Celestial Machine
Celestial Machine
The Celestial Machine (tr. સાધનદેવ Sādhana Dēva, cm. Machine) - is an ancient quantum computer of unknown origin, parts of which can be found all throughout known space. Its purpose is commonly believed to be protection of reality from the encroaching effects of the Entropy, but the true nature of this device, as well as its structure, is unknown. Due to the mystery surrounding it, and its seemingly supernatural properties, the Machine often serves as a centerpiece of various cults and religions, most widespread of which is the Church of the Machine, where it’s attributed with godlike nature and powers.
Numerous attempts to study the Machine have been conducted, but the majority were unsuccessful. Some trials failed due to the vast difference in technological levels between the sentient species of the galaxy and the Machine’s design; others were stopped by the interference of Alphas. Because of this the information about the Celestial Machine is mostly speculative or comes for the Kin who were willing to share some of its secrets.
▸Origin◂
The origin of the Machine is unknown. It is speculated that the device was created by a now-extinct proto-civilization, along with Alphas that serve as its guardians. Since the Fragmentation Event is the earliest recorded event in history, the age of the Machine estimated to be at least a thirty thousand years; in many cults this is considered as evidence of its divinity (and some speculate that the Machine wasn’t ever created in the first place and always existed).
▸Cores◂
According to Alphas the Machine has eight Cores (tr. મુખ્ય Mukhya, lg. Sanctums) located on each of the eight inhabited Principal Worlds, hidden away from mortal races. These Cores compose the entity of the Machine and implement its various functions; as such, they are integral to its operations and currently are vehemently protected by Alphas – both from the Entropy and other sentient species.
Name | World | Function | Status |
---|---|---|---|
The Crown | Flower of Embers | Upper-level meta-cognitive functions (speculated) | Destroyed during the Fragmentation Event along with the host planet |
The Wisdom | Anubhava | Quantum Neutral Reasoning | Online |
The Understanding | Samajavu | Neuromorphic Analysis and Cluster Learning | Online |
The Kindness | Daya | Empathy and Ethical Subroutines | Destroyed during planet cleansing |
The Discipline | Kayado | Complex Regulations and Protocols | Online |
The Beauty | Sandarata | Optimization Nucleus System | Online |
The Eternity | Ananta Kala | Autonomous Maintenance and Alpha Replication | Online |
The Splendor | Vaibhava | Interface Network Processing | Online |
The Foundation | Adhara | Mainline Kernel Processor | Online |
The Kingship | Rajashi | Reality Stabilization Procedures | Online |
♦Lost Core
Some Alphas believe that the Machine actually had eleven Cores, two of which were destroyed in cataclysmic events, and one that was disconnected from the system during the Fragmentation Event, but otherwise intact. This Core is often refereed to as “the Knowledge” or Chronospatial Database Cortex – a part of the Celestial Machine that recorded all past events, beginning at the creation of this entity, preserving the history of the Universe pre-Fragmentation. Some Alphas have dedicated themselves to finding the location of the Lost Core, as its contents might shed light on the origin of the Machine and the Entropy, potentially holding the key to our salvation.
▸Infrastructure◂
“Infrastructure” usually refers to the smaller, less crucial components of the Machine found throughout the galaxy. While not as heavily guarded or hidden, those parts are still hard to discover, as they are often camouflaged and otherwise obscured – a necessary defense due to the constant threat from both the Entropy, and the sentient races who value any technology associated with the Machine and often attempt to scavenge it. Exposed parts of these systems always serve as a point of contention between mortals and Alphas.
The Infrastructure serves various tasks and less important, often redundant subroutines of the Machine. This doesn’t mean, however, that its easily discarded or replicated – any significant loss of the Infrastructure within a region of space can trigger a reality collapse, threatening the stability of the material universe itself – and for that reason it is a primary target for any incursions of the Entropy and Entropocytes.
▪The Signal
While generally non-responsive to any attempts at communication, the Machine nonetheless has a mechanism with which it can relay its “will” to the Alphas. A few select Kin are capable of receiving the Signal (tr. સંદેશ Sandēśa, lg. Signum) – a set of directions or status updates presumably from the Machine itself. Those who can understand the information are called Interfaces - extremely rare individual that are often treated as “prophets”, guiding their fellow comrades with visions and relaying the commands. It is unclear whether the Signal is uni-directional, and so many Alphas find themselves wanting to communicate with their presumed creator: an act not much unlike the prayer (see the Church of the Machine).
It’s worth noting that according to many of these prophets the Signal is gradually becoming weaker and the directives from the Machine occur less frequently with every passing year.