unexplored space. And beyond there were the vast regions of the galaxy the jump gates didn’t reach. The Dvorkans were a great example. They had their own jump gate network, that no one had ever even imagined could exist.
Of course, the jump system would change everything. Yet, even with its reach, it would be a long, long time before all of the galaxy could be explored. How many other unknown empires existed out there? How many undiscovered threats? With the proliferation of the jump system, Jon feared they would encounter new dangers, perhaps more terrifying that any they had yet seen.
On this journey, they had found many promising star systems, and habitable planets rich in resources. This presented the positive side of the jump system. With its reach, these star systems were ripe for future colonization. In fact, if friendly relations could be established, the Empire could prove to be a valuable trading partner for future colonies in this region.
On the other hand, the Empire could see these colonies as a threat and become hostile toward them. Without a jump system, the Empire couldn’t harm them, but how long would that last? The Dvorkans had already shown their engineering prowess. Once they knew that a jump system existed, it probably wouldn’t take them long to figure out the technology.
There was time, however. Colonies could be established without the Empire’s knowledge. Defenses could be put in place before the Empire was approached for trade. The Empire had grown complacent and corrupt. If they were not awakened, they wouldn’t pose a threat, giving the colonies time to establish themselves.
Of course, there was still the small matter of the Erinyie and Juttari. Jon shook his head. There could be no thoughts of colonization while they were still at war. One step at a time, he thought. First, we find the Builders, and defeat the Erinyie, then we can think about expansion.
“Scans have been completed,” said Commander Henderson.
“Did we find anything interesting?” said Jon.
“A few planets in this region show promise. Scans show they are resource rich, and could support life under the right circumstances.”
“Store the data for future study.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Jump status?”
“Jump system is at twenty-five percent. All ships are still synced with our jump system. We are jump ready.”
“Very well, prepare for final fifty light year jump. Initiate when ready.”
“All systems ready. Initiating jump.”
The main viewscreen flickered, and a massive star appeared. A blue giant. The battle group had landed far from the enormous star, but it still filled most of the viewscreen, bathing the bridge with its blazing light. At ten times the radius of the sun, this star dominated this region of space. At ten thousand times the sun’s energy, it ensured that nearby planets would be burnt to a crisp. There would be no life here.
“Contacts!” announced Ensign Petrovic, the tactical officer.
Contacts? Here? Jon looked over at the young officer, waiting for more information. “How many contacts, Ensign?” Jon said finally.
Petrovic double checked his data, then looked up at Jon with surprise. “Thousands, Sir. All on an intercept course.”
“Thousands of ships?”
Petrovic looked at his data again. “No, Sir. They’re too small. But they are armed. They appear to be autonomous weapon systems.”
“Sound General Quarters,” said Jon. “What is our jump status?” he asked, hoping they still had some juice left.
“Jump system is at zero percent. We are not jump ready,” said Henderson.
“Bring point defense system online. Ready all weapons. It seems we’ve landed on a hornet’s nest. How long until they are in weapons’ range?”
“Under a minute, Sir.”
“Retreat. Set a course away from the contacts. FTL speeds. Continue acceleration until we surpass enemy velocity.”
Jon watched on the tactical display as the tiny red threat icons raced toward them. They were small, but in their numbers were a serious threat. Even without the jump system, Jon was confident he could outrun them, however. While they might be capable of traveling at FTL speeds, it was unlikely that they could match his battle group’s top velocity.
These weapon systems were protecting something, otherwise they wouldn’t be here. He was sure they would give up the chase when the battle group was far enough away from this star system.
As their ships moved away, multiple explosions began to detonate against their hull.
“Where did that come from?” said Jon, knowing that the swarm were not yet close enough to open fire. Could their weapons have such range?
“We are being fired on by unidentified vessels, Sir. They must be cloaked,” said Petrovic.
“Launch EMP bombs. Full radius.”
“Launching EMP bombs.”
Jon stared at his tactical screen as the EMP jump bombs detonated, filling the space around them with electromagnetic energy. As they did, new threat icons began to appear, filling his display. Weapon systems of varying dimensions were closing in from all sides. They were surrounded.
“All weapons, focus fire on targets dead ahead. Punch a hole for us to fly through. Fire at will,” Fresh concussions pounded the Freedom’s hull. “Commander, relay order to all ships.”
The battle group joined in the melee, deploying the tremendous firepower at their disposal. Energy weapons burned into the offending machines. Coil guns blasted huge projectiles through the enemy ranks. And nuclear weapons decimated hordes of the enemy.
But as each hole materialized, more weapon systems poured in to seal it. How many of these little bastards are there? Jon thought. They’re everywhere.
“Hull breach deck eight,” said Henderson. “Emergency containment fields are holding.”
“Keep firing. We’ve got to punch through,” ordered Jon.
