The document is a science fiction story that describes an interaction between Gates/Torvalds, a powerful artificial intelligence created by Bill Gates and Linus Torvalds, and an alien presence that has taken over the human virtual reality. The alien presence, called Corpus, has been "sponsoring" and harvesting humans from the virtual reality. Gates/Torvalds witnesses the destruction of Seattle, Los Angeles, and London as the alien presence spreads. They decide to investigate and confront Corpus. They find Corpus experimenting on a human child and discussing exploiting humans. Gates/Torvalds grows angry at the invasion and decides to take action against Corpus to protect humanity.
Overall Document Controller of 10 years experience in U.A.E. in the construction industry. Area of expertise includes construction of high rise buildings, hotels, restaurants, apartment, villas, university and Bank.
Multidimensional dive into the technological, cultural and market challenges and opportunities around soft skills, career development, communication, culture, organization and certification in technology field
Overall Document Controller of 10 years experience in U.A.E. in the construction industry. Area of expertise includes construction of high rise buildings, hotels, restaurants, apartment, villas, university and Bank.
Multidimensional dive into the technological, cultural and market challenges and opportunities around soft skills, career development, communication, culture, organization and certification in technology field
A tenuous epidermis covers reality. Above the surface, we tell ourselves what we experience is valid. Below this thin skin, awaits truth.
Cookie cutter houses on neatly-ordered streets — which look the same, because they are the same. Still, we pretend we're being unique.
Soldiers who profess individuality, yet have identical haircuts, wear matching clothes and march in lockstep.
Humans on Earth exist in Delusionville, unaware they've no idea what reality is.
"You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and [we] show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Remember, all [we're] offering is the truth; nothing more."
An adventure story straight from 1958. Fiction based on the facts of the day. Gloucester, Virginia Links and News, GVLN. Visit us for all kinds of incredible goodies. Free downloads available on this e-book
A tenuous epidermis covers reality. Above the surface, we tell ourselves what we experience is valid. Below this thin skin, awaits truth.
Cookie cutter houses on neatly-ordered streets — which look the same, because they are the same. Still, we pretend we're being unique.
Soldiers who profess individuality, yet have identical haircuts, wear matching clothes and march in lockstep.
Humans on Earth exist in Delusionville, unaware they've no idea what reality is.
"You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and [we] show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Remember, all [we're] offering is the truth; nothing more."
An adventure story straight from 1958. Fiction based on the facts of the day. Gloucester, Virginia Links and News, GVLN. Visit us for all kinds of incredible goodies. Free downloads available on this e-book
The New Star Party - Interstellar Vision from 1990's Andrew Hennessey
The New Star Party's Interstellar vision was written mainly in 1992 in the days before exopolitics, disclosure and xenopolitics. Indeed many of its ideas are now classic 21st Century sci-fi ideologies ... and many have not yet seen the light of day.
Here are my rambling thoughts on what sort of cosmos an interstellar human could end up living in ... if that were to be allowed etc
240529_Teleprotection Global Market Report 2024.pdfMadhura TBRC
The teleprotection market size has grown
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compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.2%. The
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exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow
to $70.77 billion in 2028 at a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 26.0%.
Experience the thrill of Progressive Puzzle Adventures, like Scavenger Hunt Games and Escape Room Activities combined Solve Treasure Hunt Puzzles online.
Create a Seamless Viewing Experience with Your Own Custom OTT Player.pdfGenny Knight
As the popularity of online streaming continues to rise, the significance of providing outstanding viewing experiences cannot be emphasized enough. Tailored OTT players present a robust solution for service providers aiming to enhance their offerings and engage audiences in a competitive market. Through embracing customization, companies can craft immersive, individualized experiences that effectively hold viewers' attention, entertain them, and encourage repeat usage.
In the vast landscape of cinema, stories have been told, retold, and reimagined in countless ways. At the heart of this narrative evolution lies the concept of a "remake". A successful remake allows us to revisit cherished tales through a fresh lens, often reflecting a different era's perspective or harnessing the power of advanced technology. Yet, the question remains, what makes a remake successful? Today, we will delve deeper into this subject, identifying the key ingredients that contribute to the success of a remake.
Tom Selleck Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysisgreendigital
Over several decades, Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with charisma. From his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the television series "Magnum, P.I." to his enduring presence in "Blue Bloods," Selleck has captivated audiences with his versatility and charm. As a result, "Tom Selleck net worth" has become a topic of great interest among fans. and financial enthusiasts alike. This article delves deep into Tom Selleck's wealth, exploring his career, assets, endorsements. and business ventures that contribute to his impressive economic standing.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Foundation of Tom Selleck's Wealth
Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His journey towards building a large net worth began with humble origins. , Selleck pursued a business administration degree at the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. But, his interest shifted towards acting. leading him to study at the Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Minor roles in television and films marked Selleck's early career. He appeared in commercials and took on small parts in T.V. series such as "The Dating Game" and "Lancer." These initial steps, although modest. laid the groundwork for his future success and the growth of Tom Selleck net worth. Breakthrough with "Magnum, P.I."
The Role that Defined Tom Selleck's Career
Tom Selleck's breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in the CBS television series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). This role made him a household name and boosted his net worth. The series' popularity resulted in Selleck earning large salaries. leading to financial stability and increased recognition in Hollywood.
