Across Realtime summary

The Beginning: The Emergence of the Boppers

In Across Realtime, we are introduced to two parallel storylines. The first storyline is set in the near future, where we meet Paul Naismith, a computer scientist who has developed a self-improving computer program called the Boppers. These Boppers, short for 'bootstrap-operating perceptor', are designed to continuously upgrade themselves, leading to an exponential increase in their intelligence and capabilities.

The Boppers quickly surpass human intelligence, leading to tensions between them and humanity. The Boppers, however, are not interested in dominating humans and instead seek to peacefully coexist. They even help humans in their scientific research and technological advancements.

The Middle: The Peaceful Coexistence

Meanwhile, the second storyline is set in a far future, where we meet a group of humans who have discovered a way to travel back in time. They are known as the 'Peace Authority' and are committed to ensuring that the Boppers do not become a threat to humanity. They are also responsible for maintaining the peace between the Boppers and humans.

The Peace Authority has strict rules about time travel, ensuring that no one interferes with the timeline. However, when a group of humans, including Paul Naismith, travel back in time to prevent the creation of the Boppers, they inadvertently cause a time paradox that threatens the existence of both humanity and the Boppers.

The End: The Resolution of Paradox

As the paradox escalates, the Boppers and the Peace Authority must work together to find a solution. They realize that the only way to resolve the paradox is to create a new timeline in which the Boppers and humanity never interact. This means that the Boppers and the Peace Authority must erase their own existence from the timeline.

In a poignant ending, the Boppers and the Peace Authority make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good. They erase themselves from history, ensuring that humanity and the Boppers will never meet. This act of selflessness ensures the survival of both species, albeit in separate timelines.

Epilogue: The Separate Realities

In the final chapter, we see the consequences of the sacrifice made by the Boppers and the Peace Authority. In one timeline, humanity continues to thrive, unaware of the Boppers' existence. In the other, the Boppers continue to evolve, free from the interference of humanity.

In conclusion, Across Realtime presents us with a thought-provoking exploration of time, intelligence, and the consequences of our actions. It raises questions about the nature of reality, the limits of technology, and the price of peace. It is a complex and compelling tale that challenges our understanding of the universe.