by Gary Starta
Association president Kenneth Copperfield was forced to resign in shame weeks before the bumper sticker scandal was exposed. He may also face criminal charges as Renee Mercer was only too happy to boast how he fixed a murder charge regarding Copperfield’s son. It seems Mercer really opened up to the press at his trial as he realized he would not be seeing the light of day again. The sleazy executive also boasted how he used portions of a murdered space tech to try to create a human/robot hybrid brain. Fortunately for all of us, the experiment failed miserably. The press had erroneously led the world to believe that this worker—named Phil Jackson—had simply fled to a tropical paradise. Apparently, Jackson never was on an island enjoying the company of a beautiful woman as his ex-wife accused. Mercer’s testimony revealed parts of Jackson’s decomposed body was scattered into the water of the Atlantic Ocean after two security guards killed him with a phaser rifle. Parts of his brain joined his body when the association found they couldn’t integrate organic matter with artificial intelligence.
Brooke Lawrence—the young Harvard law student I mentioned above—vows to keep lobbying until robots are given the right to possess self awareness. Lawrence maintained in a recent article that the sabotage of the robot probably never would have been attempted if the AI possessed the type of programming Dr. Robert McElroy had invented. She also argued that current laws do not stop illegal cybernetic research as exemplified by Mercer’s covert activities.
One day, she said, the robots will come to possess sentience no matter how hard humans try to stop them.
I wonder if you agree with her theory.
Best Regards,
Suzanne.”
Chapter 10: Fit to Be Tied
Three days of reading endless personal journal entries is guaranteed to get you bleary, bloodshot eyes. There is no assurance, however, that this activity will reveal the dark nature of the human being. The sinister mind generally likes to hide his thoughts like one wants to hide the fact that they just turned all their white laundry pink. They might wear the pink underwear when they’re alone in the confines of their houses; but they wouldn’t be caught dead sporting a pink t-shirt in public. Linda Dougherty was about to give up trying to find the dirty laundry she hoped would pin all the bizarre behavior of the past week on one demented person. She blamed herself for foolishly thinking that such evil deeds would simply be logged into a journal.
Dougherty found Mikola Petrovsky’s computer had been infected with a virus. She did not believe this was an accident. “If he did write about why he tried to have us all murdered, he must have gotten second thoughts. I can only hope the journals of the other scientists can show the human Petrovsky was behind all the aggression.”
Linda had already examined Joyce Starkman’s writings with a fine tooth comb. She was sure there would be some kind of evidence in Joyce’s computer. Apparently, Petrovsky hated Starkman the most, Linda surmised. “That is why he chose her to point the gun at the crowd. He wanted to get back at her—or at what she stood for.” Dougherty decided that what Joyce stood for was integrity. Her writings spoke of hope. Praise was heaped upon scientist Karen Hiroshi for inventing a way to grow hydroponic crops. Starkman also thanked her maker for giving her such a wonderful son, the skill to grow a garden full of beautiful flowers and the fortune to find a bug who became both her pet and a friend.
But nowhere was there any indication that Petrovsky was up to no good. “Maybe she found it too humiliating to admit in writing that she may have been forced to hate someone. Joyce sounds like a woman who wanted to accept everyone. She probably despised the fact that she held another human being in contempt. But this is just speculation,” Dougherty reminded herself. “It could be just as likely that Joyce was ignorant of Mikola’s hatred for her.”
Linda knew she didn’t have the luxury of inventing theories without the facts to back them up. If she was to convince the colonists that the androids should be re-activated, she would need proof positive that they were not capable of such atrocities.
“Break time is over,” Linda told herself. She then accessed the files of Peter Ciprelli. Although Linda didn’t find the kind of proof she was hoping for, she did uncover a piece of dirt on the association that confirmed her worst fears. One file entitled “Tempest” provided an up link to a computer found on the Ceres moon. Linda read the account of how the Tempest crew became ill from a genetically-manufactured disease. The doctor of the ship accused aeronautics workers of intentionally infecting the crew to sabotage the colonization effort. Linda recalled how the textbooks in school barely mentioned the failed mission. “The space association must have known about this scandal. It’s a good thing I haven’t told them about the androids. We could all find ourselves buried somewhere in the pages of a history book.”
Dougherty needed a few minutes to compose herself after digesting the disturbing events. She got up from the computer desk to walk around the Ciprelli’s living quarters in an effort to quiet her thoughts. Her stroll took her to a coffee table holding several books on holotectural design. She couldn’t stop herself from thinking that space exploration always involves some kind of price. Her eyes then wandered to a shelf located above the fireplace. Here she discovered a model representing the landing of the Gallant. “I wonder if the scientists knew what kind of price they would have to pay. Could their training have prepared them for becoming ill and having their minds transferred into artificial beings?”
