prophecy_machine

Volti subito

And so, it was requested that a ribbon and a prophecy machine be produced that would lead to the greatest possible outcome for the country. It wasn’t a strong suggestion — more of an offhand remark — but I leapt at the opportunity, and the requester was ecstatic at the potential.

It was difficult. Predictions were usually more closed in scope, had a more definite endgoal. I pitched a few suggestions for win conditions, until the requester found one that was particularly agreeable. Reduced mortality, no uprisings, no wars, a predictable schedule. Then, we had to work backwards.

Reverse mathematics is very difficult. Taking a statement, and determining what is necessary to prove it. Fortunately, we could weave through the entire simulation an agent who would act exactly as needed.

We eventually concurred that Samantha would die. There were several other names that were thrown around. Verris, Elmyra, Joan, Peter, Four, Red Talon, Weathers, D. Whiteridge, Trenton (but not Rose), Jim. However, it would take 2 years before that mattered. In addition, this was only the first iteration, we could produce more. They should live happily in their unsound houses until then.

And so, I presented Agarma a worldribbon, and a major prophecy machine, and I coached him on what he would need to do, and he plugged it in his head again and again until he got the output we both wanted…

His retainer — his wife, for most intents and purposes¹ — also experienced it several times. She could only last a few internal days — or external minutes — before running into undefined behaviour, freezing the program, and being forcefully removed. I strongly recommended against trying further, to her,

¹ You love to pretend you know what you’re talking about. ²

² Which one of us is the god, here? Garmie, the world thrives on people pretending to know what they’re talking about.