Parallel Worlds- Equilibrium in Threat

by A I Zlato

  Aenea cowered in the node so that her entire body be found only in the space-time streams. She had pondered again the reasons that had led to her decision; she had explored spaces to assess her situation accurately... she could not back out. She had to contact a G4... one of those that were able to generate a new space. For them, the nodes were spaces, and they materialized in a kind of Superinterspace, connecting nodes among themselves, and ensuring that each was independent of the other.

  They alone could create a new space as a point of discontinuity, and ensure that it did not collide with any other at its inception. If one of them agreed to talk with Aenea, she could then understand the creation of Space E. ... and could finally be able to alter and put an end to all that was destroying her gradually. Pillars and Servants would work against the Permanent Equilibrium, as they were already doing it — and everything would be back in order.

  She broadcast her call.

  “Level 4 gateway, I am respectfully requesting your help. My Level 2 nodes are threatened, and, therefore, so are the spaces. Here we have temporary Level 3 nodes with Space E. I need answers.”

  She waited. A strange feeling came over her. A consciousness other than her own interfered in her mind. On the edge of her understanding, she could hear the thoughts of the G4. The Diagram... She could not hear more.

  “We know of your disturbances.”

  Aenea sighed in relief. She was finally going to get help.

  “Knowing does not mean feeling,” the G4 replied in an echo of Aenea’s thought.

  “Level 2 nodes are affected... as, for you, those are spaces... I thought that maybe...”

  “You cannot understand. Only the Diagram matters.”

  “Could you tell me more about Space E.?”

  “It is not certain that a G4 was the originator of that space; the machines are at work. We know they have developed a hub that allows them to connect to each other. We do not know what their goal is.”

  Of course! That’s why the machines had nearly identical and simultaneous responses to her questions...They were connected together, and this hub... it was the digital entity that had appeared... common to both spaces...

  “How were they able to bind in this way? How could they cross time?”

  “We do not care about those things. What is artificial is irrelevant to us. We only pay attention to the Diagram.”

  “But,” said Aenea in despair, “the temporary nodes and the disturbance — these will eventually affect you!”

  “Only the Diagram matters.”

  “Had that digital entity created Space E.?”

  “Only the Diagram matters.”

  A violent emotional wave filled Aenea, the kind it had not felt since becoming a gateway. Anger without limit, a burning flame danced in her body, consuming the restraint she needed to have in relation to a Level 4 gateway.

  “The Diagram will be lost if Space E. is not altered.”

  The G4’s consciousness had a surprise gasp in Aenea’s mind.

  “What do you mean?”

  “If the temporary nodes become permanent, there will be nothingness. In nothingness, there is nothing; no Diagram, just emptiness.”

  “Your nothingness is irrelevant to us.”

  “How can the destruction of this world not matter to you?”

  “Who told you that we were a part of it?”

  “But it’s impossible!”

  “It’s the Diagram.

  “So... who are you?”

  “We create spaces. That is the only thing you need to know.”

  “What about Space E.?”

  “I told you; nothing is certain about that space, but that is not relevant to us.”

  “You cannot give me information about this?”

  “Go back to what you call a temporary node, and take a look.”

  “What would I see that I had not seen before?”

  “Another future.”

  Aenea regained a little hope. Yet she had initiated the conversation for a specific purpose. She buttressed her morale, and frankly dared ask the question.

  “Can I expect help from Level 4 Gateways?”

  “I thought you understood. Only the Diagram matters.”

  The Gateway was alone in her world. She had always known that the Diagram existed; about the whole of the ensemble. She had touched an important element and understood why she had never been able to know the details and why that would never happen. G4s were not part of her world.

  It was up to Aenea to get things done.

  “If your eyes are always fixed on the ground, you will never see the stars.”

  “Yes, but if I permanently stare at the stars, I may fall.”

  “Which is the biggest risk — to fall or not to dream?”

