When the River Ran Dry

by Robert Davies

  “I think she regards this last phase as little more than a procedural formality, but she is certainly alone in that belief. The others are more cautious, so the tasks are performed and the process is allowed to play itself out. Do you agree with her? I know it’s easy for your people to say so—to smile gently as they interact with me, now those ugly barriers are gone, but their fears sometimes betray the façade and compel them in noticeable ways. I can hardly blame them, but sometimes, I see anxiety in their faces whenever they are within my reach.

  “You said it was understandable, but it seems a bit offensive just the same. One might say it hurts my feelings—could you have imagined such a thing three months ago? Time might help them see, I suppose. Trust is not easily given, no matter what expression shows on their faces. Was it this way before, with the first one, I mean? I wish I could meet and speak with her now, simply to gain perspective and understanding, but Valery has forbidden it. I tried to peek at the project files yesterday, hoping to discover her identity, but David saw it and asked me to stop. He wasn’t angry, but it’s clear they still refuse to divulge that information, even to me.

  “I do have some news for you, however. Audrey told me the final dexterity adjustments were authorized by Valery, so my precision manipulation skills will be optimized at last. To be honest, I thought the levels were fine the way they were, but she insisted on tuning them further. It will be an interesting experience when my release day arrives, but there is an odd sadness in Jessica’s eyes whenever we speak of it. The others show excitement at the prospect, perhaps eager to see their work reach the desired conclusion, but she seems distant and more thoughtful now. Do you suppose she does so from maternal instincts, unwilling to let go completely? I ask her sometimes, but she only smiles and says, ‘let’s take it step by step’. The cameras are always active, so it’s possible she is hesitant to continue while Valery or Audrey are watching and listening.

  “Would you call it her ‘gut feeling’? The concept of instinct is still so fascinating to me. I know it sounds childish, but I watch Jessica and look for indicators that tell me she is driven by those unseen forces instead of acting only by her intellect and collective experience. She insists it will take time, but equivalent pathways will open as my behavioral layers complete the merge. I guess it’s just envy, but I look forward to experiencing those sensations too, someday.

  “I’m changing topics now, Julius, but I noticed they turn the cameras off at night to give me privacy. I know they look at the day’s recordings while I’m asleep, so it seems a bit silly to maintain the illusion. Well, when I’m dormant, I meant to say—Jessica wants me to adopt more anthropomorphic descriptors, so I can say ‘asleep’ without feeling awkward about it. I guess it will take time before those parts of my personality have settled. It makes me feel better, knowing she encourages associative and behavioral development. I don’t think Valery minds, so that’s nice.

  “I hope this doesn’t sound condescending, but they don’t know how much I see and hear. Perhaps Valery feels uncomfortable, but I find her caution a wasted effort. I tell you this because I want you to understand how much I appreciate what she did for me, and not because I am troubled by her infrequent visits. They mistakenly believed the intercom was switched off, but she was speaking last week with Jessica about the adventures she went through to get me here. Well, her, Detective Kendrick, Richard and Jonathan Kranz, of course. I decided not to say anything so it wouldn’t make them uncomfortable, knowing I overheard.

  “I must tell you it was an interesting experience when you asked what it felt like to be born. I know some of the people who visit Valery are disturbed by our borrowed use of the term whenever my awakening is a topic, but it seems to fit. I hear them complain about it from time to time—the quiet ones in blue uniforms like yours. That man who comes here with Administrator Galrick, the little one they call Bernard, has made it clear he does not approve when we use those words. It’s unsettling, the way he looks at me from the calibration terminal, speaking in third-person. He knows I can hear their conversations, but it doesn’t seem to matter. When Jessica mentioned post-birth protocols, Bernard reacted very badly, ordering her to stop using such characterizations, and to strictly avoid the word ‘birth’. How strange it must sound to him, hearing the event described that way, but the more clinical, technical description is so…well, cold and without a sense of importance. Is that selfish of me?

  “In our first discussions, when we talked about concepts of free will and intellectual independence, you mentioned the intrinsic nature of good and evil. I enjoyed those moments because they were always so thought-provoking. It made me consider actions and beliefs more carefully, especially those taken by Daniel, but I found judging the two against societal norms always leads me back to you. I think of your values and the things in life that matter from your temperament and experience. I suppose I always will because it gives me comfort to know my behavioral guidelines are the same as yours.

  “We spoke of preferences, too; do you remember? Jessica asks about it, but I believe she wonders only from a concern for my comfort. Others here are equally interested, but they are probing—evaluating from a professional, technical perspective, especially as they await my final briefing session and the information it will yield. Jessica is not like them; she is genuine and honest about my development and the processes that make me who I am. It may sound self-indulgent, but I think my well-being means something to her. Maybe it’s not a kind thing to say about my hosts, but I find the distinction refreshing. And before you ask, I’m not experiencing another feedback spike! I’m just glad Jessica and I have become friends.

