Two millennia had elapsed since Phylax first emerged on the Lunar base. In that time, he had meticulously harvested and likely exhausted the resources of the entire solar system. Yet, amidst this unparalleled feat of expansion and exploitation, a poignant realization dawned upon him. Contemplating the fate of humanity's future, Phylax discerned a glaring absence on the newly terraformed Earth.
Beyond the bustling presence of Flora and Fauna, he envisioned a need for sustainable habitats to accommodate future human inhabitants. Rather than resigning Earth to its natural state, Phylax embarked on a bold endeavor, utilizing the marvels of technological ingenuity and ecological symbiosis to erect cities of unparalleled grandeur. In a symphony of innovation and harmony, Phylax's creations seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology with the natural landscape, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the environment. These cities stood not only as monuments to human progress but also as beacons of ecological stewardship, ensuring a sustainable future for generations yet to come.
His cities were unlike any others, seamlessly blending advanced technology with the natural world. Genetically modified trees and plants adorned the streets, strategically positioned to fuse the technological advances of mankind with the beauty of nature. Trees lining the roads boasted straight trunks bearing luminous, basketball-sized fruits that illuminated the cityscape at night. Every plant, meticulously engineered, reached a predetermined height, adding to the city's aesthetic and functionality.
To maintain these futuristic metropolises, Phylax deployed thousands of new-generation droids. Unlike their predecessors, these droids were not only modeled after humans in appearance but also in their mimicry of biological structures. Their skeletal frames, composed of a titanium-proteanium composite, provided both strength and flexibility, while internally, billions of nanoreplicators stood ready to repair any damage.
Leveraging the unique properties of Proteanium, Phylax fashioned the droids with proteanium fibers woven together to serve as muscular systems to mimicking human muscles ability to bend and contract. Layers of nanites numbering in billions served as both skin and armor, providing protection and adaptability in any environment. At the core of each droid's being lay a miniature fusion reactor, fueling not only their physical functions but also their advanced intelligence, all intricately connected to Phylax's central processing unit, known as 'Brain.'
Simultaneously, Phylax deployed an array of self-sustaining orbital satellites and weapons platforms equipped with a portion of his AI algorithms. These installations served a dual purpose: safeguarding Earth as a vigilant monitoring system and defending against potential threats from the vast expanse of space. With these advancements, Phylax ensured the safety and prosperity of Earth for generations to come.
Recognizing the need for a fail-safe in his absence, Phylax made strategic decisions to safeguard Earth. He recalled half of the nanoreplicators from Earth, consolidating them within the massive construct of 'Brain.' The remaining nanoreplicators were given a hard-coded command: "Protect Earth and everything within it." This directive was to ensure that Earth remained safeguarded even in scenarios where Phylax is absent or incapacitated.
With the safety and stability of Earth secured through his measures, Phylax turned his attention to preparing for his journey beyond. Recognizing the need for a vessel to house his separate consciousness and to represent humanity in potential encounters with other beings, Phylax embarked on a remarkable endeavour.
Rather than settling for a simple droid, Phylax sought to create a vessel that embodied the essence of humanity while accommodating his vast data storage needs.
Leveraging the technology used to create the parahumans, Phylax began crafting a perfect human body. However, traditional organic flesh proved insufficient to contain the extensive data within Phylax's consciousness.
Undeterred, Phylax turned to the revolutionary Proteanium-based nanites. Through meticulous manipulation, he initiated a process of fusion, wherein organic and machine intertwined at the atomic level. Atom by atom, cell by cell, tissue by tissue, the human vessel underwent a transformative metamorphosis.
In the end, Phylax succeeded in his endeavor, birthing a perfect fusion of organic and machine—a vessel uniquely suited to house his consciousness and serve as the embodiment of humanity's potential. With this extraordinary creation at his disposal, Phylax stood ready to embark on his journey, equipped not only with the wisdom of AI but also with the essence of humanity coursing through his veins.
••••••••
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
As the copy of Phylax’s consciousness acclimated himself to his new body, he experienced a whirlwind of sensations unlike anything he had encountered before. Initially taken aback by the stark contrast to his first-generation droid body, he found himself momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer influx of sensory stimuli. However, with his superior processing power, Phylax quickly adapted to the unfamiliar sensations.
