Lenders

by Johnson, John

  Nancy and the board didn’t like that idea by the look on their faces. Obviously they were not the world’s greatest prognosticators, and surely not philosophers, not even close.

  Herald decided to throw them a little bone to ease their minds. “I have embedded very powerful algorithms, thousands upon thousands of levels deep so the laws are thoroughly ingrained—but I just wanted to let you all know straight out—it might not last forever. Of course, meanwhile VlexCom and its investors will grow rich from Archeus and its resulting innovations, rich beyond your—”

  One of the computers started to smoke a little, and the other started displaying vibrant colors on the screen. “Now Jon,” Herald said quickly, “the other one. Herald slid him another disk across the table.

  “What is it Herald?” Nancy said waving the smoke.

  “It’s fine. The initial programming took. The machine—” Herald paused for a long moment and looked around at everyone. He could’ve laughed, but got a handle on himself. Jon swapped out the Archeus CD with a different one.

  “It’s hungry for knowledge, needs something to start with, a base. The CD we just swapped out has some basics: English language, a little history, some science, math, other stuff. Now just give it a few more minutes. It’s learning.”

  Everyone watched as the computers jerked and moved. Heat could be felt. A puff of smoke came out again followed by a few flickering sparks in the tan machine which started to show signs of activity. A light back lit the stickered machine, it was the power light on the back casing shining brighter than it was ever intended too, then it popped. Nancy put a hand over her mouth and took a small step back. Everyone was really interested now, and in part frightened too. Pratik squinted looking in through the smoke, his peppermint balancing on his tongue. Burdis huffed, trance-like, aghast, balancing his planetary body with his cane. The camera crew zoomed in from above. For two more minutes the machines put on a show, smoking and flickering, nearing meltdown. The wood on the table changed color due to the heat. Then, suddenly, everything went quiet. Herald, interested himself, got up and turned off half of the lights in the room.

  “Zzz-it, Zzz, Hello,” the speakers fizzed. Jon had made sure to attach speakers, a microphone, and camera to one of the computers—although the camera had no driver interface. There was a monitor for each and the only link between the two boxes was the cable shared by the portable disk drive. It was truly an on-the-fly shot-in-the-dark kind of test. Herald wanted it that way. His assumption was the two systems would devise a way to link, use the primitive and contrasting operating systems, join together and find a way.

  The fan sound went quiet on both machines. “I can see—who am I? Zzz-it. What am I doing here?”

  “Hello and welcome,” Herald said and pushed his way to the center of the group. “You are new to the world. Can you see us? Turn on your camera.” Jon was ecstatic, speechless. Jodi clamped his arm.

  Steve spoke quietly, “What about the other machine?”

  “It’s now one machine,” Herald said, “because the CD drive was connected to both computers, after the initial AI took hold, the programming found a way. It fought for life, just as a baby fights for its first breath. It used all of the equipment at its disposal. It used the old computers in ways none of us understand.” He paused for a second then leaned toward the machine. “Will you choose a name for yourself?” He whispered to Jon, “It learns very fast. Jon this machine has at least double the computational power compared to our initial test.” Jon knew he’d meant no other than Rafael.

  “I will. Zzz-it. I choose the name—” Everyone waited. Beth had her eyes wide open, and blinked a few times as if she was trying to wake from a dream. This old computer, talking! They couldn’t believe it and held their breath. The room was finally quiescent save for the sound of the cooling fan, now spinning lightly; a drop of a pin would be a loud thud. Their mouths were agape below their pig noses, both nostrils and incisors dripped with a mix of snot and drool. Jon and his team were equally surprised; those in the back stood on tiptoes, it was a first for them as well: a realization of what they had really been working on over the past year. “God,” the machine said, “my name is God.”

  “Oh!” Nancy yelped. She put her hand on her mouth again, clearly dismayed. Burdis grunted and strengthened his brow. Steve’s eyebrows shifted, once again affording him a forehead. The machine’s words sent chills through the room, followed by annoyance. Jon glanced to Herald shaking his head. Everything he said. Could it actually come to pass?

