“It paralyzed you,” Lucy told him.
“For about two minutes,” added Jane.
“Impossible,” said Henry, but he could tell by their serious expressions that they told the truth.
Jane stared at his face. “How do you feel?”
“I feel fine. Only my neck’s a little sore where something… well, whatever happened, but I still think I was bit by something, an alien mosquito or insect.”
Theo scoffed. “What! That survived eight thousand odd years entombed below the ice in this cold room?”
“Actually, Theo, in your planet’s measurement of time, this spacecraft, as you call it, has only been on this planet six thousand seven hundred and fifty-four years, three days, five hours, twenty-one minutes and seven seconds.”
Startled by the unknown female voice their heads swivelled to the door. All expected to see someone there, but there was no one.
They looked at each other with puzzled expressions.
“Who said that?” asked Max.
Though he’d voiced the question at his friends, it wasn’t any of them that answered.
“I have no name. I am part of what you call the spaceship, whose name in my language will mean nothing to you as there is no direct translation, but Goliath is a fair approximation. It is a world builder. In terms I believe you will understand, I am an intelligent machine that can think and find solutions to problems. I also navigate the ship and control almost every system on board. To answer your next question, our planet was about to be destroyed by something you call a supernova. This deep-space spaceship is one of a fleet constructed over many years to allow our species to escape annihilation and re-establish itself on another suitable planet.”
“It’s some kind of advanced computer,” said Max, in awe.
“That is a fair description,” stated the computer.
A hiss of air caused them to glance at the air vents.
“Life support systems have been activated.”
The others looked at each other worriedly.
The computer detected their concern. “If I wanted to cause you harm, I would have done so already. Your breath was causing a buildup of carbon dioxide. From my link with Henry, I detected this would be harmful to you, hence my decision to restore life support to keep you all functioning. I could, just as easily, suck all the oxygen from this room.”
Jack asked the computer why it used a female voice to communicate.
“I detected the male of your species are protective of females. I also detected from your voice pattern, Jack, and your mannerisms when you conversed with Jane, you would like to mate with her, so I chose a female voice to seem less threatening.”
Jack and Jane blushed from the smirks directed at them.
The computer continued using a man’s voice. “If you prefer, I can speak in a male voice?”
“No, the female voice is much better,” said Max.
“You said, you ‘chose a female voice to seem less threatening.’ Does that mean you’re a threat to us?” Henry asked.
“Of course,” replied the computer, matter of factly, reverting to the female voice.
“In what way?” Henry pressed.
“In every way,” stated the emotionless voice.
They were all surprised by the blunt answer.
“That is not to say I will harm you.”
“Yet you just attached something to my neck?”
“It was essential I link with one of you to learn your language and knowledge of your planet. I chose the most intelligent brain in the room.”
Henry rubbed his neck. “I suppose I should feel flattered.”
“What planet are this ship and crew from?” asked Jane.
“There is no translation into your language. It was once a planet twice as large as your Earth, but is now debris floating through space. It was similar in many ways to your Earth, hence the reason I selected it to land my ship on when it was damaged by a meteorite storm.”
Jack, still concerned with the threat the computer posed them, asked, “Do you plan to kill us?”
“I will not lie to you. It is an option I am processing. But let us not dwell on the many ways I can end your existence, I have questions of my own. Your answers will depend on my future calculations concerning your lives. Obviously, I am aware many of your Earth years have passed since I first arrived here. I am also aware the crew vacated the ship long ago, the captain is dead and the majority of the cargo is still viable.”
“And that cargo is?” asked Jane.
“A selection of species and plants from our planet to ensure the successful regeneration of our new world.”
Lucy was shocked. “It’s an ark!”
“We saw some of them,” said Theo. “Hundreds of giant creatures.”
“They are our labour force.”
Jack glanced at the dead pilot. “What killed the pilot and why did the crew leave?”
“An intruder from planet DX666 was responsible for both actions. Which I am certain will explain my mistrust of Goliath’s current intruders. You!”
“What happened?” asked Henry.
“The intruder came aboard when a possible planet, DX666, was visited to collect fresh food rations. It killed many of the crew before the captain realized it could not be defeated. He issued the order to abandon ship and plotted a course to take the ship into deep space. He was killed before he could escape. I have no information as to what happened to the crew. Perhaps they are still floating in space or all have perished.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” said Henry. “I assure you we mean you no harm.”
“Harm me you could not,” stated the computer. “That you might harm the vessel under my protection, or its cargo, though, is possible.”
“We have no intention of damaging your ship or cargo, the opposite in fact,” said Theo. “We want to learn from it. It’s far more advanced than anything we have on Earth. Damaging it is the last thing on our minds.”
“From the knowledge I gained from linking with Henry, I know your current intentions are, as you have said, to learn all you can about this spaceship. I also detected a problem. I am trapped in ice and will soon be submerged. My cargo will not survive this catastrophic event. This is not acceptable.”
“I’m sorry, but acceptable or not, unless a miracle occurs that’s exactly what will happen,” said Henry.
“Can you perform this miracle, Henry?”
“No. However, there might be one organization on Earth that might be able to help. Its name is NASA. For this to happen though, we’ll need your assistance.”
“Explain.”
“Can you communicate with anyone on our planet?”
“That is not possible due to the damage caused when I landed on this planet. Some of my systems and sensors have malfunctioned. To keep the cargo alive I am running on reduced power to conserve energy.”
“Then we are your only chance. Help us and we’ll help you.” said Henry. “Can you power-up all the doors so we can leave to contact NASA to come to your aid?”
“It is done, though due to faulty sensors I am unable to determine if every door will function.”
A rumble spread throughout the ship.
All instantly knew its cause. It did not bode well for Henry’s ten-day calculation.
The room trembled.
“The ice is on the move again,” said Max.