Clidepp Requital (13 page)

"Thank you, Commander," Galton said as the Commander moved aside and he moved to Nassat's former position. "Good morning, everyone. As you can plainly see, the consoles on the bridge of this new ship are unlike anything you had on the
Perry
. Their appearance is not all that dissimilar from the previous Lyon-class destroyers, but the function is radically different. The envelope merge failure of the
Perry
and near loss of the entire crews of both ships finally convinced the SHQ decision-makers to allow for slightly more automation than had previously been acceptable.

"For two centuries, fear that rogue computers would one day take control of mankind if draconian restrictions were not in place to prevent computers from making unsupervised decisions in command and control situations has prevented scientists from offering many of the capabilities and advancements we knew were possible. Personally, I find the idea that a computer or cyborg could
ever
dominate mankind to be totally absurd. We will always be the controlling force, not the other way around. But we're not here to debate philosophical views, so let's begin the orientation.

"The bridge consoles provide full control of the ship, just as they always have in the past. The differences are the interfaces and the advanced level of control possible with the help of computers. I've referenced the failed envelope merge already, so let's use that as an example. The merge failed because the helmsman aboard the
Glassama
altered the flight of the lead ship at a critical moment, ostensibly to prevent the merge procedure from being successful. When the
Glassama
performed a slight roll and yaw, the helmsman aboard the
Perry
lost his concentration for just an instant. He didn't cancel the envelope at the precise moment intended and thus allowed the two ships to collide. This was confirmed through a review of the bridge logs and all sensor information. A computer would not have lost its concentration and would have cancelled the envelope in time to either minimize damage or avoid it altogether if the computers had been allowed to control the ship. From this time forward, they will be.

"Once the helmsman initiates the envelope-merge procedure, the computer will monitor the flight of both ships. In less time than it takes you to blink an eye, the computer will take control of the ship, fire the lasers at the designated target, and cancel the envelope, thus saving the ship from harm. With the computer in command of the ship's flight, there will be almost no chance of deadly accidents resulting from an envelope merge.

"But the biggest improvement this new system offers is that officers will no longer have to press buttons or push levers at the consoles. The buttons and levers are still there because we realize it will take time to adjust, but there's no need to use them. Each bridge officer will wear a lightweight sensor interface over his or her left ear. Your CT will authorize your command of the console through the interface device, and all you'll need to do is look at the function on the console and think the command. The computer will then carry it out. For those of you who are interdiction pilots, it will seem similar to the procedure used for com channel and private conversation selection when wearing the helmet of your personal body armor."

Dr. Galton stopped and pointed to Bryant, who had raised his hand. "Yes, Commander?"

"Dr. Galton, will there be a conflict when the individual manning a console asks a question of myself or someone else? And can the computer distinguish with absolute certainty between a command and mere bridge chatter."

"When someone needs to address another person, they simply say, 'Deactivate link.' When they're done, they say 'Reactivate link.'"

"I see. And when the link is deactivated, does the computer ignore all sensors?"

"No, and that's the best part. When the operator is out of the loop, the computer takes full control of the ship's functions handled by that console."

"I see. If someone forgets to deactivate the link and responds to a question, is there a chance the computer can interpret that as a command change?"

Dr. Galton was silent for a second before answering. "Well—it's possible, depending upon the eye movement of the console operator, that the computer could perceive it as a command change."

"I see. And is it possible to lock the computer out altogether and perform all operations manually as we've done in the past?"

"That would have the effect of invalidating all the new safety protocols. The computer would not be able to correct for operator error."

"Then it is possible?"

"Uh, yes, it's possible. Space Command stipulated that such an option be available. But then the console operator and the watch commander become equally responsible for any accidents."

"I see. And how would the console operator, or in fact anyone on the bridge, know that the link was either active or inactive for that console."

"There are two tiny LED lamps on the console to signal the status. Green means the link is active and red means the link is inactive."

"So, red means the computer has control?"

"Yes, Commander."

"And if the computer has been locked out entirely?"

"Then both LEDs would be dark."

"What if one or the other burn out?"

"That's hardly likely. But all console functions and displays are under constant monitoring by the Engineering computer, and any problems, such as a burned-out LED or display, would be immediately reported to the Engineering Maintenance section."

"I see. Thank you, Doctor."

"You're welcome, Commander Bryant. Are there any other questions? Anyone?" When no one spoke, Dr. Galton said, "Then I ask that all third watch personnel go to the Auxiliary Command and Control bridge. Yard engineers are waiting there to instruct you in the use of the new systems. The first and second watches will be instructed here on the much larger bridge. All consoles on both bridges have been locked into demonstration mode."

As Sydnee and Jerry Weems walked through the corridor, they passed the yard engineers who were the instructors on the main bridge. Once beyond the hearing range of the yard personnel, Sydnee said, "I don't like it already."

"Why?" Weems asked. "You haven't even given it a chance."

"I don't want any computer being able to override my instructions. I don't mind suggestions, but not outright control."

"Galton said that the computer would only take over in extreme situations and that you could block it if you chose."

"Yeah, that's what he said. But the computer systems aboard our ships have always been designed to make sure they
couldn't
take control away from an operator. Now they apparently can. And we're to be the first test. What if the computer code isn't as bug-free as they like to think it is?"

"Then we just shut the computer out, as Galton told Bryant."

"Yeah, if it allows us to shut it out."

"Allows us? Are you becoming paranoid?"

"Maybe. But being a little paranoid isn't always a bad thing. It keeps you on your toes and watchful for possible danger. Instead of thinking of it as being paranoid, think of it as being very security conscious."

"I guess it's all in how you look at it and which side of the issue you're on."

"Yeah. Mark me down on the skeptical-until-proven-foolproof side of any new computer system that can take total control without the consent of the operator."

