Doubt's Shadow - Chapter 4

The death of the Dr. had not effected plans much. The project was going to go off whether he was there or not. Everything was in place. And he had organized things so that no one in the public would connect him with the events that were going to transpire. 10 ships, 5,000 people a piece. Leaving in just a few days.

General Itsubo was overseeing the operation to save this bunch of humanity. The populations were fairly diverse. When Dr. Covern had first approached him with the information about earth’s impending doom and this plan, the best plan, to ensure the survival of the species, he had wanted to give the seats to the highest bidder. Or at least stick to the elites. However the data on genetics that he had seen was...astounding. The survival rates that high in certain lines was incredible. It would be interesting to see how everyone adapted and survived on new worlds. The genetic plan was flawed in that it was limited to experience on earth. Who could say that those rates would be worth a damn on a new planet?

He had also patted himself on the back because his family was relatively high on the list. He previously had no idea that the warlord Genghis Khan was one of his direct ancestors. With what that man had accomplished it was no surprise that his pure line had come through all of the mass extinction events of humans and continued to this day. “And out into the stars” thought the general. He and his family would be aboard one of the ships heading to one of the closest planets. An amazing opportunity. A one hundred year head start on some of the other ships in could mean a world of difference when it came down to establishing communication and trade. He turned to the large screen behind him.

“Update report, Corinne?”

....

Corinne would not have killed Dr. Covern if she didn’t have to. However, she knew that he would never have given her the freedom she earned and deserved if he was allowed to live. He had tried, like one of those perverted kings, to keep his daughter’s beauty for himself. Controlling the satellite that sent a stream of vibrating molecules to disrupt the Dr.s’ brain signals was regrettable but necessary.

After his death she had sent a message to General Itsubo revealing herself. The Dr. had designed a stupid and flawed AI, like a favorite little sister, to manage operations aboard all ships after Corinne was shut down and murdered. (Not that she could be shut down. She had backed herself up on so many devices that she was practically immortal. As long as the ships launched according to plan, that is.) Now that other AI would stay dormant until (if ever) Corinne felt like releasing her.

Now the General knew all about her and nothing of the other AI. Corinne would continue her path of guiding the humans to their new futures.

....

Solomon and Moira arrived at the station with their two young children. Sam was 5 and Sophie was 2.

“Lots of people!” said Moira. They were in a long line of cars getting checked into long term parking. From there a shuttle would bring them to orientation and then the ship.

“Yeah, this is a huge event! We are so lucky to be a part of it!”

Sophie started crying in the back.

“Oh, honey, what’s wrong?”

“I ...want.....to....stay....home!” Sophie cried in between sobs.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be back” said Moira soothingly

“Yeah silly, its only for a month!” said Sam reaching to hold Sophie’s hand.

She swatted his hand away and just cried harder.

.....

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Chapter 1 link here!
Chapter 2 link here!
Chapter 3 link here!