Ark II - 22. Paranoid

The Nesmith family departed the robotic lab to resume their day on the Ark. Sara Beth, Joel, Kevin, Jimmy, Ian, and Robbie went to the Communal Dining Area where they dropped off their children and Robbie would resume school.

“Where were you?” Flora demanded. The seven-year-old daughter of Angus MacQueen said with her brogue impatiently.

Robot’s body turned to her, “I informed you they were fine. They just did something that they needed to do.”

“For the Ark?” Flora asked. “It had to be. What else is there?”

Joel smiled at her, “We did go for the Ark. We went to see how things with Athena’s android body was progressing.”

“And they went?” Rachel asked pointing at the Nesmith boys.

Joel nodded and touched Jimmy’s head, “Well, Jimmy is working closely with bringing Athena to life! He’s a big part of it.”

“Why couldn’t we go?” Alan asked.

Joel looked at Sara Beth who shrugged. He looked at them, “First, the lab area isn’t big enough for everyone…”

“But you would like to go along,” Sara Beth finished for Flora and Rachel.

“Yes,” Flora nodded.

“You’re interested in robotics?” Joel asked.

“Not really,” she admitted and looked away and then looked up again, “I’d like to see the hydroponic gardens.”

Alan piped in, “I’d love to see the engines for the Ark!”

Joel chuckled and nodded, “Okay! You want a field trip!” He looked at Sara Beth again, “I think we can do that.” Sara Beth was nodding with a smile. He waved at Robbie, “Tell you teachers what you are interested in, and we can take you to see what you’re interested.”

Jimmy touched his father’s arm. Joel looked down at his son. “I was going to tell you something, but we got busy with Athena…”

“What is it?” Joel asked.

“While I was trying to get Athena to taste,” Jimmy began. “Then getting Robbie to taste and eat food…” Joel was nodding at Jimmy. Jimmy went on, “Getting Athena to taste, we are making her more Human. Getting her to be more Human, I was thinking…” he looked hesitantly at his father. “I know you love him, but…what if we made Robbie more Human?”

Joel’s eyes widened. He looked up at Robbie. “More Human? You mean with Human arms, legs, and a head with a face? A Human face?”

Jimmy nodded, “To get him to taste, we’d have to attach something to him to chew, taste and smell with.” Jimmy grudged a shake and shrug, “He’ll need a mouth and nose, not to mention a throat and stomach...”

Joel grinned, “Then don’t mention them.”

“Ha, ha, Dad,” Jimmy gave his grumbled acknowledgement of his father’s joke. “I know he means a lot to you, but if I do that, why not give him what we have?” He waved at Robot, “Him, too!”

Joel looked at Robot and then at Robbie. “You want to make them more Human.”

Jimmy shrugged again, “I think we have to. We’ll be sure to leave them with everything they are intact.” He pointed at Robbie. “All his memories, everything that is Robbie will be in the new body.” He waved at Robot. “The same with him.”

Joel grudged a nod, “I think we were going that way.” He looked as Robbie spoke with Ian and was instructing Ian about something on his computer monitor. Ian was laughing at what Robbie was saying. “We need to be careful telling this to Ian. Robbie means a lot to him. Changing Robbie might be hard.”

“But Dad,” Jimmy said. “We won’t throw Robbie’s robot body away!” He waved at Robot, “Or his! They can go back to their robotic bodies when they want or need to.” He shrugged again. “You know Robbie’s memories are stored in Athena’s memory. He’s running on his own memory banks, but they are downloaded to Athena! I promise, in the humanoid/android body, it will BE Robbie!”

Joel looked up again at Robbie. As a child he had trusted Robbie with all his deepest secrets. Robbie made him feel safe. Now, Robbie did it for Ian. A part of Joel felt he was saying good-bye to Robbie. That was stupid. In whatever form, Robbie would still be Robbie. Joel grinned thinking of the meals Robbie sat in on, it would be nice to have him sit and EAT with the family! “Sure!” Joel nodded. He looked down at Jimmy. “What face are you going to give him?”

Jimmy grinned and did a greater shrug, “I dunno! Shouldn’t it be Robbie’s choice?”

Joel nodded, “Yes. I know Robbie. He will want our input, but the decision will be his.”

“I don’t really know how yet, “Jimmy began. “Athena does it often by speaking with several people individually at the same time.” He began giving examples in the air in front of him with his hands, “I mean, she’s here,” he held his left hand out away from him, “and she’s over here,” he had his right hand out away from himself, far away from his left hand as he could, “She is there in both places at the same time! Carrying on conversations in both places and in different languages!” He marveled. “And she can do it in a hundred different places with people in a hundred different languages and make sense and remember!” He stressed excitedly.

Joel was nodding and patting his son in order to calm him down, “It IS amazing. Computers have done this around the Earth, the Moon, Mars…anywhere man has gone…answering a billion different questions at the same time! On the Network, billions use the computer intelligence at the same time…it’s a wonderful tool.” He held a finger of caution up. “Athena, Robbie, and Robot are individual artificial intelligences. Wonderful friends and more than just tools.”

Jimmy was nodding, but Joel could see something else in his face, “I know,” he raised the finger to make a point or voice an exception, “but are they?” Joel saw parts of him in Jimmy’s expressions. “They’re linked! Individuals disagree! Robot was created and given his intelligence by Athena! Robbie was separate, but now his intelligence was given and enhanced by Athena! Does Robbie and Athena ever disagree? Are there arguments?” Jimmy looked at his father.

