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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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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Meet the Narrators

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