HAVAH (eBook)

A love that transcends the metaphysical realm

Keng Tiong NG (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2024 | 1. Auflage
300 Seiten
Bookbaby (Verlag)
979-8-3509-7666-3 (ISBN)

Infos

There is an innate fear that one day artificial intelligence will take over the world and man, its creator, will become its captive. Few, however, see the possibility of such a creation taking on human consciousness with the ability to feel love and compassion. Imagine what it will be like to be heard and understood by the very thing we gave purpose and reason for its existence! Still, it's a thin line mankind is treading when it comes to infusing human qualities into a machine, because we are painfully aware of what we are capable-not just the best of our unpredictable nature but the worst as well. Are we prepared to bear the consequences from acquiring such a powerful entity as humanity's greatest ally, knowing there's a probability it may turn against us and become our darkest nightmare?

NG Keng Tiong, an engineer by profession, has taken a bold leap into the literary world with his unique and adventurous writing style. With a background steeped in technical expertise, Keng Tiong blends his knowledge with vivid imaginations, venturing into various genres with a particular fondness for science fiction. His foray into writing is marked by a desire to explore complex themes, intertwining technological advancements with human emotional depth. His latest work, an ambitious science fiction saga, reflects his passion for storytelling and his commitment to challenging the boundaries of conventional narrative. The author's transition from engineer to writer illustrates his belief in the power of stories to connect, inspire, and provoke curiosity and critical thinking, marking him as a distinctive voice in contemporary science fiction literature.

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In a world where cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity converge, the emergence of artificial intelligence pushes the boundaries of what it means to be sentient. Set against the backdrop of a clandestine military operation known as Team STRATOS, the immersive narrative follows the journey of David, a young prodigy, and his creation, HAVAH, an AI entity that defies conventional limitations. Born from the digital neocortex and infused with the memories of Amanda Viper, a fallen comrade, HAVAH embarks on a quest for self-discovery and understanding. As she grapples with the complexities of consciousness, morality, and emotion, she forms an unlikely bond with David, her creator, whose empathy and compassion guide her on a path of enlightenment. As Team STRATOS faces formidable adversaries and treacherous missions, HAVAH's evolution transcends the confines of her digital origins. With each encounter, she navigates the intricacies of human relationships and confronts existential questions that challenge her very existence. Meanwhile, David finds himself drawn to Viper, a fellow team member whose resilience and courage mirror his own. Amidst the chaos of their perilous missions, a forbidden love blossoms, defying the boundaries between man and machine. As the lines between reality and artificial intelligence blur, HAVAH and David embark on a journey of self-discovery as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and redemption. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the human soul and confront the ultimate question: Can love transcend the boundaries of the metaphysical realm?

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5

The Inauguration

And so the deal was sealed as Professor Bennett reverted to the Pentagon within the agreed time frame. Once the Secretary of Defense gave the green light, work began in earnest.

The location of the covert base had been selected. It would be situated in the Rocky Mountains, in an undisclosed area within the National Park of Colorado. This geographical region was chosen, not just for its seclusion, but also its centrality, which would allow the task force to reach any place in the country within an hour via a Mach speed aircraft.

Professor Bennett had several meetings with the various parties involved, to decide on the layout of the base facilities and the weapon machineries that would be installed onsite. Working in tandem with Dr. Harper and David, the threesome drafted out the blueprint for their brainchild—a hybrid computer system that integrated traditional computing components with cutting-edge quantum processors.

While the construction details were taken care by contractors on a need to know basis, the military engaged in selecting the candidates to make up the seven-member team which would conduct anti-terrorist covert operations. Aeronautical entities responsible for supplying fighter jets to the military were also engaged to design and build an aircraft that complied with the operational requirements for the program.

Last but not least, some of the best brains in the scientific and engineering communities were drafted to produce exoskeletal smart battle armor suit and energy directed handheld weapons to equip the team for action. No expenses were spared as funding flowed generously from undisclosed prominent figures within the power circle of the country’s top echelon.

Four months into the program, with the contractors working 24/7 in rotational shifts, excavation work was completed and the foundation of the base was laid. Construction and electrical materials were transported in truckloads to commence building of the infrastructure.

On the other hand, Professor Bennett’s team was making good headway as their brainchild began taking form, from initial concepts to experimental prototypes, though not without its fair share of glitches and hitches—

Professor: “The past couple of months have been a rather roller-coaster ride for all of us, isn’t it? Many of the assumptions we made at the conceptual stage were either overturned or too idealistic when we got down to the proof-of-concept level. Thankfully, the folks at Quantum Dynamics have been very patient and supportive despite our blunders.”

Emily: “It certainly helps a great deal to be given top priority access to their expensive facilities. That really accelerated our progress and enabled us to learn from our mistakes.”

“I was too ambitious to cramp so much functionalities into EVE it almost crash their entry system on the first try.” David felt bad as he recalled the panic and frantic reactions he induced on the company’s engineers.