By the end of the first day, the bridge crews affirmed they fully understood the operation of the new systems. They already knew their jobs and how to do them, so they only had to learn how to interact with the computer.

On day two, all pilots were ordered to report to one of the
Denver's
shuttle bays. Upon arriving there, they learned that the bay contained a newly designed tug and a new Marine Armored Transport, designated respectively as the CPS-14 and the MAT-14. The tug was the largest Sydnee had ever seen or even imagined. At double the size of regular tugs in all dimensions, it was unbelievable that it had managed to squeeze into the bay using the temporary airlock. Then Sydnee glanced over at the temporary airlock on this new ship and realized it was twice the size of the one on the
Perry
. It made sense, because if they had to depressurize the entire bay and then open an outside hatch fully without using the temporary airlock, it was going to dramatically reduce the effectiveness of the new tug. But most importantly, the new tug and the new MAT were both pitch-black in color. Sydnee wondered if that meant what she thought it might mean.

Three Space Command Flight Instructors were standing by to begin the day's session as the pilots took their seats in the chairs provided. Speculations about the new ships and their intended uses began immediately among the assembled officers.

"I'm Commander Belinda Halworth," the senior officer said at exactly 0800. Everyone stopped talking at once and gave her their full attention. "The ships you see behind me are the newest designs in the Space Command and Marine Corps fleets. Although the new Marine aviators haven't reported aboard yet, you will have a full complement of ship and flight personnel when you deploy.

"As you can see, both designs are radical departures from previous ships. First, the ships are sheathed in Dakinium. That gives them the ability to travel at Light-9790. However, the MATs, by themselves, are still only capable of limited sub-light travel speeds in space and oh-gee flight in atmo. And I'll admit right now that the MATs are almost as ungainly in atmosphere as previous models. This new model has stubby wings housed between the passenger deck and the equipment hold. In atmo they swing out to provide greater stability, but the ship still requires a very steady hand and excellent piloting skills. They're even boxier than the MAT-12 when the wings are withdrawn because they're designed to be joined together and/or joined to the tug. Our tugs have always had both sub-light and FTL speeds, in addition to oh-gee flight, so the marriage of these two ships gives us an immense new capability.

"The tug, now renamed as a Central Propulsion Ship, or CPS, can have up to four MATs attached, two on either side. The engine nacelles on this new ship have been moved upward and back, almost to the stern, to allow the MATs to link almost seamlessly with the CPS frame. As on most ships other than warships, the side-mounted engines provide all of the thrust in sub-light speed. When extended and parallel to the fuselage of the ship, they can rotate three hundred sixty degrees vertical. When not parallel, they can rotate up to ninety degrees forward or aft.

"Finally, although we don't have one in here for this session, the
Denver
will be receiving twenty-four habitat units, each being a self-contained unit with air and water recycling capability, food preparation and dining space, and full sleeping accommodations for up to one hundred six individuals. The habitats are each ten meters deep by twenty meters in length by twenty meters tall with four interior levels for living space, plus an Engineering level. They can comfortably accommodate the largest sentient species in the GA, the Nordakians. I'm sure the significance of the habitat size isn't lost on you. They are exactly one-half the length of full-sized shipping containers. That's for good reason. It's to allow them, when two are joined together, to be transported by normal freighters in a Lewiston Link. However, they also have special couplings that allow them to be joined with a CPS. And— they're Dakinium-sheathed. So when attached to a CPS, they can be enclosed in the double-envelope and be transported at Light-9790 like the CPS-14 and MAT-14s. A fully configured unit will include the CPS, up to four MATs, and up to eight habitats."

By this time, the mouths of half the pilots were slightly ajar as their brains processed the implications of this moon-shattering information.

"Where the battleships have a docking collar beneath them for a Scout-Destroyer, the
Lyon
-class Destroyers have docking clamps for up to twenty-four habitat units. That's only possible because the habitats are Dakinium-sheathed."

"Wish we'd had one on Diabolisto," Sydnee said under her breath to Weems.

"Woulda been nice."

"The new flight simulators can realistically represent any configuration of the CPS-14s, MAT-14s, and habitats. I'm sure they'll get a considerable workout in the months ahead as you complete your space trials and return to your patrol sector. In the past, pilots were required to return to Earth for flight training and certification on new craft. That limited the certified aviator availability on ships in remote areas. The new simulators are so accurate that it's no longer necessary. One of the pilots from the crew will be named as a certified flight instructor before you leave for your posting. Your certification can be earned without ever leaving the ship.

"I have a holographic image of a habitat where you'll get a basic understanding of its functionality. When that presentation is concluded, we can take a break, during which any of you who might be interested can take a look at the CPS-14 or MAT-14. Any questions before we continue?"

Sydnee held up her hand.

"Lieutenant Marcola, isn't it?" Halworth said, as she pointed to Sydnee.

"Yes, ma'am," Sydnee said as she stood up. "I'm assuming the CPS, habitat, and MAT configuration was created to add another dimension to the fighting effectiveness of our destroyers with remote positioning. What about Marine fighters? A few of those would have helped us immensely on Diabolisto."

"The Marine fighters are not sheathed in Dakinium, so they would prevent the creation of a Light-9790 envelope if they were secured to the configured ship."

"The FA-SF4 Marine fighter has folding wings to conserve space when parked. Couldn't we just use a half-sized shipping container sheathed in Dakinium as a fighter bay in place of one of the habitats? It could probably hold a dozen fighters and maintenance parts, or possibly just four fighters and a few tons of extra supplies."

Halworth looked over at the other two flight instructors for a few seconds, and then back at Sydnee. "I know for a fact that that has been discussed, but no decision has yet been reached."