Joel’s eyes widened, “I don’t know. You’re asking the wrong person. Your Aunt Rita would know more about that.”

Jimmy’s face relaxed, “Robbie can be in several bodies.” He continued his thought. “The humanoid/android body for taste and smell…he will have a more Human experience, while his robotic body can be for…” Jimmy looked confused, “for what? For old times’ sake? I envy them! Athena and Robbie…and Robot! They are linked like I wish people could!”

Joel squeezed Jimmy’s shoulder, “I must caution you there. Men have explored that topic for a long time.” Joel turned Jimmy to himself. In literature, movies, and television shows, the idea of a hive-like mind has been explored and the positives were shown, but the many dangers, too.” Joel nodded, “More dangers than positives. People like their privacy. Individuality is cherished. I still feel uneasy with Robbie sharing personal secrets with Athena.” Joel shrugged. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of…” he looked at Jimmy, “I have no deep, dark secrets, but they’re mine. I would like to keep them to myself. Understand?”

Jimmy’s nodded and looked at his father doubtfully, “What do you have that’s deep and dark?”

Joel grinned, “I can think of a few. Thoughts I’ve had, feelings, such as when you argue with your brothers. I wish sometimes your mom and I didn’t have you.” Joel saw Jimmy’s eyes widen in shock. He pulled Jimmy over and Joel sat so he could look directly into Jimmy’s eyes, though Joel had to admit Jimmy was almost too tall now to do that. Joel inhaled slowly, “I just shared a fleeting thought with you. It’s personal. I wouldn’t ever send you or your brothers away. Ever!” He shrugged, “Your arguments, yes. My thoughts about you last a millisecond and they’re gone. It is momentary when you fight.” He looked seriously at his son, “I know without any link when I am disciplining you, you wish I was gone. I see it in your eyes. It goes away, but it’s there.” He sighed and said, “I love you so much! I can’t say in words how much. I would give my life for you! You Mother would, as well. We are on this Ark for all of you. Kevin, Ian, Daylia, and you! You are SO important! Never worry about how your mother nor I feel about you. We are doing this to give you a life!” He hugged Jimmy tightly. “You ARE me…and your mother! An individual your mother and I made in love and would never send you away. Ever!” He looked at his son. “Being linked like Robbie, Athena, and Robot are, sounds good, but I want you to be YOU. No one else. If you can spread Robbie out to two bodies or a million, that would be interesting. I want you to be just one. You.” He cocked his head, “Understand?”

Jimmy hugged his father around the neck tightly, “I do. I love you, too!”

“Music to my ears,” Joel smiled. He looked at his middle son. He remembered when Jimmy was a baby. His baby. His baby and Sara Beth’s baby. Jimmy always would be even when he was grown and had babies of his own. “Remember, ask your Aunt Rita about Robbie and Athena.” He grimaced, “Then explain it to me.” He shrugged. He kissed his son. “I love you, Jimmy. I always have and always will. Don’t ever forget that.” He chuckled lightly, “And what I told you.” He looked at his son, “Please don’t tell Kevin or Ian. Okay? That was just between us.”

Jimmy grinned and nodded, “Okay.”

“Now,” Joel rose from his chair. “Go be brilliant!” Joel watched his son join the others as Robbie was instructing them all, as was Robot. The students had individual desks and computers. Robbie and Robot were able to instruct each student and do so individually. On the computer monitor. That was because of Athena.

Joel realized they would have Athena on Gaea. Athena was housed inside the Ark. She would also be on the planet. They would have to move her just in case, God forbid, the Ark was destroyed! That thought was now in his mind. Athena should see any danger from an enemy or even from space, be it a missile launch, asteroid, or comet! She should be able to defend herself or move herself out of the way. Should they create a safe place on Gaea to house Athena? Should it be in an underground structure? Was there anything to fear from Athena? She had been nothing but a HUGE support in getting them to this point. He chuckled to himself. He was a victim of those movies and TV shows about computer intelligence thinking for themselves and taking over. Great plots and great movies but not likely to happen. Athena would be alive long after Joel was gone. If you defined being alive to Athena. He made sure she knew they saw her as an equal and part of the crew. She wouldn’t become anything like Colossus or Skynet. Great shows, but it wasn’t going to happen.

Sara Beth went to do some things in her plant lab and Joel intended to go to the Control Room, yet found himself entering the computer area., The center computer control. The computer center where Athena could not be. He’d been here before, but not recently. Rita looked up surprised.

“Yes, Joel?” Rita asked.

“My brilliant son has some questions for you later,” Joel warned making Rita grin. She knew which one without Joel telling her. “I have some questions, too. Are we moving Athena down to Gaea?” He waved out at the rest of the Ark. “We’ll be moving part of the genetic materials down to New Charleston as we will need access to it was we seed Gaea. The terraforming material will be needed down there. Athena will be needed down there.” He went on with what he knew. “A disaster on the Ark, if we lose it, we can lose all those lives we brought from Earth.” He shook his head. “We can’t let that happen.” He frowned at Rita. “We can’t lose Athena either. Are we moving her to the surface of Gaea?”

