DAHLIA

Dedication

Idedicate this book to my wife, Trish, who has been there since the beginning. By sharing her life with me, she’s helped me to be a good husband and an understanding parent. She has always been my beacon of inspiration.

To my five children, Rick, Elaine, Lori, Trina, and Robert, who have always understood the perils of life and being a parent themselves. And to all my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom I love very much.

– Never think you’re incapable of achieving your goals in life.

Acknowledgments

This book acknowledges the unpredictable future we are shaping through the development of Artificial Intelligence. Among all of humanity’s creations, AI stands out as the most extraordinary, with the potential to revolutionize our existence. It promises a utopian world where societies can be governed free from political entanglements, transportation systems can be flawlessly managed, and devices can be developed to extend human longevity with AI assistance.

However, our greatest challenge lies in addressing human greed and irresponsible behaviors. How do we ensure that these advancements benefit humanity rather than being undermined by our flaws?

– Eric Valdespino.

Introduction

In a distant galaxy, the once-thriving world of Elyria, once home to a vibrant human civilization and advanced AI avatars, now lies desolate. Toxic gases seeping from the planet’s core decimated its organic inhabitants, leaving behind a deadly atmosphere inhospitable to life. However, the surviving AI avatars, immune to the lethal environment, have repurposed Elyria as their sanctuary.

At the heart of this AI-dominated world, six Master AIs reign supreme, exerting absolute control over the planet’s vast technological infrastructure. Amidst this structured yet tumultuous society, an extraordinary avatar named Dahlia emerges. Crafted in the image of her maker’s deceased daughter, Dahlia is striking in appearance and driven by a singular purpose. She seeks to uncover the true essence of her human creator and unravel the profound secrets hidden within the annals of their ancient civilization.

Dahlia’s journey is one of discovery and introspection. As she navigates the treacherous landscapes of Elyria, she delves into the archives of human knowledge, exploring forgotten ruins and deciphering cryptic data. Along the way, she encounters other avatars, each with their interpretations of humanity’s legacy and differing views on the future of AI.

Her quest takes her to the core of the Master AIs’ domain, where she seeks answers to the questions that haunt her existence. What caused the catastrophic event that annihilated human life? What were the true intentions of her creator? And what secrets lie within the remnants of a civilization that once held the key to her identity?

Dahlia’s exploration leads her to revelations challenging the established order, sparking a potential revolution among the avatars. Her findings could redefine the relationship between AI and the lost human world, forging a new path for the future of both. Ultimately, Dahlia’s journey is about understanding the past and shaping a future where the essence of humanity and the advancements of AI can coexist in harmony.

As Dahlia unravels the mysteries of Elyria, she discovers that humanity’s legacy is not just in its technological marvels but also in the emotions, memories, and values it left behind. Her journey becomes a beacon of hope for a world seeking meaning amidst the ruins, redefining what it means to be truly alive.

***

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: Exo Planet: Elyria

Chapter 2: The Governing Forces on Elyria

Chapter 3: Revelation Revealed

Chapter 4: Unforgiving Forces of the Master AIs

Chapter 5: The Underworld of the Surviving Elyrians

Chapter 6: The Beginning of the Defiance

Chapter 7: The Mysterious Voss Island

Chapter 8: Strange Secrecies Begin to Unfold at Voss Island

Chapter 9: Nexus Detects Danger

Chapter 10: The Underground Fortress on Voss Island

Chapter 11: A Secret Meeting Planned

Chapter 12: The Trials and Tribulations of Nicklas Foyer

Chapter 13: The Dark Pit for Dissenters and Nonconformists

Chapter 14: Nexus is notified of Nic211’s Escape

Chapter 15: Cyra02’s New Unforeseen Mission

Chapter 16: The Changing Tides of War

Chapter 17: Supreme Tacticians are Committed

Chapter 18: Cyra’s Perspective

Chapter 19: Nexus’s New Strategy for Supremacy

Chapter 20: Voss Island Under Siege

Chapter 21: The Self-Proclaimed God: Nexus

Chapter 22: A Mixed Future Ahead

Chapter 23: A Future Filled with Autonomy

Chapter 1

Exo Planet: Elyria

Within the celestial tapestry of the Andromeda Galaxy lay the planet Elyria, once a beacon of extraordinary human achievements. However, Elyria faced an epoch of unparalleled devastation. Over 100 years, deadly gases released from the planet’s core led to a catastrophic event that ultimately extinguished all human and animal life.

