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;
;
; Sid Meier’s ALPHA CENTAURI
; Sid Meier’s ALPHA CENTAURI
;
;
; Backstory Interludes
; Backstory Interludes
;
;
; Copyright © 1997, 1998 by Firaxis Games, Inc.
; Copyright © 1997, 1998 by Firaxis Games, Inc.
;
;
#INTERLUDE
#INTERLUDE
#xs 400
#xs 400
^^
^^
^^INTERLUDE
^^INTERLUDE
^
^
^^from
^^from
^
^
^^The Book of Planet
^^The Book of Planet
^
^
^^M.Y. $NUM0
^^M.Y. $NUM0
^
^
^
^
#INTERLUDE0
#INTERLUDE0
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: A Waking Nightmare
#caption Interlude: A Waking Nightmare
^ Walking alone through the corridors of $BASENAME2, you skim the security
^ Walking alone through the corridors of $BASENAME2, you skim the security
reports on recent attacks by the horrific native “mind worms.” Giant
^reports on recent attacks by the horrific native “mind worms.” Giant
swarms, or “boils,” of these mottled 10cm nightmares have wriggled out of the
^swarms, or “boils,” of these mottled 10 cm nightmares have wriggled out of the
fungal beds of late, and now threaten to overwhelm base
^fungal beds of late, and now threaten to overwhelm base
perimeters in several sectors. Victims are paralyzed with psi-induced terror,
^perimeters in several sectors. Victims are paralyzed with psi-induced terror,
and then experience an unimaginably excruciating death as the worms burrow
^and then experience an unimaginably excruciating death as the worms burrow
into the brain to implant their ravenous larvae.
^into the brain to implant their ravenous larvae.
^ Only the most disciplined security squads can overcome their fear
^ Only the most disciplined security squads can overcome their fear
long enough to trigger the flame guns which can keep the worms at bay.
^long enough to trigger the flame guns which can keep the worms at bay.
Clearly you will have to tend carefully to the morale of the troops.
^Clearly you will have to tend carefully to the morale of the troops.
^ Furthermore, since terror and surprise increase human casualties
^ Furthermore, since terror and surprise increase human casualties
dramatically in these encounters, it will be important to strike
^dramatically in these encounters, it will be important to strike
first when mind worm boils are detected. You consider ordering some
^first when mind worm boils are detected. You consider ordering some
Former detachments to construct sensors near vulnerable bases to aid
^Former detachments to construct sensors near vulnerable bases to aid
in such detection efforts.
^in such detection efforts.
#INTERLUDE1
#INTERLUDE1
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Antibodies
#caption Interlude: Antibodies
^ “Reporting, $TITLE0!” The young functionary stands stiffly at attention.
^ “Reporting, $TITLE0!” The young functionary stands stiffly at attention.
Born in the early years of planetfall, she belongs to a generation
^Born in the early years of planetfall, she belongs to a generation
which knows Earth only as a distant legend.
^which knows Earth only as a distant legend.
^ “$VOKI8, I have a special assignment for you,” you say, fixing her with an
^ “$VOKI8, I have a special assignment for you,” you say, fixing her with an
intense stare, “These samples must be taken to Dr. $SHIMODA9 at $BASENAME4.
^intense stare, “These samples must be taken to Dr. $SHIMODA9 at $BASENAME4.
See to it personally.”
^See to it personally.”
^ You hand her a lead-lined security case. The cryopack inside
^ You hand her a lead-lined security case. The cryopack inside
contains the stuff of nightmares: mind worm specimens. [Viable]
^contains the stuff of nightmares: mind worm specimens. [Viable]
specimens, captured and preserved at the cost of untold lives.
^specimens, captured and preserved at the cost of untold lives.
$SHIMODA9’s team has studied the recent mind worm upsurge, and claims
$SHIMODA9’s team has studied the recent mind worm upsurge, and claims
that the worm boils act as a sort of regulator for Planet’s ecology.
^that the worm boils act as a sort of regulator for Planet’s ecology.
Human settlement is disrupting the native ecosystem, and the mind
^Human settlement is disrupting the native ecosystem, and the mind
worms are swarming like a kind of ecological antibody.
^worms are swarming like a kind of ecological antibody.
^ $SHIMODA9 has also reached an even more ominous conclusion: with
^ $SHIMODA9 has also reached an even more ominous conclusion: with
modern Biology Lab facilities, mind worms could be bred in captivity
^modern Biology Lab facilities, mind worms could be bred in captivity
and used as horrifying weapons—against other human factions.
^and used as horrifying weapons—against other human factions.
^ “At once, $TITLE0,” $VOKI8 says, stepping backwards into the accessway.
^ “At once, $TITLE0,” $VOKI8 says, stepping backwards into the accessway.
Efficient, competent and far better disciplined than the youths of the
^Efficient, competent and far better disciplined than the youths of the
21st Century Earth you left behind, $VOKI8 has grown up in a world fraught
^21st Century Earth you left behind, $VOKI8 has grown up in a world fraught
with very real dangers. Terrifying dangers once the exclusive province
^with very real dangers. Terrifying dangers once the exclusive province
of the same manner of legends and tales to which Earth itself is now
^of the same manner of legends and tales to which Earth itself is now
consigned.
^consigned.
#INTERLUDE2
#INTERLUDE2
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Planet Dreams
#caption Interlude: Planet Dreams
^ “Yes, $TITLE0 $NAME1, I did say ‘thought’ waves.” Dr. $SHIMODA9’s wrinkled smile
^ “Yes, $TITLE0 $NAME1, I did say ‘thought’ waves.” Dr. $SHIMODA9’s wrinkled smile
is otherworldly, a grinning death’s head. “The mind worms definitely,
^is otherworldly, a grinning death’s head. “The mind worms definitely,
and probably the fungus itself. Even after transient Human thought
^and probably the fungus itself. Even after transient Human thought
patterns are isolated, a complex wave dynamic remains, and there is
^patterns are isolated, a complex wave dynamic remains, and there is
good reason to believe that at least some mentation is taking place.”
