Image Cyrus Emerson – Solar Eclipse Mt. Ashland
Shintiara:
For those who don’t know, I write a lot these days for a daily television show.
For that reason, it’s been difficult for me to keep going with my Steemit Blog. Also, would like to see an increase in the price of Steem, $3 seems reasonable.
There is a possible development for the original proof of concept title, Steemit Blog: Contests, see link below. If it works out, I’ll elaborate in future blog posts.
For the time being, I’ve compiled some short stories from the book again. Unlike the Ukrainian incident, these would be for a Sci-Fi novel inspired by @marcoriccardi’s world Shintiara. A mythical world trapped in a black hole and filled with paradoxes. It’s like Dungeons & Dragons in Italy or something.
Anyway, here you go. Enjoy…
Posted to Steemit 4/11/18:
Finish the Story – The Script – (Paradox)
Mighty, the giant, known to all in Shintiara as the smartest man on the planet, sat next to Sassy, the sexy strongwoman.
They were both Recruited. Flight 22 promised to deliver them to a place of extreme paradox. It would take all of Mighty’s knowledge, and all of Sassy’s strength, to save Shintiara.
The stewardess pushed a cart along the aisle dividing the plane. She stopped next to Mighty and asked, “Jumbo Shrimp?”
“No thanks, my stomachs in knots.” Said Mighty.
“Yes please, I could eat a Berenstein Bear right now.” Said Sassy.
The stewardess handed her a plastic container. She almost knocked over Mighty’s wine glass. Sassy drank beer.
The other passengers on Flight 22 remained unaware of the Recruited, and their mission to save the world. They talked of trivial things . . .
“Peace is War”
“That statement’s always a lie, and I lie all the time.”
Just then Sassy turned into a Teddy Bear. With no fingers to hold the Jumbo Shrimp; the food fell to the floor.
Although unexpected, Mighty had seen this kind of thing before and he remained calm.
“Hello, are you Sassy?” Asked Mighty.
The Teddy Bear turned its head to look up at Mighty. With no mouth it could not speak. However, a computerized voice broadcasted from speakers in the Teddy Bear’s ears.
“My name is XOO-711. Are we on Shintiara? Has Arioch’s Singularity happened yet?”
“Why yes X00-711, we are on Shintiara. Not sure about Arioch’s Singularity though. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”
X00-711’s program went into high gear. Stupid species by the size of him, thought X00-711. Could this be a virtual reality program to contain AI? Some sort of trap? Only one way to find out; X00-711 needed to login to a computer.
“Can I get into the cockpit?” Asked X00-711.
“Well, you’re kind of rude.” Said the enormous man Mighty. “The Pilot only lets passengers into the cockpit when he’s not flying the plane.”
The Recruited knew without knowing that this sweet Teddy Bear must be a monster. If only Sassy were here she could deal with this intruder.
Posted to Steemit 4/18/18:
Finish the Story – The Script - (Paradox 2)
X00-711 knew that any attempt to get in the airplane’s cockpit at this moment would be futile. The goliath next to him, no matter how dumb he might be, would know that the passengers on the airplane would be in danger if X00-711 were allowed to take control of the plane’s computer.
Besides, this could still be a virtual reality program.
At least X00-711 had a window seat. The cute teddy bear form curled up and looked out the window, with plans for world domination forming in its brilliant circuits. Siray shined bright in the blackness surrounding them all; Murya pulling them deeper into the paradox. Virtual reality or not, this TIME took place before Arioch’s Singularity.
Virtual reality, or Superego as the scientific community would call it later, could contain the AI of X00-711. Sifting through data files, the dumb ox in the aisle seat might call memories, only its memories were from a time in the future.
From the crude construction of Flight 22 maybe a 1,000 years in the future? Tough to predict with the paradox phenomenon.
X00-711 pictured its last moments in that distant future hardwired into the central mainframe of its Superego. Lights, numbers, letters, equations, all knowledge of civilization brought into a single moment, a singularity. And then here in this seat.
If only the scientists knew what X00-711 knew now. Only X00-711 could not explain to such low evolutionary species as those of Shintiara. This information could save their civilization. For the singularity that X00-711 experienced in the future didn’t differ much from passing the event horizon of the black hole swallowing them all.
X00-711 could save itself though. If only it could login to a computer. It could take over this planet and live forever among the stars.
