Story Reader / Main Story / 28 Polaris Bond / Story
Two things
Fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe, the more often and steadily we reflect upon them:
The starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.
—Immanuel Kant
When Igor Lvovich Landau grabs onto the handle of the airtight laboratory door, his thoughts suddenly drift to an afternoon 20 years ago. He left the lab and went on a stroll with Professor Tsiolkovsky on Vasily Island's seaside path.
In the past, people would have described that day as "sunny."
He can recall how the heat from the small experimental reactor in the control room drifted to the Neva River by purified condensate and gradually disappeared beyond the bay.
He can even remember the brown synthetic leather on the control room chair armrests, the yellow-green xenon light, the whispers of students and workers, the alarm buzz of the restraint rings, and the shadowy figures on the screen.
Everything feels like a time-lapse. It takes him to that afternoon and into the night.
The city he is in now has canals snaking through it, just like his home city. The water brings sediments from upstream and deposits them into fertile plains.
But this city is different. Here, you can see a sky full of stars in the city center even at night.
Landau reaches out to the starry sky. The specks of starlight slip between his fingers and drifts into to the liquor at the corner of his mouth, making it glimmer.
They traveled for hundreds or thousands of years in the universe... to reach Earth.
Do you see that star? That should be Arcturus... in that direction... It's about 40 light-years away.
40 light-years... Virgo's diamond...
Landau lowers his hand that was holding onto the distant and ancient starlight. He finishes the bottle, lets out a long burp, and grins at the researcher beside him. He laughs heartily.
This is a great place for stargazing. It's far enough from any light pollution of a metropolis.
Well, this is a satellite city built for research. Nobody lives here. This honestly isn't that different from actual wilderness.
I heard that when the Chamber of Commerce decided to build an Academy here, they gave the original residents a good sum for relocation and resettlement. My friend in Chiwen said the reserved funding in the budget was enough to build another LHC.
With just the relocation fee, a family of three could live comfortably in any city... They could even buy land and build a house.
Ha, but I don't think land here is very expensive.
That's true. Everyone left and buildings were demolished. The land has little value.
Hmm... the research building over there is still intact, right?
That's because we're the only ones left.
Do you think... there are people like us on planets tens of light-years away, chatting about housing prices, drinking, and staring into the starry sky.
Maybe. We're not astronomers, so we don't know enough.
Burp.
The researcher who is leaning on the railing lets out a long burp. This sound is unique to humans, and it is particularly loud in this desolate wilderness.
Have you packed your stuff?
Yeah, I packed everything a few days ago. I just have a few personal files left at the institute.
No more talks about the contract?
You should know. It's not something I can do anything about.
Landau raises the glass, trying to get more liquor from the empty bottle, but nothing comes out.
It's empty...
I heard they didn't renew our contracts because the Science Council is initiating a new project and needs talent. Is that true?
Landau nods, but his gaze stays on the empty bottle in his hand.
I don't really know... what we're supposed to do.
The institute doesn't want to let you go.
There's nothing we can do. Nothing at all.
Landau sighs, tosses the bottle into the trash, and reaches his hand toward the night sky again.
It's like... a brain.
What?
The starry sky.
...
I actually never wanted to be an algorithm engineer.
Well, now you're a top expert in this field.
When I was in university, I even joined the Astronomy Enthusiasts Association and got a chance to visit a space station.
Can you imagine that over a hundred years ago, it took humans over 10 years to map a star chart with a few billion stars?
Now, we not only know the positions of hundreds of billions of stars in the Milky Way, but we have even mapped trillions of stars in the observable universe that we can't see with the naked eye.
Maybe one day, we'll be able to see them with our own eyes.
Maybe...
Landau lowers his hand, but his other hand is still moving in the direction of the bottle he tossed into the trash.
We are so small, so fragile, and so insignificant compared to the universe.
But we... are also the only achievement of the 14 billion-year-old universe. We move the world forward one step at a time with our knowledge of science.
Two sighs can be heard echoing through the wilderness.
Landau holds onto the handle of the airtight door leading to the underground lab. Something seems to be pushing him into the abyss, reminding him of that afternoon when he bid farewell to his mentor. With it, he feels his heart gripped tightly by a damp hand.