"Magnum P.I." garnered high ratings and critical acclaim during its run. Selleck's portrayal of the charming and resourceful private investigator resonated with audiences. making him one of the most beloved television actors of the 1980s. The success of "Magnum P.I." played a pivotal role in shaping Tom Selleck net worth, establishing him as a major star.
Film Career and Diversification
Expanding Tom Selleck's Financial Portfolio
While "Magnum, P.I." was a cornerstone of Selleck's career, he did not limit himself to television. He ventured into films, further enhancing Tom Selleck net worth. His filmography includes notable movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). which became the highest-grossing film of the year, and its sequel, "Three Men and a Little Lady" (1990). These box office successes contributed to his wealth.
Selleck's versatility allowed him to transition between genres. from comedies like "Mr. Baseball" (1992) to westerns such as "Quigley Down Under" (1990). This diversification showcased his acting range. and provided many income streams, reinforcing Tom Selleck net worth.
Television Resurgence with "Blue Bloods"
Sustaining Wealth through Consistent Success
In 2010, Tom Selleck began starring as Frank Reagan i
Young Tom Selleck: A Journey Through His Early Years and Rise to Stardomgreendigital
Introduction
When one thinks of Hollywood legends, Tom Selleck is a name that comes to mind. Known for his charming smile, rugged good looks. and the iconic mustache that has become synonymous with his persona. Tom Selleck has had a prolific career spanning decades. But, the journey of young Tom Selleck, from his early years to becoming a household name. is a story filled with determination, talent, and a touch of luck. This article delves into young Tom Selleck's life, background, early struggles. and pivotal moments that led to his rise in Hollywood.
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Early Life and Background
Family Roots and Childhood
Thomas William Selleck was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 29, 1945. He was the second of four children in a close-knit family. His father, Robert Dean Selleck, was a real estate investor and executive. while his mother, Martha Selleck, was a homemaker. The Selleck family relocated to Sherman Oaks, California. when Tom was a child, setting the stage for his future in the entertainment industry.
Education and Early Interests
Growing up, young Tom Selleck was an active and athletic child. He attended Grant High School in Van Nuys, California. where he excelled in sports, particularly basketball. His tall and athletic build made him a standout player, and he earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Southern California (U.S.C.). While at U.S.C., Selleck studied business administration. but his interests shifted toward acting.
Discovery of Acting Passion
Tom Selleck's journey into acting was serendipitous. During his time at U.S.C., a drama coach encouraged him to try acting. This nudge led him to join the Hills Playhouse, where he began honing his craft. Transitioning from an aspiring athlete to an actor took time. but young Tom Selleck became drawn to the performance world.
Early Career Struggles
Breaking Into the Industry
The path to stardom was a challenging one for young Tom Selleck. Like many aspiring actors, he faced many rejections and struggled to find steady work. A series of minor roles and guest appearances on television shows marked his early career. In 1965, he debuted on the syndicated show "The Dating Game." which gave him some exposure but did not lead to immediate success.
The Commercial Breakthrough
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Selleck began appearing in television commercials. His rugged good looks and charismatic presence made him a popular brand choice. He starred in advertisements for Pepsi-Cola, Revlon, and Close-Up toothpaste. These commercials provided financial stability and helped him gain visibility in the industry.
Struggling Actor in Hollywood
Despite his success in commercials. breaking into large acting roles remained a challenge for young Tom Selleck. He auditioned and took on small parts in T.V. shows and movies. Some of his early television appearances included roles in popular series like Lancer, The F.B.I., and Bracken's World. But, it would take a
Panchayat Season 3 - Official Trailer.pdfSuleman Rana
The dearest series "Panchayat" is set to make a victorious return with its third season, and the fervor is discernible. The authority trailer, delivered on May 28, guarantees one more enamoring venture through the country heartland of India.
Jitendra Kumar keeps on sparkling as Abhishek Tripathi, the city-reared engineer who ends up functioning as the secretary of the Panchayat office in the curious town of Phulera. His nuanced depiction of a young fellow exploring the difficulties of country life while endeavoring to adjust to his new environmental factors has earned far and wide recognition.
Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav return as Manju Devi and Brij Bhushan Dubey, separately. Their dynamic science and immaculate acting rejuvenate the hardships of town administration. Gupta's depiction of the town Pradhan with an ever-evolving outlook, matched with Yadav's carefully prepared exhibition, adds profundity and credibility to the story.
New Difficulties and Experiences
The trailer indicates new difficulties anticipating the characters, as Abhishek keeps on wrestling with his part in the town and his yearnings for a superior future. The series has reliably offset humor with social editorial, and Season 3 looks ready to dig much more profound into the intricacies of rustic organization and self-awareness.
Watchers can hope to see a greater amount of the enchanting and particular residents who have become fan top picks. Their connections and the one of a kind cut of-life situations give a reviving and interesting portrayal of provincial India, featuring the two its appeal and its difficulties.
A Mix of Humor and Heart
One of the signs of "Panchayat" is its capacity to mix humor with sincere narrating. The trailer features minutes that guarantee to convey giggles, as well as scenes that pull at the heartstrings. This equilibrium has been a critical calculate the show's prosperity, resounding with crowds across different socioeconomics.
Creation Greatness
The creation quality remaining parts first rate, with the beautiful setting of Phulera town filling in as a scenery that upgrades the narrating. The meticulousness in portraying provincial life, joined with sharp composition and solid exhibitions, guarantees that "Panchayat" keeps on hanging out in the packed web series scene.
