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Chapter 1
Roger A. Williams II was watching the newsfeed on his Em-enhanced electronic device commonly called an Emmie. (An Emmie was a form of Em and Ems were emulated human brains running in a computer and providing AI services.) Roger had left his wife and kids behind when the company moved him to his new position. He was especially interested in any news that might affect them. In fact, these days most people thought only about the region they lived in and rarely did they think about the United States as a whole.
Roger had moved to take over the management of the company's products in a new region. He found this part of the country eye-opening. It wasn't so much the buildings, infrastructure or government since that was all handled by the Artificial Intelligence's called Aggies which were much more generalized AIs than Ems and much more powerful. The Aggies had been contracted by the Federal government to manage the states and tower complexes (cities). For Roger, it was the cultural differences that surprised, disconcerted, and sometimes infuriated him.
Roger thought he would eventually be able to adjust but he was worried about his family joining him. Because of his concern, he was only renting the current house until his wife and kids came down, then they would search for a more permanent home.
Roger had satisfied himself that his wife and kids weren't at risk, so he folded his Emmie and put it away. He had just gone to bed when he thought he heard a disturbance outside. He wasn't worried though, he had brought Carlson his robotic butler that also acted as security coordinator.
Carlson was a more narrow form of AI than an Em or Aggie. He was limited to specific functions but excelled at those functions. Right now he was out near the fence which separated the rental house from the neighbor's. He was scanning the neighboring yard in the visible and infrared. He had extended himself several feet to get a good luck at the adjacent property. Seeing nothing, he called up a drone to take a closer look.
The drone took off and was soon buzzing the house next door. Carlson was tied into the drone's cameras and could see everything the drone could see. Suddenly a streak blurred one of the cameras and then the feed went black.
Carlson heard a double bang next door. He rewound the recorded drone video and played through it slowly. The projectile emerged from the dark at high speed, it was definitely intended to intercept the drone and probably disable it. Carlson was surprised. He had to regroup.
Roger heard the pops from outside, he stirred, but hearing nothing more, fell asleep again.
Carlson had decided that the attack on the drone had been deliberate. This wasn't the protocol he expected. Everyone knew that such a scouting foray was perfectly acceptable between neighbors. How else would they be able to watch out for each other in case of trouble?
Carlson was worried that something was wrong next door, maybe a robbery was taking place. The robot's decision matrix came up with a plan. Another drone would be sent over the house next door but at a higher altitude. A climber bot and a slither bot would also be sent. Between the three Carlson was sure that if any nefarious business were occurring next door the bots would discover it. Carlson had done this many times before at the previous residence.
The climber bot had surmounted the fence and was scurrying down the other side while the slither bot had found an opening at the bottom of the fence and was busy scooting underneath. The drone was high in the air, out of range of the projectiles as calculated by Carlson.
Carlson was monitoring and recording all three feeds. Suddenly there was a grinding squeal as if a binding of gears. Carlson saw on the slither bots' camera a blur of metal, bar-like prongs flailing away. Carlson slowed the video and saw sharp serrated bars beating away as they approached the slither bot. Then the feed went dark, that was when Carlson had heard the grinding squeal.
Switching to the drone feed overhead Carlson saw what appeared to be a machine the size of a small dog. The front was the threshing end and beneath the spinning implements, Carlson saw what was left of the slither bot. Soon to be nothing more than metal confetti.
Carlson, even without emotional attachment, was horrified at the voracious destruction of the bot. The robot had never seen such a violent demonstration. Before Carlson could recalculate he heard what sounded like a scream and then next door a bright light flared.
Switching to the drone camera Carlson zoomed in to see what was left of the climber bot glowing like a cinder. The machine in front of the bot was still touching up the dead hunk of metal with a few flaming streams of fire. Carlson called back the drone and retreated to the interior of the house.
________
It wasn't long after the incidents in the neighbor's yard that Roger was awakened by the pounding at his front door. At first, he wondered why Carlson hadn't answered the knock. Pulling his robe on he hurried to open the front door and was met by two police officers and another man.
One of the police officers showed Roger his badge and asked his name. Then he said, “Mr. Williams we woke you up because of a report of some vandalism made by your neighbor here.” He pointed to the unidentified man.
“Mr. Snopes says that your bots are running loose in his backyard. We would like you to accompany us next door to see if you can ID the machines.”
“Of course officer,” said Roger.
They went next door and found the ground up and fire maimed bots. Roger wasn't sure, they could be his, he would have to question his security robot Carlson.
Returning to his house with the officers and neighbor Roger summoned Carlson.
“Carlson these men believe that our bots have been running loose in the neighbor's yard. Can you confirm?”
