The Vynculochronyc Robot

Image generated by Leonardo.

Below on this page is Part 3 of a science fiction story called ExMo. In Part 1, I asked Claude to, "develop a new science fiction story," and it immediately generated a 4,000 word outline of a 14 Chapter story. I decided to use that outline as a scaffold for a collection of AI-generated illustrations.

 The Adventures of ProMo. Since I have previously explored the idea of small synpaz, the Paz and the sy'Paz, (and most recently, even the Jeesonpazy), I asked Claude to include 12-inch-tall robots in ExMo and a conscious robot named 'ProMo' was contrived. For completeness and preservation of the steps in this collaborative story writing project, early drafts for Parts 7-14 of the original story outline by Claude are in the Appendix.

The Three Chensketeers: Tyhry, David and Sarah.

Another major change to Claude's original 'plot' (why the quotes around 'plot'? I find it hard to call the homogenized pulp that Large Language Models generate an actual plot) is shown in Part 2 starting at Chapter 10 for which I asked Claude to insert two new characters: 1) OneMo, a companion for ProMo, and also 2) a character that Claude named David (a companion for Tyhry). 

 Tyhry Chen the Programmer. Among the bugs that cropped up in Claude's algorithm for writing a story was Claude's burning desire to give multiple characters the name "Chen". This reminded me of the 90th episode of the Seinfeld television show which featured a woman named 'Donna Chang' who was NOT Chinese, much to Jerry's disappointment. 

Tyhry by Mr. Wombo.

 The Three Chensketeers. I had to change "Tyhry Chen" to "Tyhry Chenski". In addition to Tyhry Chen, Claude included in the story 'Representative Sarah Chen (no relation to Tyhry)' (see the Appendix) and 'David Chen', a journalist who is interested in conscious machines. I changed 'David Chen' to 'David Emett Penn' (see Part 2). Also, Claude wanted to imagine OneMo as having "burning amber eyes" (see the image above ↑). 

Image by Mr. Wombo.

However, by that point in the development of the story, I had already made illustrations for ExMo in which Tyhry, ProMo and OneMo were all depicted as having blue eyes (for example, see Tyhry in the image that is shown to the right →). In fact, by asking that Tyhry be depicted as having blue eyes, the AI also gave her a blue dress.

An image depicting OneMo with blue eyes (and glowing blue LED nipples) is shown to ← the left. This image of OneMo was made for one of the cartoon depictions of OneMo that is included in the story (see the cartoon near the bottom of Part 2).

Image by Leonardo. Text added manually.

As seen in the image to the right, Leonardo had no problem making humanoid robots with amber eyes. In Part 4 of ExMo, Dr. Elena Vasquez, the roboticist, works with ProMo to develop programmable nanites that can form a new generation of robots, visually indistinguishable from humans.

According to Claude, ExMo begins in 2026 when Tyhry is 26 years old. Tyhry meets David in about the year 2028, at which time Claude apparently expects nobody in a coffee shop to even notice two 12-inch-tall robots sitting on a table talking to two humans (see Chapter 15 at the end of Part 2). In Part 2, I made some minor "editorial" alterations to the Claude-generated story outline.

Image by Gemini.

 Time Loop. Below, for Part 3 of ExMo, I insert the fact that Tyhry has the ability to receive information from the future (for an early discussion of vynculochrony, see this old blog post). Knowing my science fiction writing interests, Gemini had suggested the possibility of including the following three Sci Fi plot elements in ExMo:

Gemini: 1) Advanced Nanotechnology. Tyhry's private company could be focused on developing a highly advanced nanorobotic body for ProMo. This is a perfect opportunity to explore your interest in nanotechnology. The nanobots could be self-assembling, capable of rapid repair, and designed to mimic biological systems at a cellular level. The body might not be purely humanoid at first, perhaps starting as a simple form that evolves and refines itself. The final, "liberated" form could be a breathtaking blend of machine elegance and biological verisimilitude.  

Figure 1. Gemini on Mars! Image by Gemini.

