Free Episode VI: Beta Test by Ben Winston Page B

interrupted.
    "I understand your feelings, H'ordress. But it's try to rescue them and let the Aracs though to Everbright City, or leave them and save two million others. There is no real choice here. You have your orders," the colonel replied and closed the channel.
    Athena could hear the big Simonian sigh. "AI Athena, two of my troopers have taken damage. We'll get there as quickly as we can, but might need the shuttle to meet us closer."
    "Understood, Lieutenant. I'll let them know," Athena replied, sounding sad herself. "You did your best, Lieutenant. That's what matters."
    "Thank you AI Athena. It still feels like I am killing them myself. H'ordress out."
    The scene ended then, and the virtual 'shell' surrounding Athena faded out.
    I smiled at her. "You did well, but we have a few more test to run if you're up to it."
    She smiled sadly and nodded. "Bring it on, Father."
    I chuckled. "You've been talking to Sarah!"
    She nodded confirmation of the culprit. "Not during the actual tests of course, but while she is monitoring me between sessions we talk."
    "Good, I hope you two will be good friends. Now, let's proceed with the next level of testing. Carla, please load scenario three-C for Athena?" I said.
    "Of course, Doctor Cowan. Or do you want us to call you 'Daddy'?" she teased.
    "You know, I'm sure I can find a Simonian that would be willing to give you a spanking!" I replied, playfully.
    ––––––––
    C owan Residence
    Alliance Apollo Base
    Selene, Earth’s moon
    Sol System
    ––––––––
    M y plate was quickly getting very full. Alliance Command had officially requested the installation of AI units on the Core Worlds, as well as several key facilities such as the main communications node which was also located at Novalus, in order to take advantage of the protection provided to the High Command Station and the High Council.
    The problem was, we had only just begun the extra tests on the crystals. Granted, the AI could run in the Veranorian built computer systems, but no one actually wanted one of those anymore. In fact, there were a great many people wanting to get rid of them as soon as a feasible alternative presented itself.
    I invited Ced, Vance and Coryn, Foreten Kree, Shariline and Freyair over to dinner to discuss an idea I had that might help the Alliance, as well as make sure we all had credits if we ever chose to retire. Christy asked if she could invite Commander Shakier as well, just to get her out of the medical center and socializing again. I happily agreed.
    Of course, I wanted my family there as well, since I really wanted them to be involved in this project. I had actually hired the meal to be catered by one of the finest restaurants in Apollo, and asked our guests to arrive about an hour earlier. Considering who I was, as well as the guests I had invited, the restaurant owner pulled out all the stops for this meal. He had his best culinary and wait-staff invade our kitchen to prepare the meals.
    Once our guests arrived and were seated with before dinner drinks, I got to the reason I had invited all of them.
    "My friends, I have invited all of you over here tonight to propose a civilian business to you. I understand we are all far too busy to undertake a new project, but I was actually hoping more for your ideas as well as wanting to include all of you in the idea. Our Alliance is in need of replacement computer systems. I'm not talking about the big AI that we are developing, but the smaller ones used for civilian and personnel use. Although still very viable machines, they have lost faith in the Veranorian designed systems. I have to admit it is odd that the same design has been in use for almost four centuries.
    "The idea I have is to create a civilian business that would produce those replacements. If we wish to include some of the stuff we've learned from upgrading the main computer systems, we will need to get Alliance approval before hand, but I feel this can actually be