The counselor felt guilty that she was intrigued by all this while Marisa nearly lost her life. Linda recalled how boring her manuscript must be compared to the discoveries she made in the last few days. “No wonder I’m excited. I spent the last five years aboard an AI-controlled ship writing about the aches and pains of deep space travel. Even though our lives may be in danger, I can’t help but find fascination in the creation of the androids. In essence, we have discovered new life. Who knows what other secrets are hidden here?”
Linda’s random thoughts soon provided her with a new theory. If Petrovsky was such a technical whiz, he may have manipulated the computers to conceal his secrets. Dougherty’s curiosity took her back to the Starkman’s.
Perhaps she would come away with a little more than bloodshot eyes after all.
Chapter 11: The Gift that Keeps on Giving
The hunch had paid off. Linda scanned the Starkman’s computer for all downloads and program installations. What she found was that the holo-model displayed on Peter Ciprelli’s fireplace was almost identical to the one given to Joyce. The computer recognized Mikola Petrovsky as the generous gift giver in all cases.
Linda was stunned to find an exact replica of the model in each of the scientist’s dwellings. “This is eerie. There has to be something behind these models. Why would he give one to Joyce—if he hated her so?”
Linda recoiled from her next thought. In order to find out if the models were used for deceptive purposes she would have to ask her husband for technical assistance. Linda knew Matt would be able to dissect the models to find out if some sort of stealth technology was being used. She just didn’t want to hear his reaction. She suspected Matt would be happiest if the androids were left to rot. However, she found herself with no other options. Linda believed the holo models could prove Petrovsky manipulated Joyce. She could then petition the colonists to re-activate the androids. “This hunch may be the only chance the androids have,” she thought.
Linda decided the best way to request help from her husband was to give a little help to him. After giving her husband a passionate love making session, the morale counselor decided it was now time for him to reciprocate. “His endorphin levels should be high enough to help him cope with my favor,” Linda shamefully reasoned. “I can’t believe I’m making deals with my husband like I’m some kind of politician,” she told herself while fixing her hair in the holo-mirror. After five minutes elapsed, Linda decided further stalling would not benefit her negotiation.
“Matt, I’m going to come right out and ask you fo
r a favor. Please hear me out before responding.” Matt sat up in bed as though the act would help shield him from what his wife was about to ask. Linda took a deep breath and then began to explain why she had good reason to believe Mikola Petrovsky had rigged a device to manipulate the android’s minds.
“I found a holo-model of the Gallant in every dwelling used by the scientists. He must have been able to perform some type of hypnotism on them with the device. I still don’t know how he realized he was not an android. But we definitely know from his tirade in the field that he had a deep seated hatred for them. I suppose he used his crafty engineering skills in an attempt to turn the technology against the automated beings he so despised. While I haven’t been able to find a written, visual or audio record of his plan—I do believe Petrovsky— the human Petrovsky—found a way to use his own android body like a puppet. And now I’m going to tell you why I still don’t believe you should alert the aeronautics association or the federation of our situation.”
Linda went on to reveal that she had uncovered a conspiracy involving the Tempest crew nearly 150 years ago. Dougherty knew her husband would require a tangible source for this information so she led him to Peter Ciprelli’s house. She then played the message lifted off the Tempest computer.
“I see,” Matt said taking time to gather his thoughts for a reply. After pacing the floor of Ciprelli’s living room, Matt told his wife he concurred that alerting the space association of the android situation might endanger their lives. “I can’t believe scientists could stoop so low as to condemn their colleagues to a death sentence. But it’s also harder for me to believe that the space association kept this under wraps. Association executives were not directly responsible for the outbreak aboard the Tempest—so why not come clean with the public?”
“I’ll tell you in one word Matt—money. I don’t put anything past an agency which can only fund its research and development through corporate contributions. Any negative story has the potential to damage the public’s faith in the colonization mission thus impacting the faith of investors. A decrease in faith means a decrease in the amount of the dollars the association has to build ships and recruit citizens. I know that these political games are still being played despite the federation’s diminished role in overseeing the W.A.A. Centuries ago, an organization named N.A.S.A., continuously fell victim to the public’s disinterest in funding space travel. Senators would ultimately control the budget by voting the way their constituents wanted them to. If the politicians voted to approve bigger funding for N.A.S.A.— against the wishes of the public—they would find themselves defeated in the next election. But aside from all that bureaucracy, I believe this Petrovsky may have had some dirt on his former employers. He was the only member of the crew to previously have worked for the W.A.A. He also was the only engineer. I believe Petrovsky was privy to the fact that the Tempest did not blow up due to technical failure because of his involvement with ship design. I imagine he was not too thrilled to find out that his employer blamed the work of engineers for the failure of the first mission to Ceres.”
“So you think this is what bought his ticket aboard the colonization mission?” Matt asked.
“Why else would they put him on this mission?” Linda answered with a question. “He was a great engineer, but he still was replaced by a robot.”
“I have to admit your theory best explains why Petrovsky was allowed to come. But can you explain why the association also included Dr. McElroy on this project? His father was responsible for the breakthroughs in cybernetic science which were ultimately responsible for the laws which banned the production of androids. Why give his son the chance to create more of these artificial beings millions of light years from their jurisdiction?”