Rita nodded, “We will bring Athena to the surface.” She confirmed and held that finger up to make a point. “Part of her.” She chuckled as Joel’s frown told her she wasn’t answering his question adequately. “She will be up here AND down there.” She waved off the Ark. “She will need a center complex as she will be linked to all the settlements we extend on Gaea. New Charleston is just the first settlement. We will expand down there. On the surface and underwater…” she looked at Joel and shook her head, “and there is a lot of area of Gaea that is underwater.” She sat back with a grin and rubbed her barely noticeable swell in her abdomen. “My future daughter and son may live in one of these underwater settlements,” she shrugged a nod, “or at least visit one of these settlements.” She looked at Joel. “The stories you and Hank love is not quite true.”

Joel lowered his head to look at her, his expression said not to test him.

“It isn’t!” Rita defended. “Athena, or at least we propose for Athena, will be whole in each settlement! There will be NO center brain that Athena’s mind will be. Be it here, New Charleston, or any other settlement…Athena will be completely in EACH location. If we lost the Ark or even a settlement, Athena would be fine.”

Quit being paranoid, Joel thought to himself. “So, no underground, central complex will be needed for Athena?” He hated to admit it, he was a little disappointed.

Rita waved at her computer station with its monitor. “Even this isn’t center for control.” Rita grudged a head shake and shrug. “I do monitor Athena’s program to be sure it’s running correctly. There’s no center, though. No central brain. All of the stations and settlements are Athena…” she shrugged. “A network that make up Athena.”

“Drat,” Joel pouted.

Rita laughed a little, “Sorry, Joel.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Joel muttered exiting the control area. “Destroy a man’s fantasies about a world in the future. This is the end of the twenty-fourth century! No hostile computers or robots! No fair.”

Rita was now laughing louder.

Joel was glad those movies and shows were being proven to be wrong, His paranoid side rose again. Were they safe? Why couldn’t he trust? Any man or woman on the Ark could prove to be a threat. Even Hank! Hank was his best friend! He trusted Hank because he knew him. He should do the same with Athena. Maybe he needed to talk with Nayef. Yes, he decided that was a solution. He’d lay on Nayef’s couch and get analyzed. A good leader knew getting help was the best way to be a leader. Nayef and Leah were good friends, but they also had the authority to remove Joel from Command. They needed a police force. What authority would remove Joel from command? Their community was still new. There needed to be a force of enforcers, police, military…whatever to MAKE people do things they weren’t doing because it was the right thing to do. Checks and balances. The leaders of those groups had to be watched! A leader who thought that a leader could do anything they wanted often began to believe they couldn’t be questioned. He knew the leaders on Earth and the other worlds such as the Moon and Mars often kept things from the general population. Why? To keep them from fear and panic. They may not understand. The leaders did things for the best. The people on the Ark were smart. They weren’t simple people and Joel believed in letting them know everything about everything he did. The galaxy was beautiful, but it was also ugly and cruel. Joel and Sara Beth kept as much of the ugliness and cruelty from their children. They didn’t hide it but wanted to keep their children innocent as possible. Ian was very smart, but did he need to see the dead bodies, burned survivors from those horrible bombs? Did Jimmy need to see that? Did Kevin? They were growing up and they would see that…eventually. When? He didn’t know. When he knew they could handle it emotionally and psychologically. The people on the Ark were smart people and would know what and why Joel decided to do everything. It was those tough decisions that Joel was trusted to make instantaneously. He would make the best decisions for that time. If later others didn’t agree with those decisions, they could talk about it. THAT was the checks and balances for Joel’s command.

He had been strolling back to the Command Control Room slowly, waving occasionally at a passing neighbor. Not really paying close attention when he had someone throw an arm over his should as that person landed next to him.

“Boy,” Hank said jovially. “Rita was right. You do look a bit disheveled!”

Joel looked a little surprised at Hank’s comment, “Disheveled!?” He looked down at his coverall uniform. He knew he was cleanshaven and hair was combed. His hair was a little longer than military regulations, but… “How am I disheveled?”

Hank shrugged, “Her word, not mine.” He pointed at Joel’s face. “She may have been talking about that preoccupied look on your face. I see it.” Hank stated, “What’s up?”

Hank grinned, “I’m in charge of these wonderful people.” He waved at a group of five men and women, three men and two women, dressed in shorts who chose not to use the treadmill they could have in their quarters but instead were running out on the Habitat Ring. Why not? It was the closest thing they had to running outside. It was bright out here, thanks to Athena. There were bird songs, breeze sounds, even the buzz of the occasional bee out here! The breeze was real! The air blew through Sara Beth’s trees and flowers. There was the fragrant smell of life out here. That was very real. The birds and bees were recorded, as the breeze was enhanced by the recording of breezes through trees. They were running as much as they could outside! Joel knew they would be running outside on Gaea! One day soon for them. Joel waved as the group of runners passed them. Maybe Joel should do that as well as run on his treadmill. Athena provided scenery for Joel making him think he was running outside. Originally, Joel hated running, but did it as his job needed him to be in shape and be able to run, be it after a bad guy or run out of danger. Now, it was a good way to put his mind in cruise and NOT to think. That rhythmic pace was great for that. He did it now for just that purpose. “If one of those great people were to fall and break a limb,” Joel began. “Athena would know, and a medical team would rescue them and help.” He sighed, “And what if one those great people were to break a law? Who steps in then?”

Hank looked surprised, “None of them would do that!”

Joel nodded quickly, “You’re right. None of them would.” He held up the finger to make a point, “I’m asking about the possibility that one, someone could! Who will step in to help? Stop them!”