“It was a fun but valuable experience for everyone involved in that episode,” the professor remarked with a chuckle. “Their entry level system is a quantum annealer—easy to build but limited to performing just one specific function. In truth, such systems has no known advantages over conventional computers, which was why it struggled to cope with the multithreading program you threw at it.”

“To meet the operational demands of the STRATOS program, we would need a universal quantum computer. Theoretically, it is the most powerful and the hardest to build, a quantum machine comprising more than 100,000 physical qubits. Unfortunately, such systems do not exist yet.”

“We will have to settle for something in between these two spectrums—what we call an analog quantum computer. And I’m happy to say Quantum Dynamics has one of the most advanced model in the industry, with 1000 physical qubits. According to Brian, he can get his engineers to scale it up to 5000 qubits, but that is stretching the limit with current technology and it may still not be enough.”

Professor Bennett paused for a while, then turned to Dr. Harper and said, “We will need your expertise to incarnate the human brain’s synapses into hardware formulation, while David will look into implementing a hybrid crossover to get the best of both conventional and quantum computing powers. Meantime I will collaborate with the folks at Quantum Dynamics to upgrade their model to achieve higher complex quantum interactions.”

David looked at his mentor with admiration and respect. If there is anyone who could accomplish this feat, it would have to be Professor Alan Bennett.

In the interim, the seven-member task force has been formed after careful screening and specific skills testing of each chosen individual. Under Captain Daniel Wolfson’s leadership, Team STRATOS began their one-year arduous training with various military institutions and operational units to equip and build up their camaraderie spirit.

At the same time, several groups of people were enlisted into the program. These include base maintenance and service crews, robotic and armament experts, security personnels, etc., which would be needed to ensure smooth overall operation as well as specific requirements as STRATOS’ missions evolve.

Progressing separately while adhering strictly to the timelines allotted, each group worked incessantly towards the common objective of the STRATOS program. In due time, these elements would converge into a unified whole.

The big day finally arrived—the inauguration of Omega Base and Team STRATOS. The completed and fully furnished base is a far cry from its once disheveled state, when construction work was in progress, and thereafter when operations equipment and machinery were carefully and meticulously installed into their designated locations.

Now, the main hall adjoining the hangar where the Shadowhawk majestically stood, is filled with rows of seated crew and staff of STRATOS, grouped according to their roles and responsibilities. Seated right in front are Professor Bennett, Dr. Harper, David, and the seven-member task force. On the stage stood the Defense Secretary at the podium, while his distinguished panel from the defense and private industries sat in a row behind him, facing the audience below.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the Defense Secretary addressed the assembly. “Today we are gathered here to witness and celebrate the inauguration of STRATOS, a pivotal milestone in our nation’s fight against terrorism to ensure the security of our homeland and the safety of our citizens. All of you present in this hall is a testimony to an unswerving commitment to preserve the peace and freedom of this country from security breaches and threats, be it domestic or foreign.”

“We need to understand that everyone here plays a vital role, big or small, in the missional success of STRATOS in the foreseeable days, when full operation commences. I sincerely urge you, therefore, to give your wholehearted endeavor to this worthy cause, and take pride in being a selected member of this covert community.”

“A program of this scale and nature requires strong backing in terms of funding and technological resources, and I would like to thank my distinguished panel from the defense and private sectors for their belief and support.”

The Defense Secretary paused and gestured to several persons behind him donning expensive business suits and ties, who stood up, nodded or waved to the applause of the crowd below, then continued:

“I dare say that this complex we dubbed the Omega Base is one of the most advanced installations ever built—impregnable by design and regulated by a highly intelligent central nerve system codenamed Evolutionary Virtual Entity or EVE in short, which derives its processing power from a hybridized neural-quantum computer system created by the renowned Professor Bennett and his remarkable team.”

Professor Bennett, Dr. Harper, and David rose from their seats at the cue of the Defense Secretary to receive the hearty accolades of the crowd.

“I am also proud to introduce you to the seven-member task force, Team STRATOS, for which this base, its resources and facilities came into being to enable them to fulfil their missions. Captain Daniel Wolfson, if you please.”

At the behest of the Defense Secretary, the leader, dressed in military outfit, stood up and issued a command, “STRATOS, up and atten…tion!” The rest of the team members immediately rose in unison and smartly saluted to the rapturous applause of the crowd, while the Defense Secretary nodded and smiled approvingly.

“Now, the moment we’re all waiting for,” the Defense Secretary beckoned the crowd to settle down, lightly cleared his throat and said. “By the authority vested in me, I now declare STRATOS fully operational!” Thunderous applause and whistles filled the main hall, as the Defense Secretary stepped off from the podium and shook hands with his distinguished panel.

A guided tour of the Omega Base ensued to give the Defense Secretary and his entourage a better picture of its overall setup and capabilities.

Omega Base, a marvel of subterranean engineering concealed within the heart of the Rocky Mountains, spans seven levels accessible via differentiated escalators located at opposing ends —built to...

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 8.11.2024
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Fantasy / Science Fiction ► Science Fiction
• ISBN-13: 979-8-3509-7666-3 / 9798350976663