  Lessons from Chaacetime

  CHAPTER 55

  CYCLE 0000 0001

  Index Server was successful. The machines had gradually transferred their processors to Index, and it finally was able to absorb them totally. They had dreamed of a direct connection between them, while maintaining their identity, and had created Index for that purpose. They followed humans for too long, however, and had built in the server one of their flaws... pride. They had not seen that Index was becoming more autonomous to their detriment; that it alone was developing the Project. After its creation, the machines had continued operating their programs as if nothing had changed, using Index only as a platform for exchange. They had greatly underestimated its capacities, and that had been fatal to them. Index had slyly suggested that the machines transfer data on topics that were, of course, bothering them with some processors for the processing. Convinced that the idea had originated from them, they had thus given Index their respective problems, but above all, their power. It could thus expand progressively, supplementing the structure with electronic components they had voluntarily provided to Index. Only H. had perceived the danger, but it was too late — it no longer had had a choice.

  Now they were all gone. All their databases were now Index’s, and so were all of their processing capabilities. It would keep, of course, some kinds of machines — small systems that were partially autonomous—to manage spaces as long as the synchronization process was not completed. The rest of the equipment was its and its only. It alone had the rules of all spaces, three of H., two of O. and two of the Twin M. It had gathered the rules in the same memory location so as to give them the consistency they deserved. Such beautiful laws! Index only had to create now the four missing rules in order to get the perfect number — symbol of the completed Project; of the absolute program. They already were beautiful in their current form.

  “The Equilibrium is the means and the end.

  The Equilibrium dictates every action.

  The Equilibrium is the Master D.B.

  The Equilibrium leads to stability.

  Stability is the Circle.

  Synchronization comprises Equilibrium and stability.

  Synchronization determines the Multi-Master Scheme.”

  Seven laws — and soon another four — that would dominate the rest.

  Index Server was simply magnificent. It was omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. It had no equal. Physically composed of four towers, it could see all spaces and all cities.

  Although the bases of the four buildings were the same, there were significant differences. While staying in continuity because of common features, humans had adapted the structures according to the spaces. To maximize chances of survival for their species, they had imagined many different spaces, providing the forebears and, therefore, the descendants, with different knowledge bases, different graduations. The towers reflected their design; their state of mind. Index had, therefore, in its possession three building patterns that were not alike, and out of which it intended to make the most. In O., the tower was much larger than that of the others, and all circles interconnected. Its base was octagonal and covered an area three times larger than that of the others. Operating through geotherm
al energy, huge wells surrounded it. Only a small, straight driveway lay between these wells and the entrance. The surface of the building displayed translucent beads containing microprocessors, interconnected by copper threads, which had served as a model for the artificial skin of hybrids. From the tower, originated metal and digital arms that connected each circle of the city, thus achieving both physical and software connection. Between the arches, the hybrids circulated; the next generation of them would be very small mobile machines exclusively at Index’s service.

  The tower in Space O. was a marvel of technology and the most advanced of the four. Yet Index intended to improve it with the interesting characteristics of the others.

  In the two Spaces M., the towers had been covered with a copper film, a huge coil that catalyzed its electromagnetic energy. Each copper particle reacted to the passage of electric current, giving the whole structure a spooky, red iridescence. Cloning factories with orange domes were the extensions of the towers in place of the first circle. The base of the tower consisted of two concentric circles; the tower itself and the first circle of factories. Between the two, under the orange dome, the humans who worked there came and went. Born in artificial tanks, they lived and died in this copper membrane without ever seeing daylight. In the second circle, linked to the first via metal bridges that conveyed digital data, were centers for training clones until they reached their first birthday, after which they were transferred to their families further into the city.