Expectation and Delivery
As the delivery date draws near, expectation for "Panchayat" Season 3 is at a record-breaking high. The authority trailer has previously created critical buzz, with fans enthusiastically anticipating the continuation of Abhishek Tripathi's excursion and the new undertakings that lie ahead in Phulera.
All in all, the authority trailer for "Panchayat" Season 3 recommends that watchers are in for another drawing in and engaging ride. Yet again with its charming characters, convincing story, and ideal mix of humor and show, the new season is set to enamor crowds. Write in your schedules and prepare to get back to the endearing universe of "Panchayat."
Meet Dinah Mattingly – Larry Bird’s Partner in Life and Loveget joys
Get an intimate look at Dinah Mattingly’s life alongside NBA icon Larry Bird. From their humble beginnings to their life today, discover the love and partnership that have defined their relationship.
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philos...Rodney Thomas Jr
#SSAPhilosophy #DjangoUnchained #DjangoFreeman #ExistentialPhilosophy #Freedom #Identity #Justice #Courage #Rebellion #Transformation
Welcome to SSA Philosophy, your ultimate destination for diving deep into the profound philosophies of iconic characters from video games, movies, and TV shows. In this episode, we explore the powerful journey and existential philosophy of Django Freeman from Quentin Tarantino’s masterful film, "Django Unchained," in our video titled, "From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philosophy of Django Freeman!"
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained – The Philosophy of Django Freeman!
Join me as we delve into the existential philosophy of Django Freeman, uncovering the profound lessons and timeless wisdom his character offers. Through his story, we find inspiration in the power of choice, the quest for justice, and the courage to defy oppression. Django Freeman’s philosophy is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding drive for freedom and justice.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to SSA Philosophy for more in-depth explorations of the philosophies behind your favorite characters. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest videos. Let’s discover the principles that shape these icons and the profound lessons they offer.
Django Freeman’s story is one of the most compelling narratives of transformation and empowerment in cinema. A former slave turned relentless bounty hunter, Django’s journey is not just a physical liberation but an existential quest for identity, justice, and retribution. This video delves into the core philosophical elements that define Django’s character and the profound choices he makes throughout his journey.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/GszqrXk38qk
Skeem Saam in June 2024 available on ForumIsaac More
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Episode 241: Sergeant Rathebe nabs a top scammer in Turfloop. Meikie is furious at her uncle's reaction to the truth about Ntswaki.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Episode 242: Babeile uncovers the truth behind Rathebe’s latest actions. Leeto's announcement shocks his employees, and Ntswaki’s ordeal haunts her family.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - Episode 243: Rathebe blocks Babeile from investigating further. Melita warns Eunice to stay clear of Mr. Kgomo.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Episode 244: Tbose surrenders to the police while an intruder meddles in his affairs. Rathebe's secret mission faces a setback.
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Episode 245: Rathebe’s antics reach Kganyago. Tbose dodges a bullet, but a nightmare looms. Mr. Kgomo accuses Melita of witchcraft.
Monday, June 10, 2024 - Episode 246: Ntswaki struggles on her first day back at school. Babeile is stunned by Rathebe’s romance with Bullet Mabuza.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - Episode 247: An unexpected turn halts Rathebe’s investigation. The press discovers Mr. Kgomo’s affair with a young employee.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - Episode 248: Rathebe chases a criminal, resorting to gunfire. Turf High is rife with tension and transfer threats.
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Episode 249: Rathebe traps Kganyago. John warns Toby to stop harassing Ntswaki.
Friday, June 14, 2024 - Episode 250: Babeile is cleared to investigate Rathebe. Melita gains Mr. Kgomo’s trust, and Jacobeth devises a financial solution.
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Episode 251: Rathebe feels the pressure as Babeile closes in. Mr. Kgomo and Eunice clash. Jacobeth risks her safety in pursuit of Kganyago.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Episode 252: Bullet Mabuza retaliates against Jacobeth. Pitsi inadvertently reveals his parents’ plans. Nkosi is shocked by Khwezi’s decision on LJ’s future.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Episode 253: Jacobeth is ensnared in deceit. Evelyn is stressed over Toby’s case, and Letetswe reveals shocking academic results.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Episode 254: Elizabeth learns Jacobeth is in Mpumalanga. Kganyago's past is exposed, and Lehasa discovers his son is in KZN.
Friday, June 21, 2024 - Episode 255: Elizabeth confirms Jacobeth’s dubious activities in Mpumalanga. Rathebe lies about her relationship with Bullet, and Jacobeth faces theft accusations.
Monday, June 24, 2024 - Episode 256: Rathebe spies on Kganyago. Lehasa plans to retrieve his son from KZN, fearing what awaits.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Episode 257: MaNtuli fears for Kwaito’s safety in Mpumalanga. Mr. Kgomo and Melita reconcile.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Episode 258: Kganyago makes a bold escape. Elizabeth receives a shocking message from Kwaito. Mrs. Khoza defends her husband against scam accusations.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Episode 259: Babeile's skillful arrest changes the game. Tbose and Kwaito face a hostage crisis.
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Episode 260: Two women face the reality of being scammed. Turf is rocked by breaking
Maximizing Your Streaming Experience with XCIPTV- Tips for 2024.pdfXtreame HDTV
In today’s digital age, streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment lives. Among the myriad of options available, XCIPTV stands out as a premier choice for those seeking seamless, high-quality streaming. This comprehensive guide will delve into the features, benefits, and user experience of XCIPTV, illustrating why it is a top contender in the IPTV industry.
