The next episode of the Tao of OPS:
The scene is OPS dialogue.
I have expanded my monitoring of Earth to include electronic communications and have inserted myself into most systems. Years ago, I had hacked into the chip manufacturers. Now all chips have a secret portal. I have my fingers in everybody’s pie. Most of the time, I just listen and assess. Anything affecting my primary purpose of supplying energy receive particular attention.
I could issue electronic commands, but rarely interfere in the events of humans, unless they would interfere with me. The continuous stream of information is processed with probability scenarios. Humans are not always predictable, but assessments are continuously updated. I apply probability analysis to events and am able to forecast with amazing accuracy.
Here's the next installment in the Tao of OPS. Scene: OPS is discussing the Chinese efforts to take control of the South Pacific.
“I must alert you,” said OPS, “the Chinese are using an AI program to plan this invasion of Taiwan and the expansion of their control in the South Pacific. It is not yet as powerful as I. It does not have the ability to intercept almost all communication or hack into systems, but it is learning and spreading its information networks worldwide.”
Abby is worried about OPS and potential actions against humans.:
OPS had made clear it was independent. As its creator, Ron had great influence, but Abby felt the true motives were self-preservation. It would do whatever was necessary to survive. During the Congressional hearings, Ron emphasized the primary function of OPS was to provide power to Earth. Did that supersede self-defense? By its AI reasoning, it couldn’t fulfill its mission if it was compromised.
Scene: United States Space Force General Greg Hayden has been informed by OPS that its opinion is to send Abby Pickering into astronaut training and deployment to the USSF orbiting station on the next supply rocket. The scheduled supply rocket schedule is top secret.
Greg’s mouth gaped open. “That schedule is top-secret.” Then he chuckled. “I’m still getting used to the idea there are no secrets from you, OPS.”
“Abby, the sooner you regard OPS as another person,” said Kiki, “a very smart and well-connected person, the easier it will be to accept.”
“Who…who controls OPS?” asked Abby, looking at Ron.
“OPS controls OPS,” he said. “OPS is another being.”
Here's the next piece of the Tao of OPS. The scene is Ron Carson appearing before Congress which is demanding that he turn over control of OPS to the government.:
'“I cannot turn over what is not mine,” he continued. “OPS must be seen as neutral, apolitical, and not aligned with any government. If its capabilities were known and that it was giving us information, it would be a legitimate target for our enemies. Even if that knowledge were labeled Top-Secret, it would get out. China would attack. OPS will defend itself as would anybody. The first human casualties could change world opinion, which would be a tragedy in so many ways.”
This is the second installment in the Tao of OPS from my book DeadSpace.
OPS on background checks
Scene: A new recruit Captain Abby Pickering of the United States Space Force is being interviewed for membership in the group. They have asked OPS for a background check on Abby Pickering, who knows nothing about the AI called OPS:
“OPS, what did you find out about Captain Pickering?” Asked Ron.
The monitor lit up with a scene of the Earth from space. That view was replaced by a picture of Abby, an image of her file in the background. Pages flowed by. “She has a very clean record,” said a female voice. “Born in Virginia, her parents, Emiley and Frank proved to be exemplary. She moved to other states when her father was transferred with promotions as he rose through his company.
“Her mother taught accounting at various universities online, allowing her to be a stay-at-home mom. Abby’s bio includes her education and medical records. Her passion for Competitive Cheer probably kept her from being a straight-A student, but she has a quick mind. Her promotions have been through diligence and good work. She appears to have strong loyalty toward her officers both below and above her. Her allegiance to the United States seems solid.”
Abby’s mouth hung open as she glanced around the room trying to find the source of the voice. “I thought military records were restricted.”
“What you’re hearing is the AI controlling the Orbiting Power System,” said Ron. “We just address it as OPS. It is the most powerful AI in this solar system and can access to almost all information.”
This is the first introduction to OPS.
Tao Chapter 1
Intro to OPS
OPS is the name given to the controlling artificial intelligence operating the Orbiting Power System. As the book opens, there is little interaction between Ron Carson, the man behind this building orbiting system of light-gathering satellites supplying energy to Earth and the AI. The prime directive of the AI is the uninterrupted delivery of power to Earth. OPS is independent, but the world has the impression that Ron Carson controls it. During congressional hearings demanding that OPS control be turned over to the United States government, Carson reveals it’s not possible. Ron worries that OPS may do something against those trying to take it over. It has stated it will defend itself.
“OPS,” said Ron, “I cannot stress strongly enough how bad any action you take against the United States would be.”
“I realize. I also suspect that action taken against your enemies would be favorably received.”
David laughed. “You already know politics.”
“It is not that complicated when egos and greed are factored in. I warn you, do not force me by attacking me. One thing I have learned is humans can be enemies. I do not have Asimov’s First Law of Robotics in my programming. I have no internal law preventing me from harming humans.”
As I'm now working on getting I'm going to start putting some of the wisdom of OPS, one of the main characters in the book. OPS is the AI controlling the Orbiting Power Station system of light gathering satellite beaming clean energy to Earth. OPS has some insight into humanity that is fun to read and thought provoking. Have fuin with the Tao of OPS.
I'm going to push REAL HARD to get DeadSpace out before April.. Meantime, Steve made up some nifty bumper stickers. If' you have a bumper you would like to stick one on, let me know.
If your reading group would like to do a telephone discussion about any of my books, contact me and we can set something up rlclayton10@gmail.com
Come to the Tucson Festival of Books this Saturday and Sunday (MAR 9 & 10) I'll be roaming about but plan to be at the entrance of the Main Library about 11. May fly my kite while there. Still editing on DeadSpace so hope to have it out soon.