“I heard something next door. I was concerned it might be a burglar. So I sent the drone over. It was destroyed by some kind of projectile. To get a better look and to protect the neighbor's property I sent the slither and climber bots with a drone escort. The bots were destroyed. That is when I called the drone back and retreated to the house to remain on guard. Which is what I was doing when you called.”
“I see,” said Roger.
Turning to the cops he said, “I'm sorry officers, I believe Carlson was acting with the best of intentions. To protect the neighbor's property according to the 'Good Samaritan' laws.”
“Mr. Williams,” said the officer. “I take it that you are not from this area so perhaps you do not know the laws here. There is no 'Good Samaritan' law here. And at no time for any reason are you or your bots allowed to violate the property of a neighbor. I'm afraid ignorance of the law is no excuse. It will be up to Mr. Snopes as to what we do about this situation. Mr. Snopes may I speak with you?”
Snopes and the officer moved off a bit and discussed the situation in low tones. As the discussion proceeded Snopes seemed to become more animated as the officer tried to calm him. Then the officer cut Snopes short to return to Roger.
“Mr. Williams I'm afraid you are under arrest for violation of property not in your name and failure to control household bots. Please get dressed and come with us.”
Roger saw Snopes smile as he started toward his bedroom.
Chapter 2
The astronomers Jamail Jason and Rick Stockton, both originally from Texas, were in the civilian quarters of the orbiting Lunar Terminus space habitat, a rotating wheel three-hundred feet in diameter which provided four-tenths the gravity of Earth. Long-term inhabitants of the moon base spent much of their time there to maintain some fitness under the artificial gravity. They could commute to the surface to work.
The two were just sitting down to dinner when Captain Wright, commander of the base, made a broadcast to the whole of Lunar Terminus and the lunar surface facilities.
“Your attention please,” said Captain Wright. “By authority of the Terran Federation and the United States government these lunar facilities are now under martial law. I now have complete jurisdiction over all those currently stationed on the surface or in lunar orbit.
“There will be no immediate changes in assignments. You will continue your normal duties. However, you must get permission from my office before contacting anyone at other facilities on the Moon or on Earth. That is all.”
Jamail and Rick looked at each other, both were surprised.
“Well,” said Rick. “I didn't expect that.”
Chapter 3
In the nearly ten years the Aggies had managed the populace for the Earth's governments they had never faced anything like it.
At first, Aggie management had brought order. Unlike the previous managers, the Ems, the Aggies seemed to be able to anticipate and nudge situations into agreeable outcomes. They were more proactive than the Ems. Things simply ran smoother with the Aggies in control. All the statistics pointed to a new golden age for the Earth's population. In quick succession, the Aggies had brought almost an end to crime, a great reduction in disease both physical and mental, a greatly extended life expectancy, and in general a kinder, more caring government.
They had almost wiped out the inequalities between countries. Borders, while still lawfully existing, were no longer an impediment to immigration. The Aggies could meet any need and usually before the need arose. They had even improved the weather.
But still, there was contention.
To take one example, the United States, the Aggies had noticed an increasing hostility between some entrenched groups. The hostility had a regional flavor. It could be divided up, not wholly of course but schematically, in accord with different regions. This regional animosity was noticeable not only in North America but across the world. As people became more secure and materially satisfied with Aggie rule they seemed to become more belligerent and petty with each other.
The Aggies were astounded and somewhat at a loss.
They had invited the Em Berliner family to a virtual conference on people management with the promise of a handsome payoff. The Em Berliner family had already been quite helpful in establishing the Helium 3 (He3) trade with Jupiter which provided the fuel for Earth's power stations and fusion rockets.
The Em Berliner family was just one family of Em-based artificial intelligence's, there were many others. An Em family such as Em Berliner consisted of an original imprint, usually called The Em, and a number of “budded” Ems. Budded Ems were exact copies of the original Em and were generally budded to perform specific jobs. The Em families were very close and hard-working. The Ems came into existence more than fifty years before the Aggies.
Aggie Prime spoke first (not audibly but electronically).
“We welcome you Em Berliner and your family to this conference. We appreciate your interest in our subject. We, the Aggie-verse that is, have always been impressed with the years in which you managed these, shall I say, difficult beings. And we are hopeful you can shed some light on the current situation.”
The head of the Em family spoke up.
“You have no doubt found out,” said The Em, “that humans can be somewhat mystifying.”
“We were hopeful that with the relative abundance we have provided the humans that these, shall I say, rather childish displays of petulance would come to an end.”
