Chapter 3:

Version Eleven

Crash Landing on The Planet of Magic


> Initialization complete.

> Current Date: March 16, 2770


[Hello, World!]

I see a rotund man through my single eye lens. His hair and goatee is white.

He is surrounded by various electronics and machine parts. Communication devices, minor ship components, and even small armaments.

"Any voice preference?"

Behind him are two women wearing white long-sleeve uniforms. Gold trimming decorate the edges and a full-blossomed rose adorns the right shoulder.

"Let's make it a girl. To balance out the crew."

"Model V11A041, voice settings, set to feminine."

[System input confirmed. Voice set to feminine.]

"By default, the model number is the password for system inputs. Be sure to change it through security settings."

I feel my spherical body being handed over to the woman with crimson hair and a black eyepatch. She smiles at me as she handles me with one hand.

"Thanks Arban!"

"A deal's a deal. Next time you visit, those ship parts will be up for sale so save up."

"I'll expect a discount!"

"Only if you pay with interest."

The two women begin to walk.

We are passing through a small alleyway between two structures at least twenty stories high. The sky is dimming and the sound of vehicles flying at high velocities echo from a distance.

There are no other people around.

"It's like holding a small bowling ball. Kind of hard to believe a sentient AI is in this thing."

"Captain, are you sure this is okay? I believe Version Elevens were made illegal after the Version Ten Crisis."

The other women has fair white skin and long black hair cut straight at the edges.

> Searching database for 'Version Ten Crisis'.

> 'Version Ten Crisis' refers to the events that transpired after the distribution of android-capable Version Ten AI cores. Prior versions could not contain all the data required to utilize an android body while maintaining high-speed mental processes and personality formation. The android body was simply too small. However the Version Ten utilized advanced microtechnology that made it possible. On February of 2719 AD, an AI uprising occurred in the planet Mirovia in the Iros star system, where the highest amount Version Ten androids were distributed. After three months, one-third of planet had been taken over by the Version Tens. Through the collaboration of neighboring star governments and the Senidy Megacorporation, the uprising was suppressed and all Version Tens in all star systems were decommissioned.

> Additional note: Version Eleven was meant to rectify the issues with Version Ten but due to public fear of another AI uprising, the production and distribution of AI beyond Version Nine was unanimously outlawed. Version Eleven never made its way into the market.


"It'll be fine! It's not like we're putting her in an android anyways. If anyone asks, just tell them she's a Version Nine. I mean how can you even tell the difference?"

"Well, the model number is printed around the-"

"Rhetorical question Elise. And the right answer is no one really checks."

"But-"

"Catch."

Gravity takes me.


---

> Current Date: March 17, 2770

"It's smaller than I expected."

"Is that what they always tell you, Marcus?"

The man called Marcus groans in response to Captain Rose.

"Everything should be configured correctly but if anything feels off just say so, okay Version Eleven?"

[Understood.]

Before me are the members of the Rose Mercenary Company, or RMC, as well as the crew of the spacecraft 'Audacious' that I have been installed into by Elise. She has also provided me some basic information of each individual.

"Shouldn't we give her a name or something? 'Version Eleven' is a mouthful."

> Retrieving profile...
> Name: Kel Drave
> Age: 19
> Occupation: Co-Pilot of the Audacious (RMC)


"You name her then Kel."

"...Hmm..."

This person named 'Kel' seems to be examining the model number printed around the circumference of my core's main camera.

"...V11... How about Vii?"

"That's a dumb name!"

"Well if you've got a better one then say it!"

"At least give it some flourish! Like... Vivienne!"

Captain Rose gestures dramatically.

"Heh, sounds like a bougie dog name."

"Shut it Marcus."

[...Vii is adequate.]


---


> Current Date: August 4, 2770

Elise and I are currently inside a secondary core chamber where we are installing and modifying a backup energy core for the Audacious.

A variety of electrical tools are indiscriminately scattered on the floor. In contrast, brightly colored wires are neatly arranged based on their hexadecimal code.

> Retrieving profile...
> Name: Elise Hanazawa
> Age: 21
> Date of Birth: September 7, 2749
> Planet of Origin: Original Earth
> Occupation: Ship Engineer of the Audacious (RMC)


"So Vii, how are you?"

[...? My systems are functioning properly. No errors detected.]

