Читать книгу Project A129. «Remember the future…» English edition (The original version of the book was published in 2017) - Gertcel Davydov, Gertz (Gertcel) Davydov, Gertz Davydov - Страница 3

Continent of Vinland, 2073

The lecture at the historical university was coming to an end. In order to cover all the material, Professor William Graves drew the students’ attention to the final slide of the presentation, which summarized the topic of the history of past civilizations. It presented all the empires known over the last three thousand years with a chronology of existence.

After making sure that the audience had time to familiarize themselves with the content of the slide, Mr. Graves said:

– Every civilization, just like people, goes through four stages: birth, maturation, flourishing and aging, or, in other words, destruction. All the empires I mentioned went through these stages. Each of the powers at some point completed its historical path, passing the baton to the next.

After looking at the recording, the professor continued:

– Starting with Alexander the Great, whose empire replaced the Persian, all the rulers of the past dreamed of realizing the prophecy of the conquest of the world by one superpower. They conquered countries not with the aim of destroying or plundering them, as is commonly thought, but liberated them from oppression, giving people freedom. Yes, it was with the idea of freedom and equality that they dreamed of conquering the whole world and becoming united rulers. After the fall of Alexander the Great, the Mauryan Empire was formed in the east, and in China, the ruler Qin Shi Huang founded the Qin dynasty. Later, the Roman Empire appeared, during the division of which Byzantium arose, which existed for about a thousand years, as well as the Holy Roman Empire, which united many territories of Europe. At its peak, it included Germany and parts of the territories of Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and France. The war with Napoleon Bonaparte at the beginning of the 19th century led to the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, which lasted more than 800 years.

Looking at the table in the center of the slide, the professor added:

– It is also worth special mentioning the three largest empires in world history, which controlled the largest territories: British, Mongolian and Russian. The Soviet Union was subsequently formed on the territory of the latter. The British, at the peak of their greatness, owned almost a quarter of the world, that is, every fourth inhabitant of the planet was a subject of the crown. Their colonies were located on all inhabited continents of that time and occupied an area of 36 million square kilometers. But it is worth noting that the British Empire did not declare itself the ruler of the world, or at least did not explicitly lay claim to world hegemony.

Raising his hand, one of the students asked:

– Professor, why didn’t the rulers of the past manage to conquer the world?

After thinking for a moment, Mr. Graves replied:

– Many historians agree that the time for the rule of one superpower had not yet come. The leaders of these empires were brilliant commanders and orators, but in those days the technologies that appeared at the beginning of the 21st century did not exist. One of the main factors in the conquest of territories is the rapid exchange of information and the mobility of troops, and the armies of the past were no different in this. In ancient times, campaigns took years, if not decades. The commanders died, and the soldiers, exhausted by long marches, lost their fighting spirit. Time, literally and figuratively, was not on their side. Only with the development of technology and the rapid exchange of data has it become possible to conquer other lands in a matter of months. There was no longer a need for a regular army – everything was done by drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and combat robots, and specialists controlled them from another continent. They could turn off the Internet anywhere in the world, and the enemy troops would be left without communications, which made coordination of movements impossible, and the most technologically advanced army would quickly gain the upper hand.

Students looked at the screens carefully, comparing the periods of greatest power of the great powers, as well as the size of the territories they conquered.

After a short pause, the professor continued:

– If we return to relatively recent history, to the confrontation between the democratic system and the communist one, then America, having studied the experience of previous empires, combined financial and ideological struggle. She proposed a new world order based not on military expansion, but on freedom, which they called democracy. All this was supported by a financial and economic model, focused primarily on achieving personal success, and then collective success, which is how they defeated communism. Until the disaster, the United States remained the leading economic power on the planet. And now we will move on to the causes of aging, that is, the collapse of the last civilization, and the onset of a new, our era.

Mr. Graves walked around the pulpit and resumed his story:

– The United States has practically realized that ancient prophecy thanks to technological progress. They swept away all obstacles on the way to their cherished dream – to rule a single world, investing huge amounts of money in advanced technologies. The desire for hegemony required large expenses, and when the global economic crisis began in 2007 and difficulties arose with financing new types of weapons, the intelligence services came up with blockchain technology, on the basis of which the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was created. This peer-to-peer payment system not only solved the issue of developing new types of weapons, including space weapons, but also helped destroy the economies of other powers without firing a single shot. In 2029, the global financial system collapsed. Independent states became unable to service their external debt, as well as fulfill social obligations to citizens, and one after another they abandoned their sovereignty. Another redistribution of the world has occurred.