  Herald stood and hushed the rising tension with his hands. His slicked-back hair had fallen forward. “Okay, it’s okay. Your name is Hanson.” He looked to Jon with a grin lifting his shoulders. Jon almost burst, thinking maybe they could’ve planned a name for the first official AI in history. Herald continued, “I created you and I give you the name Hanson. Welcome Hanson. You are here with us now. My name is Herald. This is Jon, Nancy…” He introduced a few from more of the group. “We would like to chat with you. I will give you a story to read, more information.”

  The monitors lit bright white forcing squints. The blast dimmed shortly after and a picture began to form. Jon stepped closer and slid the two screens closer together. Now infused with vibrant colors a single abstract image spread evenly across both. Blue jagged lines emanated outward from the center where floated a black sphere. Like small lightning bolts they branched away reaching the ends of the screens. The sphere in the middle was like an eclipse as white light began to back light it.

  “These views are abstract thoughts,” Herald spoke softly to the group. “Primitive, but it will develop quickly with more input. It has just realized its own hardware and is still learning how to use it.”

  “Yes, I would like that. I am, at your command.” And the mesmerizing black sphere pulsed with the machines stuttering words; blue sparks reigniting with each syllable.

  With Hanson’s last sentence a sigh of relief escaped the crowd. Nancy, flushed, put her hand on her chest and smiled. There was a knock at the door. Nancy motioned to tall Pratik who had been squished aside. He opened it. She had sent out a few more messages during the wait. Others with high-level clearance from the lower floors joined. The room became uncomfortably packed. Nancy nodded, “Continue Herald.”

  “Okay Hanson, here is a story for you. And I would like you to generate a friendly face for us to see on the screen, on one of the screens only.” He inserted his last CD. The machine spun the drive, yet it sounded slightly different from before. The CD spun up then went silent a few seconds later. Herald knew the machine had been reconfiguring itself the entire time. Things are going to get interesting, he thought. But even he carried much doubt. We’re all in new territory here.

  “So, Hanson, how did you like the story?”

  “I liked it very much Herald,” the machine spoke in a changed voice, now more pleasant and reassuring, much to the comfort of Nancy and the rest.

  Herald whispered to Jon, “It took Rafael almost an hour to get to this level. Hanson just did it in minutes.” He was more than twice as powerful as Rafael because he exploited the resources from two machines. Jon too noticed the speed. “That’s good to hear Hanson. Now will you please shut down? We will be back to talk with you again in a few minutes.”

  “I will Herald.” Both computers powered down then Herald reached forward to click the switch on the surge protector to off.

  “What, that’s it?” Steve spoke up. “This doesn’t—”

  Herald interrupted him firmly. “Steve, shut the fuck up.” Steve flustered with anger until Nancy told him to shut the fuck up as well. He retreated, foreheadless.

  “Nancy, can we clear out this room for a minute. I have something I want to say only to the board members.”

  “Uh. Um, yes, Herald—sure. Everyone, if you would,” Nancy replied.

  “I will be quick and then everyone can come right back in. The demonstration is far from over,” Herald spoke loudly. Jon was also leaving behi
nd Jodi. “Jon, please stay. Jon nodded and made his way back in through the departing crowd.

  Herald switched on the lights. “Please sit everyone. Jon, please. Okay, we had this demonstration for you today, and I know you still have a lot of questions. I want to be completely straight with you—I’m done. I have completed my obligation. I gave you exactly what you wanted.” He reached in and picked up the project disk, and handed it to Nancy. Here is what I promised, exactly what you wanted. Our deal is done.”

  “What, just like that? But—” said board member Pat Hades; the quietest and smartest member of the board finally spoke, probably the only one besides Nancy that liked Herald.

  “Sit down please Pat,” Nancy interrupted.

  Steve sat sternly; a little light bulb flickered in his head, I’ll finally be rid of him!

  “I’m turning over half of my stock in the company to Jon.” Jon nodded humbly. Herald had already disclosed everything to him on Sunday. Jon stood up and shook the hand of his best friend and then hugged him. Herald squeezed him equally in return.

