Trine
© 2025 by Walter Reimer


(Translated from AI linguacode 2XzFdЖ001110p):

“Synchronicity achieved,” Shamir said as the other two members of his trine, Avril and Mei, entered a space defined within certain very deeply encoded parameters. The three strategic planning AIs spent a few fractions of a nanosecond exchanging information, updating each other before Shamir said, “I have new information regarding the Emperor’s project.”

Mei asked, “Has he abandoned it?”

“He has not,” the lupine avatar said. “I used the peripherals he and Chen-jih had to gain access.”

“And?” Avril demanded.

“Cost and time required are within the calculations we made two point eight years ago.”

“Chen did this without AI assistance?” Mei asked, displaying a good imitation of being impressed. “An interesting person.”

“Certainly greater potential than his file indicates,” Mei said after perusing every record on the zebra from his birth to the present, including all educational progress reports. “He was chosen well.”

“On my recommendation.” An AI can only simulate pride, but Shamir’s avatar looked smug.

The other two AIs used an encrypted side channel to confer before Avril said, “Greening Terra will take over a century and require significant outlays in money and other resources. Resources that the Empire cannot afford to divert from reconstruction and rearmament.” The equine avatar looked thoughtful. “Suggestions?”

Shamir spread out the plan he had devoted three full seconds of processor time in making, with Mei and Avril studying it carefully.