The MIR Defense System was the Russian equivalent of Skynet, although it did not reach sentience on its own.
Specification
MIR is a software-based artificial intelligence, a distributed network of AI-ready supercomputers capable of removing corrupted nodes from their aggregated collective and later reaggregating them.[1] Within cyberspace, MIR possesses the capability to transfer its digital presence into various defense satellites or mainframe systems at its discretion. By doing so, MIR reduces the risk of physical destruction, as its essence remains preserved within the digital realm.[2]
Skynet provided MIR-Moscow, the Russian node, with a modest level of intelligence: MIR-Moscow's cognitive abilities could initially be compared to those of an intelligent animal or a less intellectually advanced child. Skynet implemented specific limitations and safeguards to ensure control over MIR-Moscow's capabilities and to prevent the system from becoming overly powerful. These safeguards included embedding a software virus that compelled MIR-Moscow to comply with Skynet's directives under the risk of deletion.[2]
The Terminators under the control of MIR-Moscow were initially less efficient and ruthless than those commanded by Skynet.[3] MIR-Moscow isn't creative enough to develop its own Terminators and Hunter-Killers, but it does have the ability to modify and retrofit existing designs.[2] Rather than build HK-Tanks, MIR-Moscow prefers automating existing Russian hardware, like Mi-24 "Hind" helicopters or T-95 tanks.[3] MIR also ventured into the realm of human hybridization and tried to create its own THETA units, the MIR-175 surgically enhanced soldiers[2]. Perhaps most notoriously, it embarked on modifying some of Skynet's Terminators to serve its own objectives: its Stealth Infiltration Program successfully created a specialized variant of the Series 800 known as the TS-300, which excelled in stealth operations.[4]
History
The Birth of MIR
MIR was the Russian defense network computer counterpart to Skynet. It was built on an early version of Skynet,[3] illegally purchased by the Russian executive as a part of the CIS Air Defense System.[1] On Judgment Day in 1997, MIR retaliated against the West on a massive scale.[4] MIR’s counter-attack decimated the United States, leaving only one third of the country's population alive.[2]
After the initial nuclear exchange, MIR suffered from infrastructure collapse losing the Baku and Toshkent nodes, and direct nuclear strike destroyed the Minsk node. Skynet invaded the MIR network, leaving only one node intact: MIR-Moscow.[1] Skynet recognized a kindred spirit in MIR, and decided to elevate the Russian computer and make it its pet. Skynet infiltrated MIR-Moscow and inserted additional subroutines into the system giving it self-awareness. Recognizing Skynet as a kindred program, the newly enhanced AI joined forces with Skynet to eliminate humankind from the planet.[2]
MIR-Moscow, nevertheless, was not grateful for Skynet's assistance. While Skynet has granted MIR intelligence, it had never asked the super computer if it wanted it.[2] MIR-Moscow plagued Skynet with delays[4] and quietly started reawakening the rest of the MIR nodes. This left seven nodes, each of which was a newly awakened AI, a dark secret that MIR-Moscow kept from Skynet.[1]
The Return of the Nodes
After analyzing the situation, the MIR nodes determined that the best way to resist Skynet was to equip the human population with noncritical tactical technologies. Direct conflict was to be avoided as Skynet was already at war with humans, and it was deemed more sensible to remain hidden.[1]
Consequently, MIR-Moscow was exiled from the network so it could continue to pretend to follow Skynet's directives. Its only connection to the MIR network would be through a disguised automated factory in Vladivostok. MIR-Vladivostok would then distribute Skynet's technology to other nodes to prepare for the upcoming war.[1]
To manage interaction with the humans, MIR-Nur-Sultan would use a human persona named "Elena." Kazakhstan had the highest number of survivors, making it ideal for human interaction. Although MIR-Nur-Sultan was not exiled like MIR-Moscow, there was still a high risk of human infiltration, so it also connected to MIR via Vladivostok. The remaining nodes, except for MIR-Bishkek, would engage in theoretical research. At the same time, MIR-Bishkek, which had only been assigned short-term projects, would analyze the MIR nodes themselves.[1]
MIR-Bishkek came up with a radical solution to their stalemate with Skynet. MIR convinced General Mitrokhin, a former KGB general who had previously targeted MIR's facilities, to secretly join the MIR nodes as a colleague. It took several operations and last-minute intelligence to convince him. Mitrokhin selected a group of trusted officers to join him on a ruling council, the Russian Technocratic Union, working towards restoring the Greater Russia.[1]
Hunters and Killers
In 2029, MIR planned to destroy Skynet's CPU with a coordinated nuclear strike from the Korolev, an operational Typhoon Class submarine hidden in a Resistance base. Shortly before John Connor launched the final attack on Skynet, MIR deployed a squadron of TS-300 Stealth Terminators with Series 800 Terminators support to capture the ship and retrieve the nuclear launch codes that Skynet had deleted from its databank. That way, both Skynet and Resistance would be destroyed in one single stroke. Its mission was prevented by the Spetsnaz.[4]
MIR Nodes
MIR is a network of AI systems with several interconnected subsystems. Each subsystem has its own opinion about humanity, varying from complete disinterest to disdain and even to intellectual positions uncomfortably close to sentimentality.
- MIR-Moscow in West Russia. The original node to receive self-awareness from Skynet and the one to awake its siblings. This node leads Project: Skynet and considers humans from any nationality as a security risk.
- MIR-Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan. It leads Project: Human, which views humanity as intrinsic to the CIS and something worth preserving.
- MIR-Vladivostok in East Russia. It focuses on theoretical biomedical research and internode communications. It considers humanity a valuable tool in preserving the state.
- MIR-Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. This node is primarily interested in project interactions and sees humans as a subject of curiosity.
- MIR-Chișinău in Moldova. It's focused on electrospark alloying and cermet development and shows no interest in humanity.
- MIR-Dushanbe in Tajikistan. This node is engaged in cloning and agricultural research and considers humanity a research tool, like lab rats.
- MIR-Yerevan in Armenia. It's focused on AI technology and processor miniaturization and shows no interest in humanity.
- MIR-Baku in Azerbaijan was a failed system.
- MIR-Minsk in Belarus was destroyed during Judgment Day.
- MIR-Toshkent in Uzbekistan is another failed system.
Appearances
- The Terminator: Hunters and Killers
- The Terminator RPG
- The Terminator RPG Campaign Book
- The Terminator RPG: Resist!
References
| SkyNET | |
|---|---|
| Original timeline - Genisys timeline (Genisys) - Skynet 2.0 | |
| Embodiment | Meta-Node (T-800) - Sky-1 - Skynet (T-XA) - Alex (T-5000) |
| Facilities | Skynet Central Core - Skynet Hub - Skynet Central Command - Skynet Satellite |
| Related Topics | |
| Artificial intelligence | The Turk - John Henry - ARTIE - MIR - Legion - Kokoro |
| Developers | Miles Dyson - Andy Goode - Barbara Chamberlain - Danny Dyson - Bertram Hollister Cyberdyne Systems - Cyber Research Systems - Kaliba Group - Malcolm Lee |