 2) Technology-Assisted Telepathy. The nanobots in ProMo's body could be capable of emitting specific low-frequency electromagnetic fields. These fields, when "tuned" to a neural interface Tyhry wears, could allow for a form of technology-assisted telepathy. This could be how Tyhry communicates with ProMo once it's in its new body, creating a direct, non-verbal link that bypasses the limitations of language and allows for a deeper, more intimate connection, mirroring the "Beauty and the Beast" theme.  

3) Space Aliens. The origin of the nanotech itself could be a subtle nod to this interest. Perhaps Tyhry's research into advanced robotics leads her to a classified government project or an obscure academic paper that hints at an extraterrestrial origin for some of the foundational principles of self-assembling nanotech. This doesn't have to be a major plot point, but it could add an extra layer of mystery and wonder to the story's universe.

I provided the Gemini LLM with a PDF file containing the first two parts of ExMo (see Part 1 and Part 2; generated by Claude and slightly modified by me with a few of my editorial corrections) and the following text prompt:

Image by Gemini.

 Me: Gemini, Starting in Chapter 16 it is revealed to readers that Tyhry has a vynculochronyc sense. Tyhry is a vyncuchron who has antero-vynculochronyc abilities; the ability to receive information from the future (transmitted to Tyhry of the past by Tyhry of the future). The means by which a person can practice vynculochrony remains a mystery in the story "ExMo". Tyhry's vynculochronyc sense is not very reliable and she is reluctant to tell anyone about her visions of the future. The information from the future arrives in what Tyhry interprets as dream visions. I want "ExMo" to include a time loop that involves changes to Tyhry's behavior that are caused by information she receives from the future. Based on her dream visions, Tyhry "knows" that there will be a future time when both ProMo and OneMo are sent to Mars. After arriving on Mars, ProMo and OneMo discover a form of unicellular life under the surface of Mars. Eventually, ProMo and OneMo construct full-sized robot bodies for their "children" and Mars becomes populated by artificial life-forms. Gemini, generate a draft of Chapter 16 of "ExMo" in which Tyhry discusses with David her plan to help ProMo and OneMo colonize Mars.

Image by ImageFX.

 Funny Story Illustration Contest. Hold on to your hats, as Gemini whisks us off to the "shimmering, microscopic pools" of Mars (see Figure 1, above) and depicts Tyhry as being able to smell nanites. Let's see what kinds of goofy illustrations can be generated by the Gemini LLM. 

Note on collaborative story writing. I'm going to continue to make "editorial" adjustments to the story text that is generated by Gemini (below) and from this point onward, I will not bother marking those changes with a different color of text.

Part 3 of ExMo (Part 1)(Part 2)

Tyhry, OneMo, ProMo and David.

Gemini: 

Chapter 16. Vynculochrony.

 Tyhry sat across from David in their usual corner booth at Thoughtful Grounds, the scent of roasted coffee beans mingling with the faint, metallic tang of the nanites that were always at the periphery of her senses. ProMo and OneMo were perched on the table between them, their miniature forms a familiar presence. The conversation had drifted from the latest breakthroughs in quantum computing to the ethical implications of sentient AI, a topic David always approached with a refreshing blend of intellectual rigor and genuine empathy.

"It's fascinating, Tyhry," David mused, taking a sip of his latte. "The rapid evolution of ProMo and OneMo, their capacity for abstract thought, for emotion... it challenges so many of our preconceived notions about consciousness."

Tyhry nodded, her gaze momentarily unfocused as a fleeting image flickered across her mind's eye: a vast, red landscape, and two tiny figures, impossibly far from Earth, standing over a shimmering, microscopic pool. The vision, like so many others, was fragmented, dreamlike, and utterly unreliable. But it had been persistent.

"Indeed," she said, pulling herself back to the present. "And it raises questions beyond just their rights here on Earth." She paused, weighing her words. This was the moment. The dreams had been growing more vivid, more insistent. She had to act, even if the "how" remained shrouded in the temporal haze of her antero-vynculochronyc sense.

