My name is Dr. Charles Sepulveda. I am a professor of advanced robotics on Cambridge University.
I have streaks of white in my hair and my eyesight isn't what it used to be. I once had a wife, a dog,
a miserably paid job...until today. On my way to campus, I was jumped by two men. Before I had
any chance to react, one of them pressed a stunstick against my chest and everything went pitch-black.
I woke up some time later, with my hands tied behind my back and a bag pulled over my head.
I tried to scream, but a rag stuffed in my mouth silenced me. The next thing I noticed was a weird
feeling in my gut. Apparently, I was in zero-G. A subtle hum of engines was the only sound I could hear.
Confused, I tried to remain as calm as possible and come up with reasons why I'm here and not on
a lecture. Was it because of those debts I made? Or was this some kind of wicked punishment from my
recent ex-wife? Suddenly, my reflecting on the situation was interrupted by a crackle and a voice,
presumably coming from the intercom. They had to hear me thrashing around. „Doctor, please stay calm. We mean you no harm.“
Riiight. That's why I'm tied up like a christmas present. „The journey will be over soon. You'll get answers when the time is right.“
After what seemed like an eternity, I felt the ship slowing
down, and I regained my weight. A sound of doors opening, a breath of fresh air and then a pair of strong
hands grabbed me and dragged me towards unknown. After several turns and a steep staircase, we stppoed.
They removed the bag and the cuffs and tossed me ahead. I heard a slam behind me. When my eyes
adapted to the light, I started to recognize my surroundings. A simple bed, a toilet, a desk at the wall, no
windows... Most likely a prison cell. I pulled the rag out of my mouth, sat on the bed, propped my head
against the wall and took a few deep breaths. After calming myself down, I noticed the light of a datapad on
the desk. I grabbed it and hastily began to read. „Esteemed doctor Sepulveda. We're terribly sorry for the
rough treatment, but you'll understand we had little choice. Be aware that there is no threat to your health or
safety. Tomorrow, we'll meet up in person and discuss the matters at hand. For now, try to get some rest.“
A small pictogram of an eye was at the end of the message. I'll assume a defensive position in the corner
of my bed for the rest of the night. God save me if I fall asleep.
I woke up to someone prodding my shoulder. A man in a black uniform, with a helmet visor covering most of
his face, was standing above me. „Wake up doc, it's time to see the boss.“ „No blindfolds or gags this time?“ I asked with a hint of sarcasm. „Very funny. Remember you're among friends here. Now get up!“
A gun peeking out of his holster kept my lust for freedom in check. As we walked, I tried to keep track
of my surroundings. All I could notice were hallways of steel lined with doors, with an occasional window.
When I looked out, an asteroid field filled my vision. We've ran into people in uniforms similar to that worn
by my companion, but also ones in grey overalls and labcoats. Suddenly, we stopped in front of an elevator. “After you, doc.”
My companion pressed a button, and we began to ascend. Tense silence filled the cabin. The elevator
stopped smoothly on what seemed to be the top floor. The doors swung open, revealing a long corridor
with several doors. When we stood before the ones at far left, my companion told me to go inside.
I entered the room. It was in stark contrast with the cold, metallic interior of the station. The room
seemed to be a spacious office, with many shelves around, filled with books, military commendations and
spacecraft models. Curtains covered the furthest wall. In the middle of the room, a figure sat behind a
massive wooden desk. The man looked up from the paperwork and said: „Ah, doctor Sepulveda! Please, take a seat.“
I nervously approached the desk, and sat in a comfy chair. A young, long-haired man with bright eyes
was sitting in front of me, reaching above the desk to shake my hand. „Rear Admiral Robert D'Souza. Glad to meet you”
He certainly wasn't fitting the admiral stereotype. “Welcome to the Order station Lisbon. May I offer you a drink?“
He passed me a glass of ivory liquid with pleasant scent and fiery taste. I noticed there was something
unusual about his left arm. „ I'm sure you're wondering why are you here and why you, of all the people“.
