Free Leviathan by James Byron Huggins Page A

next generation neural net dual-multiprocessor, the speakers were located throughout the entire cavern for alarms, paging, or for Frank's vocal communication with GEO.
    “Affirmative. Communicating through intercom system.”
    Frank met Hoffman ’s gaze. The old doctor's lip trembled slightly as Frank spoke. “GEO, give me the current physiological stats on Leviathan.”
    “ Leviathan maintains heart rate of five beats per minute. Respiration remains at zero. Internal temperature remains constant at 400 degrees and mitosis is locked in bio feed loop on outer armor epidermis.”
    Hoffman looked down, a slight shudder going through his chest. Frank continued, speaking into the headset. “GEO, what is your evaluation of Leviathan's condition?''
    “ Leviathan has initiated Hibernation Sequence.”
    “ Why?”
    “ Leviathan has determined that cavern atmosphere contains high probability death factor. Leviathan will continue Hibernation Sequence until atmosphere is no longer poisonous.”
    “ And what will be Leviathan's actions on termination of the Hibernation Sequence?”
    “ Leviathan will begin altering physiological demands for oxygen and will begin kinetic energy release process. It will also begin contracting muscular areas of mouth and throat to prime expulsion of flammable gel. Leviathan will increase epinephrine level and begin contraction of muscle ligatures to enhance physical strength by 25 percent. Then Leviathan will initiate thermal sensors according to neural program parameters.”
    A disturbing thought passed l ike a ghost across some instinctive recess of Frank's mind as the computer replied. Slowly standing erect, he stared at the titanium fire door, following the dim impression, wondering why it had taken him so long to make the connection.
    “ GEO,” he began quietly, “why did Leviathan attack the Observation Room this morning?’'
    “ Insufficient data exists to answer that question.”
    Frank had anticipated that. “GEO, do you think Leviathan was attempting reconstitution when it attacked the Observation Room this morning?”
    “ Leviathan is fed one thousand pounds of sustenance in the form of raw beef every two hours. It is not logical for Leviathan to attack Observation Room for reconstitution.”
    “ Then—” Frank closed his eyes, focusing. “—what other logical purpose could Leviathan have for attacking the Observation Room?”
    “ Insufficient data exists to—”
    “ Terminate answer.”
    Frank leaned forward. “GEO, I want you to calculate the following premise: Determine if it is numerically possible for Leviathan's polyploidal chromosomes to have taken the initial neural programming to mature evolution of a Hunter-killer Mode without the assistance of Dr. Frank.”
    A long silence shrouded the room before the computer replied. “Yes. It is numerically possible for Leviathan's polyploidal DNA to have genetically completed the Hunter-killer Mode without the assistance of Dr. Frank. It is theoretically possible that Leviathan has genetically promoted itself to a mature Hunter-killer Mode without control parameters. ‘
    Frank bowed his head, thinking he should have known. He asked the next question only for confirmation. “GEO, according to initial programming performed by Dr. Frank, what would Leviathan logically conclude as the ultimate purpose of a genetically completed Hunter-killer Mode?”
    “ Dr. Frank knows the parameters of Hunter-killer Mode. Dr. Frank created Leviathan.”
    A dark tide was rushing over Frank's consciousness, sight and sound forgotten. “I know, GEO. But I want you to answer the question. What would Leviathan conclude as the final purpose of its own independently completed Hunter-killer Mode?”
    “ Leviathan would logically conclude purpose of Hunter-killer Mode to be complete elimination of unfriendly organisms.”
    Abruptly Frank sensed that everyone in the Observation Room had stopped working. Somehow touched by the corporeal focus he