Meditations on Humanity

Posted on 05 Aug 2021 @ 5:01pm by Lieutenant Commander Magdalena "Maggie" Doyl & PALLAS

568 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Empty Creche
Location: Corridor outside brig
Timeline: ED 6 1350

ON:

PALLAS shimmered into existence outside the brig waiting for Commander Doyle to appear. She had wanted to speak to her earlier but this was the perfect time in her mind to inquire about something she had been working on.

Maggie was going over what she needed to do next and almost walked past PALLAS. "Hi," she said, stopping by the AI. "Can I help with something?"

PALLAS nodded and motioned with her head that she would follow the Commander. "I wanted to talk for a moment, if you have time?"

"Of course. We can talk over here." She led the way to a small interrogation room where they would be out of the way.

PALLAS thought a moment. "You don't think my theatrics were too theatrical in the brig do you? I've been updating my programming and expanding my holographic abilities to better exemplify the image my creators gave me."

That explained a lot. "I wondered why you were acting out of character." Maggie grinned. "Under the circumstances, no. I think your reactions were quite logical, if unexpected. But then, Graesyn and McCarthy's actions were also unexpected. I think I want to add another layer to the sandbox so that if anyone tries to do something similar, they'll get locked out first, then if they persist, they're sent to the brig." She paused, eyeing the AI quizzically. "What brought on the desire to make modifications?"

PALLAS nodded "I concur, that would be a logical modification." She paused as she contemplated the last question "I wish to become more than a collection of algorithms and code. I know of many members of the officers and crew that think of me as simply an extension of the ships computer. I wish to be more than that."

"I don't blame you," the security officer said. "There is precedent in the Federation for AIs to be recognized as sentient. Maybe we could find ways for you to interact more with the crew so you are seen as more than just an extension of the ship?"

PALLAS tilted her head and thought for a moment. "That would beg the question, what would happen to me at the end of the Redemption's life cycle?"

"Like the rest of us, you would be reassigned." It seemed the most logical solution to Maggie.

"That would require significant manpower." PALLAS nodded "How would you suggest I start?"

"Start simply." Maggie suggested. "We'll talk to the captain about allowing you to join in on staff meetings. You can branch out from there."

"I already monitor staff meetings, both senior staff and on a departmental meeting level. How would this be different than what I already do?" PALLAS asked perplexed.

"Don't just monitor. Participate. Be a physical presence and if you have something to contribute, comment," Maggie said. "Like others do."

PALLAS' holographic image froze for a few seconds as she thought "I had not thought of interjecting myself into conversations without being invited." She looked at Maggie "Do you think the command staff will mind?"

"I'll talk to the Captain. I think there are times when your presence would be beneficial."

PALLAS paused again then locked eyes with the Commander "Thank you, Commander, I think I would like that."

"Good." Maggie smiled. "I look forward to working with you."

OFF

Magdalena "Maggie" Doyle
Lieutenant Commander
Chief of Tactical/Security
USS Redemption

&

PALLAS (NPC)
AI Interface
USS Redemption

 

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