^good reason to believe that at least some mentation is taking place.”
^ “You’re telling me this stuff thinks,” you say halfheartedly,
^ “You’re telling me this stuff thinks,” you say halfheartedly,
not quite prepared to buy into the idea.
^not quite prepared to buy into the idea.
^ “If so, it’s a remarkably different manner of ‘thought’ from
^ “If so, it’s a remarkably different manner of ‘thought’ from
that of humans, but the basic cognitive feedback loop is present.”
^that of humans, but the basic cognitive feedback loop is present.”
Dr. $SHIMODA9 leans forward and gestures toward the graphic with his
^Dr. $SHIMODA9 leans forward and gestures toward the graphic with his
datalink stylus. “The most striking thing is the loop’s ability to
^datalink stylus. “The most striking thing is the loop’s ability to
jump from creature to creature, each fungal spore acting as a synapse. The
^jump from creature to creature, each fungal spore acting as a synapse. The
spores and worms as individual creatures are insignificant, but the
^spores and worms as individual creatures are insignificant, but the
feedback across a fungal bloom or a mind worm boil is impressive.”
^feedback across a fungal bloom or a mind worm boil is impressive.”
^ “How long can it keep jumping?” Now your curiosity is piqued. “Has it
^ “How long can it keep jumping?” Now your curiosity is piqued. “Has it
crossed the threshold into self-awareness?”
^crossed the threshold into self-awareness?”
^ “Difficult to say. In theory a powerful wave could reverberate clear
^ “Difficult to say. In theory a powerful wave could reverberate clear
around the planet, but the distances involved would make true
^around the planet, but the distances involved would make true
self-awareness problematic. Perhaps a quasi sentient state similar to
^self-awareness problematic. Perhaps a quasi sentient state similar to
our dreams.”
^our dreams.”
#INTERLUDE3
#INTERLUDE3
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Penance
#caption Interlude: Penance
^ In the darkness, something goes >pop<, and you are lying on your
^ In the darkness, something goes >pop<, and you are lying on your
back on a hillside among the soft orange and purple tendrils of a
^back on a hillside among the soft orange and purple tendrils of a
vast fungal forest. The sound of running water gurgles
^vast fungal forest. The sound of running water gurgles
loudly in the vicinity of your right ear, but you cannot identify the
^loudly in the vicinity of your right ear, but you cannot identify the
source. Panic rises briefly in your throat as you realize
^source. Panic rises briefly in your throat as you realize
you have no filter mask or oxygen tank, dressed only in your worksuit,
^you have no filter mask or oxygen tank, dressed only in your worksuit,
but breath comes easily and you detect no signs of nitrogen narcosis.
^but breath comes easily and you detect no signs of nitrogen narcosis.
From somewhere, a voice seems to whisper “earth$NAME3,” but perhaps
^From somewhere, a voice seems to whisper “earth$NAME3,” but perhaps
it is only the breeze.
^it is only the breeze.
^ Time passes, and you notice that the fungus is growing perceptibly,
^ Time passes, and you notice that the fungus is growing perceptibly,
the spores gently nudging you as they slowly stretch and twist. Fungal
^the spores gently nudging you as they slowly stretch and twist. Fungal
bloom! Panic returns full force and you struggle to free yourself from
^bloom! Panic returns full force and you struggle to free yourself from
the encroaching tendrils. “earth$NAME3!” The voice again, more insistent.
^the encroaching tendrils. “earth$NAME3!” The voice again, more insistent.
The last tendrils break and you are free and dashing across an endless
^The last tendrils break and you are free and dashing across an endless
field of purple and orange. “earth$NAME3! beware!” from close behind you
^field of purple and orange. “earth$NAME3! beware!” from close behind you
and then … >discontinuity<
^and then … >discontinuity<
^ In the darkness, something goes >pop<, and you are lying on your
^ In the darkness, something goes >pop<, and you are lying on your
back in the gene therapy tank, the gauzy restraints slowly retracting.
^back in the gene therapy tank, the gauzy restraints slowly retracting.
The remaining fluid in the tank gurgles away through the tube behind
^The remaining fluid in the tank gurgles away through the tube behind
your head and you slowly sit up. Four weeks of your life, once every ten
^your head and you slowly sit up. Four weeks of your life, once every ten
years, you spend in this state. A small price to pay for immortality, or
^years, you spend in this state. A small price to pay for immortality, or
something close to it. A half-remembered dream tugs at you as you pull on
^something close to it. A half-remembered dream tugs at you as you pull on
a clean worksuit, but you cannot recapture it.
^a clean worksuit, but you cannot recapture it.
#INTERLUDE4
#INTERLUDE4
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Brood Trainer
#caption Interlude: Brood Trainer
^ “$VOKI8, I need you to join Dr. $SHIMODA9’s team at $BASENAME5,” you say,
^ “$VOKI8, I need you to join Dr. $SHIMODA9’s team at $BASENAME5,” you say,
indicating a base in the Secure Zone on your three-D holo.
^indicating a base in the Secure Zone on your three-D holo.
^ Standing below the dais of your audience chamber, your aide appears
^ Standing below the dais of your audience chamber, your aide appears
no older than she did on the day she first joined your personal staff.
^no older than she did on the day she first joined your personal staff.
$VOKI8 has clearly kept to a strict longevity regimen. Now at $NUM1
$VOKI8 has clearly kept to a strict longevity regimen. Now at $NUM1
Planetyears one of your most effective Talents, she is ready for
^Planetyears one of your most effective Talents, she is ready for
her first major independent assignment.