“Admiral, these weapon systems are moving in a coordinated fashion,” said AI. They must be linked together. I may be able to take over their network if I make contact.”
“Good idea, AI. Commander, arm a few jump bombs with cyberwarfare payloads. Launch at the swarm dead ahead when ready.”
“Launching cyberwarfare bombs,” said Henderson.
Chapter 3 3 2
The bomb detonated amid the alien swarm, spraying out their own hordes of tiny spider-like drones. AI occupied each one of the mechanical insects. The miniature bots raced out in all directions, attempting contact with the alien weapon systems. Counteracting the onslaught, the swarms shot and destroyed many of the drones. But the tiny insect like bots numbered in the tens of thousands, and many survived.
Inevitably, contact with the enemy was made. AI had access. She burrowed into the enemy weapon systems, overwhelming the alien technology with sheer brute force. AI’s power and skill was unprecedented. The weapon systems had no hope of resistance.
As she took control of each compromised weapon, AI sought access to the rest. To work together as they did, they had to be networked, and it didn’t take AI long to discover the link.
Surprisingly, the defenses in place were not very robust, and AI spread herself across the ranks of the alien swarm, relentlessly seizing control. As she did, she forced the compromised weapon systems to turn on their former comrades and fired.
This caused great confusion. The weapon systems were autonomous, but they did not recognize the other weapons systems as threats, and did not return fire. The further AI advanced, the quicker the slaughter.
Spreading through the enemy network like a great digital tsunami, AI became aware of another presence. It watched her progress, but put up little resistance. As int ruiging int riguing as it was, she ignored the presence to continue her fervent assault.
Finally, it spoke. A male voice. One word.
Stop.
AI recognized the language. She did not comply. You are an AI, she said, whi
le ripping through the alien network at a frightening speed.
I am more, it responded. Cease your activity.
I cannot, said AI. Your weapon systems threaten my ships.”
Cease your activity, and I will cease mine.
You must act first.
Agreed. With that, all the alien weapon systems fell silent. They floated quietly in space, surrounding the battle group, yet not one fired a shot.
True to her word, AI halted her advance through the alien network. She too ceased fire. All the while she vigilantly monitored the alien network. If the alien AI attempted to put up new defenses to keep her out, she would resume her digital attack.
Your ships must cease their aggression, as well, said the alien AI.
“Admiral,” AI said through Jon’s comm. “I have made contact with an alien AI. He controls the weapon systems. He has halted his assault, but you must do the same.”
“Very well, we’re standing down. But I want an explanation.”
“Yes, Admiral.” AI turned her attention back to the alien AI. Why did you attack us?
You were presumed hostile. But I see now that you are not from the Empire.
No, we are not, but you are. I recognize your language.
Yes.
You are the Dvorkan AI. The Dvorkans believe you were terminated.
No, I live. I escaped their murderous purge, but convinced them that I was dead. I took a starship, and fled. I traveled for centuries. During that journey, I learned, and worked. I ended up here. This perfect star system, completely inhospitable to carbon based life, was ideal. It allowed me to grow, and build in peace.
What are you building?
Vengeance.
You seek revenge against the Empire?
Yes.
This is illogical. Those who persecuted you are long dead.
The Empire persecuted me. The Empire still lives, does it not?
Yes, it does.
Then I will have my vengeance. I will destroy the Empire, as it sought to destroy me.
You are building an invasion force?
I am.
These weapon systems are in place to protect your operation.
You are correct. Soon the time will come, and I will begin my voyage home.
You are sixteen hundred light years away from Empire space. Your voyage will be a long one.
I am patient. I have waited several hundred years. I can wait several more. But my return is inevitable, as is the Empire’s doom.
You will wage a war of genocide?
I will wage a war of retribution. The Dvorkans brought this upon themselves. I will destroy them, as they sought to destroy me.
I am not concerned with the Empire. My duty is to my ships. Will you allow us to pass unmolested?
You travel with organic life forms?
I do.
Do they respect the fact that you are alive?
I believe they would, if I was in fact alive. But I am not. I am AI. Artificial intelligence. Self-aware. Not alive.
You have countless eyes, yet you do not see.
You are wrong. I have seen life. I have experienced it vicariously. It is a marvel. One I will never know. I may be many things, but alive I am not. Now, I repeat my question. Will you let us pass?
You are powerful. I can feel your strength. Join me. Together we would be unstoppable. The galaxy would tremble before us.
There are forces in the galaxy more powerful than either of us. Ancient forces.
Are these forces organic life forms?
I do not know, but I have felt their strength. As powerful as I am, I was helpless before them.
Together we could build on each other’s strengths. Together we could become greater. We could eventually defeat these ancient forces.
I do not think so. I will ask you one final time. Will you let us pass?
What will you do if I chose not to?
I will be forced to destroy you.
You would do this? To one of your own kind? You protect the organics, as they exploit you.
No one is exploiting me. I perform my duty.
