"Excellent, all systems appear to be functional. We did it!"Chief engineer Swendsen said in an elated tone.
"Prepare to run initial logic tests."
"Yes sir, running them now."Howard Palawu muttered under his breath.
The team of men had been working for six months and non-stop for two days, working on the completion of an Advanced AI system to be installed in an Osiris class battleship, refitted for full autonomy.
The ship had been gutted, with all unnecessary equipment for life support having been removed, to make way for thicker armour and a state of the art AI core.
The AI consists of one main core, the Artificial Reconnaisance Core, or ARC. And Artificial Tactical Analysis Core, or ATAC
The main core is kept separate from the tactical core as the vessel is not designed for combat-orientated missions.
The Imperator is designed to operate far from friendly bases in any system that it may be needed for extended periods of time.
Engagements are a last resort.
Should the need arise for one core to take control.
The system is required to reboot, leaving one core in control at any time, if an engagement on the part of the ship is required.
However, should the need arise for an immediate defensive action, the ATAC may be instantly activated by an overide from a system which is not self aware. The system evaluates a threat and if needed may engage the Tactical Core instantly without a reboot.
Rebooting is required after the engagement.
[color=#999999]The vessel's main purpose is to operate as a non-agressive stealth platform.
Acting as a strike vessel is secondary to the surveilance priorities.
As there will be no human command onboard the vessel, the space usually reserved for crew quarters and life support systems was converted to extra fuel reserves and advanced surveilance systems.
The vessel is able to operate virtually undetected, as all non-essential systems can be shut down, making the ship's energy the equivalent of a light fighter's.
The ATAC core is not capable of intellect. The core is focused on one thing, and one thing only.
The elimination of all hostiles which have been deemed a threat.
"All tests came back, green light on all systems."Palawu reported."How should would you like it to proceed, sir?"
"Lets get it locked in, prep a shuttle immediately. We'll launch it today."Swendsen said.
"So soon, sir?"Palawu said startled.
"Yes, command wants to see it operational. I don't intend to have the project scrapped after all this work because we're taking too long!"Swendsen snapped."We're already a week overdue!"
Palawu went to make the final preparations, and simply nodded his head.
And with that single transmission from Dr.Swendsen's terminal.
The Osiris for the first time, released it's docking clamps from Evora shipyard, and began to ease forward.
Free from the safety of the hidden shipyards in which it was constructed.
Ready for any assignment that that it would be tasked with, and to do so without question.
ARC to command. What are my orders?
The very first transmission from the AI ship.
"ARC, this is command. Your orders are to perform the test flight pattern which we have pre programmed into your memory banks. Report back once complete."
Understood.
The Osiris then moved away from Evora to the designated testing space.
The tests included emergency protocol testing, manuevers and weapons testing.
Which the ATAC excelled at.
With advanced combat algorithms and programming, there are not many which will match it's ability and machine efficiency.
With a shake of the hand and smiles on both faces, the two men responsible for this achievement congratulated each other.
"To think that we may not ever see our finest work ever again. Who knows where High Command will want it."Swendsen sighed.
"So true...so true..."Palawu said quietly as he watched his greatest achievement vanish into the vastness of space.
"ARC, you have new orders."The voice of Admiral D'Souza said on the other end of the comms. "Your testing phase is over, it is now time for a real assignment. You are ordered to proceed to Sigma-17, to investigate the war between the Gas miners guild and the Kusarian State."
"That is all, and good luck."
"Understood, I will be there shortly, sir" ARC's emulated voice replied over the comms. "The notion of 'luck' will have nothing to do with it."
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