Part 5 of “Mission” followed Ruby’s direct experience with dreaded drama. In this sixth and final part of the series, Ruby finally learns the true purpose of her ‘important secret mission’.
Mission – Part 6: Home
An original story by Scarlettt
Ruby heard the rumble of the Entanglement Drive’s locational gyros spinning down, and she knew once again that the jump had been completed. Beneath them would lie that most beautiful of blue space jewels; WRS-Earth.
Ruby smiled. Oh, WRS-Earth, thought Ruby, with her returned-to-pristine oceans and forests, and her manicured cities blending in perfectly with all that natural beauty. Ruby was so glad to be home.
“Welcome home, Ruby,” came a familiar voice. Ruby opened her eyes and was unsurprised to see the elegant figure of the HB-Infinite standing before her. But, there was something else, something unusual, studying even, in the expression on the HB-Infinite’s face. She looked as if, for once, there was something she did not know the answer to.
“I’m sure I am not spoiling the ‘surprise'”, continued the HB-Infinite, “but I know that Gemma and Jade are planning a special ‘welcome home’ party for you. The sort of party that only the three of you are invited to.”
The smile on Ruby’s face broadened. “Her girls… her girls”, thought Ruby to herself, and that she was nearly back in their arms again.
Then Ruby’s face became more serious. Melanie would have briefed the HB-Infinite on everything within the first second of them returning to WRS-Earth space, so Ruby thought she would just ask what was on her mind straight away.
“I still don’t really understand,” she said, “why you sent me to pick up a little information in that way. I didn’t see anything that could not have been observed or worked out.”.
The HB-Infinite smiled her benevolent smile. A teacher with a beloved and bright student…
“It’s true we deeply analyzed the colonists’ culture and technology. We could secretly take control of their systems and behind the scenes steer them on a course away from the drama. We could subtly alter their social media postings to encourage drama-free behavior… and develop simulations as outlets for some of their drama-loaded sexual preferences and make them subtly unsatisfying in order to wean them off those preferences…”
The HB-Infinite paused, then continued. “We could do all of these things….. but should we?”.
“Think again of your bunny history…”, went on the HB-Infinite. “Artificial intelligence surpassed human intelligence several hundred years ago. On the timescales of human perception, an AI can often instantaneously see the best way to the best solution for any problem…”
Another pause. “But… what defines ‘best’? Human minds, with their awareness of their own mortality and their own weaknesses, are best placed to make that sort of moral judgement…”.
“The original colonists clearly left WRS-Earth to avoid leadership by AI, and possibly any sort of management at all. Is the drama-price paid by their descendants for this type of society too high? Should we intervene, or should we simply leave them alone?”.
The HB-Infinite stepped to beside Ruby’s chair, knelt down and placed her arm around Ruby’s shoulders.
“Dancer Bunny Ruby…”, she said, “we need your advice….”.
Ruby will be back for her second adventure: “Mission II: Stranded”. But for now, what advice do you think Ruby should give? Please leave your feedback in the comments…
Your advanced world has broken the Prime Directive – Non-Interference with the Natural Development of Alien Civilizations which means your society is not as highly advanced as you may think – wonders what the consequences will be after the Aliens learn you have fucked with them. Perhaps they will advance in the future and make your world into their sex slaves. Giggles.
Ah… so you think Ruby would have advised the HB-Infinite to intervene?