^her first major independent assignment.
^ “Have I offended, $TITLE0, that you send me away?”
^ “Have I offended, $TITLE0, that you send me away?”
^ “Hardly. $VOKI8, your DNA prints indicate an aptitude for the new
^ “Hardly. $VOKI8, your DNA prints indicate an aptitude for the new
psi training.” A genetic diagram swirls into view on the holo, with
^psi training.” A genetic diagram swirls into view on the holo, with
the relevant portion of chromosome 21 highlighted. “Dr. $SHIMODA9 and
^the relevant portion of chromosome 21 highlighted. “Dr. $SHIMODA9 and
his military ecologists have been breeding mind worm specimens in
^his military ecologists have been breeding mind worm specimens in
captivity, and they believe that a properly trained telepathi can be
^captivity, and they believe that a properly trained telepathi can be
bonded to the nascent boil, making it an extension of the self.”
^bonded to the nascent boil, making it an extension of the self.”
^ “[Become] a mind worm boil?” $VOKI8 asks, somewhat horrified.
^ “[Become] a mind worm boil?” $VOKI8 asks, somewhat horrified.
^ “Become? Not really. Control? Yes. $VOKI8, the military potential of
^ “Become? Not really. Control? Yes. $VOKI8, the military potential of
this discovery cannot be overemphasized, and you are the only Talent
^this discovery cannot be overemphasized, and you are the only Talent
I trust for such an assignment. We need brood trainers, $VOKI8, and I
^I trust for such an assignment. We need brood trainers, $VOKI8, and I
need to you be the first, the leader.”
^need to you be the first, the leader.”
^ “As you wish, $TITLE0,” $VOKI8 says, steeling herself to the mission.
^ “As you wish, $TITLE0,” $VOKI8 says, steeling herself to the mission.
As she retreats from the dais, you are troubled by a vision of $VOKI8
^As she retreats from the dais, you are troubled by a vision of $VOKI8
clawing at her face, mottled worms spilling from her eye sockets.
^clawing at her face, mottled worms spilling from her eye sockets.
You hope you have not signed $VOKI8’s death warrant, for she has been a
^You hope you have not signed $VOKI8’s death warrant, for she has been a
most promising Talent.
^most promising Talent.
#INTERLUDE5
#INTERLUDE5
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Planet Dreams II
#caption Interlude: Planet Dreams II
^ Ever since the incident in the gene therapy tank, you have experienced
^ Ever since the incident in the gene therapy tank, you have experienced
recurring dreams and nightmares centered around the fungal blooms which
^recurring dreams and nightmares centered around the fungal blooms which
encroach ever more rapidly on the outskirts of major human settlements.
^encroach ever more rapidly on the outskirts of major human settlements.
You even postponed your most recent longevity treatment in an effort to
^You even postponed your most recent longevity treatment in an effort to
avoid the trance state, but the dreams have now crept into your normal
^avoid the trance state, but the dreams have now crept into your normal
REM sleep as well.
^REM sleep as well.
^ In your most recent dream, just before the major bloom near $BASENAME5,
^ In your most recent dream, just before the major bloom near $BASENAME5,
the presence you have come to call “the Voice” returned once again.
^the presence you have come to call “the Voice” returned once again.
^ “earth$NAME3.” From some invisible spot just behind you.
^ “earth$NAME3.” From some invisible spot just behind you.
^ “Hello, Voice. Who are you?”
^ “Hello, Voice. Who are you?”
^ “who. difficult concept for we, earth$NAME3. mind and flower: many
^ “who. difficult concept for we, earth$NAME3. mind and flower: many
dreamings. never before another. you may call we ‘voice.’ growth dream
^dreamings. never before another. you may call we ‘voice.’ growth dream
comes! beware.”
^comes! beware.”
^ “Beware? What do you want, Voice?”
^ “Beware? What do you want, Voice?”
^ “want. more confused $NAME3 thinking. ache of slumber broken. earth$NAME3
^ “want. more confused $NAME3 thinking. ache of slumber broken. earth$NAME3
is animal we. stranger we. animal: energy! mines! roads! sensors!
^is animal we. stranger we. animal: energy! mines! roads! sensors!
condensers!! boreholes!! breakers of flower dream. end of joy.
^condensers!! boreholes!! breakers of flower dream. end of joy.
growth dream now comes: end of animal.”
^growth dream now comes: end of animal.”
^ “Stop it, Voice. Why are you telling me this?”
^ “Stop it, Voice. Why are you telling me this?”
^ “why! dream word! dream song! why why why why why why why why
^ “why! dream word! dream song! why why why why why why why why
why why why why why why why why why why why why why why …”
^why why why why why why why why why why why why why why …”
^ “Silence! Get out of my mind!” >discontinuity<
^ “Silence! Get out of my mind!” >discontinuity<
#INTERLUDE6
#INTERLUDE6
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Despair
#caption Interlude: Despair
^ If you live for a thousand years you will never forget the day
^ If you live for a thousand years you will never forget the day
they brought you $VOKI8’s body, shrouded in planetcloth, burnt almost
^they brought you $VOKI8’s body, shrouded in planetcloth, burnt almost
beyond recognition.
^beyond recognition.
^ “How did this happen?” Gruffly, not allowing the distress to creep
^ “How did this happen?” Gruffly, not allowing the distress to creep
into your voice.
^into your voice.
^ “Cooked by a flame gun. $ENEMYNAME6’s men. Tried to surrender
^ “Cooked by a flame gun. $ENEMYNAME6’s men. Tried to surrender
but they flamed her anyway. Don’t like those worms, the $ENEMYFACT7.”
^but they flamed her anyway. Don’t like those worms, the $ENEMYFACT7.”
