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– Of course, the authorities of many countries tried to regulate legislation, warning about the risks that these technologies pose, and even prohibited investments in cryptocurrencies, but people circumvented all the restrictions. The clergy of all faiths without exception sided with the government. Some of them called Bitcoin the electronic Antichrist – and in some ways they were right. But the warnings of state leaders, religious denominations and prominent economists could not keep the people from temptation. In a word, people again fell under the power of the golden calf. The soul, as they used to say, and the thirst for profit were put on the scales. It was the fear of missing out that motivated people. This is not reprehensible, but when the thirst for profit passes a certain threshold, overshadowing the mind, a person begins to act emotionally. He struggles to jump into the last car, not realizing that the train is heading into a cliff.
There were still ten minutes left before the end of the lecture, and the professor wanted to move on to students’ questions about the material covered, when suddenly a special signal sounded. At the university, it was turned on only in emergency cases, when it was necessary to gather everyone in the courtyard. As soon as the sound of the siren died down, an electronic voice was heard from the loudspeaker and at the same time, each of the students received an SMS notification: «All students from level one to four to report for scanning.» The professor announced that the lecture was over.
The sounds of the siren grew louder, urging the last of the students to leave the building. The audience quickly emptied. The professor looked out of the window and saw a Continental Guard van with a line lined up. Drones circled above the crowd as a voice over the loudspeaker continued to urge students to report immediately for their scans. The first group of drones made sure that no one left the university, and the second group scanned the retina of the eyes from a distance, identifying the person.
The professor walked away from the window and heard the voice of student Chris Taffer, who was slowly taking last notes about the lecture:
– Mr. Graves, excuse me, can I ask you one more quick question?
– Yes, I’m listening.
«I tried to look for the answer to it in library books and the continental network, but most of the information is missing. They say it was erased by the rebels. I am extremely interested in the process of the birth and development of the first cryptocurrency, and I am thinking of writing a thesis on this topic. – After a short pause, the student continued: «You said that enthusiasts were attracted by the revolutionary technology, but for the first ten years, few people paid with cryptocurrencies, that is, used them for their intended purpose, people bought them only for investment purposes.»
– Yes, back then the throughput of the Bitcoin network was low, and transaction fees were significant, and this made the system unsuitable for daily use. Therefore, investing in cryptocurrencies has become largely speculative. Each buyer hoped that new investors would come to the market and buy coins from them at a higher cost.
– It turns out that people didn’t even study this technology and didn’t know its ultimate purpose… I’m talking about its payment advantages: speed, anonymity, decentralization… It turns out that they didn’t even suspect that Bitcoin was originally conceived by the intelligence services as a tool of global control?
After pausing briefly to remember certain dates, the professor calmly replied:
– As you know, the first block was generated at the beginning of 2009, and Bitcoin was accepted by the general public only in 2013. Many thought that this was the invention of a lone genius, but those who carefully familiarized themselves with the principle of operation of the system understood that a group of highly qualified cryptographers and mathematicians was working on the project. As you know, the main place of employment for specialists of this level is the government or intelligence agencies.
Looking at his watch, the professor continued:
– The arms race required colossal funds. Due to a lack of funding, the launch of many projects related to space exploration had to be postponed, but the heads of the superpowers understood: whoever owns space will own the world. From declassified documents, it became clear that, on behalf of the government, in 2007, the intelligence services created a unit in which the best cryptographers and mathematicians were looking for an effective solution for financing expensive space programs. There, dozens of projects were developed in parallel. Most of them were launched with failure or minor success, but the Blockchain project, which created Bitcoin, showed amazing results. A decision was made to expand the division. Cryptographers and mathematicians who worked on the project were assigned to a special department, which was joined by the best marketers at the final stage. This is how the first cryptocurrency was born. People who wanted to get rich were not particularly interested in what goals were pursued. It was a process that neither reason, nor authorities, nor religion could stop. As blockchain and quantum technologies developed, the Apocalypse and the imminent arrival of the Messiah, who would save the world and free the souls of people, were increasingly prophesied, but the savior never came.
The student, continuing to write down the professor’s words, asked:
– Mr. Graves, what about the same Satoshi who was at the origins of Bitcoin? His identity has not yet been revealed. Over the past 60 years, many have impersonated him, but no one has been able to prove it. I don’t know whether you watched it or not, another participant tried to impersonate Satoshi on the «Lie Detector» show, and the machine has not yet exposed him. The presenter even joked: have we really found the real creator of Bitcoin, or has another, thousandth, False Satoshi appeared on the Continent?
– I don’t watch this show, it’s mostly staged.