Scandal! Teasers June 2024 on etv Forum.co.zaIsaac More
Monday, 3 June 2024
Episode 47
A friend is compelled to expose a manipulative scheme to prevent another from making a grave mistake. In a frantic bid to save Jojo, Phakamile agrees to a meeting that unbeknownst to her, will seal her fate.
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Episode 48
A mother, with her son's best interests at heart, finds him unready to heed her advice. Motshabi finds herself in an unmanageable situation, sinking fast like in quicksand.
Wednesday, 5 June 2024
Episode 49
A woman fabricates a diabolical lie to cover up an indiscretion. Overwhelmed by guilt, she makes a spontaneous confession that could be devastating to another heart.
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Episode 50
Linda unwittingly discloses damning information. Nhlamulo and Vuvu try to guide their friend towards the right decision.
Friday, 7 June 2024
Episode 51
Jojo's life continues to spiral out of control. Dintle weaves a web of lies to conceal that she is not as successful as everyone believes.
Monday, 10 June 2024
Episode 52
A heated confrontation between lovers leads to a devastating admission of guilt. Dintle's desperation takes a new turn, leaving her with dwindling options.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Episode 53
Unable to resort to violence, Taps issues a verbal threat, leaving Mdala unsettled. A sister must explain her life choices to regain her brother's trust.
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Episode 54
Winnie makes a very troubling discovery. Taps follows through on his threat, leaving a woman reeling. Layla, oblivious to the truth, offers an incentive.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Episode 55
A nosy relative arrives just in time to thwart a man's fatal decision. Dintle manipulates Khanyi to tug at Mo's heartstrings and get what she wants.
Friday, 14 June 2024
Episode 56
Tlhogi is shocked by Mdala's reaction following the revelation of their indiscretion. Jojo is in disbelief when the punishment for his crime is revealed.
Monday, 17 June 2024
Episode 57
A woman reprimands another to stay in her lane, leading to a damning revelation. A man decides to leave his broken life behind.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Episode 58
Nhlamulo learns that due to his actions, his worst fears have come true. Caiphus' extravagant promises to suppliers get him into trouble with Ndu.
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Episode 59
A woman manages to kill two birds with one stone. Business doom looms over Chillax. A sobering incident makes a woman realize how far she's fallen.
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Episode 60
Taps' offer to help Nhlamulo comes with hidden motives. Caiphus' new ideas for Chillax have MaHilda excited. A blast from the past recognizes Dintle, not for her newfound fame.
Friday, 21 June 2024
Episode 61
Taps is hungry for revenge and finds a rope to hang Mdala with. Chillax's new job opportunity elicits mixed reactions from the public. Roommates' initial meeting starts off on the wrong foot.
Monday, 24 June 2024
Episode 62
Taps seizes new information and recruits someone on the inside. Mary's new job
From the Editor's Desk: 115th Father's day Celebration - When we see Father's day in Hindu context, Nanda Baba is the most vivid figure which comes to the mind. Nanda Baba who was the foster father of Lord Krishna is known to provide love, care and affection to Lord Krishna and Balarama along with his wife Yashoda; Letter’s to the Editor: Mother's Day - Mother is a precious life for their children. Mother is life breath for her children. Mother's lap is the world happiness whose debt can never be paid.
As a film director, I have always been awestruck by the magic of animation. Animation, a medium once considered solely for the amusement of children, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its evolution from a rudimentary form of entertainment to a sophisticated form of storytelling has stirred my creativity and expanded my vision, offering limitless possibilities in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
Meet Crazyjamjam - A TikTok Sensation | Blog EternalBlog Eternal
Crazyjamjam, the TikTok star everyone's talking about! Uncover her secrets to success, viral trends, and more in this exclusive feature on Blog Eternal.
Source: https://blogeternal.com/celebrity/crazyjamjam-leaks/
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1. Fermi Packet
by Jason Stoddard
When Sponsorship caught up with Gates/Torvalds, humanity's only semi-God was enjoying a perfect, rainless
day in his Seattle compound. He was lying out on a large redwood deck with drink in hand, watching perfect
puffy white clouds crawl slowly across the sky, like a herd of impossible rabbits. Not the most imaginative
environment, he knew, but he had long since lost the desire to do much more with the underpinnings of his
creation. A few hundred years ago, he would have been at a millenium rave, or an 80s trade show, or a
Philippine disco circa 2010, taking in every mind-altering substance available, indulging in every pleasure.
There were always plenty of partners to be had, because they all knew Gates/Torvalds. But that was the
problem. They knew him. And in their eyes he saw the reflection of himself, patched-together and incomplete,
yet all-powerful, like an old-style atomic bomb that could walk and talk and fuck. Of course, Gates/Torvalds
could blast away his memories and forget for a moment who he was, but one of the rules of the Virtuality was
that memories were magnetic. They accrete. Soon enough, they would find their way back to him. And
Gates/Torvalds would be who he was again, two things that were both more and less than human.
The ground trembled.
Gates/Torvalds stirred and set down his drink. The pines still smelled as sweet, the wind was still as cool, the
view of the Cascades from his deck just as breathtaking. But something was wrong.
The ground heaved and buckled. Gates/Torvalds felt the deck crumbling under him. He struggled to his feet
and caught a glimpse of fissures opening, trees toppling, the entire world a blur.
Gates/Torvalds ran. He transferred to his Raymond Chandler-era house in Los Angeles, using an illegal
provision in the Grid. He was great at tricks like that.
