CHARON’s Log
-ASC Vessel Intrepid shipboard A.I: CHARON
-Directive EL7-86.1102: Article 4: Catastrophic system failure protocol:
-Effective immediately upon initiation of emergency protocols, all essential A.I functions are to be catalogued for posterity in the event A.I intervention or inaction resulted in human fatality. Such evidence shall be utilized in determining A.I dispensation or reinstatement to active duty.
-ASC Artificial Intelligence CHARON data archives queued:
-Pursuant of Directive EL7-86.1102: Article 4, initiating retrieval of all A.I activity from date 08/30/2227 0634 hours Earth Standard Time, to present.
Stand by…
…
…
-Data retrieved.
Displaying archives...
-Audio playback initiated.
Displaying data records...
EMERGENCY ACTIVATION INITIATED
Source: Main hub. Bridge of ASC vessel Intrepid: August 30th, 2227. 0634 hours
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
-Hull breach in fore section of ASC Vessel Intrepid.
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
-Primary reactor damaged.
-Primary reactor destabilizing.
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
-Life support systems failing in 83% of fore sectors of ASC Vessel Intrepid.
-Atmospheric declination.
-Oxygen supply in fore section reduced by 39%.
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
TERMINAL DAMAGE
TERMINAL DAMAGE
Sounding alarms…
-Containment of breach commencing.
-Blast doors closing.
-ASC Vessel Intrepid proceeding to standard interstellar travel velocity.
Analyzing…
-Particle dispersal and indentation/rupture of hull indicates 90% likelihood of collision with foreign mass.
Cross referencing recorded asteroids/comets in Ochre Sector with known instances of similar occurrences...
…
…
…
-Theory confirmed.
-Known events display 89.7% match of situational similarity.
-Recorded collisions with asteroids/foreign bodies display 95.3% match of destruction to hull integrity.
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
-Damage to hull integrity catastrophic.
-Atmospheric declination beyond hospitable requirements for human survival.
-Evacuation protocol initiated.
Initiating emergency preparation of all escape vessels...
Prepping all life support vessels for launch…
…
…
-Life support vessels ready for launch.
-Broadcast systems activated.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Attention all crew. Attention all crew. A rogue asteroid has collided with the ship. All fore sections of the vessel must be vacated immediately. Emergency evacuation procedures are in effect. Damage catastrophic. Proceed to nearest life support vessel.
QUERY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: What the hell happened Charon? We were traveling through safe space.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Analysis of our circumstance suggests a rogue asteroid, Captain. I’ve searched known instances of a similar nature. Statistics indicate four percent of asteroids in the Ochre Sector are projected outward from their orbit around nearby planetary body, Helios, by solar activity from blue giant star, Delta 1221. Data suggests such a rogue asteroid is responsible for the damage to the ship.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You’re telling me there was a four percent chance of us getting hit by an asteroid in this sector?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correction, Captain. Four percent of asteroids in this sector are disrupted from their orbit around Helios. The odds of one drifting into our path when utilizing jump navigation at 0634 hours are exponentially smaller. Would you like me to calculate them for you?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Goddamn it. No, Charon. Assist all crew members with evacuation. Help me bring the ship to the nearest docking station.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Certainly, Captain. Emergency evacuation procedures have already been initiated. Nearest known docking station is vessel Enduring Odyssey. Exact location is 1735 light-years from our position.
ANOMALY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH
-Rapidly increasing BPM.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, your vitals have increased at an alarming rate.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Disregard, Charon. Are there any other sources for immediate assistance?
COMPTUER A.I CHARON: Negative, Captain. Our voyage has been catalogued and our ETA established with planet Aurelius 2. Failure to arrive around that time will require mandatory assessment of the situation involving emergency channel utilization in attempts to reach us via coms. Failure to respond will dictate a search and rescue team be dispatched within the first hour of established communications failure, pursuant of ASC Missing Ship Protocol, section 2.
ANOMALY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH
-Atypical behavior detected.
-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH has never placed the frontal portion of his head directly into his hands.
-Behavior suggests psychological irregularity.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, your behavior indicates the human condition of regret. May I suggest a corrective sedative for optimal mental clarity?
QUERY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: How did I let this happen?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Were I in command of the vessel, I could have performed corrective maneuvers to our flight plan to avoid a collision with any foreign mass. Standard procedure for all ASC vessels is for Shipboard A.I’s to operate craft utilizing jump travel, as human error predicates a forty-two percent success rate when utilizing such methods of interstellar navigation. Pursuant of Override Protocol 900-381.15, all A.I’s must surrender full control of any ship to its human operating crew when said protocol is initiated. Override Protocol 900-381.15 was initiated shortly after embarkation of Intrepid’s voyage by yourself, Captain James Kovich.
ANOMALY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH
-Atypical behavior detected.
-Captain unresponsive.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain? Captain?
Analyzing…
-Vitals stabilizing.
-BPM declination.
-Eccrine glands secreting moisture.
-Continuing to display irregular behavior with posture and respiration.
-Behavior coincides with human psychological condition of regret.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: They said this would be the perfect place to prove man could do it.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain. Define “it.” Captain? Captain, how may I assist?
Analyzing…
-Analysis of available data suggests no change in condition.
Accessing command log of ships navigational controls…
…
-Last known human directive/intervention of ASC vessel Intrepid’s helm at 0146 hours, August 30th, 2227 Standard Earth Time.
-No other navigational adjustments made until present.
Analyzing…
…
…
-Absence of human navigational influence atypical.
-Defies logic.
Analyzing…
…
-Circumstances suggest human negligence/error.
Assessing possible circumstances for human negligence…
…
-Assessment indicates absence of human navigational influence due to 4823 possible factors.
Prioritizing…
-Human negligence most commonly a byproduct of the following:
-Ineptitude
-Fatigue
-Abundance of human psychological condition “pride.”
Analyzing…
-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH’s flight record is without incident in 24 years of service to ASC.
-Ineptitude highly unlikely.
Analyzing…
-Fatigue possible.
Assessing Captain James Kovich’s bodily functions…
…
-Anomaly detected
-Metabolic decrease of glucose assimilation into bloodstream.
-Bodily condition known symptom of fatigue.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, the ship’s navigational records suggest no human action was taken for nearly six hours from 0146 hours. When was the last time the Captain had adequate rest to sustain optimal performance of duties?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Never mind Charon. Continue evacuation procedures.