– Please, look at this segment, it is very convincing. The applicant has already completed 4 rounds of interviews.
Chris played the video and the professor watched it.
– Well, are you impressed? I was amazed. How did he do it?
– Not everything that is shown should be believed. I’m currently finishing work on a book: «The Age of Blockchain, or Belshazzar’s Feast.» Based on declassified materials, I described the origin and development of this project. In the fifth chapter you can read about how the image of Satoshi Nakamoto was created and where this name even came from.
– I look forward to the release of your book, professor!
Mr. Graves once again went to the window, wanting to make sure that none of the students were arrested, and said:
«Chris, hurry up to get checked so that you don’t have problems with the guards later.»
– They check those who have a low, medium or high level, and I have the highest, fifth.
– It is rarely given to anyone. How did you manage that?
«My father was a guard and besides, I never did anything illegal.» Only once did he cross the street in the wrong place to save a cat. The drone, which lost control, fell and could have crushed her. After that I had no problems. In addition, I take piloting courses, and all pilots undergo very thorough testing, so the level of trust is high. I try to live in accordance with the laws prescribed and controlled by Artificial Intelligence, Kronos, which has replaced the constitution these days. And I have no complaints about the government – they care about the Continent and ordinary citizens.
The professor did not try to convince Chris, realizing that he sympathized with the authorities, and did not reveal his connection with the rebels. Mr. Graves himself did not at all share the student’s naive opinion, especially in light of incoming information that the ruler wants to amend the Code in his new term. According to Mr. Graves, the only correct decision was to remove Demian Roskhald from power, the sooner the better. But he didn’t want to get rid of himself at all, and there was no need to become a prophet in order to predict the outcome of the upcoming elections…
Mr. Graves sighed heavily. He was terribly tired, and lately he had felt like he was being chased behind him. For members of the rebel movement, danger lurked everywhere. The trap is about to close its steel jaws, but the stake here is not just the life of an ordinary professor. The stake here is happiness and freedom from the dictates of the power of the inhabitants of the Continent, and for this you can pay the highest price.
«Chris, you are one of my best students,» the professor smiled. – Keep studying and you will come to the truth. You shouldn’t be absolutely sure of anything. As they said in ancient times, if you believe that you have learned the truth, then you have not understood anything. This is such a vessel: when you try to hold it, it will definitely slip out of your hands and leave you with nothing.
Wanting to demonstrate to Mr. Graves his knowledge of not only the laws prescribed in the Artificial Intelligence of the Continent, Chris said:
– Professor, did I tell you that my mother is from Luz? For this reason, I am well acquainted with their legislation. It differs from ours in being more conservative, so the Council of the Continent, when creating the supreme ruler Kronos, rejected it, deciding to develop a more perfect system. Are you saying that they didn’t take everything into account and that there are shortcomings in Artificial Intelligence, our supreme ruler?
«I want to say that you should always be a skeptic and continue to search for the truth.» She will definitely open up to you if you make the path to her. Kronos was created after the disaster, and training was carried out hastily. The laws contained in it, which are also called «Code 282», in my opinion, need significant improvement, but everyone has their own opinion on this matter.
After thinking about the professor’s words, Chris said:
– Mr. Graves, the topic of lawmaking has fascinated me for a long time. I continue to study the legal systems of past empires, starting with Roman law, as I plan to connect my future with the department that monitors the implementation of the laws of the Supreme Ruler Kronos on the Continent. I have the highest scores in almost all subjects, perhaps this will allow me to get a position in the Artificial Intelligence tower.
«Chris, you have a wonderful career ahead of you.» Sometimes I myself am amazed at your knowledge. You are familiar not only with your neighbor, but also with ancient and modern history, the myths of Ancient Greece, the Bible!
The student was pleased to hear such words from the professor’s lips.
– I spend most of the day in the library – I like to read historical books in paper versions. My mother works in the university library and helps me select the best books. And in the evening at home I study materials on electronic media. I don’t turn on the video camera on weekdays at all, only on weekends I make sure to watch the show «Apollo’s Arrow» and the ruler’s speech – I’ve never missed them before. Communication with peers is not particularly interesting to me, which is probably why during the four years of study I never made real friends.
– You’re doing great, keep working hard.
After thinking a little, the student asked:
– Professor, recently I have become interested in literature devoted to the interpretation of dreams. Perhaps you can recommend me a good website or book on this topic? There is a lot of information on the Internet, but I don’t understand what is reliable. Sometimes you can find dozens of different interpretations for one symbol.
The professor remained silent. Ignoring this, Chris continued:
– Since childhood, I often have a dream in which I make my way through the forest and mountains, and then a monster appears and I wake up. I just can’t understand its meaning and watch it to the end. It was the same thing this night.