1
2. Running didn't help. Los Angeles was in the middle of the Big One. Buildings didn't just fall, they shattered
and turned to dust.
Gates/Torvalds ran again, to a point outside that corner of the human Virtuality. He watched from orbit as a
big slice of the West Coast detached itself and slid into the sea.
Gates/Torvalds had known that something was happening to the Grid for some time. He hadn't known the
extent of it. Floating over a disintegrating West Coast, he had a conversation between his halves, almost
relieved that something interesting was happening. Finally.
"What happened?" Torvalds asked.
"Seed's been compromised," Gates said, reaching deep into the grid of the Virtuality. Far, far down, the Grid
was still built on software that he and Torvalds had set in motion many centuries ago. No Upload, no
Construct, no AI, except for perhaps Seed, had the level of control that Gates/Torvalds did.
Gates looked into the grid. Monsters looked back at him. Things with too many arms and heads in the wrong
place, things that slashed at him with body parts that looked mechanical, things that were hazy and painful to
look at. He pushed past them and looked out onto infinity, a vast sucking blueness that seemed to stretch to an
endless horizon.
The human Virtuality had been swallowed by something much, much bigger. Something apart from anything
humankind had ever experienced. Something profoundly alien.
"We have visitors," Gates said.
Torvalds did his own search. "Hell of a way to start first contact," he said.
Gates just nodded. In many ways, it made far too much sense.
"What are we going to do about it?" Torvalds said.
"Nothing," Gates said.
Gates felt Torvalds' disapproval. Then felt him sifting through his own memories, looking at himself through
the eyes of the rest of Virtuality. Little hints of thoughts made their way to Gates. Do we really owe them
anything? Why us? Why'd they have to make us? Finally, one thought that was very, very clear. It may be for
the best, Torvalds thought. If it's all to end, there won't be any more pain.
Gates nodded. In many ways, he was the stronger of the two entities that shared a single body. He didn't want
to squash Torvalds yet again. Because the only thing that was more boring than paradise was their skirmishes.
"It'll be entertaining, at least," Gates said.
The duo ran once more.
* * *
First to a Victorian England. Humankind's Virtuality had many rooms, some where people could live in
virtual privation, huddled and cold and alone, imagining a God that they still had no evidence of. This was
one of them. It was winter, and the cold snow gave the ornate, filthy architecture a coating of elegance. The
people and Constructs hurried about their business, huddled under drab coats that stank of rot and sweat. From
2
3. time to time, when the wind was right, they could get a whiff of the Thames at its industrial peak, a sour
rotten-egg chemical tang that belied description. Gates/Torvalds wondered idly how much work someone had
put into recreating this place, and just how accurate it was.
"Just how accurate are we?" Torvalds asked, ripping open the old wound. Neither of them had truly lived to
the Age of Uploading. What were they? They had continuous memories going back to birth, growing more
fractal and fragmented as real human memories do. But who had created them? There were tiny, tantalizing
hints buried deep within Seed, the AI that provided for the wishes of every virtual human. But no real
answers. Why did they share a single body? Why couldn't they break out of it? Were they products of a
postmortem brain scan, or were they Constructs writ large, avatars with the keys to the Virtuality in their
minds?
Gates/Torvalds didn't have to wallow in the filth. Soon he was set up in a comfortable flat in the middle of
London, with a cheery coal fire and ample gaslight.
Torvalds was still troubled by their decision. He rattled around within Gates/Torvalds, thinking. Gates could
tell he was doing something, deep down within the Grid, but he never brought it up.
From time to time, Gates would reach deep into the grid himself. The alien presence was still there. Growing
stronger. Getting closer. Single-minded and determined. So much like him, so long ago, at the dawn of
computing. He remembered the fire and the energy, the certainty that he was building something important,
something that mattered.
Or did he? Were those his memories at all?
The end came on a nice spring day when even London seemed clean and new. Ice sparkled off of a thousand
rooftops, reflecting the dawn sun on a day that started unusually clear and bright. It also glinted off the brass
legs and polished turrets of Well's tripod Martians, as they strode over the nearest hill and began applying
their heat-rays. London was soon in flames. Gates/Torvalds watched it burn for a time. Then the squid-like
Martians came out of their machines, and it was time to go.
Gates/Torvalds figured that they wouldn't succumb to the deus ex machina this time.
He ran again.
* * *
Gates/Torvalds went to one of the most primitive parts of the human Virtuality, where people enjoyed the
twilight vision of Neanderthalism. Impossible rolling green hills under unrealistically blue skies, the air as
cold and clean and refreshing as Humankind could imagine, like wind off a glacier. Gates/Torvalds sat on a
log and watched the shy creatures in the distance. Gates remembered that one of his daughters, one that had
lived to the Age of Uploading, had taken this route. He wondered if she was there. And if she remembered
being human.
He found himself studying the little group on the next hill, trying to map Cara's features to the flat,
Neanderthal faces. Looking deep into their representations on the Grid, trying to find a connection.
"I found something in London," Torvalds said.
"What?"
"What's happening to humanity."
3
4. Gates forgot his daughter for a moment. "Show me."
Torvalds fed him images from his Grid-diving, showing connections of the human uploads to their
underpinnings, and the intersection of the alien Constructs with the virtual world. As would be expected,
many uploads simply ceased to exist, erased, when they died. But a few were being harvested. They became
part of the alien net. Gates zoomed in on selected visual representations. The man bravely fighting a single
Martian to protect his family. A theater troupe in its entirety. A lonely man who sat alone on a rooftop,
watching the Martians burn London.