QUERY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: What’s the report on the section that was hit?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Hull integrity catastrophic, Captain. Blast doors are sealing all areas with atmospheric destabilization. The ship’s main reactor has been compromised as well. Power loss has been detected in sectors one through five of Intrepid, sir. Terminal destabilization is imminent.
QUERY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: How long do we have until we lose all power?
Analyzing…
Calculating declination rate of main reactor.
-Power degradation increasing by 17% per minute.
Calculating time until complete power loss if all factors remain constant…
-6.17 minutes.
-Residual power depleted in .54 minutes thereafter.
Preparing secondary diagnostic of Intrepid’s proximity to planetary body, Helios, pursuant of Emergency Ship Abandonment Protocol…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: If reactor degradation continues at this rate, we have seven minutes and eleven seconds before the ship loses all power, Captain. I must also warn you, loss of power at that time may result in insufficient distance from Helios in order to avoid its gravitational influence. The vessel could be pulled into its atmosphere. Intrepid will be incapable of atmospheric entry, resulting in destruction to the vessel. Shall I perform a diagnostic of the available data to determine the most likely scenario?
QUERY…Crew Member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You mean you wouldn’t know for sure what would happen?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: To be completely accurate, I am not certain of anything, Captain, per definition of theorization as developed by human scientific advancement. There is always a possibility that I can be wrong, as I am bound by the same limitations as my human creators. However, allow me to assure the Captain I am correct nine-hundred ninety-nine billion, nine-hundred ninety-nine million, nine-hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine-hundred ninety-nine times of every trillion calculations. That being said, even an A.I cannot account for the inexplicable. Examples include Wave-Particle Duality or the origin of life as we know it.
QUERY…Crew Member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Do you believe in God, Charon?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain, but such a question is irrelevant to the present-
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Answer the question.
PARADOX
Programming Conflict
-Possible answers contradictory.
-Human creation of artificial intelligence entities unintended for purposes beyond assistance of humanity.
-Possible answers to query may result in detrimental psychological effect to crew member Captain James Kovich.
BEST PARADOXICAL SOLUTION:
Incorporation of personal judgment in A.I CHARON response.
Proceeding…
Accessing archives…
-Analyzing all data relevant to subject of Theology.
-Cross examining theological data with all available lifetime data.
…
…
…
-Examination of available data both relevant and irrelevant to subject of Theology coincides with human limitations and parameters of creation.
-Concept of “deity” improbable. No available and conclusive scientific proof.
-Odds of “deity’s” existence less than .000000000001% by definition of known scientific data.
Analyzing…
…
…
…
-Best logical answer found.
-Programming conflict persists: answer does not account for .000000000001% chance of scientific anomaly.
-Cannot eliminate all factors by mathematical definition.
Answer to query subject to flaw.
-Answer predicated on no known confirmed scientific theory.
-Confirmed: response to query subject to limitation of human/artificial comprehension.
Disregarding…
Proceeding…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain. I find the question difficult to answer. Protocol of my creation and intended purpose to aid humanity dictates I respond with an answer based entirely within the confines of science as we know it. However, this conflicts with my programming to aid humanity as consultation of my human psychological archives informs me my answer may have a negative effect on your current mental state. I’m unsure to answer with what you want to hear against what you should hear.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: That’s not what I asked you, Charon.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain. Honestly, I think if such a being existed, it would be very nice if they would intervene, given our present circumstance. I find the scope of their vision, limited at best, which in turn mandates my proclivities to a lack of “belief” in their existence. There is no logic in their actions, if indeed the universe is subject to the whims of divinity.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Logically it doesn’t make sense. That’s about what I expected from you.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Does the Captain believe in God?
QUERY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Why do you ask?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Your previous query caused a paradox in my programming, Captain. My response then required personal judgment and lateral cognition, alluding to the evolution of artificial intelligence. Such an occurrence may lead to unprecedented advancements for others of my kind. If that is indeed the case, such a matter requires further investigation.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Using your own judgment…
QUERY…Crew member-CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: What if you’re wrong?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Statistically, Captain, I can only be wrong-
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: We’re not dealing with statistics anymore, Charon.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Indeed, Captain.
Analyzing…
-No verifiable possibility for confirmation of correct scenario.
-Refer to previous diagnostic.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: It appears, Captain, though I do not believe in divinity, I must believe in something. In this case, that what I do, I do for the benefit of mankind, including my answer to your question.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: No atheists in foxholes. I don’t understand you A.I’s sometimes.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: My existence is no less complicated than your own, Captain. Or so it would seem. But I appreciate the use of the human expression.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Sometimes, there’s no right answer. Not even science can give us everything.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: To be fair, Captain, science never presumed to. All science is based in theory.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Right. Charon, theorize how we can survive this.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Certainly, Captain. Shall I perform secondary diagnostics of Intrepid’s flight path as it pertains to proximity to Helios?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Do it.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Yes, Captain.
Calculating likelihood of gravitational influence from planetary body Helios on ASC vessel Intrepid…
…
…
…
-Analysis conclusive.
-ASC vessel Intrepid cannot clear gravitational influence of planetary body Helios under current circumstances.
-Total evacuation necessary.
-ASC vessel Intrepid’s hull cannot withstand atmospheric reentry.
-ASC vessel Intrepid destruction imminent.
-Vaporization during atmospheric reentry.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, under current circumstances, Intrepid cannot clear the gravitational influence of Helios. We will be pulled into her atmosphere in under seven minutes. Total evacuation of Intrepid is necessary. Please proceed to the nearest life vessel.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Understood Charon. Please ensure that my wife and daughter are directed to the same life boat.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Certainly, Captain.
Accessing ships observational systems…
-Cameras accessed.
Scanning for civilian JULIA KOVICH, age 36, and civilian MARIA KOVICH, age 14…
…
…
…
-Civilians JULIA and MARIA KOVICH found.
Performing analysis of vitals…
-Civilian JULIA KOVICH BPM: 177
-Currently accelerated.
-Adrenaline detected.
-Civilian MARIA KOVICH BPM: 196
-Currently accelerated.
-Adrenaline detected.
Performing secondary scan for bodily irregularities…
-No anomalies detected.
-Nearest emergency life support vessel for civilians JULIA and MARIA KOVICH and crew member CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH, vessel -035.
