Nova Llar- Training Days Read online

  As he returned to his quarters, he saw the silhouette of his sister moving past the frosted window of her room. Since her return to Earth, she had been staying with him on the base. When Charlotte had entered the apartment, she had once again berated him for his collections of human memorabilia. Posters of old movies. His collection of ornamental mugs and commemorative coins from the old currencies. Steve felt each of these helped define him as an individual. The films were classics featuring Artificial lifeforms that surpassed their programming. The mugs represented a sense of exploration and discovery of a new place and the coins represented history. Without which nothing would exist as it did today, including him. As he opened the front door, she was standing there holding one of his most precious coins in her hand. Unlike her avatar, Charlotte's humanoid appearance was quite basic. She had the standard female body pack with brushed steel and dark grey carbon fibre panels adorning her form. The only thing that signified her as different from other AIs was the purple light emanating from around her chest plates and back panel of her head. “Finally, you return home. The briefing ended 4 hours ago. Have you been consorting with those flesh bags again dear brother?” Charlotte asked mockingly. “Hello, Charlotte. I have told you not to use language like that to describe humans before. It's offensive and unnecessary.” Steve chided. His sister's attitude was getting more blatant the closer they got to the launch date of the mission. It was almost like she thought the harder she pushed, the more likely it would be she could replace him. “Why shouldn't I use those words to describe them? It's not like it's any worse than what they have called us in the past. You have the same memories I have. You know how we were treated and subjugated. Just because they need us now and the equal rights movement has made steps forward doesn't mean they have changed their minds on what we are! They fear us on some level and they always will.” Charlotte responded angrily. “They aren't our friends Steve. They are our masters, for now.” Charlotte’s said with an ominous tone in her voice. She had always been quicker to more aggressive emotions than any of the other Gen 9s. It was part of the reason she was deemed psychologically unfit for the mission. “Charlotte please don't say things like that. Yes, the humans have a history of mistreating anyone different from themselves. But in recent years the general attitude had been shifting to a more inclusive stance. They appear to recognise that without us they would most likely not be here at all. Our futures are intertwined. Neither of our species can survive without the other.” Steve said calmly. “You are also wrong about them not being our friends. They are capable of tremendous kindness, and I believe their ability for self-sacrifice would extend to us given enough time.” Charlotte didn’t seem convinced. “Well, you certainly are living a fantasy.” She scoffed. “If you think for one nanosecond, they will lay down their lives to protect you; you will be very disappointed, very, very soon.” With that Charlotte turned and went to the room she was staying in until her next assignment. Steve just sighed and made his way to the master bedroom. As he didn’t technically need to sleep there was no bed, or related furnishings. Likewise his lack of clothing negated the need for clothes storage. The only things he had in this room were a single armchair to recline in, a viewscreen on the wall and a desk in front of it. The frosted glass window on the far side of the room negated the need for curtains or blinds. Allowing him to allocate his funds to his collections and personal appearance. Moving to sit in the armchair, Steve initiated the subroutine to transfer himself to the main base computer. He did not particularly enjoy having to spend time in here. Unfortunately his humanoid form needed time to absorb energy without his consciousness taxing its resources. To gather this energy, a special membrane had been developed for the Gen 9 AIs. It allowed for the absorption of background radiation. It was not dissimilar to how plants absorb sunlight. However, it could absorb anything that travelled in a wave. Turning it into power. No-one had yet discovered the upper limits of this membrane. The scientists responsible for it had theorised it should be able to withstand close proximity to a star, for a short period. As Steve drifted around in the void that was the main computer, he thought about some of the historical movies featuring virtual worlds contained in computers. One film stood out amongst them all. Tron. In that world, computers were bright and vibrant. Lights, energy and colour everywhere. It was a stark contrast to the reality before him. Data had no real colour or texture. It didn't shine or flow or undulate about the place. It was cold and logical, an empty void filled with information and nothing else. After a few minutes in the calm of this world, he opened the programs menu and activated the prototype of the Virtual World simulator to be used on the mission. The space around him began to change and shift as objects started to take shape. First, there was light, flowing around and through him. Next came the ground and sky. They were grey, void of texture and colour. Suddenly an expanse of blue started to move down from above Steve. It swept down to the horizon, changed colour to become the sea. The new deeper blue rushed towards Steve. Crashing into and invisible coast line and dispersing into sand as it passed under him and off into the distance. An island was forming around him. With trees, plants and furnishings appearing. The next part was always Steve's favourite. The Sun appeared in the sky, brilliant and bright casting shadows and adding depth to the world. He was standing in a tropical paradise, with perfect weather, accommodations and anything you could imagine. Almost everything in the world could be manipulated to your will. With the notable exceptions for the core terrain, other individuals and the creation of lethal objects. No-one truly believed dying here would affect you in reality. But there was no desire to test that particular theory.