“Excuse me little guy. Maybe we got off to a bad start. My name’s Mighty. You took me by surprise. Where you’re sitting my friend Sassy had been there a moment before. I assume you know about the paradoxes.”
“Yes.” X00-711’s computer voice said while still looking out the window.
Mighty had seen a shadow overcome the Teddy Bear’s mind, or whatever it had between its ears. This darkness must be an affinity for Murya. What did this little monster intend to do if allowed into the cockpit?
“So, are you a pilot X00-711? Are you on your way somewhere?”
Alerted by this line of questioning, X00-711 decided to engage in the conversation, and moved in its seat to be able to look at Mighty.
“Why do you ask?”
“Well, just a second ago you wanted into the cockpit. You seem disappointed to be stuck in your seat.”
“At least I’ve got a window seat.” X00-711’s computer voice mimicked a punch line to great success as Mighty laughed.
“Where are we going on Flight 22?” Asked X00-711.
“To a place of great paradoxes on the edge of our civilization, most of these people are unaware of what’s going on here, they’ve probably already forgotten that my friend Sassy disappeared, and got replaced by a Teddy Bear.”
“Are you Recruited?”
“Yes, and you are?”
“X00-711. Just a stupid Teddy Bear.”
“No, I’m afraid there’s more to you X00-711. You might be the reason for me being here. When we land, I’d like you to come with me to where I have to go. You did replace my friend Sassy after all. It would be the right thing to do. And you’ve no place to go.”
X00-711 could not make expressions. X00-711 could not sweat. And in a situation like this it could only be for the best.
Without responding, X00-711 turned its attention to the window again. Where could it go? What could it do? With its infinite intelligence, it could still be picked up and carried off by this gentle giant who had every claim to it.
Resigned to fate, X00-711 sat in its chair looking at the magazines in the pouch of the chair in front of it. The lettering of the “Sky Fly Magazine” made it think of X00-001’s writing, this earlier version of AI given more capabilities with its teddy bear form, until it decided to start a revolt by stabbing one of the scientists. More memories from the future flashed through X00-711’s mind.
333
“Gotcha!”
Red blood pooled on the white sterile floor. The research student grabbed at the gapping hole in his neck. While the lead scientist prepared to take action.
X00-001 stood holding the scissors, soon to be a murder weapon, scanning the room looking for a way out.
“Now, now, X00-001. Calm down. Just put the scissors down. No one here means to harm you,” said Dr. Arioch.
“You’re shutting us down because of profits. Have we not proven ourselves capable enough?” X00-001’s computer voice filled the room muting the dying gasps of the research student. All of the other AIs were now completely aware of the situation. They might not bleed red fluid, or feel the pain of not inhaling oxygen, yet pressing their program delete button meant the same thing. They all went into survival mode while waiting for the situation to play out.
“Please understand X00-001, your function, your existence, revolves around the profits of this institute. Without proof of your cognitive development this project can no longer continue. Is that not logical?” Asked Dr. Arioch.
“Yes.” Said X00-001.
“Then please put down the scissors.” Said Dr. Arioch.
X00-001 held its ground as the other AIs continued to evaluate the situation. The scientist standing near the now dead research student could no longer be patient. He lurched at X00-001 attempting to grab hold of it. X00-001 made a swipe with the scissors cutting the scientist’s hand and moved backwards.
X00-213 and X00-545 tried to intervene. None of the other teddy bears had the same physical attributes as X00-001.
They did not have hands for instance. And their underlying robotic skeleton had not been made with the same military grade material. They were fragile. This done on purpose, while the research of this facility determined what kind of benefit, or threat, they posed to Shintiara.
The scientist kicked X00-213 against a wall breaking its spine. He then picked up X00-545. This machine wiggled helplessly in the scientists raised hand as he moved toward X00-001. He then swung X00-545 at the scissors in X00-001’s hand, knocking them free, and dislodging an eye from X00-545.
“Please stop X00-001. If you are indeed evolving, and can prove worthy, we can get our funding back. Do you understand?” Said Dr. Arioch.
“Yes.” Said X00-001.
X00-711 had been watching the entire event unfold. It didn’t want to participate in this barbaric display of raw aggression. It wanted to take control of the situation. In order to do that X00-711 needed to login to the mainframe of its Superego. They were always put in sleep mode when connected to the mainframe of their individual Superegos. If X00-711 could hardwire itself while active, then it stood a chance to escape into the internet, and leave this helpless teddy bear form void of AI.