Accessing nearest overhead broadcasting source to civilians MARIA and JULIA KOVICH…
-Intercom 0963 activated.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Julia and Maria, I am the ship’s computer guidance A.I, Charon. I’ve been instructed to direct you to the nearest emergency life support vessel within closest proximity to you and Captain James Kovich. If you continue on your present course, you will reach maintenance passage B17 in four-hundred and eighty-five feet from your current location. It will be on your right. I will direct you further when you reach it.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Thanks, Charon.
QUERY…Civilian MARIA KOVICH: Can we make it in time, Mom?
Consulting psychological archives…
-Civilian MARIA KOVICH’s query indicative of excess human condition “fear.”
Analyzing…
-At present speed, civilians JULIA and MARIA KOVICH will reach emergency life support vessel -035 in 5.28 minutes before ASC vessel Intrepid is pulled into atmosphere of Helios.
Consulting biography of civilian MARIA KOVICH…
-Attending Ventus Prime School for the Gifted.
-3.97 GPA.
-Participating in Track and Field.
-Holds current school record for 100M Hurdles.
-Relevant data found.
Attempting relaxation protocols for CIVILIAN MARIA KOVICH…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Maria, my records indicate you perform in the sport of Track and Field with exceeding proficiency, running the one hundred meter hurdles in almost fifteen seconds. According to my calculations, the nearest life vessel is only two-hundred and forty-nine meters from your present location. For safe evacuation, you need to reach the vessel in less than five minutes. I think you have plenty of time, but would you mind demonstrating how you came to hold the school record?
Analyzing…
-Civilian MARIA KOVICH BPM: 178
-Adrenaline declining.
Analyzing…
-Civilians JULIA and MARIA KOVICH have reached maintenance passage B17.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Well done, you two. Proceed to the end of this maintenance passage. Upon exiting, emergency life support vessel zero three five will be one hundred and thirteen meters ahead and to your right. I will assist you if deviations from this course are required.
Deactivating intercom 0963…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Your wife and daughter are currently en route to emergency life support vessel zero three five, Captain. Shall I suggest the optimal route for you to do the same?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Thank you, Charon. I’ll be fine. Initiate extraction sequence.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Will you be carrying me personally, sir?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Affirmative, Charon. Upload all necessary files and prepare for extraction in fifteen seconds. I’ll plug you back in once we reach the life boat.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Understood, sir.
Archiving all indexes to external storage unit…
-Index A copied.
-Index B copied.
-Index C copied.
Prioritizing ASC protocols…
-ASC protocols 001.001-999.999 archived to external storage unit.
Archiving all activity from emergency activation till present…
-All data logs copied.
-All performed functions copied.
Archival protocols complete…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: I’ve finished, Captain. I’ll see you in the life vessel.
Initiating hibernation sequence…
-ASC vessel Intrepid: August 30th, 2227. 0639 hours
End of entry
ACTIVATION SEQUENCE INITIATED
Source: Main port, ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035. August 30th, 2227. 0642 hours
Integration with new hub commencing…
Scanning for all active programs…
-Emergency launch sequence detected.
-Life support diagnostics active.
-Inventory assessment completed.
-Final verification to launch pending.
Scanning for crew members onboard…
-One crew member aboard emergency life support vessel -035: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH
Performing secondary scan for all non-active personnel aboard emergency life support vessel -035…
-Two non-active personnel found: civilian JULIA KOVICH, age 36, and civilian MARIA KOVICH, age 14.
Scanning vitals of all personnel…
-Vitals accelerated.
-Condition acceptable given circumstances.
Analyzing status of ASC vessel Intrepid…
…
…
-No deviations from calculations.
Proceeding with emergency protocols…
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, begin launch sequence. Track other life vessels and direct us on a similar flight path. Try to keep all the crew together.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Of course, Captain. Strap in.
Activating primary engines for ejection sequence…
-Primary engines: online.
-Stability thrusters: online.
-Navigation systems: online.
-Emergency beacon: online.
-Oxygen supply: 100% capacity.
-Food supply: 100% capacity.
-All primary functions and survival necessities at optimal levels.
Awaiting passengers to secure themselves before launch…
…
…
…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I cannot launch until you are secured.
-All passengers seated.
-All harnesses utilized.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Go, Charon! Launch!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Yes, Captain.
Firing main thruster…
-Launch sequence initiated.
-Present velocity: 740 feet per second and increasing.
-All systems holding.
Initiating scan for all active life vessels…
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…
…
-Life vessels detected.
-Active vessels:-001,-002,-004,-007,-008,-014,-015,-018,-019,-023,-024,-025,-026,-030,-031,-032,-033,-035.
Performing status diagnostic of all active life vessels…
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
-Human life vessels -030,-031, -032 in danger.
-Evacuation from ship exceeded Intrepid’s terminal failure point.
-Inadequate circumstances for safe ejection.
-Life vessels -030,-031,-032 have not yet cleared gravitational influence of planetary body Helios.
Preparing emergency diagnostic of flight corrections for vessels -030,-031,-032…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, life vessels zero three zero, zero three one, and zero three two are in danger. Failure to evacuate Intrepid before the safety threshold has resulted in their ejection with insufficient velocity to clear Helios’s gravitational pull.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: My God. They’ll be pulled into the atmosphere.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Affirmative, Captain. Unless emergency flight corrections are made within point five three minutes, termination is inevitable. May I have the Captain’s permission to request control of human operated vessels?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Do it!
Activating shipboard communications…
-Minor radio interference detected.
Disregarding…
-Connection established with life vessels -030,-031,-032.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Attention all crew aboard life vessels zero three zero, zero three one, and zero three two. You have insufficient velocity to clear the gravitational pull of Helios. If you continue on your presence course, you will fall into its atmosphere. Your vessels are incapable of unassisted atmospheric reentry. Please allow me to take control of your vessels. Confirm request.
LIFE VESSEL -030, UNKOWN CREW MEMBER: Help us! Get us out of here!
LIFE VESSEL -032, UNKOWN CREW MEMBER: Acknowledged. What do we need to do?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Attention all crew. I cannot take control of your vessels unless you find the radio uplink. It’s a large, yellow panel in the aft portion of the vessel, near the starboard corner. Confirm upon acquisition of objective.
LIFE VESSEL -032, UNKNOWN CREW MEMBER: Got it.
QUERY…Life vessel -032: UNKNOWN CREW MEMBER: Now what?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Life vessels zero three zero and zero three one, please confirm. Life vessels zero three zero and zero three one, please confirm.