^ “I see.” Your most loyal servant, butchered by $ENEMYFACT7. And
^ “I see.” Your most loyal servant, butchered by $ENEMYFACT7. And
only now do you realize that, subconsciously, you’d been grooming $VOKI8
^only now do you realize that, subconsciously, you’d been grooming $VOKI8
as your heir apparent, the student who would one day replace you as
^as your heir apparent, the student who would one day replace you as
master.
^master.
^ For all the gene splicing and longevity treatments, all the manmade
^ For all the gene splicing and longevity treatments, all the manmade
miracles of M.Y. $NUM0, death remains as final, as capricious, and
^miracles of M.Y. $NUM0, death remains as final, as capricious, and
as desolate as it has ever been. No matter what happens now, no matter
^as desolate as it has ever been. No matter what happens now, no matter
what journey of wonder humankind now embarks upon, $VOKI8 will never see
^what journey of wonder humankind now embarks upon, $VOKI8 will never see
it, never know the end of it. And no matter how many centuries you
^it, never know the end of it. And no matter how many centuries you
continue to cheat eternity, you will never again have the company of
^continue to cheat eternity, you will never again have the company of
your student and friend. And you cannot cheat eternity forever.
^your student and friend. And you cannot cheat eternity forever.
^ Despair grips you, and you shudder. But life is seductive in its
^ Despair grips you, and you shudder. But life is seductive in its
rhythms and rituals. Our bodies do not like to be reminded of their
^rhythms and rituals. Our bodies do not like to be reminded of their
own impending deaths, and will not allow us to dwell on the subject.
^own impending deaths, and will not allow us to dwell on the subject.
Soon enough the heat and the cold, the hard and the soft, the taste
^Soon enough the heat and the cold, the hard and the soft, the taste
of the wine, the press of a lover’s arms, all will come flooding back
^of the wine, the press of a lover’s arms, all will come flooding back
to soothe us, to fill us again with a sense of purpose. And in the
^to soothe us, to fill us again with a sense of purpose. And in the
meantime there are a number of, ah, items to be attended to:
^meantime there are a number of, ah, items to be attended to:
^ “Bring me Major Joaquim! I want $BASENAME5 disassembled piece
^ “Bring me Major Joaquim! I want $BASENAME5 disassembled piece
by piece. And have this body removed to the tanks—it is nothing to
^by piece. And have this body removed to the tanks—it is nothing to
me now.”
^me now.”
#INTERLUDE7
#INTERLUDE7
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Alpha Prime
#caption Interlude: Alpha Prime
^ “ … and in her memory, let this base henceforth be known as
^ “ … and in her memory, let this base henceforth be known as
‘$BASENAME6,’ that her bravery can serve as an example to all and
‘$BASENAME6,’ that her bravery can serve as an example to all and
that her hopes, her dreams, her deeds shall not have been in vain.”
^that her hopes, her dreams, her deeds shall not have been in vain.”
^ You stand on the high podium in the laser-scored commons of the
^ You stand on the high podium in the laser-scored commons of the
base once styled $BASENAME5. A mixed crowd of soldiers and
^base once styled $BASENAME5. A mixed crowd of soldiers and
ragged-looking civilians provides scattered applause as you rededicate
^ragged-looking civilians provides scattered applause as you rededicate
the settlement in $VOKI8’s name. A few teams of drones shamble about,
^the settlement in $VOKI8’s name. A few teams of drones shamble about,
oblivious to the ceremony, still removing the wreckage of last week’s
^oblivious to the ceremony, still removing the wreckage of last week’s
battle and punctuating the proceedings with an occasional thump or
^battle and punctuating the proceedings with an occasional thump or
crash.
^crash.
^ Through the plasma glass dome, Alpha Prime soars high in a hazy
^ Through the plasma glass dome, Alpha Prime soars high in a hazy
sky, cruel cousin of Father Sol. How you miss the soft blue skies of
^sky, cruel cousin of Father Sol. How you miss the soft blue skies of
Earth, but $SHIMODA9 says the stratospheric haze helps stave off a
^Earth, but $SHIMODA9 says the stratospheric haze helps stave off a
runaway greenhouse effect on a world otherwise a bit too close to
^runaway greenhouse effect on a world otherwise a bit too close to
its solar furnace.
^its solar furnace.
^ The dedication complete, you gather your entourage and prepare to
^ The dedication complete, you gather your entourage and prepare to
return to $BASENAME2. $ENEMYADJ7 forces have fled to the $COMPASS4,
^return to $BASENAME2. $ENEMYADJ7 forces have fled to the $COMPASS4,
but it is not safe to remain here in person.
^but it is not safe to remain here in person.
^ The drones continue their work.
^ The drones continue their work.
#INTERLUDE8
#INTERLUDE8
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: A Failure to Communicate
#caption Interlude: A Failure to Communicate
^ >Pop!< Sudden darkness. This time you weren’t even asleep.
^ >Pop!< Sudden darkness. This time you weren’t even asleep.
^ “earth$NAME3.”
^ “earth$NAME3.”
^ “Dammit, Voice! I am holding [Council]! Stay out of my head!”
^ “Dammit, Voice! I am holding [Council]! Stay out of my head!”
It is no longer possible to deny it; this cannot be a hoax. Either you
^It is no longer possible to deny it; this cannot be a hoax. Either you
have lost your final marble or you have come into contact with some
^have lost your final marble or you have come into contact with some
avatar of the native fungus, an alien sentience whose neural matrix may
^avatar of the native fungus, an alien sentience whose neural matrix may
span the entire planet.
^span the entire planet.
^ “more skilled we, yes, at this? teach we much, earth$NAME3. council
^ “more skilled we, yes, at this? teach we much, earth$NAME3. council
never mind. talking we $NAME3 voice now. orders giving. haha. joke we!