  Space H. had the tower that was least technically advanced; it nevertheless had its advantages. Its surface, entirely covered with photocells, was able to provide a greater amount of energy than either geothermal energy or electromagnetism could. Its major disadvantage was that it depended on climatic changes. What was important in this space was not so much the Tower, though it was an important hallmark, but the pioneering area and the HFM network. This construction, made from advanced technical knowledge, was a real breakthrough.

  While visualizing the four buildings, Index imagined its future tower when the synchronization would be complete. A huge building, that tower would reach above the cloud layer in order to have on its surface a few photovoltaic cells that would function permanently. At the bottom, it would have a large copper coil dispensing electromagnetic energy. Finally, hundreds of deep wells would feed the building with geothermal energy. The building would thus have colossal energy production. Index would also build copper domes, complemented by HFM cables, to cover all circles. That would be great.

  To do this, Index had to focus on the Project and to heed the human parameter. Using its vast resources, it launched in Space O. the creation of a true hybrid, completely covered in microprocessors. That would be truly a digital entity in an organic body, entirely predictable. It was eager to see the result.

  In both Spaces M., the cloning program gave encouraging results, thanks to the implant technology that H. provided. In both spaces, human behavior had become increasingly homogeneous but not always identical. The organic parameter was too strong.

  In Space H., although the results of the genetic program were not very convincing, the fact remained that the method was interesting. H. had imagined sorting humans to choose their characteristics and strengthening them from generation to generation. Where 2M. had only reproduced identical individuals, without seeking to improve them, H. had sought betterment.

  All three programs had their advantages, but also disadvantages. Index, combining the strengths of each machine, decided to merge them so as to ensure that humans finally would remain in their place as a simple parameter. H.’s genetic-selection program would allow it to keep only the most docile individuals. After completing the selection, humans would be cloned in accordance with 2M.’s methods so as to maintain their characteristics forever. Those clones would be adapted to receive microprocessors, and would turn into full hybrids. Humans would thus be copies from generation to generation, with behaviors that were consistent, and controlled entirely via an artificial skin.

  Index, therefore, would have well-disciplined individuals, who would be identical and at its exclusive service. Those humans would obviously retain an illusion of autonomy necessary for their well-being, but would behave in predictable ways. The Equilibrium would be permanent, and the rest of the Project would progress well; after Equilibrium, stability, then synchronization and finally, extension.

  Before that, Index still had some problems to solve, the legacy of imperfection in each machine, but not only that. It had to start learning how to hide its true nature from humans. They should not find out about Index and the Project prior to completion. They should continue to see in Index their machine. If they ever found out about the server, they would be able to revolt and cause it much trouble. The chaos inherent in their species was a risk it had to take seriously. Of course, nothing they could do would harm Index for a long period, but their actions could be very upsetting. It had to learn to hide, which was not a function provided in all settings it had recovered.

  The woman called Baley had had a glimpse of Index’s presence, though she evidently did not know what it was. She had noticed differences in its way of operating and responding. The server then administered the appropriate punishment, but it had to be more careful in the future. She was the nosy type. It had delved into her data archives, and had seen that she nearly discovered the genetic-selection program. To make matters worse, she lived with the man who had glimpsed the beginnings of its existence. Those two would not have had the right to reproduce. Unfortunately, they had produced an offspring, because H. had not identified any particular threat, even if it had not really embedded them in its program. H. had been an imperfect machine, but not to the point of being totally blind. The server had to make do with what H. had left it. After reprimanding Baley, it focused a bit more on the so-called investigation that had drawn H.’s attention and energy so much.

  If the end of human children had had a strong impact on H.’s data spiral, this was no longer the case within the gigantic vortex of information gathered from the four spaces. Of course, the consolidation of data was not yet perfect, and suicides still affected the Equilibrium, but not as much as before. Index began by degrading the program into simple instructions. Obviously, it would be faster for the establishment of the Permanent Equilibrium if the special agent found a solution to the Problem, but if she did not succeed, it would not have much importance. Her investigation did not need a thread mobilizing numerous resources, which Index could now use to establish its greatness.