– Try to figure it out on your own. Perhaps you are at a crossroads and have a choice to make. The monster is our fears that must be overcome in order to move on. It guards the Gate of knowledge – what a person strives for. I will send you useful books, study them at your leisure.
– Thank you! – Chris smiled widely. «I’ll try to read them as quickly as possible.»
– I assure you, there is no rush. I won’t need them anytime soon. I’ll let you know when they are needed. «After a pause, the professor asked: «Do you know why Wilhelm wasn’t at the lecture today?»
– The guys said that on the eve of the celebration of the 27th anniversary of the founding of Vinland, he was detained by guards. – Mr. Graves changed his face and became thoughtful. Without attaching any importance to this, Chris continued: «Now many students are being tested for involvement in the resistance.» I think this is a misunderstanding and he will be released soon.
When the professor looked at his watch once again, Chris realized that Mr. Graves was in a hurry, and, saying goodbye, headed to the library, leaving the professor alone in the classroom.
Chapter Three
Continent of Vinland, 2073
The Supreme Ruler of Vinland, Demian Roskhald, after listening to the ministers’ reports on the state of affairs on the Continent and preparations for the upcoming elections, concluded the meeting. He then retired to his private office with two of his closest associates, Benedict, the Minister of Information, and Holofernes, the chief guard of Vinland.
Mister Roskhald was the second ruler in the history of the Continent to win the general election of 2057. Some attributed Demian Roskhald’s success to his oratory skills, while others pointed to the close-knit team that helped him in the election campaign. Among those who served on Mr. Roskhald’s campaign staff at that election were Benedict and Holofernes. Together they went a long way, and, having taken the chair of the head of the Continent 16 years ago, Demian Roskhald awarded his associates high positions. In their circle, Benedict and Holofernes addressed the ruler only as «master» – as a sign of respect for his merits and high position.
The office was equipped with special soundproofing devices so that no one could overhear what was happening behind these walls. Here a circle of the ruler’s closest and most trusted representatives gathered, who had many common secrets. Demian Roskhald knew that he could always rely on the ministers, and they, in turn, sincerely admiring the master, did everything to ensure that his power was not threatened.
Despite Mr. Roskhald’s widespread popular support, decisions on key issues were made by the Senate. Holofernes and Benedict managed to lure some important opponents to the side of the ruler, but even despite this, it was not always possible to implement the necessary laws. Politically independent senators blocked amendments related to expanding the powers of the head of Vinland and increasing the budget for space programs. In the upcoming elections, Demian Roskhald was going to win a landslide victory so that his supporters would take even more seats in the renewed Senate. All forecasts were on the master’s side, and therefore temporary difficulties in the Senate, as well as a small group of rebels, did not cause much concern to the ruler.
The only thing that continued to oppress Mr. Roskhald was the constant control by the Artificial Intelligence, which bore the name of the ancient powerful god Kronos. He served on the Continent as an arbitrator and guardian of 282 laws, which were also called the code. Each law began with the word «If» and contained a normative legal act valid in the territory of Vinland. Over time, 35 of them, prescribing rules of conduct for citizens in contaminated territories, were excluded from the code, since the consequences of the disaster on the inhabited part of the Continent were eliminated.
Strict enforcement of the laws was ensured by senators representing the citizens inhabiting the twelve regions of Vinland. When a ruler failed to secure a majority vote on a decision, a group of senators turned to Kronos for advice. In the last tenure of the master, who secured the support of the majority, although not overwhelming, this happened extremely rarely. Fearing heated debates and subsequent control by Kronos, Mr. Roskhald planned to put important laws to a vote in the Senate after the elections, receiving a mandate from the citizens for the next eight years of rule.
The main part of the code prescribed in Artificial Intelligence was compiled by the ruler of one of the regions of the Continent, Anatoly Kramer, several years after the disaster and has undergone virtually no changes since then. The written laws had gradations and in order to amend them, it was necessary to overcome a certain percentage of votes in the Senate. Changes affecting daily life could be introduced into the code with a simple majority vote, and amendments to laws governing the political structure and military program of the Continent required the support of at least 85% of senators. Such a barrier was not determined by chance: the drafters of Code 282 wanted to make it impossible or at least complicate the monopolization of power, and also to prevent the resumption of space programs. To avoid dictatorship and suppression of popular unrest, the movement of drones and combat robots in service with the guards was also controlled by Kronos. This entire system was designed to protect the interests of citizens, preventing the concentration of power in one hand.