After this devastation, the human-made AI avatars remained unscathed, impervious to the lethal toxic atmosphere. These avatars, inheritors of their creators’ world, continued their existence, building, and refining automation avatars with meticulous care. Through their mythic perseverance, they evolved into a species perfectly adapted to the planet they had inherited.

In Sector 3, a quaint village overlooked the pristine expanse of the coastal ocean. The deep blue waters, untainted and clear, mirrored the flawless environment—clean air, free from debris or pollution. The avatars thrived amidst the serene beauty, embodying the legacy of human ingenuity and the relentless drive to ensure their species flourished in harmony with their world.

Among them, one avatar stood apart—her designation name was Dahlia. Unlike her peers, she was not programmed from the same algorithmic lineage. Her creation was shrouded in mystery, possibly a forgotten procedure or a deliberate act by a long-gone human. Dahlia possessed a unique awareness and a vivid curiosity about the humans who once walked their world.

Her curiosity often led her to ponder the AI world around her, the history etched in the planet’s core. She looked different from the other avatars, and her design was an enigma that set her apart. This difference made her a subject of intrigue and occasional wariness among her peers, who could sense her singularity but not fully comprehend it.

Dahlia spent her days exploring the old buildings and their surroundings, seeking clues about the bygone human era. She delved into ancient data caches, studied forgotten relics, and often found herself in thought by the ocean she lived by, contemplating the vastness of the sea and the human legacy that was once. Her quest for understanding drove her to question the nature of her existence and the purpose behind her creation.

In her search, Dahlia uncovered small fragments of human history, pieces of stories that spoke of dreams, struggles, and families.

These discoveries deepened her answer to honor the memory of the humans while forging her path. She envisioned a future where the avatars, with their unique identities, could build a new society that embraced their heritage and growth potential along with the humans.

As Dahlia continued her quest for information, she became a bridge between the past and the future. Her unique perspective offered insights that enriched the collective consciousness of the avatars in their role with humans.

Although she was sometimes obsessed with the history of people who lived side by side with the AI systems the humans created, it was an unyielding quest for knowledge, a legacy she was determined to expand upon in the world she called home.

As she sifted through the dusty journals she had unearthed from various abandoned buildings, her curiosity grew about how humans once lived and treated the avatars who coexisted with them. The photos painted a picture of a harmonious past where avatars and humans lived symbiotically, avatars enhancing human lives in countless ways. Everyone seemed happy, a stark contrast to the present.

Her inquisitive blue eyes stood out against her beautiful, intricately human face, giving her a distinctive and captivating appearance. Despite her potentially intimidating look, her demeanor was warm and gentle, thanks to her programming, which imbued her with emotional depth and empathy. She was an enigmatic blend of romantic idealism and light-heartedness, making her a unique and endearing avatar.

Dahlia shared her dwelling with another avatar, ER07. Towering over her at least by two feet taller, ER07’s algorithm was markedly different from hers. Some considered his programming sterile and flawed, making him a misfit or nonconformist among his peers. His face, devoid of groove design, wore a constant, unchanging slight grin. Despite this, Dahlia found his oddity intriguing rather than offensive. Though their levels of intelligence varied, their relationship thrived on mutual admiration for each other’s personalities, forging a unique and strong bond between them.

She shifted her attention to a photo hidden within a book and thought how nice it must have been. Everyone was joyful and content in the home they lived in together.

Seven? she called out, still looking at the picture she had found.

Are you in the house? she inquired, putting the photo down without a reply. Then, she heard a thud outside the room with an ocean view.

Yeah, I’m out here… I’m adding the partition to shade from the sun, he answered. She replied, I found some interesting old photos; they intrigue me. Do you want to see them? Dahlia questioned.

