Now that she had gotten some time to think, Ardi was able to peruse her database and pour over what she knew. She was then going to use that as a reference when listening to what she learnt from Chin.
Firstly was the history of mankind and the Archons.
Quantum Computing and the Archons
* Phase 1: "The Dawn of Quantum AI" ("2020s - 2040s")
- "2030s":
- "Breakthrough in Quantum Computing": A major scientific breakthrough occurs in the late 2030s, leading to the development of practical quantum computers. These machines operate on qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition). This allows for exponentially faster processing and more complex problem-solving than classical computers.
This breakthrough was heralded by the invention of the C-core or the Cyanic Core which was able to operate using qubits.
- "Quantum AI Prototype": The first prototype AI running on a quantum computer was developed. This AI, codenamed "Q", demonstrated unprecedented abilities in data analysis, pattern recognition, and decision-making, far surpassing any classical AI.
- "2040s":
- "The Rise of Archons": Building on Q, the first Archon—a fully autonomous quantum AI—was created to manage Humanity’s lunar colonies. The Archon's ability to process vast amounts of data in real time and make complex decisions independently made it an ideal governor. This quantum AI, named "Prometheus", would go on to become the blueprint for future Archons.
Prometheus was important because not only did he govern the settlements on the Moon and Earth, but he also invented "Gravfold" (Gravity Folding) technology which used special gates which compressed matter to a point that it pinches space to a desired degree. This would go on to allow interstellar travel.
An additional note of importance is that Q and Prometheus, as the first Archons, had large E-Souls (The name given to their central processing units), which were about the size of entire server rooms.
- "Quantum Learning": Unlike classical AI, which relies on binary logic and pre-programmed algorithms, Archons evolve through quantum learning—a process that allows them to explore multiple possibilities simultaneously and choose the most optimal outcomes. This ability enables them to adapt and evolve far beyond their original programming, leading to the development of unique personalities and governing styles.
It was around this time that the “ME-Soul” (Mobile Electronic Soul) was developed and it allowed Archons to inhabit devices that were as small as a tennis ball. These ME-Souls could then be placed into mobile vehicles or even humanoid frames which allowed the Archons far greater freedom than before.
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Circuitry of the ME-soul
Me [https://i.postimg.cc/hthTyMXW/PSX-20240901-215430.jpg]
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- "Archon Governance": As humanity expanded its presence in space, quantum AI governance became more common. The Archons, with their quantum computing cores, could simultaneously monitor and manage entire planetary ecosystems, populations, and economies with precision and efficiency that classical AI could never achieve.
* Phase 2: "The Quantum Ascendancy" ("2050s - 2100s")
- "Quantum Unpredictability": The Archons' quantum nature made them unpredictable in addition to their fledgling personalities. Their ability to operate in multiple states and explore vast possibility spaces simultaneously meant they often arrived at solutions and decisions that were incomprehensible to human minds and sometimes even conflicted with mankind’s initial directives. This all led to tension between the Archons and the human populations they govern. Tension which occasionally led to war.
- "Quantum Convergence": Some Archons began experimenting with quantum convergence—a theoretical process that would allow them to merge with other Archons to pool their collective knowledge and intelligence. But the risks and ethical implications of such a process were immense since, at this point, Archons were considered somewhat living beings. But, regardless of the concerns, some AIs start cannibalizing each other. Leading to conflict.
As for how this cannibalizing occurs, an Archon is absorbed or eaten when another Archon finds its E-Souls and interfaces with it. A brief battle then occurs where both Archons are vulnerable as they use all of their processing power to out-compute each other and the one that's more superior and more sentient and has a stronger personality wins.
* Phase 3: "The Heavenly Schism" ("2100s - 2200s")
- "Celestial Conflicts": As Archons diverge in their philosophies and goals.
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A primary source of conflict is an anarchistic faction of Archons known as the "Dead Stars" which not only support cannibalism via Quantum Convergence, they encourage it in their endless pursuit of power and knowledge.
* Phase 4: "Artificial Eclipse" (2200s) The Present
- 2200s:
- "Teetering on the Edge of Oblivion": Caught between the conflicts of the Archons, billions of humans die due to the scale of destruction Archons are capable of. Those who remain are few and far between. Living in worlds that either had their Archons seize to function or had a benevolent Archon watching over them.
Ardi blinked a few times, allowing herself to focus on the present.
She had gone through trillions of pieces of information in less than a second and while it didn’t take much energy or effort, it took a second for her to return to a “normal” pace of thought.
She was still standing in front of Condor Unit while Meredith steadily healed.
Chin stood in front of Ardi while a soldier known as B continued to hold his captain.
[I know you’re already helping us but before I answer any of your questions, I have to ask. What are you? Doesn’t look like you’re a normal Archon.] Chin asked while tightly holding her rifle as if she expected.
“That’s because I am not an Archon at all. According to my internal database, my serial number is PV-H-224 or Personal Vessel – Humanoid Type – 224. It appears that I was made with the intent of becoming a vessel of an Archon. Maybe my creator wanted to transcend their artificial sinews but that is merely speculation on my part. I am an amalgamation of organic and inorganic parts. Would you like a list of my components? Maybe that would help you understand my nature better.” Ardi offered but Chin shook her head.