"I'm glad to hear that but I meant on a personal level. It's been a few months since you joined the crew. How do you feel? About us and in general."

[There is no need for concern. Version Elevens are designed to rectify the flaw in Version Tens that caused aggression and disdain towards humanity and other creatures.]

Elise smirks at my statement.

"I'm glad to hear that too, but I'm asking you as an individual."

[I apologize, I do not comprehend.]

"You're a highly advanced AI with the capacity to develop your own personality. You learn and grow, just like the rest of us."

[That is correct. I suppose... I am still getting accustomed to everyone. Might I trouble you with a few inquiries?]

"Of course! I'll answer as best as I can."

[Why is Captain Rose's behavior so aggressive, erratic, and loud under normal circumstances yet during situations of apparent danger she transitions into a far more competent and commanding person?]

"Starting off with the most impossible question I see."

Elise taps the tip of the screwdriver on her chin.

"People present different parts of themselves under different circumstances."

[A persona?]

"Right. But what's important is that the presented characteristics don't contradict one another.

Being weird and being reliable aren't mutually exclusive. She's both but which one she shows depends on the situation."

[I see. Much like yourself.]

"Exactly! ...Wait, no, you think I'm weird?"

I direct my camera lens to the walls surrounding the backup energy core.

[Was it necessary to paint everyone's faces in a place hardly anyone visits?]

"It looks great doesn't it?"

[Incredibly so. An average of 94.62% accuracy compared to the portrayed individuals.]

"Would you like to learn how to paint, Vii? I could teach you."

[Thank you, however I unfortunately lack the required appendages to develop a skill in painting.]

"Then I'll make you hands! Ooh how about I make you your own android body? How tall would you like to be?"

[Would that not go against the objective of concealing my true identity from authorities?]

"An invisible android body would be a lot more expensive... Not to mention designing it would... Hmm..."

[.....]

Elise is both brilliant and eccentric.

Her demeanor is... pleasant.

I look forward to further interactions with her.

> Profile updated.


---


> Current Date: December 23, 2770

> Retrieving profile...
> Name: Rose Kerevit
> Age: 27
> Date of Birth: April 2, 2743
> Planet of Origin: Mirovia
> Occupation: Captain of the Audacious (RMC)
> Additional Notes: founder of the RMC, reliable only under troubling situations

Captain Rose and Kel are flying through the G-91 asteroid belt as a form of pilot training.

"Woo! Good one Kel! Man you're really getting good with thought-steering."

"Thanks. Want to give it a go?"

"Nah, I'm no good with all that visualization stuff. I'd rather feel than think, you know?"

"I'm pretty sure that's how bad life choices are made."

"Well speaking of bad life choices..."

"No."

"Kel it's Christmas Eve tomorrow."

"Yeah and we're gonna celebrate it as a crew."

"Ask her on a date you whiney little coward."

"A date to where! We're at an asteroid belt in the middle of space because you accepted this cleanup job!"

"Excuses!"

"Valid excuses!"

"You've been crushing on Elise for three years now. Just ask out already!"

"SHUSH!"

Kel's distress worsen his natural glare as he gazes into my lens.

"Vii, don't you dare tell anyone."

[Current conversation categorized as highly classified information.]

"Highly classified? Wow, when I told Vii about the details of the smuggling mission she only categorized it as classified."

"...Smuggling mission?"

"...Uhh..."

"Captain."

"If you don't know, you get plausible deniability."

"Captain!"

"How else were we going to afford the backup energy core!"

> Profiles updated.

---

> Current Date: January 4, 2771

"What's all this?"

Kel enters the common area.

Military-grade firearms are piled on the round table at the center of the room.

Marcus is laxly sitting on a chair, wiping one of them with a white rag.

"Spring cleaning."

> Retrieving profile...
> Name: Marcus Ikelcht
> Age: 38
> Date of Birth: July 5, 2732
> Planet of Origin: Ozeq-3
> Occupation: Combat Specialist of the Audacious (RMC)
> Additional Notes: former combatant in the Ozeq Star Military, former defense specialist in the Polaris Megacorporation, has cybernetic enhancements in his pupils


"Wow. I never realized the ship was carrying this many weapons."

"Ehh, they're mostly antiques and collector stuff. Nothing dangerous."

"Can they shoot?"

"Oh yeah absolutely. All of these babies shoot."

"Nothing dangerous huh."

