Biomorphic
16 Mar 2024Ryuko Ntsikana
Biomorphic
Colonia Region
_____________________________
The remains of the wanted Python drifted through space as Tara activated the cargo scoop to claim the occupied escape pod of the pirate ship. “I hope your Python is made of sterner stuff than this one was,” Tara quipped.
I had let Tara take control of the Vulture, encouraging her to try out the ship and her programming. I was surprised when she set a course to a nearby system’s navigation beacon and immediately began seeking out ships with bounties on them.
“Where did you get the idea that trying out the ship involved bounty hunting? I didn’t tell the shop manager what my business was.”
I saw her shoulders shrug, a human-like gesture, as the escape pod entered the cargo bay. “The moment I saw this ship, I knew. Once I connected to its computer, I learned all about your adventures.”
I tilted my head, suppressing a chortle at how much I resembled Aby at that moment. “I didn’t see you connect to anything. Do tell.”
Tara reached up, tapping the side of her helmet. “I don’t need a physical connection as my sentience has security measures far beyond an android. That, plus several other sensory detectors, are all part of my imprinting process.”
While I had known a few humanoid biomorphs from my past, I never knew about their imprinting requirement. “How does this imprinting work, and can it be altered?”
“Using my advanced sensory technology, I conduct a thorough biochemical and behavioral analysis, examining pheromones, body temperature, speech patterns, and more. Coupled with connecting to your data tablet and relevant databases, I build a comprehensive, non-editable model of you. The hard-coded model is then securely stored within my neural network, which can't be altered without physically replacing my entire internal sentient structure.”
Tara tapped her helmet again. “I can’t wait to meet your chaperone, Aby. I understand why he is with you and what we are doing out here. I am curious about the benefactor’s agents.”
I couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Don’t forget, he will think you are human, and we mustn't disappoint him.”
“Oh, we won’t,” Tara said playfully. “First, we need to sell the one in the cargo hold. Hate to think we wouldn’t profit from this adventure, and I have a lot of wardrobe I need to pay you back for.”
This one was different from the others I had met, but I had specified that Tara be programmed with a diverse set of knowledge and skills. The question on my mind was how Tara and those skill sets would develop over time, as she was semi-sentient and capable of growth based on her experiences.
I let Tara lead the way as she cashed in the bounty, selling the escape pod separately at its market value. When asked whose account it should be deposited in, I realized I had missed a step, immediately setting up a separate account for her, unlinked to mine and not observable by Aby, adding more mystery for him.
“We need to get you making some credits. As my companion, I will give you a better percentage of the pay and get you situated into a proper ship of your own.”
“Will we be wanting cargo with that or just the scalps?” Tara commented with a smile as we made our way back to the hangar.
“For the Vulture, just the scalps,” I shrugged, “but we need to concentrate on building our reputation more than anything.”
“Yes, I noticed from the recent flight logs that most of the adventures have been in business passenger charters. I downloaded all the relevant information to get a concept of how to make this a more lucrative endeavor.”
As we entered the hangar, I paused, looking at both of my ships. From the cockpit of the Python, I could see Aby looking down at us. “Now that we have his attention, I will get us on the schedule for a couple of business runs. You can sit with me on the first, and then you can take over for the second.”
Tara nodded, noticing Aby. “Will you want me in a cabin of my own or in with you?”
I did my best not to look up again as we began walking to the Python’s entry stairs. “Definitely with me. That should get him chasing the aether.”
“Interesting idiom,” Tara laughed as we boarded the Python with Aby waiting for us as we entered the airlock.
“I haven’t had the pleasure,” Aby stated, more out of curiosity than greeting.
“No, you haven’t,” Tara replied walking passed him, and headed straight down the lower corridor that would take her to what would normally be a cargo area, currently occupied by business passenger modules and luggage stowage.
Aby looked at me with a weird expression as I chuckled. “Her name is Tara Sha. She is my new hire and will be working directly under and for me.”
“I was curious about your recent large purchases. Were they all for her?”
“Yes, yes they were. It was part of our arrangement. She, like me, is stuck out here and is now under contract with me. Her presence will provide a certain … contrast.”
Aby paused for several moments, searching the database. “I have no record of Miss Tara Sha on any list. Where is she from and what is her background?”
“Let’s say I know everything there is that needs to be known and you do not worry about it.”
Aby nodded in compliance. “My concern is only that she not be sought after or in any way connected to anything that could put you in jeopardy of violating the benefactor’s agreement.”
I patted Aby on the shoulder. “Like me, as long as she is out here, there is nothing to worry about. Back in the bubble on the other hand,” I shrugged. “Let’s just say neither of us are eager to go back.”
“Then she is a prior pirate or bounty hunter like yourself?”
“You could say something like that,” I replied, looking down the corridor.