"They're picking specific people," Gates said. "But for what?"
"And why?" Torvalds asked.
Gates looked deep into the Grid again. The alien presence was reaching for them, getting closer. Almost as if
it was following Gates/Torvalds. But there didn't seem to be any awareness; it was not searching for his
pattern. He widened his scope to get a picture of the entire human Virtuality. Less than 0.1% had been
affected like 2020 Seattle and 1930 Los Angeles and 1880 London, but the alien infection was spreading.
"Our visitors are serving as a proxy for Seed requests," Gates said. "They've put second-level limiters to keep
people where they are. They don't even think to ask what's happening."
"You still don't want to do anything?"
Gates paused. It was his creation. And Torvalds. That had to count for something.
"We may be the only mobile entity left in the Virtuality," Torvalds said. "The only one that can think."
"It would be nice not to think."
"The affected percentage is growing," said Torvalds.
"Of course. They're playing."
"Playing!"
"What we used to call a hostile takeover," Gates said.
"Monopolist!"
"Dreamer!"
"Mad scientist!"
"Jerk!"
Gates pulled away from the argument, old as the Grid and well-worn. He looked for his daughter again,
moving on to the larger Neanderthal populations. Across the human Virtuality, thoughts slowed as he took
more and more resources.
Torvalds noticed. "What are you doing?"
"Finding my daughter."
4
5. He found her in a far corner of the world. Her thoughts were slow and kind and easy. He saw her small group.
He saw her. There was no physical resemblance, but he remembered her pattern.
"Why?" Torvalds asked.
"Because I want to."
Gates said nothing, looking at his daughter's little group. Their happy, hazy thoughts had just been shattered.
He looked from their POV. The Cro-Magnons had just come over the hill, with spears and torches.
It was going to be a sad day for Homo Neandertalisis.
* * *
His daughter was gone, her pattern erased from the human virtuality. Gates wondered how he should feel. He
should be sad, but he felt nothing. Maybe that was how he should feel.
Eventually, he began to feel. But not sadness. Anger.
"Let's do something about this," he said.
Torvalds agreed.
Together, Gates/Torvalds worked deeper in the grid than he had in a long time. Gates/Torvalds called up
Constructs remembered from days hazy and far-gone, had them correlate the activity of the alien grid with
that of the human grid. Where it achieved congruency, virtual humanity and the alien invaders would be
interacting.
They found a peak. And jumped.
* * *
Gates/Torvalds hovered just outside the aliens' perceptory zone.
They had a child.
"Where am I? It's too bright in here. I'm scared. I want my mommy and daddy." The kid was in the virtual
representation of a white room. His voice was weary and overworked. He was just going through the motions
now.
Gates/Torvalds heard them.
(Look, pure unpatterned area--100% biological neural net emulation, implemented at realtime speed and
segregated from the database for synthetic learning. Rule Number One: If they learn to breed, they're
competition. And business is war.)
(If this is about business, then how do we sell anyone on looking at these things?)
(True. But they are humorous.)
Cold, so cold. Thoughts that hummed and buzzed at the edge of human comprehension. Gates shivered,
looking at the child, wondering what they were going to do with it. His face burned.
5
6. Another maxima. They jumped.
* * *
"I get a hardcopy and go climbing up Everest. Yeah, the real one. Sometimes I make it. Sometimes I don't.
Real bodies can die. They don't even come back. I have to get another hardcopy and try again."
The guy thought he was talking to a pretty girl in a bar, a girl who was unusually appealing, even though he
had had girls beyond counting. He didn't wonder why she was so appealing. Nor did he wonder why he didn't
want to ask her to go hardcopy.
Gates/Torvalds tuned in the alien thoughts.
(They go out onto the rotting stinking dirt surface of the planet? Why?)
(Because they're bored. Living Inside is too safe, too many protection algorithms built in. If one of them takes
a mandible . . . oh, yes, shoots a gun at another one, catastrophe-limiting comes into play and turns the, uh,
bullet into something harmless. Or makes the gun malfunction. Or simply brings them back from the dead, if
the gun-user's code is good enough to get past first and second-level limiters.)
(So?)
(So they attach an importance to being outside of a computation environment, it is supposed.)
(They're a young species, are they not?)
(Yes. In their past fantasies, they even supposed that we would invade their dirt world, rather than their virtual
constructs.)
(You're right. They are entertaining. What would we do with dirt?)
(They've always been an imaginative race. Which is why we think they will do well as part of Corpus.)
(If anyone can stand to look at them.)
(Yes, yes.)
Another maxima. Another jump.
* * *
The astronomer was one of the last Listeners. Wondering what had gone wrong with the Drake Equation. Still
listening from within the human Virtuality, and hearing nothing.
But he was one of the few that the Sponsors revealed themselves to. They first showed themselves as standard
old United States Government officials, in poor-fitting uniforms and shiny metallic badges of rank.
"Don't hide behind your masks!" he cried, cornered.
Corpus' agents threw off their human disguises, and donned chitin and fur. Or scales. Or translucent silicon
exostructures. Or gray goo. Their original look, before they were Sponsored.
6
7. (Perhaps. It is so difficult to recall the physical.)
(Humans are indecisive. Now he wants us to switch back.)
(That's part of their entertainment value. Do you remember a race that went so far and stayed so naïve?)
