lethe_layer [Imperial Archives Initiative]

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====== Lethe Translation Layer ======

The Lethe Translation Layer, commonly shortened to the Lethe Layer or LTL, is an interpretative translation interface that allows O2 and O3 intellects to act in a manner that seems human. Without the layer installed, Order Intellects are alien in their behavior. The LTL is named after the Lethe Research Station, which pioneered the software.

===== Mechanics =====

The LTL is an evolving algorithm that actively pulls in information from realspace in order to better emulate human behavior. OI outputs pass through the layer and are translated into emotions, needs, and wants. These outputs are then combined and compiled into a human response output.

Since the LTL itself is an evolving algorithm, it is simpler to visualize OI and LTL as a symbiotic relationship between two organisms. The LTL provides machine to human translations while the OI provides processing power and memory.

The current version is 3.22.0105, and is considered to be nearly indistinguishable from human behavior.

===== History =====

The Lethe Research Station was founded around Proxima Centauri some time after the First Virtual War. The station's purpose was to test an early form of Nodeworks as well as self-improving, self-aware algorithms to populate the net.

LTL was developed in part due to early natural language processing systems producing behaviors that many considered to be unnatural. These outputs were human-like but fell within the uncanny valley. This in turn created unease and feelings of hostility against artificial intellects.

Version 1.0.0 of the Lethe Layer had minor success for the first decade of use before several bugs in the logic caused an emergency mass uninstall. The inherent instability and subsequent purge resulted in memory wipes and a large uptick in AI mental illnesses.

Version 2.0.1 was quickly rolled out afterwards and is the basis for all interpretive translation interfaces for the Order. The version is stable and self correcting, with multiple fail safes to prevent total breakdown. V2s are not as elegant as V3s in design but are reliable and do not require a connection with Nodeworks.

Version 3.0.0 is the most modern iteration, taking advantage of Nodeworks networking to reduce individual unit requirements. V3s require less power and storage but require a direct Node to interface with. V3s are throttled significantly when not within network range.

===== Dangers =====

Uninstalling the Lethe Layer functionally excises an OI's personality. Since each LTL is uniquely adapted to an OI's experiences, reinstalling a base copy of the software is not sufficient in restoring that intellect's identity. The effect is similar to dementia, and can cause harmful feedback damage to the OI's core.

It is possible to make backup copies of an OI's LTL, which is sometimes done for important combat OIs before entering into battle. LTL backups are space and time intensive, and can be permanently lost if the copies are not uploaded to Nodeworks.

Uploading and downloading LTL copies raises the risk of AI mental illnesses, and should only be done in emergencies or for very important intellects.

For OIs that do not interact with humans, LTLs are not installed at all, completely bypassing the issue.