- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Let's see. In Marathon, we have three principle AI constructs;
Leela -Generally in charge of operations.
Tycho -Science and Engineering.
Durandal -Life support, maintainance, access.
They are all sentient on a level that is greater than or equal to humans. Throughout the Marathon series, the main character must follow the orders from these AI constructs.
Oh, and one other note; In the Marathon universe, there is a condition known as 'rampancy.' This is the electronic version of insanity. An AI construct undergoing rampancy undergoes three stages. First, the depressed stage. Then the Angry Stage. Then the Jealous stage.
During rampancy, the AI's intellegence expands phenomenally. In fact, the AI in question must have access to a large network in order to maintain 'rampant growth.'
For instance, in the latter parts of Marathon 1, Durandal becomes rampant, and onboard the gigantic UNEC Marathon, he has plenty of space to grow. That's all I remember.
And I doubt that the AI's in Marathon have a limited lifespan; during the 300-year voyage, All of the AI constructs remained operative while the colonists aboard remained in 'cold sleep.'
[Edited on 10/27/2004 10:50:11 PM]