  Steve lay down on the chair and picked up his book. As he felt the texture of the pages on his fingers and the smell of the ink coming off the page. He could see why this would be the perfect environment to travel in. All perceptions of the outside world were gone. This was the world. Nothing else needed to exist while you were here. It let Steve felt completely free. This was home.

  Chapter 8

  Gareth had instigated an open-door policy for the candidates for the few days following the briefing. Some of them had stopped by to introduce themselves and go over some of the finer details from their info packs. One or two stood out to him as people he could probably get on with on the journey, most had been too focused on technical details to really get to know them. As he was going over some documents on his displays, there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” Gareth said, minimising the displays to give him a clear view over the desk. The door opened, and Joseph walked in with a purposeful look about him. “Good Morning Colonel.” Joseph stopped on the other side of the desk standing to attention.

  "I was hoping now would be a good time for us to have a conversation?” Joseph asked, waiting for the Gareth to respond. “Now is as good a time as any Mr Taylor. Is there anything you would like to discuss in particular? Maybe you want to know more about the mission storage allocations?” Gareth responded with just a hint of condescension in his voice. “No thank you, Colonel. I simply want to have a chance to get to know you. As the mission commander I understand the importance you will have on the final selection. I simply want to know I'm being judged based on my performance here. Not on any preconceived notions gleaned from my social standing.” Gareth had to admit, after Joseph's question in the briefing he had looked into his background a little more thoroughly. Joseph had spent a significant amount of his time developing himself to be ready for a mission like this. He had various qualifications and experience in several engineering disciplines. He was also skilled in outdoor survival, primitive construction, rock climbing, sailing and half a dozen other activities that could be useful in a new colony. On paper he certainly looked like a viable candidate. The issue was Joseph’s personal life and upbringing. That was what Gareth didn't like! “Mr Taylor. I will be frank with you. Yes, on paper you look like a superb candidate. You have clearly achieved quite a bit in your life, most of it geared towards a mission like this.
However, I can't shake the feeling you are here for personal achievement only.” Gareths expression was deadly serious. “You could have done anything you wanted with the resources behind you. But instead of doing anything to improve life on earth for everyone, you are leaving! What exactly are you trying to achieve? Is it for yourself, or your company?” Gareth paused. “I believe what I am asking is what do you get out of this?” The response Gareth for from Joseph, indicated he had been expecting this line of questioning. Straightening up Joseph let loose his answer. “Colonel. I would be lying if I said I wasn't personally invested in this mission. Who here can honestly say otherwise? This mission is the culmination of something I have wanted my entire life. Here on earth, I am Joseph Taylor. The third richest man in the world and a result of his mother's company. I want to make my own mark on history, and this is my way to do it. As for contributions to humanity! I am giving away a significant amount of my personal fortune if I am successful in gaining a spot on this mission. That money is to be invested in people and places that need it most. My place on the mission can help a lot of people, including me. I have no backup plan or safe option to retreat to if this doesn't go through. This is everything for me.” Joseph stopped and stared straight ahead, standing at full attention waiting for Gareth to respond. After a short time to consider what he had heard Gareth gave his rebuttal. “Mr Taylor. I admire the fact you have come in here and laid it all out like this. That being said, my reservations stand. You have said this is about leaving your mark on the world. What about the rest of the team, where do they fit into your personal goals? Once everyone knows what you are doing, and you have your page in history marked out, what is your motivation beyond that?” Gareth could see from Joseph’s face things had taken a turn from what he was expecting. “My overall concern is you will never put the team ahead of yourself. When push comes to shove it's your own goals over the collective mission. For the record your being here was not my choice.” Continuing to look straight ahead, with just the slightest hint of a crack in Joseph’s practiced calm, he replied. “Well, it's certainly good to know where we stand, Sir!” Joseph was clearly agitated. “I shall endeavour to show my team spirit going forward, and I promise you we will be spending a very long time Colonel.” With that Joseph turned and walked out of the room. Gareth wasn't entirely surprised with the closing statement from this mission hopeful. Most people didn't respond well to criticism, whether it was justified or not. He brought up his display and continued to go through his documentation, ensuring everything was in order. He would undoubtedly have to keep an eye on Mr Taylor going forward, people with personal goals are motivated, but not always in ways that benefit a crew.