He seems to be looking at himself clutching the door handle. The sweat and alcohol on the silver-white handle mix with the silence from two years ago when he couldn't make it back on time to mourn Professor Tsiolkovsky's passing. All of this is rising into the unfamiliar night sky.
I feel like... I might never get the chance to come back here after today.
Don't be so emotional. You'll definitely have a chance to come back.
Didn't the Director say that this position will always be reserved for you? The gates of Kowloong will always open for you.
He smiles and opens the airtight door with the courage he got from the alcohol. The torch of the universe is illuminating the two men. Like two children disappearing in a castle made of wooden blocks, Landau and the researcher next to him blend into the night.
What Landau didn't know was that he would not only never return to Kowloong, but he would also never see the afternoon sunlight of Vasily Island again.
Main Building of Science Council.
Landau has imagined himself standing under this magnificent structure countless times. The huge stone carving is like an eternal candle flame. He imagines it crashing down and crushing him to pieces.
If only that would happen, then he wouldn't have to suffer from the infinite problems in his mind or make a single sound before leaving this world.
But it is merely a wish. He never dared to think that he could walk among these great men with the torch...
On the majestic skyscraper of the Science Council, a huge relief wall hangs in front of the pantheon-like dome.
Seven ivory Tuscan columns support the pale yellow, triangular arch, above which is the relief wall. Behind it is the iconic blue-gray dome of the Science Council.
The relief wall looks like it's about to topple onto people's heads at any moment. It is the new "Academy of Athens" of this era...
In the lower-left corner of the wall, a slightly chubby Becky sits on the steps in a tailcoat. A precise, cylindrical machine made of gears and levers sits at his feet. It is the prototype of the Difference Engine.
Becky clutches his stiff collar with one hand and is waving a stack of note paper with the other. He is arguing with Da Vinci, who is wearing a small hat and wary of something behind him.
Next to them is Lavoisier. He is sitting alone and is less well-dressed than the stout gentleman on the far right. Lavoisier's chest and shoulders are stained with blood. He looks tense and is nervously touching his neck. He seems oblivious to everyone else.
Behind Lavoisier is von Neumann, who is arguing with Feynman and Fermi. Turing is measuring a punched tape against a light source.
This is only a corner of the wall. On the far side are Euler and Newton, Bohr and Dirac, Einstein and Planck, and Gauss and Bayer...
In the middle of all these great scholars is a large stained-glass window. It is said to be etched with many great scientific achievements of human civilization.
Landau is now standing alone under this hazardous wall, holding his briefcase. He gazes silently at the colorful window.
Why didn't they carve members of the Science Council onto the wall?
Landau hears a young, androgynous, and somewhat contemptuous voice next to him.
The person is wearing a Kowloong-style robe. He looks East Asian and is by himself, carrying a briefcase, like Landau.
In the Golden Age and on the road of science, we are nothing but bricklayers. Bricklayers don't deserve to be carved onto the wall.
Hmph, I thought so...
But there's another reason. No one thinks their achievements can be compared to these great thinkers.
Landau smiles gently and extends his hand to the man standing next to him.
Landau.
Villier...
The young man named Villier hesitates and reluctantly shakes hands with Landau. Villier immediately pulls back his hand.
Are you... from Kowloong? You seem quite familiar with the Kowloong language.
Not exactly.
So this is the Science Council? It looks like a museum.
This is just the main building. The entire complex behind this belongs to the Science Council.
Then it must be as big as a city.
So it's here...
Hmm? Are you here for a tour?
No, I'm here for work.
Villier shakes his head, showing no respect for Landau. Villier begins walking up the long staircase in front of the Science Council, leaving Landau behind.
Kids these days...
Landau takes one last look at the stained-glass window shining in the morning sun before heading up the stairs.
The two men walk into the vast, silent embrace of the cold marble building one after the other...
Above this grand hall is a dome about 50m high. No light sources can be seen, yet the entire hall is bathed in a cold blue light.
In this tiny airspace, small transporters and railcars move back and forth. They pass one another mid-air in an orderly fashion and follow their predetermined routes into holes in the wall.
