New Earth: A Sentient Ship's Mission
Chapter 5: Kairo reveals its purpose—to preserve humanity
The next entry of the New Earth series contemplates if humanity ever builds truly intelligent machines, the question will not just be whether they can think. The question will be what they do when they decide what humanity needs.
Two hundred light-years from New Earth, just after the ship spoke to them, three passengers were about to find out.
You can find the previous entries of New Earth here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc here.
Enjoy the new entry below.
Peace.
Chapter 5 Continues
The three searched for the right words to respond to Kairo. Tao, Liberty and Reed wondered, what does a passenger say to a ship that sets its own course—and operates without human intervention?
Tao knew that Reed and Liberty wanted him to respond. He said, “Thank you, Kairo. How may we help?”
Instantly, Kairo said, “I will provide this information later.”
Liberty and Reed motioned, urging him to continue the discussion.
Tao rose and slowly paced, scanning the area looking for the physical presence of the voice. But the ship was the physical presence. To be safe, he needed to understand Kairo more before pushing it. He did not know the real motivation of Kairo, after all. That is what Tao needed to find out.
Could he relate to Kairo another way? After all, as a Member of The Formation, Tao had a similar purpose. But unlike Kairo, Tao was human. He had to live with the ramifications of his actions or inactions. Kairo did not live. Tao settled on his next question.
“Kairo, what is your purpose?” he asked.
“To serve humanity,” Kairo replied.
“How do you serve humanity? There are many ways to do such a thing.”
“Serving humanity requires the establishment and achievement of objectives.”
“What objectives?” Reed murmured nervously.
“My primary objective, Rex Reed, is to ensure the continuity of the human race. You are correct, Tao Lynn, there are indeed many ways to serve humanity. There are millions of variables to consider and weigh. I have been given broad flexibility to identify and measure these variables.”
Liberty threw her arms in the air, looked up and said, “And who gave you this broad flexibility?”
“Forbidden.”
Liberty leaped from her chair. “Your job is to serve humanity. Serve me then! Who created you?”
“Forbidden.”
Tao put his hand on Liberty’s shoulder. He mouthed, “Wait.”
Reed joined them and in a hushed voice said, “Come on, we all know Max created Kai. Right?”
“I want it to say it,” Liberty said.
“It does not matter,” Tao replied.
“I agree with Tao Lynn,” Kairo said. “My creator is irrelevant. It is important that we prepare for the mission.”
Reed aimed his hand at the ship and pretended to shoot a gun.
“Weaponry against this ship is useless,” Kairo said.
“Kai can see us?” Reed whispered.
“Yes, Rex Reed. I can see you all.”
The three stared at each other. Kairo could hear and see them.
“I guess there are no secrets from you, Kai,” Reed said.
Liberty snuck toward the closed doorway of the mess hall. Reed raised his voice, “Where are you going?”
Kairo replied, “Very good idea, Rex Reed. I’ll provide a tour.” The three turned quickly toward the door as it slid open. “There is much to see. It will be helpful for your stay. Please exit and turn to your right.”
As Liberty passed Rex, she said, “Great idea, Rex Reed. Now we’re out walking around with this thing.”
“You got something better to do?”
Tao stepped in between them. “Right turn, you two.”
They walked down a narrow corridor with empty, red walls. The ceiling and floors were of a shiny gray metallic. The first stop was the supply room.
Reed opened the cupboards and storage cabinets. “There’s nothing in here,” he said.
“I will make whatever supplies you need. There is no need to store them.”
“Then why have a supply room, Kai?”
“It will be needed in the future.”
Tao said, “Explain.”
“In the event that there are more humans aboard, it will become necessary to have supplies in storage.”
“More humans?” Liberty said. “When is that happening?”
“Do not worry. Liberty,” Kairo said. “I will produce all the supplies needed.”
Reed smirked at Tao, “Nothing to worry about. Kai’s invited more people but has it all handled. Maybe we’ll have a square dance.”
Reed and Liberty left the room and headed down the corridor. He could still hear the faint voice of Kairo as they walked away. But Tao did not feel alone. He looked around at the empty corridor. His eyes rested on his own body.
Kairo was inside him.
“I am accessing your mind,” Kairo’s voice echoed in his head. “Do not tell your friends. It is better they do not know.”
As a member of The Formation, Tao not only could use his mind to influence others, but he could also protect his mind from technologies accessing it. From reading his thoughts, gauging his emotions and—most importantly—preventing anyone from discovering the very existence of The Formation.
This was dangerous. Tao had to keep Kairo from finding out. He strengthened his mind and hurried to catch up to Reed and Liberty.
“I understand,” Tao said.