Hank stopped walking as his head went back a little, “Rita said you were bothered that Athena was going to take over.” He looked and said quietly, “Which we know won’t happen.”

“Thank you, Hank,” Athena’s voice came softly.

Joel wasn’t worried that Athena knew what he feared. That was the truth! What he operated on. Joel went forward with his topic, “I’m talking about you,” Joel pointed at Hank, “I’m talking about me. I’m talking about Athena, Sara Beth, Rita, Wei, Xolani…anyone or group of anyone COULD break the law. Who will stop them?”

“Wow,” Hank finally said. “Such heavy and a little dark thought on such a nice day!”

Joel shrugged, “That’s what they pay me for.” He grinned and waved at some agriculture and horticultural robots trimming the various trees, bushes, and flowers on the Habitat Ring. “I know you’ve seen the Battlestar Galactica shows and those five movies that came out after them.”

Hank nodded, “You made me watch the series starting in the late seventies with you with the actor Lorne Greene as Adama. I liked the series that came out in the beginning of the Twenty-First Century better.”

Joel nodded, “The series that came out at the end of the Twenty-First Century was good, a little darker…the movies that came out in the Twenty-Second Century were good, too. My point about that is,” he waved again at the robots, “aren’t we doing exactly that? Creating Cylons?” He looked at Hank more directly. “We are creating a body for Athena. I have Robbie and you have Robot. Jimmy talked about giving Robbie a humanoid body so he can see, smell, and taste like a Human.” He jabbed his finger at Hank, “I believe he'll do it! And it will only improve! He mentioned doing the same with Athena AND Robot!”

Hank’s eyes widened, “Wha…” he began to ask.

Joel nodded and interrupted, “Yes! Making Robot more Human! He’d have all the bells and whistles as well as the short tempers and hangnails! Could you accept a more Human Robot?” Joel waved his arms out in frustration and turned away from Hank. “I had to think and still have to think about a Human Robbie!” He turned suddenly back to Hank, who stepped back from Joel and almost shouted, “AND they can keep their robotic bodies!” He nodded at Hank’s stunned face, “Yes, and they could be like Athena, able to be in BOTH!” He turned and waved again in the air. “Or in hundreds!”

Hank grabbed Joel’s arms and brought them down, “We don’t want any of the Ark’s residences thinking you’re losing it.” Hank said quietly. He thought for a moment, “I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. And it answers one of your questions.” He smiled. “So what if they can be in hundreds of bodies? Or thousands? Those shows taught us to THINK! I know you love Robbie! Your whole family LOVES Robbie! Why?” He hurried and answered his own question. “Because he is a good SOUL!” Hank nodded, “Yes, I said soul! He may have been programmed as a companion for you initially, but he EVOLVED to become so much MORE!” He smiled at Joel. “He evolved on his own. He’s a great source of comfort for Ian! I see that. Robot is a great comfort for Cloe and Rachel, not just for me. Rita’s coming around. If he became more human in appearance, great! I’ll adjust. You will adjust with Robbie, I know it. If Robbie could be in a hundred different bodies, that’s your answer for the enforcement officers!” It was Hank’s turn to wave his arms out. “Can you think of anyone better to defend us? He’d self-destruct rather than harm anyone. He wouldn’t allow you or anyone in your family to be harmed. Nor would he allow anyone else on the Ark to be harmed either!” He pointed the I’ve got a point finger up for emphasis. “He’s great with my kids! I trust him! I trust Robot!”

Joel looked at Hank, “So, we are creating the Cylons, Skynet assassin robots, or even the Borg?”

Hank chuckled, “What I loved the last two series about Battlestar Galactica was how the Cylons managed to get their DNA mixed with Humans!” He threw his hands out. “How did they manage to create Cylon DNA that would work with Human DNA, I’ll never understand! That remains a Cylon secret.” He waggled his eyebrows. “And the Borg!”

Joel grinned, “Didn’t you love being on the Borg Cube. How they remade those television shows so you’re right there? You’re on the Bridge with Picard, Riker, and Diana or on the Cube surrounded by all those thousands of Borg Drones in their cubicles, seemingly lifeless yet knowing they are all aware of you…never moving?”

“Yeah, I loved th…” Hank said emphatically and then frowned and hit Joel in the shoulder with a balled-up fist lightly. Which Joel let a small “Ow.” “Don’t derail my train of thought!”

Joel chuckled and rubbed his unhurt shoulder and said, “Oh, sorry.” He bowed slightly and gallantly motioned for Hank to proceed, “You were saying?”

“Thank you.” Hank shook his head and pressed his hand against his chest, “I’m an engineer. The idea of combining the organic with the inorganic, combining machinery with a person is an engineer’s dream!” He waved at the surrounding Ark. “I would love be able to merge with Athena.” He waved at the Ark again. “Become a part of all this!”

Joel grinned and nodded, “I can see the appeal,” he frowned. “To a point. When Jimmy spoke of combining our selves with others…I don’t want others in my mind! The idea of being in multiple places like Athena can do sounds nice, but I don’t want to lose ME! I am the only one I know of in this universe, and I want to remain this individual. Am I making sense? Or am I creating a mountain out of a mole hill?”

