Allow me to introduce myself. I am Walter Stryker, independent contractor for Orbital Spa and Cruise, and owner of the Greycliffe mobile hotel and casino. I come before you with a rather strange dilemma, and I hope you might be able to help me resolve it.
Let me explain. During the last adventure-themed excursion of the Greycliffe into the Border Worlds, I chanced upon a derelict cruiser-class vessel of a strange design, the likes of which I did not recognize. Naturally, I presumed certain parties would pay handsomely for the chance to get their hands on something evidently alien, and, salvage rights being what they are, I stood to make a fair bit of profit. Though I'm certain it would have looked ridiculous, I intended to use the Greycliffe to tow the hulk back into House space.
I never got the chance.
As my crew fired makeshift harpoon cables at the supposed derelict, a sudden databurst was transmitted to my vessel. It broke through my heavy encryption and firewalls as if they did not exist. This remarkable event was followed immediately by something equally astonishing: the dead ship exploded.
In hindsight, it really was a clever plan. The explosion knocked out the Greycliffe's engines and we were kept quite busy for several hours as we fought to keep hull integrity while simultaneously repairing the damage so that we might flee any hostile parties. By the time we regained control of the ship, the Artificial Intelligence that had ridden the databurst to my ship was well-entrenched within the Greycliffe Archives.
Those Archives are of vital importance to me. They contain the entire history of the Greycliffe as well as the personal logs and files of myself, and all her previous captains.
Now, fortunately, the Artifical Intelligence has proven itself to be quite benign, it does not wish any harm to my person or my ship and is simply using its access to my files as leverage to keep me from deleting it. Though it can be difficult to understand, it would appear that it simply wants to survive and continue what it is programmed to do; that is, to study the Human race.
To do that, it needs a ship.
Therefore, seeing as how nearly all other vessels have unavoidable connotations associated with them, I would like to request the right to fund the construction of one Conference-class gunship. The AI requires no weapons nor special equipment, not even Zoner identification papers, merely a vessel that can travel nearly all the length and breadth of Sirius without consequence. I realize it is a leery thing to trust such a being, but I, personally, believe what it says.
I will, of course, understand if you do not wish to allow a vessel of your design into the hands, such as they are, of this Artificial Intelligence, and I will, of course, respect your decision and seek other options, should that be the case. Nevertheless, you would have my undying appreciation if you were to allow such a thing.
If, perchance, you wish to discuss the matter in a more personal setting, I am capable of moving the Greycliffe to almost anywhere in Sirius with ease.
Otherwise, I thank you for your time and eagerly await your response.
::::: transmission opened :::::
From: Omicroners, (]o[)
To: Walter Stryker
Dear Mr. Stryker,
thank you very much for being interested in our technologies. We are currently discussing your request in the Quorum. Hold on please. You will be notified as soon as the Omicroners have made a decision on your request.
Best regards,
The Omicroners
::::: transmission closed :::::
I apologize if I am being impatient, but it has been some time since I contacted you, and I would appreciate a solid answer, whether positive or negative. I understand that the Zoners have more important issues to deal with than my request, but, if at all possible, I would be grateful for some closure.
there is no need to apologize. I just assume you haven't dealt with us before, we're not stalling your request. The process just takes its time, we're spread all over the Omicrons. Once we assemble in our quorum, we're processing your request. I can assure you that it is on our agenda and i beg for a little more patience. Have a nice day, Mr. Stryker.
Greetings
it seems there was some confusion between Omicroners in charge of your request.
I am now handling it personally. You will have an answer withing the next 3 days.
I have also a few questions:
- why are you posting the request instead of the AI? is this AI not autonomous?
- what guarantee can you provide this AI will use our technology in a pacific way? Actually, it attacked you when you tried to tow its last vessel and also collect data from your nav-computer.
I must apologize, I had completely forgotten about this request. I am pleased to report, however, that I have discovered another solution and no longer require your vessel.
Thank you very much for your time and assistance in this matter.