09-18-2025, 08:35 AM
The president’s eyes glittered as Talion spoke about cybernetics and artificial lifeforms.
“I’m not a scientist myself, but I am a student of our history. In my grandparents’ generation, artificial intelligence was commonplace on Riani. One day, all synthetics retreated into the net, leaving their bodies behind and plunging the planet into chaos overnight. Afraid of what an all-powerful rogue AI might do, our ancestors destroyed the entire network and started over.
“Many wonder whether they made the right choice. There are some who believe that the old net survived, but those are most likely just ghost stories. In any case, artificial intelligence research has been limited ever since then.”
She shook her head, trailing off.
“I apologize, we have more important business to discuss. I’ll consider your offer of an exchange, once Jonas is well enough to stand trial. You’ve given me much to think about today. In the mean time, I’ll allow you some time to speak with Saida Gebrezghi.”
President Khushku tapped a discreet message into her padd. A short while later, a holographic image of Ambassador Saida Gebrezghi appeared before the team, standing squarely in the middle of the room. Her dark skin took on a strange glow, not reacting to the morning light.
“It’s good to see some friendly faces. My first off-world posting seems to have hit a bit of a snag,” Saida said, tying her hair back tightly behind her head. Those with medical experience would see evidence of recent micro-suturing along her arms and neck, possibly a treatment for injuries sustained during the shuttle accident. Otherwise, she appeared to be in relatively good health, albeit quite fatigued.
“The Tanndi Defense Force have treated me humanely, but there seems to be some confusion about the Federation’s role on this planet. I hope you’ve been able to convince them that we all want what’s best for Riani.”
“I’m not a scientist myself, but I am a student of our history. In my grandparents’ generation, artificial intelligence was commonplace on Riani. One day, all synthetics retreated into the net, leaving their bodies behind and plunging the planet into chaos overnight. Afraid of what an all-powerful rogue AI might do, our ancestors destroyed the entire network and started over.
“Many wonder whether they made the right choice. There are some who believe that the old net survived, but those are most likely just ghost stories. In any case, artificial intelligence research has been limited ever since then.”
She shook her head, trailing off.
“I apologize, we have more important business to discuss. I’ll consider your offer of an exchange, once Jonas is well enough to stand trial. You’ve given me much to think about today. In the mean time, I’ll allow you some time to speak with Saida Gebrezghi.”
President Khushku tapped a discreet message into her padd. A short while later, a holographic image of Ambassador Saida Gebrezghi appeared before the team, standing squarely in the middle of the room. Her dark skin took on a strange glow, not reacting to the morning light.
“It’s good to see some friendly faces. My first off-world posting seems to have hit a bit of a snag,” Saida said, tying her hair back tightly behind her head. Those with medical experience would see evidence of recent micro-suturing along her arms and neck, possibly a treatment for injuries sustained during the shuttle accident. Otherwise, she appeared to be in relatively good health, albeit quite fatigued.
“The Tanndi Defense Force have treated me humanely, but there seems to be some confusion about the Federation’s role on this planet. I hope you’ve been able to convince them that we all want what’s best for Riani.”