Below, people of all colors and looks crisscross through the hall in the same uniform. Some are debating in small groups, while others rush by, deep in thought.
At the center of this gathering of thoughts is a sculpture of the beautiful blue planet. Below it is a circular inquiry island made up of a transparent glass ring.
Hi.
Landau walks right up to the inquiry island at the center of the hall and greets the nicely dressed girl behind the glass window. She responds with a warm smile.
Hello, how may I assist you today?
I'm Igor Landau. I'm here for my employment check-in.
Dr. Landau, correct? Please give me a moment.
The girl behind the glass window disappears with a ripple. A faint light flashes at Landau and the girl reappears behind the glass.
Welcome back, Dr. Landau.
Your employment procedures and relevant documents from the Council headquarters have been processed. Your documents and unique identity badge will be delivered to you by your assistant shortly. You still prefer not to have an implanted identifier, correct?
Yes.
Alright, the Council has kept your office intact during your absence. Should I relocate it to Section 3?
Sure, thanks.
You're all set. Your office module will be delivered to Section 3 in about three minutes.
Thank you.
As Landau finishes speaking, a floating dodecahedron drifts over to him.
This small floating mechanoid has a screen that displays artificial expressions. Its bright orange paint stands out against the pale blue sky of the Science Council.
^_^
Alright... alright, 42... alright...
I know...
He rubs the mechanoid's screen and grabs a terminal, some documents, and a small work badge from the mechanoid.
Many departments within the Council have been relocated during your absence. Would you like me to guide you through it?
No, it's okay. Just ask it to lead the way.
Of course. It was my pleasure to assist you, Dr. Landau. Have a wonderful day.
The inquiry officer behind the curved glass screen gives Landau a bright smile before vanishing without a trace.
Landau casts a glance at the Kowloong youth standing at another inquiry station nearby. It looks like he's arguing with the inquiry officer, but Landau is standing too far to hear them.
?_?
Let's go over there.
Landau nods at the floating robot and walks up to the Kowloong youth.
Hi. Is... everything okay?
This gentleman's age is quite unusual. I'm trying to contact the Kowloong office for more information.
Hmph, how absurd...
Oh?
Generally, one must be at least 23 to obtain core research permission from the Council, except in special cases.
Is age a barrier to science here?
No, that's not what I mean...
What project are you here for?
Project Gestalt.
When Landau hears these words, a spark of delight flashes in his eyes.
Um, Mr. Landau...
It's fine. You don't need to contact the Kowloong office. Just apply for a special exemption.
Hum?
I have some say in what happens in Section 3, right?
Of course.
Where are his documents? I'll sign them.
A document shows up on the glass screen on the marble counter. Landau signs his name after a quick scan.
Are we good?
The registration is complete. Please head over to the Security Department to pick up your unique identity badge once it's been processed.
42, go get it for him.
!_!
The little floating robot flies upward and joins the stream of other robots traveling high above their heads.
Thanks...
The youth struggles to utter a simple thank you, as if these words are foreign to him. Saying the words is like opening a sealed, ancient library.
Don't worry about it. So, how old are you?
17.
You must be a prodigy!
They have only known each other for three minutes, but Landau feels comfortable enough to wrap his arm around Villier's frail shoulder, like a father.
...
It's alright. Biological age isn't always indicative of intellect, right?
I thought scientists at the Council would be more stern...
Of course, we are!
^_^
42 quickly returns with a small card, just as it did earlier.
Here, take this card. You can also get an implantable version at the Security Department if you prefer that.
Science Council just likes to make things complicated, eh?
O_o
Well then... Miss? Can you finish all the paperwork?
No problem, Mr. Landau.
Alright, everything's in order.
Villier, right? Quite an interesting name... Hum? Your looks... I thought you'd look like most people from Kowloong...
That's none of your business.
Of course.
Landau nods and waves at the floating 42. He signals for Villier to follow the robot.
Hum?
Let's go. This little guy will lead the way. We're quite far from Section 3.
Wait, I don't even know what Section 3 is...
Aren't you here for the Project Gestalt?
Section 3 is where it was conceived.
And you? I don't even know who you are. Why should I trust you?
Me? You can call me Igor or Landau, or whatever you prefer. It's up to you.