The Supreme Ruler, who was also called the guarantor of Code 282, was elected by a majority vote of the inhabitants of Vinland. Despite the fact that Demian Roskhald publicly expressed the need to comply with the current code, promising to stand guard over it, deep down he saw control by Artificial Intelligence as a great threat. In the event of mass protests or a vote of no confidence in the Senate, Kronos received a signal and could unilaterally decide to deprive the head of the Continent of his powers. In this case, he had to resign, and the Senate, announcing the date of early elections, appointed a temporary ruler.
These restrictions irritated Mr. Roskhald. Unlike the vast majority of citizens, he refused to see Kronos as the Supreme Wisdom maintaining the balance of power, and, on the contrary, believed that many of the laws he protected needed to be changed.
Benedict and Holofernes, who occupied the chairs opposite the master that evening, shared his worries and fears. It was obvious to them: the code limited the rights of the head of the Continent, not allowing him to direct even part of the budget funds to the development of space programs and new types of weapons. They had long hatched a plan to rid Vinland from the control of Kronos, making the ruler’s power on the Continent absolute.
Demian Roskhald, having taken his seat, looked around at his closest associates and asked the Minister of Information how preparations for the elections were going.
– Everything is ready, master! Elections are scheduled for the 27th anniversary of the creation of the Continent. This day has been declared a holiday. Concerts and general celebrations will be held everywhere. Yesterday on the central channel they showed how loyal members of the Senate and ordinary citizens are asking you to nominate your candidacy for a third term in order to continue the development of Vinland and protect the planet from the meteorite heading towards it. We will show your speech, where you announce your agreement to make this difficult but responsible decision for yourself – to run for a new term, today at the best time, immediately after the end of the Apollo’s Arrow show. The program has a high rating and a loyal audience, which guarantees a large number of positive responses.
Continuing to look at the recording, Benedict added:
«And then we will broadcast live from the Senate, giving the floor to your most loyal supporters.» They will be delighted and express special gratitude to you for this bold decision, and perhaps shed a tear. Starting next week, commercials will begin broadcasting about your contribution to the development of the Continent and what positive changes will occur in the lives of citizens if you are re-elected.
After listening carefully to the Minister of Information, the ruler asked:
– What should you focus on? Have you studied citizens’ requests?
Taking his eyes off the notes and looking at the master, Benedict replied:
– As always, personal well-being and safety. Starting tomorrow, propagandists on central channels will begin to convey to voters that only you will protect Vinland from an external threat and make their lives better. The people have high hopes for you; according to the data received, your rating today is 84% versus 72% of the votes cast for you eight years ago. You have two opponents who together will not get even ten percent. To be more convincing, we have already prepared opinion polls where your rating fluctuates around 90%.
To ensure that the Minister of Information and his team of specialists do not make gross mistakes that allow Artificial Intelligence to annul the election results, the master warned:
– Your main task is to conduct fair elections, since Kronos and his minions will carefully monitor the transparency of the electoral process and record even the slightest violations. Fraud must not be allowed under any circumstances; all votes are tracked. 86 percent will be enough for me: such a threshold of voter confidence will allow our like-minded people to occupy the necessary majority of seats in the Senate to make the necessary amendments to the code.
«We will take your comments into account, Grand Master.»
«Maybe we should play the foreign invasion card?» – Holofernes, the chief guard of Vinland, entered the conversation.
After thinking a little, the master replied:
– No, it’s better to continue developing the story with the meteorite, they’ll be more willing to believe it. And we’ll save the threat of a foreign invasion for a special occasion. Benedict, what do you think about this? – the ruler asked the Minister of Information.
– I agree with you, Grand Master. We need to continue to escalate the situation with the meteorite approaching Earth. We will prepare the people for the fact that in order to protect the Continent in your third term, it will be necessary to increase defense spending and launch into orbit a new satellite that will allow monitoring the approach of dangerous objects to the earth.
– Are the people reacting correctly to this threat from space, have you read everything? – the ruler asked thoughtfully.
«According to your instructions, we took a small meteorite heading towards Vinland and increased its volume thousands of times. Every day we demonstrate photographs of a meteorite taken with the latest telescope, its approach to the Earth and talk about the consequences of the collision, which should occur in 5—6 years. People are keeping a close eye on this albeit distant threat. A few years ago, we launched a special show, «Apollo’s Arrow,» in which professional pilots wearing virtual reality helmets demonstrate their skills in fighting this cosmic body.
After thinking for a moment, the Minister of Information added:
«But I believe that, in addition to the hypothetical threat from space, closer to the elections it is worth creating an additional event, a provocation that will rally people around you with greater force. What happened must be blamed on one of the candidates or, better yet, on the rebels. It is necessary to continue to press them, forcing them to make mistakes. I am convinced that Holofernes has agents who can organize an attack on behalf of the resistance.