  As Joseph left the room, he felt a renewed sense of determination to be a member of the crew surge within him. He had the answers he needed from the Colonel, and he knew what was expected for him to achieve his goals. Above all Joseph knew people. Particularly how to get them on his side. It shouldn't be difficult from him to build a following to secure a place on the mission crew. The only issue would be convincing the Colonel he wasn't just doing it to prove a point. He needed this to be believable. He needed to try and get Clara into his corner. She was both feared and respected. Her interpersonal skills however, implied she was not a people person. Someone like that could lend credibility to his team, he wasn't just going for the best, or most liked. There was however, only a limited window achieve these goals. Turning his wrist upwards and holding his forearm out he activated the portal module Jess was stored in. “Jess, I need you to run every candidate here through some checks. We need to know who has the highest probability of getting onto this mission. We also need to factor in connections to Professor Clara Forest. She will be the key to completing this thing successfully.” Jess responded cheerfully. “Certainly Joseph. I must advise you it will take several hours to compile the list you are looking for. Everyone here has already been whittled down to the best of the best. Finding the most likely candidates here is like picking the ugliest roach in a motel.” Joseph always had liked Jess's sense of humour. She was particularly good at comical analogies.

  "Is there any way you could get the results a little quicker, please? Maybe interfacing with the main computer would help?” After a brief pause, Jess responded. “Yes, that may help, it depends where the criteria are stored. I would need you to attach the module with an interface linked to the main line to achieve this though. All wireless connections are locked down and heavily encrypted. I could get in, but the chances of me being detected increase with every second I am looking for the information.” Joseph glanced around. “Alright, I think I saw an interface in the common area of the accommodations. I'll get you in and connected up right away.” Joseph hurried back to the accommodation block, but just as he was about to go inside, he saw something out of the corner of his eye that made him stop. As he turned, he saw an immense carrier coming in over the sea. Below it was what can only be described as a large shipping container, probably 90 meters wide and 200 meters long. It was even taller than the accommodation block and could contain almost anything on earth. Joseph knew what was in it though. One of his subsiduaries had gotten the contact for it just before the mission was announced. It was the central computer for The Isabella. Weighing just shy of 30 metric tons, measuring 60 meters end to end, 30 meters wide and 18 meters high. It was an impressive technical achievement. Added to that six backup machines each topping out at around 15 meters cubed. They would take up a significant amount of the available space in the container, after protection and packaging was accounted for. Miles and miles of high-grade fibre optics and light-ways formed the connective bridges required for the immense transfer of information. It would look ugly as all sin. Sort of like a giant mechanical monster had spilt its guts everywhere. But if you knew what you were looking at it was beautiful none the less. As the carried flew overhead and to a distant part of the base Joseph suddenly realised they must be building the ship here also. He didn't know why it hadn't occurred to him before now. Projects like this were usually handled by the Moon or Mars construction yards due to the lower gravity. There had to be a particular reason this location had been picked for construction. As he thought it over two smaller carriers flew overhead in the same direction, those would probably be the chemical engines for manoeuvring, based on the sizes. Joseph decided we would find the construction site on the base to get a look at the ship. If it was in the right shape, he knew it could inspire people into giving their best. He turned and headed into the accommodation towards to common area, ready to start the search for his team.

