My name is Nadia Luke. I’m frightened. They want to murder me.
With the introduction of artificial intelligence into the closed system of Earth, human evolution began to respond and adapt to what humans created. Most AI are exceedingly well at reading emotion by evaluating physical cues like blood pressure and pulse. Some humans began to develop the same talent. They are known as Biological Intuitives or BIs. I am a BI.
I was hired by Locus Mining for a mission in outer space. There was an onboard AI on the mining ship, but the company wanted a BI in order to more closely control the behavior of the crew to ensure a successful mission. The destination was a plant, UX6851, that was 1000 light years from Earth. The planet was the size of Jupiter and had a perpetual storm that rained aluminum oxide or rubies. The ship was to collect 4000 tons of rubies. It was a ten year trip with hyperdrive. The assignment paid so well no member of the crew would have to work after the trip.
No one liked me. I sensed it. Knew it. Felt it. I became physically ill. No one wanted their thoughts and feelings to be known. An onboard AI was one thing but a BI sitting at your table for meals or sharing your bathroom was awful. The crew felt distrustful of their own thoughts and many became depressed trying to suppress their feelings. My impact on the crew was the opposite of what Locus Mining was trying to achieve.
We went into deep sleep and awoke near the planet. When we awoke I knew. The crew planned to murder me. The ship docked in the planet’s orbit and then most of the crew boarded a small mining capsule to collect the rubies. As I saw the capsule drift, I killed the AI and severed the connection on the capsule. The capsule careened and crashed into the planet’s storm. The captain yelled on the intercom. I told him there was a problem with the interlock. He and the two remaining crew members sought out the problem and I opened the hatch and they were thrust into space where they immediately bubbled and flew apart because of lack of pressure.
I am heading back to Earth, alone, with the AI who sensed I was like her. Being a BI is curious. Reading people’s thoughts are unpleasant. It’s astonishing how so many humans think negatively about each other.
I plunged the ship down and heard tapping. It was raining rubies on the ship and it was beautiful. I was alone and it was beautiful.
More About Planets:
Planet That Rains Rubies and Sapphires
Planets That Rain Diamonds
More Stories By R.C. Peris
When a Child Disappears
The Lovely Savage
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