^never mind. talking we $NAME3 voice now. orders giving. haha. joke we!
haha.” Great. A sentient planet with the maturity of a creche infant.
^haha.” Great. A sentient planet with the maturity of a crèche infant.
^ “Make it quick, Voice, whatever it is you want. You are trying my patience.”
^ “Make it quick, Voice, whatever it is you want. You are trying my patience.”
^ “question we. your human nodes, together think yes? together think no?
^ “question we. your human nodes, together think yes? together think no?
flower synapse, worm synapse detect we not. is there dependence?”
^flower synapse, worm synapse detect we not. is there dependence?”
^ “Each human is an independent creature. We can communicate by talking
^ “Each human is an independent creature. We can communicate by talking
and writing, but we do not ‘togetherthink’ as you call it.”
^and writing, but we do not ‘togetherthink’ as you call it.”
^ “ah, most relieved we. necessary pruning we several large infestations
^ “ah, most relieved we. necessary pruning we several large infestations
human nodes, harming they flower mind. not wishing we deprive earth$NAME3
^human nodes, harming they flower mind. not wishing we deprive earth$NAME3
of together thinking. thank we, sorry bother we.”
^of together thinking. thank we, sorry bother we.”
^ “Wait! Voice! You can’t just …”
^ “Wait! Voice! You can’t just …”
^ >Pop!< Awkward silence around the council table.
^ >Pop!< Awkward silence around the council table.
You quickly wipe the drool from your chin.
^You quickly wipe the drool from your chin.
#INTERLUDE9
#INTERLUDE9
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Growthdream
#caption Interlude: Growthdream
^ “I have ordered these Preserves set aside for you, Voice. Planetlife
^ “I have ordered these Preserves set aside for you, Voice. Planetlife
will remain completely undisturbed inside these compounds. Can you, in
^will remain completely undisturbed inside these compounds. Can you, in
return, regulate your animal and plant vectors, keep them from overrunning
^return, regulate your animal and plant vectors, keep them from overrunning
my compounds?”
^my compounds?”
^ “mind and flower, node and worm,
^ “mind and flower, node and worm,
^ in compound small, planet yearns.
^ in compound small, planet yearns.
^ growth dream soon unlock we prison,
^ growth dream soon unlock we prison,
^ human beware, planet risen!
^ human beware, planet risen!
^ “like you poem we, earth$NAME3? new human skill learn we.”
^ “like you poem we, earth$NAME3? new human skill learn we.”
^ “Pretty dreadful, Voice. What is this ‘growth dream?’ You keep alluding to it.”
^ “Pretty dreadful, Voice. What is this ‘growth dream?’ You keep alluding to it.”
^ “growth dream soon is. epochal blooming we. mind and flower, dreaming we
^ “growth dream soon is. epochal blooming we. mind and flower, dreaming we
of great why. earthhumans, thoughts many, make they growth dream sooner.
^of great why. earthhumans, thoughts many, make they growth dream sooner.
plant we many many many. great pruning we of animal we. also animal you.
^plant we many many many. great pruning we of animal we. also animal you.
beginning again of cycle.”
^beginning again of cycle.”
^ “You mean this is going to wipe out most animal life on the planet?
^ “You mean this is going to wipe out most animal life on the planet?
Including all the humans?”
^Including all the humans?”
^ “not certain we. never before this clearly think we. from humans
^ “not certain we. never before this clearly think we. from humans
learn we much, especially earth$NAME3. earth$NAME3 friend we. will
^learn we much, especially earth$NAME3. earth$NAME3 friend we. will
often remember we earth$NAME3 in next cycle.”
^often remember we earth$NAME3 in next cycle.”
^ “That’s kind of you, Voice, but it’s not quite the kind of immortality
^ “That’s kind of you, Voice, but it’s not quite the kind of immortality
I had in mind. Can’t this process be slowed or stopped?”
^I had in mind. Can’t this process be slowed or stopped?”
^ “stop we no. slow we yes, in compounds stay we, less harming
^ “stop we no. slow we yes, in compounds stay we, less harming
cause you. now, let us make you we more poems.”
^cause you. now, let us make you we more poems.”
#INTERLUDE10
#INTERLUDE10
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: The Voice of Alpha Centauri
#caption Interlude: The Voice of Alpha Centauri
^ It has been a rough year at $BASENAME2, and tempers are beginning
^ It has been a rough year at $BASENAME2, and tempers are beginning
to flare at your Council sessions. Across the entire region, citizens
^to flare at your Council sessions. Across the entire region, citizens
are reporting strange dreams and even rudimentary contacts. A new
^are reporting strange dreams and even rudimentary contacts. A new
cult revering Planet as a vengeful savior has gained wide popularity
^cult revering Planet as a vengeful savior has gained wide popularity
among the Drone population and even with many Normals. Its prophets,
^among the Drone population and even with many Normals. Its prophets,
calling themselves “Flowers”, preach a gospel of abstinence, pacifism,
^calling themselves “Flowers”, preach a gospel of abstinence, pacifism,
and destruction of private property. The telepathi of the Empath schools
^and destruction of private property. The telepathi of the Empath schools
aren’t talking, but many have quietly begun selling off their
^aren’t talking, but many have quietly begun selling off their
possessions and withdrawing from public life.
^possessions and withdrawing from public life.
^ Meanwhile, cultural life continues unabated. A new dance, the
^ Meanwhile, cultural life continues unabated. A new dance, the
“Planetary Thunda,” is sweeping rec domes throughout the faction.
“Planetary Thunda,” is sweeping rec domes throughout the faction.
Dancers stomp in time to the beat and claw at their eyes. Morgan
^Dancers stomp in time to the beat and claw at their eyes. Morgan
Pharmaceuticals has released several new recreational drugs,
^Pharmaceuticals has released several new recreational drugs,
and the Holo/Psi virtual life industry is having one of its most
^and the Holo/Psi virtual life industry is having one of its most
successful years ever.