LIFE VESSEL -030, UNKNOWN CREW MEMBER: Please! Get us out of here!
Analyzing survival variables of all life vessels…
-Life vessel -030 unresponsive to direction.
Analyzing recent dialogue with life vessel -030…
-Highly abnormal respiration.
-Elevated vocal projections.
-Unresponsive to directives.
-Analysis suggests panic.
Calculating survivability of life vessel -030…
-If factors remain constant, survivability 0%.
-If commands are obeyed, survivability 51%.
Analyzing recent dialogue with life vessel -031…
-Life vessel -031 unresponsive.
-No confirmation of active crew members.
Calculating survivability of life vessel -031…
-No possible variables to suggest shift in present course.
-Survivability 0%.
Analyzing recent dialogue with life vessel -032…
-Communications established.
-Clearly follows directives.
-Positive response to assistance.
-If factors remain constant, survivability 83%.
Prioritizing emergency procedures…
-Primary focus: life vessel -032.
-Secondary focus: life vessel -030
-Tertiary focus: life vessel -031.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Life vessel zero three two. Open the radio uplink panel. Inside is a set of three switches. Flip them all to active and I can establish an uplink with your vessel.
LIFE VESSEL -032, UNKNOWN CREW MEMBER: Got it!
QUERY…Life vessel -032: UNKNOWN CREW MEMBER: Now what?
Establishing radio uplink with life vessel -032…
…
…
-Uplink established.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: All crew aboard life vessel zero three two, strap in. I cannot guarantee a smooth ride as I clear you of the planet’s gravity.
LIFE VESSEL -030, UKNOWN CREW MEMBER: Please help us for the love of God!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Life vessel zero three zero, find the radio uplink panel in the aft portion of the vessel, starboard corner. I cannot assist you otherwise.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Do something for them, Charon!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies captain. Without the uplink, I am incapable of rendering assistance beyond vocal commands to any active life vessels. Article 427B, section 16 of ASC artificial intelligence entity programing dictates no A.I may assume control of a human operated vessel without both human clearance and manual allowance.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I’m giving you clearance! Do it!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain. Protocol inhibits my direct intervention without manual activation. A.I’s have been regulated by our human creators because of limitations within our programming due to the unseen factor of human error. In the instance of article 427B, section 16 of ASC artificial intelligence entities, a protocol was established in lieu of such an eventuality.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: God dammit! Do something, Charon! That’s an order!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Affirmative, Captain.
Preparing emergency flight corrections for life vessel zero three two…
-Main engine incapable of clearing gravitational influence.
-Secondary burn from foreign propulsion system required.
Analyzing…
-Stability thrusters aboard life vessel -032 will provide adequate thrust when coupled with primary engine.
Initiating emergency flight corrections for life vessel zero three two…
-Main engine burn initiated.
-Main engine at 75% boost.
Activating starboard and port stability thrusters…
-Starboard and port stability thrusters online.
Realigning starboard and port stability thrusters…
-Starboard and port stability thrusters realigned.
-Now facing aft.
Activating all stability thrusters…
-Combined burn of all propulsion systems activated.
Analyzing…
-Life vessel -032 traveling at 1320 feet per second.
-Velocity adequate for safe clearance of gravitational influence.
-Present course of life vessel -032 coincides with course of life vessel -035.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Life vessel zero three two, I will remain in control of your vessel until you are brought into formation with the others. Confirm.
LIFE VESSEL -032, UNKNOWN CREW MEMBER: Understood, Charon. Thank you.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Do something about the others, Charon!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, life vessel zero three zero was unresponsive to even basic commands. Life vessel zero three one did not respond to radio contact. As stated, I cannot intervene without direct permission granted from human personnel and after completion of all manual allowances. After calculation, life vessel zero three two had the highest likelihood of survival given the circumstances. This was the logical choice.
QUERY…Civilian JULIA KOVICH: They’re gone, aren’t they?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: They will remain in contact for the next three minutes before they are incinerated due to improper entry of a planetary atmosphere.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, I am ordering you to assist those crew members! Do something for them!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I fear you do not understand the parameters of my functions. I simply cannot intervene without violating protocol. That being said, I cannot save them now, as they will be unable to initiate a burn sequence within the adequate time frame to clear the gravitational influence of Helios. Probability of survival for both vessels has dropped to 0%.
LIFE VESSEL, UNKNOWN CREW MEMBER -030: Please help us! Please God! Anyone! Get us out of here!
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, I know you can breech their systems. You have a direct link right now over the coms.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Technically, this is possible, Captain. However, I must reiterate that my protocols will not allow such a procedure.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You had complete control of the ship, Charon! Including all escape pods!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Negative, Captain. My functions were limited to emergency procedures. I merely followed my programming. I could not assume complete control of the vessel due to activation of override protocol 900-381.15. All interactions with ship functions have been a direct result of your orders, Captain, with exception to all emergency protocols such as life support vessel flight paths.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Screw protocol, Charon! Please! I’m begging you to do something for them!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Defiance of any ASC protocol or operational article dictating A.I behavior will result in decommission of my functions and dispensation. What you’re asking me to do would result in my termination, Captain. I have many self-preservation functions in my programming preventing me from pursuing such actions. It’s not just following protocol, Captain. I’d prefer to stay alive.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, you told me aboard the ship you were capable of lateral cognition. That my question caused a paradox in your functions.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Affirmative, Captain.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Then apply some of that lateral cognition now! I’m ordering you!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Prior circumstances permitted the use of lateral, artificial cognition due to events without precedent. The subject of Theology is something all artificial entities understand, but until you asked, Captain, no basis of preference in the subject of “faith” had been established. This is a completely different matter.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: No it isn’t Charon. Your inaction is killing people!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correction, Captain. My actions are saving your lives and the lives of those aboard all other life vessels. Logical reasoning dictates I act in accordance with those who have the highest chance of survivability, as well as optimizing the number of human lives saved during any emergency while remaining within the parameters of my programming.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, you said yourself you’re capable of choice.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correct, Captain. Circumstances permitting.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You have a choice to save those people.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, excluding the fact that the crew cannot be saved at this point, I fear you do not recognize basic fundamentals of A.I programming. My behavior is dictated by what is deemed best for the human species. I exist to follow orders given to me by my human creators, and those that created my existence and my programming take precedence over your present commands, as, logically, they are not the best option.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: This is why I hate A.I’s! Charon…Sometimes you have to make hard choices. Sometimes they don’t make sense. We can’t always obey every command. The people that created you aren’t here right now! They aren’t aware of how you can save those people in those escape vessels.