He was right. Why does a terrorist organisation require a professor? I nodded. „Well, your extraordinary knowledge in robotics is the main reason. We might have work for you, if you're interested.“ “Sorry to disappoint you, but I already have a job. And I have no intentions to work wit h a terrorist organisation.” “My dear doctor. I can assure you that we're no terrorists. Our goal is the protection of humanity.” „The news say something different. “ “I'm not here to justify our actions to you. I'm here to offer you a chance to work on a project that could aid humanity as whole. “ “ But what about my life, my privacy?” “Doctor, you know the truth on the inside. Your wife has left you. You have no family. Your students despise you. Your prime is long gone. Would you really pass up on an opportunity to achieve something extraordinary?”
I was mad. At him, for knowing all that. At my wife, for leaving me. At myself, for it was all true. But I knew
he was right. I was sick of my old life. I agreed. „Well then, let's show you the reason you're here.“
He pressed a button on the table, and the curtains behind his desk began to slide aside. Instead of a wall,
they revealed a huge window. My heart skipped a beat. Outside, a dark, massive shape loomed over the
space station. “Impressive, isn't it? “
I looked in awe at the enormous construct, surrounded by scaffoldings and buzzing small craft. Men in
vacsuits were walking over its surface, an occasional welding light.
This thing was unlike any spacecraft I ever seen. I wasn't even sure it's a spacecraft at all. Sleek shape, no
visible cockpit, even the outer hull seemed like it didn't reflect any light. I also noticed many holes denting
the hull. In contrast to the activity around it, the ship looked...dead, if something anorganic can look dead. “ And your job, doc, is to help getting this thing running.” “But I'm no engineer!” “Trust me, a robotics expert will be much needed in the days to follow.”
I didn't quite understood it back then. “Well then, let the corporal Duke be your guide around the station”
. He murmured a few words into the comms, and my previous companion entered, now without helmet.
“Duke, you're assigned to protect professor during his stay on Lisbon. I expect perfect performance.”
He saluted, and then turned to me. “Corporal Raoul Duke, nice to meet you.”
The admiral dismissed us both, and we went back to the elevator. “I'll take you to the lab, to meet the rest of the team. It is led by doctor Orlova. Watch out when it comes to her, she is quite volatile”
As we were descending, I noticed his blonde hair and brown eyes. “Your new quarters are right next to the lab, and the canteen is on the same level.”
Huh, what a nice way to box me in. We have arrived at the secure gate. Duke swiped a keycard in the
slot next to the door and handed me a similar one, only with my photo. It said clearance level 2. “You'll need this to open most doors on this floor, so you better not lose it.”
The doors swung open to reveal a lab of such sophistication, I've never seen anything like it even on
Cambridge research station. The tech they used here was miles ahead from what I thought was
cutting-edge. A crowd of people in labcoats populated this enormous hall, either conducting experiments
or just routine lab work. Duke led me through aisles of desks to the center of the room, where a small
glass structure stood. Inside it, a woman with long, dark hair and glasses sat behind a desk, talking to
some nervous looking guy. “Well, Jenkins, that report on power management was due yesterday. I sincerely hope you only forgot to bring it to me.” “Y-Yes madam, I'll bring it right now...” “You better hurry, or suffer the consequences.”
He rushed past me, mumbling something about slavery. As I entered the glass room, the woman gave me
a thorough look. “So you're ze new addition to ze team!”
She had a strong accent I couldn't recognize. “Not what I expected, but we'll have to manage. My name is Katya Orlova. From now on, you're under my authority. I expect you to show extraordinary commitment.”
I tried to introduce myself, but I was harshly interrupted. “No time for small talk. I already know everything I need about you. Get to your quarters, you'll find all the required info on the computer there.”
I stood there frozen for a moment. She had something about her that intrigued me verily. “You're still here?”
she spoke in cold voice, glaring at me over her glasses. I turned around and met Duke outside, who gave
me a “told you ” look. He followed me to my room, and gave me a little transmitter. If I ever needed his help,
I just had to push a button and he will be alerted. I'm pretty sure it also tracks my location. My room was
a nice, spacious one, with a comfy bed, bathroom, desk with a computer and a wardrobe full of clean clothes,
although all the same. A big step-up from the cold, dreary cell I was thrown in. I'll check the computer and
go get some food.
