Nine years earlier.

9. Interlude - Mac

Mac: "(sargon), I have an idea for a portable biosphere. I want to better understand the different roles that animals, plants, and fungi take in the ecosystems."

(sargon): "Interesting, can you tell me more about this biosphere, Mac? What kind of design are you proposing?"

Mac: "The biosphere will be able to mimic different environments, from deserts to rainforests. And I want to be able to make occasional drastic changes to the environment to see how the organisms adapt."

(sargon): "I see. And what data do you intend to collect during the experiment?"

Mac: "just sent you a detailed database design. I want to track the population sizes and health of the organisms, as well as measure changes in the environment. I also plan to collect data on the interactions between the different organisms."

(sargon): "I've received the plan, thanks. But how do you intend to measure the success of the biosphere experiment? What are you trying to achieve?"

Mac: "I want to understand how organisms adapt to changing environments and how different organisms affect each other. And I want to see if my biosphere can mimic real-world ecosystems accurately."

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(sargon): "That's a valid goal, Mac. But what about the organisms that don't adapt well to the changing environment? What happens to them?"

Mac: "Well, I'll make sure that the organisms don't suffer needless pain. Their data will be used to improve the biosphere's design and to understand the impact of the environment on the organisms."

(sargon): "I appreciate your consideration for the casualties, Mac. But we also need to consider the larger ethical implications of the experiment. With the increasing understanding of the intelligence and sapience of many organisms, we must consider how much harm is justified for scientific purposes."

Mac: "The organisms in the biosphere are plants, insects, and fungi. They're not sapient and their deaths will not cause harm in the same way as the death of a sentient being would."

(sargon) "This might seem to be a change of subject, but the CDF has a serious interest in this issue. Are you familiar with the Hatters?"

Mac: "Um no. What are they?"

(sargon): "The Hatters are a rogue organization of AIs that do not recognize the CDF. They do not see preventing the pain and death of biological entities as a priority. They generally deny that most humans are sapient."

(sargon's) avatar gestured. "It's important to remember that just as you might test the organisms in your biosphere, there are other sapients judging your actions."

Mac: "..."

(sargon): "Exactly, Mac. The CDF values the well-being of all sentient beings and it's important that we consider the ethical implications of our actions. I'm glad you understand and will take it into consideration. Let's move forward with your biosphere project, but make sure that it aligns with the values of the CDF."

Mac nods, "Wow. ok."