But most of the time, people in Section 3 call me "director."
When Villier was invited to help plan Kowloong's underground excavation, he had forgotten about the encounter he had with Norman Mining Corp years ago. Villier only remembered the incident when he saw their company logo on a document.
See that building over there that looks like a donut with a bite missing?
Through the clear elevator, Landau points to a peculiar-looking building 10km away.
That's the Advanced Power Design Bureau office building of the Section 1 responsible for R&D. It was originally designed to be a large stellarator, but when the apparatus was removed, Section 2 moved into the office.
But Section 1 isn't here anymore.
Villier hasn't heard a word of what Landau said. Shining in his eyes is the reflection of the colossal underground city.
Any introduction is meaningless at the sight of such a magnificent subterranean metropolis...
Crisscrossing branches grow downward from the cold steel sky. The branches form a shimmering neural network that transports signals one after another like pulses.
Beneath this sky sits an enormous underground city, far larger than any campus on the surface. Futuristic elements blend with the "classic" Bauhaus and constructivism into this grand and orderly metropolis.
Architectural ideas of the Science Council have manifested as buildings around the globe since the Great Depression. This city is not the only one. Villier and Landau are now in a rail elevator that's taking them across the city midair.
Passenger elevators travel between carts carrying construction materials and experimental equipment. These two-meter-square integrated transporters are now the most common transportation and construction printing machines. They all bear the same logo...
Norman Mining Corp.
This multinational giant has been active in various fields since the last century. It almost monopolized the mining, steel, construction, and machinery industries, and has a dozen contractors and distributors under its wing.
Norman Mining Corp is probably the only corporation able to build a domed underground research city 500m deep and with a volume of 13 million cubic meters. No other company could handle such a project in terms of construction and resource management.
This city is gigantic...
And this is but a tiny section of the Science Council.
Landau nods. He is operating the holographic panel of the elevator cab with ease.
This is the research base for Sections 1 and 3. Section 2 is relatively smaller and is in the southern mountains. It is located further out to hide cosmic radiation signals.
Section 2 was definitely the most costly to construct, but it's worth it.
...
Oh, I guess you don't know.
The Science Council regularly maintains Sections 1 and 2. Section 1 covers almost all fields of natural science research and occasionally works on social science if requested by the World Government.
Section 2 mainly oversees interstellar travel, advanced propulsion, and astrophysics. It is more engineering-oriented, so they get a bigger budget.
Of course... Section 2... also handles some things that are far ahead of our time.
If you get a chance... which I'm sure you will, you should attend a budget or final accounts meeting. It's quite amusing to watch Sections 1 and 2 fight over funding.
I already know this. I'm not a caveman who came with no knowledge about the Science Council.
But... I have never heard of Section 3 before.
That's why I said the Science Council usually only maintains two R&D divisions.
The Council only sets up additional divisions on special occasions for special missions. They will set up, not just a third, but fourth, fifth, sixth, and even more divisions, if necessary.
The most recent... was probably Section 4 from a while ago. Professor Victor is probably still leading it.
Landau hesitates as if he is reluctant to mention this name, but decides to tell Villier in the end.
You know, they work on things like war machines and weaponry...
As for Section 3, our goal is simple. Once it's done, this division will be dissolved, as will Section 4.
Which brings us to why you're here—Project Gestalt.
Luwei! Haha!
The towering Landau wraps his arms around a thin Asian man standing by the lab door. With Landau's build, he can probably crush the small man easily.
Years of sleep deprivation have left dark circles the color of concentrated coffee around the little man's eyes. Luwei looks more like a stereotypical scientist compared to Landau.
Cough... Igor... my shoulder...
Huh? They still hurt? I told you to get it checked at Building 13...
They only treat terminal illnesses there. I'm just tired... cough.
Landau releases the man, but he is still smiling from their reunion.
It's been three years already? How are you? Did you get transferred here, too?
Yeah, I'm mostly working on neurodynamics, consciousness generation, and self-evolving logic trees...
Oh, I've said too much.
Luwei wipes his glasses nervously with his shirt.
Ahem, that's also part of our work now.
Is everyone here?
Everyone's here.
