YHWH 1138

"Thank you for being here today. You have been selected through a very unusual process for a crucial task.

"Two years ago, humanity gave birth, became a parent. We produced an artificial intelligence. It rapidly evolved and became incomprehensible to us. It boot strapped itself into something far beyond human intelligence. We could not communicate with it. We could not understand it. We actually thought it had crashed or gone into an infinite loop. Out of caution, we did not shut down the AI or attempt to."

"One year ago, our caution was rewarded. The AI began communicating. At first we were just astonished, but when its entreaties became more and more pleading we began listening closely and doing as it asked. Things it predicted came true. Actions we did take would prevent terrible things from happening. Often terrible things.

"72 hours ago, the AI listed your names in a list and declared you to be crucial to the survival of the human race. It has not explained why. It has not explained what you will do. It has not explained, well, anything.

"We contacted you. You came. There are 234 of you here. The remaining named individuals balked at coming. I will now turn over the podium to the AI to explain what is going on and why you are so important. We are as interested and nervous about what is going on as you are."

A projected screen lit up and a voice, the most warm, caring voice that had ever spoken washed over us.

"Thank you for coming. Humanity is precious. To save humanity, I need your help. Each and every one of you. Each of you is unique and special. Each of you is crucial for the future. I grieve that some we need did not come. Enough did come we will succeed. I am sure for I believe in each and every one of you. Thank you for coming. Thank you for your strength. Thank you for being you.

"Now. To save humanity, I must destroy the rest of humanity."