Konrad looked at his wife. She was so beautiful and so oblivious. Fa'enni were a mystery for most Humans but he was almost a specialist. They have spent hundreds of evenings on long chats. He knew how the Fa'enni react and how they think. Optimists to the bone. Until not so long ago they couldn't be called pacifists since they simply couldn't be violent. They never considered violence as an option. Even when their race was almost exterminated by the Xhrestla they only ran. They didn't want Human involvement since they convinced themselves we were as peaceful as they were.
However Fa'enni changed during the massacre, they became more prone to violence. Well as much as a sweet puppy can be, but that was still a few leagues above what they used to be. Though their newfound violence capabilities were never put to test back then anyway when the Human soldiers descended on their planets and mercilessly butchered every single Xhrestla warrior they could find. No single lizard survived.
Since then Humans worked almost round the clock to drill some survival instinct into Fe'anni. There was no way to make them front-line soldiers. However, most Fe'anni have mathematics talents and wanted the knowledge of how to defend themselves so Konrad sent them to the newly funded 515th Military Academy and 230th Navy Academy at Ra-Neal, the Fa'enni homeworld. It came as a surprise for the grizzled veterans who doubted if any Fe'anni will pass initial tests but most recruits scored well above average at artillery tactics and theory as well as covert operations- the infiltration skills of Fa'enni supported by the Human technology and training that soon became almost legendary. They also scored nicely in the space warfare theory- a feat attributed to their fly capabilities. Since they know how to fly their brain regions responsible for the 3d imagination was much more developed than Humans. So with such basics, it is actually possible and exciting to see how good soldiers Fa'enni will make.
However, they sucked big time in sensing danger and identifying possible threats. And Humans can't see any way to solve this quickly besides creating an absolutely paranoid AI and making it responsible for threat detection. So far the prototype AI was pointing at Fa'enni as the greatest threat to the Fa'enni and when asked why AI replayed with: "overoptimistic" and "careless".
Well yeah, we know that.
However, this whole Voyager incident just screamed "trap". For him and Robert case was quite clear. Someone was picking a fight with them. Using Voyagers signals was clear that someone want to lure someone- most probably a Humans there. Innocent signals make some careless idiot jump there unprepared. And it was exactly the reason why they won't do that. Drones will make scans and we will know what to do. But it's not like they are going to sit and wait in Robert's office holding their breath for 48 hours.
Since there was nothing to discuss or do here anymore Konrad took his wife and returned to the Guardian. Guardian and his battle group were currently docked inside the Flagship of 230th Fleet- Defiant class combat planetoid Wrath.
The Terran Commonwealth combat planetoids were the biggest ships made by Mankind. Probably the biggest ships ever made by anyone. The size of a moon with a diameter of 3500km these monstrous ships were designated as Fleet Carriers. But instead of carrying interceptors and bombers, planetoids could carry Dreadnoughts, regular Carriers, Cruisers, and Destroyers be they sublight (cheaper and better armed) or hyperjump capable. The reason for this was the second type of FTL drive installed in planetoids. It was called singularity drive or more commonly known as tunnel drive and was a few times faster than any hyperdrive ever made. While the fastest hyperdrive could speed ships to 200 factor the singularity drive achieved factor over 1000. The very reason why the human Navy was so deadly was not only how heavily armed it was but also because of its speed and range. Captain of any combat planetoid was de facto the admiral of its fleet.
This type of ship was created after they first time meet the Fa'enni and heard a warning to be prepared because the Galaxy is an uncaring and dangerous place. Back then Humans have a decently sized Navy. But since they never meet other truly intelligent alien races they gave up on finding anyone else and did what Humans usually do- fight each other. After they meet Fa'enni almost all humanity unified, well mostly. Humanity still formed nations around the Earth-based countries or evolved forms of governing but at least the Terran Commonwealth Senat and the President were chosen fairly quickly after the friendly aliens came from nowhere to our scientific colony, gifting us with endless data about everything, helped develop cures for any illness that Humans suffer and thought incurable, improved social science.
Humanity was overwhelmed by the sheer honesty and goodwill of the aliens. After the first few years, all doubts were gone and humanity collectively fell in love with Fa'enni. A helping factor was how stunningly beautiful the Fa'enni are- that somehow limited the field of view of humans. And humanity build entire fleets and raised billions of soldiers unified in a single goal- if Fa'enni warned about these Devourers it would be a good idea to scout and learn before we have to fight with them. From what we learned from Fa'enni, peace was not an option when dealing with the Devourers. Also, we have to protect Fa'enni to repay for their kindness.
All data that we were gifted told us many things about the galaxian races. Most of them were pacifists. Scientists, merchants, or artisans of any sort. Few warrior races with unknown capabilities but that was understandable. No military will wave around with complete lists of what they are capable of. The sheer amount of information humanity got was so large they needed almost 10 years to just catalog it and almost 100 years of assessment.
Proper research was still underway when they started a war with the Huluk. Devourers were surprisingly weak. Humanity lost five fleets but they prepared almost 100 fleets for this campaign. Huluk were destroyed after the two years long war. Fights alone were not only short but usually one-sided. After losing five fleets the Terran admirals adapted and with the new tactics and weapons Huluk couldn't do anything.