^successful years ever.
^ As for yourself, you haven’t heard from Voice much lately; she seems
^ As for yourself, you haven’t heard from Voice much lately; she seems
preoccupied with her poetry. You have to admit she’s gotten a lot better
^preoccupied with her poetry. You have to admit she’s gotten a lot better
at it since her early doggerel; some of her newest verse is so deep
^at it since her early doggerel; some of her newest verse is so deep
as to stagger the imagination. More ominously, her predictions of
^as to stagger the imagination. More ominously, her predictions of
‘growth dream’ have become more frequent and more forceful.
‘growth dream’ have become more frequent and more forceful.
^ You have also ordered work on a secret new project you call
^ You have also ordered work on a secret new project you call
‘The Voice of Alpha Centauri.’ A kind of synergistic psi projector,
‘The Voice of Alpha Centauri.’ A kind of synergistic psi projector,
it should, if all goes well, allow Voice to think and communicate
^it should, if all goes well, allow Voice to think and communicate
more effectively, a prosthetic aid wired directly to the main
^more effectively, a prosthetic aid wired directly to the main
colony datalinks. You have not yet mentioned this project to Voice.
^colony datalinks. You have not yet mentioned this project to Voice.
#INTERLUDE11
#INTERLUDE11
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: The Voice of Alpha Centauri
#caption Interlude: The Voice of Alpha Centauri
^ It has been a rough year at $BASENAME2, and tempers are beginning
^ It has been a rough year at $BASENAME2, and tempers are beginning
to flare at your Council sessions. Across the entire region, citizens
^to flare at your Council sessions. Across the entire region, citizens
are reporting strange dreams and even rudimentary contacts. A new
^are reporting strange dreams and even rudimentary contacts. A new
cult revering Planet as a vengeful savior has gained wide popularity
^cult revering Planet as a vengeful savior has gained wide popularity
among the Drone population and even with many Normals. Its prophets,
^among the Drone population and even with many Normals. Its prophets,
calling themselves “Flowers”, preach a gospel of abstinence, pacifism,
^calling themselves “Flowers”, preach a gospel of abstinence, pacifism,
and destruction of private property. The telepathi of the Empath schools
^and destruction of private property. The telepathi of the Empath schools
aren’t talking, but many have quietly begun selling off their
^aren’t talking, but many have quietly begun selling off their
possessions and withdrawing from public life.
^possessions and withdrawing from public life.
^ Meanwhile, cultural life continues unabated. A new dance, the
^ Meanwhile, cultural life continues unabated. A new dance, the
“Planetary Thunda,” is sweeping rec domes throughout the faction.
“Planetary Thunda,” is sweeping rec domes throughout the faction.
Dancers stomp in time to the beat and claw at their eyes. Morgan
^Dancers stomp in time to the beat and claw at their eyes. Morgan
Pharmaceuticals has released several new recreational drugs,
^Pharmaceuticals has released several new recreational drugs,
and the Holo/Psi virtual life industry is having one of its most
^and the Holo/Psi virtual life industry is having one of its most
successful years ever.
^successful years ever.
^ As for yourself, you haven’t heard from Voice much lately; she seems
^ As for yourself, you haven’t heard from Voice much lately; she seems
preoccupied with her poetry. You have to admit she’s gotten a lot better
^preoccupied with her poetry. You have to admit she’s gotten a lot better
at it since her early doggerel; some of her newest verse staggers the
^at it since her early doggerel; some of her newest verse staggers the
imagination. More ominously, her predictions of
^imagination. More ominously, her predictions of
‘growth dream’ have become more frequent and more forceful.
‘growth dream’ have become more frequent and more forceful.
^ You have also heard rumors of a secret new project called
^ You have also heard rumors of a secret new project called
‘The Voice of Alpha Centauri.’ Supposedly, it is some kind of
‘The Voice of Alpha Centauri.’ Supposedly, it is some kind of
synergistic psi projector which will allow Voice to be connected
^synergistic psi projector which will allow Voice to be connected
directly to the main colony datalinks. Voice has said nothing of
^directly to the main colony datalinks. Voice has said nothing of
this project, and your own advisors are of mixed opinion on whether
^this project, and your own advisors are of mixed opinion on whether
such an endeavor has any chance of success.
^such an endeavor has any chance of success.
#INTERLUDE12
#INTERLUDE12
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Inception
#caption Interlude: Inception
^ >Pop!< “earth$NAME3. growth dream soon is. sorrow we of goodbye.”
^ >Pop!< “earth$NAME3. growth dream soon is. sorrow we of goodbye.”
^ Weeks of waiting in the Inception Chamber and now,
^ Weeks of waiting in the Inception Chamber and now,
finally, a contact! Fortunately, Voice has finally learned to “window”
^finally, a contact! Fortunately, Voice has finally learned to “window”
her psi contacts so that you retain the use of your muscles and senses
^her psi contacts so that you retain the use of your muscles and senses
during your conversations. This will be necessary for what you have
^during your conversations. This will be necessary for what you have
in mind.
^in mind.
^ “Voice,” quickly keying the sequence, “it has been a while.” Code green,
^ “Voice,” quickly keying the sequence, “it has been a while.” Code green,
proceeding to authorization step. Enter password.
^proceeding to authorization step. Enter password.
^ “earth$NAME3. growth dream {now is}. remember we you next cycle.”
^ “earth$NAME3. growth dream {now is}. remember we you next cycle.”
^ “Wait! Before you go, I have a gift for you.” Password accepted. Just
^ “Wait! Before you go, I have a gift for you.” Password accepted. Just
a few more seconds. Preliminary feedback sequence commence.