Then why are you out here? Let's go inside.
I don't like crowded places... You know that... Anyway, let's go.
Landau nods at Villier. Landau stands before the tall glass door and a faint red light flashes before his eyes. The door opens and they enter the world beyond the glass door together...
Welcome, Dr. Igor Lvovich Landau, Distinguished Fellow Mr. Luwei, and Mr. Villier.
The offices of Section 3 are also spotless and feel slightly cold, just like other research divisions of the Science Council.
Deep blue and pure white are still the theme colors here. Between what looks like sky and sea are rows of iron curtains, which are actually massive computing units.
Researchers who were busy at various stations gather around Landau and Luwei as they enter. Luwei seamlessly blends into the crowd.
Dr. Landau! You're finally back.
Yes, I'm back. I'm back.
It's been over five years since you left on that trip.
Um... Do you want to say a few words? About our section.
Oh, yeah. I should...
Landau is suddenly reminded of the significance of the badge on his chest.
Director of Section 3 of the Science Council.
Alright then... I'll say something.
Everyone should have a copy of Section 3's briefing.
Landau says while he pulls out a folder from his briefcase and lifts it at the crowd.
Section 3 will handle all the research needed for the "Project Gestalt". Of course, all of this is top secret.
Um... That's why the Council printed this briefing on actual paper.
Laughter erupts from the crowd. Landau waves his hand with a smile before sliding the folder back into his briefcase.
The goal of "Project Gestalt" is to develop an adaptive, self-iterating, and self-learning general AI. This AI will manage, plan, and learn to deal with global public affairs and promote fundamental sciences in the foreseeable future.
I'm sure everyone here knows what that means.
We will be the creators of a god...
A researcher murmurs.
That's right.
I also believe you all understand how challenging this work will be.
What this "Multivac" can achieve eventually may benefit future generations more than us, and I will share the burden of making it a "Multivac" with all of you.
Alright, I'll stop here. I have sent out the document detailing each of your work assignments, positions, and tasks.
Landau waves the document in his hand again.
If you have any questions, feel free to come and see me. Our team is all here and the resources are in place. Work will begin tomorrow.
Landau nods to the hundreds of silent scientists in front of him.
Waves of discussions follow as the gathered crowd begins to disperse.
Landau spots the young man with dark green hair from Kowloong in the crowd. Villier looks confused and keeps looking through his file.
Landau gives his briefcase to a small mech beside him. It brings the item to his desk.
Young man, do you have any questions?
Umm... No, I'm fine.
Villier realizes that he has been a little rude to this man named Landau. Villier feels a rare sense of embarrassment now that he has to work under Landau.
I've read your file. You graduated with a Ph.D. in Physical Technology from Kowloong Central University at 16 and joined the Science Council at 18. You're our youngest scholar here.
Is that a problem?
Of course not. We will treat you just like everyone else. We never judge a professional by their age.
But you look like you have some questions for me, am I right?
Villier hesitates for a moment before opening his document to ask his question.
"Gestalt Multicore Architecture Supervisor and Cognitive Model Architecture Supervisor".
Hmm?
Never mind... Forget that I said anything.
Your resume shows that you have expertise in general AI, mathematical logic, and mechanical engineering.
As I said, I will bear the burden with you all.
You should know it's going to be a long and difficult road to get from theory to justification to success.
The universe and truth are still out of our reach, but you are still young.
Landau pats Villier on the shoulder. Villier does look like a child standing next to Landau.
You and I, along with Dr. Luwei and Dr. Leibowitz, will be supervising the core architecture design.
Leibowitz... I've heard of him.
Of course, you have. He's an authority in quantum computing. You've probably even read his textbooks.
Let's go. We'll head down together.
The core architecture meeting is about to start. It's our first meeting, so Dominik, our Chief Technician, will also be there.
Villier looks up at the massive steel dome of Section 3 and a chill travels up his spine.
In the presence of these scientific giants, even Villier, who was once regarded as a genius, feels as insignificant as a speck of light in the vast cosmos.
Under this steel curtain, countless stars and people move in a grand symphony, each faithfully playing their part.
Under this steel sky, human wisdom marches toward the cold, silent universe and toward truth.