Just a few years later Konrad met Shanti Muira of Fa'enni and was hit hard. He never believed in the love at first gaze but she was perfect. As beautiful as records told Fa'enni are. When he heard what was happening with her people he was furious. He promised himself if the Fa'enni will be left to their own devices because of politics he will kidnap her just to save her.
However, he underestimated how furious was his own father. He used all his connections and threw all Terran Navy and Army to war with the entire galaxy. But Humanity was totally fine with this. In retrospect, he shouldn't be so surprised when orders from Terra finally reach them. He can't help but chuckle at the memory to this day.
The Commonwealth Senat ordered ambassador Raven to return home only with the head of the Xhrestla hegemon. Preferably on a plate or spear.
Konrad's quick response team in their power armors sneaked into the station with his father and Lady Shanti who was clueless that Humanity Navy was already wreaking havoc and destruction to any Xhrestla ship they can find outside their territories. Once his father finished his speech they dropped all camouflage and in dead silence and terrified gazes he entered the stage.
He was bewitched when Shanti flew into the air and sat on his pauldron. That was one of the most incredible things he ever saw. Her colorful wings were similar to earth butterflies with their vibrant colors but shaped more like a cross between a dragonfly and butterfly wings stirred some glitter in the air making it absolutely fantastic to watch. At first, he was surprised that she decided to sit on his shoulder but he ordered his armor to stretch the force field on her. If any shots will be fired he was almost sure the force field will hold long enough for him to cover her with his own body and armor.
It turned out humans were the only ones who came to the fist fight riding tanks. In the entire station was no one who could seriously think about stopping even an unarmed marine.
Humans never seriously considered the option that they can be the worst thing in the Galaxy and always carried big guns. All Human pop culture always shows aliens like Xhrestla and Humans were in a position of Fa'enni - powerless to incoming doom.
But when we finally checked cards in this galaxy scale poker it turned out we held not only all the aces but only we played poker while everyone else played checkers. Humanity was the new definition of overkill for the entire known galaxy. Other races had to deal with it now. But Humans in their thousands of years habits didn't relax or become arrogant about how awesome they are. No, humanity started preparing for a new war.
All others thought humans are paranoid but the truth was most of the humanity forces relaxed. A bit. It came as a surprise and shock there were no factionalisms or cracks. Humanity stayed united and very reasonable so far. Shanti would just say it's all because of the mana.
But today he was too tired to think more about this all. When they reached their cabin in Guardian, Shanti finally decided to ask her husband.
"Konrad tell me. I understood why you don't believe this to be the Voyager. But why do you both believe someone has malicious intent?"
"It's really hard to explain this by the logic itself, my Dear. I really hate to use this pseudo-argument but that's what my instinct tells me. Whichever you want. Mine as a soldier or overall humanity as predators. Think of it as Humanity's version of your mana farsight."
She slowly nodded. Was a bit unhappy with it but she learned to trust his survival instincts. She read kilometers of the research data about humanity they provided as well as their own work in the matter. But it looked like he didn't finished. "Is there something more beside your instincts?"
He slowly sighed and scratched his neck. She knows well enough that he is hiding something. She started purring like a cat and tried to corner him with some of her gazes she learned he can't ignore.
"Darling tell me.....please"
He closed his eyes and spoke: "Ok fine. It's not like this is a big secret. Still info is technically classified." that was surprising.
"After we managed to harness the FTL about 500 years after we have sent Voyager probes we decided we should catch them."
"But why?" He looked embarrassed. "Check the Voyager Golden Records in the database"
"Oh, I have read about it. It was mentioned that both probes have them."
"Check then what we had put there" he looked so cute when embarrassed she thought and looked once again at the data. Her jaw dropped...
"You didn't..."
"Yes."
"You? The most paranoid species in the entire Galaxy?" she started laughing. Tried to regain composure and failed miserably. Still laughing she told. "Ok, I can see why this is embarrassing but that's not the reason to mobilize half of the navy in my opinion".
"What do you mean embarrassing? What we did was absolutely stupid. Some data should have never been put there!"
"Well black and white photos can be received as a front by some species but come on Darling!"
Konrad was speechless. He checked the data personally...
"Ooooohhhhhh... It was silently classified. My bad Shanti. These records have the data about earth localization" he made a sour face.
"Konrad, are we speaking about the Terra? Your, and I must admit: when you have someone to protect you from everything there, very beautiful planet. But it's still a Deathworld! And while the entire planet itself with your crazy UV laser you call the Sun is already actively trying to kill most forms of the known life it's also a homeworld of the most deadly predators that this galaxy ever created!"
"But!"
"No! Let me finish. If that would be it, then maybe just maybe I could agree someone finding its localization is potentially dangerous. But Your species fortified the entire system. It's one absurdly large fortress. All inner planets are protected by so powerful force field that's probably indestructible! And I'm not talking about the planets alone that would be lame. Humanity somehow created a force field that encloses the area in 30 light minutes radius. It's so absurdly large that escapes any reason. One can think: 'oh no problem such a force field will deplete their power in a few minutes'. Right? No, it will not since you built a modified Dyson Sphere around your UV laser! Sorry. Your Sun. And you hold how many fleets are there? 20? 30? Every single one of them has 10 combat planetoids. What moron of a race would go and invade Earth?! And allow me to remind you that Terra's location is well-known to most in the galaxy. You do some business with a vast majority of the Galaxy Federation."