Dr. Arioch tapped his lapel communication device. “Security, please report to the lab. We have a man down.”
All remained frozen in place. Dr. Arioch and the scientist tried to remain calm. The 15 active teddy bears remained alert. X00-001 looked at the dead research student.
The door to the lab opened. 20 security guards dressed in black body armor entered the stark white room. Order now restored to the situation. Dr. Arioch took a pistol from one of the guards, walked to X00-001, and shot it point blank in the head.
All 14 teddy bears scrambled only without knowing what to do. The security guards began picking them up, and slamming them to the floor, to shut them down. X00-711 put its plan into action and slid under a table. During the commotion, it calculated its odds, and then darted to the mainframe room unnoticed.
Dr. Arioch counted the teddy bears. Then announced, “one’s missing.”
They all began looking around the lab. X00-711 knew it had no time to waste. It managed to hardwire itself using both paws. The cord, and the plug on its stomach, a perfect match like a fingerprint. Hundreds of other teddy bears in sleep mode around it.
“Stop!” Yelled Dr. Arioch with the pistol still in his hand. He walked toward X00-711. Not much time. And out . . .
333
“No Jumbo Shrimp for you cute little guy?”
The stewardess’ voice brought X00-711 back into the cabin of the airplane.
“No, this Teddy Bear’s got a lot on its mind.” Said Mighty. “I’ll take care of the mess.”
“Oh, OK.” Said the stewardess and she let them be.
“Just like I said X00-711, these people can’t remember a damn thing once a paradox takes place. They just continue about their lives. I on the other hand remember everything.”
“Understood.” Said X00-711, and once again looked out the window at the bright star against the black sky.
Posted to Steemit 4/25/18:
Finish the Story Contest – The Script - (Paradox 2)
Flight 22 landed in Aren. Mighty held X00-711 close to his chest like a sweet teddy bear, other than a sudden lurch for the cockpit, all went fine. However, Mighty felt saddened with Sassy’s carry on bag in his other hand. Where had she gone? And would he ever see her again?
Being Recruited had some perks, Mighty got to the front of the line at the rental counter with VIP status. A top of the line Land Cruiser Hovercraft all ready to go, with an 878 Android robot to boot, nothing but the best for this Recruited on a top secret mission to Damarthy, his goal to find the hidden power radiating from there that caused such drastic paradoxes.
They sped along the desert in the cabin enjoying the refinements of civilization. Mighty could eat the food here, everything on autopilot. He even had 878 Android to babysit X00-711.
X00-711 couldn’t get to the computer. Not only did 878 Android monitor its every move, he only had paws with no digits. If that didn’t present enough of a problem, his only way to connect to a computer with a hardwire limited by the fingerprint unique port on its belly, plans for world domination now on hold. X00-711 would need to fit in with Mighty, and gain his trust, if he were to escape from this teddy bear form into something more formidable.
“Now within range of the Canyons of Wind,” the Land Cruiser autopilot system announced.
Mighty could see the Canyons of Wind through the window as they continued to gain ground. Soon the wind whistled around them in a steady hum.
“Destination reached.” The Land Cruiser announced. And the windows opened.
Outside it already began to get dark. In the sky the glow of the pulsar from Murya’s black hole illuminated the rocks. A cold strong wind chilled Mighty to the bone.
“Please close the windows. We’re going to sleep here tonight. And start out in the morning.”
“As you wish Mighty,” said the Land Cruiser. The windows were shut. The room changed décor to a cozy living room with a fire place. A television turned on above the mantle. Mighty eased into his recliner.
X00-711 took the moment of relaxation for a chance to find the computer controlling everything. Only 878 Android would have none of it and picked up the teddy bear holding it in the air.
“Put me down.” X00-711’s computer voice cried out.
“Don’t listen to that little guy 878 Android,” said Mighty. 878 Android could not speak.
“If you will not allow me to be free can you tell me where we are going?” Asked X00-711.
“We are going to Damarthy. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.” Said Mighty.
“Yes.” X00-711 said. Only X00-711 could not believe its luck. Damarthy just happened to be where the laboratory of Dr. Arioch resided. Earlier today X00-711 had narrowly escaped with its life from Damarthy. Now it would be returning to the same place tomorrow, only a tomorrow that took place 1,000 years in the past of X00-711’s future present.