The professor again drew the students’ attention to the slide, and then continued:

«All these countries, which followed the United States in launching dozens of their own blockchain platforms and cryptocurrency projects, both anonymous and public, managed to collect trillions of dollars for the hidden financing of military space programs. As a result, this technological race and the subsequent attempts to colonize the moon led in 2046 according to the old calendar to the third world war, which almost destroyed life on the entire planet. On the only habitable continent, called Vinland and retaining some of the technologies of the previous civilization, a new, post-Christian era began 26 years ago.

– It turns out that the prophecy about a single world, equal and fair, never came true? – an inquisitive student asked a new question.

Lost in thought, the professor answered with some annoyance:

– Yes, that’s exactly how it is. In the remaining time we will talk about the main factor that served as the trigger for the collapse of the previous civilization. It is the emergence of Bitcoin that is significant in this chain. Before his appearance, there were about two hundred independent states in the world, and this helped maintain the balance of power. Many compared the hype around cryptocurrencies with the tulip mania that occurred in the 17th century in Holland or the dot-com boom at the end of the 20th century. At that time, few could have imagined that this phenomenon would surpass all of them combined in consequences.

– How did religions react to the emergence of cryptocurrencies?

– If among financiers and politicians there was a dual opinion regarding the investment attractiveness of cryptocurrencies, then among religious leaders there was unanimous condemnation, since it made some fabulously rich, while others deprived them of everything. Events developed so rapidly that denominations began to fear the approach of the apocalypse. Christianity, a very widespread religion of the time, saw in these events a prophecy from the gospels. It talks about four horsemen who will come to earth one after another. The horsemen meant global events, and the spread of cryptocurrencies was associated with the third of the horsemen, on a black horse. People on different continents did not believe the skeptics and believed that this revolutionary invention would save the world from the dictates of central banks and large financial corporations.

The professor thought for a moment and walked back and forth across the department again, after which he continued:

– I read many books, articles and declassified materials on this topic. As has happened more than once throughout history, blockchain technology, one might say, appeared by accident, that is, they were looking for one thing and found something completely different. It, like the Internet or Wi-Fi, was developed by the military. Initially, this technology was supposed to serve as an unhindered financing of the opposition in countries with dictatorial regimes, bypassing the authorities. But seeing its potential and rapid spread, they decided to expand the scope of cryptocurrencies, that is, to raise money for the hidden financing of military space projects, both public and private. In order for the development to arouse widespread interest and not be associated with any country, it was decided to declare it to be the creator of the mythical Satoshi Nakamoto. Articles and reports about Bitcoin, created in 2008 and launched in early 2009, began to appear on the Internet and the media. It was hailed as an instrument of freedom for all people, the main advantage of which, in addition to the speed of transfers and anonymity, was the complete decentralization of the system.

Many enthusiasts saw new technologies as an alternative to a centralized banking system controlled by a group of people. As stated in the declassified documents, the developers themselves did not expect the ensuing effect. Then all that remained was to watch as the flame fanned out from the spark. Quotes went up, attracting the attention of new investors. The media reported day after day how Bitcoin broke a new milestone, rising another 200% in a few months, while income from bank deposits and other financial instruments could not even cover inflation. Then people did not understand that Pandora’s box had been opened, and the old world order had come to an end. Over time, all savings of citizens, funds from mutual investment and non-state pension funds were invested in cryptocurrency.

Economists warned about the consequences of the bursting of the bubble, but no one was willing to listen. Leaders of various faiths also spoke out about the risks of investing in cryptocurrency, claiming that its purchase was contrary to religious norms, and even scared of hell, but the thirst for profit was above all. This time is commonly called the Great Fever, because by 2029, twenty years after the creation of Bitcoin, almost the entire population of the planet was involved in this process. Attempts by state leaders, financiers and religious figures to reason with the people were in vain. At one point, the market collapsed, and this led to the fact that countries were unable to provide citizens with conditions for even the most modest existence. Famine came, which was personified by that very rider on a black horse. The rulers had a choice: to be overthrown and torn to pieces by the crowd or to voluntarily join the superpower.

Seeing his hand raised, Mr. Graves allowed the student to ask a question:

– Professor, didn’t the heads of state really have any other tools besides persuasion to stop this process?

– Of course, the authorities of many countries tried to regulate legislation, warning about the risks that these technologies pose, and even prohibited investments in cryptocurrencies, but people circumvented all the restrictions. The clergy of all faiths without exception sided with the government. Some of them called Bitcoin the electronic Antichrist – and in some ways they were right. But the warnings of state leaders, religious denominations and prominent economists could not keep the people from temptation. In a word, people again fell under the power of the golden calf. The soul, as they used to say, and the thirst for profit were put on the scales. It was the fear of missing out that motivated people. This is not reprehensible, but when the thirst for profit passes a certain threshold, overshadowing the mind, a person begins to act emotionally. He struggles to jump into the last car, not realizing that the train is heading into a cliff.