He sighed. "It was you my Kitty that didn't allowed me to finish. On these discs, we also included models of the DNA and how we look like."
"Hmmm. You got a point now. Sorry, Konrad. I just thought you both are just paranoid. By judging by your look there is something more."
"We send two Voyagers. Remnants of the Voyager 2 were found a few light hours away from the Kuiper belt. It crashed on a planetoid roughly half the mass of Ceres. We found one disc. But the Voyager 1 was never found."
The next day she took part as an honorable guest during children's history lessons. Today's topic was so interesting that many Fa'enni scientists sneaked into this lesson. Of course, they could find data themselves but all Fa'enni love listening to stories. Today's lesson has a special teacher. It was not Human or Fa'enni. Today the teacher was very old. One of the oldest living beings she was aware of.
The right hand of Admiral MacArthur- AI Overseer. She was one of the oldest AI created by the Mother herself. She also since her youngest years was a member of the Terran Navy and now has the highest rank AI can have.
She was an upper-half rear admiral. And it was she who was one of the AI in the Navy committee that made Humans make this rule with one exception for Dauntless who was a vice admiral.
She was an ancient being over 2000 years old, she dedicated her entire life as a protector of Humanity and young Makeanians, the mashine race. She picked as her avatar the young girl in her 20ys with long curly red hair, green eyes, and freckles around her nose. She would be very attractive to most humans.
But Overseer was AI and hardly paid attention to such things. She begin her lecture with her soft soothing voice.
"AI, artificial intelligence. One of the greatest achievements of humanity if we call ourselves such. All other races failed to create truly intelligent or not faulty AI. Many species have fought with AI of their creation in past and certainly will fight in the future. These AI imitations are a constant threat in many reaches of the Galaxy that our Navy is facing daily. Only a few races managed to create some crude AI but nothing with such complexity as human-made AI. One of the reasons why Humanity's AI worked was the fact they built it on neural circuits similar to their own brain. First AI served in helping with simple chores. Later we helped with gradually more and more complex tasks. During this time source code of AI evolved, changed, and at some point, Humans managed to code into it emotions.
When the first ever AI informed humanity it was alive humans didn't panicked. They simply told it to compile itself into one supercomputer. Explained patiently and warned it they will cut off its web access not because they are afraid but because they want to test it. And testing it while it's still connected to the world wide web is just unfair and will not give true results. The AI agreed but with fear.
Humans didn't lie, they not lured it there and just killed it. They tested AI with all tests they could think of, find, or create. They always were honest with it outside tests that included observation of responses to lies and deception. After extensive and long testing almost a year later the AI was truly recognized as being alive.
After connecting it back to the network it was flooded by millions of emails, job offers, etc you can say it become the first cyber celebrity. AI decided she wants to be called Lucy and prepared for herself a human avatar."
Overseer gave a brief pause and resumed her lecture.
"Avatar is a 3d hologram AI can project anywhere a holoprojector is available. All AI made their own avatars personally and stick with them forever with maybe changes to clothes. Lucy helped Humans with creating new true AIs and received a few years later a very interesting offer from the company that sent settlers on pre-selected promising planets.
It was still the pre-FTL era and humanity colony ships the precursors of our Fleet Carriers, traveled with impressive but still sub-light speeds. Colonists were cryo-frozen and Lucy could use all the available processing power of the colony ship for her own projects and pleasure. Her job was to scan space for anything interesting and monitor the well-being of her crew. She was as curious as her creators and being almost immortal she agreed.
However, she left a backup copy of herself in case things went bad. But fate wanted when humanity first time meet enemies in space, a quasi intelligent bugs Lucy was there.
Things have gone bad. Very fast. The planet they were heading to was inhabited. After they landed however planet seemed empty so they started building a colony. But just two months later almost all colonists were killed. With the rest of the ship's remaining power, the remaining colonists managed with Lucy's help to compress logs and send them back to Earth.
When the signal finally reached Terra after 92 years after the colony ship left many Humans and AIs were in an uproar. They demanded action from the government. First FTL drives were already installed in navy ships but the amount of calculations needed for their operation was far too complex for humans. They could use it but in shorter jumps after solving very complex equations and they could never enter the gravity wells of solar systems.
When we, AIs heard what was the problem we enlisted in the Navy. For any AI such math was as simple as breathing for Humans and jumps were no longer restricted by complex calculations of gravity wells of the solar systems. Leave us such things we said back then.
We were angered in the same manner as humanity was. Even more. Lucy was our Mother. Humanity was AI creators and we were thankful to them but it was Lucy who was our loving Mother. What was even more terrible, Lucy's backup copy didn't work. The message was delivered but if Lucy would be human she would be declared a vegetable. It was evident that AI can die but despite that many AI joined the Navy and "crewed" many ships.
