Violating Morals

[Webmaster 20]

Subject: Violating Morals

Date: Sun, Sep 28, 1997 1:42 PM

From: EnsAlpha

 

 

 

    "Computer, please create a subspace linkup with Utopia Plantia Fleet Yards.  Forward communication to the Orion Center for Technological research, authorization Orion 1209 Alpha."

 

    Alpha's yellow eyes concentrated on the large, wraparound computer system in his quarters.  In exchange for having no bed space, he had easily been able to gain a rather powerful computer system simply here.  He intended to use it to the maximum.  "Uplink established.  Please enter request.  Key 1, for station operations. Key 2, for station central computer systems.  Key 3, for Android Operations.  Or Key 4, for..."  

 

     The android drummed his fingers across the panel, silencing the computer with the answer.  "Audio recognition, computer.  Special operations android, in field, Alpha.  Please alot access to android log terminal, weekly report listings."

 

     The artifical voice of the recorded receptionist drowned away, replaced with a series of beeps and whirrs from the computer system back on Mars.  A few moments passed, Alpha letting them with the request for a rendition of Bach over the speakers, and the words finally appeared on the panel.  

 

     'AUTHORIZATION GRANTED - LEVEL V CLEARANCE VERIFIED.  ORION, ALPHA DESIGNATION.    PLEASE CONTINUE WITH LOG ENTRY NOW'   Alpha cleared his throat, watching the audio sensors pick it up and clear the screen.

 

      "My duty on the Republic is going well, Doctor Orion.  I am proud to be a member of her crew for this opportunity in my lifespan.  There are many things I have yet to comprehend about lifeforms, and most of those things I have learned in the last three weeks onboard this vessel.  When the engineers, research analysts, and you yourself said this would be a change, my logic systems told me it would be of little difference.  I must admit, I was in error.  This starship post is much different then

I'd expected it to be"

 

     "I still believe some are weary of granting me there trust, whether it be due to my newness onboard, or my status as an artifical lifeform.  I believe emotions tell me I owe the Captain my thanks, as well as Lieutenant Rocks for there confidence and alottance to opportunity."

 

     "This unit is curious, however.  What would cause a Rihan vessel to suddenly decloak and batter the Republic.  I was forced to fire shipboard weapons at the tactical station today, a post I probably drew myself into.  I was trained in tactical operations, and I thought it would be simply like the simulators."

 

     "While Asimov laws tell me that my actions were justified, that I did not fire first and I was ordered by a commanding officer, I find it difficult to accept what I did.  I have come to the realization that I probably caused the death of some officers onboard the vessels which attacked this ship, and in some way, that troubles me.  Does this justify the advancement of my emotion chip, or is there a malfunction in my central programming.  Or neither, or both?  I am questioning myself at every turn."

 

     "Doctor Orion, is this what it is trully like to be human.  To question yourself so much you are no longer sure of anything, that nothing is inherently given?  I request guidance, however, yours is far away, and your duties prohibit it.  I must trust another, and I have decided to speak to the Counselor onboard this vessel."

 

     "All other areas excluded, I must say my time on the Republic, is going well.  However, in heistation to fire as ordered, I must state officially.."

 

     "This unit has erred"

 

     Alpha stood slowly from the chair and circled his desk.  "Computer, transmit log as ordered through the subspace link, as well as copied communications to Captain Kilgore, Commander O'Mannon, and First Lieutenant Rocks.  Secondly, please forward this entry to Counselor Llewellyn, and include a request for meeting."

 

     The computer beeped, and completed the requested tasks...