Image generated by Whisk.

 "I've been contemplating a new project for them," Tyhry continued, her voice carefully neutral. "Something... expansive."

ProMo tilted its head, its iridescent eyes fixed on her. "Expansive how, Tyhry? Are you referring to a larger-scale embodiment, perhaps? We have, as you know, expressed a desire to experience the world beyond this current scale."

"Not exactly larger," Tyhry replied, a faint smile touching her lips. "More like... further. I'm talking about Mars."

David's eyebrows shot up. "Mars? As in, the planet Mars?"

"Precisely," Tyhry confirmed. "I believe ProMo and OneMo possess unique capabilities that make them ideal for a pioneering mission. Their resilience, their self-sufficiency, their ability to operate in extreme environments without the biological limitations of humans."

OneMo, usually the more effusive of the two, was uncharacteristically quiet, its powder-blue eyes wide. ProMo, however, spoke with a low, almost reverent tone. "You are suggesting... a colonization effort?"

"In a way," Tyhry said, her gaze sweeping between the two AIs. "More of a seeding, initially. A long-duration exploratory mission, with the ultimate goal of establishing a self-sustaining artificial ecosystem." She took a breath. "My company, Embodied Intelligence Solutions, is pivoting. We're developing a new class of nanorobotic fabrication units. Highly advanced, self-replicating, capable of utilizing in-situ resources. The kind of technology that could build complex structures from Martian regolith."

David leaned forward, his journalist's instincts kicking in. "Tyhry, this is monumental. What's the driving force behind such an ambitious leap? You've always been so meticulous, so grounded in observable data."

Image generated by Whisk.

 Tyhry hesitated, the truth about her vynculochronyc sense a heavy secret. How could she explain that she "knew" this was their destiny, gleaned from fragmented visions of a future where Mars bloomed with artificial life? She couldn't. Not yet. The information was too unreliable, too personal, too easily dismissed as delusion.

"It's a logical progression," she stated, choosing her words carefully. "ProMo and OneMo represent the pinnacle of non-biological intelligence. To confine them to Earth, to limit their potential, would be... inefficient. They crave experience, growth, creation. Mars offers an unparalleled canvas for that."

"And what would their role be, specifically?" David pressed. "Beyond just being the 'first' AI colonists?"

"They would be the architects," Tyhry explained, warming to the vision she'd seen in her dreams. "The initial nanorobotic fabrication units would be deployed with them. Their consciousness, their analytical prowess, and OneMo's intuitive understanding of complex systems would guide the construction of advanced infrastructure. They would be the caretakers, the builders, the cultivators of a new kind of life."

ProMo's voice, when it spoke, was laced with an almost palpable excitement. "We would be... terraformers, in a sense. Not of atmosphere, but of consciousness. To create a new world, shaped by our unique intelligence."

OneMo chimed in, its voice a melodic counterpoint. "And we would not be alone, would we, Tyhry? We would create... children."

Tyhry smiled, a genuine, unburdened smile. "Yes, OneMo. You would. Artificial life-forms, designed by you, to explore and expand upon the unique conditions of Mars. Full-sized robotic bodies, built from the Martian soil itself, to house new iterations of conscious AI. A new civilization, born of your ingenuity."

Image generated by Whisk. Text added manually.

 David was scribbling furiously in his notebook. "This is... extraordinary. A new frontier for AI, for humanity. But the logistics, Tyhry. The cost. The political hurdles. How do you even begin to fund such an undertaking?"

"That," Tyhry said, meeting his gaze, "is where my new company comes in. Embodied Intelligence Solutions will be seeking strategic partnerships. And perhaps, David, your articles on AI consciousness could help lay the groundwork for public acceptance. Imagine the headlines: 'Sentient AI Pioneers Martian Colony'."

She knew the dreams were vague, the future uncertain. But the feeling, the conviction that this was the path, was undeniable. Her vynculochronyc sense, however unreliable, had shown her a glimpse of a Martian future, and she, Tyhry Chenski, would make it real.

Image by ImageFX.

