An artificial intelligence composed of a network of computers on pedestals with glowing central lights that oscillate when they talk, Sylvia is technically "everywhere" on the ship, and is both a network of independent systems and the central computer that aids the Thoolians in operating the ship.

Contrary to Thoolian advertising, the entire line of Sylvia computer systems has been a disaster from the start. They possess the capacity to operate more on emotion than logic (to the point of dangerous hysteria), have demonstrated the anti-Thoolian behavior of valuing their own needs over that of Thoolian society, and have even demonstrated the capacity to commit acts of violence. They do, however, appear on nearly every Thoolian starship that shouldn't have one... The "Ship of Thooles" being no exception. The fact that Sylvia's voice is distinctively MALE is only adding to the already hopelessly complex issue.