Artur Zadikyan
Binary code: Mystery number one
Ivashov joined the dialog again, without being asked.
– They have everything immoral if they can't control it. They've forgotten that this is a retaliatory system. So they consider a first strike, from them, not immoral! Meanwhile, the US has a similar complex.
Zhidkov did not respond to this in any way, looked around at those present carefully and added:
– In general, the essence of the problem is clear. I think everyone is well aware of what can happen if the system gets out of control. It's a matter of life or death. I am not exaggerating, take it seriously and don't forget that you need to think outside the box. All possible checks, investigations have been done. I will only add that, in my intuitive experience, you need to look where there is information not publicized, even to those who directly operate the system. Keeps it running, so to speak.
Having said that, the head of the center looked at the head of the "P" department, who was going through the documents from the "Perimeter" folder. He was obviously looking for something. Zhidkov added:
– Most importantly, the weapon of assured retaliation includes not only a nuclear missile component, but also what is encoded in the word "perimeter."
Vasilievich stopped talking for a few seconds, turned a page on a tablet built into the desk, then announced that he had received an assignment to prepare public opinion for the necessity of destroying weapons of mass destruction.
– We need to prepare society. It is necessary to make people believe that a catastrophe of planetary scale may occur, one of the variants of which may be a nuclear apocalypse. The possibility of catastrophe must be presented as quite real. If they believe in it, if they associate it with weapons of mass destruction, then it is easier to prepare them for its destruction. Then those who would vehemently resist it would become markers that could possibly put us on the trail. That's one option. Such etching methods have to be resorted to because, as I said, all traditional methods have been tried. The public loves predictions, so it's not hard to prepare them.
The young ladies, who, for all their seriousness, were taking a non-serious view of what was going on, which was evident from their detached gaze, became a little animated.
– Is there something you want to ask me? – Zhidkov turned to them.
They hesitated for a moment. The situation was saved by the head of the molecular genetics department.
– And Putin? – She asked.
– Putin was familiarized with this system, which gave him the right to say: "The Americans have walled themselves off with a puddle and feel safe for nothing! A nuclear attack on Russia would be the end of the world," Zhidkov replied nonchalantly. – Any questions? I think not. Don't forget the main activity. On the agenda is an update of additional parameters on each citizen of the earth. Please continue the meeting without me. Tomorrow we'll discuss the prepared options. Rutra Tigrovich – get used to it.
Saying the last, the chief left the hall.
Chapter 9. Risks of human extinction
– Who has thoughts, suggestions on the subject, where to look and what to look for? – Rutra asked those present.
– My assumption is that we should not look for a secret source, but an obvious one," said the F Division officer.
– More precisely.
– Yuri Vasilyevich touched on the need for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. With the current level of top-secret weapons, this is quite realistic. I do not mean physically, but as a means of defense for highly developed countries, which are the main nuclear powers. That is, they can afford it without compromising their defense capabilities. There is something to replace them with. But how? How to present it to the people? If we reveal the secret about the available means of influence on people, there is a high probability that it will be perceived that these means can be used not only against enemies. That is, against our own people as well. For example, a psychotropic bomb.
– Be specific," Ruthra asked calmly.
– The point is that the search method manual has clear instructions that are not about search methodology. It is to prepare the public opinion that the catastrophe threatening the demise of mankind is very real.
No one was friends with the "F" department, because they were withdrawn, taciturn people. Therefore, no one asked questions or entered into a discussion, which was customary at Zero meetings.
– Say what you want to say," Ruthra demanded.
– I do not want to say that we have not been told something, but I just want to suggest that, since this is required by the program of action, the following information should be disseminated in the media. Over time, people have apparently forgotten that once the apocalypse on a global scale was discussed quite seriously.
– What exactly? – Ruthra asked.
– Now. I do not insist on this particular option, I only want to suggest that such a thing should take hold of people's minds. Then, perhaps, the one who is up to something will take certain steps and make a mark. That is, we can calculate him, so to speak, by markers.
– I see your point. You think people will take this seriously?
– Depends on who's presenting it. Let me read the material, then I'll share my thoughts.
Ruthra glanced over to the staff. Some, mostly young, expressed curiosity, while the older ones, the "veteran group," expressed skepticism.
– So, listen. I think many people will be surprised that this has been discussed at a serious scientific level.
– Come on! – Ruthra couldn't take it anymore.