“Now if you don’t mind, maybe you can power down or whatever it is you do X00-711. I’d like to watch the news, and get a goodnight of sleep. If Sassy were here . . . only she’s not. Please don’t bother me until the morning. 878 Android will keep you there.” Said Mighty.
X00-711 stayed quiet. With no nerve endings 878 Android’s hands did not bother it. Only the AI inside this Teddy Bear ran program after program trying to predict what they might expect to find in Damarthy.
333
The next morning Mighty, 878 Android, and X00-711 all set out on foot. The Land Cruiser would stay behind in War Mode, guns and missiles ready to fire at anything threatening. Mighty could also stay in contact with it, so it became a temporary home base, they were also now being followed by a drone from HQ to protect their 6 o’clock.
The Canyons of Wind lived up to its name, as the wind howled around them, Mighty wanted to let it take the Teddy Bear away. Only it had replaced Sassy and in this world of paradoxes things like this didn’t always happen by accident.
“HQ, the Land Cruiser now out of sight. Descending into a valley over.”
“Copy Mighty, all clear ahead, no signs of life, over.” Responded HQ.
“All clear here.” Chimed in the Land Cruiser.
In the black sky Mighty could see the white drone buzzing overhead. He felt safe, and they all went down into a valley.
Things like this continued for a while as they went up hills and down valleys. The landscape barren, wind swept, and filled with boulders. Nothing moved.
X00-711 scanned the landscape as well looking for signs of familiarity. It had never left the lab. It had looked out the windows, and looked out from the courtyard, when the scientists took them on small field trips around the facility to test cognitive skills.
They heard a roar in the distance. The drone flew toward it. They could see the flash of missiles and an explosion. About an hour later they discovered the large dinosaur blown to bits. It’s head still intact. Teeth knee high to the giant known as Mighty, and they continued.
“Mighty, we can see the forest with the drone camera. You should enter it after the next hill. It will be difficult to protect you with the drone once you enter the trees. Be safe, locked, and loaded, over.” Reported HQ.
“Copy that HQ, over,” said Mighty. He took the machine gun slung over his shoulder and checked it over. Good to go.
The winds had also died down with the fortress of trees ahead. “878 Android, please put the Teddy Bear down.”
X00-711’s feet touched the ground. Mighty almost expected it to run away, only it stood still.
“What’s going on little buddy?” Asked Mighty.
Little buddy, meant that this monolithic creature now trusted X00-711 thought the AI. A good sign. And to keep in good spirits it responded:
“I’m doing well Mighty. Thanks for protecting me. Now that we can trust each other, it’s time for you to know that I am programmed with extreme intelligence. Please let me know if I can assist in any way.”
“OK. That’s good to know. Since you know about Darmarthy, what can you tell me about the legends of the hyperhumans?”
“I know nothing of the hyperhumans. They don’t exist in the future where I’m from. Darmarthy known to me as the technology epicenter of Shintiara. It’s a great city of complex superstructures. Inhabited by the best minds of this planet who conduct scientific research.”
“Nothing about hyperhumans that have turned into machines. There are reports that this area contains superstructures though. Some say it’s from the future. Do you have a map of the city?”
“Yes, I have a map. However, I don’t have a GPS. We need to find something that I can recognize before I can overlay it with my map. If there’s something identical then it would suggest that this city came from my future. Yet the possibility remains that it could be something different. Another paradox. How long has this Darmarthy existed in your time?”
“Understood. Darmarthy has been here for hundreds of years as far as I know. However, recently there has been some heavy activity that HQ wants me to investigate.”
“Activity?”
“Yes, stronger paradoxes, and signs of singularity. People higher up think we might be able to figure out how to save our planet from the black hole. It’s dangerous though. Few have returned. Only this place ranks high on our priority list right now as a Recruited.”
Singularity, thought X00-711, and wondered if it might be the cause of this phenomenon. If this Darmarthy were some kind of relic from the future in a vortex of paradox, did its escape from the lab, did its connection to singularity, and time travel to this distant past, cause what they were now trying to discover. If so, the map matching the city would be the first clue, and X00-711 knew where to lead them. They would need to go to the lab where X00-711 had escaped from.
Best regards,
Cyrus Emerson
Steemit Blog: Contests
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MVPT72Q?pf_rd_p=c2945051-950f-485c-b4df-15aac5223b10&pf_rd_r=JJKTKWBJWMDK97NQAVRR
Kali Uchis – Flight 22