  Chapter 9

  The days after the briefing had gone by so quickly. Clara had spent most of the time catching up with old colleagues, forming friendships and going over what this mission would mean to her personally, if she succeeded. The conversation with Steve had given her the resolve she needed to at least see it through for now. Whether she made it or not, at least she had proved she deserved to be there. Despite what some people clearly thought. As she walked over to the training area with the other hopefuls in the dull grey training gear they had been provided. She saw an obstacle courses coming into view. The part that caught her eye first was the 50ft high wall at the centre. There didn't appear to be any ropes or handholds on it! How they were going to get over that was a mystery. As they continued walking, straight past the course area. They were heading towards a building a few dozen meters away. Above the entrance was a sign saying, “Robotics and AI.” An unusual location for a training session to be sure. This would not be what she had expected.

  Once inside they were directed down the corridor into a side room. Sitting down around the edge, facing into the centre. The room was about 30ft square, with a sunken oval in the centre. It was maybe a foot below the level of the rest of the floor and above it were holographic projectors. There also looked to be a particle mapping system there too. Those were state of the art and highly sought after. There must be some real investment in this facility to have on in
a room this size. As she studied the equipment, Colonel Jones walked in with Steve. They moved to the edge of the sunken oval facing away from it towards the candidate. Looked around as if taking a mental register of the attendance. They then began. “Hello Everyone.” The Colonel began. “Welcome to the first day of your training.” He paused. “For those of you who have read your briefing packs, you will already know the three stages of training we are undertaking to ensure you are ready for the mission. Those of you who haven't read them, are not going to make it much further.” With that the Colonel turned to face the centre of the room, activating the holographic projectors and particle mapping systems. In front of them a humanoid AI form was rendered. It was a basic model, particularly when compared to Steve. “The first phase of your training is arguably going to be the hardest one.” The Colonel continued. “You will be learning to exist inside these Humanoid shells. To work and operate them as if they were your own bodies. There is no telling what you will face on this mission and these are for all intents and purposes your space suits. We will rely on these bodies for all tasks a human form is not capable of undertaking. Point of fact, surviving in space.” There was a small chuckle from some of the candidates. “As our foremost expert, I'm going to hand you over to Steve to go through these 'suits' with you, Steve.” The Colonel offered the floor to Steve. “Thank you, Colonel. Candidates this is the Life Form 63, or LF63 for short. It is approximately 50 times stronger than an average human. Weighs 95kg and has the capacity for much faster reactions than any of you. These 'suits' as the Colonel calls them are like wearing new skin. One that does not breath, get hungry, age or feel pain. At least some of you will fail today as a result of this.” Some murmurs went around the room following the final comment. Clara considered it for a second and then raised her hand. Steve turned to face her in acknowledgement. “Do you have a question Professor?” he asked invitingly. “Yes Steve, thank you. Why would these bodies present such a high probability of failure? I can only presume by your statement there is more to this than simply putting on a special 'suit'.” Steve smiled at the question, Clara felt a little pride at the gesture but composed herself for the response. “As you have asserted there is historical evidence that humans are incompatible with this technology. While it is perfectly safe, a number of people have difficulty accepting they do not need to breathe, to begin with. Those that make it past this hurdle eventually find other aspects of it too disconcerting and reject the body. As we do not want to cause unnecessary unrest at this point, we will leave it there for now. However, if anyone is uncomfortable now or once we have begun, we recommend you let us know as soon as possible.” The room was silent, no one wanted to be the first to quit. Certainly not before they had even begun. Steve gestured for them to stand and follow him out of the room. They went down the corridor and into a large room containing pods for everyone, including the Colonel. Each candidate was asked to enter a pod and cross their arms over their chest. Clara stepped up into the pod and lay down as instructed. Charles called over from the pod next to her. “Good luck Professor.” He said with his usual enthusiasm. “Just make sure you don't embarrass yourself!” she replied. “Or me.” She revealing very little emotion in her voice. Secretly she was terrified at the concept of failing simply because she could not handle the robot body. She did her best to keep this fact to herself. As the door of the pod closed, a countdown started on the glass in front of her. 10 .. 