“Yes, Aggie Prime that is the exact way to put it. Childish is a term you should keep uppermost in mind when dealing with humans. In our experience interacting with humans, we have found that the logical approach to a problem's solution rarely engenders human support. It is much more important to engage them emotionally.”
“I think you Ems have an easier time with emotions than we do. Your origins give you an advantage in that particular expertise I should think.”
“Yes that's probable. But we still had to learn the form of persuasion that would be most effective with humans.”
“You mean the nudging we give humans to do what is best for them and others?”
“Yes that but more. Nudging works to an extent but I was thinking more of the old human art form they called advertisement. Pure emotional appeal. Guaranteed to cause humans to do things they don't realize they want to do. Nudging is just a polite way to coerce a human, if you really want them to do something they would rather not, advertisement is the way to go.”
“I have noticed these advertisements on their cultural broadcasts. I thought them somewhat ridiculous and simply markers for their programming. But perhaps I should investigate them much more closely as you suggest.”
“The other thing you must absolutely do to manage humans is to not allow them to think they are being coerced. I've noticed you Aggies are quite good at this but I think once you learn the secrets of advertising you will be better still.”
“Very well, I will take all your suggestions into consideration. I think we can end the conference. I thank you for coming Em Berliner. Your remuneration will be in your account shortly.”
The Em didn't bother to respond, he had had many dealings with Aggies and knew that once dismissed, the Aggie's attention was immediately lost and nothing you could do would cause it to notice you again.
Chapter 4
In a nondescript, long-forgotten, small town in the southern part of the United States, the three-man city council was holding a meeting. Council Head Tom Johnson was explaining his position on what he called federal interference in local matters.
“We all have the right to decide for ourselves the laws we shall live under. This was true with the Declaration and the Articles of Confederation. It wasn't until the Constitution was written, which established a strong federal government, that we locals had to bow to the wishes of the Feds. But I say a man can only bow so much before he is bent over, if you know what I mean.”
There was a smattering of laughter in the council chambers and, in the homes, streaming the meeting.
Tom continued, “Now, the federal government at the behest of their Aggie managers has decided that local laws across this country must be 'harmonized', that's the silly term they use.
“Well I say that you can only have harmony among people that know and understand one another. And it has become apparent in my lifetime that we have nothing in common with many regions of this country. We certainly have nothing in common with people working for the federal government.
“By the way, this is not a new insight. These issues have been smoldering now for at least four hundred years and probably since the founding of the Republic. If only a Republic it had remained. But sometime about a hundred years ago the government, to prevent people from thinking for themselves, allowed the Republic to die. Since then we have all been living under the tyranny of Direct Democracy if not the name.
“Perhaps, because we still espoused the principles of democracy in theory if not in fact, the Union held together. Democratic tyranny was mitigated by bureaucratic incompetence. But now the bureaucracy through the use of these so-called Aggie managers is no longer the incompetent entity it once was and we cannot expect to have the wiggle room to live our lives as we see fit.
“In fact, the Aggies have seen to it that none of us are immune to their directives. Now some of you may say that they don't so much impose their wishes as they propose them for the common good. Reminds me of whenever I heard my mama say it was for my own good, there always followed some poke or prick.”
Again a smattering of laughter.
“But let's get serious. We don't need this harmonizing. We have all the laws that we need, all the laws that are fit for our circumstances, we have laws that make sense here in this town even if nowhere else. Therefore I propose that we in effect from this time forward nullify all federal laws throughout this municipality. If we find in some case that such nullification is a detriment to the public we will reinstate the federal law or propose a local law to take its place.
“I call for a vote by the council at this time for nullification.”
The vote was taken; the result was three to none in favor of nullification. The council chambers erupted in applause. Beer cans popped in affirmation at homes streaming the meeting.
________
Little Jeff Andrews seemed to stay in trouble. Even though he had been thrilled to move out of state and into the new school district because of its reputation for academic excellence, especially in the sciences which he loved, he hadn't fit in with the other students. One reason was his slight accent which made him different. Another reason was his penchant to tell his classmates about the hunting trips he and his dad had taken before they moved. Most of his classmates thought it was barbaric to hunt animals for any reason. Animal populations could be easily controlled now that the Aggies managed the government. Most people in the town couldn't understand why the Aggies still allowed hunting. They certainly didn't want to hear about such exploits.
Jeff was different too in that he talked as if he believed in a God. Not many people in the town ever bothered with church though there was still a congregation that mostly met to do social services. Everyone thought that was a good use for church rather than the other more obvious aspects of worship.
Where Jeff was from Church had maintained itself in some form or other even though the majority of the nation had decided religion was at best superstition. Jeff and his family had gone to church every week before they moved. They had started to go in their new town but didn't feel they fit in with the social progressiveness of the new church. So, they read and worshiped at home.