“I can’t answer that one Matt. At least, not yet. But will you at least help me examine the holo technology Petrovsky was using? It could put all our minds at ease to know the engineer was solely responsible for the first act of murder upon our new planet.”
“I know better than to argue with you on that point, my dear,” Matt replied. “The jury is still out as to whether James was indeed a living being when he was shot. But I will agree that a heinous act was committed. Being that act was committed by an android, we will have a hard time proving the automatons were coerced by a revered engineer.”
“Speaking of proof and jurys—I have a deal for all the skeptics— including you, Matt. I propose that we re-activate the androids. To protect us, I suggest we utilize the force field technology Petrovsky manufactured to keep the androids in a confined area. We will then try the android known as Mikola Petrovsky for murder. If the android is found guilty, we will hand down a sentence. But if the android is found innocent of the crime—meaning he was helpless to withstand the orders of his human engrams—he and his automaton friends will be set free to enjoy all the rights and privileges that we have. This means we no longer have any right to monitor their activities so long as they prove to be law abiding citizens. To be more precise, we will no longer be able to push their deactivation button any time we perceive trouble.”
“This trial idea is going to cause some hairs to rise on the backs of a few of our colleagues. I’m sure you know who I’m talking about,” Matt explained alluding to Jon Sanderson and Daryl White.
“Well, I can handle them, hon. I was most concerned with your opposition. You have the right as captain to alert the federation of this matter. That could prove to be an immediate death sentence for all the androids.”
“Linda, after hearing your concerns and theories—I promise I will not make any rash decisions without just cause. So long as the androids pose no further threat to our lives, I will treat them as I would any other human being. But it’s ultimately up to them to gain our trust. I’ll do my best to convince the others that re-activating the androids is the right thing to do.”
“Matt, that’s all I can ask from you.”
“Oh and by the way, back massages are preferential the next time you need to ask a favor.”
Chapter 12: All or Nothing
The next day, Linda did her best to keep her distance from Matt so he could make good on his promise. The counselor wanted to burst through the door of Matt’s laboratory every five minutes for his analysis. Several cups of chamomile tea aided Linda in her attempt to take an edge off her anxiety. She knew it was imperative that Matt find evidence proving Petrovsky was responsible for manipulating Joyce Starkman and the android who bore the engineer’s resemblance. Linda had to endure six hours of waiting before her husband emerged from his lab.
When Matt did come out, he further prolonged his wife’s agony by requesting a replicated cup of coffee. Matt downed the entire cup of French roast before delivering his report.
As soon as the empty cup vanished back into the thin air it had came from, Linda pounced on the opportunity to grill her husband for details. “So let’s have it,” she asked.
“What I can tell you at this juncture is that this technology works much like a satellite. It can essentially beam messages to specific coordinates using frequency modulation. I don’t know what these beams are; but I doubt they can be used to penetrate an organic mind. It would seem that the satellite was used like a telephone. Conversations were likely being held between two or possibly more artificial minds. I don’t possess the advanced engineering skills required to decipher what the messages were about or even if a record was kept of them. It seems my next task will involve determining if all the signals originated from the Petrovsky household.”
“That’s great, honey. I think once the androids are re-activated we may be able to fill in the missing gaps from their memories.”
“I’d rather fill in the missing gaps myself,” Matt replied. The others will be able to sleep a whole better at night if the answers come from me, rather than the androids.”
Linda then sighed quietly. She knew a great amount of tolerance would still be required before the new life forms would be free of suspicion.
/> Matt spent the next day two days trying to decipher the information provided from the holo models. He did his best to hide his frustration at not being able to read whatever messages Petrovsky had sent to his victims. He finally had to resign himself to the fact that he could only determine the origin of the signals.
It only took Matt a few sentences to summarize the findings of the past few days to Linda. “It turns out the transmissions did all originate from the model located at Petrovsky’s house. Beyond that, I cannot prove what the content of the messages were.”
“I appreciate your diligence, Matt,” Linda responded gratefully. “This information will have to suffice as evidence that the androids were tampered with. I’ll contact the others via data net to invite them to a meeting where I’ll propose my plan for a trial.”
“Best of luck,” Matt said. Linda could tell her husband’s facial expressions betrayed the confidence of his well meaning words.
The colonists gathered at the municipal building later that night in response to Linda’s invitation. Dougherty did not specify what the nature of the meeting was about. She only advised them to please arrive at 8 P.M. This caused the four other couples to speculate as to what the Dougherty’s were planning as they anxiously waited for Matt and Linda to arrive.
“I sure hope they’re going to tell us that a message is on the way to the federation,” Jon Sanderson told Daryl White. “We need to be advised on how to handle this situation in an official manner.”
“I agree,” Daryl responded. “Although I don’t know how a government located millions of light years away can help us.”