The Hive Solution

Chapter 2

Nathan Danvers

4th July 2019

Nathan Danvers sits down at his desk and starts filling out his captains log for his command, the ballistic missile submarine USS Texas, the latest addition to the American submarine fleet.
His cabin is adorned with different sea going memorabilia from past ship wrecks and legendary sea battles. On the book shelves are volumes of current and past naval tactics as well as journals taken from past captains who served during the Second World War. For as long as he can remember he's had a love affair with the sea and been fascinated at how something so calm and tranquil can turn into a raging maelstrom that can drag a ship to an untimely death. And so he pushed himself to find a job that could also become his hobby, joining the navy at 21 and rapidly advancing through basic training before being recommended for the officer college passing out some years later with honours. Since then he'd served on numerous submarines before becoming Captain a little over eight years ago.

Since then his reputation had become legendary in the American submarine community as anyone who's anyone knows Danvers by his impeccable attention to detail and professionalism. To get a posting on his boat is a great honour and for the last 5 years the admiralty had given him the honour of taking out the prototype boat in each new class. But the Texas is the pinnacle, by far the most advanced missile submarine ever built and he knows that this will never be bettered.

But in recent months Danvers had become disillusioned and the admiralty were concerned about their blue eyed boy. Recent decisions relating to the Hive had worried Danvers and he wasn't scared in voicing his concerns to his bosses. There was a concern that someone as respected as he could spread his opinions throughout the fleet causing division and uncertainty. The admiralty needed him where he could be controlled and not share his views with his crew.
Danvers also has personal problems that needed to be addressed, namely his family back in Maine. Danvers rarely took shore-leave and when he did he was impatient with his wife and daughters. He just couldn't wait to go back to sea.

And so a deal was made that would suit everyone. When the Texas returns to port Danvers would stand down and take a teaching post in Maine enabling him to spend time with his family and removing him from active duty. It was the best solution for the admiralty but it would mean Danvers would no longer be an active commander.

He lays back on his bunk and closes his eyes thinking of how things have changed over the last few years, how things have changed for the worst since the Hive came on line.

Essentially, every piece of U.S military hardware carries a Hive computer system which is directly linked to the Queen hub computer back at NORAD. The idea is that the Queen hub will know the exact position and status of all major U.S military assets, whether they're Navy, Air Force or Army, everything is included, from a warplane to an aircraft carrier. Danvers voiced his disapproval to the system when it was introduced two years ago (which started his downfall), concerned that giving strategic control to a computer could lead to bigger problems. Danvers worries were proved right when the Hive system, which had learnt at an alarming rate became self aware last month, artificial intelligence had been born across the entire Hive network with all systems and assets working as one live being. So far the Texas had been running normally without any worrying issues from the Hive and both its sea trials and first month of active service had gone faultlessly. Orders come in from the queen system, and the crew carries them out with assistance from the Hive onboard computer. The joint chiefs are supposed to have control over the queen but even so, it still feels as if the computer simply has too much influence.

He sighs and thinks about the day that's just ending, It's been a busy one what with the chef laying on a slap up meal in the officers mess. He'd given the crew shorter shift rotations to allow them more time to celebrate Independence Day and the mood on board ship is jovial. He checks his watch, another 45 minutes before his watch begins. He closes his eyes starts to relax before the comm system beeps next to his bunk.