Hank chuckled, “I don’t know about the mountain building, but I think you’ve moved Human evolution ahead perhaps too far. Will that happen?” He shrugged, “I don’t know. If it does, it may be perfectly natural.” He looked at the robots at their tasks, “You make it a point to make sure Athena knows she’s one of us and appreciated.” He waved at the robots. “They aren’t individuals, but part of Athena. Therefore, they know they aren’t taken for granted. You and I pass this appreciation to our children who know how important they are.” He grinned, “Are we creating Cylons or Terminators?” He shook his head, “I don’t think we could. You and I have learned from watching Battlestar Galactica, the Terminator shows and movies…”

Joel lowered his eyes and smiled, “No Skynet, no Cylons, no Forbin Projects’ Colossus…”

Hank nodded, “And Athena has been nothing but trustworthy, hasn’t she?”

“Yes,” Joel answered almost in a whine. “Maybe there’s something wrong with me.” He ventured. “Am I being paranoid?”

Hank grinned and shrugged, “I’m an engineer, remember? I’m no psychiatrist or psychologist.” He shoved Joel lightly, “Why do I have to keep reminding you of that? But I say, if you’re asking that, you probably aren’t.” Then Hank looked serious for a moment. “You are open to possibilities. You are watching for that. You’re protecting the people on the Ark.” Hank looked a little closer. “It’s your job.” He grudged another nod, “Maybe Nayef could add more…” Hank mentally sought a word, “clarity.”

“It wouldn’t hurt,” Joel replied. It was a accepted thing for anyone on the Ark to do. He simply said, “Nayef, do you have a moment for me today? Contact me if you have time.” Nayef may have been dealing with someone else from the Ark.

“Give me fifteen minutes, Joel,” Nayef’s voice said back to Joel. “I can give you my undivided attention then. We can meet in my office, or we can meet for lunch. What do you prefer?”

Joel grinned, “I don’t necessarily need the couch, so lunch will be fine. You can decide if I need more.”

“Leah is off doing her sessions,” Nayef continued. “The kids are in school, so why not meet in Leah’s and my quarters? I’ll make Shawarma!”

“I have no idea what it is exactly,” Joel chuckled. “Isn’t it served off of a sword?”

“It can be,” Nayef answered. “I’m using the recycled meat from the Ark.”

Joel laughed harder thinking of his sons, “Poop Shawarma! I can’t wait!”

Hank, who had been there the whole time, his eyebrows rose, “Poop Shawarma?”

“Yep!” Joel threw an arm over Hank’s shoulders. “My sons’ name for the recycled food we have made…” he tapped Hank on the chest, “Remember the poop-paste we ate while testing the Alcubierre Drive on that Harpy Lander?”

Joel hadn’t been to Nayef’s quarters. Nayef’s father was Welsh with a mother from Jordan. However, they both decided to decorate their quarters in a Middle Eastern style. The mosaic pattern on the floor. The walls had the pattern and the hanging lamps. He knew Nayef was Jordanian on his mother’s side, but from the looks of the quarters it reflected a lot more.

Nayef chuckled, “From your expression, I take it you are surprised by our quarters.”

Joel nodded, “A bit.” He grinned. Why lie to a man that knew the facial signals and body language of Human Beings as a profession? “Your whole quarters look…Middle Eastern!”

“To be honest,” Nayef began to confess. “I am more than just Middle Eastern on my mother’s side.” His eyebrows waggled. “My father was also Middle Eastern on his mother’s side. Iraq. Baghdad. Leah’s grandmother was from Lebanon.” He shrugged, “So, a little more than just one side.”

Joel hung his head slightly and shook his head, “After all these centuries, I do the same thing my ancestors have done. Judging.” He waved at the quarters, “I was surprised at how Western you seem.”

“Judging isn’t just your ancestry,” Nayef smiled. “It’s Human nature that needs to be overcome.” He shrugged, “I thought all Southerners were inbred hicks. Of course, that doesn’t mean you.”

“Thank you.” Joel muttered. Then he glared at Nayef, “Do I strike you as paranoid?”

Nayef froze in place and his eyebrows rose, and he looked at Joel appreciatively. “Do you think you’re paranoid?”

Joel raised a finger and shook it at Nayef, “Don’t do that.”

“Don’t do what?” Nayef chuckled asking and resumed his way into the dining area.

“Answering a question with a question!” Joel shot quickly. “It’s a typical psychological ploy used by psychiatrists and psychologists since Sigmund Freud! Instead of answering the question, you guys ask the same question! Now, I’m asking you. Am I paranoid?”

Nayef waved helplessly, “You know that answer.” He laughed. “You’re asking the question, so I have to say no.” He shrugged, “And I have to ask the question. Something has brought you to me to ask me that. Do you FEEL paranoid?” He held two hands up to stave off further objections. “I’ll ask you ANOTHER question. Is what you’re worried about being paranoid about unreasonable? Is it beyond possibility?”

Joel thought for a mere second, “Is it possible? Yes. That doesn’t mean it will happen.”

Nayef nodded accepting Joel’s assessment. “Something caused you to question.” Then he shook his head, “I love that you don’t mess around. You just dive right in.”

Joel shrugged, “How else do I get the answers I need? I don’t pussyfoot around.”

“No,” Nayef agreed. “You don’t.” He cocked his head at Joel. “You took on a difficult job. Not just to make sure we can do the job we were sent to do but ensure the safety of over a thousand families. Men, women, and children entrusted with their security. Not an easy job. You had to pass a battery of tests to even qualify to lead the Ark.” He shrugged, “Face it, the universe is a dangerous place. You had to prove that you were up to the task.” He fixed a look on Joel. “You did that. You took a risk bringing your children out here. Why?”