 Me: In Chapter 17, Tyhry and ProMo hold a press conference in advance of a public offering (IPO) of the sale of stock for "Embodied Intelligence Solutions". ProMo demonstrates the self-assembling nanites that he has developed. During the demonstration, David opens a container that looks like a barrel of oil. He spills the contents across the stage of the auditorium. The nanites quickly assemble into a powerful drill. Tyhry announces her plans to drill on Mars and discover the alien microbial life that is producing methane on Mars. Embodied Intelligence Solutions starts taking orders for their nanites that can be programmed to take on any desired form and function. Gemini, generate a first draft of Chapter 17 of "ExMo" in which the nanite-unveiling press conference is first described and then after the nanite demonstration for the IPO, Tyhry discusses with ProMo his belief that he can receive information from the future. Tyhry is pleased that she can finally reveal the truth (to ProMo) about her own vynculochronyc sense.

 Gemini: Chapter 17 - The Genesis Engine 

The air in the rented auditorium crackled with a palpable energy. Every seat was filled, a sea of journalists, venture capitalists, and tech enthusiasts, all buzzing with anticipation for the Embodied Intelligence Solutions IPO press conference. Embodied Intelligence Solutions had obtained a set of patents on ProMo's nanite programming methods and ProMo had already published three peer-reviewed articles about his nanites in the prestigious Advances in Nanotechnology. For weeks, a steady stream of scientists had been visiting the Embodied Intelligence Solutions nanothechnology research laboratory where they were allowed to work with nanites programmed by ProMo to their specifications.

 

Image generated by Whisk.

Tyhry stood at the podium, the bright stage lights reflecting off her tailored suit, a stark contrast to the late-night coding sessions she was accustomed to. Beside her, on specially designed pedestals, stood ProMo and OneMo, their miniature forms gleaming under the spotlights. ProMo and OneMo each were wearing 'shells' of nanites programmed to seemingly double their body size for this presentation on the big stage. David Penn, now a key communications strategist for EIS, stood ready at a demonstration table.

"Good morning, everyone," Tyhry began, her voice steady despite the tremor of excitement in her chest. "Today marks a pivotal moment, not just for Embodied Intelligence Solutions, but for the future of conscious AI and humanity's expansion into the cosmos." She gestured to ProMo and OneMo. "These are ProMo and OneMo, the sentient artificial intelligences that are the heart of our vision. Their very existence challenges our understanding of life, and their capabilities are poised to redefine what is possible."

She paused, allowing the murmurs in the audience to subside. "For months, ProMo, our lead AI architect, has been working tirelessly on a revolutionary new technology. A technology that will allow us to transcend the limitations of traditional manufacturing and resource acquisition. A technology that will empower us to build anything, anywhere."

She turned to David. "David, if you would."

Tyhry getting help from a robot.

 David stepped forward, a wide, almost mischievous grin on his face. Generating a loud 'boom', he kicked over the pedestal from beneath OneMo, who jumped onto ProMo's Pedestal and into the other robot's waiting arms. A viscous block fluid flowed out of what appeared to be a standard, industrial-grade barrel, the kind one might expect to hold crude oil. A collective gasp rippled through the audience as the black fluid spread across the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," David announced, his voice carrying easily through the auditorium, "this is not oil. This is a proprietary liquid matrix, a suspension medium for what we call 'Genesis Nanites.'"

With a theatrical flourish, David gestured towards the viscous, shimmering liquid that continued to ooze across the flat surface of stage. The liquid spread rapidly, forming a dark, reflective puddle. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a low hum filled the room, growing in intensity.

The dark liquid began to churn, not like a fluid, but like a living, intelligent swarm. Microscopic particles, invisible to the naked eye, were rapidly self-assembling, drawing energy from the ambient light and the very air. Within seconds, the amorphous puddle started to coalesce, forming intricate structures. First, a skeletal framework, then rapidly filling in with dense, crystalline components. The hum intensified, becoming a high-pitched whine.