The ruler and the minister of information turned their gaze to Holofernes. Collecting his thoughts, he said:
«Grand Master, I just wanted to report on the upcoming operation to capture a group of rebels consisting of four people. We are listening to their conversations, and according to the information we have, they are planning to invade the live broadcast of the Apollo’s Arrow show again today. A special squad of guards is monitoring all exits from the building around the clock in the hope of capturing one of their leaders, Frank Tierney, but he has not yet appeared in that apartment.
– Did you manage to find out who exactly invaded the show last weekend? – the ruler asked.
Seeing in what happened his omission as the head of the guards of the Continent, Holofernes replied with annoyance:
«This attack was not like the previous ones, which we repelled with ease.» Obviously, a professional or group acted and used very expensive equipment. It has not yet been possible to find out who exactly carried out this invasion. As for the group we discovered, they use conventional technology, we can easily prevent the attack.
After listening to Holofernes, Benedict entered the conversation:
«I think it is necessary to capture those rebels immediately so that they do not have even the slightest opportunity to get into the airwaves.» In the report we will show the negotiations of the rebels and the equipment seized in the apartment, thereby demonstrating the determination of the master. If they manage to invade the airwaves for the second show in a row, the people may view this as a weakness of the ruler. Over the past week, we have made a lot of effort to portray the rebels who carried out that attack as a bunch of robbers, ready to do anything, even capable of interrupting a popular show for the sake of their own selfish goals. It will be more difficult to do this the second time.
After thinking a little, Holofernes decided to propose a more radical option:
«We have received intelligence information that the group of Zelot, the second leader of the rebels, is preparing a provocation before the elections. There is our agent in his circle. He can push the resistance to an action that will expose them as robbers and the master as a savior.
– Wonderful, Holofernes! – Benedict approved. «We need actions that will cause people’s rejection of the rebels and even greater sympathy for the master, which will rally them around his figure!» On the eve of the elections, we will push these robbers to the most radical actions: a chemical attack or an assassination attempt on the ruler, perhaps combining both scenarios for greater effect. The main thing is that this does not threaten the master personally and does not cause him physical harm.
– The safety of the ruler is above all! – said the chief guard.
Looking at his watch, the Minister of Information said:
– Grand Master, it’s time for the «Apollo’s Arrow» show, and in three hours there will be our live broadcast. It’s time to start the election campaign. Maybe you should collect your thoughts and rest? And I will go to the studio and personally make sure that all the preparations are completed.
Having thanked Benedict, the master listened to Holofernes’ report about the secret expedition that had returned from the contaminated area, which finally managed to find top-secret information about «Project A129» in one of the caves located high in the mountains. The special headquarters of the space agency was evacuated to that same cave shortly before the disaster.
* * *
Despite the fact that the broadcast was interrupted by a rebel attack last weekend, interest in the show continued and ratings broke new records. The ticker announced that at the end of the show the head of the Continent would address the people. The guards monitored all suspicious hacker attacks on the television center and, taking into account previous mistakes, easily stopped all attempts to interfere. As soon as the speech of the Head of the Continent was announced, people clung to the screens.
The Taffer family also looked forward to Demian Roskhald’s speech, hoping that he would listen to the requests of the people, as well as the senators, and agree to run for a third term. Mother and son were sincerely concerned about the situation. It’s bad if Vinland is a mess. After the unprecedented incident, it became clear that urgent and tough measures were needed. Only Demian Roskhald, who had been at the helm of the Continent for many years, could cope with the situation. The main thing is that he does not refuse to run for a third term.
Most of the people in Vinland thought the same thing. As they say, you don’t change horses in midstream, much less rulers.
The performance has begun.
The expectations of the residents of Vinland were rewarded: Demian Roskhald nevertheless agreed to run for a third term and continue working for the benefit of Vinland. He explained the decision by saying that many ordinary citizens, seeing a significant improvement in life after the terrible disaster of 2046, urgently asked him to stay. He assured that he would continue to work hard for the prosperity and greatness of the Continent.
The first slide shown on air showed a graph of economic growth and the standard of living of citizens during the reign of Mr. Roskhald. The second showed the growth of wages and pensions, although not particularly high. The head of Vinland promised to create more jobs, increase pensions and continue to work to improve the living conditions of ordinary people.
At the end of his speech, Demian Roskhald decided to touch upon the topic of the Continental Code, interference in which worried a certain part of society. Looking confidently into the camera, the ruler promised that, despite the calls of his supporters, he is not going to make any changes to the laws prescribed in Artificial Intelligence.