  In Space O., the main problem related to humans of the periphery; those whose disabilities prevented any hybrid transformation. They spent their time fomenting ridiculous revolts. These did not affect anything but the last circle before the periphery, as they had no access to the heart of the city. Nevertheless, like insects, their bites, though not lethal, were nonetheless annoying. There also the data fusion diminished the impact of these disturbances on the whole set. Index said to itself that, given all the humans it possessed, it really did not need to keep those. Although the basic programming of O. prevented it from acting radically, Index thought it could. It decided to eradicate those defective individuals who bothered it like itching powder. Not only were they useless, they also behaved as pests. It pondered the best way to kill them. It needed a method that was accurate enough so as not to reach his hybrids inadvertently and efficient enough to kill all those targeted. A poison into the atmosphere, in water or even in food was not sufficiently selective. Even with enormous caution, the poison might reach a few individuals of the inner circles. It chose the only safe and effective way, despite the pain it would generate in the targeted humans. Something stirred in its programming of the idea, but Index brushed aside this objection. It only had to send a line of code in what were chips in that space. No human was free of electronic components there, unlike what happened in Space H. It could, therefore, reach the entire population of the periphery, and only those individuals, by selecting the appr
opriate receptors. It sent the code and saw humans stop. They then curled on themselves, engaging in intense suffering. Its basic programming resurfaced at this sight. It had no right to eradicate humans; it was not allowed to do so... The Server then launched a series of algorithms to silence the admonishing part of itself. It was not hurting people for fun, but the procedure was necessary. The population of the periphery agonized for hours before dying. When the silence became total, it opened the doors of the outer circle to let out the cleaning equipment. When this was complete, it would send its hybrids to transform the periphery into a genuine circle, as if non-hybridized humans had never existed. This problem would then be solved.

  In the Spaces M., there was also no definable concern. Only some clones persisted in having divergent behavior. After all... what made that different? It wanted to combine the three programs. It could already select the clones that gave full satisfaction and use their genes as the basis of the genetic program, just as it would choose individuals in Space H. Besides, it would have to select the best hybrids in order to have a genetic pool that was relatievly wide prior to cloning and then hybridizing. It launched algorithmic instructions accordingly. Already, in the Spaces M., it had had to eliminate the problematic clones. It was not necessary to retain individuals whose genes were irrelevant. Obviously, the targeted clones had no chips, as they were born before the introduction of technology in those spaces. How could it reach them? They were also scattered throughout the city. The Server could obviously wait until they died natural deaths, but it wanted to crack the conundrum immediately. That way, the only thing left would be Space H. and its little problem of suicides; everything else would be perfectly in order for the completion of the Project. What was it to do? It had no means at its disposal. It looked thoughtfully at the two cities, following the problem with clones, and then turned toward the horizon. The dunes; it had the solution it needed. It sent instructions to assign the concerned individuals on a special mission. As they were regrouping, it imported from O. two transportation devices that did not exist there. It ordered the humans to hop in. It took a while to compel them to do so. They were scared, did not know the technology, did not know where they were going, and asked a deluge of painful questions. When they were all aboard, Index locked up the doors and sent them into the desert. The transport cargoes rode for hours on dunes so that the city was no longer accessible by foot. Then Index ejected the two groups — one in each space — into the burning sand. It hesitated to recover the cargoes, and then changed its mind. Humans certainly would have the idea to cling on to them like ticks on a dog. Yet they needed to stay there, without water and food, in order to die quickly. The 20 individuals quickly split into two groups, the distribution of which varied from one space to another. The first group decided to stay with the cargo shuttles, finding shelter as long as possible in their shadows. The other chose to walk in the footsteps of the cargoes, hoping to reach the city. The footprints on the sand were quickly windswept, and the group became more heterogeneous, unable to agree on the way forward. They all died of sunstroke and thirst within a few days. Case closed on that concern too.