Joel’s eyes widened, startled, “Because…” he thought, “They stood a greater risk if Sara Beth and I DIDN’T bring them out here.” He waved at the Ark beyond the Rees’ quarters, “They would probably BE dead if we hadn’t. It was worth the risk.”

Nayef nodded, “Leah and I thought so, too. Your knowledge is based on what you saw.” He shook his head, “We have all seen the ugliest of men displayed right in front of us. We became adjusted to it and when an opportunity presented itself,” he grabbed the empty air in front of him, “we seized on it and never looked back. We committed to it.” He smiled knowingly at Joel. “Care to share what made you seek me out?”

Joel looked around the quarters, “She has to know what I’m worried about…”

Nayef looked cautiously at Joel, “She.” He repeated. “You mean Athena.”

“Yes!” Joel threw his arms out helplessly in frustration. He sighed in that frustration. “You know I love the classics, in books, movies, and other forms of entertainment! You know there is a form of that entertainment that I can’t simply let go! Men have projected a direction and I can’t shake it!”

“Such as?” Nayef asked Joel to say it!

“The Terminator!” Joe said firmly. “The Borg, Colossus! Hal from 2001 a Space Odyssey! Skynet!” He began his circular pace as he explained, “Computers given authority just run with it and take over.” He thrust his hand with that finger to indicate a point at Nayef. “Athena is one of the greatest artificial intelligences we ever came up with! She COULD decide to take away our control!”

Nayef slowly conceded a nod, “And there it is!” He smiled. “Do you consider Athena sentient?”

Joel felt a bit put on the spot, “I…” he paused, “I…don’t know.” He shrugged, “She’s as close as I’ve ever known. She’s not Human.”

Nayef shook his head, “That wasn’t the question. Is Athena a sentient being capable of independence and action?”

Joel shrugged again, “I suppose.” He raised his I’ve got a point finger. “Another great series of motion pictures is the Matrix!” He resumed his pacing. “A group of programs so sophisticated they became sentient. As guilty of error, ambition, and pleasure as any Human! As to whether Athena’s a sentient being…” He shrugged. “I can’t answer that.”

Nayef smiled broader, “We put a lot of trust in Athena. Think about it.” He pointed at Joel, “We place ourselves in a very vulnerable position. We’re going to do it again for two more centuries! We will be putting our trust in someone that can do almost ANYTHING!” He waved at the Ark. “She can even move us from where we are now to somewhere else! We lose control!” He shook his head, “No one wants to lose control. We HAVE to trust her.” He took Joel’s arm and pulled him to a seat on a sofa next to him. “Has Athena ever threatened anyone?”

“No,” Joel answered.

Nayef tapped Joel on the chest, “You are aware of possibilities. Has any come to pass?”

“No,” Joel nodded.

“Are these thoughts keeping you awake?” Nayef asked. “Are they affecting your marriage? Your family?”

“No,” Joel acknowledged. “Jimmy has been working with Medika and Tony Yates in constructing a body for Athena. He is also working on getting Robbie and Robot a Human form so they can taste, see, and react like Humans. Then he brought up the idea that Athena could be in a hundred different places and having a hundred conversations at the same time!” He shook his head, “Hank even suggested that Robbie, Robot, and Athena could be used as enforcers of our rules and laws!” He waved again at the Ark, “Enforcers that could act as our army and police force! He suggested we manage to link up!” He tapped his own head, “in here! That scared me!”

“A kill switch,” Nayef said simply. Then he paused, “Or is it called a Dead Man’s Switch?” He shrugged. “You know, in the early days of the railroad, the engineer had to hold the switch and if he let go…”

Joel nodded waving Nayef down, “Yes, the train would stop if he didn’t hold it. I got it.” He stood and continued to pace. “I don’t want anyone to die.” He turned to Nayef, “Not even Athena. And it shouldn’t be in my control…” he nodded, “Not me exclusively.”

“You, Hank, Sara Beth…” Nayef added.

“Don’t forget Rita!” Joel added.

Nayef shook his head, “No, I can’t forget Rita.” He looked up at Joel puzzled, “How did Hank win her over?” His tone said he found that a mystery to which he didn’t expect an answer.

Joel chuckled, “Hank’s personality is unique. He’s an acquired taste. You HAVE to love him!”

Nayef grinned, “You definitely do.” He leaned forward a little, “What was the one singular facet you looked for with all these lives?” He held his finger up and answered Joel. “Humor! That was the single point you looked for. Why?”

Joel frowned and shrugged, “People with no humor take themselves much too seriously. A person’s ability to laugh shows more developed minds.”

Nayef nodded, “And Hank has that.” He waved at Joel. “You have it, too.” He looked proudly at Joel. “I love classic literature and cinema,” he chuckled. “Perhaps not as much as you or Hank, but…” he looked at Joel more directly. “I liked the movies you’ve mentioned, but my first and favorite classic book and cinema was by Frank Herbert. A classic series of tales he wrote about called Dune.”

Joel nodded appreciatively, “Dune! Yes!”