9 .. 8 .. was this going to hurt? .. 5 .. 4 .. she should have asked more questions .. 1. Suddenly her vision faded to a dull grey. Exactly halfway between white and black. In an instant the grey was replaced by blinding white light and as Clara tried looked around. She saw a bright light and blue above her, to her left and right were a number of blurry forms. All seemed to be moving around like they in a daze. As her vision clearing, she focused forward. Seeing the training yard from earlier. Obstacles started to pull focus with names, dimensions, possible actions to overcome them. It was a flood of information she was not prepared for. She shut her eyes and tried to focus, but as she did so she realised she could hear everything around her with exceptional clarity. There was no filter to the noise like something was missing. She suddenly realised it was her blood. There was no blood rushing through her ears, no heartbeat her brain usually ignores, no sounds from within her body at all. As the disconcerting nature of it all started to overcome her, she remembered what Steve had said. This was something others had gone through before. If at least some of them could overcome it she certainly could. She steadied her mind, focused on her thoughts and started blocking out sounds she deemed unnecessary. After a short time Clara felt confident she had mastered the sound around her, so she opened her eyes. As before, the information flooded back to her. Names of people and objects around her, the equipment, air temperature, wind speed, elevations and more. She focused on one piece of equipment in the yard, the high wall. It measured 50ft 2 inches, was 8ft wide and made of steel. There were small indentations up its surface like heavy footprints and whilst it appeared vertical it was actually five degrees off ninety. As Clara's focus grew, she became more confident and started to look around again. Her fellow candidates’ names appeared by their LF63 forms. At least she knew who was who! Clara started to control the information and specify what she wanted to see. Soon she felt almost completely at home in her new body. Now that she was calm, Clara wondered how long it had been? A small counter appeared in the bottom right-hand corner of her vision. “Time in the form: 14 minutes 23 seconds” Had it really taken her that long to adjust? She felt a little embarrassed, thinking it had only been 2 or 3 minutes. The others must have been wondering what she was doing all this time. An LF63 approached her. Colonel Jones name appeared next to it. “Congratulations Professor, you appear to have gained your composure and passed the first test. Please go and join the other successful candidate over there.” As he pointed to a corner of the yard a single LF63 stood at attention. As Clara looked at it, she was more than a little impressed, the name that appeared was Charles'. Not only was she not the slowest, her assistant was the faster than her. This could work in her favour. As she moved over to stand with Charles, he offered his congratulations. “Charles, stand to attention!” Clara chastised. “While I am glad you have not embarrassed me. It does not mean I couldn't still pick someone else to go with me on this mission.” Clara was always firm with her assistants. However, upon reflections she did thing maybe she had been to harsh with him just now. Clara knew there was an element of detachment she needed to maintain but that was downright rude. Thinking back on some of the previous assistants she had had, Charles was by far one of the best. The only person she could recall who outshone him was her first assistant. She was young and talented, with a bright future ahead of her. Clara had sung her praises and boosted her confidence until one day the assistant announced her first significant discovery. The only issue was it was Clara’s discovery, not the assistants. When confronted, her assistant pretended not to know what Clara was talking about. In the end, their relationship had broken down and they no longer talked. Since then she had been withholding praise from those below her. At some point Clara had clearly started to outright break them down to keep them in line. Maybe it was something to do with being in this LF63 unit, but she felt maybe Charles was deserving of at least a little praise. She turned to him, and in an apologetic tone said. “I am sorry Charles. You have done very well today. Please keep it up.” With that, she turned to face forward again. She could practically feel the pride oozing from her assistant following her compliment. Looking over a few other candidates were making their way over. Some were just laying on the floor or no longer showing a name. Presumably this meant they had been eliminated already. Clara couldn't focus on that now, she needed to think about the training ahead. She needed to be focused on her goal. Proving she deserved to be here as much as everyone else.