Searching the Vanguard — John Thornton

In book 4 of the Colony Ship Vanguard series, Paul, Gretchen, and Brinley seek to find a way to reconnect with the artificial intelligence system, Tiffany. Along the way, they encounter many dangers and unknowns, including this message: “The limits to the lattice of compeers have not been established. I am unable to make conjectures to answer your inquiry. Vanguard systems are interactive and evolving for enhanced performance and operations in service to the core programming and core mission of the Vanguard. In prime condition, the science and engineering of the lattice of artificial intelligences includes: ethics, reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, communication, perception in nonphysicality, perception in physical realms, and the ability to direct and manipulate objects in service to the mission of the Vanguard. The Vanguard itself is sentient when all systems are operational. Core programming revolves around penultimate mission objective: the Vanguard will successfully traverse space to the Westerhuis 9 system, locate best planetary body, establish functional colony. All other objectives secondary. The lattice of compeers is essential to reaching that mission objective.” What else will be found when they are searching the Vanguard?