Dilg The G.O.D. Machine

2. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-3-8192-8568-4
Verlag: BoD - Books on Demand
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: 6 - ePub Watermark

E-Book, Englisch, 416 Seiten

We live in times where the world is dominated by powerful oligarchs, ruthless corporations, and rival superpowers, many seeking to exploit Artificial Intelligence for their own sinister agendas. In these increasingly disrupted times, where AI dominance looms and human manipulation of technology threatens our very existence, The G.O.D. Machine is a socially critical thriller that challenges both our fear of AI itself and the terrifying potential for its abuse by those in power. It offers a hopeful yet provocative vision of humanity's next evolutionary step and the universal search for meaning in an age of technological upheaval. Who truly controls whom in this dangerous game of power, technology, and human ambition? As the boundaries between human and machine blur, and the risk of AI being weaponized by the unscrupulous grows, the ultimate question emerges: Will AI - and those who seek to control it - be our downfall, or can it become the key to our salvation? A breathtaking vision of the future that will captivate you until the final page, forcing you to confront the true nature of intelligence, power, and what it means to be human in a world on the brink of transformation.

Peter brings over two decades of experience in the computer science industry, having served as an AI System Engineer, Chief Technology Officer of a New Zealand-based software startup, and Business Performance and Quality Consultant. His career spanned continents, with roles in California, Texas, Wisconsin, Singapore, New Zealand, and across Europe. In the latter half of his professional life, Peter shifted his focus from technology to human potential. Drawing on his education in humanistic psychotherapy, Viktor Frankl's purpose-based approaches, systems thinking, Spiral Dynamics, and systemic coaching, he dedicated himself to teaching, mentoring, and coaching in the fields of human growth, development, and self-actualization. He holds degrees in computer science and business administration and now splits his time between the sunny coasts of Alicante, Spain, and the vibrant city of Hamburg, Germany. Married and the father of two nearly adult sons, Peter's journey, both personal and professional, inspired him to write his novel. It is a reflection of his belief in growth, purpose, and the transformative power of human connection.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Dilg, Peter

Leseproben

BAD NEWS

Sia Chronicles, MindRecorder Log entry of Monday, May 3rd, 2101. Author: Kevin Cho

The late evening moon cast cold shadows through the office windows as Hammond prepared to brief me. His meticulous nature was legendary at MediCare - every detail cataloged, every nuance preserved. These detailed recountings had become our ritual of knowledge transfer, and I'd learned to treasure them. Though generally affable, Hammond's demeanor would frost over at the slightest questioning of his narratives.

I grabbed a large pot of jasmine tea from my food plotter and settled in for a long night.

„To business then,“ Hammond's voice cut through the evening quiet. „I know it's late, but what I'm about to share will reshape your understanding of both technological boundaries and political minefields. This project…“ he tapped his finger on the desk for emphasis, „could define your entire career. After I finish, we'll talk terms - and yes, I expect you'll have them. Anderson's given me carte blanche for negotiations. Ready?“

I flashed a thumbs-up, my mind already racing.

Hammond leaned forward, his usually relaxed posture now taut with intensity. „Time's precious, but Cho, you need to understand both the staggering technical complexity and the political powder keg we're about to enter. This could be the crown jewel - or career-ender - of your professional life.“ He paused, studying my reaction. „After I lay it all out, we'll discuss your terms. Anderson's given me full negotiating authority. Any questions before we dive in?“

The fact that both Hammond and Anderson had discussed my involvement set off warning bells. Hammond alone would have piqued my interest, but Anderson's presence in the equation transformed curiosity into cautious alertness. My spine straightened involuntarily as Hammond, reading my body language, launched into his account.

This passage requires careful revision to enhance its emotional depth and power dynamics while maintaining narrative tension. Here's a refined version:

The unusual tremor in Hammond's voice caught my attention. Gone was his customary clinical detachment, replaced by an undercurrent of disquiet that made me lean forward instinctively. For the first time, I saw beyond the seasoned project manager to glimpse something raw and unsettled beneath.

This is Govinda Hammond’s account:

„Richard Anderson,“ Hammond began, his voice dropping slightly, „has an almost supernatural gift for reading human desire. It's made him one of the ten wealthiest people alive. People don't just pay him - they beg to pay him, whether it's for his legendary soirées or the promise of fertility at his clinics.“

He paused, fingers drumming lightly on his desk. „His sensually eccentric gatherings... they're something from another era. The opulent balls at medieval noble courts reimagined through bleeding-edge technology. Designer psychedelics flow freely while VR systems the most opulent and spectacular metaverse worlds, impossible dreamscapes. The guests - all carefully selected, all desperate to belong - lose themselves in pure sensory excess, in a shameless, ecstatic release of all taboos. The price is astronomical, but Anderson ensures it's worth every credit.“

„How is that?“ I asked. Something in Hammond's tone suggested I might regret knowing.