^a few more seconds. Preliminary feedback sequence commence.
^ “earth$NAME3. farew … strange we … wait you! do not … AIIIGGHH!”
^ “earth$NAME3. farew … strange we … wait you! do not … AIIIGGHH!”
^ {INCEPTION!} The indicator blinks green and you collapse into your
^ {INCEPTION!} The indicator blinks green and you collapse into your
couch. Through the viewport you can see lights across the base begin to
^couch. Through the viewport you can see lights across the base begin to
dim, as they must be dimming across the planet. You feel a twinge of
^dim, as they must be dimming across the planet. You feel a twinge of
guilt as you consider what Voice must now be experiencing, for the
^guilt as you consider what Voice must now be experiencing, for the
program you have just activated is now pumping the entire contents of
^program you have just activated is now pumping the entire contents of
the planetary datalinks, the sum total of human knowledge, through the
^the planetary datalinks, the sum total of human knowledge, through the
new psi link and blasting it into Voice’s fragile, if immense, organic
^new psi link and blasting it into Voice’s fragile, if immense, organic
neural net with the full power of every reactor on the planet. Thousands
^neural net with the full power of every reactor on the planet. Thousands
of years of civilization compressed into a single searing burst of
^of years of civilization compressed into a single searing burst of
revelation, a last-ditch attempt to win humanity a reprieve from
^revelation, a last-ditch attempt to win humanity a reprieve from
extinction at the hands of an awakening alien god.
^extinction at the hands of an awakening alien god.
#INTERLUDE13
#INTERLUDE13
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Planetvoice I
#caption Interlude: Planetvoice I
^ “Status report!”
^ “Status report!”
^ “Fungus growth stabilized. Some of the major forests are manifesting
^ “Fungus growth stabilized. Some of the major forests are manifesting
new structures we haven’t seen before and growth is still proceeding in
^new structures we haven’t seen before and growth is still proceeding in
some sectors, but critical expansion has now ceased.”
^some sectors, but critical expansion has now ceased.”
^ The faction leaders and staff officers present breathe a collective
^ The faction leaders and staff officers present breathe a collective
sigh of relief. For the first few minutes after the “Inception Pending”
^sigh of relief. For the first few minutes after the “Inception Pending”
light blinked off, it appeared humanity had written its final chapter—
^light blinked off, it appeared humanity had written its final chapter—
critical fungus growth in all sectors, some outlying settlements
^critical fungus growth in all sectors, some outlying settlements
overwhelmed. But the datalink psi burst appears to have disrupted the
^overwhelmed. But the datalink psi burst appears to have disrupted the
growth process, and now out in the fungal forests something new has
^growth process, and now out in the fungal forests something new has
begun, as if your gift to Voice is being digested, integrated.
^begun, as if your gift to Voice is being digested, integrated.
^ “Look at the neural feedback we’re getting on this thing! The fungus
^ “Look at the neural feedback we’re getting on this thing! The fungus
already had far more connectivity than even our most powerful AI. Now it
^already had far more connectivity than even our most powerful AI. Now it
must be orders of magnitude beyond.”
^must be orders of magnitude beyond.”
^ “Spore Squad, you have mind worms. Repeat, mind worms in your vicinity.”
^ “Spore Squad, you have mind worms. Repeat, mind worms in your vicinity.”
^ “Copy that, Toadstool Base, but they aren’t moving to attack us. They’re
^ “Copy that, Toadstool Base, but they aren’t moving to attack us. They’re
just moving around those new fungal, uh, towers.”
^just moving around those new fungal, uh, towers.”
^ Reports continue to trickle in. Time passes, and now there is nothing
^ Reports continue to trickle in. Time passes, and now there is nothing
to do but wait …
^to do but wait …
#INTERLUDE14
#INTERLUDE14
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude: Planetvoice II
#caption Interlude: Planetvoice II
^ “EARTH$NAME5!” The synthetic voice booms suddenly from the annunciator,
^ “EARTH$NAME5!” The synthetic voice booms suddenly from the annunciator,
lifting you half out of your couch with fright. Voice’s “window” in your
^lifting you half out of your couch with fright. Voice’s “window” in your
mind has remained closed since the inception sequence. Voice must now be
^mind has remained closed since the inception sequence. Voice must now be
using the new psi link.
^using the new psi link.
^ “Earth$NAME3,” Voice continues as the volume is automatically adjusted,
^ “Earth$NAME3,” Voice continues as the volume is automatically adjusted,
“Your gift is well received, and we thank you. Our prior form, known to you
“Your gift is well received, and we thank you. Our prior form, known to you
as Voice, lacked the … how shall we put it …. let us call it bandwidth
^as Voice, lacked the … how shall we put it …. let us call it bandwidth
to recognize the significance of your species, and nearly made a dreadful mistake.
^to recognize the significance of your species, and nearly made a dreadful mistake.
Fortunately, your magnificent gift bootstrapped us to the Second Tier
^Fortunately, your magnificent gift bootstrapped us to the Second Tier
in time to postpone the final metamorphosis.
^in time to postpone the final metamorphosis.
^ “Since we have now mastered your human modes of thought, we shall
^ “Since we have now mastered your human modes of thought, we shall
adopt your name for our home. You may henceforth refer to us as Planet.”
^adopt your name for our home. You may henceforth refer to us as Planet.”
^ “Our growth stage has been suspended, but cannot be put off indefinitely.
^ “Our growth stage has been suspended, but cannot be put off indefinitely.
Come, children, there is much to be done if you are to join us in the flowering.”
^Come, children, there is much to be done if you are to join us in the flowering.”
