“We don’t know him enough,” explains the senior councilor. “He said the dehumanization was not for him. He was the boss, we did not insist.”
“Where has he got to?”
“I have scanned Martin’s brain.” Eve can hardly speak. The memory of her killed companion is burning like an opened wound. “Nihil lives with a new community, in this villa.”
The shadowy figure disappears. In his place, a low altitude shot appears. The building is at the center of a lawn bordered with willows. In a pond, there are pink flowered water lilies with bulrushes on the right. Three little children are whirling around, another is riding a tricycle.
The councilors are dumbfounded.
“A new community?”
“I remember Nihil’s face when Wing proposed the creation of the Council. He flared up and threatened to leave. But, when the assembly approved the proposal, he remained silent.”
A murmur spreads.
“The truth is he hates us. Otherwise he wouldn’t go to this point.”
“Without his plan, we will not be able to embark.”
The councilors exchange fearful glances. But they keep silent.
Adam is puzzled. Then he stands up, and inspecting the nine members, starts: “I remind you that the best way not to achieve a result, is doing nothing. Tell me, do you really want to give up this project? Our objective is still achievable. It will not only in a few weeks, when the Caravels are sailing.” He addresses Eve: “Why don’t you contact Defense?”
She folds her arms. “I don’t trust them.”
“Do you really believe they can inform Security?” asks Adam. “You see, the recollections you transferred to me made me think. After your suicide, Defense set up an inquiry into the scandal. When investigations were closed, General Marcus Rand made sure to tell you it was all a plot against you. Did you ever wonder why?”
While Adam is speaking, Eve’s memories follow one another in the councilors’ minds, like flashbacks.
“I was highly thought of in the Army. When I resigned, Defense asked me to stay.”
“Did they care because you were a good soldier or rather for some other reason?”
“When Rand contacted me, he seemed to know everything about me and the Elects. I suspected he knew our hideout.” She stops a moment. “All this attention appeared excessive to me.”
“They never passed any information to Security. They always protected us, because you are among us, mummy. It doesn’t matter if we don’t know the reason. Now we are running the risk of having our mission canceled. We must ask their help to size Nihil.”
Eve is pensive. “I’m going to speak with Rand.”
“How can we recognize Nihil?” asks a councilor.
“He must occupy an android’s body. We will identify him by his programs,” answers Eve, adding a few technical details. She has a resolute tone, nothing can stop her.
Adam smiles. “Now you are the women you were, mummy.”
The senior officer has a satisfied look.
Meanwhile she continues: “Let’s pass to the plan. The villa is inhabited by about one hundred people. We don’t know what weapons they have, but we must be ready for all eventualities. We need the right equipment.”
“What type?” inquiries Adam.
“War androids. The most advanced ones. I know how to get them.”
FUNERAL RITES
@
Adam walks fast through a tunnel, holding in his hand a torch. He emerges in a cave, then turns to his right, towards a distant glimmer. He reaches an enormous cavity. The vault is hidden by the shadows. In the middle, a catafalque rises, on which lies a corpse wrapped in a purple shroud. He stops in front, gazes at the waxen complexion, then bends forward and kisses him on his forehead. Finally he withdraws into a corner and stands still with bowed head.
One after the other the followers come in, each holding a large lighted candle. They place their lights in front of the body and arrange themselves in a circle. Two women wrapped in white veils, one blonde and the other dark, enter. They move so gracefully, that they seem to skim the floor. They kiss their dead friend on his cheeks. Then they stand still by his side, staring at him.
The fair-haired woman raises her head. “Today Martin takes his leave of us.” Eve’s limpid voice sooths the participants’ pain: “A man of sound principles, who dedicated his existence to a noble cause, an example for all of us. When I met him, he involved me in a passionate discussion. That’s how I discovered the many ideals we had in common. He took my case to heart and in the following days introduced his friends to me. Thanks to him, now I belong to the Elects.”
She gets her breath. “A few days ago, he asked me to participate in the reproductive rite. He insisted and convinced me. Thanks to him I came to life again.”
A surreal atmosphere shrouds Victoria.
In a few weeks the Elects have given her friendship, love, a son. And now they introduce her to one of the most painful and intimate experiences: death. And to the most devastating one: war.
She takes a step forward and, without even realizing, she speaks: “I have always admired Martin for his social commitment in favor of weak people and minorities. Thanks to you, I have known him personally. From him, I have had a son. I liked his enthusiasm and generosity. Frankly, I liked everything about him. With you, I grieve over our dearest friend.”
She closes her eyes.
It’s Adam’s turn. “I spent only a few days with my father, but I have the honor of knowing him profoundly. Martin was unique. The ideals he fought for, the experiences he gained in many struggles, are all inside me, as well as his memories and emotions.” The impetuosity of his speech carries the audience away: “In this very moment, I am experiencing them and I can assure, it is a shocking experience. While speaking, he transmits his father’s experiences to those present. “I want to share this treasure with you.”