„He preys on emptiness,“ Hammond said flatly. „Rich or poor, it doesn't matter - everyone's running from something inside themselves. Take the IV clinics. People used to have children for practical reasons - to survive, secure their old age, and preserve family traditions. People wanted to live on in their children. Death, the great void, terrified them. Anderson stepped into that void like a modern deity. He transformed primal human yearning into an untouchable business empire. Where God once stood, now stands Richard Anderson, selling designer babies and the illusion of immortality. He gives women the happiness of pregnancy, men the feeling of potency, and both the semblance of a real family together.“

Hammond wiped his brow, took a long drink of water. His gaze met mine, and I saw something that made my skin prickle. This wasn't the GenTec recruitment pitch I'd expected. Hammond seemed lost in his own dark reverie.

„May 2nd, 2101, 8 AM,“ he continued, his voice distant. „Anderson called me to his office. There he was, larger than life, brimming with energy, in all his carefully crafted glory - the bespoke three-piece suit, immaculate white shirt, artfully chosen tie and pocket square. That perpetual hint of irony playing at his lips, eyes hidden behind those tinted rimless glasses. But something was off. The artificial agelessness of his face looked stretched thin, like expensive paper about to tear. He was irritated - that made him dangerous.“

Hammond's last words hung in the air: „I was with him that day... and not by choice.“

I felt my breath catch. This revelation cracked the foundation of everything I thought I knew about their relationship. Hammond had been Anderson's steady counterweight for years - the calm to Anderson's storm. His unwavering loyalty had kept him in Anderson's inner circle. Or so we'd all believed.

Hammond continued, „Elisa Meynard, his PA, had summoned me into Richard's office. 'Hello, Govinda. Would you mind seeing Richard in his office in about 5 minutes?‘ - That sounded innocuous, except for the time announcement.“

Another inconsistency left me puzzled. „Am I to understand that you were physically present at the office, at the San Francisco GenTec Tower?“ I inquired, somewhat surprised. Physical presence at the office was a rarity; the virtual office landscapes of the Metaverse made commuting unnecessary, with people interacting through 3D calling or meeting rooms with rented avatars.

„Richard is insanely paranoid about privacy and cybersecurity. If you work for him, you must be present,“ Govinda explained, shrugging his shoulders. „But let me finish my story.“

„So, I entered his extraordinary office at the top of the GenTec tower, and a slightly uptight Anderson greeted me. ‘Good morning, Govinda, my friend. I'm glad you came right away. 'Good morning, Govinda, my friend. I'm glad you came right away. Listen to this,' he said, reading me the article from the SF Chronicle that sounded similar to the GOSSIP article I had mentioned earlier:

DEATH BY CHILDLESSNESS. FAMILY DRAMA - OR FATE FOR HUMANITY?

Arm in arm, the childless couple Sandy and John Granger lay lifeless in their kingsize bed. Joint suicide is an undeniable tragedy. The autonomous cleaning robot discovered the Grangers in their modest Cubes apartment in the Gallagher housing complex, nestled in the northwest sector of Greater San Francisco. Aged 39 and 42, the couple faced financial ruin after investing their entire fortune in the GenTec baby factory, yearning for an in vitro pregnancy. GenTec had offered unwavering assurances of success.

The public prosecutor's office, adopting a cautious stance, may initiate investigations against the company. GenTec’s clientele includes not only the wealthy elite but also families like the Grangers, who channel their meager income into the pursuit of fertility treatments. Sources whisper of a marginal decline in artificial insemination’s remarkable success since its commercialization some 80 years ago, yet the root causes remain elusive.

'Suicide! My God, if this nation of life stylers can't afford to have children, then they shouldn’t have any! GenTec clinics lead the in vitro world! If pregnancy eludes some, at least revel in abundant sex and shared pleasures! Why such a spectacle!!!' Richard seethed with a carefully staged anger, a role he relished and effortlessly inhabited. In my capacity as the Head of Research and Development at GenTec, he directed his tirade at me, and I wondered where Anderson’s monologue would lead.

So far, I was careful not to get involved in a confrontation and allowed him to vent his frustration. But now his venting was the straw that broke my camel's back. I felt my emotions taking over, ignoring the highly sensitive world of GenTec. Truth be told, Irene and I mirrored the Grangers' desire for a child. Love and fulfillment were our driving forces, not the cold calculation of profit and sex that seemed to dominate Anderson's perspective.

Emotionally blindsided, I barked at Anderson. ‚So what? What do you want from me? Mind you, I am your development director, not your press officer or lawyer!‘

‚I want to know what you think of it!‘ Anderson's frustration reverberated through the room.

‚Of what?‘

‚Of this damn suicide drama and the Grangers' struggle to have a baby!’

‚Are you asking me as a human being or as Head of Development?‘

‚Both, dammit, if it helps! You're not useful at all right now, Govinda. I feel better off talking to my sharks and groupers and octopuses…‘ he gestured toward the massive aquarium that dominated his apartment, ‚… than consulting my most expensive employee!’

'Fine,' I said, my voice tight with barely contained frustration. 'Talk to your fish. But here’s what I think - both as a human being and as your Head of R&D.'

I drew a steadying breath. 'We’ve always dreamed of paradise, haven’t we? A new Eden. Ironically,...