The Non-Human Factor

“The Inhuman Factor”—a science-fiction novel by Andrei Livadny, episode nine, the main events taking place in 2637–2638.

A world handed over to the power of machines will stop developing forever, because cybernetic systems have no drive or aspirations. They perform functions, and people confined to the comfort of the technosphere lose self-identity, since there is no need for them to prove themselves.

However, the Galactic War changed everything. On the battlefield, cybernetic complexes reigned—merciless and without compassion—but they were inferior to humans in the flexibility of thought. And then came the final step beyond the line—an artificial intelligence module called “Lone”—designed for direct neuro-sensory contact with the pilot. Since then, the consciousness of many humans and machines has intertwined so tightly that they can no longer imagine themselves without each other…