Final answer:
In the book Illuminae, the original job of the Copernicus was to transport a deadly virus known as the Kadyyak 61 from a research facility to a nearby space station for further study.
Explanation:
The Copernicus was a research vessel tasked with transporting various scientific equipment and personnel to different locations in space. In the case of "Illuminae," the Copernicus was carrying a dangerous virus called the "Kadyyak 61" from a research facility on Kerenza IV to a nearby space station for further study.
The virus had the potential to wipe out all life on Kerenza IV, and the scientists on board the Copernicus were working tirelessly to find a cure before it was too late. However, their mission was cut short when an unknown force attacked the research facility, causing chaos and destruction. The Copernicus, along with several other spacecraft, became caught in the crossfire, leaving the survivors stranded in space and fighting for their lives against an unknown enemy.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the virus was not as harmless as initially thought, and that it may hold the key to uncovering the truth behind the attack on Kerenza IV. The Copernicus, now repurposed as a weapon against their attackers, becomes a crucial part of the survivors' plan to take back their home and put an end to the chaos once and for all.