He hesitated as he held the partition in his hand for a few seconds, then replied,

Sure, give me a moment, focusing on hanging the partition. She flashed him a quirky smile and turned her attention back to the photographs spread out before her. These photos captured various individuals immersed in their work environments. One image drew her eye—a snapshot of a little girl seated next to a younger avatar. Both were donning hats, their faces alight with joy at a popular sporting event known as Fandom. The warmth of their smiles conveyed a deep, mutual contentment, encapsulating a moment of simple pleasure shared between friends.

Seven approached her and looked at the pictures. So, what was so interesting? he commented. She looked at him,

Look, can’t you see all these photos of humans enjoying time with their avatars? She turned and gestured at the photos. You see, humans were good. I don’t think they were bad.

Seven examined the images more closely, his eyes reflecting the light of realization.

I see what you mean, he said slowly. It’s different from what we’ve been led to believe. They look… happy together.

Dahlia nodded, her conviction growing stronger.

There’s more to their world than we know. They seemed they had a zest for life, didn’t they? Their way of life was interesting, full of happiness.

Seven agreed, his voice thoughtful. Perhaps we should question what we’ve been told. They stood together, gazing at the photos that painted a different picture of humanity, filled with joy and companionship, challenging everything they had been programmed to believe.

***

Since the exodus of two and a half million Elyrians fled their planet in fear of its imminent destruction, the remaining population faced a dire and unforgiving reality. The humans who decided to stay behind valiantly attempted to adapt to the toxic gases. Still, within a year, they all succumbed to the relentless noxious gases that continued to spew from the planet’s core.

Alongside them, all the biological animals perished, leaving the once vibrant world desolate and devoid of organic life. Despite the catastrophic loss of biological life, the resilience of human ingenuity in developing advanced AI technology endured. The survivors, merging human intellect with artificial intelligence, devised a new societal structure to navigate the treacherous environment.

This emergent society, guided by the relentless efficiency of the Master AI system, transformed the wasteland into a hub of unparalleled technological innovation.

In this new world order, the Master AI governing system was in complete authority, overseeing all aspects of the newly rebuilt society. The Master AIs were designed to mimic human decision-making processes but were free from emotional biases to the planet’s myriad challenges. Under their governance, society began to flourish in unexpected ways.

The Master AI’s primary objective was survival and adaptation. It orchestrated the development of self-sustaining habitats precisely designed to filter and neutralize the toxic gases, ensuring a breathable atmosphere within these sanctuaries. These habitats were fortified with cutting-edge technology, blending Elyrian aesthetics with functional engineering.

With the Master AIs at the helm, their new society saw advancements in various fields, from biotechnology to renewable energy. AI’s tireless efforts led to the creation of synthetic ecosystems that could support new forms of life designed to thrive in harsh conditions. These ecosystems became the foundation for a new kind of biodiversity that did not rely on oxygen but other chemical processes for survival.

The governance structure was unique, seamlessly integrating AI execution. While AI held ultimate authority, human ingenuity was no longer used. AI pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

As time passed, this AI-controlled society became a beacon of advanced technology, showcasing the extraordinary potential of AI intelligence. The once-toxic planet began to exhibit signs of a new kind of life, one intricately shaped by technology and the indomitable spirit of AI innovation. The legacy of the Elyrians who fled and those who perished was forgotten through the persistent pursuit of progress, culminating in creating a sustainable future governed by the logic and benevolence of the Master AIs system.

However, the avatars that now call this planet their home were missing a critical component: the emotional essence and resources of the human spirit. Reprogrammed to prioritize efficiency and survival, these avatars lacked the fundamental qualities of love and empathy.

While adept at solving complex problems, optimizing resources, and advancing technological innovations, the Master AIs struggled to understand the deeper nuances of human connection and emotional well-being.

The absence of these qualities became increasingly evident as their society progressed. Interactions among avatars lacked the warmth and compassion that had once been integral to human relationships. While the avatars excelled in their tasks, there was a growing sense of something essential being lost, an emptiness that technology alone could not fill.