There were still ten minutes left before the end of the lecture, and the professor wanted to move on to students’ questions about the material covered, when suddenly a special signal sounded. At the university, it was turned on only in emergency cases, when it was necessary to gather everyone in the courtyard. As soon as the sound of the siren died down, an electronic voice was heard from the loudspeaker and at the same time, each of the students received an SMS notification: «All students from level one to four to report for scanning.» The professor announced that the lecture was over.

The sounds of the siren grew louder, urging the last of the students to leave the building. The audience quickly emptied. The professor looked out of the window and saw a Continental Guard van with a line lined up. Drones circled above the crowd as a voice over the loudspeaker continued to urge students to report immediately for their scans. The first group of drones made sure that no one left the university, and the second group scanned the retina of the eyes from a distance, identifying the person.

The professor walked away from the window and heard the voice of student Chris Taffer, who was slowly taking last notes about the lecture:

– Mr. Graves, excuse me, can I ask you one more quick question?

– Yes, I’m listening.

«I tried to look for the answer to it in library books and the continental network, but most of the information is missing. They say it was erased by the rebels. I am extremely interested in the process of the birth and development of the first cryptocurrency, and I am thinking of writing a thesis on this topic. – After a short pause, the student continued: «You said that enthusiasts were attracted by the revolutionary technology, but for the first ten years, few people paid with cryptocurrencies, that is, used them for their intended purpose, people bought them only for investment purposes.»

– Yes, back then the throughput of the Bitcoin network was low, and transaction fees were significant, and this made the system unsuitable for daily use. Therefore, investing in cryptocurrencies has become largely speculative. Each buyer hoped that new investors would come to the market and buy coins from them at a higher cost.

– It turns out that people didn’t even study this technology and didn’t know its ultimate purpose… I’m talking about its payment advantages: speed, anonymity, decentralization… It turns out that they didn’t even suspect that Bitcoin was originally conceived by the intelligence services as a tool of global control?

After pausing briefly to remember certain dates, the professor calmly replied:

– As you know, the first block was generated at the beginning of 2009, and Bitcoin was accepted by the general public only in 2013. Many thought that this was the invention of a lone genius, but those who carefully familiarized themselves with the principle of operation of the system understood that a group of highly qualified cryptographers and mathematicians was working on the project. As you know, the main place of employment for specialists of this level is the government or intelligence agencies.

Looking at his watch, the professor continued:

– The arms race required colossal funds. Due to a lack of funding, the launch of many projects related to space exploration had to be postponed, but the heads of the superpowers understood: whoever owns space will own the world. From declassified documents, it became clear that, on behalf of the government, in 2007, the intelligence services created a unit in which the best cryptographers and mathematicians were looking for an effective solution for financing expensive space programs. There, dozens of projects were developed in parallel. Most of them were launched with failure or minor success, but the Blockchain project, which created Bitcoin, showed amazing results. A decision was made to expand the division. Cryptographers and mathematicians who worked on the project were assigned to a special department, which was joined by the best marketers at the final stage. This is how the first cryptocurrency was born. People who wanted to get rich were not particularly interested in what goals were pursued. It was a process that neither reason, nor authorities, nor religion could stop. As blockchain and quantum technologies developed, the Apocalypse and the imminent arrival of the Messiah, who would save the world and free the souls of people, were increasingly prophesied, but the savior never came.

The student, continuing to write down the professor’s words, asked:

– Mr. Graves, what about the same Satoshi who was at the origins of Bitcoin? His identity has not yet been revealed. Over the past 60 years, many have impersonated him, but no one has been able to prove it. I don’t know whether you watched it or not, another participant tried to impersonate Satoshi on the «Lie Detector» show, and the machine has not yet exposed him. The presenter even joked: have we really found the real creator of Bitcoin, or has another, thousandth, False Satoshi appeared on the Continent?

– I don’t watch this show, it’s mostly staged.

– Please, look at this segment, it is very convincing. The applicant has already completed 4 rounds of interviews.

Chris played the video and the professor watched it.

– Well, are you impressed? I was amazed. How did he do it?

– Not everything that is shown should be believed. I’m currently finishing work on a book: «The Age of Blockchain, or Belshazzar’s Feast.» Based on declassified materials, I described the origin and development of this project. In the fifth chapter you can read about how the image of Satoshi Nakamoto was created and where this name even came from.

– I look forward to the release of your book, professor!

Mr. Graves once again went to the window, wanting to make sure that none of the students were arrested, and said:

«Chris, hurry up to get checked so that you don’t have problems with the guards later.»

– They check those who have a low, medium or high level, and I have the highest, fifth.

– It is rarely given to anyone. How did you manage that?