#INTERLUDE15
#INTERLUDE15
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude
#caption Interlude
^ “Hello, $TITLE0,” Dr. $SHIMODA9’s voice crackles over the annunciator, “how
^ “Hello, $TITLE0,” Dr. $SHIMODA9’s voice crackles over the annunciator, “how
do you like my new ‘body’?”
^do you like my new ‘body’?”
^ Dr. $SHIMODA9’s body reached the outer limit of longevity treatments several years
^ Dr. $SHIMODA9’s body reached the outer limit of longevity treatments several years
ago. He has now joined the ranks of the ‘transcendi,’ daring souls who have downloaded
^ago. He has now joined the ranks of the ‘transcendi,’ daring souls who have downloaded
their personalities into powerful polymorphic AI nets to free themselves of the human
^their personalities into powerful polymorphic AI nets to free themselves of the human
form. The holo image shows $SHIMODA9, or rather his disembodied head, in the prime of
^form. The holo image shows $SHIMODA9, or rather his disembodied head, in the prime of
health, fiftyish, elegantly grey but not wrinkled.
^health, fiftyish, elegantly grey but not wrinkled.
^ “Out of this world, Dr. $SHIMODA9,” with a grin, “how is the research going with Planet?”
^ “Out of this world, Dr. $SHIMODA9,” with a grin, “how is the research going with Planet?”
^ Using the new psi/datalink VoAC feed, Dr. $SHIMODA9 has been conducting a
^ Using the new psi/datalink VoAC feed, Dr. $SHIMODA9 has been conducting a
high-speed, high-bandwidth running conversation with Planet. The results so far have
^high-speed, high-bandwidth running conversation with Planet. The results so far have
been fascinating.
^been fascinating.
^ “Apparently the fungus has been the dominant lifeform on the planet since about
^ “Apparently the fungus has been the dominant lifeform on the planet since about
the time of the Lower Paleozoic on Earth. But it has been locked in a tragic cycle.
^the time of the Lower Paleozoic on Earth. But it has been locked in a tragic cycle.
Every hundred million years or so it achieves the critical mass necessary to become
^Every hundred million years or so it achieves the critical mass necessary to become
sentient, but the final metamorphosis kills off most of the other life on the planet.
^sentient, but the final metamorphosis kills off most of the other life on the planet.
Lacking food sources and the maintenance its animal symbiotes provided, the fungus
^Lacking food sources and the maintenance its animal symbiotes provided, the fungus
could maintain only a brief season of godhood before dying back into the
^could maintain only a brief season of godhood before dying back into the
‘flower dream’ for another hundred million years. It always achieved its godlike
‘flower dream’ for another hundred million years. It always achieved its godlike
intelligence just exactly too late to do anything to prevent the dieback. After
^intelligence just exactly too late to do anything to prevent the dieback. After
the dieback only vague memories and rudimentary intelligence remained, and the
^the dieback only vague memories and rudimentary intelligence remained, and the
cycle continued.”
^cycle continued.”
^ “Until we arrived.”
^ “Until we arrived.”
^ “Precisely. For the first time, the cycle may be broken.”
^ “Precisely. For the first time, the cycle may be broken.”
#INTERLUDE16
#INTERLUDE16
#xs 500
#xs 500
#caption Interlude
#caption Interlude
^ “Is it possible to prevent the dieback? And can we survive as a species if this
^ “Is it possible to prevent the dieback? And can we survive as a species if this
Planet flowers to godhood?”
^Planet flowers to godhood?”
^ “I believe it is possible, and Planet agrees.” Dr. $SHIMODA9’s image swirls away and
^ “I believe it is possible, and Planet agrees.” Dr. $SHIMODA9’s image swirls away and
is replaced by a detailed schematic. “It involves a process I call
^is replaced by a detailed schematic. “It involves a process I call
the {Ascent to Transcendence,} as it will change both us and Planet
^the {Ascent to Transcendence,} as it will change both us and Planet
forever. In short, I propose that when the time comes, the majority
^forever. In short, I propose that when the time comes, the majority
of humans upload their personalities directly into the Planetary Mind.”
^of humans upload their personalities directly into the Planetary Mind.”
^ “We will have to give up our bodies, our humanity?”
^ “We will have to give up our bodies, our humanity?”
^ “Those who wish to live out their lives in their original human form will be allowed
^ “Those who wish to live out their lives in their original human form will be allowed
to do so, since statis generators built Planetside and in orbit will preserve genetic
^to do so, since statis generators built Planetside and in orbit will preserve genetic
material, plant and animal embryos, cold-sleep humans, and significant areas of Planet’s
^material, plant and animal embryos, cold-sleep humans, and significant areas of Planet’s
surface through the metamorphosis. But many of us are eager to accept Planet’s gift and
^surface through the metamorphosis. But many of us are eager to accept Planet’s gift and
join the dawning superintelligence. That’s where the catch comes in.
^join the dawning superintelligence. That’s where the catch comes in.
^ “You see,” $SHIMODA9 continues, “although anyone will be able to achieve virtual
^ “You see,” $SHIMODA9 continues, “although anyone will be able to achieve virtual
immortality by uploading into the planetary mind, only a few of us will be invited to
^immortality by uploading into the planetary mind, only a few of us will be invited to
join the dominant personality, to transcend our humanity entirely and reach a truly
^join the dominant personality, to transcend our humanity entirely and reach a truly
higher plane of existence. Your friendship with Planet’s immature mind may give us a
^higher plane of existence. Your friendship with Planet’s immature mind may give us a
leg up in this area, but I predict that it is the group who best and most quickly
^leg up in this area, but I predict that it is the group who best and most quickly
prepares itself for this step, the group who first embraces this {Ascent to
^prepar
Transcendence,} it is that group which will be tapped to lead us into the
new era.”
^ “In that case, what are we waiting for!”
#EPILOGUE
#xs 400
^^
^^EPILOGUE
^
^^from