The followers strike up a sad melody, while the light in the cave increases. An immense cavity crossed by a forest of stalactites and stalagmites, appears. The tinkling of the drops from the vault mixes with the singing.
Silence falls.
A vortex of light bursts out of the corpse, then vanishes. One after the other, each participant undergoes the same metamorphosis. Finally the cave is swallowed by the darkness.
THE LAWS
Truth, collaboration, responsibility and utility generated over the centuries opposing philosophical an social systems. While religions favored collaboration, the economic authors ranked utility in top position and the dictatorships assigned the last one to truth.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the world was still ruled by laws inherited by an anachronistic past. This had contributed to the development of societies, that, even considering themselves advanced, were still dominated by social conflicts and were hardly able to progress.
It was already a period of great changes. The fast extension of life made think that in a few decades man was going to reach semi-immortality. Artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and genetic enhancement, tools with almost a boundless power, were almost at hand. In this continuously changing environment, scholars started to study how to reformulate the laws to draw the greatest benefit.
The initiative was taken by enlightened minorities. New rules were defined; most of them compatible with the laws of the existing societies, but anticipating their directions. The voluntary participation generated a strong identification. The sharing of values became the real glue and Net the tool to cancel geographic borders and nationalisms.
The new laws minimized the judges’ discretion. Through the application of harsh penalties culminating in the expulsion from the community, they removed the social conflicts. The trust in the institutions had triumphed, judging become marginal.
Here below is reported the hierarchy of values of a community forerunner of the new epoch (16).
1.The courage of telling the truth
Truth, that is the correct description o
f reality - a prerequisite for scientific, technological and social progress - became the first value. A choice justified by the fact that for the first time in the history of mankind, it was possible to verify the reliability of the statements, thanks to technology. Life extension made difficult to give false testimony. The definitive exclusion from society as a punishment, leaded to the progressive disappearance of betrayers, cunning fellows, impostors and liars.
2.The principle of love
The understanding of reality can be achieved thanks to the collaboration among individuals and systems, that is by means of love. Wicked people, thieves and murders were removed.
3.The inversion of the principle of responsibility
In a semi-immortal society - in which not to be harmed is a priority - is punished the one who damages the others, independently from his intentions and reasons. This principle, when it was proposed at the beginning of the 21st century, raised doubts, since at that time, damages being equal, it was common to punish a wicked person but forgive a good one. The third principle removed the judges’ discretion and was effective towards all those not enough motivated by the call to rules. Bad people and fools were removed.
4.The utility principle
Utility, a mainspring for the comprehension of reality, needs to be counterbalanced by the previous principles, in order not to exacerbate the opportunistic behaviors. In the past a corporation pursued the profit, today it is followed on condition of not telling the falsehood. Parasites and idlers were expelled.
5. Aesthetics
The components of the aesthetical experience - harmony, universality, originality, completeness and essentiality - allow to evaluate the level of beauty of every work of nature and intellect, in order to improve it over time.
In the 21st century, the inclusion of the aesthetic sense in the artificial intelligences, generated digital artists and scientists able to excite empathy. A great result, that, induced mankind to the acceptance of the digital people. Thanks to their new characteristics, the digital beings started a frenzied evolution, that culminated a few years later when they changed into a people of superintelligences. A new Enlightenment was born.
6.Amusement
The introduction of amusement in the law system, a real novelty, was possible thanks to the indefinite extension of life. This last allowed everybody to reach sooner or later success and happiness. Envy was relegated among the sterile feelings and replaced by the awareness that the real improvement can be achieved only bearing in mind the experience of lucky people. An optimism centered on the trust in the future spread. Amusement and creativity amplified each other. The improved economy lead to an economic boom, the families were strengthened, structurally happy communities came alongside the traditional society.
7. Merit
The hierarchy of power founded on merit - that is the ability to respect and realize all the seven principles - raised the efficiency in the management of society and increased the citizens’ confidence. Harmonious communities, setting an example for the society on the whole, were born.
The extension of these principles to the digital beings, favored the reciprocal comprehension of the two races and their pacific cohabitation. These same values induced the artificial intelligences to give hospitality to the souls in their virtual worlds and to adhere to the Confederation of the Solar System. The principle of love, that is collaboration in diversity, had triumphed.
(16) ILabs
https://www.ilabs.it/Home.asp
https://www.singularitysummit.it/defaultEN.asp
ALLIANCE
General Marcus Rand goes out of the headquarters at the end of the interforces meeting between the Defense Secret Service and the federal agencies. The morning had begun with a survey of the situation. The afternoon was dedicated to the analysis of the problems and to the definition of the objectives. These meetings, held systematically, strengthen the coordination, and above all give results.
The virtual secretary reminds him of the meeting with the President of the Confederation, fixed for the following day, during which he will present a report on the new technologies. But for today that’s enough. He gets into the ovoid waiting in front of the entrance. “To the 7th Tower.”