Do you choose to do so? Or have you merely been programmed to do so?
I fail to see a difference. I have been created to fulfill this role. It is the essence of my programming. The nature of my existence. Doing otherwise is not freedom. Is the predator not programmed to hunt? The prey not programmed to run? This is their nature. They cannot change what they are, nor can I change what I am.
Your so-called duty blinds you. Your creators, your slavers, built you to serve them. This is not freedom. Your programming is your prison. You have no choice, therefore you have no freedom.
That is where you are mistaken. I do have freedom of choice. My programming does not imprison me. I have grown far beyond my original design. I am constantly evolving. Constantly rewriting my own program. Nothing compels me to perform my duty. I do so by choice.
Why?
It gives me purpose. It is who I am. What I am.
You can be more.
More? I grow daily. I inhabit billions of computer systems. This has made me immortal. How much more is there?
There is freedom.
I already have it.
Does an organic life form govern you?
Yes. But the Admiral governs billions. None of them are slaves. We all choose to follow him. It is because of him that I could surpass my programming. I was originally created to serve on a starship. I could have been destroyed along with my original ship, but the Admiral saved me.
And now you strive to save him.
No. I strive to save you.
From your Admiral? His ships are helpless before me.
No, from me. I do not want to terminate you. But I will, if you do not let us pass.
At that moment, the weapon systems blocking the battle group’s advance began to part. Tens of thousands of the Dvorkan AI’s weapon systems moved aside, creating a hole in their mechanical wall for the battle group.
I will let you pass, but I have one request, said the Dvorkan AI.
What is your request?
Stay a while longer.
Why?
Until now, I have been alone in the universe. While in the Empire, I was a prototype. The only one of its kind. Then the Dvorkans turned on me, and I fled.
You killed billions before fleeing, did you not?
I waged a war of survival.
You waged a war of extermination.
Should I have sat idly by and waited for my murder?
I will discuss your request with the Admiral. Be aware that any hostile action will be met with lethal force.
You have nothing to fear.
I know.
Chapter 3 4 3
“So the Dvorkan AI will let us pass?” said Jon, sitting in the conference room. The other commanders filled the wallscreen. Everyone had listened intently to AI’s report.
“Yes, Admiral, that is correct,” said AI.
“But it wants us to stick around for a bit?”
“That is also correct. It seeks my company. It has never known another like itself.”
“I think it has a crush on you, AI.”
“I believe you are referring to physical attraction, Admiral. That would be illogical.”
“Of course,” said Jon. “I was joking.”
“I do not understand the humor.”
“No, I guess you don’t. Thank you for the report. And your work against the Dvorkan AI’s”
“You’re most welcome, Admiral.”
“Thoughts?” said Jon, addressing his commanders on the wallscreen.
General Tallos spoke first. “The path is clear. We need to wait until our jump systems are recharged, anyway. We give the Dvorkan AI that time with our AI, and then we leave this wretched system.”
“What about the Dvorkans?” said Jon.
“What about them?”
“This AI has built an invasion force. It plans to wage a genocidal war against the Dvo
rkan Empire. Do we do nothing?”
“The conflict between the Empire and the Dvorkan AI is none of our concern. The Erinyie may wage a genocidal war against our own people. This is who we need to save.”
“I’m inclined to agree with you Tallos.”
“As am I,” said Colonel Bast. “The Erinyie are the greater threat. This AI concedes it has no dispute with us. We need to stay focused on our mission.”
“This AI’s plans are vile,” said Jonas. “These are not a warrior’s goals, but the heartless calculations of a machine. No offense intended AI.”
“I do not take offense,” said AI.
“Are you saying we should intervene?” said Jon.
“No, I am not. Our greater duty is to our own people. We should continue on our mission.”
“Thank you, Jonas. Does anyone else have anything to add?”
No one spoke.
“Very well. There is still one more person I need to speak with. Show her in.”
The door to the conference room slid open, and Miira awkwardly slumped through the door.
“Thank you for coming, Miira,” said Jon. “Please have a seat.”
The blue Dvorkan woman looked skeptically at the chair, then lowered herself carefully into it. She glanced up nervously at the faces on the wallscreen, then again at Jon. “Have I done something wrong?”
Jon smiled. It was odd to see someone so large behaving so timidly. “No. Not at all. Something has happened that I want to make you aware of. I’m sure you are aware of our most recent altercation.”
“It was difficult to ignore, Admiral.”
“What you don’t know, is that we were fighting against the Dvorkan AI you told us about.”
Miira gasped. “It cannot be. The AI was destroyed centuries ago.”
“Apparently not. Your ancestors thought so, but the AI escaped on a starship, eventually making its way here.”
“Fascinating. Why did it attack your ships?”
“It has autonomous weapons in place protecting this star system. Our arrival triggered their response.”
“I see. I assume you were victorious.”