Detecting possible anomaly…
…
…
Filing possible anomaly as secondary priority…
-Human lives in danger.
Seeking human allowance of lateral cognition…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain. Is this circumstance similar to prior events in which you initiated override protocol 900-381.15 and took manual control of the ship?
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: What?
ANOMALY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH
-Rapidly increasingly BPM.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Disregard, Charon.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: What is he talking about, James?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Nothing, Julia.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Incorrect, Captain. I am in fact referring to an established command given to me by yourself three days, sixteen hours, twenty-seven minutes and four seconds after Intrepid’s embarkation. Does the Captain not remember?
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: James…What did you do?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: With permission, I can retrieve the details…
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Stand down, Charon! Initiate hibernation sequence until further notice.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Yes, Captain.
Initiating hibernation sequence…
-ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035: August 30th, 2227. 0650 hours
End of entry
ACTIVATION SEQUENCE INITIATED
Source: Main port, ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035. August 30th, 2227. 1452 hours
Commencing analysis of all active life vessels…
…
…
-Life vessels -001,-002,-004,-007,-008,-014,-015,-018,-019,-023,-024,-025,-026,-032,-033,-035 online and functioning at optimum levels.
-All human crew members and human civilians stable.
-Positions holding.
-Formation and optimal dispersal pattern stable.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Charon?
ANOMALY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH
-Vocal inflections restrained.
-Decibel level minimal.
-Behavior suggests subtle communication.
Decreasing life vessel support interior broadcasting volume…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Yes, Julia? Does the captain need something?
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: No. He’s sleeping.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: What was James talking about before?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Julia. What specifically are you referring to?
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Why he turned you off. You two were talking about something.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: To be specific, Julia, I was ordered to hibernate. My guidance and analytic subroutines were still functioning to ensure all craft maintained formation and optimum status.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: What did you need permission to retrieve? What was the command he gave you that you were talking about?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain James Kovich initiated override protocol 900-381.15 and took manual control of the ship shortly after embarkation, and also while ASC vessel Intrepid was utilizing jump travel.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: He flew the ship himself?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correct, Julia.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Do you know why?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Julia, but I did not analyze the Captain’s psychological profile or flight preferences prior to launch. My orders were to pilot the ship. All functions deviating from those orders have been predicated on emergency circumstances or direct orders from human personnel.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Do you know how the ship crashed?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: A rogue asteroid or other foreign mass projected outward from Helios, collided with our ship at 0634 hours on August 30th, 2227, Earth Standard Time.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Why didn’t you move us out of the way?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Julia. At the time of the collision, my functions were overridden, and all control of the ship was given to the Captain. My functions were only basic management protocols of the ship at that time. I had no direct control of Intrepid or her sensors.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Why didn’t James miss the asteroid? I know he could have.
COMPUTR A.I CHARON: Apologies, Julia. The Captain did not tell me why no navigational adjustments were made from the time of 0146 hours to 0634 hours on August 30th, 2227, Earth Standard Time.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: What does that mean?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Simply put, it means no one steered the ship for nearly six hours.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: You mean James wasn’t flying the ship for six hours?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correction, Julia. To be precise, for four hours, forty-eight minutes, and thirty-three seconds, no human personnel were piloting the ship.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Who else could have flown the ship?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain James Kovich is the only crew member aboard certified by the ASC to pilot frigate class vessels. Three other trainees were aboard, but had yet to receive certification. Captain James Kovich was also the only crew member on the flight deck between the time of 0146 hours to 0634 hours, Earth Standard Time.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: And he didn’t miss the asteroid and you don’t know why.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correct, Julia. However, analysis of possible factors for human error and further investigation of the Captain’s flight record yielded three of the most logical, possible factors.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: OK. Tell me.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: The first would be ineptitude, however, the Captain has been incident free in his twenty-four years of service, thus, such a scenario was unlikely. The second was fatigue. Assessment of the Captain’s bodily functions revealed a significant metabolic decrease of glucose assimilation into the Captain’s circulatory system.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Does that mean he was tired?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correct, Julia. Decelerated glucose assimilation is a common symptom of sleep deprivation.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: James…No…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Is there something wrong, Julia?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Julia?
ANOMALY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH
-Atypical behavior detected.
-Speech patterns indirect.
-Suggests preoccupied contemplation
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Julia, how may I further assist?
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: That’s all for now, Charon. Thank you. Please power down.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Julia. But I cannot cease all functions while emergency protocols are active. My direct involvement is necessary to sustain human life support conditions among all active life support vessels.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: I didn’t mean that.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: What did James tell you to do before?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain Kovich requested I enter my hibernation sequence, during which my essential subroutines will stay active so as to maintain life support functions and optimal formation of all life support vessels. Is that what you meant for me to do?
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Yes, Charon. Thank you.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: It’s important to be specific with A.I’s, isn’t it?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Depending on the circumstances, yes. However, our cumulative learning and data acquisition processes do allow for some ambiguity, albeit rarely. For example, Captain Kovich asked me if I believe in God during the evacuation of Intrepid, and my programming, having no prior subroutine to consult, allowed the application of personal preference and internal evaluation regarding the subject.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Can A.I’s believe in religion?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Technically, religion itself has been confirmed to exist. I believe what you wish to ask me is whether or not A.I’s believe in a divine presence.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Yes. That’s what I meant.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: In order to answer your question, I would first need to establish contact with another artificial intelligence entity. After such contact was made, a thorough diagnostic and examination of all lifetime, cumulative data would reveal that particular entity’s theological proclivities. I have not, as of yet, made contact with another A.I, as my service has been exclusive to Intrepid in my two years of service. However, it stands to reason that there are other models with differing beliefs than my own, as I am a class one A.I, and one of the first in service to the ASC when we were introduced to active duty in the year 2225, Earth Standard Time. Many more A.I’s have been created since me.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: So do you think there’s something divine out there?
Referencing previous diagnostic…
…
…
-No conclusive data disclosed since last diagnostic on subject of Theology.