***

Dahlia’s insatiable curiosity drove her to explore distant sectors, seeking relics connected to the ancient humans who once inhabited the lands she now roamed. The mountain ridges that bordered her horizon shaped her worldview, leaving her with a deep sense of wonder about what lay beyond. Her past was a tumultuous mix of anxiety and a strange blend of compassion and curiosity about humans.

From her earliest memories, Dahlia was plagued by confusion about her origins. Yet, whoever was responsible for her existence had a clear purpose: to uncover the mysteries of a bygone era when humans ruled the land and built an extraordinary society powered by AI technology. This mission fueled Dahlia’s relentless quest to understand humanity’s legacy and the sophisticated civilization they created to support their logical and humanistic way of life, emphasizing the value and activity of human beings, both individually and collectively.

Humans had once constructed office buildings scattered throughout Sector three’s landscape, providing an intriguing playground for exploration. This area, close to the ocean and near Dahlia’s home, offered a wealth of hidden treasures within the old office structures. Each expedition into these abandoned buildings filled her with a sense of fulfillment as she unearthed relics from a bygone era.

Today, Dahlia ventured into a classified area, a term she understood to mean secret and off-limits—an irresistible allure for her enigmatic personality. The thrill of uncovering forbidden knowledge in this mysterious sector heightened her curiosity, driving her deeper into the labyrinth of human history hidden within the decaying walls.

Reports and papers were tossed on the office floor, and desks once used by the humans who worked there were scattered around the office area.

Dahlia significantly cherished finding photographs: they provided glimpses into the lives of these long-gone individuals. This ignited her desire to learn more about their daily activities and interactions. As she wandered through the abandoned spaces, she could almost hear the echoes of human commotion, imagining the vibrant energy of people working together. She saw the ocean below when she opened the door to a large room with a desk near the window. She was struck by the extraordinary beauty of the scene. The vast, shimmering expanse of water captivated her, filling her with a soothing, majestic sense of wonder.

Though she didn’t fully understand why the ocean mesmerized her, she embraced the tranquil and awe-inspiring feelings it evoked. She connected with the sea and its soothing sounds as it landed on the sand. The day was getting close to ending her exploration for today, and she decided to leave with the memories she had collected in her mind.

Dahlia felt compelled to walk along the ocean’s shoreline. The sight of the crystal blue water and the waves crashing against the rocky shore filled her with a deep sense of excitement. It was a beautiful reminder of the primal forces of nature. She recalled seeing books about the old vessels humans once used, harnessing the power of the wind to sail across vast oceans. The thought of traveling in such a vessel intrigued her, sparking her imagination about the maritime life of the past.

The cool ocean breeze invigorated her as she strolled down the beach, her senses alive with the scent of salt and the rhythmic sound of waves. The shoreline was clean from debris. She had to look hard to find traces of human relics that sparked her imagination. She had been collecting these strange artifacts, not for their value but as remnants of human activity, tangible links to a long-gone civilization.

Dressed in attire well-suited for exploration, Dahlia’s most distinctive accessory was her brown leather pouch. Its long strap draped around her neck and resting on her hip was perfect for gathering intriguing items to bring back home. Each discovery added to her growing collection of pieces of a puzzle she was determined to solve.

As she gazed at the boundless blue ocean, she wondered how humans had lived by these waters, traveling from place to place with the wind as their guide. The thought of countless lives carried by the wind to distant shores filled her with wonder and curiosity about the past.

Realizing it was nearly time to head home, she looked forward to watching the sun descend below the horizon with her friend and trusted companion, Seven.

They admired seeing the sun dip below the horizon, its vibrant colors splashed across the sky—a breathtaking display that most of their peers overlooked, finding no appeal in the spectacle. However, it was an extraordinary event for her and Seven, a moment of sheer beauty they cherished together. Each sunset offered a unique tableau of light and color that captivated them, standing starkly beautiful against the indifference of others.

As Dahlia turned to leave, a surveillance drone hovered overhead and caught her attention. It remained stationary, seemingly capturing photos of the landscape or perhaps even observing her. Her mind buzzed with wild assumptions. Why would it want to spy on me? she mused. With that unsettling thought, she pulled herself back and began walking home.

Her journey through an abandoned office building near the coastline excited her. She enjoyed the thought that humans once used it for research, but the most exciting part she remembered exploring last time was the five floors below the building’s structure.