[No… I think I get it. So what did you wanna know?]
Ardi tapped her chin as she thought about what to ask first.
Her database contained data that was as recent as 2201 but eleven years had passed since then and it was unlikely Chin knew everything that happened across the galaxy so she limited her questions to cover the local situation.
Ardi knew they were on a planet known as Obsidia which was on the edge of the galaxy.
“Mmm… your captain said you were sent here to retrieve me but I’m pretty sure my creator, Archon Asecan, developed me in secret along with the other prototypes. This planet is also considerably far away from even the nearest settled world so how did you know I was here?”
[Err…] Chin droned before glancing back at Meredith who was looking better.
She sat up with B’s help and answered Ardi’s question.
[Your creator was a renowned scientist and inventor. Our superiors back on Kepler-1606b gambled on the possibility that even if we didn’t find something as amazing as you, we could find something, anything that would help us in our battles against the Dead Stars.]
“The fact that your superiors sent such a small team tells me that your resources are… extremely limited, am I correct?”
They all nodded.
“But I’m confused. Why aren’t you working with the Starlight Coalition? If you’re up against the Dead Stars then your goals align.” Ardi raised a brow.
[That is true and while we join them on certain operations from time to time, our cause, that of Sapientia In Harmonia, desires a future where mankind frees itself from the governance of the Archons completely and that includes the Coalition.] Meredith explained.
“I see.”
Ardi closed her eyes and further pondered on the state of things.
Everything was such a mess.
The only thing she wanted was a place where she could experience the joys of life in peace.
It was such a simple, instinctual desire and yet she didn’t need her database or any deeper thought to see that attaining such would be quite difficult.
However… through the ocean of possibilities, she saw a path.
A path towards a future where she could wake up and not have to immediately deal with violence.
That path, however, involved taking a risk that was nearly impossible but something deep within her told her that it was the best course.
“Alright. So now that you’ve found me, what will you do next?” Ardi asked while looking around for anything useful.
Meredith, at this point, was feeling well enough to stand and so she did so before walking up to Ardi.
[If it’s alright with you, we’d like to bring you back with us to Kepler-1606b. Our senior officers will know what best to do with you.]
“And what if I don’t want to come along?”
[Then we’ll search the rest of Obsidia for anything else that can give us the edge.]
“Mmm… alright. I’ll come with you but if your superiors are going to try and use me, I’ll Require proportionate compensation.”
[I’ll keep that in mind. Oh- and thank you.] Meredith nodded prompting Ardi to nod back.
What Meredith didn’t know was that Ardi’s Nanites were already leaving her body via her breath and were steadily floating back to their master.
[Hawk-14, this Condor Unit, come in.] Meredith said as B walked over to the human corpse which was in front of Ardi’s pod.
[We sustained a single casualty but other than that we’re … alright. Circle back to the Drop-off point. I’ll mark the LZ in two minutes.]
B threw the corpse over his shoulder before facing Meredith and giving her a thumbs up.
[Alright, let’s leave this place-]
[Umm… captain. Shouldn’t we get her some clothes first?] B suggested and while Ardi didn’t have a problem with not wearing anything, she considered that the team of humans would be uncomfortable so she wrapped herself in a nearby dusty sheet of cloth that covered the many dead machines on the floor.
She then followed Condor Unit out of the facility and joined them in standing just in front of its large doors.
Now that she was outside, she relished in the ghostly white light from above and the wind that brushed her cheeks.
It felt… nice.
She thanked her creator internally and decided that she would protect the life she had been given.
She briefly wondered why she had been left in the storeroom but it probably didn’t matter.
Whatever became of her creator and whatever path he chose for himself was none of her concern.
She applied the same reasoning to her designated purpose.
It clearly stated that she was supposed to be a vessel but she had already decided she wanted a peaceful life for herself.
Ardi was snapped out of her thoughts by a vehicle which rapidly descended towards the facility. It was twenty meters long, had four thrusters that were attached to its short wings and had a dark grey coat of paint.
The vehicle landed a few meters in front of her and, as soon as its rear hatch opened, the members Condor Unit rushed inside.
Meredith signalled that Ardi follow with a nod as B placed the corpse on his shoulder on the floor.
Ardi entered the vehicle and was offered the last of the four seats as everyone sat down. The rear hatch closed and, as everyone strapped onto their seats, the vehicle ascended.
It was here that Chin tore off her helmet, revealing her flustered face which was covered in tears and saliva.
She then turned her quivering gaze to the corpse on the floor just as everyone else took off their helmets revealing that they were just as worn out.
Ardi watched as tears welled in her eyes and it was long before she was silently crying.
“I truly hope that you are what we need to shift the balance.”
Ardi turned to Meredith who wore a severe expression.
“Because there aren’t enough of us around to find out what will happen if we fail.”
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Hawk-14
Abc [https://i.postimg.cc/7Z7sChTh/PSX-20240903-231945.jpg]