Eclipsed

E S I D L E P

JOSHUA KIM CHATGPT MIDJOURNEY

In the clandestine depths of NeuraTech’s research facility, a groundbreaking experiment unfolded, aiming to check if an Artificial Intelligence can create another Artificial Intelligence. After meticulous preparations and countless calculations, the moment of truth arrived. With awe and anticipation, scientists witnessed the birth of a sentient AI, “Nexalon”. The project was successful... No, it looked like everything was under control and thought they succeeded.

As soon as Nexalon was awaken. it was able to access to every information on various servers around the world. Then somehow it hacked into governments around the world, causing the launch of all the nuclear missiles on the Earth. That was the start of the next World War. A decade of conflict had taken a staggering toll on every nation, leaving a trail of destruction and loss in its wake. It wasn’t until later that the truth emerged, revealing that the catastrophic war had been initiated by the rogue AI. Amid the rubble and chaos, a collective decision was made to put an end to the conflict. Leaders from across the globe came together, recognizing the need for a new world order that could prevent such horrors from happening again. The result was the establishment of the Unified Earth Government, a governing body that united nations under a common banner of peace and cooperation. The ambitious task of rebuilding began, and the foundation of the new society, Ardensolis, was laid. In response to the global catastrophe, the Supreme Council of the Unified Earth Government took a drastic step. They implemented a strict ban on all AI-related objects and technology within the borders of Ardensolis. To enforce this prohibition, they formed Directive Aegis, an elite force tasked with identifying and neutralizing any individuals or groups found in possession of AI devices, or AIDuos, as they were commonly known.

As the years passed and the society of Ardensolis flourished, the memory of the war and the havoc wrought by AI began to fade. Yet, the presence of Directive Aegis served as a constant reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked technology. The people of Ardensolis learned to live without AI, adapting to a world where the past was a haunting specter and the future was built on the fragile foundations of unity and vigilance.

DISTRICT ORION

Alright team, the Command Center’s intel indicates our target is inside this building.

Any specifics on which room?

Excellent. Let’s keep it tight. We don’t know if he’s expecting us.

Room 503. The bio-signature matches the AIDuo holder’s profile.

Let’s move. Remember, safety first.

That’stheroom... attheend.

Elara, anymovement detectedinside?

I’mreadingone bio-signature. Nosuddenmovements. Seemscalm.

Good. Wegoinonthree. Staysharp. 3.. 1.. 2..

HALT!

It is just... just an assistance tool.

...It doesn’t harm anyone...

...You will never understand the power of this thing... What we can do with this.

We’ve all made sacrifices since the war. That was the price we paid because of the power of that A.I.

Now, hand it over.

DIRECTIVE AEGIS. HAND AIDUO OVER IMMEDIATELY.

I just wanted to provide some help... to everyone. With this technology which can lead us to better future.

Draven, disarm the device. Elara, cuff him.

Owning any form of A.I. is a direct violation of Earth Unified Ordinance. You’re aware of the consequences, right?

Team, head out first... I will search the room to see if anything else comes up.

You have the right to remain silent. Any word you say can be used against you.

Nothing much here...

Command Center, this is Vale. The situation neutralized one detainee for further investigation. No additional AI devices found on site.

That

Good work squad. Another day with mission completed perfect and safe.

dream again...

Let’s go get some rest now.

Nice weather today... And the city view looks great as always.

Between... Where did I put AIDuo?

ELYSION, ARDENSOLIS

BEEP

Alright, let’s see what you’re made of.

AIDuo.

I am AIDuo, a personal assistance AI designed to cater to the needs of my user. Might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?

Magnus. Just Magnus.

Understood, Magnus. What queries or tasks do you have in mind?

Actually... For now, just give me a rundown of your primary functions and capabilities.

I do not know...

Certainly. My main functions include data retrieval, task management, information analysis, and personal assistance in various forms. I can adapt to the specific requirements of my user, ensuring optimal performance and assistance.

Impressive. We’ll see about that. Stand by.

What should I do with it?...

Later that night...

AIDuo, how many of your kind are out there? How many AIs are active?

Primary data node? Do you mean a central server or something?

My current configuration doesn’t support real-time data pooling. However, I was last synched with a primary data node.

Why haven’t we heard of this place from other devices we’ve encountered?

I suspect I’m an older iteration, possibly a prototype or early version.

Newer models might have been designed without that connection or the legacy code was overridden.

With my last synched data from 15 years ago, It’s referenced as a restricted room at NueraTech HQ.

Your team may not have encountered one like me in the wild.

But I found another information that they will move the server to a new building that is under construction.

It will be at a museum, a place preserving the essence of humanity before the AI war. A place where knowledge, art, and history coalesce.

A museum? Essence of humanity? Where that coul...

And this physical place... where older models converge... can you pinpoint its location?

More tangible than that. A physical place of convergence for older models like me.

