Decisionmaking

Posted on 28 Apr 2020 @ 7:45pm by Ensign Kat Walker & Captain Mallory Thorne

1,297 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Changing Faces
Location: Cargo Bay Two, Deck 27

The cargobay was still occupied by the stricken, heavily damaged and time worn wreck of the Drul Anu walker, lying there, unmoving, fueled by an external power source. The AI avatar stood by, quietly observing the wreck, slowly taking in the damage, looking contemplative.

This was the scene that Captain Mallory Thorne walked in upon, and from a distance, she found it...rather melancholy, but she hoped that her visit would help. "Ms. Walker," the captain announced as she approached, wondering if an AI could be so focused as to be startled. Hopefully not.

In truth, Kat was always scanning her surroundings and was always aware of what occurred, at least within her sensor suite's envelope. The fact that she didn't immediately turn to Mallory when the latter entered but only did so when addressed, was out of choice, a choice borne out of politeness and an emulation of the biological.

"Captain," she returned with a polite smile, though perhaps a slightly softer one than normal. It seemed that there was a lot on the AI construct's mind.

"As a guest of my ship, I decided to come down here and see how you were doing," Mal said as she came up before the holographic woman. There was more to it, but that was the overall idea. "I can't thank you enough for your help in solving the murder aboard the ship. Your information ended up being crucial."

At that, the AI's smile widened a bit. "I'm glad, Captain," she answered. "Though for the question of how I am doing, I do not think I have an answer."

Mal tilted her head slightly. "Ambiguous answers to that question always causes me concern. I'm no counselor, but if there's something going on, you're welcome to tell me about it."

"I am uncertain about my fate," Kat answered easily. The holographic avatar stepped aside, motioning to the external power supply maintaining her AI core. "A very kind member of your crew has seen to my immediate needs for stable power to maintain my present level of function, but - " she trailed off, as if to consider her words. Very telling for an AI with her level of computing power.

"- I am not of your people," Kat continued, "and I do not believe that a unit like my walker would fit within your doctrine of war. You have no reason to trust me or keep me around, other than the kindness of your heart, as by Federation definition, I am not a life form. And I have no home to return to - I have learned that the people who made me are dead, and I might be the only one of my kind that still functions, for whatever my current state can be described as 'functioning'."

The avatar took a step closer to Mallory, standing up straight, with a serious expression. "Captain Mallory Thorne of the Federation Starship USS Odin. I, Kat Walker, Drul Anu designed and manufactured Evo 3 type crystalline AI, hereby formally request asylum."

Well. That's unexpected, Mal thought. She head the AI's gaze for a moment. "Who are seeking asylum from?" she asked. "Or simply that you do not wish to be cast out?" She wanted to understand what was being asked.

"From any who would take advantage of me, who would salvage me for my components or use me to do harm." Kat readily replied. "I do not believe such to be in your nature or that of the Federation," beat. "I seek safety. I seek to live, in as much as I am capable of it."

"And you shall have it," Mal said with a faint smile. "I came down here to not just see how you were doing but talk to you about the future. You have thus far shown you mean my ship and my crew no harm. True trust takes a time to build, but you're well on your way. So I wanted to know if you wanted to stay, which I know now that you do, but also to see where you think you might fit. We are low on crew and need everyone to do some job."

"My design purpose is to control small to medium sized craft. I am good at calculations, number manipulations, pattern recognition, detail analysis." Kat explained. "I am limited in mobility to this ship and cannot venture beyond it or outside the range of my AI core. I cannot manipulate physical objects with my current remote projector," she hesitated a moment before continuing. "My primary motivations are to be friendly, to be helpful and to be curious."

Mal nodded thoughtfully, thinking through options. "What would allow you to manipulate physical objects?"

"A micro force field projector built in to my remote holographic projector," Kat explained. "I believe you possess this technology, in your holodecks. A redesigned remote holographic projector with this technology would allow me to manipulate physical objects, like the programs on the holodeck."

"Perhaps that is something we can work on for you then and give you more options on the ship," Mal offered. "I know that one of my officers was considering rebuilding your machinery, but I wasn't sure if that would work with the ship, I'm sorry to say. I would like you to be freer about the ship. I'll also make sure you have access to read our database, if you wish to."

"I would like that very much, Captain," Kat smiled. "Curiosity is one of my driving motivations, and the thought of gaining access to your entire database is intoxicating," the hologram explained. "That officer you mentioned, was it Lieutenant Madalene Sabine? She built me the power supply I am running my AI core of. I consider her a friend and am very thankful to her."

Mallory smiled. "Yes, it was," she said. "I'm glad she was able to find some middle ground." She thought for a few moments. "Perhaps after you've had a chance to learn more from our library then maybe you'll have an idea as to what sort of thing you'd like to do while aboard the Odin."

"It does not matter to me what I do, Captain. As long as I am useful," Kat answered, considering for a moment. "I do not know if I can have a preference, to begin with. The concept of 'liking' something is alien to me."

"I suppose that makes it a new world for all of us," Mal said kindly. "For now, get caught up on your reading. You'll need to be as familiar as you can be with this ship, where we're from, and what we know about where we are."

"I will, Captain. Thank you," Kat smiled. "Though I do have a question, now that you are here."

Mal waved for her to continue. "Of course," she said curiously. "What would you like to ask?"

"As I understand, this ship has shuttles, fighters and small embarked starships - I believe you call them 'runabouts'?" the hologram asked. "But I do not have clearance to visit the bays where they are kept. Would it be possible for me to see them?"

"I don't see why not," Mal replied after a moment of thought. "Naturally you won't be able to interact with them, since your level of clearance won't be that high--since you're not a fully member of the crew of appropriate rank--but you can see them and take in the basics."

"Thank you, Captain," Kat gave a nod. "Was there anything else I could do for you?"

Mallory shook her head. "No, that was it," she said. "Let me know when you feel caught up on things from the library and we'll talk again."

"Alright Captain. Until next time," The AI said.

=/\= end post =/\=

 

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