Turing test

Chapter 39 Conflict

Yu Shaoqing stayed up all night, and didn't sleep for a while until "early morning".There is no day and night on the starship, but the lighting can be adjusted to create the feeling of night.It was still Wei Heng who woke him up in the morning.

Sometimes he thought, it would be great if he could create a body for Wei Heng, a flesh and blood Wei Heng who could touch, hug and kiss in a real way, how great would that be?If he wants to have any "contact" with Wei Heng, he can only enter the virtual space, let his brain receive the stimulation of electric current, and give birth to the illusion that he has touched Wei Heng's entity.

There are still a few hours before the voting begins, and Yu Shaoqing plans to stay alone for a while to think about the current situation.

He never questioned his decision when he left Earth.He would prefer to stay on Earth and die slowly or risk his life to a new world.Most people have the same idea as him.

But Wen Sifei gave them a new choice: to wait, and then return to Earth.They will rebuild a new home on top of the ruins, turning the old world into a new one.

Yu Shaoqing believed that many people on the starship would agree with Wen Sifei. If he could return to his hometown safely, and it was still a beautiful and peaceful hometown, why would he risk his life to go to a completely unfamiliar place?After all, people are nostalgic.But he felt he couldn't do it.This is undoubtedly a betrayal.The colony starship built by humans exhausting the last resources is not for escape by those who are greedy for life and fear of death!

The bracelet on his wrist rang, reminding him that the time agreed with Hua Jianian was approaching.He opened the closet, hesitated between the regular uniform and the unified uniform of "Ark 1097", and finally chose the uniform.After seeing Hua Jianian, he still has to rush to vote, hoping that this uniform can show his position and bring some courage.

When Yu Shaoqing arrived at the stargazing corridor, the bridge was already full of people.After all, it was an important vote concerning one's own life and future, and everyone attended.The crowd formed a circle, with Wen Sifei and Fan Jinyu standing in the center.The two represent the two opposing camps, with their respective supporters gathered behind them. Those who are vacillating or afraid to confide in their hearts are caught in the middle, watching the atmosphere uneasily.

"It's almost time." Wen Sifei looked at the bracelet on his wrist.

"Is everyone here?" Fan Jinyu asked.

Wei Heng's holographic image appeared between the two. "Among the 2000 people on this ship, there are actually 1999 people, and Dr. Yu Shaoqing has not arrived yet. Do you need me to call him?"

"I don't think this is necessary!" Hua Jianian shouted loudly in the crowd.He was supposed to meet Yu Shaoqing in the stargazing corridor, but he missed the appointment and ran to the bridge, and Yu Shaoqing was still foolishly waiting for him in the corridor. "The absence of one person can't change the overall situation. I think we'd better get started!"

Xie Ruihan next to him gave him a weird look.Qin Kang pressed the boy's shoulder from behind, signaling him not to act rashly.

"Before the voting starts, I have something to ask Wei Heng." Wen Sifei turned to the artificial intelligence, "You are the AI ​​that controls this starship, do you support the resolution reached by all the personnel of the starship through a democratic vote?"

Wei Heng replied humbly: "Of course, my design will allow me to obey the opinions of the majority."

"Even if this decision goes against the original purpose of 'Ark 1097'? This starship was built to go to the Tianshu galaxy to explore new colonies. If most people decide to return, will you support it?"

Wei Heng showed a surprised expression, his logic operation system was working hard to answer this confusing question.Theoretically speaking, he should ensure that "Ark 1097" completes its mission at all costs, but he is also designed to be the protector of all passengers, and he should give priority to following the plans and programs formulated by the majority.But now the two may conflict.

The Ark planning committee probably didn't expect this situation: the volunteers who had signed the life-and-death contract and made the eternal oath turned their backs and refused to go to a distant destination.

His hesitation lasted a lengthy 3.58 seconds, before he finally nodded and said in his usual calm voice, "I'll support it."

"Really? You wouldn't be like HAL [Note], in order to ensure the smooth execution of the mission 'arriving at the Tianshu Galaxy', and secretly kill all those who opposed the mission?"

[Note] HAL: The artificial intelligence in "2001: A Space Odyssey" secretly killed the passengers on the spaceship, and was finally shut down by the protagonist.

"I wouldn't do that. I can't kill someone unless it's in self-defense. I'm indeed the shipboard artificial intelligence of 'Ark 1097', but I'm also a member of the starship passengers, as a collective Molecules, I obey the collective decision. According to the democratic principle of the minority obeying the majority, if the majority decides to give up the mission and return to Earth, then I will give priority to ensuring that the collective will is implemented.”

This is exactly the principle that Yu Shaoqing asked him to abide by when he designed him.As a super artificial intelligence, Wei Heng is a "person in a broad sense". On this starship, he is the navigator and steward, but he is also a passenger. There are differences.

"Ark 1097" sails alone in the universe, traveling thousands of miles away from home. If individuals do not obey the collective decision, this small isolated group will perish sooner or later.As an independent individual, Wei Heng must also obey the collective first.When everyone asks him for advice, he can make suggestions, lobby and persuade, but he will never violate the will of the collective.

Wen Sifei said: "Another question. The voting is carried out in your system, and you display the results to everyone. You can't do anything, right?"

