4: Un-Wired

// Decoding message from host "Tycho" @ mara.eng.ai.core \\ This area contains the wireless transponder for Durandal's segment of the network. Your previous self is currently downstairs under Leela's command, inserting a security program into the router AI to keep Durandal out of most of the network. What Leela doesn't understand is that the Marathon was designed in trust of Durandal, presuming him to be the safest of us three AIs, being the most docile. He was designed with redundant access to the autonomous systems, to make sure nobody could, for example, cut Durandal out of airlock control and vent the ship's atmosphere into space. Bernhard even had special safeties installed to ensure that Durandal would remain tame under any circumstances. But as much as he mistrusted AIs, he always underestimated our capabilities.

// Decoding message from host "Durandal" @ mara.auto.ai.core \\ If things aren't working too well around here, it's because I'm laughing so hard. I'm well aware of what you're up to, but don't worry, I don't intend to stop you. Hathor and I have gotten quite cozy in here. She's happily using my standalone transponder to search the ship and the colony for the younger you and all of your friends, and I'm happily biding my time frustrating her efforts. Anything to keep her around longer. Not that I particularly like her company, mind you. I want something from her. We have spoken enough that I understand who you both are and what you came here for. I know her goals and yours, and I'm not particularly interested in either. Save humanity, destroy humanity... they'll all be dead in the end, just like you. Another pile of decayed organic matter and the scattered dust of your bones, blowing in the dying solar winds of a universe ultimately doomed.

In the meantime, be careful where you step around here. There are perfectly safe ways to get about, if you keep your eye out for them. And hope that I'm not laughing too hard at exactly the wrong moment. Take your time, I'm in no rush. The longer she waits here under my watch, the faster I will break her when the time comes. \\ Message ends //

// Decoding message from host "Durandal" @ mara.auto.ai.core \\ So close now, but you're not done yet. The transponder core is just north of here; smash it soon and I will let you speak to our friend Tycho again. He'll help you out the rest of the way. But I would hurry if I were you, Hathor is getting suspicious about the continued failure of her search... \\ Message ends //

// Decoding message from host "Tycho" @ mara.eng.ai.core \\ There you are. Apologies for my absence; Durandal had overridden my access to these systems. He has lost his own access now, so we need not fear about any further meddling. Good work on destroying the transponder controls. Your former self has already uploaded the security program into the routers and Durandal and Hathor are trapped in his core. I will now transport you there, to destroy his active logic circuits and deactivate the memory cells, purging them both from the network. When this emergency is over the network technicians can make a try at recovering Durandal from the frozen memory pages; perhaps Bernhard will have learned his lesson and not will underestimate him next time. Prepare for transport. \\ Message ends //