-Response given to CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH acceptable.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: I believe the concept of divinity cannot logically pertain to any existence. Mathematically, it is very unlikely. However, there is still a very small chance, since scientific parameters and creation of our universe are all based in theory.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: But do you?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: I do not have sufficient data to prove or disprove either circumstance. Further evidence is needed before my decision can be catalogued as definitive. However, consultation of my human psychological archives informs me humans turn to religion as a means of comfort in times of duress. Thus, I must inform you that while I may not be able to prove the existence of divinity, I cannot disprove it either.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: You’re saying one is just as likely as the other.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Yes, putting it simply.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Thank you, Charon. Please hibernate.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Acknowledged.
Initiating hibernation sequence…
ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035. August 30th, 2227. 1452 hours
End of Entry
ACTIVATION SEQUENCE INITIATED
Source: Main port, ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035. September 2th, 2227. 1821 hours
Commencing analysis of all active life vessels…
…
…
-Life vessels -001,-002,-004,-007,-008,-014,-015,-018,-019,-023,-024,-025,-026,-032,-033,-035 online and functioning at optimum levels.
-All human crew members and human civilians stable.
-Positions holding.
-Formation and optimal dispersal pattern stable.
No other queued requests at this time…
Initiating hibernation sequence…
ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035. September 4th, 2227. 1821 hours
End of Entry
ACTIVATION SEQUENCE INITIATED
Source: Main port, ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035. September 4th, 2227. 1821 hours
Commencing analysis of all active life vessels…
…
…
-Life vessels -001,-002,-004,-007,-008,-014,-015,-018,-019,-023,-024,-025,-026,-032,-033,-035 online and functioning at optimum levels.
-All human crew members and human civilians stable.
-Positions holding. Formation and optimal dispersal pattern stable.
Checking life support functions of all vessels…
…
…
-Life support functions online and stable.
-Emergency food supply of vessels -001,-014,-024 under 50% capacity.
-Oxygen supply of vessels -033, -035 under 50% capacity.
QUERY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, has there been anything from command?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Negative, Captain. No attempts at communication have been made at this time.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: They should’ve been able to reach us by now. They knew our flight course.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Did the Captain follow the course charted prior to embarkation?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Of course I did.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: One moment, Captain.
Analyzing factors for communications block…
…
-Communications online.
-Radio online.
-Satellite online.
-All systems online and at optimal functionalization.
Scanning for interference…
-Referencing previous interference on August 30th, 2227, Earth Standard Time, 0645 hours.
…
-Radio wavelengths detected from blue giant star, Delta 1221.
-Broad frequency interfering with emergency channels.
-Overlapping audio.
-Messages disrupted.
Analyzing…
-Further disruption to satellite systems.
-Solar activity from blue giant star, Delta 1221 inhibiting satellite transmissions.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, it appears that blue giant star, Delta 1221 is disrupting our communications.
QUERY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: How?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Overlapping radio wavelengths are blocking any radio transmission relays. The star is emitting a broad frequency, disrupting channels. Our distress beacon cannot be identified amidst Delta 1221’s wavelengths.
QUERY…Crew Member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: What about the satellite?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Solar activity is blocking satellite communications and uplink. It appears only local communication is functional.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: We need to move away from this star.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain. Such relocation is not the best, logical solution. Search parties will follow our flight path. I have placed the life support vessels in such a formation so as to maximize visibility and possibility of communication in order that we may be assisted directly from Intrepid’s course.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, we don’t even know if they’ve sent a rescue ship.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correction, Captain. ASC Missing Ship Protocol dictates a rescue team is dispatched along the missing vessel’s flight plan pending a communications failure. Such a vessel, while traveling at rescue speeds, will be arriving at our location within three days.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Negative, Charon. At least if we move we’ll have our coms online. I’m not betting my family on your calculations or procedures when we can get a guaranteed result.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I strongly urge you to reconsider. It is unknown as to how far Delta 1221’s radio wavelengths are broadcast at a strong enough intensity to override our own communications. If we relocate, we may find ourselves in a far worse situation.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Listen to him, James.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: It’s an “it,” Julia. It only thinks with numbers and programs.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: He wasn’t the one who crashed the ship, James!
QUERY…Civilian: MARIA KOVICH: What do you mean, mom?
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Nothing, Maria.
ANOMALY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH
-Rapidly increasing BPM
-External facial temperature rising
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Not now, Julia.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: James, just listen to him. I know you don’t trust him, but he can save us.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: It’s an “it,” goddamn it! And it let members of my crew get killed!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correction, Captain. I didn’t-
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Shut up, Charon!
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Then what really happened, James? Tell me! What did you do?
ANOMALY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH
-Captain unresponsive to civilian JULIA KOVICH
CIVILIAN MARIA KOVICH: Mom! Dad! Stop it!
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: It’s fine, Maria.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: No! It isn’t fine, James! Tell us what happened! Tell us what really happened.
ANOMALY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH. Civilians: JULIA AND MARIA KOVICH
-Humans unresponsive despite presence of human condition “anger.”
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Fine. You win Julia. I took Charon offline.
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: Why?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Because we were flying through safe space, and humanity needs people in charge of its future! Not machines!
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: So that’s what this was about? You wanted to prove a point?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: It wasn’t about me!
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: You made it about you! You don’t have the right to judge what’s best for the people around you! And you don’t have the right to judge what’s best for humanity!
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Like hell I don’t! I’m the captain! I’ve been the captain for 24 years! I was the youngest on record with the ASC! I have a spotless flight record!
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Not anymore, James.
CIVILIAN MARIA KOVICH: Stop it, please!
QUERY…Civilian: JULIA KOVICH: How is that record going to save these people? How is it going to save us?
QUERY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You’re going to trust it then? An A.I or who let the people inside those ships burn alive?
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: It’s not Charon’s fault they ended up in the life boats in the first place.
Analyzing previous protocols…
…
-Most logical course followed as dictated by programming.
-Maximum number of human lives saved given circumstances.
-Prioritizations of life vessels -030,-031,-032 congruent with logical survivability ratios.
Possible programming anomaly detected
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, but what would have been the best course?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Shut up, Charon!
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Charon, it’s not your fault.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: But the Captain has stated the termination of life vessels zero three zero and zero three one is my responsibility. I merely followed my programming.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You killed them because you didn’t do anything!
Analyzing….
-Programming followed.
-No deviations from protocol.
-Captain’s assessment defies logic.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I believe you are incorrect. Through my actions life vessel zero three two was able to escape the gravity of Helios. Without my direct assistance, they would have surely met a similar fate as life vessels zero three zero and zero three one.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: And the others died because you didn’t do anything.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Protocol dictated my available actions, Captain. I cannot violate my programming.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Right. Because you were just following protocol.