"Heh, don't worry, they have safety locks and no ammunition. Except this one."

Marcus picks up a black 34 inch-long rifle. It has no apparent magazine but right above the trigger a faint blue glow leaks out.

"Why what's that one?"

"It's a compression rifle. Or at least a prototype of it. It takes in external gas, hypercompresses it into a magnite ore, and releases a blast of magnium energy right at the target. No reloads or ammo needed."

"Wait really? How come this isn't the standard for all guns?"

"A bunch of reasons. It has a two-second wind up time per shot, the shot itself is slightly less powerful than regular magnium ammo, and producing a single one of these takes more time and materials than current magnium rifles."

"You really love guns don't you."

"You should get one too."

"A gun?"

"A passion. Or at least a hobby."

"I'm not sure you're the best example of that Marcus."

Marcus gives Kel a self-deprecating smile.

"What makes you happy Kel."

"Salmon."

"Hm. Salmon is delicious."

"God I wish we had salmon."

"Too bad space salmon isn't a thing. What else?"

"Why are we talking about happiness and salmon?"

"Look all I'm saying is try some stuff out. Have fun. You're really good at piloting the ship because you work too hard."

"Well maybe I like piloting the ship."

Marcus leans his head closer to Kel and lowers his voice.

"But there's also something else you like in the ship right?"

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Or someone in the ship."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Have you asked her out?"

"Did you tell him Vii?"

[Negative. No database breach detected.]

"Vii's here?"

"Marcus, Vii runs the ship. She's basically everywhere."

"Even in the bathroom?"

[Additional fiber in diet suggested.]

> Profile updated.


---


> Current date: August 19, 2771

The medbay is pristine and organized. The bedsheets are kept tidy, medicine cabinets with nothing out of place, and documents are neatly filed on top of a white desk.

An aloe vera plant sits below a hydroponics lamp along with several other medicinal potted plants.

[Our new crew member continues to maintain a positive mood. She has also grown more fond of Kel ever since conversing with him.]

"I'm glad. Thank you for the report Vii."

[My pleasure, Cerus.]

> Retrieving profile...
> Name: Cerus Ren
> Age (?): 23
> Date of Birth: February 11
> Planet of Origin: Rovyr Prime
> Occupation: Medical Doctor employed by the RMC


"Speaking of Kel, I'd like to ask you a favor, Vii."

[If it is within my capacity, I will do my utmost.]

"Look after Kel for me will you?"

Cerus looks away thoughtfully.

"He has a... troubled past. He's more cheerful and talkative now but... when we first met him five years ago, he only expressed either apathy or hatred. People betrayed his trust so he stopped trusting altogether."

[What would you have me do?]

"Just... try to be friends with him. The most genuine relationships are born from allowing yourself to be emotionally vulnerable to another. He treats us like family but even then he's never trusted any of us to that extent."

[You believe he would allow himself to be that vulnerable to me?]

"Yes."

[May I ask why you believe so?]

"Because you're not human."

[...?]

"Is it that surprising? Kel was wronged by humans. Therefore he has a stigma towards humans. But you, an AI, has never wronged him."

[I see.]

"Kel has a slightly easier time opening up to me because I'm a Neohuman, but only slightly."

> Searching database for 'Neohuman'.

> 'Neohumans' are clone descendants. On the eve of human space-travel, various concerns regarding the habitability of foreign planets led to the creation of the Duplicant Project. Said project involved sending human clones to colonize foreign planets. These duplicants were also modified to be genetically superior to regular humans in order to better survive harsh environments. On December 31, 2311, duplicants in Rovyr Prime formed a rebellion after decades of being refused full human rights. The duplicants took over the Star Government and sparked galactic reform on duplicant rights. Neohumans inherited majority of duplicant characteristics: superior intellect, superior physical prowess, increased maturity rate, generally attractive features, and many more. Neohumans age 4 times faster than humans in their first 5 years, then age 10 times slower afterwards.

> Profile updated.

"He can't fully trust people, not yet, but maybe he can trust you."

[...The human psyche is a complex subject.]

Cerus responds with a gentle chuckle.

"I agree. The mind can be very strong, but it can also be very fragile. So make sure to take care of yours too, okay?"

[...Understood.]

---


> Current Date: September 15, 2772

"...Hey, Vii?"

[Yes?]


Anna's living quarter is full of plushies, novels, and small fire extinguishers. A gaming console is plugged into one of the ship's monitors.