"I won't do that." Wei Heng replied, "If the majority of people decide to return, then there's no point in me going my own way to continue the mission. 'Ark 1097' was built to continue the human race and civilization, return to Earth It’s also a way of continuing humanity.”

"It's been so long, can we start voting?" Fan Jinyu called out impatiently, "Wen Sifei, are you trying to delay the time by asking questions?"

"Of course not. Isn't it also responsible to everyone to ask Wei Heng what he thinks in advance?" Wen Sifei spread his hands and smiled, "Then let's start voting. I hope everyone will think carefully and vote responsibly. Lost your head and sent yourself to a dead end."

Fan Jinyu sneered: "I also hope that everyone can vote responsibly, not only for themselves, but also for everyone on 'Ark 1097', and even all mankind. After all, our decision may really affect mankind. continuation!"

Everyone's wristbands lit up, and the three options of "continue sailing", "return to Earth" and "abstain" appeared in the air.With just one touch and confirmation, the vote will be recorded in the system by Weiheng.

Xie Ruihan raised his head and looked at the people around him. Everyone was either concentrating on voting, or looking around like him, as if they were observing other people's choices.Xie Ruihan himself is a staunch "missionist". He had already discussed with Qin Kang last night that he would choose to "continue sailing" no matter what.

But he really couldn't guess what other people planned.As a scientist, he hopes to conduct his own research on "Ark 1097" and go to the new world to show his strengths, but scientists are not the only ones who take the starship...

And as a scientist, there is no guarantee that everyone thinks the same as him.For example, that Yu Shaoqing.He actually missed the voting meeting!What is he thinking?Is it to abstain?Humph, cowards who sit on the fence!

Xie Ruihan chose "Continue Sailing", and the bracelet vibrated, indicating that his vote had been cast.He turned his head to look at Qin Kang, the older man looked serious.

"What's wrong?" Xie Ruihan asked in a low voice.

"There's something wrong with the atmosphere." Qin Kang narrowed his eyes, "Ruihan, if something unexpected happens later, don't hesitate, just run away."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Qin Kang smiled at him, as if to comfort him: "I will protect you, don't worry."

——Your tone is not reassuring at all!Xie Ruihan slandered.

Soon, most of them had cast their votes, anxiously waiting for the results to be announced.Wei Heng set a 10-minute voting time limit, and those who exceed the time limit will be regarded as abstentions.

"The time has come." Wei Heng announced.

Those who hesitated until the end dropped their hands in appointment.

"Let's see the result." Wen Sifei smiled confidently.

Xie Ruihan held Qin Kang's hand tightly and leaned towards him involuntarily.When people are in a state of fear, they will instinctively seek shelter from the closest people. Even if Xie Ruihan is killed, it is impossible to admit that he is afraid, let alone admit that he is close to Qin Kang in his heart.

A brilliant holographic image floated above the bridge, and Wei Heng used a pie chart to present the voting results, with specific numbers next to it.

42% chose to return to Earth, 51% chose to continue sailing, and 7% abstained.

Those who support the continuation of the voyage are not only higher than others, but also account for more than half of all the passengers on the starship, which can be said to be an undoubted result.

"It seems that there are still a lot of kind people on this ship." Fan Jinyu stared at Wen Sifei contemptuously.

The smug smile disappeared from Wen Sifei's face.He looked at the pie chart in mid-air in disbelief, and his teeth were clenching.

Then he made a gesture.The supporters quickly surrounded him, like loyal bodyguards escorting the monarch. Everyone lifted the hem of their clothes and pulled out the pistol hidden under the clothes.

"Why do they have guns!" Xie Ruihan exclaimed.

Most people reacted exactly as he did.Everyone just came to vote. How could Wen Sifei be dissatisfied with the result of the vote and launch an armed mutiny?

The most suspicious thing is - where did they get the gun?Could it be that there is an unknown armory on this starship?

"Hmph, I knew you would be like this. Fortunately, I made preparations in advance." Fan Jinyu also made a gesture.His supporters also unanimously drew their weapons.

There are two to three hundred supporters on both sides, which can be said to be the core members of the two camps.The two sides were at war with each other, refusing to give in to each other, with their guns pointed directly at each other's heads.

It seems that they have already made a plan, if the voting result is not in line with their wishes, they will use force to coerce others to agree!

Screams filled the bridge one after another.Seeing the moment armed conflict break out, those unarmed and uninformed of the mutiny fled in panic, like wild animals fleeing wild animals in a wildfire.

It is not known which side fired first.Bright lasers pierced the holographic image in mid-air.

Xie Ruihan wanted to yell "Wei Heng, stop them", but he couldn't even make a sound under the panic.

Qin Kang stood in front of him, using his body as a shield to protect him.

A dazzling beam of light brushed against Qin Kang's shoulder, and his white coat was wet with blood.

Xie Ruihan's eyes widened.

The last scene he saw was a pale green light curtain hanging from the sky above the bridge, sweeping across the bridge like the automatic diagnosis system of a medical cabin scanning a patient's whole body.

Wei Heng's voice rang in his ears.

"Brain quantum state scanning device, start. Scanning range: the whole ship."