SOTOPIA: Artificial Pseudo-God

"I've always been talking about empty and abstract things, and it's time to get back to the topic. Maynard, now it's up to you to analyze the problems behind our witness." Roberts took a sip of the cool black tea, Leaning on the square soft pillow, he waited with great interest for the other party's report.

"1982."

"Ok?"

"If the information is accurate, 'Experiment No. 71' was born in 1982, and the start of this experiment will only be earlier than this. However, Protocol No. 23 is aimed at the organization 'Knowledge Sharing and Use Guidance Association' officially established in 1985. The project launched has no retrospective effect on its predecessor’s subordinate institutions. Only Sotopia’s internal ethics review committee has the authority to dispose of it. If we are not careful, we will be misled. Therefore, I plan to avoid the sensitive area of ​​​​the experiment itself, from Let’s start with the violent attacks that have occurred. Although it is not directly responsible to the society, it at least reveals the potential danger and forces the other party to further open up information sharing channels. If we can learn from the investigation that this laboratory was launched in our country after 1985, However, experimental projects that have not been reported can be directly investigated for their illegality without additional ethical evaluation.”

Roberts showed a gratified expression of approval.But just when Maynard was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the older man said something like this: "Maybe I can give you another possibility. Of course, this is just the worst assumption: If you say, Sotopia It's deliberately 'making an incident'—"

"Mr. Greert—"

Roberts smiled and waved his hands, seeming to see through Maynard's concern. "The assailant's identity is unknown, and the space for interpretation will expand. If Sotopia uses this to directly put us on the same side as the anti-Sotopia organization, the contradictions between different factions in the country will intensify, and the internal friction that is already high will only worsen." serious."

Maynard frowned, quickly sorted out all the details and doubts of the incident so far, and raised an objection cautiously: "I don't think it is a wise choice for them to pretend to be the opposition at this time to create conflicts. Evidence of undermining Protocol 23 came to the door. Making such a thing during the expansion stage of Sotopia can easily shake the members of our country within the society."

"Not necessarily," Roberts said. "Take the recent attack as an example. The perpetrators did not seem to have achieved their goal in the end, and the test subject still entered Los Angeles safely; as for the attack in the interrogation record, no corresponding physical evidence was found, leading to the existence of the case itself. Doubtful. If it was really done by the anti-Sotopia organization, artificial "false gods" like experimental subjects should have been targeted by the public. Even if they were not regarded as symbolic products and destroyed on the spot, they would be taken away as a tool for public opinion pressure. The incident itself is ambiguous The ingredients are precisely the other side's conspiracy to induce us to cross the line."

——The truth may not be like this.

Maynard quickly picked out the doubts in Roberts' words, and the places that cannot be logically consistent are like hidden and dangerous traps hidden under the carpet.But the posture and expression of the other party seemed to be gently warning him "don't get too involved".

"Of course, as I've said, it's just speculation. But it's the same: just as we want to limit their unscrupulous actions, they're also looking for ways to bring us down. Even with science and the future of humanity The sublime core of this game is still dirty and realistic, Maynard."

"I know very well, sir." Maynard smiled helplessly.

"Do you know why I'm suddenly talking to you about this now?"

This is another question that is not easy to answer as a subordinate.But in fact, Maynard is not a traditional bureaucrat who cares too much about the superficial skills of his superiors and subordinates, and even has a straightforwardness that is too in line with his character in some unimportant moments.

"It's because the term of office is coming." He replied directly.

"That's right." Roberts' eyes showed an admiration that seemed to say, "As expected of my subordinate with personality". "Prior to this, I have heard some rumors that someone intends to prevent me and several other assistant directors from being re-elected. To confirm whether Sotopia is related to it is not only because of my personal and FBI career, but also a layer of national mechanism and It’s a question of interests. If I can’t stay in the bureau, at least you can continue this line of thinking, and don’t let dangerous forces like Sotopia continue to erode our country.”

"I see. Leaving aside the final outlook, it is naturally my duty to continue the current work."

"For a long time, the headquarters and I have been deliberately controlling the amount of information provided to your department. It is not to reduce your psychological responsibility when performing tasks like heroism, or to let you suffer undue risks, but to eliminate as much as possible. The potential for intelligence to confuse judgment."

"I understand." Maynard replied, there was no expression on his face that could reveal his psychology. "I know where the boundaries of 'one's job' are, and it is impossible to be driven by boring motives to do superfluous things. This is probably the most dehumanizing and most beneficial function of bureaucracy."

Roberts looked very pleased with this, even the short gray hair, which was carefully combed, looked radiant.

"Speaking of which, I actually remembered something interesting. The Mills who went to see you that day is a beauty."

"...What?" Maynard didn't know how to respond when he heard the unexpected topic and Roberts seemed to recall the ambiguous subtle expression.Fortunately, Roberts did not force him to diverge any meaning, just went straight on.

"The first time I knew him was before the Yinbao incident. At that time, his legs were not broken, and he hadn't climbed to the current position."

Maynard wasn’t surprised by this—as the FBI’s watchtower in the standoff with Sotopia, it didn’t seem surprising that Roberts Greert had contact with Mills Fraser. "You do know him, and know him well."

Roberts denied it with a smile: "It's hard to say that I understand."

"That should be the initial stage of Sotopia's landing in the United States, and the Strategic Planning Bureau has not yet been established."

"Yes. At that time, Mills was only the director of one of the intervention projects, but his desire for control and dangerous behavior had been exposed. It was also during that time," Roberts revealed slowly without warning. A nasty expression that unexpectedly matched his upright appearance. "If you have to say it, I had a relationship with him."

This time, Maynard was stunned speechless.The medals and group photos displayed by the Greert family, Mrs. Greert's enthusiastic and shrewd eyes and generous and straightforward manners, a son and a daughter who are still young but have budding excellent styles, and some illusions about the beautiful families of the elite class are quietly revealed. Cracks suddenly appeared.

Maynard knew that such a "scandal" among senior officials should not have surprised him.But the fact that he had a physical relationship with a former agent like Mills, and by Roberts' own admission, still eluded him.

"During that time, I was not the only one who had a relationship with him. You should also understand that no matter which side it is, the flesh is a traditional weapon, although it is not always suitable. He is smart and dangerous, but Such a stupid approach was taken at the time. It even looked like some kind of black humor in the end. Sotopia was far less noble than the Romantics of the outside world thought, especially the lunatics of the International Intervention Branch, who There is no regard for procedural justice."

"... You must have a clear purpose in telling me this kind of thing."

"In this way, the trump card of my reputation is in your hands, Mr. Russell." Roberts stood up with a wry smile, and patted Maynard's shoulder with a very sincere expression.

Maynard's heart sank almost completely: "Are you going to bring the witness back to Washington for investigation?"

"No, he remains in Los Angeles and will be useful later. My deputy will stay," replied Roberts. "I'll leave it to you, Maynard. I expect a lot from you."

"Yes, Mr. Greert."