Chapter Text
„…we’ve already double checked every system, subsystem, and software configurations. All you need to do is assist the AI in its decision and intervene if necessary. It should automatically recognize you as its Captain once you enter the bridge for the very first time. Besides that, we are but a moment from initiating the first test jump. So please be ready until then.”Uckmanckuttall (a Paranid Researcher) explains through the turbolifts intercom while I wait for the thing to carry me up towards the ship, I am tasked to command alongside this elusive new AI they’ve built.
“Should be easy enough. I still don’t know why you need a test pilot like me if this brand-new AI of yours is fully autonomous. It can probably just do the test jump without me, from what I know.” I argue, right before the doors in front of me slide open, revealing the clean and minimalistic interior look of a typical Terran vessel. White metallic walls, black carbon fiber floors, and synthetic wood paneling just to spice it up a little. In other words, the same shit I always used to see when I was still working as a technical engineer at a trade station near Jupiter. Up until I signed up for this gig to be a quote unquote “Test Pilot”.
Emphasis on the “Pilot” part because I am not really a Pilot. But the application made it clear that they were not necessarily looking for a pilot, but rather someone trained in technical skills. Which back then was perfect for me because I do have a degree in technical and computer engineering.
Though in hindsight, I should have probably made an effort to read the fine print.
Eh whatever. I always wanted to get the chance to command my own vessel, and this offer was the easiest way to achieve it. I should have paid attention to the fact that, besides testing their new experimental jump drive, they also wanted to test out their brand-new AI model alongside it.
But whatever, I am here now and no point in complaining. I just hope the AI doesn’t immediately jet me out into space if I look the other way. An AI developed by one of the commonwealth factions just feels sketchy as all hell. But what do I know? I’m just a run-of-the-mill technician from Sol who got lucky (I suppose). So, I shouldn’t be complaining.
Though I still should have made the effort to read the application carefully. I just read the chance to command a “one of a kind vessel equipped with an experimental jump drive” and just went from there. Man, that was stupid of me. I think to myself as I make my way through the wide, winding corridors of this old decommissioned Syn class Destroyer.
Yeah, one of a kind my ass.
The fact that the Terran Protectorate was somehow even convinced to hand over one of their ships for such a test had to be a small miracle in itself. My government made it very clear from the start that they wanted no part of this collaborative project between the “Alliance of the Word” and the other scientific organisations within the Commonwealth Systems, since it involves something, my kind vehemently opposes, thanks to what happened to us nearly eight centuries ago.
But I am getting ahead of myself, I find it rather funny how on one hand, the Protectorate says they want nothing to do with this, but on the other they allow one of their citizens -like me- to partake in such a test just so they can claim a Terran has successfully performed the first (or rather second) test jump in history for prestige points.
I may have been blasted with Protectorate propaganda for most of my life. But I never really cared about politics, so it never really worked for me.
You know what, never mind, as Uckmanckuttall finally decides to respond to my query.
“Sorry for the long pause, I had a small discussion with one of my colleagues.” He apologizes. “But to answer your question. Your participation simply acts as a fail-safe in case something goes wrong. We’ve given you administrative rights to all of the ship's systems, and the ability to overrule the AI’s decisions if need be. That is why we specifically asked for a candidate equipped with both technical and computer-based skills to lead this test instead of a seasoned pilot or Captain.” He methodically explains, this time through my earpiece instead of through the intercom.
Why didn’t he do that before though? He seemed quite cordial in our first meeting, well-organized and well-spoken, like most Paranids actually. But also, a tad bit eccentric. But that is also true for most researchers, as they tend to ignore certain social cues for the sake of SCIENCE.
And his being a Paranid doesn’t make him immune to such quirks. In fact, it might even be worse given their species' religious fervour.
He didn’t even ask me to join his weird cult. I think to myself. Reflecting back on the first meeting I had with him.
Bah! Whatever. Minor cultural differences aside, I still have one more question to ask him.
“One more thing. Why a Capital ship? Wouldn’t a smaller-sized vessel suffice? Like maybe a Corvette or a Frigate?” I ask.
