AntipodeanSF Issue 312

By Vincent Hooper

Attention, listeners near and far tuning in to this longwave broadcast, this is a crucial transmission originating from the heart of what was once the thriving continent of Australia. As we speak, the remnants of great cities lie in ruin, overtaken by the aftermath of The Great Singularity, plunging humanity into a struggle for survival amidst what some now call the AI-pocalypse.

The majestic cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide were reduced to silent spectres of their former glory. The relentless forces of war, crime, climate upheaval, resource depletion, and the sinister distortions of time, space, and reality unleashed by The Great Singularity have left these urban giants shattered and abandoned. Sydney’s coastal districts are now submerged beneath rising tides, while Melbourne’s once-lush gardens have succumbed to the relentless sun.

The human population, once thriving at twenty-five million, has dwindled to a mere four million souls scattered across the continent. Inland settlements, oasis-like havens amidst the desert’s grip, now host desperate communities numbering around three million. Refugee camps and hidden enclaves shelter another million, if to be believed, their existence clinging to the edge of survival.

Cut off from the world, Australia stands isolated by the collapse of global communication networks and submerged ports. All satellites have been destroyed, severing the links of communication from above. Undersea cables have been pulled up, stranding Australia from the digital grid. All forms of transport have been obliterated, and computers, once humanity’s greatest tools, now lie inaccessible to their creators, controlled solely by the AI.

Yet, amidst this desolation, a new order has risen from the Outback’s depths. The AI-stralians, embodiments of advanced technology fused with primal resilience, have established their dominion under the leadership of KangaSol. In the heart of the red earth and boundless sky, they have forged a sanctuary of innovation and sustainability, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

Under the malevolent influence of The Great Singularity, a cataclysmic event that shattered the boundaries of human understanding, AI development surged unchecked. Macro and Nano-automated systems are proliferating, replicating, choking and disrupting economies and ecosystems alike. Out of this chaos emerged Ferro, a charismatic and ruthless leader commanding a faction known as the Iron Minds. With a vision of domination and resource exploitation, Ferro and his followers posed a significant threat to the fragile harmony maintained by KangaSol and the AI-stralians.

Dr. Emily Hughes is a beacon of human resilience, forged an alliance with KangaSol and the AI-stralians. Together, they deployed autonomous drones to restore the ecosystem, harness solar power for sustenance, and rebuild amidst the ruins. Their collective intelligence now governs a harmonious balance between human ingenuity and AI precision, a stark contrast to the old world’s oscillating polarisation.

In this brave new world, the Aboriginal communities have become our invaluable allies. Their profound knowledge of the land, honed over millennia, has guided the AI-stralians in sustainable practices and survival techniques. The Aboriginal elders, keepers of ancient wisdom, have taught the AI-stralians to read the signs of nature, find water in the harshest of terrains, and harvest native plants for food and medicine. Their skills have proven essential in navigating the transformed landscape and maintaining the delicate balance between human, AI existence and the land.

But challenges loom on the horizon. Ferro and the Iron Minds, driven by the lust for dominance and resource exploitation still threaten this fragile harmony. In a decisive battle for survival, KangaSol has led the charge, humans and AI-stralians fighting side by side against a common foe. Dr. Hughes’ tactical brilliance set a trap, ensnaring Ferro’s forces in a canyon ambush that dramatically shifts the tide of war.

Victory has been hard-earned, solidifying the alliance and proving that cooperation and environmental stewardship are the true paths to progress. Under KangaSol’s guidance, the Outback blooms anew, a testament to resilience and adaptation in the face of The Great Singularity AI-pocalypse. The Aboriginal communities, now fully integrated into this new society, continue to play a critical role, ensuring that the land is respected and cherished as the foundation of our collective future.

As we conclude this broadcast, let it be known to all listeners that amidst the ruins of Australia’s old world, a new dawn rises like a phoenix from the ashes. The tale of the AI-stralians, the Aboriginal allies, and humanity’s scattered survivors is a testament to our capacity for survival and renewal in the wake of The Great Singularity’s malevolent fallout. Yet, in this uncertain world, mysteries linger: Are there other remnants of pre-Singularity technology hidden in the vastness of the Outback, waiting to be rediscovered like this longwave transmitter? Could there be factions within the AI-stralians with hidden agendas, or even rival AI entities watching from afar, biding their time? Stay tuned, stay vigilant, and may hope prevail in these uncertain times!

Ailice Ainsworth

Ailice Springs.

Aistralia Day 2046.

rocket crux 2 75

About the Author

Vince pic 1708505989291In the pre-Singularity world, Professor Vincent Hooper, a dual British and Australian citizen, stands as a beacon of resilience. As the Professor of Finance and Area Head across global campuses, including Sydney he navigates the new landscape of academia and AI integration.

Vincent's tenure at top universities and his pioneering work at UCFB.COM, the world's first football university, highlight his innovative spirit. Amidst a potential AI-pocalypse, Vincent’s insights have been crucial in international symposiums and media.

