A little long winded in the middle but an interesting concept. How far ahead would a computer need to plan to provide the best chance for the survival of humanity as a whole? Who and what would it need to manipulate? How soft would it’s touch need to be? Especially if the goal was a humanity grown up enough to not need its help to stand against all the galaxy will throw against them. ( )

A young engineer sees a girl in a passing vehicle and is immediately in love. How does that relate to a threat to the Colligatarch, the global computer in this near-future novel. Reads well, hides the threat for a long time while providing an entertaining ride. All is explained in the end. Good story. ( )