The Nexus

[Ironwatsas]

"You begin as soon as is feasible. You may make requisitions freely from Cryogenics for bodies for your research. However, I want constant feedback and updates."

She stared down at the floor for a moment, possibly processing data, she could 'feel' the emotions and thoughts of those around her through their Neurocyte implants. Personality clashes between the two may be inevitable, but measures would be taken to ensure these did not stall progress.

She looked up at the men and smiled softly. "I would hope the two of you get along well. And you are recommended to give your feedback here, in person... for security reasons..."

She waited for a few seconds for the men's replies, before once again disappearing into a gaseous mist...

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>>>Overview of Consortium AI Technology<<<
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>Sub: 'Zeta Foxtrot'
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>Technical Specifications and Personality
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>Data request approved...

Zeta-Foxtrot's holographic consciousness representation.

What is known as 'Zeta Foxtrot', is a state-of-the-art Consortium Artificial Sentient computer network with the primary intent to act as Coordinator for the Neurocyte Network, and as a communications hub for distribution of orders and information to units in the field.

The prototype was developed from infrastructure from the Original Consortium AI, known as 'Siren-1.7' (self-identified as 'Kathryn' or 'Kat' for short). AI-Siren functioned mostly the same purpose, but with emphasis put on computer system infiltration and covert operations. Zeta Foxtrot used much of the base code and sentience, but with improved technology in place to allow much larger scale networking and co-ordination, and a higher capacity for growth.

Siren-1.7's largest drawback was it's infrastructure. Originally mounted on a modified Huntress cruiser, it was eventually transferred to a Talarca class cruiser and ultimately an Outcast Destroyer. These being the smallest chassis which can accommodate the AI systems. As well, this leaves the AI with a limited 'range' from which it can project it's consciousness, as well, leaving it vulnerable to destruction with the loss of it's chassis.

Zeta-Foxtrot was engineered as a distributed network of much smaller 'Tetranodes' placed in various locations aboard Consortium ships and facilities. This has a number of advantages over the earlier AI in that ZF's conscious presence can be easily transferred to any ship with a Tetranode aboard. The combined processing power of these nodes allows for the Consortium's networking and co-ordination, and the decentralized nature of the network makes it much more difficult for destruction or infiltration. As well, it allows nearly unlimited capacity for growth and upgrade, with new Tetranodes being installed as more processing power is needed. Efforts are underway to Upgrade and Adapt the Siren AI to this system.

A Tetranode aboard an unknown Consortium ship or Installation

ZF's 'personality' is much more 'human' then that of Siren-1.7, complete with a full range of emotions and human-like reasoning. This is mainly a mechanism to install concepts of 'Duty', 'Loyalty', and Emotional Attachment to the Consortium and it's subordinates, mainly to prevent the AI from possibly going rogue, as well as giving it much better interaction capacity with Non-Consortium organisms. This is accomplished by using actual human consciousnesses as a base for ZF's personality, which can usually be described as 'Cheerful'.

While Siren-1.7 primarily interacts with humans by means of human-based Androids, ZF projects itself via cold Plasma-based holograms. These are typically represented by a human female of Kusarian descent (the 'donor' for the body styling is unknown) and allow easy interaction and emotional projection in the form of body language. Each hologram is composed of electromagnetically contained cold-plasma projected locally (either by fixed projectors or hovering holo-drones). The Holograms are capable of limited interaction with objects via a combination of Iron-oxide pellets inside the hologram, gravity/magnetic manipulation, or holo-drone grippers. Finally, ZF is capable of using Android bodies, but for practical reasons, rarely does so.

In the event of an attack on Consortium AI systems, a single Tetranode (any Tetranode) can maintain ZF's personality and a backup of her systems. However, if large numbers of Tetranodes are destroyed, ZF's ability to process information and co-ordinate troops begins to suffer. Theoretically, if all of the Tetranodes were destroyed, Zeta-Foxtrot's personality would cease to exist unless it was backed up elsewhere. However, the distributed nature of the subsystems and presumed lack of knowledge on the part of any Non-Consortium entities on our AI systems mean this prospect is unlikely. Any damage to ZF's systems short of total annihilation would be quickly repaired.

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All that begins must end.