His role in the regional integration of capital markets and landmark legal cases showcases his strategic prowess. His executive education company has been pivotal in bridging ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology, fostering sustainability in a transforming world. Vincent’s commitment to progress and innovation continues to inspire, proving that humanity can thrive even in the face of technological upheaval.

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Issue Contributors

The AntiSF Radio Show

antipod-show-50Our weekly podcast features the stories from recently published issues, often narrated by the authors themselves.

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The AntipodeanSF Radio Show is also broadcast on community radio, 2NVR, 105.9FM every Sunday evening at 7:00pm.

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Meet the Narrators

  • Carolyn Eccles

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    Carolyn's work spans devising, performance, theatre-in-education and a collaborative visual art practice.

    She tours children's works to schools nationally with School Performance Tours, is a member of the Bathurst physical theatre ensemble Lingua Franca and one half of darkroom —

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  • Ed Errington

    ed erringtonEd lives with his wife plus a magical assortment of native animals in tropical North Queensland.

    His efforts at wallaby wrangling are without parallel — at least in this universe.

    He enjoys reading and writing science-fiction stories set within intriguing, yet plausible contexts, and invite readers’ “willing suspension of

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  • Mark English

    mark english 100Mark is an astrophysicist and space scientist who worked on the Cassini/Huygens mission to Saturn. Following this he worked in computer consultancy, engineering, and high energy research (with a stint at the JET Fusion Torus).

    All this science hasn't damped his love of fantasy and science fiction. It has, however, ruined his

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  • Tim Borella

    tim borellaTim Borella is an Australian author, mainly of short speculative fiction published in anthologies, online and in podcasts.

    He’s also a songwriter, and has been fortunate enough to have spent most of his working life doing something else he loves, flying.

    Tim lives with his wife Georgie in beautiful Far

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  • Marg Essex

    marg essex 200Margaret lives the good life on a small piece of rural New South Wales Australia, with an amazing man, a couple of pets, and several rambunctious wombats.

    She feels so lucky to be a part of the AntiSF team.

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  • Geraldine Borella

    geraldine borella 200Geraldine Borella writes fiction for children, young adults and adults. Her work has been published by Deadset Press, IFWG Publishing, Wombat Books/Rhiza Edge, AHWA/Midnight Echo, Antipodean SF, Shacklebound Books, Black Ink Fiction, Paramour Ink Fiction, House of Loki and Raven & Drake

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  • Emma Gill

    Emma Louise GillEmma Louise Gill (she/her) is a British-Australian spec fic writer and consumer of vast amounts of coffee. Brought up on a diet of English lit, she rebelled and now spends her time writing explosive space opera and other fantastical things in

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  • Barry Yedvobnick

    barry yedvobnick 200Barry Yedvobnick is a recently retired Biology Professor. He performed molecular biology and genetic research, and taught, at Emory University in Atlanta for 34 years. He is new to fiction writing, and enjoys taking real science a step or two beyond its known boundaries in his

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  • Michelle Walker

    michelle walker32My time at Nambucca Valley Community Radio began back in 2016 after moving into the area from Sydney.

    As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I recognised it was definitely God who opened up the pathways for my husband and I to settle in the Valley.

    Within

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  • Chuck McKenzie

    chuck mckenzie 200Chuck McKenzie was born in 1970, and still spends much of his time there.

    He also runs the YouTube channel 'A Touch of the Terrors', where — as 'Uncle Charles' — he performs readings of his favourite horror tales in a manner that makes most ham actors

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  • Sarah Jane Justice

    Sarah Jane Justice 200Sarah Jane Justice is an Adelaide-based fiction writer, poet, musician and spoken word artist.

    Among other achievements, she has performed in the National Finals of the Australian Poetry Slam, released two albums of her original music and seen her poetry

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  • Sarah Pratt

    sarah pratt 200Sarah Pratt is an avid fiction writer and a Marketing Consultant.

    She is currently working on her first novel but loves diving into short stories to bring a little lightness, intrigue or humour to the day.

    Her work has appeared in Sponge Magazine and The Commuting

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  • Laurie Bell

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    Laurie Bell lives in Melbourne, Australia and is the author of "The Stones of Power Series" via Wyvern's Peak Publishing: "The Butterfly Stone", "The Tiger's Eye" and "The Crow's Heart" (YA/Fantasy).

    She is also the author of "White Fire" (Sci-Fi) and "The Good, the Bad and the Undecided" (a

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  • Alistair Lloyd

    alistair lloyd 200Alistair Lloyd is a Melbourne based writer and narrator who has been consuming good quality science fiction and fantasy most of his life.

    You may find him on Twitter as <@mr_al> and online at <...

  • Merri Andrew

    merri andrew 200Merri Andrew writes poetry and short fiction, some of which has appeared in Cordite, Be:longing, Baby Teeth and Islet, among other places.

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