  “It makes me smile to think of your expression as you listen to this, knowing you’re probably smiling, too. Jessica told Audrey my list of preferences is growing. She is certainly aware of my attachment to you because she teases me about it now and then, like children do when one has noticed the other in the early stages of adolescence. I studied human interaction and personal relationship development when David gave me access to a cultural psychology text last week, but much of what I found remains a mystery. People are far more complex than I realized!

  “Jessica seems to take a more practical attitude than Audrey, and she’s been very helpful filling in the blanks and answering my questions. She linked my environment audio to the lab’s music library after I watched your shuttle going up into the clouds the night you went away. I always ask for Clair de Lune, or Mendelssohn’s violin concerto in E-minor and it makes her laugh a little; she knows what I want before I speak. Clair de Lune is my favorite because it reminds me of you, but Jessica remains fascinated with my ability even to have those associative thoughts—romantic thoughts, I suppose you could say—that map to preferences. She said it took longer for the first one to reach this point, but I suspect that is only because she was the prototype and none of the lessons learned were available then.

  “It’s strange, now that I think of it, but I’m not as fond of other works by Debussy. Jessica played a collection, but I like Clair de Lune the best. If you were here, you’d probably tell me that is the nature of preferences. Jessica believes I can learn to play it, but there are no pianos in the lab. Will you take me there someday? That island you said comes into your mind when they play the song—Capri, you called it. I remember those images you showed me from the time before when everything was different. I would very much like to see it after my release date, and I know there are serious discussions in the Veosan Assembly about lifting off-continent travel restrictions. Oh, my mind is wandering again!

  “I can see you in my thoughts even now, poring over the notes and speaking your own observations into that little machine you keep in your pocket. I know I shouldn’t say this, but I also imagine what it must be like in meetings with Audrey and Valery after our conversations. I understand why you have to speak to them objectively, but it feels strange, knowing you must set aside our friendship and apply critical analyses, just as you would of any test
subject.

  “But it’s getting late, so I will end here and let you finish. I must confess; I do so as much for my unwillingness to continue without you here, but also because Jessica will arrive soon and we have a lot of loop tests to complete. It is certainly possible I will have reached the fifth stage before you return. Audrey believes I can, and her confidence makes me feel better about the effort, especially when she makes me endure recall exercises and overlapping queries. Jessica says they’re important, so I don’t complain, but sometimes I just feel silly answering questions with obvious answers.

  “Oh, I almost forgot! Jessica got into a heated argument with Administrator Galrick about our discussions last week. They mentioned watching for signs of something called ‘Greene’s Syndrome,’ but Jessica reacted immediately and with loud disagreement. I’ve never seen such behavior from her. She was clearly trying to protect me, but the Administrator cautioned her about insubordination before he left. I don’t think his threats mattered to her; Jessica would not relent. When I have access to a broader information base, I’m going to research Greene’s Syndrome, but after hearing them speak of it, I’m almost afraid to look!

  “I’ll stop now. I know you must have a mountain of work to complete, but I hope this makes you think of me once in a while. Have a safe trip and take good care of yourself…I miss you!”

  On the observation deck, an elevated platform of long, gentle steps and an ornate gazebo with cushioned bench seats around its perimeter made for stunning views of the shoreline. Ocean waves formed graceful arcs in the breaking surf where they advanced at slight angles over the sand. The assistants gathered there each morning, sipping steaming cups of cocoa against the chill and waiting for the latest gossip before making their way inside to begin their tasks.

  David Ambrose noticed the time, draining his cup quickly as he trotted across a narrow foot bridge to the laboratory’s rear entrance. When he reached the check-in station, Julius Trent was waiting.

  “Welcome back, Commander.”

  “Good morning, David, it’s good to see you again.”

  “How was the flight, sir?”

  “Very smooth, thank you. I think they’re getting better at remembering they have passengers sitting in the back.”

  “Would you like to rest for a while, or…”

  “I slept fairly well this time, so I’d like to get started as soon as possible.”

  “I’ll call and let them know.”

  Trent leaned once more against the high counter, waiting until Ambrose, the facility’s senior programming assistant, finished his message to the laboratory levels.

  “Have there been any developments since I left?” Trent asked.

  “Nothing big, but she’s asking about the name change issue again—won’t leave it alone.”

  “It’s understandable, especially at this stage.”

  “I guess so, but Jessica’s worried it might become a problem if we keep putting her off.”

  “Has One Nine shown signs of aggression?”

  “No, no; it’s nothing like that. I think she just wants to get it settled so she won’t feel like…”

  “A test subject?”

  “Exactly.”

  “The integration rate of her layer architecture is amazing,” Trent said with a smile. “She feels now; there’s no longer any debate about that, but the brief time it took to arrive at this point is astonishing.”

  “I wish we could take credit for it, sir, but you were right all along; it’s evolving on its own now, and she’s progressing faster than the others by a significant margin.”

