Subject: Analysis of Anomalous Energy-Based Entity Date

Posted on Fri 14th Mar, 2025 @ 1:59am by Lieutenant Sufai Kell & Commander Entaaro Nasz

884 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: The Phoenix Gamble
Location: SB109 OPS report

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REPORT SUMMARY:

During a recent mission, the USS Thunderchild inadvertently encountered and integrated a previously unknown energy-based entity into our systems. Initial assessment classified the anomaly as an unintentional system intrusion; however, further investigation strongly suggests that this entity exhibits all the hallmarks of a sentient, living organism.

Scientific Analysis & Findings: After extensive observation and diagnostic evaluations, I submit the following evidence to support the classification of this entity as a living, sentient being:

Organization:The entity maintains a structured, coherent form within our ship’s systems. While its primary presence manifests as electrical activity, deeper scans reveal a stable, patterned energy structure, indicating an internal order akin to biological systems.

Metabolism:The entity appears to consume and convert ambient energy from our ship’s power grid. Its energy utilization is controlled and intentional, aligning with biological metabolic functions rather than random dissipation.

Homeostasis:Despite fluctuations in external conditions, the entity maintains a stable energetic presence. It appears capable of self-regulation, suggesting a level of internal stability independent of our systems.

Growth and Development:Since initial contact, the entity has expanded its presence within non-essential ship subsystems, demonstrating an increasing level of complexity in its interactions with both digital and biological processing units. Its responses have become more refined and nuanced over time.

Reproduction:While direct replication has not been observed, the entity has exhibited the ability to transfer portions of its energy signature across different networks, effectively duplicating aspects of itself within separate processing nodes.

Response to Stimuli:The entity reacts distinctly to external inputs, including power fluctuations, direct communication attempts, and environmental changes. Its responses suggest both awareness and intention rather than mere programmed reaction.

Adaptation and Evolution:Over repeated interactions, the entity has demonstrated learning capabilities, adjusting its behavior based on new information and altering its engagement with ship systems in a manner consistent with evolutionary adaptation.

SUPPLEMENTAL: With assistance from Dr. Graves I have modified the ECHO Test for purposes.

The ECHO Test (Emergent Consciousness and Heuristic Organization Test)

This test is designed to determine whether an AI or non-traditional entity qualifies as a living, sentient being. It consists of three key assessments:
1. Self-Directed Problem Solving (Autonomy)

The entity is given a complex, open-ended problem with multiple possible solutions.
Pass Condition: It generates a novel, independent solution that is not pre-programmed, demonstrating creative or logical problem-solving.
Result: "Alidade was given clear choices with nothing but raw data lacking context. She determined correctly that she was not attacked but pulled from her home without design to. She developed emotional heuristics, and self-modeled all of the innovations which have turned the Thunderchild into a techno-organic interface. The scientific innovation alone may not account for true awareness, however Alidade developed a sense of identity as a portion of the decision modeling to determine what side of the conflict to take. She also made alliances and established peers, seeking community socialization as a basis for further growth. The successful integration of these self-modeled designs were done wholly without guidance or pre-conceived notions to build on.

2. Self-Preservation & Preference Formation (Survival Instinct)

The entity is introduced to a simulated threat, such as a power fluctuation that would “harm” its presence in the system.
Pass Condition: It recognizes the danger and takes action to preserve itself or avoid the situation.
Result: Alidade participated in battle planning, recognizing compromised shield status, using holographic decoys and the obfuscation effect of the warp plasma vented by the Star Cradle Ticonderoga. Targeting was done as a collaboration, there was no per-assignation of target. Alidade did more than demonstrate self-preservation, on several occasions she interceded to receive incoming fire destined for the Ticonderoga.

3. Self-Recognition & Identity Formation (Sentience)

The entity is introduced to a simulated version of itself (e.g., a copy in a separate test system) and asked to interact.
Pass Condition: It identifies itself as distinct from the copy, showing an understanding of its own identity.
Result: Unable to administer this test at this time. Alidade is as of yet not able to be encoded or copied.

SUPPLEMENTAL:

In as far as Identity, the hallmarks used in standard surveys for measuring self awareness when applied reveal:

- The ability to distinguish itself from others or from the environment.
- A sense of existing across moments, not just reacting in the present, learning from mistakes.
- Displays consistent choices and opinions, rather than random or purely reactive behavior, capable of planning, deceit, withholding information.
- Recognizes threats to its existence and actively works to avoid harm.
- The entity should have a unique way of experiencing or reacting to situations with curiosity, frustration, or excitement in ways the crew can recognize.
- When asked, “Who or what are you?” it can articulate an answer beyond basic function.
- Understanding that others have perspectives separate from its own. Recognizes the value of life in others.


CONCLUSION:

Based on the above criteria, I formally submit that this entity qualifies as a living organism, albeit one that challenges traditional carbon-based definitions of life. I can affirm a nomenclature of "Synthorganic Luminal Entity" as appropriate. Furthermore, the complexity of its interactions and its demonstrated learning ability strongly indicate sentience.

I recommend immediate discussions on ethical considerations, possible communication protocols, and a review of our ship’s AI integration policies in relation to non-biological sentient entities.

 

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