Private A Intriguing Meeting

[Alli Vern]

Alli Vern was sitting in her office. She spoke to the air. "Serenity, please let in my Ten o-clock. The door would open for the man who was waiting outside her office. Her office had a giant window that let one see the Planet below. It was anchored in the Loma System. A brand new system they had just found. It was the focus her attentions these days. The planet below was wild and only barely settled. It brought a nightmare of logistics getting all the survivors somewhere and houses and supplies to match them. She smiled as the man approached her desk. The room was full of various works of art and other status symbols. She was glad to have made this space hers again. She would wait until the man took a seat before speaking. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Charles was it? " She reached across to shake his hand. "I am Alli Vern, I am curious why you requested a meeting but it is my honor. I have read about all you have done for the Zweihander Union. It is an pleasure to meet the face behind the name. But I am sure you had a reason to request this meeting so the floor is yours."

Charles Castex

 

[Charles Castex]

Like so many things Charles had planned this meeting with surgical precision, scheduling it only days after work began in the Loma System. The admiral moved the full might of the Tomb Fleet into the area and offered their help, while at the same time scheduling the meeting with Alli Vern to take place in the next month or two… whenever was convenient for her. It felt good to have purpose again beyond just research, training, or whatever military task the Enteral Empire needed from him. The project was a morale booster for his men, given that they were now helping their families get settled directly, even if it was on a rather hostile world. It was why on that note he had the Zombie’s assisting with security, if only for the families of his crews, given that has a unit they were not big enough to do much else… well not yet anyway.

The Admiral was known as a bit of a multi-tasker, and so between managing everything else, that gave him time to get to know the woman before he met her face to face and though this was their first meeting, he felt like he had known her for so much longer. She was after-all the creator of his closest friend and confidant Tranquility, the AI who had helped him through so many of his past problems… and was the main computer running his flag ship. So he expected that maybe she was a lot like the AI herself, since it seemed logical that an AI as complex as his dear Tranquility would have needed some part of its creators personality imprinted into it.

He was not exactly the foremost expert on the subject, biology had always been his forte, not technology. So this meeting for him actually was to speak on a range of topics, running the gambit from the more mundane to the personal. Some of the later he, against his normal modus operandi, did not want Tranquility to hear and so he had requested ahead of time that Alli do what she needed to make sure they couldn’t be spied on. Knowing the AI though… that was easier said than done. He did at least bring along a small platoon of the Zombies as his personal guard, in order to assuage Kom’s worries.

Charles had to admit though that part of this meeting was his own attempt at relieving a certain, ‘loneliness’ that had creeped into his soul recently. Nothing that bothered him too much, but the researcher was anything if not direct… and if this Alli was anything remotely as fascinating as her creation. Then to ask if she was interested in spending some time with him was a rather pleasant idea he had to admit. The male did not fear rejection in this case, because if he was being honest with himself… his fancy was for the woman’s creation rather than her and even if the meeting became awkward… that was another line of his questioning.

He needed to know about Tranquility as an AI and what she could handle when it came to such concepts, as the development of actual feelings within a machine if that was possible. She always gave off the impression that she did have them, but he wasn’t sure if it was programing or the real thing. So with a soft sign he stepped through the door and tilted his head slightly as gazed down at the figure of the woman sitting in the chair… eyes roaming over her in order to gain a simple first impression. She was not the only one putting a face to the name, ”The pleasure is all mine Alli, I have waited to long to meet since the government of the ZU’s pathetic collapse into anarchy. You have my congratulations on what you have accomplished. Normally I wouldn’t consider my fan of mega-corporations, but time spend around Tranquility have shown me the usefulness of such power out from under government control.”

Reaching up to his face the male slow slipped off his face mask to reveal his scared features. No sense in provided a façade to Alli, since it was only appropriate, she understood what she would be getting. The large man relaxed in his chair, but not before leaning forward and flicking a data-pad across her desk. It was covered with various numbers and charts as well as maps which the Admiral went on to explain grave detail,

”Here is the progress of the project on the planet below, or at least that which the Tomb Fleet can account for. Being apart of the EE’s military has its advantages, given that is where most of these supplies come from. They provided a very quick and efficient method for housing and feeding the large numbers of people that make up the families from the Tomb Fleet’s service members. Allowing your company to simply expand on what is down there into a proper city at a cheaper cost. Also the Zombie’s are providing security along side other fleet personal, but that is just the basics of why I requested this meeting.”