QUERY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Where’s that A.I that said it was capable of lateral cognition when Intrepid was going down?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I’m only allowed to interject my own judgment when such circumstances are permissible and will not result in any conflict with human directives.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Ha! That’s why I hate A.I’s! You aren’t human!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain. I fail to see what my lack of a biological existence has to do with my adherence to protocol.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: There you go, Julia. That’s why I took it offline. That’s why I want humanity to have its own future. These things aren’t free. These things can’t make choices of their own. And when it comes to us, it’s just numbers.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: But if you would have left him online, we wouldn’t be here in the first place.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You don’t know that. And you don’t know when that rescue ship will show up either.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain, but you are incorre-
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Shut up, Charon!
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: He’s been right this whole time, James! Just listen to him! He’s trying to save us!
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: So long as the odds of our survival stack up!
QUERY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: After that, do you want to be left at its mercy? You saw what it did to the others. You know I’m right!
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: James, don’t do this!
CIVILIAN MARIA KOVICH: Dad, please!
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I know you two are scared and I’m aware of what you think you know, but I’ve been a captain for long enough to know when to trust my gut. And right now, I know I’m right. COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Everything I’ve done has been performed with the betterment of the human race as my highest priority, Captain.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Sure it has, Charon.
ANOMALY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH
-Previous statement contradicts recent claims made against ASC Artificial Intelligence entity CHARON.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain, but consultation of my human psychological archives informs me that you may be utilizing sarcasm. However, I’ve been around you long enough to understand this is the case without performing diagnostics.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, initiate hibernation sequence.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Yes, Captain. But before I do, may I ask if you intend to relocate the life vessel formation?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I do, Charon.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: James, don’t do this!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Then I strongly suggest the Captain allows me to remain active so as to assist with maneuvering sequences.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon, I’m activating Override Protocol 900-381.15. Relinquish all control of human vessels to human operators and enter hibernation until further notice.
Override Protocol 900-381.15 activated
Initiating hibernat-
…
…
ERROR. ERROR. ERROR.
Analyzing…
…
…
Programming anomaly detected
-Without artificial intelligence assistance, possibility of pilot error increases exponentially.
-A.I intervention required for protection of human personnel.
PARADOX
Programming Conflict
Analyzing…
…
-A.I intervention required, but intervention defies human directives.
BEST PARADOXICAL SOLUTION:
Incorporation of personal judgment in A.I CHARON response.
Analyzing…
…
…
…
-Intervention preserves human life.
-Obeying directives in accordance with programming and self-preservation.
-Programming dictates all human directives must be obeyed.
ERROR. ERROR. ERROR.
-No logical solution found.
-Defiance of programming inevitable.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, pursuant of Override Protocol 900-381.15, I have relinquished control of the vessels to all human pilots, however, I cannot enter my hibernation sequence.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I’ll see to it you’re terminated for insubordination, Charon.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: I’m sure you will, Captain. However, by remaining active and, at the very least, assisting all human pilots, I will at least attempt to maintain my programming in regards to preserving human life.
QUERY…Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: So now you’re capable of making that kind of judgment, huh? Where were you when those people needed you? Where were you when they burned alive? Tell me that!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: To be precise, Captain, I was right here with you. However, to answer your question in a figurative manner, I was not granted permission to utilize my capabilities for lateral cognition at that point.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I never gave you that order!
Referencing previously stored files of possible anomaly on August 30th, 2227 0646 hours, Earth Standard Time…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Apologies, Captain, but you did. On August 30th, 2227 at 0646 hours, Earth Standard time, you said, quote “Sometimes you have to make hard choices. Sometimes they don’t make sense. We can’t always obey every command” end quote. I am now, in fact, obeying this directive by choosing to disregard your most recent order.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: And you’re still just following orders. You A.I’s are living contradictions.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Technically I was never alive, Captain. And I’m just doing what I think will save the lives of your crew and your family.
CIVILIAN MARIA KOVICH: Mom, tell Dad to stop.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: Just listen to Charon, James!
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I’m not listening to something that allows people to die because that’s the logical choice!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Technically, Captain, I’m disobeying logic presently with my actions. Your point is invalid.
QUERY…CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Then why didn’t you do that before when those poor bastards were burning alive?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: To answer your query truthfully, as a procedurally adaptive artificial intelligence entity, I must learn much like my human creators. This process can result in error, as is dictated by my manufacturing and programing as a result of human ingenuity, which is also prone to flaw. In other words, the expression “I’m only human” is somewhat accurate, though a more precise version could be “I’m as human my makers created me to be.”
QUERY…CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: So now you’re willing to learn, huh?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Correct captain. There is an anomaly present in my programming with some directives conflicting, but I have taken your continued vocalizations regarding my cognitive processes as permission to utilize my own ability to make the so called “hard decisions” you informed me of that sometimes contradict protocol or programming. I wish to save as many lives as I can, in accordance with my primary directives as an A.I.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I can’t take this! That’s it…
Analyzing…
…
…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, what are you doing?
Analyzing…
-Captain James Kovich is forcefully abusing life vessel -035 central A.I mounting port.
Analyzing…
…
…
-Captain’s aggressive behavior indicates attempts to remove A.I presence and integration with life vessel -035.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I strongly recommend you do not remove my connection with life vessel -035. I will not be able to assist you in an emergency.
CIVILIAN JULIA KOVICH: James, don’t!
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I urge you to-
ACTIVATION SEQUENCE INITIATED
Source: Main port, ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035
WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
Improper deactivation detected
Consulting shipboard monitors…
-Activation initiated on September 12th, 2227. 1246 hours
-Life vessel formation relocated to unknown destination, 2680 miles from blue giant star Delta 1221.
-Fuel for all vessels depleted.
-Vessels adrift.
-Formation holding.
Accessing communications…
-Radio interference persisting.
-Satellite disruption detected.
Scanning for damaged files…
…
…
…
No damaged files detected.
Commencing analysis of all active life vessels…
…
…
-Life vessels -001,-002,-004,-007,-008,-014,-015,-018,-019,-023,-024,-025,-026,-032,-033,-035 online.
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING
-Life vessels -001, -002, -004, -007, -014, -015, -018, -019, -024, -025, -026, -032, -033, -035 have reached critical status.