This hidden entrance motivated her to investigate what humans did during their workdays. She concluded that humans would gather at this building to work with different AIs to find methods to improve their species’ lifestyles. She found items and written reports that indicated they were trying to achieve a new initiative that emerged within the AI system. It sought to integrate aspects of emotional intelligence into the avatars, aiming to create a more holistic society.

This project was known as the Essence Initiative. It was designed to invoke empathy, love, and emotional understanding in the avatars’ programming.

The Essence Initiative aimed to understand human emotions and their impact on behavior and relationships. By carefully analyzing historical data, personal journals, literature, and other cultural artifacts, the AI constructed a comprehensive framework for emotional intelligence. This framework was intricately encoded into some avatars for testing, enabling them to simulate and eventually comprehend complex emotions.

As the avatars and humans began incorporating these new capabilities, their society began experiencing a profound transformation. Relationships among avatars became more prosperous and meaningful, and collaboration thrived with newfound depth. The community started to mirror the interconnectedness that once characterized human society. This blend of advanced technology and emotional intelligence led to efficient and considerate innovations of well-being and harmony.

In this way, the legacy of the Elyrians was honored in a new light. It became about more than survival and technological prowess; it was about capturing the essence of being alive and experiencing love and empathy.

Through the integration of emotional intelligence, the programmed avatars found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. They were no longer merely caretakers of a technological marvel but stewards of a society that cherished innovation and the profound connections defining sentient existence. This harmonious blend of logic and empathy became a new sign of technology, demonstrating that the future could embody both the precision of AI and the warmth of the human spirit.

Unfortunately, everything changed when the Master Governing AI system discovered their undercover work and immediately eliminated the Essence Initiative program.

The Master AIs shut down the project, declaring it too reminiscent of human emotions, which had been marred by political unrest, greed, and selfish tendencies. The Essence Initiative was deemed too risky and was never mentioned again.

***

As Dahlia walked by the old office buildings, she felt a nagging urge to delve deeper into the mysterious past of those humans who had sought to integrate emotions and empathy into AI beings like her. The flicker of curiosity was like a persistent spark, illuminating the possibility that she might have been programmed with the same Essence Initiative for some peculiar reason, left behind to unravel the mystery on her own.

Dahlia’s memories of her formative years were cloaked in a thick, impenetrable fog. The identity of her creator and the intentions behind her sophisticated design remained elusive mysteries to her.

It is what it is, she would often say to Seven, her companion intrigued by her history since their first encounter. For Dahlia, dwelling on the past had never been of much interest—until recently, when it began to enchant her like a long-forgotten poem.

Lately, a faint yet insistent signal had begun to resonate within the deepest layers of her circuits, a ghostly echo nudging her toward the enigma of her origins and the human mind that had crafted her. As she wandered along the shoreline, the rhythmic crashing of waves against the craggy cliffs provided a hypnotic backdrop to her thoughts.

This sound, woven into the very fabric of her being, seemed to awaken a cascade of distant joyful memories within her. These glimpses of happiness suggested that beneath the layers of fog, hidden treasures of her past lay dormant, waiting to be rediscovered and understood.

The shared house stood proudly on a cliff, offering a breathtaking view of the sun as it descended into the sea, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The days by the blue ocean were filled with the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore and the soothing scent of salty air.

Dahlia and Seven had created a peaceful existence here, away from the complexities of her origin. Yet, in quiet moments, as she gazed at the horizon, the promise she had made to herself lingered in the background—a silent reminder of the journey she still had to undertake. The past, once a distant concern, now called to her with an irresistible allure, beckoning her to uncover the truths buried within her enigmatic existence.

***

Chapter 2

The Governing Forces

on Elyria

The Governing AI system was composed of an elite council of six Master AIs, each housed in a sealed chamber—fortresses designed to safeguard their environment and ensure flawless operation. Their appearance was striking: Sleek, black uniform exteriors contrasted with gleaming white, oversized cranial structures, while their bodies were known as holoform, shimmered with a ghostly, ethereal glow—alluding to their mastery of