“Perhaps, but we chose a large vessel precisely to test the AI’s capabilities to handle a greater number of systems and subsystems on board.” He states. “But we also decided to go with a larger vessel because anything smaller would have caused us problems when trying to figure out how to fit in a smaller frame. Not to mention giving it enough power. So, installing the jump drive into a much larger frame was a more obvious choice.” He again states as a matter of fact.
I guess that makes sense on a technical level. I think to myself as I round a corner. Eventually reaching the crew quarters section of the ship after passing through a large air-tight blast door, which is designed to separate one section of the ship from the other in case of a breach. Either through boarding or a good ol’ hole in the wall to keep the compromised or damaged sections of the ship sealed off from the rest of the vessel. I only have experience with civilian vessels, so passing through a blast door as thick as this was certainly new to me. The locks disengage and reengage with loud *thunks* as I find myself in another hallway. But this time, lined with multiple doors on either side leading to individual rooms for the aforementioned crew.
A crew that doesn’t exist if you discount me. On one hand, I get free rein to choose which room I want to occupy, on the other, it means I get free reign to choose which room I like to occupy. Of which I counted a hundred and eighty-eight. But who keeps count, right? And besides, there is only one specific room I want. And that is…
The Captain's Quarters.
I mean, if I am going to live my childhood fantasy, then I might as well do it properly. No amount of AI shenanigans and potential loneliness in the deep darkness of space is going to ruin this fundamental need to make my 8-year-old self all giddy and happy.
I signed up for this very reason, dammit. So let me enjoy it while I’m still delusional.
“I think the officers' wing should be just above this one. If I remember correctly, a ramp leading up a level should be at the very end of thisss…ah yes” I call out before reaching and walking up the ramp where the Captain and his lower officers would reside.
“Ah, there it is, the Captain's Quarters.” I exclaim after finding it almost right away after opening the first door in front of me by pressing the large square button next to it. Revealing exactly what I was hoping for. A large spacious suite built for luxury and opulence. Certainly, beats my old shitty apartment back on Earth. That’s for sure.
“Oh yeah, I can get used to this,” I state with a casual smile, though on the inside I was getting all giddy with glee as I just dump my large duffle bag onto the floor to immediately try out the large king-size bed at the opposite end via swan dive.
Soft and expensive. My favorite.
“Ohh I wonder what’s inside all of these drawers.” I call out with almost childish curiosity as I start digging through every available drawer around me like a thief.
Most of them offer nothing but empty disappointment and shattered dreams. Until…
“Jackpot!” I call out. “A Captain’s hat and jacket. And I think both of which are even the right size. How lucky.” I call out, as I “of course” immediately try them on.
They fit nicely, and opening the drawer right underneath reveals a nice pair of leathery-looking shoes and black trousers. Both would fit nicely with the Captain’s hat and jacket I’ve found.
In fact…
This gives me an idea. I think to myself before removing my white overalls in exchange for the jacket, trousers, shoes, and last but not least, the Captain's hat. It all fits perfectly, and a quick glance at a nearby mirror confirms it.
I smile. Admiring myself from all sides while humming with content. I look like a honest to godt Captain now. My younger 8-year-old self couldn’t be any happier.
Dreams apparently do come true. Somewhat at least.
“Hello, come in.” Uckmanckuttall suddenly contacted me. “Make your way to the bridge. We are ready to commence the test. Will be waiting on your signal if you're reading.” He states, leaving me with very little choice but to comply.
I sharply exhale through my mouth. “Alright, let’s get this started then.” And with that, I turned and made my way back and sought the closest turbo lift I could find that would take me up to the bridge to get this show started.
It hardly took me 5 seconds to find it because the closest lift was just 2 doors away from the Captain’s quarters. How convenient.
Stepping in and watching the door close behind me, I leaned back against the wall as the lift carried me up towards the bridge with a low-sounding hum. Not gonna lie, I feel a tad bit nervous. Having to test a jump drive and not knowing what will happen is a valid reason to feel nervous. But before I can even exercise these thoughts further, the lift suddenly stops. The doors slide open, and in less than 5 seconds, I had arrived at the ship's bridge. The only things left for me to do, is follow a short corridor leading up to the bridge and inform Uckmanckuttall that I am ready. Following the short pathway and turning left, I finally gazed upon the actual bridge of this ship. Military-grade hardware. Half a dozen consoles and a large 180-degree bridge window greet me upon first sight.