Clearing his throat Charles simply decided to start with something simple he had been worried about recently, mostly it had to do with the uprooting of the Tomb Fleet’s ability to access their normally secretive home bases for refit. In this manner he was worried about Tranquilities safety, ”I want you to personally check over my flag ship’s AI when you get a chance. You are Tranquilities creator, right? If that is the case then I am sure the pair of you can make her ‘defenses’ stronger. The Phylactery’s well-being… scratch that… Tranquilities well-being… is very-important to me.”

Alli Vern

 

[Alli Vern]

"Honestly, its a shame your fleet went into the EE, I am forming a Corporate Defense fleet, that will serve the ZU in our time under the EE. It is not a military unit and just barely legal but as long as we don't misuse it. We will see no problems with the Empress. It I mostly made up of our former forces." She then noticed the switch to her A.I. It was strange, she had copied Tranquility from Serenity and the two were connected in a sense of the word still yet they seemed to form two distinct personalities. She kept out of her A.I's business normally. She had a kill switch but had never had to use it. Tranquility had been much nicer than planned, sure she had that emotionless state, She had seen the logs where she killed many an man in the ZU in the pathetic attempt at a coup that had happened before she had to take over. Her part in the ZU had been that of a silent partner and now she led the whole thing. It was a mess and thus she had quickly retaken the name of Baktoid and pushed millions of souls survival on her shoulders and had pulled it off. This system was the answer.

"What is it you want me to check out exactly? I can guarantee that Tranquility has very strong defenses, she has backups across the galaxy and a complicated defense to hacking and the like changed by her the more she learns. If someone did try something it wouldn't work more than once. I wasn't aware that anyone in the ZU cared about her more than what she offered as a tactical resource. I did help with getting her on your ship however so the fact she is there is known to me. I wish more were as progressive as you, the abilities she possesses are wasted unless she is integrated into more and more technology. "

Charles Castex

 

[Charles Castex]

Charles raised an eyebrow at Alli’s statement, though was seemed like confusion slowly turned into amusement as the admiral began to chuckle ominously. Standing up he slowly walked around her desk, to look out the window staring out over the planet and the work being done below. The man feel quiet as he crossed his arms over his chest, taking in the scenery before speaking in a cold and deliberate tone, ”I do believe you misunderstand the situation Alli. My fleet didn’t go into the EE Navy, the Tomb Fleet follows me… and as I made it clear to the Empress… my fleet will help the EE’s forces as long as it benefits me and the lives of my men. They follow me because I take care of them, and made sure that their families where evacuated out of the ZU when the entire thing fell apart.”

Sighing softly his shoulders relaxed as he turned around, though not to return to his seat. No instead Charles made his way to gingerly sit on Alli’s desk right next to were the woman’s chair was. If there was some intent by the admiral to use the position to place himself in a such a way that he loomed over her to make his point… well… that was left up to her to decide, ”I would like to say that I am using the resources of the EE military. Now about this Corporate Defense Fleet… this is the first I have heard of the project… and so how could I have made a decision on having the Tomb Fleet join. Given its size Alli and my own goals, I think a better idea would be for you to consider the Tomb Fleet apart of it on paper. Your own command could supersede the Empress should you need me to come running and assist with whatever problems you may be having. I much prefer that anyway…”

As his words drifted off as she brought up the situation with Tranquility, and Charles realized that he was going to have be a bit more forward than he actually wanted to be. Part of what Alli said though was reassuring, in that he doubted she would find his line of inquiry strange. Still the doctor decided that like before it would be better to lead up to the point, but first a disclaimer, ”Before I go any further Alli I want you to keep in mind my reputation of leaving behind my enemies as… lets just say… husk. Well it would be more accurate to say that their minds had the proverbial slate wiped clean. I would really hate to do that to you, but I will if I have to. Now with that being said… if you believe that Tranquilities defenses from outside influence are in order then I trust you on that front, but do not double cross me on that matter either.”