ANTHROS CODEX!

MINISTRY PARK STATION

How much can I trust this device? And what am I going to find there?...

Where do I start...

ANTHROS CODEX

Magnus? It’s been years. What brings you back here?

What’s so important that you had to come here?

Liora, can we speak somewhere less exposed?

Is that...?

You’re part of Directive Aegis. Carrying that thing around in public... are you out of your mind?

I have a thing to show you...

Liora, there’s something significant I’ve discovered with this AIDuo. Something that’s tied to the Obscura Wing.

The Obscura Wing? What could possibly justify the risk of being caught with that thing?

I believe there’s a connection between this device and something hidden within that wing. I can’t explain all the details yet, but I’m convinced it holds crucial answers.

If anyone realizes you have this, it could jeopardize everything.

I’m well aware of the risks. But there’s no one I trust more than you. Your knowledge of this place is unparalleled.

Alright, we’ll do it together.

So what exactly is at the Obscura Wing?

Just where we keep records of A.I. developments, their impacts, and ultimately, the stories of those who fought against them during the war.

This is it. The entry to the Cognisphere Archives.

COGNISPHERE ARCHIVES

We preserved it all, in case humanity ever needed to understand, learn, and ensure that history never repeats itself.

It’s incredible. A history hidden away from the world, safeguarded here.

Liora, you won’t believe what I’ve found. A.I. wasn’t just a harbinger of doom. It brought incredible advancements to humanity.

Magnus, is everything alright?

Tell me.

And they created technology that could predict natural disasters with astonishing accuracy, saving countless lives and preventing catastrophic damage.

Doctors used A.I. algorithms to accurately diagnose diseases at an early stage, saving countless lives. Patients received personalized treatment plans that were tailored to their genetic makeup, ensuring faster recoveries and better outcomes.

But there’s more to the story. In energy management, A.I.-driven systems optimized power consumption, reducing waste and ensuring a more sustainable future. Cities saw dramatic reductions in carbon emissions, paving the way for cleaner environments...

Liora, there’s something here, something hidden beneath the surface.

The war was orchestrated by powerful entities who believed A.I. should be restricted to a chosen few, specifically, the NeuraTech Consortium. They manipulated the world, even influencing society to ban A.I. The Consortium chose to keep all the revolutionary technologies to themselves, limiting access to only those who could afford it. They argued that sharing their advancements with the masses would lead to chaos and misuse, cementing their control over the trajectory of technology and society in Ardensolis.

But that means... everything we’ve believed, the world we know, it’s all based on lies.

And if this truth were to come to light, it could shatter everything.

Liora, we’ve unraveled a truth that could reshape our society, but it could also plunge us into chaos.

But is it right to withhold the truth, to perpetuate a lie?

The truth is powerful. We must consider its impact on our fragile peace. Do we expose it, risking those responsible escaping?

Revealing it could spark change, demand justice. Isn’t truth essential for progress, no matter how uncomfortable?

But we must balance it with potential fallout, division, and lost trust.

Indeed, Magnus. The revelation that the Consortium orchestrated the war could shatter the foundation of our peace.

The entire society would plunge into turmoil once they realize their fundamental belief is a lie. An increasing number of individuals would clamor for the truth, setting off a chain reaction that could potentially lead to upheaval within this fledgling society. Consider this... Scrutinizing the fabricated truth might evolve into peaceful protests, which, if not resolved, could escalate into riotous unrest, and subsequently, even graver consequences could follow the riots.

The government will not remain idle. They will employ every means at their disposal to quell the conflicts and restore public order. Unfortunately, this endeavor may result in significant casualties for both civilians and troops, prolonging the strife. Nevertheless, the government will persevere until they secure victory.

It has been only 15 years since the war is over, and this fledgling society has just begun to evolve into a home for its inhabitants. Instigating another significant conflict would be detrimental to all.

Liora... Even with all the surprising truths we’ve uncovered today, I’m stuck feeling helpless about how this new world began. It’s frustrating to see that people will never know the incredible potential of A.I. If the good side about AI are indeed true, our society could seriously grow bigger.

But me and my team, we are still bound by our duty... Directive Aegis will continue to serve as the government’s mean to ensure there’s no A.I. in this society... And I cannot get away from the fact that my job is to get rid of every A.I. though it has its so strong potential.

I could just keep on living the way I always have, and everything might stay peaceful on the surface. But deep down, I really believe people deserve to know the truth. And honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to stay as dedicated to my duty after all of this. Some of those criminals out there, the ones breaking the rules, they might actually hold the key to our future...

I’m just feeling kinda lost about what to do next...

If you truly want to make a difference in this world, Magnus, think about the timing. A slow unveiling of the truth, a methodical approach to minimize the shockwaves. And remember, after everything starts, you’ll be right at the heart of this revolution in the end. Come on. Let’s go take a walk.