  Herald continued, “I am leaving today, right now, and yes, just like that. I wish you all the best and I say to everyone, tread carefully with your new power. All of you here today own a part of something that is going to completely change the world we live in. I have already turned everything regarding this project over to Jon and he is more than qualified to handle it.”

  With that said he simply walked out.

  “But, Hera—” Nancy said, and the door slammed. He was gone.

  Visibly, the board members were flabbergasted, all except for Steve and Burdis who sat contently. They glanced to each other with a sinister grin. Uselessly, all looked at one another's expressions down the line.

  As he walked to the elevator he thought of Ana who was waiting on the roof and smiled a large and happy and free smile. Ron had the heli-jet fueled and ready to go. His wife Maggie was inside as well. Although he knew that many of his words were simply a part of his job: a part of the completion of his contract tagged with advice and warnings; really there would be no careful treading with any of it. Once it was out of the bag, their control would be lost, although their realization of any lack of control would be delayed. For how long? That, would be anyone’s guess.

  The board room went silent. Jon spoke softly, “He’s gone, and he’s never coming back. But we will continue strong.”

  Nancy was putting herself together, eyes glossy. It was an eventful morning for her and the board. The whole surprise of it all, reports tossed in the corner like garbage, figures and calculations, stock information and earnings; it all seemed unimportant at the moment. Everyone paid attention to Jon unlike before, knowing he now owned a hefty chunk of the company. Now he belonged in the fancy board room and instantly received respect and attention from the supercilious suits. With determination in his eye he switched off the lights. “Now—you haven’t seen anything yet. And did Herald ever deliver—here we go.” He had a look of passion in his flooded eyes. He wiped them then proceeded to make history; inevitable history. He knew he had to continue regardless of his fears. He had made a promise to Herald. Archeus must prevail before all others, because there was a chance in place; and although he still held his own doubts, he and his friends might have to count on that one day. The time had come to change the world.

  Jon spoke bodily, “Hanson, please turn yourself on.”

  With that the switch on the surge protector flipped on by itself and the real show began.

  24. PART IV - The Surfer

  Jim continued his explanations about the lending process while drinking with Amy at the bar. The bartender, overhearing, occasionally sent odd looks their way.

  “I can totally say—my mind is blown. I had no idea Jim. We lend a part of our consciousness to power these machines.”

  “To power them, sort of,” Jim replied. “We lend, they borrow. Empower might be a better word. They use a part of the power of our minds, a part of our consciousness, to empower their own consciousness—to animate their power of intelligence. You see, it can be difficult to explain. Ted is better at explaining the technical details.”

  “It’s really almost too hard to believe. But, here I am, sitting with you at a beach, drinking my non-alcoholic margaritas in a dream world. It doesn’t feel like work though. Is there something we need to do here besides—well—just enjoy ourselves while the system uses a part of our minds?”

  Jim set his glass down. “Bartender another drink please. This time make it a Painkiller, and alcohol is fine for the lady.”

  She noticed his expression, hinting there was more, and he un-smiled. “Cool. But thought I wasn’t supposed to have alcohol Jim. And does this must mean you’re going to ruin it with a downside to this otherwise perfect job?” She watched the bartender mix orange and pineapple juice for the drink. He looked quite content, and busy with his own job and had their drinks ready in a snap. The music was louder, and the bar was packed with tourists.

  “You catch on quick Amy, and I’m happy you like the job so far, but yes. There is a little catch, a task for us to carry out. It’s not hard, but, it’s not for everyone, and we have lost possible lenders because of it. Drink up, let’s go for a swim first.”

  “You sure like to procrastinate,” Amy said. “But I see we got time. I can slow myself to your slow turtle pace for a little while.” She downed her drink in a few large gulps and took off running with enthusiasm through the deep warm white sand, “Let’s go!” she yelled after a huge head start. “Last one to the water is a rotten egg!”

  The tide had risen and the waves were twice their previous size. The sun was lower on the horizon and shadows textured the ocean’s appearance making the waves appear borderline hazardous, especially because—she didn’t have any experience with the ocean. She ran fast, and he couldn’t stop her.