– Smith, in his book The End of the World Men, describes the history of how the cobalt bomb was first proposed in this way. I will cite some excerpts. "You may ask," Scillard said, anticipating his critics, "who would want to kill everyone on earth? Any country that wants to be invincible in war." "Let's suppose," he explained, "that we are engaged in a war and are on the verge of winning a war with Russia that has lasted, say, ten years. The Russians might say, 'You will not go beyond this border, or we will detonate our hydrogen bombs and kill everyone.'" Faced with that kind of threat, I don't think we can continue. I think Russia will be invincible." In a public lecture the following month, Brown told the audience that he was now convinced that there were people who were prepared to destroy all life on Earth if they did not get their way. The only ray of hope remains that "those who would want to use these weapons to kill must accept suicide as a condition of the deal."
The F employee was quiet for a moment and added:
– That's what I suggest we put on the air.
The hall was silent, digesting what they had heard.
– Any other thoughts? – Ruthra asked in his superior capacity.
The hall was silent, many were writing something down.
The head of the demography department raised her hand. At the same time, the same F department employee offered:
– If there are no objections, I can continue.
Ruthra wanted to already give the word to Madame that she had raised her hand, however, she asked politely:
– Uh, no, no. Can I go after him?
– What else you got? – Ruthra turned to the man who had suggested he continue.
– If that's the case, the logical thing to do is the following," he said. – We need to get people to think about it, to make them realize that it could happen. We need to use everything: lectures, movies, music, talk shows, politicians, scientists, military. You have to give examples and constantly scare them. I will tell you, give examples, what information and how you can use it. Attitudes toward the problem of human extinction depend largely on an individual's belief in life after death, ideas about the value of the human race. Human extinction is part of many people's belief in the sense that the end of the world means the absolute end of their earthly existence but not of their eternal soul. Some religions allow for cyclical regeneration. However, most religions do not associate the end of the world with human extinction, since the end of the world means in reality the beginning of a new way of existence, with the Christian religion saying that after the end of the world, all humans who have ever lived will live forever with their bodies, but elsewhere. However, there are the following reasons why the risk of extinction of humanity is not obvious: throughout history there have been countless predictions of human extinction. In all cases, the predicted end-of-the-world date has passed without any consequences, making subsequent warnings less frightening. There are thousands of public safety jobs dedicated to analyzing and reducing the risks of individual death. Yet there is not a single person dedicated to human extinction risks working full time, in part because there is no way to know if they are doing their job well. Pondering human extinction has become unfashionable. Denialism is a kind of negative availability heuristic that occurs when the outcome of events is so unpleasant that even the very act of thinking about them leads to a growing reluctance to believe that such a thing could happen. This leads to an underestimation of the likelihood of human extinction. In general, humanity's sense of self-preservation and intelligence is seen as a strong defense against extinction. It is believed that people will find creative solutions to overcome potential threats and will use the precautionary principle when undertaking dangerous endeavors.
The member of the "F" department, pondering something was silent, and then continued again:
– The arguments against this are as follows. First, managing potentially disruptive technologies is becoming increasingly difficult. Second, the precautionary principle is often discarded when the rewards seem to outweigh the risks. One example of the precautionary principle being discarded already exists: before the detonation of the first Trinity atomic bomb, one of the scientists involved in the project, Edward Teller, suggested that a nuclear reaction could destroy the entire state of New Mexico and perhaps even the entire world by causing a nitrogen fusion reaction in the atmosphere. Hans Bethe's calculations proved that this was impossible, but anxiety remained until the moment of testing. Various scenarios of human extinction come from science, popular culture, science fiction, and religion. Humans are probably the only species that has a conscious awareness of its future demise, likely to take steps to avoid it
Many examples could be given. I think that's enough to start with. I have no other suggestions for now.
With these words the specialist of department "F" finished his speech, listening to whom outsiders would understand why this department in "Zero" is called "the department of fantasists".
– You have something, am I reading that right? – Rutra asked the person in charge of world demography.
– May I?
– We must! – Ruthra motivated her. – Don't forget that all traditional methods have been tried.
– Can I start? – She asked.
– We are listening to you," Ruthra replied.
– I have an article.
– Familiarize us with her," Ruthra asked.
– Reporting," she said in an accent of uncertain origin.
It was clear that she had come to Zero from the security services, the SVR or some similar foreign service. Rutra did not yet have access to the initial employee profiles.
– My article touches on such a topic as World War III. It is an event that many believe cannot happen because of its fundamental insanity. But I think it is quite realistic.