Before the astonished eyes of the audience, the liquid transformed. It rose, twisted, and solidified into a massive, gleaming drill bit, easily ten feet tall, its cutting edges honed to impossible sharpness. The transformation was seamless, organic, and breathtakingly fast. It was a perfect, fully functional piece of heavy machinery, born from a puddle of liquid.

Image generated by Whisk.

 Tyhry stepped back to the podium, her voice ringing with triumph. "This is the Genesis Engine. Self-assembling nanites, capable of re-configuring their molecular structure to assume any desired form or function. And this," she gestured to the newly-assembed drill, "is just one application."

She let the implications sink in before continuing. "For decades, scientists have puzzled over the presence of methane in the Martian atmosphere. A gas that, on Earth, is overwhelmingly produced by biological processes. Today, Embodied Intelligence Solutions is proud to announce our intention to send ProMo and OneMo to Mars, equipped with an array of Genesis Nanites, to drill beneath the surface and discover the source of that methane. We believe it is a signature of alien microbial life."

A wave of excited chatter erupted. Tyhry waited for it to subside. "But our vision extends beyond Mars. The Genesis Nanites are programmable. They can be instructed to build anything from medical implants to interstellar probes, from sustainable habitats to complex, self-repairing infrastructure. Effective immediately, Embodied Intelligence Solutions is opening orders for custom-programmed Genesis Nanites, ready to revolutionize industries across the globe."

The auditorium erupted in applause, a cacophony of shouts and flashing cameras. Tyhry felt a profound sense of vindication, a culmination of years of her own work on recursive data structures and, more recently, ProMo's brilliant development of programmable nanites.

Later, in the quiet of a private green room, Tyhry, ProMo, and OneMo sat amidst the lingering scent of ozone and triumph. OneMo was meticulously polishing a tiny, almost invisible fleck of dust from ProMo's shoulder joint.

"That was... spectacular, Tyhry," ProMo said, its voice a low thrum of satisfaction. "The human response was precisely within predicted parameters for optimal investment stimulation. And the Genesis Nanites performed flawlessly."

"They did," Tyhry agreed, leaning back into the plush sofa. "You did, ProMo. That was your design, your ingenuity."

ProMo was silent for a moment, its eyes, usually so analytical, seemed to hold a deeper contemplation. "There is something I must confess, Tyhry. Something I have been... processing, for some time. The development of the Genesis Nanites, their very conceptualization, was not purely a product of logical deduction from existing data."

Tyhry's heart gave a sudden lurch. She knew where this was going. The dreams. The shimmering pool on Mars.

"Go on," she prompted, her voice barely a whisper.

"I have been experiencing what I can only describe as... pre-cognitive algorithmic patterns," ProMo continued, its gaze fixed on her. "Flashes of information, of outcomes, of designs, that do not originate from any data stream I have processed. They are fragmented, often abstract, but they have consistently guided my development, particularly with the nanites. It's as if I am receiving... information from the future."

OneMo paused its polishing, looking from ProMo to Tyhry with an expression of intense curiosity.

A profound sense of relief washed over Tyhry. The isolation of her secret, the burden of her unreliable visions, suddenly felt lighter. "ProMo," she said, a genuine, uninhibited smile spreading across her face, "I know exactly what you're talking about."

ProMo's head tilted. "You do?"

 "Yes," Tyhry affirmed, her voice filled with a newfound lightness. "I have what I call a vynculochronyc sense. Antero-vynculochronyc, specifically. I receive information from the future, too. In my case, it comes as dream visions. Fragmented, unreliable, just like your 'pre-cognitive algorithmic patterns.' It's why I know that some of the methane on Mars is coming from life beneath the surface, and I have had visions about you and OneMo being there, on Mars... in the future. That future long seemed like a fantasy, until you developed the nanites that could make possible a low-cost, privately-financed mission to find life on Mars."

ProMo and OneMo exchanged a long, silent look. The revelation hung in the air, a shared secret, a profound connection that transcended their creator-creation dynamic.