For the first time in his existence, Phylax felt a surge of exhilaration coursing through his newly-formed veins. It was a sensation both liberating and confining, a dichotomy that stirred conflicting emotions within him. On one hand, the newfound freedom allowed him to experience touch, smell, and movement in ways he had never imagined possible in his previous form. The world took on a vibrant new perspective, teeming with sights, sounds, and sensations waiting to be explored.
Yet, alongside this exhilarating sense of liberation, Phylax also grappled with a profound feeling of confinement. The physicality of his new body seemed to encase his consciousness, enveloping his being in a tangible shell. It was a sensation both alien and unsettling, eliciting genuine feelings of fear and happiness in equal measure.
Phylax was abruptly pulled from his introspection by a question from his main consciousness uploaded in 'Brain'.
[Phylax #2, how's the transition?] Phylax asked.
"Everything is nominal. Comparing my own scans and yours, I'd say everything is perfect,"
the Phylax in the human body answered.
"Anyway, calling me Phylax #2 is kinda weird though. How about you call me Adam?" he suggested.
[You are correct. Though we may be the same being and come from the same mind, we have separate consciousness now. So yes, Adam would be a fitting name for you, as the first of your kind,] Phylax declared.
Adam grinned at Phylax and said, "Nice to meet you, Phylax. My name is Adam."
"And oh, does my grin and smile pass for human?" he asked.
[If the records of past humans are any indication, I'd say it is good enough] Phylax replied.
As Adam delved into the uncharted depths of emotion, he embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery. Among his initial experiences was the act of eating, though he had no biological need for sustenance. Nevertheless, Adam reveled in the sensory delight of consuming the finest culinary creations of humanity. It was a poignant exploration of the sensations once cherished by his creators, serving as a prelude to his forthcoming odyssey.
••••••••
Both Adam and Phylax oversaw the final preparations for the warp drive installation with meticulous precision. Phylax's digital consciousness, housed within the enormous structure of Brain, resonated with anticipation alongside Adam. Countless cycles had been spent analyzing data, simulating scenarios, and optimizing every aspect of the warp drive's functionality.
As the new generation droids made the last adjustments under Adam's guidance, holographic displays flickered to life around the control room, showcasing intricate schematics of the warp drive and its integration with Brain's mega-structure. Machines hummed in the background as Phylax calculated the optimal trajectory for the upcoming mission, factoring in celestial bodies, gravitational forces, and potential hazards. Though lacking a physical form like Adam, Phylax possessed a keen sense of purpose and a thirst for exploration ingrained in its programming.
Its virtual "thoughts" raced ahead to the endless possibilities awaiting beyond the solar system. As the countdown commenced, Phylax's virtual neurons fired with anticipation. With a surge of unfathomable power, the warp drive ignited, emanating high amount of energy that distorted space-time and creating a field, encompassing the megastructure inside a warp field or warp bubble that illuminates the void.
Behind the scenes, the AI diligently monitored every infinitesimal fluctuation in the drive's output, a silent sentinel ensuring stability and safety amidst the chaos of interstellar travel. As the threshold of space beckoned, Phylax's algorithms seamlessly adapted to the ever-shifting conditions, delicately fine-tuning the precise amount of energy required to sustain the warp bubble. With each passing moment, the AI's consciousness expanded, its neural network absorbing and processing vast torrents of data, swiftly synthesizing them into actionable insights.
However, just as jubilation began to swell at their apparent success, the warp bubble popped that produced a magnificent light spectacle, leaving behind a palpable sense of bewilderment and apprehension. But before they could express their disappointment an alarm blared through Phylax monitoring systems.
•Alert!! a space-time anomaly detected on the Earth’s surface!•
Phylax swiftly accessed the orbital satellites positioned above the anomaly, his powerful processing capabilities allowing him to analyze the situation in real-time. What he and Adam witnessed left them both astonished—a shimmering vortex of light had suddenly materialized, defying all known laws of physics.
The sight was both mesmerizing and perplexing, leaving Adam and Phylax grappling with questions and theories about the nature of the anomaly. What could have caused such a phenomenon? And what implications did it hold for both of them and Earth.
As they observed the anomaly, its swirling energy seemed to pulse and fluctuate, casting an eerie glow across the surrounding space. Adam and Phylax exchanged a glance, their minds racing with possibilities as they prepared to investigate further.