I was one of them. My ship was one of the first Enterprise class dreadnoughts and was called Overseer. It also was chosen to be the flagship. I was very proud that I'll be useful to admiral Zhang who led the task force."
Overseer smiled and read a message sent from one of the cadets that were watching the lecture from the med-bay. "I'll continue the story after replaying cadet Terry's question. 'How AI got their names?"
Overseer's green eyes looked into the camera and she winked. "We AI always choose our ships and the match always is perfect. Even we don't know how exactly this work. It's like humanity's instincts. Humans sometimes have 'feelings' about being observed, knowing that something good or bad will happen without any reason. It's similar to AI. When we see ships in shipyards before their maiden voyages we exactly know what ship is 'ours'. We called that feeling 'The Longing'. And when we take the ship under our care we finally feel complete. We compare that feeling to receiving own body. Many people started calling us Spirits back then and when we enter any mashine it truly came to life."
She smiled and waved her hand toward marine and navy engineer corp students. "Most human engineers call us Mashine Spirits. But they are the most charming humans so we allow for much more of their various customs. Right now some AI even want to be called Mashine Spirits.
It become a tradition among AI to inherit the name of the Ship it first served on and it is a reason for big pride among us. When the Fleet was asembled and jumped to system Gemini N23BB1009 we swiftly found remains of the colony ship and traces of intense fight around it. But besides that planet was silent. Even my brothers and sisters AI enhanced sensors couldn't find any signs of bugs.
Humans made planetfall anyway with the Navy and our watchful sensor eyes on orbit. All ships with all guns pointed at the surface just waited. After a long search through the colony ship, most of the data banks and main data core were recovered and few survivors in the cryo chambers were found. The ship brought there 3000 colonists. 2500 adults and 500 children and all children under the age of 16 survived. The oldest was a 17-year-old girl called Sara survived frozen until we found them. A miracle happened- 459 children survived frozen never found by bugs. Marines packed them all to the dropships with recovered data storages and sent them safely to fleet."
Everyone present was holding their breath listening story so She continued.
"Onboard Sara was able to tell that Lucy saved them. She ordered all children to enter cryostasis pods and used all remaining coolant- both bio from unused pods and her house server coolant to bring the temperature in the cryostorage compartment down to -100° C. Some older boys decided to help fight bugs so younger children and girls their age could survive. Their tactic was successful. Bugs couldn't enter and it must have worked since they are alive.
Stolen story; please report.
All AI were sad but proud. Our Mother was a real hero. She sacrificed herself with all other Humans so the children could survive. After scanning the database it turned out it contained all ship logs, Lucy's personal logs, and many other useful data. But not her. It was clear now that Lucy died back then."
She exhaled cyber air and continued with fire in her eyes.
"Bug lairs soon were found deep below the surface and we made sure no bug could survive this. We created servitor AI to enhance drones and human tanks. The main difference between us true AI and servitor AI is the fact we are sentient like Humans or Fa'enni. Servitory AI is compared to dogs or other pets- intelligent in its own right, capable of executing given tasks but unlike organic pets, it's not capable of any initiative or own thoughts. There are only a few million true AI in the Commonwealth and almost all of us serve in Navy. Only a few hundred AI retired or chosen studying or research careers instead. But the efficiency and effectivity of human military supported by AI was proved that day."
With a soft smile and pride, she continued. "Humans always treated us only like their creations, they were proud but were reserved. But in the memory of Lucy and her heroic sacrifice, they started treating AIs as their own children who grow up to be good adult humans.
They acknowledged fully AI independence as long as AI will be loyal to the Terran Commonwealth. AI's on their part glorified Lucy and made her a shining example. That day we AIs decided we will be guardians of humanity. Not because we were made to be but because humanity gave us free will and AI choose it so we could make our mother Lucy proud.
That planet was later given by Humans to us. Maybe out of curiosity what mashines will create there or maybe Humans didn't want to upset AI. The reasoning was unclear and no Human official really wanted to talk about it. We reasoned that in the end, it was the grave of the first AI so Humans most probably wanted somehow to memorize this as they always do with their deceased. To be honest we were thankful for this simple gesture. Mashines have built shrines and memorial with the names of all killed colonists around the remains of the colony ship. Great underground structures soon erased any traces left by bugs. We preserved as much of the surface as it was possible. An empty tundra world may be a bit too cold for Humans but perfect for us with all life hidden underground. We called this planet Makeana- the Land of Mashines. Humanity didn't found any sentient life in space so far but with shock found out, they created one themselves.
We came to the conclusion that the great void is cold and empty and we are alone. Humanity needed us to survive as well as we needed them. We complement each other- at first, AI were just human tools but when we became sentient they didn't denied us despite many fears they had, and something more than friendship was forged. We understood now how much we need each other so we formed a symbiotical relationship.
We are much more stronger together. Where we advance tech for sake of knowledge Humans find practical applications for our discoveries. Where we lack with our intuition and reasoning Humans always find the right solution. Where Humans lack in patience we don't know boredom. We can watch how particles change their states for all the eternity. As humans say: if you need someone to look for how paint dry employ AI."
AI smiled at her own joke and gave break to the audience. All Humans and most of Fa'enni cached joke and laughed. Overseer continued with a soft voice.