«My father was a guard and besides, I never did anything illegal.» Only once did he cross the street in the wrong place to save a cat. The drone, which lost control, fell and could have crushed her. After that I had no problems. In addition, I take piloting courses, and all pilots undergo very thorough testing, so the level of trust is high. I try to live in accordance with the laws prescribed and controlled by Artificial Intelligence, Kronos, which has replaced the constitution these days. And I have no complaints about the government – they care about the Continent and ordinary citizens.

The professor did not try to convince Chris, realizing that he sympathized with the authorities, and did not reveal his connection with the rebels. Mr. Graves himself did not at all share the student’s naive opinion, especially in light of incoming information that the ruler wants to amend the Code in his new term. According to Mr. Graves, the only correct decision was to remove Demian Roskhald from power, the sooner the better. But he didn’t want to get rid of himself at all, and there was no need to become a prophet in order to predict the outcome of the upcoming elections…

Mr. Graves sighed heavily. He was terribly tired, and lately he had felt like he was being chased behind him. For members of the rebel movement, danger lurked everywhere. The trap is about to close its steel jaws, but the stake here is not just the life of an ordinary professor. The stake here is happiness and freedom from the dictates of the power of the inhabitants of the Continent, and for this you can pay the highest price.

«Chris, you are one of my best students,» the professor smiled. – Keep studying and you will come to the truth. You shouldn’t be absolutely sure of anything. As they said in ancient times, if you believe that you have learned the truth, then you have not understood anything. This is such a vessel: when you try to hold it, it will definitely slip out of your hands and leave you with nothing.

Wanting to demonstrate to Mr. Graves his knowledge of not only the laws prescribed in the Artificial Intelligence of the Continent, Chris said:

– Professor, did I tell you that my mother is from Luz? For this reason, I am well acquainted with their legislation. It differs from ours in being more conservative, so the Council of the Continent, when creating the supreme ruler Kronos, rejected it, deciding to develop a more perfect system. Are you saying that they didn’t take everything into account and that there are shortcomings in Artificial Intelligence, our supreme ruler?

«I want to say that you should always be a skeptic and continue to search for the truth.» She will definitely open up to you if you make the path to her. Kronos was created after the disaster, and training was carried out hastily. The laws contained in it, which are also called «Code 282», in my opinion, need significant improvement, but everyone has their own opinion on this matter.

After thinking about the professor’s words, Chris said:

– Mr. Graves, the topic of lawmaking has fascinated me for a long time. I continue to study the legal systems of past empires, starting with Roman law, as I plan to connect my future with the department that monitors the implementation of the laws of the Supreme Ruler Kronos on the Continent. I have the highest scores in almost all subjects, perhaps this will allow me to get a position in the Artificial Intelligence tower.

«Chris, you have a wonderful career ahead of you.» Sometimes I myself am amazed at your knowledge. You are familiar not only with your neighbor, but also with ancient and modern history, the myths of Ancient Greece, the Bible!

The student was pleased to hear such words from the professor’s lips.

– I spend most of the day in the library – I like to read historical books in paper versions. My mother works in the university library and helps me select the best books. And in the evening at home I study materials on electronic media. I don’t turn on the video camera on weekdays at all, only on weekends I make sure to watch the show «Apollo’s Arrow» and the ruler’s speech – I’ve never missed them before. Communication with peers is not particularly interesting to me, which is probably why during the four years of study I never made real friends.

– You’re doing great, keep working hard.

After thinking a little, the student asked:

– Professor, recently I have become interested in literature devoted to the interpretation of dreams. Perhaps you can recommend me a good website or book on this topic? There is a lot of information on the Internet, but I don’t understand what is reliable. Sometimes you can find dozens of different interpretations for one symbol.

The professor remained silent. Ignoring this, Chris continued:

– Since childhood, I often have a dream in which I make my way through the forest and mountains, and then a monster appears and I wake up. I just can’t understand its meaning and watch it to the end. It was the same thing this night.

– Try to figure it out on your own. Perhaps you are at a crossroads and have a choice to make. The monster is our fears that must be overcome in order to move on. It guards the Gate of knowledge – what a person strives for. I will send you useful books, study them at your leisure.

– Thank you! – Chris smiled widely. «I’ll try to read them as quickly as possible.»

– I assure you, there is no rush. I won’t need them anytime soon. I’ll let you know when they are needed. «After a pause, the professor asked: «Do you know why Wilhelm wasn’t at the lecture today?»

– The guys said that on the eve of the celebration of the 27th anniversary of the founding of Vinland, he was detained by guards. – Mr. Graves changed his face and became thoughtful. Without attaching any importance to this, Chris continued: «Now many students are being tested for involvement in the resistance.» I think this is a misunderstanding and he will be released soon.

When the professor looked at his watch once again, Chris realized that Mr. Graves was in a hurry, and, saying goodbye, headed to the library, leaving the professor alone in the classroom.