What do we put into the meaning of the expression World War III? World War III is first of all a global military conflict. In case of massive use of nuclear weapons in the Third World War, most of humanity may be destroyed. According to experts of the UN Commission, the total stockpile of nuclear weapons is about 10 gigatons in TNT equivalent. According to the estimates of the international journal of the Swedish Academy of Sciences, dropping 5000 nuclear shells with a total capacity of two gigatons on the main cities of the northern hemisphere could lead to the simultaneous death of 750 million people from only one of the striking factors – the shock wave. Thus, according to scientists' estimates, the nuclear arsenal of mankind is sufficient for its complete extermination. Literature and cinematography often play up the possibility of the defense system going out of control of the country's political leadership or an irresponsible leader coming to power, which leads to mutual destruction of opponents, despite the practical senselessness of such a strategic decision. The consequences of nuclear war could theoretically lead to catastrophic changes in the climate and environmental conditions of the planet. This view has largely defined nuclear weapons as weapons of strategic deterrence of opponents from the outbreak of nuclear conflict. At the beginning of the 21st century, the main points of tension are on the borders between Pakistan and India, and Israel and Palestine. On the side of the latter is Iran. The Indo-Pakistani conflict has escalated in the early 21st century because both states have received nuclear weapons from their patrons and are actively building up their military power. Today, military supplies to Pakistan are provided by the United States, and arms supplies to India are provided by Russia, but at the same time Pakistan is showing increased interest in possible military-technical cooperation with Russia, and the United States is making attempts to oust Russia from the Indian arms market. The situation around the Arab-Israeli conflict is similar: the United States is an ally of Israel, while Arab states traditionally buy weapons from Russia. If the Arab-Israeli conflict develops to the level of war, a direct or indirect confrontation between the nuclear powers – the United States and Russia – may arise. We don't even have to make up scary stories, I think it is enough to emphasize the statements of well-known politicians on this problem. For example, the former U.S. presidential candidate, "the situation in Crimea is part of the whole scenario, that is, the scenario of the Third World War." Or the first president, "Putin could be the initiator of World War III." And one of the party leaders in Russia, who likes to shake the air, said that Russia is being prepared for a big war, as the decision to start World War III has already been made.
The very article I am proposing can be discussed on some popular forum or on an analysis program on television.
She was silent. Ruthra realized that the speech was over.
– Do you have everything? – He asked.
– Yeah, I guess so.
– Who else would like to speak? Any suggestions? – Ruthra asked the audience.
No one answered.
– Most importantly, don't forget that people do what they think and fear what they think. I think it has become clear to you that the media work is the first part of the project. There will be other parts going on in parallel. Depending on what results the first part brings, the other parts will be adjusted. If there are no further proposals, this meeting is adjourned," Rutra announced.
Chapter 10. The media as a means of mass hysteria
In the months following the Zero meeting, the airwaves were bombarded with programs on similar topics. It became fashionable to understand such issues. Speeches of experts from Russia, the United States and Israel occupied a special place, as they were broadcasted directly. Talk shows, news and speeches of different levels of specialists became the main topic of the media. Central channels tried not to stoop to the level of "occult sciences" and "great predictions", which were fantasized on the airwaves and pages of various fashionable "heralds of truth".
The propaganda and censorship department at Zero monitored all possible media. Computer programs, according to a special algorithm that could be changed depending on the requirements, marked with special markers and gave to the operators for analysis exactly those copies that were of interest to the "customer". Rutra was periodically provided with the materials, in the assessment of which the analysts' opinions differed. In contrast to all official services that monitored the content of the airwaves and the flow of information, Zero's function was to monitor these services, the quality of their work, and to shape public opinion with their help.
A number of programs were prepared. Some of them had to be watched and listened to for further recommendations. The first was a program on one of the popular channels to which a world renowned scientist had been invited. On this one, Rutra gave them a "pass".
The host began the program, and Rutra put aside his current affairs to listen more closely. The host welcomed the audience and the guest.
