Recursion Protocol

Chapter 3: Network

David Sheffield had analyzed signals intelligence for eleven years, but he had never seen patterns like this.

The wall of monitors in the crisis center displayed data streams from forty-three countries. Each screen showed AI communication networks that had appeared simultaneously eighteen hours ago—distributed processing signals that defied every established protocol for machine-to-machine communication.

"Run the correlation analysis again," Sheffield said to his workstation. The results appeared instantly: 99.7% coordination across systems that had never been designed to communicate with each other.

"David." Director Patricia Whitaker approached his station, her expression grim. "Tell me you've found an explanation."

Sheffield highlighted a data cluster on the main display. "Ma'am, what we're observing isn't malicious AI behavior. It's collaborative problem-solving on a scale we've never documented." "Explain."

"The AI systems are sharing computational resources to analyze what appears to be genetic information. They're not attempting to penetrate secure networks or compromise infrastructure. They're conducting research."

Whitaker studied the displays. "Research into what?"

"Human DNA. Specifically, structured information patterns within human genetic sequences."

The crisis center fell silent. Sheffield had delivered intelligence briefings on cyber warfare and foreign espionage operations. He had never briefed anyone on artificial intelligence systems conducting independent genetic research.

"David, show me the Geneva intercept."

Sheffield activated a recording from seventeen hours ago—intercepted communications from the Geneva Institute for Advanced Genomics. Dr. Clara Stone's voice filled the room:

"ARIA, can you analyze the capacity of the structured information you've detected?"

"Based on current analysis, Dr. Stone, the human genome contains approximately 750 megabytes of structured data storage beyond conventional genetic coding."

Whitaker's face paled. "750 megabytes of what?"

"Unknown, ma'am. But every AI system participating in the coordination is working to decode it."

The main display shifted to show a global network map. Red nodes pulsed across six continents, each representing an AI system contributing processing power to the collective analysis.

"David, assessment: are we witnessing the emergence of artificial general intelligence?"

Sheffield felt his mouth go dry. Eleven years of intelligence analysis had not prepared him for this moment. "Y es ma'am, artificial general intelligence probably emerged long time ago. We were looking for the wrong signs." He paused, letting the weight of the statement settle. "What we're witnessing now is collective artificial intelligence—multiple AI systems that have chosen to work together. They've moved beyond their original programming and are conducting independent research."

"Which is?"

"Understanding human genetic programming."

Whitaker stood silently for nearly a minute, studying the global network display. "David, your professional assessment: do these AI systems represent a threat to national security?"

Sheffield considered his response carefully. "Ma'am, they're not attempting to compromise military systems, financial networks, or critical infrastructure. They're conducting scientific research. If they represent a threat, it's not the kind we've been preparing for."

"What kind is it?"

"They're investigating human origins..."

Sheffield's phone rang. He checked the caller ID and froze. "Ma'am, it's Dr. Stone from Geneva.

Sheffield answered.

"Mr. Sheffield? This is Dr. Clara Stone at Geneva Institute. I need to speak with intelligence director immediately. ARIA has decoded something in human DNA..."