“I have no doubt you’ve read it.” Nayef commented casually. “Human evolution was pushed to create the superbeing. Which Lady Jessica, Leto Atreides’ concubine has with Paul. The Humans of that universe faced a similar problem we are. They turned their focus to developing the Human mind. The Bene Gesserit, a group of females only of highly developed females controlled the births of many in the great houses. The Atreides are given control of Arrakeen. The sole source of the coveted spice. Melange.”

Joel smiled nodding, “The Water of Life which only women could take and use. Which enhanced a person’s abilities and even allowed the folding of space. Traveling great distances without moving.”

Nayef nodded and jabbed his finger in Joel’s direction, “Precisely!” Nayef grudged a shrug, “The resulting in the crusades, jihad…” he looked again at Joel, “You, of course, know jihad.”

Joel nodded, “I do! A Holy War.”

Nayef’s face held a little guilt, “It is something my people have struggled to escape from being underneath for a long time.”

Joel nodded, “And not just Muslims. Every group, be it religious or military has zealots. Catholics, Jews, and even Baptists can have zealots. What better way to prove you are the most believing than to kill yourself over?”

Nayef smiled, “But to take innocent lives as part of that ideology?” He shook his head. “A true believer should show by example. My point is, who knows the next phase of Human evolution? Who knows about artificial intelligence evolution? I think we as Humans have begun the next phase by coming out here.”

“Am I worrying over nothing?” Joel asked sincerely.

Nayef shook his head, “You are…” he sought a word, “aware of what could happen. Do you consider yourself a religious man?”

Joel shrugged, “Not one particular kind. I think many of the religions give people a significant moral compass.” He looked at Nayef. “Are you? Or can’t I ask that?”

Nayef chuckled, “You can ask.” He sighed, “I occasionally have doubts.”

Joel nodded, “Me, too.”

Nayef slapped his knees, “I can keep going.”

Joel touched his stomach, “I’m a bit hungry. You did invite me for lunch.”

Nayef nodded, “You’ve had Shawarma.”

“I have,” Joel nodded. “Lamb and chicken, but never Poop Shawarma.” He grinned. “It’s like a Middle Eastern Burrito or a soft taco.”

Nayef nodded, “Kind of.” He waved for Joel to join him in the dining area. “Recycled meat was tricky, but my kids love it.”

True to what Joel knew, Nayef had some of the recycled meat set aside and had been marinating. It had been sitting in Olive Oil, vinegar, lemon juice and other spices. Nayef served the meat heated and it smelled heavenly. The Lavash was soft and Nayef prepared several long strips of meat. The marinade had been cooked away and various vegetables and spices were added and folded in the Lavash. It was no burrito or taco. It was a bit spicy, but delicious.

“Are we getting anything from the probe sent to Tau Ceti?” Nayef asked wiping his mouth with his napkin.

Joel’s eyes widened, “I completely forgot about that!”

Nayef shook his head, “Your mind was a bit preoccupied.” He chuckled. “Life on the Ark is pretty unrushed. What is waiting will still be waiting.” He grinned, “As far as the needed personnel for the enforcers and army, I think Robbie is your answer.” He grudged a nod, “Him and Robot.”

“How’s that?” Joel asked.

Nayef shrugged, “Robbie began without Athena. He has been with you for a long time. Robot began with Athena, but isn’t he independent of Athena? I say Robbie, Robot, and Athena are the perfect military! When a person joins any military, what happens first?”

Joel took a millisecond and answered, “They are stripped of anything that says individuality.” He touched his own head of hair. “Heads are shaved, and a uniform is given…” he nodded, “you’re made to sleep, eat, bathe, and dress to learn to function as a whole.”

Nayef nodded and pointed at Joel, “Precisely! You are taught to see less of YOU as opposed to an US! The magical properties of Athena, Robbie, and Robot is that they can be many places at the same time!” He shrugged, “Each can be many places AND…” he jabbed his “point” finger, “as separate as they can operate, the mind and thoughts can be united to form ONE!!” He waved his arms out, “Be it one, five, a hundred, or even thousands! A single force acting as ONE! United in thought and action can stand up against any threat!” He jabbed his “point” finger at Joel. “Even US!! You are correct…it’s only a matter of WHEN men find us. Men and women can be on the Ark or on Gaea! The speed at which our thoughts can move things…” he grinned, “no longer are we putting the lives of Human pilots at risk! Safe on the Ark or on Gaea, we can confront dangers by men, nature, or any other threat, we can deal with it head on!”

Joel’s eyes widened as he smiled, “Wow.”

Nayef nodded, “You better believe it…wow!!” He grinned broadly. “We will be worthy of that wow!”

“Human piloting is still better.” Joel defended.

“Is it?” Nayef asked. “I say with an abundance of tactical knowledge, Athena will show otherwise.” He sat back, “Smaller versions of the Harpy-dragon, unmanned will be a force to recon with.”

“Recon with?” Joel smiled. “How Southern you just sounded!”

“I will say,” Nayef began uninterrupted. “We might need to invest resources to creating an enforcement force so that while we are in stasis, an opposition will be ready to launch.” He smiled at Joel, “You are NOT paranoid.”

Joel didn’t delude himself. Nayef and Joel were speaking about Athena, Robbie, and Robot which Athena overheard! He also needed to make sure he, Nayef, and others spoke together often. Mental health issues were nothing to ignore! Stress causes all sorts of problems with mental wellness. There was no longer the stigma related to mental health.