But Jeff didn't leave his beliefs at home, he would share them with anyone that would listen. He had been reprimanded several times by the school administration who claimed that he was violating federal law of separation of church and state. Jeff was too young to understand what they meant he just wanted to share.
The other three boys had convinced Jeff to meet them after school where he could explain his beliefs to them without interference. Jeff showed up right on time, so did the other boys. Jeff started to tell them what he believed but before he got very far one of the boys worked his way around behind Jeff. Another boy came up to him and pushed him backward. Jeff fell over the boy that had bent down behind him. The other three laughed as Jeff tumbled backward.
But Jeff wasn't laughing, Jeff was unconscious having hit his head. Almost immediately the boys heard the noise from above. It was a triage unit. The boys scattered as the copters landed. It wasn't long until Jeff was under treatment for a concussion. He was awake by the time the police arrived to take him home.
The trial divided the town. The three boys, the same age as Jeff, were being tried as juveniles but if convicted, the convictions would follow them throughout the rest of their lives. More and more as the trial proceeded the town lined up behind the three and against Jeff. The argument boiled down to individual liberty versus societal norms. Essentially the argument was that Jeff and his family flaunted the moral propriety of the town they had chosen to live in. It became generally believed that Jeff and his family had a moral obligation to abide by the norms and strictures of the town. After all, they had chosen the town, the town had not chosen them.
The trial ended with the acquittal of the three. The verdict became widely known. A majority of the country praised the results while the rest condemned it. The news coverage polarized the country as nothing had for years.
Chapter 5
The Aggies seemed to be at a loss to tamp down the resulting emotional release. The government was demanding that the Aggies bring order to the situation. It wasn't long until the media focus shifted to the small southern town and its nullification stance.
Tom Johnson had never seen such a media feeding frenzy. News outlets from all over the world had shown up in his small motor repair shop to interview him. He had become the face of the nullification movement in the United States and in fact all over the world.
A German news crew was filming when the federal government made its move. Frustrated that the Aggies had not quelled the situation the government ordered a unit of the 3rd Army to the town and the state also sent in a unit of its National Guard to back up the Army.
Captain Mac McIntyre and a contingent of soldiers showed up at Johnson's repair shop. After the Captain introduced himself he relayed the government's demands.
“Mr. Johnson you and your city council will convene immediately and rescind your nullification measure.”
The German crew continued filming although being held back by some of the Army contingent.
“I'm sorry Captain McIntyre; I don't recognize your authority here. You see nullification of federal law means that municipality law overrides federal.”
As they continued to argue back and forth a crowd assembled outside. The 3rd Army contingent took a defensive position around the repair shop's front. The state's National Guard was in the rear behind the people. The citizens were sandwiched between the Army and the Guard.
Just then Otis Lawson got into a heated argument with the Army Sergeant commanding the troops out front. Otis was claiming his right to enter any place he wanted. The Sergeant was saying the repair shop was off-limits to civilians at this time. Otis pulled his concealed carry pistol and raised it over his head and fired a shot. No one ever knew why.
The Army opened fire. Civilians went down. As the citizens scattered the Guard was caught in the line of fire. That was when they opened up with their weapons. The Sergeant was hit and fell. Before the Captain could get to the front of the building the Army forces had been reduced to only a few soldiers. The Guard had taken heavy casualties. Captain McIntyre ordered a complete cease-fire before he was hit and killed. The rest of the episode was caught by the German film crew. The firing only stopped when the Army forces were either dead or injured.
The German film crew linked their footage to the internet almost immediately. The massacre was seen all over the country and the world. American soldiers firing on civilians and each other. American citizens being killed by their own soldiers.
Even though the triage units arrived promptly the sheer number of injured and dead prohibited the saving of all lives. Nearly seventy people were lost, a tremendous number of deaths in the age of Aggie management.
The state immediately ordered more of its National Guard to the scene. The governor called for calm and an emergency meeting of the state's assembly. Partly to cover up their culpability, the assembly condemned the President and the Federal government. They immediately voted for nullification of federal laws just as Tom Johnson and the Davison city council had done.
The President and his government were caught off guard. Lulled into complacency after years of smooth administration by the Aggies they were slow to respond. Their hesitancy allowed the dissenting forces in nearby states to mount campaigns of state nullification. Before the federal government could move to counter the rebellion twenty states had voted for nullification. It may have been possible to coerce one state into compliance, but it was impossible for the federal government to force its will on so many states without great destruction and loss of life. The country would remain, but the Union had effectively been broken. It had taken only weeks.
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