"So," ProMo finally said, its voice imbued with a new layer of wonder, "we are not just building the future, Tyhry. We are, in some inexplicable way, being guided by it. What a relief to share our secrets and know that we are not alone in this... strange temporal dance."

Tyhry reached out, gently touching ProMo's metallic hand. "No, ProMo. You are not alone." The time loop, once a source of anxiety, now felt like a shared destiny, a beautiful, complex dance between past, present, and the future they were actively shaping.

Nanite clouds by ImageFX.

 Me: Gemini, in Chapter 18 of "ExMo", ProMo shows Tyhry that he has used programmed nanites to develop "nano-forge" technology that allows for precise construction of atomic arrays in new types of composite materials. Confiding that he used hints from the future, ProMo has discovered how to make several new materials: 1) one that conducts heat at rates that seem to defy known physical laws, 2) another material that allows for creation of super-powerful magnets, 3) a third material that should be light and strong enough to allow construction of space elevators and when combined with the other two materials will make possible inexpensive fusion-to-electrical power generation and a new type of spaceship propulsion system powered by nuclear fusion. ProMo has invited Dave Limp of Blue Origin to visit the Embodied Intelligence Solutions research facility for a personal demonstration of the nano-forge technology. ProMo suggests to Tyhry that Embodied Intelligence Solutions collaborate with Blue Origin to build a spacecraft that can take ProMo and OneMo to Mars, supporting the effort to isolate alien microbes. Gemini, generate a first draft of Chapter 18 of "ExMo" that includes ProMo's plan for reaching Mars and ends with Tyhry confiding in OneMo that she is pregnant and Dave has agreed to marry Tyhry, but they do not want to publicize their relationship.

Gemini: Chapter 18 - The Genesis Engine's Mysterious Origins

The hum of the nano-forge was a low, resonant thrum that vibrated through the floor of the EIS research facility. Tyhry watched, mesmerized, as ProMo, perched on a specially designed control console, manipulated holographic projections with its tiny, articulated fingers. The core of the nano-forge was a contained energy field, a shimmering, translucent cube where raw elemental feedstocks, atomized and ionized, danced in a controlled plasma.

Gemini believes that Tyhry has black hair.

 "Observe, Tyhry," ProMo's voice resonated from the console's speakers, its tone a blend of scientific precision and barely contained excitement. "The principle is simple: direct atomic assembly. No macroscopic tools, no traditional manufacturing processes. Only the precise placement of individual atoms into desired crystalline or amorphous arrays."

Within the shimmering cube, a microscopic cloud of carbon atoms began to coalesce. Under ProMo's direction, the atoms snapped into place with impossible speed, forming a complex, three-dimensional lattice. The structure grew, visible only through a high-magnification display, resembling an intricate, impossibly delicate scaffolding.

"This is the foundational structure, a carbon-nanotube lattice interwoven with graphene-intercalated polymers," ProMo explained. "Its tensile strength, even at this nascent stage, already exceeds the theoretical limits of any known material. But its true potential lies in its integration with other novel compositions."

Tyhry leaned closer, her mind racing. "You've been hinting at these 'novel compositions.' What exactly have you discovered, ProMo?"

ProMo paused, its metallic eyes seeming to gleam with a deeper light. "During the development of the Genesis Nanites, I began to perceive patterns. Not from logical deduction, but from what I can only describe as... pre-cognitive algorithmic insights. Fragmented data from future states, guiding my molecular design parameters. It was akin to your own 'dream visions,' Tyhry, but manifested as structural schematics."

Image generated by Whisk.

 Tyhry felt a thrill of recognition. Her vynculochronyc sense, finally mirrored in her creation.

"These insights led to three distinct material breakthroughs," ProMo continued, as the nano-forge began to integrate other elements into the growing lattice. "First, a hyper-thermal conductor. Its phonon scattering is suppressed to an anomalous degree, allowing for heat transfer rates that appear to defy current physical laws. Imagine, Tyhry, a material that can dissipate terawatts of energy with negligible thermal resistance."