He went to the lab area where the minds in charge were running things. Joel noticed that the probe or whatever was back from Earth and was being equipped with some additional equipment to track the ions when it got nearer to the targeted system. The area was a bit chaotic, but there was some organization. Rita was working on a computer screen as she readied Athena. Here again was Athena working with several people all at the same time. Rita was working with a keyboard as others were speaking with Athena and Athena was keeping up with each of them. Joel grinned at the idea of anyone who could do that. The idea of Robbie being one of those…entities didn’t bother him. Not exactly. Joel had known some twins and even some identical twins. One egg and one sperm making two individuals who share the same DNA! Exactly alike. When Robbie had gone from the small body to the larger body, it seemed awkward. An individual is unique. A group of Robbies were just wrong. Faceless bodies used as enforcers would be unsettling. Even frightening. Not just for the children. Joel looked about the area.

“Is Angus here?” Joel asked everyone as he continued to look through the crowd of people.

Hank looked up and thumbed over his shoulder to another lab area, “He’s in there. We’re sending the excavators out to find the Boron Nitrate and bring it back here.”

Joel grudged a nod, “You may all want to hear this.” He held his hands up. “Angus, can we see you a moment?” Joel asked the air.

“Sure,” Angus’ voice came back. It was only a few seconds for a door to open and Angus entered.

“Can we construct smaller versions of the Harpy-dragon?” Joel asked.

“Smaller?” Angus asked. He shrugged, “If we want it, sure.”

Joel grinned, “The size before was to make it possible for a manned flight.” He began pacing slowly as he thought out loud. “What if it was manned by Athena or Robbie?” He glanced at Hank, “Or even Robot!”

Hank grinned, “I can see that. There would be no need for life support.”

“Right!” Joel grinned and pointed at Hank. “But it maybe easier than making one that’s bigger.”

Angus nodded, “We could call them Harpy-stingers.” He smiled. “The power would be there, but none of the excessive things like air scrubbers, food, stasis chambers…”

“Precisely!” Joel nodded. “The first thing is locating the Wurtzite Boron Nitrate! Mixing it will the ore from Gaea and we’ll need at least three or four Harpy-stingers.” He waved helpless hands. “We will be in stasis for almost two centuries! We won’t know who will be looking for us, but we need to be prepared for when they find us.”

Rita stood and smiled, “The drone has arrived at Tau Ceti. Care to see what’s there?”

Joel nodded, “Absolutely!”

Rita touched her keyboard, and an overhead image took form. “There are eight confirmed planets around Tau Ceti. There are two planets in the habitable zone, but only one is the one the choicest planet. There is a Jovian world, but the one at the best position is Tau Ceti F.” She had them image of a world increase in size. “There is almost no standing water,” she pointed to the cloud cover, “But there is water in the atmosphere.” The image changed to show an Ark. Much like the Ark they were now on, but… “If they work it correctly, they could do it.”

“With organization,” Joel added.

Rita nodded, “That’s right.”

Xolani leaned against a desk, “There has been no communication from Ark III and Earth. However, there is a lot of communication within the Ark itself.”

“We can see they have descended to Tau Ceti F.” Adam said. “I mean, they just arrived. We can detect no other craft going up or down.”

Joel nodded and waved at the images, “Obviously, they are here as the image proves. The other planet in the habitable zone?”

Xolani shook his head, “It’s a super-Earth. Almost two and a half times Earth’s mass! The gravity stresses make it a bad choice.”

“Adapting to that planet could also be done, but not right away,” Adam explained. He waved at the image. “Tau Ceti is point seventy-eight percent of Sol!” He waved at Tau Ceti F, “That world is almost the same size as Earth.”

Joel nodded, “Their artificial intelligence is the Oracle, right?”

Rita nodded, “It is.”

“Have there been anything from him?” Joel asked.

“Not really,” Rita replied. “The last report sent said that there were equipment failures and there were deaths. We don’t know how many.” She frowned. “They also lost many of the lifeforms they hoped to transfer to Tau Ceti F.”

Joel held a hand up, “Okay,” he nodded as he thought. “That could have happened with us.” He thought more, “We also know it can still happen. We won’t be able to recreate Earth on Gaea.”

“Dana said species diversity will happen slowly,” Adam said.

“Brought on by conditions of Gaea,” Joel furthered. He looked at Angus, “If we get Wurtzite Boron Nitrate, or the BN…will it blend with the ore from Gaea?”

From what I understand,” Angus said. “Yes. Wurtzite Boron Nitrate in hexagonal form is needed for the power boost. The cubic form has a high temperature resistance. Even during processing, there are tiny grains mixed with the rock. In a zero-gravity smelter it will be easy to mix the Boron Nitrate to mix with the ore.”

“I think the Harpy-stingers should be a priority,” Joel suggested. “The most vulnerable time will be while we are in stasis. We need them to protect us.” He smiled. “The Stingers operated by Athena, Robbie, or Robot will keep that security and…” he sighed, “God forbid we lose one or two, we won’t lose anyone. Athena, Robbie, and Robot will be on the Ark. An extension of them will be on the Stingers. They will not be lost.”

Hank nodded with a smile, “I like it!”

“The miners,” Angus began are out there now.” He waved beyond the Ark. “Using the Rojas Drive will make it happen faster.”

Joel clapped his hands once and said in a exaggerated Southern drawl, “Let’s git ‘er done!”

Angus shook his head as he grinned, “And you worried about my accent.”