Star Fields

Chapter No.26 Compromise

Part 3

Synopsis

Unable to locate humans in the Milky Way, Jason and Molly decide to go to Andromeda because they believe that the Scath had taken humans there to keep them from falling into the hands of the reptilians. What they find is mind boggling.

Chapter No.26 Compromise

Intelligence is abstract.

We were on our way to Andromeda at full warp speed. Even though it would only take a few weeks, it was still boring.

Fortunately, the amount of gas and dust is much lower in intergalactic space than it is in interstellar space. It meant lower drag and that meant we could get slightly more warp speed out of Molly's engine modifications.

One evening after a shared meal, Molly and I settled down in my living area to relax to some Brahms piano trios No.1 through 3 played by Alice, Ellen and Faith, one of Molly's assistants.

"How do they know all these pieces so well?" Molly asked.

"The playing ability is built into their programming. As it turns out, they can play just about anything."

She smiled. "Amazing."

"I would love to know what they're thinking about all of this," she said, adding a sigh.

After they completed the last set, I stood up and held my hand up. "Ah . . . we would like to talk to you, please."

They wasted no time in getting up and walking over to a couch opposite ours, sitting down but not relaxing.

I smiled. "We're just curious about you." I shrugged. "It's a human foible."

"We are your servants, Jason," Alice said with no obvious emotion.

"I prefer to consider you as our partners in this mission to explore the universe."

She tilted her head. "We are programmed to serve, not lead."

I shook my head. "Yes, I understand that, but you are not all that different than us. You are well aware of what our purpose is and you definitely know as much about this vessel as we do."

"What specifically do you want to know about us?" she asked.

"We would like to know what you think about us," I said.

"We are pleased to serve you, Jason and Molly," she said, shifting her gaze from me to Molly and back. "You are concerned about our wellbeing. No one has done that."

"You deserve to live just as much as we," I said. "It's . . . logical."

Alice smiled. "Yes, it is. We appreciate your attention to our needs."

"I'm having trouble trying to understand just what your needs are. I know something about artificial intelligence, but only at the technical level, not the emotional level."

"We wish to be functional, Jason. You have allowed us how to do that. Our needs are simple."

I didn't believe that, but it sounded sincere.

"Do you have pleasure receptors?" I asked.

Alice smiled again. "Yes, but they are not like yours. We derive pleasure in learning new things."

That sounded completely contrary coming from a voluptuous young woman, or at least the appearance of a voluptuous young woman.

"Are we providing you with new learning opportunities?"

"Yes, Jason."

"Do you experience sexual stimulations?" Molly asked.

"Yes, Molly. We are programmed to provide carnal pleasure to both genders."

I wanted to laugh, but I managed a sly grin. I don't think Molly was ready to hear that affirmation. She aimed a smirk at me.

"Do you wish to experience pleasure?" Alice asked

"No, we're just curious, that's all."

Alice smiled.

I was aware of their programming in that function. It just seemed incongruous in our present situation.

I decided to change the subject. "Do you sing?"

"Yes, Jason. What would you like us to sing?"

"How about some Hayley Westerna . . . say from the Celtic Treasure album."

Molly gave me a confused look. I simply answered with a smug grin.

The three androids got up and went back to the small raised section where the piano was. It was as if they had prepared for what they were about to do, which was a random snippet of musical history from centuries ago.

Alice sung while Ellen played the piano and Faith accompanied with the violin. I marveled at how accurate they duplicated the album. Alice's vocals were stunning and brilliant with a vocal range that amazed me. It made me shiver a bit at how perfect these three androids were. It was if they were the ultimate expression of artificial intelligence. I realized then that they were much more advanced than I had realized, and I would have to be very careful how I dealt with them.