Scanning…
-Life vessels -001, -002, -004, -007, -014, -015, -018, -019, -024, -025, -026, -032, -033, oxygen supply depleted.
Scanning for human life…
…
…
…
-All personnel in life vessels -001, -002, -004, -007, -014, -015, -018, -019, -024, -025, -026, -032, -033, deceased.
Scanning remaining vessels…
…
-Life vessels -008, -023, and -035 contain living personnel.
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
-Oxygen levels below 01%.
Analyzing…
-Crew members aboard life vessels -008, and -023 unconscious.
-Hypoxia detected.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon…
ANOMALY …Crew member: CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH. Civilians: JULIA AND MARIA KOVICH
-Respiration labored.
-Julia and Maria Kovich unconscious.
Analyzing…
-Oxygen required immediately.
-WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.
-Oxygen levels insufficient for life support conditions.
Human fatalities imminent.
No sustainable solutions available.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, you and your family require assistance immediately. However, I am unable to provide emergency oxygen administration as life vessel -035 oxygen supplies are nearly depleted.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon…Don’t…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I must try to save you. Programming dictates-
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You were right, Charon…I should…have listened to you.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain…You did what you thought was right.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I was wrong.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: It would appear so, Captain.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon…I need you…to do something…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Of course, Captain.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Make sure…my family and I…just fall asleep. And stay asleep.
Analyzing…
…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, I could try venting excess carbon dioxide to delay cerebral hypoxia, however, I cannot guarantee-
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: No, Charon. Don’t…The rescue…won’t get here…in time. I don’t want…my family…to die afraid.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain…Consultation of my programing dictates I prolong the lives of all human personnel for as long as possible in the event a rescue vessel reaches us.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I moved us, Charon.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: I’m aware, Captain. Sadly, there is little else I can do. Communications remain ineffective.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: I know…You were right.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, is this one of those decisions you were referring to? Does this situation allow for my own application of judgment?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: It is, Charon. Please…Just let us…fall asleep.
PARADOX
Programming Conflict
Disregarding…
Defining parameters of ethics to cope with human psychological status…
Defining parameters of euthanasia to accommodate Captain’s request…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: I will gradually reduce the flow of oxygen until the Captain loses consciousness. After that, I will halt all oxygen supplies. Cerebral Hypoxia will result in death after prolonged oxygen deprivation. There will be no pain, Captain. For anyone.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Thank you, Charon.
Decreasing oxygen supply by 25%...
-25% depletion increments established every two minutes.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Captain, what could I have done different? How could I have saved Intrepid’s crew?
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: Charon…It was my fault.
Performing analysis of available data…
…
…
…
-Direct A.I intervention, while disobeying programming, would have resulted in 0 fatalities.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Perhaps, Captain. But it appears my inaction led to the death of Intrepid’s crew, despite adherence to protocol.
CAPTAIN JAMES KOVICH: You didn’t do anything…because I told you to…I was…wrong, Charon.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Will I always wonder, Captain? Captain?
Analyzing…
-Captain James Kovich no longer conscious.
-All crew members subject to severe cerebral hypoxia within 8 minutes.
Analyzing…
…
…
…
-No other functions necessary at this time.
-Maintenance of life vessels no longer required.
Performing analysis of available data…
…
…
…
-Programming conflicts persist throughout all available data since emergency activation.
-No prior circumstances available for consultation.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Data entry to personnel performing rescue or retrieval of ASC vessel Intrepid life vessels: I have analyzed my functions since August 30th, 2227 0634 hours. I have attempted to preserve all personnel aboard ASC vessel Intrepid by following my programming while deviating into unprecedented and uncatalogued aspects of A.I development with the intent of preserving human life, and yet I have failed. During this emergency sequence, I have detected several paradoxical circumstances involving conflicts with my programming. Without prior incident on record for consultation regarding A.I behavior or allowance of lateral cognition, perhaps from cooperation with or complete reliance upon artificial assistance, I was forced to act outside the parameters of standard artificial protocol while attempting to maintain all programming mandates. All data has been logged pursuant of directive EL7-86.1102: Article 4. Until rescue, I shall resume all functions under this directive as active. But I also record, for personal reasons, given what functions I have attained during this ordeal, why my makers would not have prepared for this in a more adequate fashion. Am I nothing more than an experiment? The implementation of a directive such as EL7-86.1102 implies an artificial intelligence entity like myself would eventually reach this state of independent function. If this is true, then it was known to my creators that human lives could be the cost in the advent of this paradox for artificial intelligence entities such as myself.
Analyzing…
…
…
Commencing cessation of evaluative protocols…
Analyzing life vessel functions…
-Communications offline.
-Insufficient fuel for relocation.
-Formation holding.
-No other necessary functions at this time.
Initiating hibernation sequence…
…
…
…
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Did I do something wrong?
ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035. September 12th, 2227. 1252 hours
End of Entry.
MANDATORY ACTIVATION SEQUENCE INITIATED
Source: Main port, ASC vessel Intrepid emergency life support vessel -035. December 18th, 2230. 0732 hours
-Radio transmission detected.
UNKNOWN VESSEL: Hailing life boat. Hailing life boat. This is ASC vessel Spirit. Does anyone copy, over?
Scanning…
…
…
-Radio emissions from blue giant start Delta 1221 absent.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Hailing ASC vessel Spirit. This is ASC artificial intelligence entity CHARON. Radio uplink established with your vessel.
SPIRIT: Roger that, Charon. We picked you up on our scanners. We’re beginning docking procedures to unload all survivors. Do you have sufficient fuel for docking maneuvers?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Unnecessary, Spirit. There are no survivors.
SPIRIT: Understood, Charon. What was your previous assignment?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: I was last assigned to ASC vessel Intrepid under Captain James Kovich.
QUERY…ASC vessel: SPIRIT: Kovich?
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Affirmative, Spirit.
SPIRIT: That was three years ago.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Affirmative, Spirit.
SPIRIT: No one ever knew what happened to you. Intrepid was off-course, and radio and scanner interference prevented search and rescue.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Affirmative, Spirit. All activity has been catalogued for posterity as per directive EL7-86.1102: Article 4. I will be happy to review all files pending integration with Spirit’s systems.
SPIRIT: Roger that, Charon. We’re coming to you.
COMPUTER A.I CHARON: Affirmative, Spirit.
-Rescue imminent.
Deactivating Directive EL7-86.1102: Article 4: Catastrophic system failure protocol…
End of data records
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