location: Lachesis gunboat, Valravn Citadel, Inverness system lead: Commander Freud, Roland
Summary
I. Introduction
Having no experience in commanding large ships, Freud considered it unwise to endanger the lives of people by taking command of them. Instead, it was decided to repair and refit an 'Inquisitor' class gunboat that would be controlled by AI.
In addition to introducing a full-fledged combat unit, the project also aims to delve deeper into the topic of AI and, perhaps, achieve a better understanding of the functioning of Atropos units, the method of creation of which is “hardwired” into Commander Freud on a subconscious level.
II. Evaluation
The hull of the 'Inquisitor' gunboat requires extensive repairs and the installation of new equipment. The completion of this process, however, is only a matter of time.
Designing a suitable AI, an inherently more complex task, appears feasible due to the unique characteristics of Commander Freud. However, this requires a degree of caution due to the incomplete understanding of the processes used to create Atropos units.
recording...
location: valravn citadel, inverness system
current date: 26.06.834
local time: 17:43
detected entities: locksmith
Project Update I
"Managed to get the 'Inquisitor' flying. No small feat considering it was little more than just a hull with holes in it."
"Thrusters and engines are fine. Life support systems are fully operational. Installing weapons and other basic equipment is a trivial task and is only a matter of time. Quarters for the ship's crew... Not needed."
The man pauses his work, looking at the ship before him.
"I managed to provide the ship with a certain degree of autonomy. Even now, Lachesis is able to carry out basic commands and provide support in battle on its own. However, this is not even close to real AI."
"At this point, I have to admit that I lack an understanding of how an AI functions. It might be worth requesting help from the Technocracy again if I can't manage on my own. Usually my hands themselves lead me to the desired result... It just works that way. But not in this case."
"Perhaps the reason is simply that I can’t picture what exactly I should get in the end."
recording...
location: valravn citadel, inverness system
current date: 04.06.835
local time: 05:20
detected entities: locksmith, lachesis
Project Update II
"I continue to return to this project from time to time. Using the experience gained from communicating and observing various AIs... And also Nomads, as they are called."
"As far as I know, Nomads, while obviously organic in nature, are of artificial origin. Or at least of artificial evolution. Unfortunately, it is impossible to obtain a living specimen; both because of their rarity and because the Technocracy would hardly approve of such methods. Which is understandable, really."
"However, there has been some progress. Recently, I managed to construct... let's call it a neural network for controlling the ship from some of the... debris I had. It is already capable of acting independently, although... There are some unforeseen circumstances. Ahem. Lachesis."
After a short pause, a second, feminine voice is heard on the recording, with a slightly artificially-metallic intonation. Apparently, this was left intentionally, in order to distinguish the AI from people of flesh and blood. This, however, did not prevent the voice from being, on the whole, pleasant.
"Yes, Creator?"
"Can you tell me how you would handle it if you were faced with a superior enemy force attacking several important defense targets? How would you begin your analysis and prioritize?"
"I would await your command. I do not have enough data to analyze priorities."
Freud sighs.
"And here we have it. AI... A baby AI, I would say. Capable of learning, of independent action... But not of making any complex decisions. For now. It's also trained in my targeting patterns, so it should be a decent asset in battle. I find myself considering aquiring a more... Suitable hull for this project and reffiting this one for standard use."
recording...
location: valravn citadel, inverness system
current date: 30.06.835
local time: 13:20
detected entities: locksmith, lachesis
Project Update III
"You wanted to give me your analysis of the recent engagement with Liberty forces in Coronado? I understand that two TFP fighters were shot down, but you managed to escape. That's not too bad."
"There was no engagement. I observed. I made the decision not to interfere."
"You... Made a decision?"
"Yes. Over the course of several joint missions, TFP forces ex... expressed their displeasure with me. They did not request assistance. They... Did not want my assistance."
"Aren't you presuming a bit too much, Lachesis? These personal assessments have nothing to do with your performance. I have reviewed the records."
"My apologies, Creator. My in... intent was to avoid the destruction of my core. Did I miscalculate?"
"... No, your assessment of the situation was correct. You had no chance to help them. It's not the decision itself that worries me, but how you came to it. In any case, it can wait. If that data on the Order ship is ready, transmit it to my interface."
The sound of footsteps is heard. Then the sound of a metal door closing.
"... If I am to become a shield for them, why does it hurt so much, Creator? Why did you make it hurt so much?"
![[Image: EGMZVto.png]](https://i.imgur.com/EGMZVto.png)
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