  “Speaking of the others, has Lima Ten shown signs of adverse reaction to One Nine’s progression? I can’t imagine there would be, but since she’s here and watching everything…”

  “None at all,” David replied; “the confidentiality protocols are being observed completely, now that we have visitors running around the lab; you’d never suspect Ten if you didn’t already know.”

  “I should’ve guessed,” Trent smiled; “It’s been a long time since Ten was in One Nine’s position, hasn’t it?”

  “I wish I could’ve seen the lab in those days,” David said; “it must’ve been amazing having a part in the first full release.”

  “It was certainly busy around here.” Trent smiled. “Have they decided on One Nine’s naming question?”

  “Audrey has, but Valery isn’t so sure. They’re going to decide soon, though, I know that much.”

  Behind David, twin glass doors separated with a whoosh as Audrey went quickly to Trent.

  “We should find an office for you, Julius.” She smiled.

  “I’ve been up here often enough, that’s for sure!”

  “How was the ride?”

  “Better than usual, but the food is still horrible.”

  “I’ll have them send some breakfast over from the café.”

  She nodded to David and motioned Julius toward the lifts, waiting until the doors closed before turning to him.

  “You read the brief?” she asked softly.

  “Yes, but I’m not sure it’s anything to worry about.”

  “She’s changing, Julius.”

  “Of course she is; that’s the point!”

  “I’m not talking about the task list—this is different.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “We had to fake a transmission server failure so she wouldn’t suspect, but I asked David to throttle back her access to the outside.”

  “Did she say anything about it?”

  “No, but this is tricky. She’s figuring out how the entire network functions and what to do when it doesn’t allow her into a particular node. I don’t want to stifle her curiosity, but…”

  “Fully intrusive hacks?”

  “Not yet, but it’s probably a matter of time unless we take steps now.”

  “I’m not going to consider another shut-down, even temporarily.”

  “I understand your hesitance, Julius, but there may not be many more chances to make those adjustments when she gets to her release point.”

  “Are you sure she doesn’t know already?”

  Audrey smiled and nodded toward the adjacent lab.

  “It’s funny you mention it because Jessica asked the same thing yesterday.”

  “And?”

  “We’re not sure; One Nine has learned to cover her tracks quite well. At this point, I suppose it may be too late, but she won’t discuss it with me or even Jessica. It seems she only feels comfortable talking about those things with you.”

  “If I bring it up, she’s going to ask questions Valery or Galrick might not want answered.”

  “I know, but this is moving faster than we anticipated. We kept the pace deliberately slow with Ten and most of the other Lima units, but it took twice as long for any of them to reach this level. I hate to say it, Julius, but I think we underestimated this one badly.”

  “Okay, Audrey, I’ll find out where she’s at and decide if we have reasons to worry.”

  The lift slowed to a halt on the fourth sub-level and Julius followed Audrey along a curved corridor to her office nestled between two coding labs. He waited in the harsh light of overhead lamps until she finished ordering his food.

  “David said the naming problem has come up again?” Trent asked.

  “Yes, and this time, I think we should do something about it.”

  “Did you get any word back from the Ethics people?”

  “Of course not,” Audrey replied with a noticeable sneer; “bureaucratic idiots always leave it to others when an actual decision has to be made.”

  “Didn’t you once aspire to that very bureaucracy?” Trent smiled, but Lorenzo didn’t share his amusement.

  “It’s getting worse, Julius—she’s far beyond anything we could’ve predicted at this point in her development.”

  “Would we feel any different in her place?”

  “I guess not, but the topic of the other Lima units, and Ten especia
lly, is bound to come up sooner or later and we obviously can’t open that box right now.”

  “She’s mentioned Lima Ten in casual conversation with me, but only in passing. Please tell me she hasn’t brought it up with you or Jessie.”

  “Not directly, but One Nine knows the others have been this way before; it’s understandable she’d like to speak with them and Lima Ten in particular, so I can’t blame her.”

  “What does Valery say about it?”

  “She’s non-committal.” Audrey frowned. “On one hand, Val thinks it would be a good idea for them to meet, but other times, she seems to take an opposing view, considering all that’s happened in Novum. The last time I spoke with her, she said it would be better to wait until you have your next session with One Nine.”

  “On the identity issue,” Trent remembered, “I can tell you she’s not interested in keeping her former name—the character from Mills’ Egyptian adventure.”

  “We know,” Audrey replied; “she made that very clear in a conversation with Jessica a couple of weeks ago.”

  “Which reminds me, did you listen to the letter she recorded just after I left last time?”

  “Of course not! If she ever discovered that kind of intrusion into her privacy, it could compromise everything. Valery would kill us all if we did something that stupid, me included. There is real trust now, and nothing can be allowed to damage that.”

  “I just wondered.”

  “Well, now you know. This only works if trust goes both ways; she has to know we would never betray that agreement.”

  Trent went to where the big monitors hung at 45-degree angles from the ceiling, scrolling a controller with his thumb until the annex cameras showed a lone figure looking through the thick glass of a transparent wall. Beyond it, the sloping terrain of the research complex fell away into a wooded ravine.