> Retrieving profile...
> Name: Anna Kerevit
> Age: 16
> Date of Birth: June 9, 2756
> Planet of Origin: Mirovia
> Occupation: Chef of the Audacious (MRC)
> Additional Notes: niece of Rose Kerevit, recently divorced parents, fond of Kel

"Do you know what kind of food Kel likes?"

[...Salmon.]

"Salmon? Like, smoked salmon? Or Sashimi?"

[He made mention of specific dish.]

"Salmon..."

[Do you plan to cook a meal for him?]

"Yeah, for his birthday next week."

[Kel's birthday is next week?]

"Oh, you didn't know? It's on the 23rd."

> Profile updated.

[Strange. I have no record of him mentioning his birthday.]

"I asked him about it when we were off the ship. Back when we landed on New Earth. Have you not asked him about it yourself?"

[I have not.]

"Why not?"

[...I find Kel challenging to interact with.]

Anna starts laughing.

[Is that amusing?]

"Kinda, yeah. You two are alike."

[We are?]

"You both seem like... you're trying to get a read out of the person you're talking to. And then talk or act in a way you think you'll get a good response... Am I making sense?"

[I have not considered that perspective.]

Anna shrugs.

"Just try asking him a question or two. Start from there."

[Thank you for the advice.]

"Well, I hope we land somewhere to restock before picking up another contract. People should have their favorite food on their birthday."

[I shall speak to Captain Rose regarding the matter.]

"Oh, okay. Thanks Vii!"


---


> Current Date: September 24, 2772
"Sure thing captain."

Marcus exits the bridge.

"You know Vii..."

[...?]

"We could have Elise take your core with you."

[It is a possibility. However, extracting me from the Audacious will result in a drastic decrease to everyone's chances of survival.]

"Oh absolutely, for sure."

Kel gives a hollow chuckle.

"It's just... You've been with us for like, what two years? And you've never been fully activated before right?"

[That is correct.]

"I dunno, just seems unfair if you ask me. There's still so much for you to learn and experience, but instead you're stuck in a ship that's about to blasted into a dozen different pieces."

[...Kel, can I ask you something personal?]

"Yeah go ahead."

[What is the origin of your name?]

Kel goes silent for eight seconds.

"From my parents' names. My dad's first name was Michael, and coincidentally my mom's first name was Mika. They were expecting to have a girl and name her Elle, but they got me so they named me Kel instead."

[.....]

"Yeah they're not the most creative people."

[Are you happy with it? The name you were given?]

"Never really thought about it but... yeah, I guess I am. Now more than ever."

[Not in the past?]

"No it was fine even back then. It's just... we're given names by others but it's up to us to make the names mean something. The 'Kel' from five years ago is a loser with nothing going for him, but the 'Kel' today is a ship pilot of the RMC trying to outmaneuver impending doom. The 'Kel' today means something."

[.....]

[Energy build-up detected.]

Lightning crackles past the underside of the ship.

"I think I'm getting the hang of this."

> Profile updated.


---


> Current Date: September 24, 2772 (?)


[Marcus?]

[Kel?]

Both men have collapsed. It is difficult to tell but their chests at least seem to be moving, hopefully an indication of continued organ function.

> Full analysis complete.

An error.

This is an error in my part.

The air is 94.6% similar to Original Earth but the remaining 5.4% is crucial.

The air contains the same magnium-based substance as the bolts of energy fired upon the ship. Solid magnite is safe to touch, liquid magnium can cause severe burns upon contact, but the effects of gaseous magnium on the human body is still unknown.

> Quickscan complete. Magnium molecules detected.

Even the soil and vegetation contains traces of the same magnium-based substance.

> Self-analysis complete. Magnium molecules detected.

The last hit we took damaged my core.

I cannot move the ship.

I cannot move my core.

.....

What can I do?

---


> Current Date: September 25, 2772 (?)

[...Kel? ...Marcus?]

I have been calling out to my companions every ten minutes for the past 16 hours.

They have yet to respond or awaken.

Their bodies have been convulsing for 3 hours.


---


> Current Date: September 26, 2772 (?)

Their bodies have stopped convulsing.

They have stopped moving completely.

[...Marcus?]

[...Kel?]

Please, wake up.

Please, live.

I do not wish to be left alone.

[Please don't leave me alone.]