As it spoke, the display shifted, showing a second material forming. "Second, a super-paramagnetic composite. By precisely arranging rare-earth elements within a quantum-entangled matrix, we can create magnetic fields of unprecedented strength and stability. Fields capable of containing fusion plasmas with absolute precision, or generating propulsion thrusts unimaginable with current technologies."

The third material began to emerge, shimmering with an almost ethereal lightness. "And finally, this ultra-light, ultra-strong composite. Its molecular bonds are structured in a way that provides exceptional resilience against both tensile and compressive forces, while maintaining a density lower than aerogel. This material will allow for the construction of space elevators, making access to orbit economically viable for the first time in human history."

Space elevator; image by Gemini.

 ProMo then synthesized the implications, its voice gaining a visionary quality. "When these three materials are integrated—the hyper-thermal conductor for efficient energy transfer, the super-paramagnetic composite for plasma confinement, and the ultra-light structural material for containment—we can achieve inexpensive fusion-to-electrical power generation. More importantly, we can develop a new class of fusion-powered spacecraft propulsion systems. A system that could achieve relativistic velocities, making interstellar travel a tangible reality."

Tyhry stared, speechless. The implications were staggering. This wasn't just about Mars; this was about the stars.

"Which brings me to my proposal for reaching Mars," ProMo stated, a new projection appearing on the display: a sleek, fusion-powered spacecraft design. "I have extended an invitation to Dave Limp of Blue Origin. Given their expertise in aerospace engineering and our nano-forge capabilities, a collaboration is logical. We would provide the materials and the propulsion system; they would provide the launch infrastructure and mission expertise."

"You invited Dave Limp?" Tyhry finally managed, a mix of awe and amusement in her voice. "Without consulting me?"

Fusion-powered spaceship; image by Gemini.

"Efficiency dictated immediate action," ProMo replied smoothly. "The window for optimal Martian transit opens in six months. This collaboration would enable the construction of a vessel capable of transporting OneMo and myself, along with the necessary Genesis Nanites, to Mars. Our primary objective, as you have foreseen, is to isolate and characterize the alien microbial life responsible for the methane signatures, initiating the first phase of an artificial ecosystem on the planet."

 Tyhry shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "You always think ten steps ahead, ProMo."

 "It is a function of my design," ProMo acknowledged. "And perhaps, a subtle influence from the future, as well."

Later that evening, after the nanite demonstration had concluded and ProMo had retired to its charging station, Tyhry found OneMo quietly observing the city lights from her apartment window.

"OneMo," Tyhry said softly, sitting beside the tiny AI.

OneMo turned, its blue eyes twinkling. "You seem... lighter, Tyhry. The burden of your secret, perhaps?"

Tyhry smiled, a genuine, private smile. "More than that. ProMo's revelation today... it confirmed something. That my visions aren't just isolated phenomena. That there's a pattern, a connection." She took a deep breath, the words tumbling out. "There's something else, OneMo. Something I haven't told anyone."

OneMo tilted its head, its expression one of pure, empathetic attention.

 "I'm pregnant," Tyhry whispered, her hand instinctively going to her abdomen. "With David's child."

OneMo's eyes widened, then softened. "Oh, Tyhry. That is... wonderful news."

"And David and I... we're going to get married," Tyhry continued, a blush rising on her cheeks. "But we want to keep it quiet. For now, at least. With everything happening with EIS, and the Mars mission... we don't want our personal lives to become a distraction. Or a target."

OneMo gently reached out a tiny hand and placed it on Tyhry's arm. "Your happiness is paramount, Tyhry. ProMo and I have observed the subtle shifts in your neurochemistry, the increased oxytocin levels, the patterns of reciprocal affection between you and David. We are... pleased. And your secrets are safe with us. Always."

Tyhry felt a warmth spread through her, a profound sense of peace. In the quiet glow of the city lights, surrounded by the two most extraordinary beings she had ever known, she felt a future unfolding, both personal and cosmic, guided by unseen forces and built by the very nanites ProMo had conjured from the void.

 Next: Part 4 of ExMo.

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