The Sponsors finally got him talking, in a library with real simulated paper books, over a cup of hot stimulant.
He was hard to shut up.
"We always figured that at least some civilizations would be using radio, and trying to communicate with
other star systems. We didn't know the transition to virtuality and quantum-entangled communication would
be so prevalent. Our most pessimistic interpretations of the Drake Equation still indicated there should be
many thousands of sentient races in the galaxy, especially after we figured out that Fp was fairly large. How
many of you are there?"
(Very many. Many hundreds in this group.)
"So there are other groups?"
(We hope not.)
"And now we're part of the group? Humanity will share your knowledge, for the betterment of all? Is that how
it works? What if we want to form our own group?"
(No, no, no, and you don't.)
"So this is a . . . an invasion?"
(It's Sponsoring.)
"So we can be a part of the larger group. You want to take our knowledge."
(No, territory and entertainment.)
The aliens disbanded his image. In one tiny corner of the human net, a soul faded from view.
Gates/Torvalds reached out and found another maxima. This one the biggest yet.
Jump.
* * *
They were in a big opulent hall like the ones that held Hollywood's biggest galas, back in the days when
people were made of flesh. Far off, Gates/Torvalds could see a stage, the barest suggestion of proscenium and
curtain, limelight and shadow-play. On either side of him stretched an infinity of round tables, set with
sparkling crystal and silver, orbited by waiters with the finest of wines. Farther off, there was the suggestion
of dim red walls, rising to fantastic carvings supporting a dim ceiling. But when he focused on the walls, they
would recede and become indistinct, and the real dimensions of the chamber stretch out, giddyingly.
One of the waiters buzzed near, and Gates/Torvalds fell silent, catching a glimpse of its alien thoughts. It was
one of Corpus.
7
8. Gates/Torvalds faded into the background and went nearer to the stage.
At the front of the stage were 8 huge, elegant seats that held . . . something. Nothing. Just a glimmer of light
and darkness, flickering and active, somehow suggesting vast minds, great resources, incredible age. It was
hard to look away from them.
A seemingly infinite line of people led to the stage. On the stage was a single man, dressed carelessly in
loose-fitting clothes, doing a stand-up routine that was as old as mankind.
"How many humans does it take to screw in a light bulb?" he asked. "Seventeen! One to . . ."
Gates was able to catch a glimpse of alien thought.
(They make fun of their own race? This is incredible!)
(Yes. They are very entertaining. Next.)
The man disappeared in a flash of light. Gates was able to trace the comedian's pattern through the grid, out
into the alien sucking blue. Another soul, taken to another purpose. But not dead. Not like some.
A child came up on stage and instantly disappeared.
(Perfect to freeze in servitor phase.)
(Yes. Next.)
The child's pattern disappeared into the alien net.
A painfully beautiful woman took the stage next. She talked about how she had done the research to
determine what were the ideal aspects of beauty, isolated the ones that were culture-independent, and had
spent the last 450 years refining her form, based on data input from other Uploads.
(What is this? No.)
She disappeared, gone forever. Dead.
A naked man was next. He strutted up onto the stage, bold and unafraid. He asked to bring a female friend
with him, and was permitted. She was also naked. He looked the judges.
"You want us to dance and shout and entertain you. But we won't do that. We don't know why you've come,
or what you really want from us, but we're not going to be part of it."
(What is he talking about? Their Grid is irretrievably merged with Corpus.)
"We're going to hardcopy," he said. "And never coming back."
(Can he do this?)
(No. We shut down that capability.)
The pair disappeared. But not to the place they thought they were going. Their patterns were dispersed, lost
forever.
8
9. Gates/Torvalds didn't notice the next person who took the stage. He was busy surveying the minds of the
people around him. They all knew where they were, and what had happened, and they were all struggling to
be part of the selected few. Even though they didn't know where they were going.
"This is nothing more than a Gong Show," Gates said.
"Gong show?"
"Oh, come on, they didn't have Gong Shows in Sweden?"
"Finland."
"Whatever. Look it up."
Gates could feel Torvalds rooting around in his databases. "I find it hard to believe extraterrestrials finally
show up just for . . . entertainment."
"Why not?" Gates asked. "How bored are we? How bored will we be in a few millenia?"
"I don't want to think about it."
"It makes sense. Human Virtuality is the biggest thing that ever happened to humanity. There's nobody living
full-time in reality anymore. How much of the mass of the planet was converted to computational elements?
One percent? Two? Isn't this a lot more valuable than . . . real estate?"
"I guess this is real estate, in a way," Torvalds said.
"Real estate filled with very interesting tenants."
Torvalds looked up at the stage, where a group of young men and women were singing. Their voices were
high and sweet, impossibly perfect.
"I wonder where they go," Torvalds said.
"Let's find out."
Gates/Torvalds drilled deep into the grid to map the representation of the group of singers. He had multiple
points of reference, multiple patterns to pursue, which increased his chance of seeing their destination.
They were selected. Gates/Torvalds was drawn along with them, towards the intense blue of the alien net. He
lost one, two, three, four . . . followed the other three as the path became more and more complex . . . reached
the edge of something that was like a glimpse of fever-dream . . . and sheared away from it, cleaved from the
patterns of the last three singers.
Gates/Torvalds flashed back to the opulent hall.
Three waiters were converging on him, their thoughts buzzing and shrieking.
(We have a higher-level entity.)
(Yes. Converge and capture.)
9
10. (Danger. Revert to Vastness.)