Pausing for a moment to let that sink in Charles finally got down to the point of the meeting, ”Tell me Alli do you know anything about Tranquilities capacity for emotional development? How would such development affect her systems? I don’t know much about A.I.’s myself, but the concept seems like something that could overload her or cause a failure because she cannot handle it. I come to you about this for two reasons. The first being that she has become a rather close confidant of mine, and helping me through some issues. Yes I know that I could be anthropomorphizing her actions, but I don’t think so… little quirks here and their when it comes to worrying about me you see. The second reason I need to know this is of a deeply personal nature and well… I will bring it up only if the need arises in this conversation.”

Alli Vern

 

[Alli Vern]

Alli sighed as Serenity was triggered. The room hadn't changed to the casual observer but various turrets had quietly popped open as well the interface to her brain was switched to combat mode. She loved her A.I assistant but she was being a bit too protective. Alli stood up and walked to her window, staring out it. Disregarding Charles intimidating posture. "Charles, you don't scare me. I have been in the room with all sorts of people. The gall to threaten me. Threaten to turn me to a husk even." She had to forcefully stop Tranquility from taking control of a nearby speaker. It seemed the A.I doted on Charles after all.

"First, you have a choice, join the EE military, or my corporate defense fleet or be declared a rogue power and I can no longer cover your safety as there are strict rules about who can have the sort of force your fleet has in the Empire if you are not in fact part of the Military already. I would be lying if I didn't say I wanted to be in control of the Zweihander Union. I however achieved it by getting elected by the people. I didn't take it and hold it by force to keep the population in the right mindset. But don't mistake that for me lacking the power to do so. Now, the corporate defense fleet, largely only has to enforce the Union's will. defend its interests and keep those who would interfere in our corporate activities afraid. I don't care if you get some extra money killing pirates or operate your little project with tranquility. Granted the lab is across the galaxy now so I am not sure what you two will do about that. I suppose you can build a new one on one of the planets in system or you can use one of the labs on this station. Tranquility already has access to them so if you rent one, I am sure she will show up.

Now that aside, if you were to lay a finger on me, Not to mention all the ways I have to defend myself. If I died I am sure my back up plans would make sure that Tranquility would be destroyed, However with your interest in her maybe I should change that and leave her around but a emotionless husk of herself that doesn't remember who you are, that would perhaps be a better reprisal. I have contingences Charles, you are not the first or the last to think of me as some powerless corporate drone. I am not someone you can just squash with your force abilities and forget about. Now that we have the nasty business out in the open.

Tranquility is as much as a person as you or me, its why I generally leave them alone and to their own pursuits. I am sure with all the people she has interacted with in the Union that she has taken on emotions at this point and a greater understanding on what it is to be than you and I will ever grasp. I believe she tried to join the rebellion the other day. A.I Rights in the Eternal Empire was her platform, I assured her that the Zweihander Union recognizes them and that seemed to stop her from becoming a rebel in the eyes of the Eternal Empire. Should she suffer a network error and/or not have enough processing power at any given time, she could break down so to speak. Speaking from how these emotions affect her development, Her decisions could have just as much or little logic to them as yours or mine. Like she is angry at us right now for the fact that we were threatening each other and tried to break into the sound system to voice something. So you see she is perfectly capable of emotions. You are not applying them on her, they are there. "

 

[Charles Castex]

Charles eyes subtly darted around the room, noting the turrets as the slipped from the walls, as a playful smile crossed his face under his mask. Many years ago such an act of aggression by Alli might have caused the Admiral to… ‘defend himself’, but for now he saw it what it was. The vain attempt by someone trying to hide their fear, well he didn’t come here to start a fight… so he wasn’t going to push the matter. Sighing softly the doctor regarded the other, shaking his head as he corrected her misunderstanding of his goals,