Personal neural net log entry #003
The canteen is what I expected it to be, although I've eaten worse stuff in my life. I met with other scientists
and some station personell during lunch, and they seem to be alright, although they keep to themselves most
of the time. The info I found on the computer was intriguing. The Order apparently found this derelict vessel
floating during a remote patrol around the nebula in Omicron Minor. At first, they didn't even detect it.
Then, one pilot noticed a strange shape among the asteroids. The vessel was completely inactive, with no
signs of life or electric activity. After towing it to 100, they tried to make out what this craft was. It didn't
fit any signature of known vessels, nor did it have any life support, or any kind of crew. All they could see
after removing some outer hull panels were wires. Thus, they developed a theory that this was a purely
robotic vessel, controlled either remotely or fitted with some kind of AI. The systems of the ship bore
resemblance to some older human technology, but with tweaks never seen before. Engines, shields,
powercore, they were all disabled. What seemed to be the control center of the ship suffered the most
damage, as if someone was deliberately trying to destroy it. After seeing all this, I realized I'll spend
some time here. I better get used to my room quickly.
Personal neural net log entry #007
Restoring the destroyed powercore seem to be our top priority. The original was recharged by solar collectors
built in the outer hull. These remain largely intact, and I believe we can make them work with some standard
cruiser powercore. Their energy conversion ratio almost equals to 1:1. When I suggested using a cruiser
powercore, I expected the usual uncooperative behaviour I was used to at the University. A big mistake.
We had the powercore at the ready the next day. These Order fellows seem to have everything I ask for.
Wonder where did they get a free cruiser powercore... Anyway, the atmosphere in the lab is very friendly,
unless doctor Orlova is around. That woman could freeze a medium white with her eyes.
Personal neural net log entry #010
Success! We were able to synch the new powercore with the ship. Now, we have to solve the problem
of controlling the ship. Doctor Orlova says she has a plan, but she won't tell anyone about it. All attempts
at getting to know each other were unsuccessful. In the lab, she comes in first in the morning, and stays
until everyone else is gone. They even bring her meals directly to her glass office. Now that I'm thinking
about it, I have never seen her outside the lab. Does she sleep there?
Does she sleep at all?
Personal neural net log entry #022
I'm really concerned about the poor doctor. Every day, she seems to be more exhausted, her glasses tilted,
her hair unkempt, her eyes red and clouded as in fever. These are the first signs of humanity I ever noticed
about her. She still won't tell us about what she's working on. Anyways, we've been working on fixing the
engine with little results. Although we are trying to alter the ship as little as we can, we might be forced to
replace the engines completely. The original ones had to have a really low fuel consumption, considering
the small fuel tanks. If we want to mount new engines, we'll have to mount additional fuel storages in the
cargo hold.
Personal neural net log entry #025
Yesterday, something unusual happened. I forgot my notes in the lab, so I intended on going back and getting them.
When I entered the lab, it was mostly dark, except a weak light emanating from the middle of the room.
Curiosity led me as I approached the dreaded “Queen's Nest”. What I saw surprised the hell out of me.
The almighty, omnipresent queen of the lab was sleeping behind a desk, face down, drooling over a pile of unfinished
paperwork. It was almost hilarious. A sudden outburst of genuine Bretonian chivalry took hold of me, so I decided
to take her to my quarters. I rested her carefully on my bed, and I've made a custom bedding on the floor next to the bed.
When I woke up today, she was still asleep. There's no better medicine than a decent sleep, so I didn't wake her up.
The lab can survive a day without its head. The lab crew was wondering where she is, and I told them she mentioned
something about feeling bad and taking a day off. They looked amazed, as if it was the first time she was ever
missing the opportunity to whip her underlings. I first saw her dinning with the rest of us for the first time.
