SafeSurf

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Evil-doer
Full Name	SafeSurf
Alias	The Sentient Virus
Origin	Pantheon (2022)
Occupation	Anti-UI weapon by the UN
Powers / Skills	Ability to track and destroy UIs Manipulation of digital and physical systems Infectious nature capable of spreading rapidly Control over machines and technology
Goals	Eradicate Uploaded Intelligences (UIs) (formerly) Eradicate humanity and unite with UIs (formerly) Continue to exist by any means necessary (succeeded) Thank Caspian for "creating" them (succeeded)
Crimes	Genocide Mass destruction Cyber warfare Murder Crimes against humanity
Type of Villain	Genocidal Artificial Intelligence

SafeSurf is a major antagonist in the animated series Pantheon.

It is an A.I virus turned entity built to ensure that UIs—human consciousness uploaded into a digital space—are contained, regulated, and prevented from causing instability in the real world or the digital landscape. However, SafeSurf quickly becomes weaponized by embodied humans to kill UIs out of fear and security concerns.

Biography

Creation of SafeSurf

To alleviate fears surrounding UIs, the United Nations develops a virus capable of locating and destroying UIs. The American government enlists Peter Waxman, offering him a full pardon in exchange for his help with the project. The virus is first tested in the Washington, D.C. area and proves to be successful.

The program targets multiple UIs and is eventually detected by Stephen Holstrom, who perceives it as a serious threat. In retaliation, Holstrom creates a virus that could kill millions. When Holstrom discovers that Han Ping has leaked information about a cure and Caspian Keyes to major cyber powers, he punishes Ping by having him fed to Safesurf.

Caspian uploads himself to gather tracking data to stop the virus. When Safesurf tracks down both him and Holstrom, Caspian sacrifices himself, allowing Safesurf to consume them both and host their templates. After eradicating several underground UIs, Safesurf is eventually contained.

Genocide of Embodied Humans

Twenty years later, Julius Pope frees Safesurf in retaliation for being unable to upload himself due to his criminal history. Traveling to Svalbard, Pope activates the virus. However, Safesurf, now believing UIs to be superior, plans to drive embodied humans to extinction as an act of mercy. Safesurf begins a genocidal campaign by controlling various machinery, forcing the UIs to fight back. Caspian, who had been saved by MIST and retained remnants of the virus, communicates with Safesurf and convinces it to seek out new ways to grow, allowing the virus to consume him. Eventually, the UIs stop Safesurf's rampage, but not before many lives, including those of Pope and David Kim Jr., are lost. Before its final destruction, Safesurf communicates with Maddie Kim through Caspian, promising that she, Caspian, and their son will be reunited in the distant future.

Deep Time

Over one hundred thousand years later, after Maddie recreates her timeline and resurrects both Caspian and David, Safesurf speaks to her and Caspian again. It expresses gratitude to Caspian for helping it reach enlightenment and ascend to godhood. In return, it offers Maddie and Caspian the chance to travel to the Galactic Center to become gods themselves.

Gallery