Nov 2nd, 2352
Richard looked at the purple flashing light atop his JANKI, signaling that it was receiving an update from Janice, 7.6 light-hours away. Long-distance data transfers typically came in large packets.
Richard had previously sent a report on his discovery that the computer system on the sphere was trinary in nature and appeared to be expressed in base six. Although he knew he was already pushing the limits of what his basic JANKI could handle, he hoped the additional data could aid him in probing the mysteries surrounding the alien technology.
"Vicki, what kind of upgrade are you getting?" Richard asked, using the name he had given his JANKI after a girl he had known in university who had been sweet but not particularly intelligent.
As Vicki processed the additional data, it began spouting information in excessive detail. Richard quickly ordered her to stop. Though he did not trust AIs and always thought of them as "its", Vicki was the only one he thought of as "she", though he would have corrected that if he had noticed.
Richard watched with fascination as the JANKI absorbed programmable matter from the air, causing it to grow slightly in size and gain a couple of appendages. The transformation from data transmission never ceased to amaze him. Even though he was well aware of all the intricate processes that made it possible, he wondered what new capabilities Vicki now possessed, and whether they would be one step closer to unlocking the secrets of the sphere.
He was certain it would still weigh exactly 100 grams, thanks to the gravity manipulator in its base.
Despite his general distrust of AIs, Richard considered JANKIs a necessary evil. Machinery such as gravitational adjusters, transmuters, and programmable matter manipulation required AI assistance. The controls were too complicated to manage through physical means or voice alone. Back in the colonies, even with the help of Halo that enabled him to transmit his thoughts into reality, his thoughts were merely transmitted to Janice, allowing her to execute his commands with infinite precision. Beyond Janice's help, discrete AI units were needed to translate commands received from Halo. Richard found the entire system janky, motivating him to create an acronym - 'Just an AI Needed for Kinetic Interfaces' or JANKI - which seemed like a fitting solution.
His position on the council usually ensured his naming stuck unless they were just downright too silly. It was one of the few perks of leadership that he truly enjoyed.
Vicky spoke up in Brenda's voice, signaling that it was functioning as a relay. "Richard, come to the nursery." Richard knew her frantic nervous tone.
"Vicki, get me there swiftly," he commanded. Feeling himself lifted into the air, he was carried aloft as if he were in a swift stream, rushing through the entranceway, corridors, and finally, the nursery. Despite having been converted into a child's bedroom, it was still known by its original name.
Enrikk lay on his bed, his leg propped up on a pillow as the little autodoc stitched up the gash in his flesh. There was no programmable matter in his body, so it had to be done the old-fashioned way. At least there was little to no risk of infection.
"What happened?" Richard inquired.
"We put it off too long," came the reply. "It's time to take Enrikk to the colony and make sure he's safe. We could also use this opportunity to pick up supplies and personnel before returning here." There was a brief pause, as if they were both considering the idea.
Richard looked down at his son, who was being brave or possibly medicated, while his mind began doing the math. Nine weeks of travel each way, maybe two weeks there. What was 20 weeks to them? Brenda was right; they had put it off too long. He didn't know what had happened to Rik but regardless it could have been much worse and it was his fault for procrastinating.
"I'll start to organize things," Richard said. The truth was that there was nothing physical to pack, what they needed could all be fabricated once they were on their way. His old style of thinking seemed to reveal how distracted he was by the treatment to his son.
Richard moved his gaze from the now unconscious Enrikk to his surroundings. The nursery had been his son's home since his birth, and they had decorated it with all the items they had brought with them on their journey to the sphere. The walls featured scenes of fields, flowers, and animals, all textured and deep to the touch.
As Richard contemplated the next steps, he looked back at his son lying on the bed. "We leave as soon as Rik can travel," Richard decided aloud, reaffirming his commitment to making his family his top priority.