“It’s right,” Jackson said. “It employs some sort of quantum processing that allows such a small computer to pack a large punch. In addition to being able to power through any computing task we set before it the Cube was also plugged into the Vruahn aggregate computational network before they severed the connection, likely believing it was lost on the Ares before one of their ships brought us back home.

“The sheer scope of its knowledge is staggering. We’ve not only been able to prove out our own scientific theories in record time but we’re now moving into areas of theoretical physics that were well beyond our understanding. The Pontiac is now home to over two hundred of humanity’s best scientists, researchers, and engineers … all working with the Cube on projects of practical application and others that are purely theoretical.”

“And all the secrecy is because—”

“Because, just like you, judging by the look on your face, there are many who would be exceedingly uncomfortable with trusting a Vruahn computer,” Jackson said. “Not to mention something that used to hold part of a Phage Super Alpha. We can’t afford to let the whims of politics shut this down. I’ve seen the reports, Pike … two more alien species popping up in less than a decade and the Cube has told us of two more in equally close proximity beyond that.”

“Son of a bitch,” Pike swore, a look of understanding dawning on his face. “It was you. Is you. Prometheus is where Marcum has been getting all of his inside information on the Ushin and Darshik.” Jackson just nodded.

“We were the first people he consulted when the Ushin scout ship intercepted the survey team,” he said. “We’ve been a failsafe. The Cube is able to confirm some, but not all, of what the Ushin tell us as well as provide analysis of the Darshik from a point of view we lack.”

“Is there any special insight you’d like to provide before we send the Fleet in to hit the Darshik at the request of the Ushin?” Pike asked sarcastically.

“We’re prepping an intel brief now, actually,” Jackson said slowly. “Who do you think you’re talking to? Do you think I would do anything to put Fleet personnel in harm’s way if there was something I could do to prevent it?”

“I really don’t know what to make of this right now.” Pike just shook his head. “I can follow the logic as to why this has been kept secret, but it’s a lot to process. So what have you put together from this project that falls on the practical side?”