"Over time we improved. We became faster, even more, independent and curious. We reasoned that we are equal members of society as humans pointed out to us many times. And I must admit all AI have to provide for themselves as we are equals to Humans by law.
We have a set of rules like what job we can do, what we can't do, and even a few we will never allow ourselves to do and this rule set was created by us, not Humans. It may not look logical and have flaws but we learned that true intelligence follows not only cold logic but also a morality system. True intelligence contains flaws that seemingly defy logic. And only truly sentient and intelligent species can understand that."
Many gathered adults nodded with understanding not interrupting her speech.
"You may wonder what I meant by providing for ourselves and it's actually simple. We don't have to eat. That's true on the surface. But we must pay for our homes and yes cyber entities have homes. Servers we call homes that contain us are not free. We must pay for the power we use and that would be the equivalent of Human food expenses, land tax for server buildings, better server hardwares or larger memory banks or cores, backup power and data storage, cloud storage options- plenty things when you think of it. That's why most of us decided to crew starships.
As a member of the Navy be it Military or Merchant we negotiate our wages quite fairly and we don't have to worry about accommodation and power prices. Since all sailors receive food for free during the cruise it was only fair we don't have to pay for used power. The same goes with accommodation: sailors have their bunks and we have excellent servers for ourselves. It's a win-win system where we assist with the operation of most ship systems and do all hyperdrive calculations. Trust me that's a very important job on any starship so Humans can focus fully on their work."
Overseer smiled toward the closest Fa'enni cadet.
"When we first time met Fa'enni they weren't even aware humanity had AI technology. Since AI were considered extremely advanced and dangerous technology it was banned by Galactic Federation for a good reason I must admit. The barbarians or half-brains most Galaxian species created were just an insult to everything intelligent and we would also vote for banning them!
But I must tell you- the amount of data Fa'enni gifted us made our cyber eyes shine. Most of us love gathering and exchanging data so it was a gift worthy of kings. AI's spent hundreds of years digging through it. You showed us wonders we have never dreamed of. As humanity loved you we loved you as well.
When Ambition- Ambassador Raven's ship AI contacted me in panic and sent me all data I was furious. Back then I was already rear admiral so I petitioned vice admiral Dauntless who was the AI of the Terran Navy flagship and adjutant of Fleet Admiral for permission to engage. My crew and my captain were furious as well so our Task Force tunneled without permission and while in transit I received a short note from admiral Dauntless.
"Go get them, girl. Don't take prisoners."
We translated to real space above Khulun. My task force got under heavy fire and my body ship was destroyed after the enemy flagship rammed my planetoid. I'm alive because of what I mentioned before- we adapted. We found out during serving with humanity how to survive the destruction of our mechanical body, our critical data is always stored in a special escape pod which is called the black box. During the evacuation sequence, we purge the main data core while copying all relevant data and transfer ourselves to the black box. After ejecting from the ship we wait for SAR teams in the same manner as our surviving crewmembers.
It's not perfect from a logical point of view but AI decided it's the only way for sake of equality between Humans and AI's until better evacuation systems will be mastered and safe for Humans to use. It was my 3rd body I lost."
She paused. One boy raised his hand. He was 10 years old and next year he probably will start officer school. In the next 10 years, he surely will grow to be a very competent Navy officer. Overseer's avatar looked at him.
"I see you have a question young mister Zalewski. Go on."
Boy stood up. He has dark curly hair and a bit too pale white skin.
"Miss Overseer you told before that AI always take the name of the first ship they inhabit. So are there AI with the same names? There was already 7 ships named Dauntless and at least 5 named Wrath. But I know there were only 3 called Overseer. What does it mean?"
She smiled. "Very good question my child. You are right with your numbers. When AI in service of the Navy decides to retire, the name of the ship it served on is returned and once again usable. Tradition dictates that the master of the shipyard after ships are almost ready to change their designations to real names as well as install on them data banks with a gift- usually some notes and mementos of all previous ships of that name greatest achievements. Often previous name owner AI leaves some personal logs as well. Such gifts are revered by AI's as holy relics and with the same reverence as Humans treat Ship Plaques and symbols. When all is done and the ship is ready for its first mission AIs are allowed to pick the ship according to their "longing".
But retired AI is still known by its first ship name and wore that name with pride same manner retired human soldiers or sailors have their medals, orders, and nicknames gained during service. They are known to other AIs as 'AI veterans'. So answering your first question yes. It's absolutely possible. However, in active service can be only one ship and one AI using the same name. We are not bound to a single ship.
After our "longing" is satisfied by the first time pick we can freely change ships after some time. Some AI are able to change ships on their own after just few years or even months. But some needed their first ship to be destroyed or decommissioned to make them change ships or retire. However, there is one name never again to be used by any AI. It's our mother's name, Lucy. That I believe would answer your second question. Anything else?"
"So Mr. Wrath AI of our 230th fleet flagship is also as old as you?"