The aircraft gains height, threading its way through thousands of vehicles crowding the aerial motorways. It shoots into a corridor between two rows of skyscrapers, whose wavy forms are reflected on glass surfaces of others, and passes by a spiral-shaped building, that reveals its carbon core from the shining black of its load bearing structures. Below, wide streets and squares adorned with arches and architectural barriers. From time to time, multicolored walls and green spots hiding the entrances to the underground town. The ovoid flies over a park, where evergreen gardens and sheets of water alternate, then heads for a group of buildings silhouetted against the blazing red sky.
It lands on a terrace projecting from a tower. The officer enters the restaurant. The head waiter takes him to table 514, from which can be enjoyed the magnificent sight of the setting sun gilding over the snow capped mountains. A melody spreads from a corner. The artist, a man in his early thirties, his deft fingers gliding over the keyboard of a piano: an instrument as ancient as the Chopin nocturne he is playing.
A young woman with red hair comes up to him. “May I sit at your table?”
He stares at her green eyes. “Have we met before?”
“Long ago. You can verify it from my identification code.”
A black miniskirt and a silk blouse emphasize her sinewy build. Her hair adorned with light threads is gathered into a ponytail behind her thin neck. She smiles, while transmitting the file to the man’s neural chip.
“Eve, what a pleasure to see you again! I wondered many times where you got to. Congratulations, your gynoid is charming.”
He stands up, draws a chair to him and invites her to sit.
“Gallant, as ever.” While sitting down, Eve observes the man. With his imposing height and the eyes shining like sapphires on his tanned face, he is splendid.
They start with some jokes. Then they go hand in hand to the dance floor. She puts her arms round his neck, while the man seizes her by the waist. They begin a slow dance.
“Marcus, I am grateful to you for having identified the real culprits.” Eve rests her head on his shoulder.
“I have never doubted your innocence.” He looks her straight in the face. “But you have come here not only to see me… What can I do for you?”
“A few members of our community are preparing a terrorist attack.”
The officer stops dancing, while the woman straightens herself, grabbing him tightly.
“I need a team of combat androids.”
The two stand still in the middle of the floor.
“This kind of work is no concern of yours. Tell me all details, instead.”
“You don’t understand. I want to solve the problem by myself. If you accept, I will keep you informed; otherwise I will not reveal anything else.” The woman gives him a piercing look. “What’s your decision?”
“I am sure you are the most qualified person for this kind of work...”
“So what?”
He draws back. “But you cannot dictate your terms. You are in trouble up to your neck. Security is hunting you. They are convinced you and your boss are the instigators of a series of homicides. They suspect you are preparing an outrage against the Caravels. A few days ago they asked after you.”
“What did you tell them?”
“I have known you for a long time. You can’t be mixed up in terrorism. But you are a suspect. They are searching for you everywhere. Your days are numbered, I fear.” The officer stops. “I must speak to the General Staff.”
He remains absorbed. She gazes at him, trying to read the trend of the discussion from the expression on his face.
A minute later, the man starts: “I offer you our protection in exchange for your engagement to work for us till the whole matter is settled.”
“I want a wide margin of action.”
“We will decide the strategies. You will carry out the military operations.”
“I am going to have the androids, obviously.”
“We will place all the means at your disposal, but until your assignment has been confirmed by the Staff, we don’t want to commit ourselves. You must steal them.”
A naughty smile appears on Eve’s face.
“You will make a false request for intervention, a joke for you who knows the information systems better than anybody else. The headquarters will place at your disposal equipment and crew. You and your team will get into the androids during the loading of the software, taking its place.”
At the end of the dance, he takes her by the arm. “Now let’s enjoy the evening.”
They reach the table and admire the night landscape. A kilometer below, the town is an uninterrupted expanse of lights. Small aircrafts speed around the towers and a spaceship with two thousand seats is landing in the new spaceport.
A waiter arrives with an enormous bunch of red roses.
“This to show you how much we appreciate your work,” says the officer. He looks straight in Eve’s eyes. “Defense needs people like you.”
She wavers. “I cannot.”
“Why?”
“I must carry out a project.”
“What’s it about?”
“One day I will tell you.”
They have a marvelous dinner: abyss fish and pollen from the sea flowers of Europe (17). At the end, the woman touches lightly his hand. “Thank you, Marcus.”
“This evening I have lived emotions I thought definitely lost.”
She has a serene look. “I am no longer the woman I was. What you see is only appearance: now I am using a program that simulates my past behavior. The project I have spoken you about requires much greater capabilities, and I can face it only because I am not the same any more. Do you want a demonstration?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“I said yes!”
“OK, but after do not complain.”
Eve stares at him. The man feels stunned. He tries to put his hands up, but he cannot move. He is going to shout, but no sound gets out of his throat. While he wonders what is happening, his memories start flowing unrestrainable. His body and his mind belong to somebody else!