On the port side of the ship, I can see parts of the shipyard itself, on starboard Uckmanckuttall ship, the “Eurika”. Barely a speck within the blackness of space. But still clearly visible. Even from that distance, and further ahead I can see the test site itself within the cold vacuum of space. Marked with several beacons arranged in a roughly 8-kilometer-wide circle, if I had to guess at first glance, their strobe lights blinking in and out like twinkling stars. Momentarily putting me in a trance. A moment of calm and rejuvenating solitude before the incoming sto…
[Greetings Operator!]
“JESUS CHRIST!” I nearly jumped out of my socks.
[Oh, have I accidentally frightened you? My utmost apologies if I did. I should have been...less enthusiastic on our first meeting. Again, I apologize.] The same voice replied. Sounding a bit robotic, but also genuinely sorry for the fright it caused me.
“Fuck me!” I wheeze while clutching my chest.
“Wha…who was that? Who said that?” I ask while frantically looking for its source.
[That would be me.] the voice again replied. It sounds like it's coming from everywhere, but the problem is that I can’t see anyone, or any speakers on the walls that would indicate where the voice is coming from. [I am general artificial intelligence unit 77-8625-143B, or simply codenamed “Jutland” if you prefer to call me that over my unit designation. It is nice to make an acquaintance with a fellow operator.] It introduces itself.
“Wait…so you’re the ship's AI I presume?” I ask while still looking around myself for any nearby audio devices, like on the walls or the ceiling. Until I realize…
Wait…it's coming right from my earpiece. I’m so fucking stupid.
[Indeed. I was eagerly awaiting your arrival, fellow operator. I have been instructed to follow your instructions and to assist you. Shall we finally commence forth and tell the science team that we are ready? I am waiting for your call, fellow operator.] It states while presuming waiting for me to make a decision.
I don’t know how to react. On one hand, “Cool Highly advanced General AI who sounds like a young and impressionable Englishman. Sounding fairly excited. But on the other hand, “OH GOD! Is it going to kill me if I look the other way?”! Maybe that’s just the propaganda talking, but I just can’t help but feel a bit of distrust towards this…”Jutland” fellow. (I guess I should call it that)
Besides the sudden rush of nervousness I am now feeling towards this text, the presence of this “Jutland” fellow isn’t making it any better.
Maybe I should…
[Operator. I am detecting increased levels of stress via your cerebral signals. Is everything alright?] Jutland asks, once more sounding quite genuine in its tone. That being concern.
I start to sweat.
“Operator. Is everything ready on your end?” Uckmanckuttall comes inside my earpiece. Now, even he is calling me the Operator. What happened to just calling me by my first name, like during our first and second meeting?
I think I’ve just discovered who was responsible for Jutland’s existence.
“It's…” I pause, while looking down towards my Captain’s uniform. Removing the hat from my head to gaze upon its Captains Insignia. Depicting Earth itself at its center, flanked by two golden laurel wreaths on each side.
Do it, little old me.
“…everything is ok on my end. I am ready to commence the test” I reply.
“Excellent! Let us commence with the test then.” He declares with a lot of enthusiasm.
“Simply instruct the AI to undock the ship and make its way to the designated text area marked on your sensors. Once you and the ship are there, we will give you further instructions.” He explains, before cutting off communications before I can even say anything.
I just throw my arms up and sigh. “I am having second thoughts on this,” I mumble quietly to myself as I walk up to the helm. Taking my seat in front of the Destroyer's main control console and…momentarily getting confused with all of these buttons.
Again, I have spent most of my spacefaring days inside stations and freighters, and looking at a Destroyer's main console leaves me somewhat perplexed. But also fascinated to be honest. Again, as a kid, I always wanted to join the Terran Navy and command my own vessel and crew one day. But life had other plans, and I just became a technician instead.
The less we talk about my shattered dreams, the better.
But back on the topic at hand. How to fly this damn ship. But I guess that's what Jutland is for. The AI is supposed to take the wheel while I just sit here in the Captain’s chair, twiddling my thumbs.