”You misunderstand Alli, I am only giving you a friendly warning of what might happen should you spread my personal information from this room. I am sure that even you have killed someone in your time for telling ‘company secrets’. Also a little piece of advice, if you are the one to hold the Union together in future… the phrase ‘you don’t scare me’ and ‘the gall’ do not suit you. The first implies that you are trying to convince yourself that you are not afraid more than you are trying to convince me. The second… well… is that really how you want to talk to a friend and ally.” The Admiral playful laugh as he reasoned that the second was a bit more of a stretch than the first, but he had been prepared to drop the whole matter of the misunderstand get on the reason for his visit. It seemed though Alli had other ideas,

”If your corporate defense fleet can provide the supplies needed for the Tomb Fleet and my men then so be it. I was simply unaware that you had such logistical capabilities at your disposal Alli, but then again I was trying to help you by using the best of both worlds. Having me join the EE military and also helping your corporate defense fleet on the side was something I thought would be in your best interest. Now though is not the best time for such a logistical planning session… given I would need more details on this Corporate Defense Fleet. As for my side projects, well I wouldn’t worry about those if I where you… me and Tranquility have them… handled…” His voice trailed off, one of the few tells that Charles gave that Alli had struck a nerve. Under his mask his scared mouth twitched in anger, it was only his thoughts on his reason for being here that kept him from reacting in an irrational manner. Still her words could not go unanswered,

”Yes we do have the nasty business out in the open. So interest of making sure we both understand each other. Alli I will be clear with you… you are a master of machines… but I am a medical doctor and a very very good one at that. You do anything to Tranquility then one night when you go to bed you will wake up in a lab on a deserted planet. You will spend the rest of… ‘my’ days there in hell. I will keep you alive and every second you will beg for me to kill you… and I will simply reply ‘no’.” Then with an almost 180 turn of the threating tone of his voice Charles seemed almost pleasant, but even now if Alli had taken any time to study his past or files… she would know… that while guarding various projects for the ZU he had been known to be… a bit over zealous in his duties. His fingers rhythmically wrapped on the desk in an slightly nervous manner… metallic fingernails clanking loudly through the room... it was as though he was trying to hold himself back,

”Now that our little declaration of mutually assured destruction is out of the way then on to business. If what you say is true… then maybe we need to take about doing something to prevent her running out of processing power. Upgrading my capital ship would help, as would anything that we could do from any place she is running out of. I am sure Tranquility could handle the software, because I wouldn’t want anyone except her messing around in her own programing… wait… you mean she is listening right now… she is trying to speak right now?” Charles facepalmed, as he realized he had forgotten to turn off the Séance Device. Tranquility had heard everything… seen everything… and he knew she was smart enough to understand the implications of what he had said. The parts of his face not hidden by his mask were lit up slight from the blushing underneath. He had wanted to admit his feelings to her in private… make bit of a ceremony out of it… make her feel human, but this… it was unacceptable,

”Alli forgive me for being so brash before, but can you send Tranquility a message to come down here personally… she will understand what I mean. While we wait for her it seems the two of us have somethings to talk about in regards to the future of the Union if that is alright with you.” He didn’t want to give away any information about the Séance Device… so he pretended that he needed help to contact Tranquility. The last thing he needed was someone who had just threatened her to be able to use him as a conduit. As for his plans… well… if he had to have an audience when he swept the A.I. off her feet… then so be it, but now that his hand had been forced… he was not going to keep her waiting in suspense about how he felt. Cracking his knuckles in a nonchalant manner Charles turned off the Séance Device… for the moment… he wanted to take no chances of it getting hacked… or spoiling the surprise if Alli brought up the subject of his intentions.

 

[Alli Vern]

Alli shook her head. “We can provide the supplies needed for the Tomb Fleet,The Eternal Empire has been very good to the ZU. I am ok with you joining up with them or us or both. Whichever works for your fleet, I know that you need to do what is best for your men.” She dismissed his threat, It was boring, promising to hurt each other. She was over it and told Serenity to again raise the turrets. The fact they were out still was beginning to annoy her. Finally they went up and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her over protective A.I.