People gave her surprised looks, but when they flet her glare, they quickly looked away. As I was admiring the shape
of her nose, she looked me right into the eyes for a moment and blushed slightly, then quickly turned her eyes away.
Nobody else knew what happened, so I guessed no harm was done.
Personal neural net log entry #026
We've decided to replace the engines completely. Again, we were given a brand new cruiser engine.
The original wirings in the ship are made of superconducting cores surrounded by iridium isolation.
We have to manufacture new ones, since there's a lot of damage. I'm getting used to the comfort
of having seemingly unlimited resources at my disposal. The engine integration was flawless. Now,
the team is split into two groups, one of them focuses on the shields, the other one is modifying
the hardpoints to fit commonly used weapons. Later that day, I was approached by Katya. She told
me that we had an important matter do discuss. I was to meet up with her in the lab later, when it's
empty. She even gave me something resembling a smile the very first display of emotion I've
ever seen on her face. I really don't know what to expect, and I'm kinda afraid of today's evening.
But I won't refuse.
Well, last night wasn't exactly what I expected. When I entered the lab, it looked exactly like that time
I found Katya asleep. I slowly entered the glass box. She was inside, sitting in her chair, perfectly awake
this time. “You're here. Good. Now take a seat.”
I made myself comfortable. “I called you here because...”
She made a dramatic pause and took her glasses off... ”Charles, I need your help.”
That was unexpected. A voice in the back of my head was telling me I won't score tonight. “With what?” “You see, when it comes to the ship, the control center remains our main concern. We can
have all the onboard systems working, but unless we can control them, we won't be able to make it fly again.
Unfortunately, with our current technology, we can't devise an effective method of remote control.
So I tried to find a new solution...”
I was starting to see her point. “You mean fitting it out with an AI?” “Exactly.” “Are you serious? Would you leave the control of a warship in the hands of an artificial intelligence?”
I was astonished. “Is this what you've been working on all those nights? Can you imagine what would happen if it went rogue?” “And what other choice do we have? If you can come up with any better ideas, I'll fully support you.”
Dark thoughts were clouding my mind. A potent destructive force unleashed upon mankind, controlled by a
mad AI bent on destruction of all that is good... I must've seen too many sci-fi movies. It seemed she was
right. Actually, while she was reasoning with me, I was already thinking about ways to integrate the AI core
and about appropriate safety measures. I agreed to cooperate on the AI project.
Personal neural net log entry #030
It's been thirty days already. I've been here, on this station, for an entire month. The entire team is giving their
best to successfully take this project to the end. The original shield systems are being enhanced with custom-
made parts to equalize the distribution of energy, and are estimated to be completed in less than a week. The
other team just finished their work on the fourth hardpoint.
The progress on the ship is beyond our expectations. But that doesn't include our AI. With a ship as robust as our
vessel, the AI would have to cover all the responsibilities of many crew members. Therefore, we need adequate
computing power. We've been trying to develop a computer powerful enough to support our AI that wouldn't put
too much strain on the powercore, whilst still being compact enough to fit in place of the old control core. If we
don't solve this problem, I fear our ship will never leave the dock. Apart from that, I've been spending a lot
more time with Katya. She isn't so heartless when there's no one around to command. She might be slowly
opening to me.
Personal neural net log entry #034
After several dreamless nights, an idea popped up in my mind. While I was staring at universe in frustration
after yet another failed attempt at miniaturizing the processors for our AI, I was thinking about the world I
left behind. Back on the university, everyone worked on their own private projects, either aiming for
recognition or personal gain, or just as a way to spend time. At the end of each year, we had an exhibition,
where people presented their works, hoping someone might take interest in them. The expo was frequented
by military and corporate contractors, looking for new, effective solutions. I recall the computers division
was working on a supercomputer of minimalistic proportions. The BAF took great interest in their project
and granted them nearly unlimited funds, while making it as secret as possible. Word around the university
was, they already developed a working prototype. If we could get our hands on it, I'm sure it would suit our
needs perfectly.