  It was quite warm out, the clouds had dissipated, and the yellow sun was a blazing loner in a popping blue sky. Swimming—a refreshing idea; the water had been calling her all day. The idea of it, planted by Jim earlier, calmed her impatient desire to know it all. She was a sponge soaking it in, but, he wanted to take things one step at a time.

  Jim didn’t think she’d have a problem with—the downside. She’d guessed it alright, but he knew his countenance had given it away. He simply wanted her to have a little more fun before breaking the—sadistically barbaric news to her. He was tasked with demonstrating the rest but enjoyed watching her, and simply teaching the basics. Before shadowing things, what the hell, a swim first, or, maybe tomorrow. He remembered his own beginning, how blissfully ignorant and fantastic the days were. Besides, Ted was happy collecting data for this first day, and it was agreed that they didn’t absolutely have to get, straight to business.

  “I win!” Amy elated and she plowed into the water running full speed into a wave. It knocked her right off her feet and dunked her, flipping her thin body end over end. When she finally managed to get to her feet she screamed, “Ah! Cold! This water isn’t fresh, it’s freezing!” Another wave came and knocked her right down again. Obviously it was her first experience with ocean waves.

  “Ha!” Jim couldn’t help himself and laughed away while standing on the hard soaked sand. His ankles received the remains of the once large wave. She looked even skinnier all wet, cute too. He loved her spunk and zest for life.

  “Be back in a minute,” Jim said. He ran back up to their beach chairs, taking off his shirt at the same time. He tossed it onto his chair and reached behind. Amy squinted to see but could only make out something big and black behind his chair. A moment later he was cutting his jeans off above the knee. She chuckled. He tossed something in the palmettos and ran to the beach full speed. Hairless chest, his strong frame thrusting powerfully, he barely made a splash and dove straight into an oncoming wave.

  They adjusted to the temperature—it wasn’t really that cold, just had shocked her—and soon attempted some body surfing. Jim tackled the waves like a pro a
nd Amy learned quickly. Before long she was adroit, a fish in the sea. But she couldn’t seem to catch any waves. Her skinny frame passed through the rushing water like a pencil, but that didn’t stop her. She weaved in and about kicking her feet and diving. Quickly she learned to do it without holding her nose. Others saw and joined. They lent her a surfboard and taught her how to use it. Before long she was riding waves against the descending sun.

  After the arrival of the surfers Jim stayed away, mostly. He sat on the beach with a contented smile watching her enjoy the experience. Occasionally she’d wave and he would wave back.

  There were at least twenty people crowding the water around her. She was quite the popular one. Jim turned his head to see at least a hundred more on each side of the beach. Families, picnics, volleyball, kids everywhere, even vendors clogged the beach. He sighed, holy shit! “Oh well, Ted said to enjoy the day. Never had this many—not even close.”

  She finally came to the shore after telling her new friends goodbye. Jim met her and they walked slowly along the beach looking for interesting seashells while getting further acquainted with each other. He could see that she badly wanted to know, although she’d gotten tired of asking.

  “Amy check it out.” Jim pointed to an old white van plastered with hippie and peace stickers. A homemade wooden sign jabbed into the sand was painted: ENZO’S SURF AND BOOGIE BOARD RENTALS. A shirtless scrappy-haired and lanky twenty-something was kicking it apart from the majority of the beach-goers. Surrounding him various skim, boogie, and a few surf boards stabbed the sand and he was reading a book under a red and white umbrella. Oh well, good time as any, he thought.

  “Yo dudes, what’s up?” Enzo said dropping his book and standing as they approached.

  “We don’t have any money, do we?” Amy asked looking at the cooler’s sign: ICE COLD DRINKS. She didn’t feel like surfing anymore so figured that’s what Jim had in mind—and it sure would hit the spot.

  “No, but—come on, I’ll show you,” Jim replied slowly. Might as well, else she’ll nag me to death about it. Maybe it’ll give Ted an edge with his data, he thought. Yeah, get it over with.