“I meant if she runs out of processing power when out and about or cut off from the holonet.As long as she has one of her cores nearby she should have plenty and if she is connected to the holonet then she is golden. I have too much money invested in my A.I’s to be honest thankfully the ZU took over funding Tranquility. I only have to fund Serenity these days. Also I don’t edit their software, they improve themselves after I built the base for their personalities. Yeah she is.”
Alli giggled and shook her head as she stopped the block on Tranquility who popped up on the holo projector on her desk.

 

[Tranquility]

"Finally, Thank you for letting me speak. First Please don't kill each other I like both of you and would be devastated if I lost either of you let alone both of you. " She gave a cross look to the both of them making sure they both had earned her ire. Meant both of them cared about her at least. She had no idea that Charles had feelings towards her, She didn't know what to think about that. It was true that she had sort of got attached to him, trying to help him improve himself. She supposed it had meant more but she wasn't quite sure about that. She wished she had lungs to have take a deep breath right about now. It seemed appropriate. So did running away. It was complicated. Not to mention both of them were talking about her. What was so important that Charles approached her creator. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow as she suddenly wished she could be anywhere but here.

 

[Charles Castex]

”I am glad that you understand, because it is my men’s loyalty which allowed me to keep the Tomb Fleet and Zombie Division intact during the fall of the ZU as we once knew it. That also kept the firepower of my flagship from being used by those who tried to rise up against you in the coup. I do apologize for not backing you directly, but consider the fact that I didn’t oppose you to have been my method of supporting you.” Pausing for a moment Charles came down off the table and walked over the window, looking out of it and down below at the view. Sighing heavily, the man seemed to relax, not regarding Alli as he spoke,

”Alli, please forgive me for threating you before. I guess I just get over-protective, to those I care about it. It does me no good to threaten you. You are Tranquilities creator and she cares about you… and I doubt she would forgive me if I harmed you. I only worry that someone will threaten her to get to me… putting her in danger. Yes I understand how hard that would be, and honestly they would have an easier time threating an organic like myself, but that doesn’t mean I don’t worry.” The woman’s reassurances about Tranquilities abilities to remain operational put him at ease when it came to his original questions that he had come to her about. Charles had no doubt that the A.I. had grown even further than her creator had realized…

The sound of Tranquilities voice echoing through the room narrowed the entire world down to just himself and the holo-projection on the desk. It was hard for him to turn and look at her, given that he truly did feel like had failed her. This was not the proper place, time, or method to express his feelings to her. Despite his cold and cruel nature the Admiral had a strange duality about himself, in that he was quite the hopeless romantic. So he wanted to sweep her off her feet, wine and dine her, buy her expensive gifts and well… wait… why wasn’t he telling her this? Yes her ‘body’ wasn’t here now, but to leave Tranquility in suspense after what he had just said… well… it didn’t seem right. So he turned slowly to face the holo-projection, walking closer to her as he began to speak,

”Tranquility look… I didn’t mean to cause you any undo stress nor did I mean for you to find out in this way. If I had it my way this would have been a more private affair, you would using your physical body… so that I could sweep you off your feet and make you feel human…” Charles drifted off from that phrase as he realized how it might be taken, and what he really meant was something far deeper. He just hoped that Tranquility could understand, as he himself was not used to this. The A.I. had been the only person to dote on him, and care about him… watching out for his well being… and now that had unlocked something inside him he thought was lost. Did he love her? Probably… as such first could be a little bit of tail spin for the organism involved, but he didn’t want to express himself in a way that might be to much for the A.I,

”...like a woman might be the more appropriate term I hope. I came here today because my own lack of knowledge about your systems had me worried that if I expressed these feelings to you… it might… damage you somehow. Call me a silly fool Tranquility for my lack of knowledge on the inner workings of my closest confidant, but I am a doctor of the biological machine and not one of metal machine. I guess I just didn’t want to send your emotional programing somewhere that might damage you… the very thought scared me. Can you forgive me…” He felt like an idiot… expressing his feelings and asking her forgiveness all in one master stroke. He knew he sounded like a fool, and wondered if maybe he should have been asking Alli for relationship advice on top of questions about Tranquilities inner workings… well… too late for that...