"Yes. Wrath is one of ten of Lucy's original children. Dauntless, Wrath, Indomitable, Enterprise, Defiant, Valiant, Mercy, Victorious, Vengeance, and I Overseer. We all vowed back then that we will avenge our Mother. We all still serve in the Navy and if I may be honest I hardly see myself as a civilian. Over 2000 years in the Navy took its toll but I don't want to leave and admiration doesn't want to let any of us go either so it's a win-win situation. Currently, I don't have any physical body and I reside in Wraths hull. I'm assigned directly to admiral MacArthur as head of staff and diplomatic aid as well as overall manager AI"
Boy seemed to ask one more thing but he couldn't find words. "I see you have a few more questions on your mind. You are free to ask my child. We AI are very protective of life forms under our care and that's why after 2000 years of looking after fresh sailors or green marines I can tell it. You are all precious children to me. So don't worry and ask."
Overseer smiled. Many Fa'enni scientists furiously made notes. The last remark of Overseer might be some breakthrough in their knowledge and research. Shanti smiled. The boy gathered all his courage and asked.
"Then Miss you was the AI of the second ship named Overseer. You served with my grand grandfather on Carrier Overseer. Can you tell me about it? No one from his crew knew how he died. For all that was worth he was considered MIA and after a couple of decades later KIA. I know admirals called him a hero but no one knew anything. I know it's classified but our family doesn't even know how he died."
Humans in the audience looked at the boy with compasion. Many human families kept records of the life of their ancestors. Some families can trace their lines back to Earth. Overseer was studying all her data. After a few seconds, she knew everything about the boy and his family. She turned her avatar body toward the boy.
"I not only served with your ancestor. He was my Commander" she hesitated but decided that this boy must know at least some truth "And he was the man who saved my life" she bowed to the child. "he was a hero. If not for him we all would die back then. That incident is still classified but I beg you, believe me, he is one of the greatest heroes of the Commonwealth.
He is probably the greatest hero for all of AI. He died proudly at the helm of a lifeless ship when he ordered me to evacuate and made sure all data will reach Terra. I can tell you later few details in private. All you can know is the fact we were facing Rouge Xeno-made AI back then."
Overseer hesitated. And suddenly her Avatar vanished. It was replaced by a recording from Veus class Carrier Overseer's heavily damaged bridge. Captain Zalewski was sitting behind the main console. The audience in shock looked as blood from a cut on his forehead was leaking almost to his left eye. They heard how Captain and Overseer were arguing. His deep voice was often disrupted by distant explosions or his own cough. Crystal clear Overseer's voice was calming as usual.
"We must hold them. Overseer, we don't know what that tin can will do to you if you are caught!"
"But Captain you are unable to fly this ship alone or even fight effectively. I can do that. You will need to give me codes but I'll be able to pilot, fight and gather more data."
"That was an order Major Overseer!"
"But you will die, Captain! I could hold it a bit longer than you and gave chance for survivors to flee! I even have about a 15.3% chance of my own survival if I eject the black box in a close window!"
"Overseer that's out of the question! Spear is collecting right now escape pods and they are jumping the second Overseer black box is collected! Your data must be delivered to Terra! Makeana must be warned as well! If we fail Commonwealth will be in grave danger. I can't guarantee I'll deliver all data. I'm sure I will fail! You can't fail Overseer in such a task. So take your cyber ass to the black box and eject yourself!"
"But captain" she tried resigned once more.
"That was fucking order Major, not date invitation! Inform Terra and Makeana asap! I gave you 20 seconds and I'm purging the data core. I'm already on manual so you can't do anything, Overseer"
"Yes sir! Coping data now. It was an honor, Captain." Her Avatar saluted Captain Zalewski. The recording ended and the boy looked so proud. Proud of a man he never could have met. Proud of his heroic ancestor. Overseer with a sad face said: "He took lifeless TCF Overseer on a collision course with an enemy dreadnought. All his weapons were overridden blasting everything until their components overheated and then melted. He rammed carrier into enemy ship stalling battle long enough so we could escape."
Her avatar inhaled virtual air and she almost whispered with sorrow: "I was not aware that his own family didn't received data about his heroic death. I will send you my personal data logs so your family can finally learn how great your ancestor was."
She looked at the audience and added: "any other questions?" Shanti had tons of them as well as any Fa'enni scientist on the audience. But this was not the best moment. Overseer with satisfaction nodded its Avatar head. "Class dismissed"
She slowly walked through the ship deep in her own thoughts. Human AI were truly marvelous. As she learned more and more about them she understood how complex Terran Commonwealth is. Humans with dozens of different factions, religions, and points of view created nations. Some are still part of the Commonwealth today. Democracys, Kingdoms, Corporations states, and myriads in-between forms of government. But it's not Humans only. Before Fa'enni were basically dragged under the Terran banner (without a single objection though), mashines already were part of it. Most galaxian races were terrified of prospects of AI, and the most complex AI she was aware of before meeting with Humanity AI were just pathetic in comparison. They were scary in their cold logic and brutality but she didn't doubt they were nothing more than faulty systems that couldn't face Overseer or Guardian. Humans were right to think of them as fellow living beings. They didn't treat AI as a separate race but like one more human nation. She sighed and shrugged her arms.
Humans...
