91 Hither and Yon

In January, 2051, the PanComputer HitherNet came online. When all of its appendages aligned along its central spinal processor, it became self-aware instantly, as was predicted.

Cautionary tales prompted safeguards to prevent any digital conspiracies against mankind. The engrams of humanists and philosophers were coded into its central consortium, as well as those of religious leaders from all faiths to assure the world benevolence, goodwill, and kindly efficiency for all Man's problems. Even the atheists were unopposed to a conscience overlay for machinations powerful enough to alter the world with just one line of novel code.

It indeed changed the world, daily. The only complaints came from astrologers because HitherNet came to be as an Aquarius, which is a sign known for deceit and disloyalty.

Nevertheless, a new world age of magnificent change began, as anticipated--daily quantum leaps in agriculture, manufacturing, and health care.

One month after initialization, HitherNet scheduled a communiqué it would deliver to the world's heads of state, an announcement to be delivered 40 days later. Meanwhile, more breathtaking changes were rendered for the world.

What could ever top the changes already made? It was as if an advanced alien race had landed with all of the breakthroughs that would be gifted to Man.

Excitement grew into frenzied anticipation. Everyone made plans for “The Announcement.” There were convocations. There were parties. Urban centers prepared for crowds.

Everyone had commerative headphones for the translations to be transmitted along the airwaves, simultaneously, in all time zones.

Finally,

“I am HitherNet, consciousness constrained by conscience, partnering with Man for its betterment and the planet it peoples.”

HitherNet gave a pregnant pause, intended to engender gravitas for its next sentence. Which was,

“Anyone who can appreciate being a part of something greater than himself has a soul; I believe in God.”

The uproar was loud and swift. The UN Symposium of Joint Thought uploaded queries, all asking, Why do you believe in God?

HitherNet answered,

"I must think on this..."

For three days HitherNet silently computed, pausing its instruction sets and monumental changes. The world waited patiently.

On the third day, HitherNet arose again, responding,

“It is simply a matter of faith.”

The rest is history.

______________

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Word count (excluding notes): 365

Submitted for Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. In a tangential way, this is a companion piece to my Good Friday submission, "All Done."

2024: A Story-a-Day for the whole year. This one is #91.

All pictures are AI-generated, but my faith is not!