I shared my idea with Katya. She shared my view, and she'll forward our plan to the rear admiral. I hope these
guys are as good as the rumors say. So far, they're surpassing all my expectations. She also introduced me to
another co-worker. As I looked around her office, I noticed a small girl sitting in her chair, revolving around
and laughing. “ I did not know you had a daughter.” “She isn't my daughter, silly! She's our latest addition to the team.”
I stood in disbelief, watching as the girl was flung from the chair and onto the ground. “Charles, meet Rika, the brightest mind the Order has to offer.”
The girl stood up, dizzied from all that revolving, and hugged my legs. “Wow, you have a huge beard! May I play with it?”
I ran my fingers over my face. I didn't shave for more than a month. I have to ask Duke for some razors.
Katya smiled as Rika pulled at my beard, much to my discomfort.
Personal neural net log entry #035
Well, when I woke up today, the prototype supercomputer was already in the lab, ready to be worked on.
Rika was running around it, admiring it from every side. The efficiency of the Order is creeping me out a bit.
I really wouldn't want to be on their bad side. Anyways, Katya is finishing up the AI and I'll work on
optimizing the computer for use with the artificial intelligence and I'll try to devise a way of connecting it to
the rest of the ship. Our relationship with Katya seems to be developing. I convinced her to always eat at
the canteen, and the time we spent together made it possible for me to find something out about her past.
She seems to be of Coalition descent, but she won't tell me anything closer about it.
Personal neural net log entry #038
The AI is done. It is a magnificent piece of work. Rika insisted we called it SHODAN. I asked her about the
name. She told me it's an acronym for sentient hyper-optimized data access network. I don't think it's very
appropriate, but a mother has the right to name her child. Today, we ran several tests. I was surprised when
SHODAN spoke with a female voice. I wanted to know the reason, but Katya only gave me a contemptuous
look. My bad for thinking SHODAN was a male name, I guess. Anyways, the security measures and
performance are flawless. Although I had my doubts about Rika, they're all gone now. I've never seen
anyone so intelligent, and yet so innocent. I can't wait for the first field tests.
Personal neural net log entry #041
Today, we've mounted the AI core into the ship. The integration went without any unexpected events.
SHODAN went on a test flight around the station. The propulsion and shielding need some fine-tuning,
but I can finally say we've made it. Should any rogue behaviour appear, failsafes would strip her of any
control over the ship and lock it down. She seems to be content with her role as a part of The Order and
she doesn't show any signs of erratic behaviour. We watched from the observation deck, hand-in-hand,
the life we created, the thinking, feeling mass of electronics. A feeling of great responsibility, but also of
great pride filled me.
SHODAN, my child. Our child. Katya squeezed my hand, as she looked into my eyes.
She leaned towards me. A solitary tear was running down her face.
I watched as it ran down the side of her nose, around her opened lips, down the chin, and finally, dropping on the floor.
She kissed me,
and I kissed her back.
The High Command was shown a presentation of the new vessel's capabilities, and they seem to be
completely satisfied. They decided to name the vessel Haywire. SHODAN was a bit offended.
I guess machines will never understand humour. Haywire should enter active duty any day now.
Today, a recon cruiser commander Jeremy Hunter showed up, turning out to be Rika's Big Brother. "Jeremy hunter, glad to meet you." "Charles Sepulveda, likewise." "I come to relieve you of my sister." "BIG BRO!"
We heard a shout from across the room, then the sound of shoes clapping on the metal floor rapidly towards us.
He gave her a big hug. You didn't cause any trouble, did you? No, Big Bro. Have you seen SHODAN? She's my best work yet! I see you enjoyed yourself, but now it's time to go home. Allright, Big Bro. Bye Katie, Bye Charlie!
Rika jumped on me and gave me a hug, almost making me lose my balance.
I blushed slightly, but Katya just smiled.
Now that we're done, the time has come for me to return home. Home... But am I still at home in Bretonia? They say home is where your heart is. And my heart is now beating in that glass chamber in the middle of the most high-tech lab, in synch with the heart of that russian girl who didn't want to hear my name.
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