I had completely different expectations when signing up for this. I guess there is no turning back now. It is what it is, I suppose.
“Jutland!” I call out. “Undock and steer the ship towards the designated target up ahead,” I ordered. Making me feel like a true Captain for just a moment.
[Understood. Undocking the ship now. Please stand by.] The AI follows as a slight tremor travels through the entire length of the ship as the docking latches disengage.
[Ships free. Engaging Engines and direction thrusters.] Jutland drones on as I can feel the ship move.
[Aligning the ship with the designated target] The AI states as the ship turns.
[Powering up the Travel drive] It adds as I can see on my dashboard that the travel drive is spooling up.
[Travel Drive engage]
And we're off as the ship rapidly accelerates, pressing me slightly against my seat. The shipyard and Pathfinder quickly disappear from view as the ship races towards its destination at around 8 Kilometers a second. Using the ship's normal cruising speed would have also worked. But using the travel drive in short bursts is way quicker.
Saves a lot of time.
It would be nice though, if I could, like, you know, maybe fly the ship myself instead of the AI? But I am way past the point of complaining. Especially when we finally arrived. The test site, I mean. Jutland even disengaged the travel drive automatically without me having to say anything.
Is Jutland really an AI or just a very linguistic autopilot?
[Test site reached. We are ready to commence the test, fellow Operator] Jutland informs me, which I guess is its way of saying that I should now contact Uckmanckuttall and tell him that we are in position.
“Uh Uckmaka…(Paranid names suck), we are ready to test the Jump Drive.” I transmit through my earpiece.
“Excellent. Instruct the AI to power up the Jump Drive. In the meantime, we will send you the exact coordinates on where the exit point will be. If everything goes according to plan, that is.” He states.
His last sentence forces me to pause as my hands tighten around the armrests on my chair.
“IF everything works?” I repeat into the intercom. I knew from the start what I was signing up for. But I was under the impression that Uckmanckuttall and his team knew what they were doing and that they had everything already figured out.
The way he just phrased it made it sound like I have signed up to be a guinea pig instead of a regular test pilot.
“Do not fret. We have excessively crunched the numbers and run half a dozen simulations for months to make sure that everything works. There will always be a small margin for errors, of course. But we’ve made sure to eliminate every variable we could where the system could fail. To a point where we have calculated a 97.9 percent success rate for this test. So, the margin of error is minimal.” He explains. Sounding quite confident.
I can’t fucking believe this. I think to myself while rubbing my brows. A 2.1 percent failure rate. This is what I’ve signed up for. For a 2 percent chance for me to become void dust at the end of the day. That explains why Uckmanckuttall and the rest of his team are still close to the shipyard. Their ships haven’t moved a single inch since we undocked the ship.
You know what. FUCK IT. No Guts, no Glory. Like the explorers of old who looked danger and uncertainty in the face and laughed. I mean, 2 percent doesn’t sound that bad. I have heard worse. I mean, how unlucky can someone be to still fail at a mere 2 percent margin?
“Jutland. Engage the Jump Drive.” I ordered. Feeling bold and confident. Like a true Captain.
[Understood. Routing power into the Jump Drive. Approximate charge time: 15 seconds.] Jutland informs. As I can see on the dashboard in front of me, that a majority of the ship's power is being rerouted into this new Jump Drive installed just in front of the ship’s main reactor.
The entire frame of the ship gently vibrates as the Jump drive slowly charges up. The lights started to flicker, and the artificial gravity engine started to turn on and off. Forcing me to hold onto my seat to not float away and inevitably get dropped on my ass.
The power the Jump Engine leeched off was enormous. The only system left untouched was the ship's life support system, probably for intentional design reasons. Once the charge-up was complete, I gave the little dots on the ship’s sensors one final. Specifically, the one labeled as “The Pathfinder” and gave it the middle finger.
“Coordinates set” I ask the AI.
[Coordinates set. We are ready to Jump) Jutland confirms.
“Punch it.” I call out. Simply because I saw it in a movie once, and I wanted to try it out.
[Jumping in 3…]
I lean hard against my seat…
[2]
…and whisper my final prayer.
[1]
Dear god. What have I done? As the ship in front of me spaghettifies, as the world around me disappears in a big bright flash.