Open Mouth, Insert Foot

Posted on 18 Mar 2020 @ 6:14pm by Captain Mallory Thorne & Lieutenant Madalene Sabine

858 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Changing Faces
Location: Ready Room

=/= Begin Log =/=

It didn't take long to get the request written up with the amount of hours for manpower and the use of the industrial replicator. Upside was that with the ability to recycle the damaged body they had more than enough materials to rebuild. It was the manpower and then the unknown was would this AI turn on the crew. Taking a deep breath in Madalene hit the familiar chime again hoping that this idea well be granted.

"Enter," called the voice from within. Malloy was behind her desk with a half-empty cup of coffee on her desk, sorting through a variety of PADDs that were arrayed before her.

"Captain," Madalene said placing a PaDD down on her desk, "...I would like the AI down in the cargo bay to be my project. I would like to rebuild the AIs body."

Good morning, sir. How are you, sir? I have an idea, sir... The somewhat sarcastic thoughts raced through Mallory's mind in an instant, but they left again just as quick. When all was said and done, Mal could appreciate straightforwardness. "So, you've met one of our new guests, I take it," she said casually.

“I have,” Madalene said simply, “...apologies should’ve started with a morning or how are you.” Madalene said, “...as you can see I am bit excited for this potential project.”

"Have a seat, Lieutenant," Mal said with a faint smile, waving at the chair in front of her. "Tell me more about what you're thinking."

“For right now to get the body rebuilt. We can recycle and reuse the damage parts for material.” Madalene said tapping a few buttons on the PaDD she put in front of the captain which showed her plan. “With a body it might be easier for us to help the AI figure out what happened and figure out if we can’t see if it is a threat or not.”

"Why can't we figure those things out without repairing it?" Mal asked curiously. "From the look of the craft, what use would she have for it that she doesn't have now?"

Madalene was taken aback, "my plan wasn't to rebuild the exact craft but something new something that'll fit for her new environment." Madalene said, "...she could be an asset and I think we need to get as many as assets as possible."

Mal nodded. "I agree that we do, although we must be cautious as well," she said. "What did you have in mind for this new craft for her?"

"To be honest just a simple body. Humanoid. This way we can be cautious. She can be mobile and she isn't a big potential threat if she we gave her old vehicle." Madalene said tapping another button and pulling up the basic specs.

"It sounds like with the equipment she has, she could go anywhere on the ship," the captain said thoughtfully. "What would be the purpose of the construction?"

"This where we might have an advantage," Madalene said tapping the PaDD again, "...so yes she has the equipment we might be able to place some new pieces of equipment to restrict access so she is easier to control and if need be a kill switch." Madalene added. "I know she isn't sentient but I think all of this needs to be ran by her and if she agrees we go forwarded if not we work with her to see what we can do to make this work."

Mallory frowned slightly now. "The question of the sentience of an artificial being is a very, very gray area," she pointed out. "Just among the Federation. This is an AI of another people entirely. I'm not sure we can jump to a conclusion on that one. We don't prepare to shoot anyone else on the ship, but some level of capacity to contain--such as physical beings can be put in the brig--would be a benefit."

"...may I remind you that we are no longer somewhere where the Federation exists ma'am." Madalene said as a gentle reminder. "I can ask questions and maybe have lieutenant Rahl join me on that and see if there is an sentience and if there is I think we need to have a discussion on exactly what is gonna happen."

"You don't need to remind me of anything, Lieutenant," Mal said coldly. "I recall precisely where we are and what has happened. However, we are still a Federation ship and until I decide otherwise, we will operate like Federation citizens." She waved at her desk. "Leave your proposal. I will read it and let you know if I have further questions."

Madalene didn't know how to react. Yes what she said and probably how she said it wasn't right. And why she though just cause there was no Federation meant they should act differently should be a thing. "Apologies ma'am. I'll be at my duty station if you have any questions." And with that Madalene stood and headed for the door.

The captain didn't stop her.

=/\= End Log =/\=

Captain Mallory Thorne & Lieutenant Madalene Sabine

 

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