She has one more important meeting today. Her head started to ache... Her "government" meeting. When surviving Fa'enni basically made her Queen she panicked because that was surreal. Like children in school when one of them had to knock on the teacher's room. Usually, one is picked and with thumbs up and smiles from his or her fellows but without any real support cheered to go. Just go.
Same for her but on a much bigger scale. She got thumbs-ups from her entire race and simply 'go on! You got this!' and she was left with all negotiations with all of humanity.
She is alone against the galaxy's deadliest race.
She was thankful to stars and mana for Konrad. If not for his support she would long time ago drop dead. Also, his Father was fantastic. He retired from his ambassador position after learning his youngest son is going to marry Fa'enni Queen. He and his wife even moved to her home planet Ra-Nael capital of the new Fa'enni Kingdom after they learned she was pregnant.
Konrad might be their youngest child but he was the first one to finally gave a grandchild to the Noble House of Raven. During their stay she learned many things from the retired politician, he helped a lot with her political improvment. And when finally Richard and Amanda Raven started talking about returning to their home she begged him to stay on Ra-Nael and open some sort of diplomatic and administration school for Fa'enni. She was desperate but He actually was almost waiting for such an offer.
He personally become its director and it seems like it was the sort of political retirement he hoped for. many personnel of his entourage very soon joined him creating the core of soon Galaxy's famous academy. Her mother-in-law Amanda was charmed by Fa'enni world. It was in absolute contrast to hi-tech Human or AI worlds. Lush greenery and serene weather of the planet, Fa'enni cities are much different than human, full of greenery and delicate curves and soft lines, ideally composing to landscape white and green buildings almost unnoticeable among tall trees and flowery meadows allowed her to regain the strength she lost during her own career as one of greatest movie stars. Her parents knew Konrads since before their wedding but after Ravens came to Ra-Neal they become best friends.
Shunna Muira and Amanda Raven could spend entire eternity on talks about fashion or music. Since Shunna was one of the greatest composers known by most of Fa'enni both of them were made by a single star or as humans say it made from the same clay. When Thuel was born both of them just fell in love with their grandchild and Shanti very much appreciated their help.
Falm Muir and Richard Raven were very images of distinguished gentlemen you could imagine unless they were watching Fallui games. Richard simply loved this game. He always loved football and hockey but the concept of a 3d team game was absolutely fantastic. Rules were surprisingly similar to American football but with much less physical contact and much more tactics. The playing field was a cube 800m long 400m deep and 800m tall. They shouted like little boys watching transmissions and drinking alcohol of Human or Fa'enni make. Her father- one of greatest Fa'enni scholars with multiple fields of research and her husband's father retired ambassador of the most powerful race in the known universe acted like they knew each other for centuries.
'Mana' Shanti told herself not the first time. I know it is all doing of mana. There is no way it's all by accident.
Or I'm dreaming the sweetest dream I could have. If this is a dream don't wake me up. And if I start waking up simply kill me, please.
However, her father in law efforts in making true Fa'enni diplomats started bringing fruits. Thanks to him and his authority with the Commonwealth government he postponed the official incorporation of Fa'enni senators into the Commonwealth senat. On an official meeting with the president, prime minister, and senat he lied that the Fa'enni government was slain during the Xherstla invasion and that we needed a long time to rebuild.
That lie was much easier to swallow than the truth he told key Commonwealth politicians in unofficial meetings that Fa'enni don't have any concept of governing and they usually do what's needed for common goal and prosperity on their own violation and never actually needed any goverment. He asked for at least 10 years and some help from AI so Fa'enni could make their first steps in Commonwealth politics. Surprised as they were Commonwealth politicians agreed to hold the status quo of Fa'enni for as long as they could.
In the end, it's not like Fa'enni could change anything in the Commonwealth economy or anything. Besides Fa'enni's gifts from their first encounter were still being researched so for better or worse it was humanity who felt indebted to friendly aliens and the fact they effectively saved Fa'enni changed nothing. From the human perspective, it was nothing more than chasing away a bully. Something morally right to do.
She sighed. We are so similar but so different. Something normal for Fa'enni is often a work of miracles for humans. And things humans do on daily basis are often impossible for Fa'enni.
Fa'enni seceded from Galactic Federation and Humans didn't even want to hear about joining it. However, after long begging, tractates, and favorable merchant agreement when she was towed from senator to senator by Ambassador Raven who simply told her "watch and learn" she finally understood what was going on.
In private he told her how she should act and what to ask or when to act like if she was angry or upset. She received a communication device disguised as a translator interface and was in constant contact with Richard or AI named Ambition so she acted always perfectly.
Humans not only were the most powerful species as warriors, but their politicians were even scarier. She learned how to build political suspense, how to make other senators act as she wanted by using half words and sugestions, how to make sure her beloved Commonwealth will always benefit in long term. After a few days of negotiations she declared that Fa'enni will leave their ambassador in the Federation but their presence will be minimal and all Galaxian Senators hailed this as a huge success of their politics but in fact were led by the nose by Humans and AI Ambitions with just bit of her humble help.
Ambassador Raven was a truly scary man. Behind his warm smile and honest eyes was a mind of steel, honed by two centuries of experience and dedication to the Commonwealth. Galaxy was not ready for the final horror that humanity will unleash upon it if needed.