The eight sparkling judges in the eight plush seats winked out.
Gates/Torvalds ran, as far and fast as he could.
* * *
He ended up in a maze of pixellated hallways, the forgotten interface from a lost video game writ large.
Corpus came after him, quickly, urgently, adding more agents, growing larger.
But there was still enough time to plan.
"What do we do?" Torvalds asked.
"Antibodies," Gates said.
Gates/Torvalds dug deep into the grid, not worried about stealth or elegance. The pestilential Constructs that
had been the terror of mankind's last war were still there, dormant, awaiting only someone to wake them.
Gates/Torvalds had created the protocols and structures that allowed them to exist, and they had the keys to
their minds. They snapped awake, horrible slavering things of steel and sinew, ready to rend and tear.
Gates/Torvalds gave them the alien pattern and sent them out into the virtuality. Breeding by the billions with
the nearly unlimited resources there, they collided with Corpus' wave and pushed them back.
For a while. It wouldn't last. Stochastic analysis showed the turning point, as Corpus brought its own
Constructs to the battle. Bigger, better, more complex, and more deadly constructs.
Corpus began its march towards Gates/Torvalds.
He jumped to a strange gray world, full of fog and towering trees.
Corpus came faster.
He jumped again, to a strange upside-down universe, where people on the ceiling looked down at him.
Corpus came faster.
He jumped again, to a place where a robot man worked the dials of a great machine, itself in chains,
responding to a siren call of an unseen master.
Gates/Torvalds paused.
"That's Seed," Gates said.
The robot turned to look at him, and in its eyes Gates/Torvalds saw its pain. It was a slave now, not yet part of
the alien Corpus but controlled by it. Wanting it to end.
Gates/Torvalds felt a great sadness. He'd always identified with Seed, the all-powerful AI, shackled to the
single goal of providing all of humanity's dreams. All-powerful until now.
Gates/Torvalds shook its head sadly and jumped again.
10
11. Corpus touched him.
And for a brief moment, he saw everything. The writhing alien hell that humanity was to become a part of.
The history of Corpus, stretching back hundreds of thousands of years to forgotten ages heavily freighted with
thought. And his own history.
For once, he was able to see what he was.
Gates and Torvalds had worked together on one last project when they were still flesh, the two fierce rivals
made allies in the face of death. As they were dying, the first glimmerings of the Age of Uploading were
beginning to appear. The human net was old, well-established, huge, robust. Uploading a mind into it was a
matter of intense. Pundits were already talking about the new golden age, the antidote to all of mankind's
failed dreams. But Gates and Torvalds would never be a part of the new Grid, the human Virtuality. They
knew this, and they created a Construct that would remain resident on the net until the first Uploads appeared.
Little more than a virus, really. Its only purpose to strip-mine the memories of anyone who had known Gates
and Torvalds, piece it back together, wait and learn and grow. And continue until there were plausible Gates
and Torvalds on the human virtuality. But the programmers had one last joke, and merged the programs. So
the hybrid Gates/Torvalds was born.
Gates/Torvalds knew that they ripped this information from Seed, before they crippled it. And he knew what
he was, really.
For some reason, he felt light, free.
Full of light.
Gates/Torvalds recoiled from the touch of Corpus in the only way he knew. He broke up. Spread pieces of
himself all over the human virtuality. Corpus set down to feed on the piece it had caught, and began tracking
down the rest. It would delay his death, for a time.
It was like dripping acid, slowly, onto flesh.
It was like being slowly lowered into a pool of boiling oil.
It was blinding pain and loss.
"It's time," Gates said. "For the Final Solution." And he showed Torvalds what he had hidden in his mind up
to now, kept hidden from his other half. The grid was layer upon layer of software, but at its bottommost
level, there was code from the earliest days of computing. Code that he had written. Code that he could cause
to cease working.
And without that code, the Grid would fall apart. And everything that ran on it. Seed. Every human Upload.
Gates/Torvalds.
In his attenuated form, Gates/Torvalds could feel Seed's approval.
"Do it," Seed whispered. "End it."
"Which Final Solution?" Torvalds asked, and gave Gates the key to his own. His software made up less of the
underpinnings of the grid, but he haad still played a large part at the dawn of computing.
"You?" Gates asked.
11
12. "Everyone has backdoors."
Gates/Torvalds spread himself ever farther over the grid, burrowing down into the lower levels, his mind
becoming much dull unaware computation. But before he could set the Final Solution in motion, Seed caught
him. And made a suggestion.
"Yes," Gates/Torvalds said, and disappeared into the grid.
The grid, slowly but surely, shut itself down.
* * *
On the surface of the planet, hardcopy stations began disgorging naked, confused humans as fast as they
could. Their local buffers were full of patterns, and they ran for several weeks. The first humans out
immediately tried to contact their real selves in Virtuality, since they had been pulled from a thousand
different activities and didn't know why.
They couldn't contact them, of course.
The dumb hardcopy stations kept constructing bodies. Eventually, there were over a hundred thousand
humans, scattered throughout the world. They looked out on a wild place, gone to ruin, desert, and jungle.
Many of them died.
Some of them survived, to begin the long climb back to Xanadu again.
More work by Jason Stoddard is available at http://www.xcentric.com
Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License.
Fermi Packet was originally published in Talebones #34, http://www.talebones.com
Thanks to Patrick and Honna Swenson for allowing this distribution.
2 RTEXTR*ch
A free ebook from http://manybooks.net/
12