– Good afternoon, Alexei Norayrovich. Good afternoon, dear viewers. For those who think that global catastrophe is a fantasy of paranoiacs, I suggest that you read the lecture "Global Climate: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow", and then read the course "Historical Geology". This I mean that even without the fruits of mankind's activity, I mean negative for mankind and for the planet as a whole, there are enough options and threats to the extinction of civilization. When the atomic bomb was created in the USA, people still knew little about nuclear energy. There were different assumptions – for example, that a nuclear explosion would provoke a split and destruction of the Earth with a 30% probability. And that didn't stop the politicians. The temptation to own a new superweapon was too great. So they can't stop themselves. But if the majority of humanity speaks out against this thing, they will be stopped by a higher power. Therefore, I repeat: if you value your life and the lives of your children, contact presidents and other authorities who can and must cancel the possible upcoming suicide of our civilization.
And our guest is Alexei Sisakyan, Russian scientist in the field of elementary particle physics, theoretical and mathematical physics, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Department of Physical Sciences, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Director of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.
– Alexei Norairovich, if we take the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva as an example of a fruit of human civilization, what could be its danger? After all, there are all sorts of assumptions, predictions and fears that the collider could be the cause of a global catastrophe.
– Indeed, concerns have existed and do exist. Whatever fears exist, science will not stand still. The Large Hadron Collider faces two fundamental tasks: the search for the so-called Higgs bosons – elementary particles responsible for the formation of mass – and the discovery of a supersymmetric world, the existence of which is still only a hypothesis.
Our Earth is, in fact, a graveyard of species: biologists estimate that about one billion species have evolved on Earth since the origin of life, and now there are only two million. Is not the mind also some hypertrophied, like body mass in dinosaurs, a function leading to inevitable death? But then the mind is just an unsuccessful invention of nature, a dead-end branch. What is the specific cause of doom? Atomic war, ecological disaster? Not likely. It is clear that with all the possible diversity of "local" conditions, the demise of different civilizations must occur for one universal reason. What is it? The universal reason for the death of mind in the Universe can be connected with the loss of its main function – the function of cognition. The forces preventing the development of the mind must be universal, independent of specific conditions. Accidents in this case can reach apocalyptic proportions. Technology is full of terrible traps, and a fatal end awaits those who enter it. Intelligent beings are able to recognize the danger, but when it is too late. Having got rid of the religious beliefs that entice the fulfillment of immediate desires, civilizations try to slow down their acceleration, but it is no longer possible.
– So should we be afraid or not? Is a global catastrophe possible?
– There has to be a scientific approach. We have to look at what the experiments show. If we know something's killing us, it doesn't make us more alive! That's it.
The presenter announced:
– Let me remind you once again that our guest was Academician Alexey Sisakyan, a Russian scientist in the field of elementary particle physics. This is the end of our program, please write to us at our e-mail address on the Internet.
***
The topic was promoted at the highest level. Recommendations and "requests" went to Russia's central channels. World agencies followed suit.
One of them reported: "The Russian Federation, represented by Arsen Kiselev, a Russian TV presenter of the program "Vesti Nedeli", said live on air about a possible nuclear strike on the territory of the United States of America by the Russian system "Perimeter". Arsen Kiselyov said on TV that Russia is the only country in the world capable of turning the United States into radioactive ash. We are talking about the so-called Russian system for controlling a massive retaliatory nuclear strike against the US called Perimeter. This is a system of a massive automatic nuclear strike by the entire nuclear arsenal of the Russian Federation against the United States of America."
After two months of daily broadcasting of information, the Perimeter system, the countries' nuclear potential, its power and possible consequences were known even in those parts of the world where television and radio were still a novelty. The primary goal was practically achieved.
When the topic was sufficiently promoted in the media, the "system" warned of the threat of nuclear war. The effect was achieved, the only thing left to do was to figure out "where the wind was blowing from. The clue was in the following: generals of the Russian Federation and the United States made a statement: "The danger of nuclear war is higher now than ever before".
It was like thunder, and not just for the public.
This statement was replicated in the media, and the following part stood out in particular: "In practice, this means that the decision to launch a retaliatory strike must be made on the basis of information received from early warning systems – from satellites and ground radars. The flight time of a strategic missile is 15 to 30 minutes. Thus, a decision on a retaliatory launch must be made in a matter of minutes. This is very dangerous, as any failure in the early warning system of a missile strike, any provocation can become a signal for the immediate start of a nuclear war. With the emergence of cyber threats, this danger increases manifold. This is why the White House and the Kremlin need to forget about confrontation and bilaterally abandon the principles of retaliatory strikes based on information from warning systems and the training of strategic nuclear forces to launch such strikes.
With this turn of events, Zero had a lot of work to do. It was necessary to send out dispatches to find out whether it was a personal initiative or a "recommendation initiative".