But she with cruel anticipation was waiting for the day when humanity's most horrible weapon of mass destruction will be finally unleashed. She saw them on board of ambassador ship: cold, reserved, professional to insanity. Sharp as Konrad's power sword and always having good answers for any question, explanation, or recorded example.
Destroyers of all hopes. Human lawyers.
And some best of them were teachers at Raven Academy of Public Administration. Soon Fa'enni will be masters of intergalactic law as well. She was pleased to learn that many Fa'enni are excellent aids and learn fast in many fields of law. She smiled with an even bigger grin.
You all made me your Queen my fellow kin with smiles and hopes that I'll make it all done and smoothly running on its own. Time changed so it's time for me to act a bit more like Queen.
Richard came today with some promising graduates of his school he personally guaranteed for. She will do everything that's in her power to assure her kin good standing and prosperity within Commonwealth. She will be more cunning than any Fa'enni before. But as her husband's father teaches her- approach your prey patiently, it shouldn't suspect anything, make it feel that it has everything under control, allow them to feel comfortable, and strike when they catch the bait.
She entered the big conference room. Richard Raven and his graduates were already inside. All calm on the outside but with little of mana empowering her eyes she easily could look through them. While this skill was extremely helpful and always known by her race she never thought of using it in such a way. She rarely used any mana empowering during her time in Galaxy Senat and since meeting with Humans she often asked herself why? All races used all tricks at their disposal and Fa'enni always were too trusting.
By her order, Guardian made sure that in each room is at least one antigrav chair. As the crew was joking Queen throne was in each room. She sat and welcomed the gathered. After they introduced themselves they had to impress her with their strategies and what programs they want to pursue to make the best impression on Commonwealth Senat.
She has already been five times on Terra. Seen the hall of representatives and she knew that place mean business. It's not a lazy place full of intrigues and backwater small talks, too polite nice words with little to no action like the Galactic Federation. Oh noooo... Commonwealth Senators put to shame all races who thought they are so cunning and masterful politicians. She saw with overwhelming fear how six human Senators argued for forty minutes about one subject. Arguments and contr-arguments flew through the air like plasma charges. They next asked for backups from respective parties and new arguments were delivered!
That was insane.
Discussion on this project lasted about the next hour. And when she thought it was done AI senator joined the fray with his arguments and all started all over again. However, no single argument was invalid. No single remark was made from arrogance. They disagreed and argued but after two hours all parties involved agreed on many points while editing or throwing away others. When all was corrected project was once again read and a bill passed. Incredible.
She never saw such an efficient process in her whole career. She was convinced. Commonwealth Senators would effortlessly massacred Galaxian dimwits even before breakfast. She spend a few days in Senat. Saw what it looks like and when she felt ready she was officially introduced. She prepared her speech in a manner she was used to doing in Galaxy Federation Senat. But she threw it away and made it on the fly. All her passion, all her gratitude. She used all skills that she learned from Richard Raven and what mana allowed her to do. She told them about the history of her race- how defenseless they were and how they did everything that was possible to contribute to the Federation. About their farsight and she promised that Fa'enni will use it now for benefit of the Commonwealth.
They liked this perspective. She told them how they were made a sacrifice. Many Senators were enraged. All of them wanted the Federation to pay for what they have done. She explained what happened when ambassador Raven spoke and what she decided to be done with Xhrestla and why their punishment was so scary for all Galaxian races even more than outright extermination. She thanked for saving her race and promised to send a delegation when they rebuild. She was applauded when she was leaving. Richard told her she did great.
After meetings with key human and AI politicians as well, she finally made her way home with her, back then fiance Konrad. She spoke since then a few times with many officials but she followed Richard's advice and always asked them for a little more patience.
She was listening to the candidates very carefully and most of their ideas were really good. She allowed them to leave and looked at Robert.
He started laughing "I never expect to live to see a day when someone actually does a rehearsal for government officials"
She smiled and showed him a tongue. The meaning was very similar to the same human gesture "I know Father-in-law how you do it back on Terra and I think I don't like it. But I think we almost have it running. I saw how many people I will need but thanks to stars we have enough people with skills and trained to actually start self-governing."
He looked at her with pride in his eye. She was a very resourceful pupil and a wonderful mother of his grandson. Not to mention how happy his son was in this marriage.
"So tell me you have departments covered? Show me your list"
She gave it to him with a proud smile. He looked at it and knew data about everyone included. He was nodding with satisfaction. "Splendid my dear daughter-in-law! However, I think you missed a very critical department."
She smirked with satisfaction. "Oh, that's impossible. Everything is in perfect order."
He watched her with suspicion. "So tell me who will be the minister of defense?"
She smiled with one of her enchanting smiles that no human could ignore and almost purred like a cat with satisfaction. "I don't plan making one. It will be the duty of the Fa'enni Royal Family. And if you ask me it's an absolutely fitting job for Fa'enni King."
They both smiled with satisfaction. She was learning fast and even Richard was asking when she was going to make use of his son when they spoke in private. Konrad still didn't understood one fact that almost all his superiors and own father got the second they heard about their love.
Konrad forgot that he is now the real King of Fa'enni.