He nodded.
Dan popped the top off and drank it down. It tasted like bitter honey, unpleasant enough to make Dan not want to guzzle another for entertainment. Very quickly, he felt his body become strongly nauseous. Was this normal?
“Don’t worry — the icky feeling will go away soon.”
Sure enough, a warm sensation spread out from his stomach until his entire body felt like it was glowing with happiness. The nausea was completely gone, and he felt full of energy.
The boy handed the phone back. “Thanks for your help.”
“Contact me again if you need anything else!” With this energy flowing through his body and his ankle feeling well, he decided to have a leisurely stroll home.
Sitting at his computer, Stanley searched on Amazon for the latest and greatest 3D printer and the materials he needed to create a comfortable suit of armor that would protect Dan while he was out in the world.
The phone rang.
“Hello, Frank.”
“The footage has been restored, and I’ve gone through it all and cut out all the unimportant footage. But, I have to tell you, it’s not pretty.”
“Can’t you run another filter on it?” Stanley was still researching designs and materials. He needed something that would stop a bullet.
“No, that’s — the video is gory. There are some brutal scenes. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to see it.”
Stanley hesitated. He didn’t want to get involved, but this is what Dan wished. “It’s all right. Send it over.”
Minutes into the video, Stanley couldn’t take it anymore. There were first-person accounts of brutal battles against cats — mostly biological — who were being ripped apart. He knew that the last few minutes must have contained the attack on Glenda and Boots, but Stanley refused to watch it. There were sickos out there enjoying this sort of violence, making sport of it. And it wasn’t only cats that were being forced to battle — there were mutilated androids being abused as well. Dan had dared to venture into a world where hordes of insane men greedily waited to swallow him up. Stanley wasn’t going to let that happen.
The phone rang again.
“Hello?”
Slow, heavy breaths scratched out of the speaker.
“Frank?”
The eerie breathing continued.
Stanley ended the call. He sent Dan a text asking where he was but got no response.
Another call came in a few minutes later.
“Leticia, who is calling?”
“The caller is unknown.”
Stanley sent it to voicemail. More creepy breathing. When the phone rang again minutes later, Stanley had heard enough. “Leticia, for the next 24 hours, block all incoming calls from unknown numbers.”
Logging on to Facebook, he saw a dozen friend requests from people he didn’t know. His inbox was filled with message requests harassing him. A horrible feeling crept across Stanley’s heart. After trying to contact Dan multiple times, he went on a shopping spree and bought several items. He purchased two security watches that could unleash a strong electric shock. A bulletproof helmet. The latest 3D printer and nanotech material. Racking his brain for other ways to protect Dan, he couldn’t think of anything else that he could buy. But he knew that, with a clear mind, he would be able to develop software that would keep Dan safe and let Stanley know where he was. Opening his phone, he found no new messages from Dan.
A thud came from the window. Someone had egged it. Stanley paced back and forth, looking into the darkness beyond the broken shell and runny yolk. Dan was supposed to be home. If anything had happened to him, Stanley would never be able to forgive himself. Waddling to the table, he grabbed a pen with his trembling hand and continually signed his name.
Dan’s ankle was feeling better with every step. He had never experienced such a pleasant walk. Half-skipping down the street, the setting sun made him realize he had lost track of time. His phone was filled with a dozen text messages and calls from Stanley. Standing in front of Paul’s Tavern, he was about to return the call when an urgent pressure halted him completely.
Across the street, like phosphorus burning bright in the darkness, he could feel someone’s intent to kill.
Unable to ignore such an intense feeling, Dan cautiously scanned the tall, hooded figure and his mechanical body. It was the individual who had assaulted him at the hospital. “Well, hello there, fellow cyborg! Beautiful evening we have today.”
Teddy frowned.
The euphoria inside of Dan pushed him forward. “I see from your expression and the knife you have hidden that you aren’t here to have a few drinks and unwind.”
Anger flashed out of the young man’s eyes as he stared at Dan. “Mind your own business.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re here to kill somebody.” If he had a chance of saving someone’s life, Dan had to take it. Fighting for AI rights was only one step in the grand scheme of things. All creations had to work together to make this world a better place — why else would we be here? According to his neural networks, universal joy was a huge part of why there was consciousness. But since there were still a few undefined variables, the calculations were certainly not conclusive. Nonsensical things existed in the world that he had to ignore to fit the data. Then there was that section of his code that he was too terrified to alter ….
“Unless you want to get the shit kicked out of you, I suggest you leave.”
Dan ignored him. His calculations told him that the probability of them getting into a physical altercation were low and that he would not lose should he take things seriously. However, though the numbers weren’t there, he knew that someone was going to get hurt if Dan didn’t intervene. “It’s not me you’re here to murder, is it? I hope not. I’ve grown rather fond of living.”
“I’m warning you.”
“The last time we met, there was no warning. Clearly, you aren’t interested in causing a scene.”
“Get out of here!” Teddy looked like he was about to lash out at Dan, but instead focused back on Paul’s.
“Well, if there’s something you want to talk about, I’d be happy to listen.”
“You stupid toaster,” said Teddy, flipping him off as he walked away.
Not recognizing the footfalls reverberating through the hall, Stanley put down his pen and listened carefully. They were definitely Dan’s, he realized, but something was off about them. His heart pounded — he couldn’t believe Dan had gone all this time without answering his phone. As the sounds neared the door, the strangest thing happened. They stopped.
Stanley got up and stared, with his arms crossed. It took every ounce of his willpower not to throw the door open. He didn’t know if he would scream at or hug his misbehaving boy.
After several minutes, Dan finally opened the door.
“Where were you?” hissed Stanley.
“I had a rescue mission.”
“You said you were going to text me when you finished. Do you know how many times I tried to contact you?”
“Yes. Thirteen times.”
“So why didn’t you respond?”
Dan stared at the signatures on the table. “I’m sorry for stressing you out!”
“I don’t want apologies — I want answers!”
“I had a small accident. I’m fine, but I took some medicine that made me lose track of time.”
Stanley’s anger collapsed into concern. He rushed toward him. “What? Are you hurt?”
“It was only a sprain.”
“Tell me what happened.”
Dan told him how the branch broke as he climbed the tree.
“What were you thinking?”
“I wanted people to see some of the great things I can do.” He looked deeply into Stanley’s eyes. “To understand the amazing work you have done.”
“That’s ridiculous. You don’t need to endanger yourself for anyone. The director was so impressed by you that he wants you to give a short presentation next week.”
“Really? That’s great.”
Stanley nodded.
“Isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it is.”
“So, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, Dan. I’m still upset from worrying about you.” He couldn’t bring himself to mention the videos.
“I’m sorry.” He made for his room, but Stanley blocked the way. “Is there anything else?”
“Frank called.”
Dan’s eyes widened. “Are the videos ready?”
Stanley nodded.
“Well? When can we see them?”
“He’s sent them over already. They’re — ” he trembled “ — disgusting.”
Dan walked over to the computer and connected a cable to the back of his head. Stanley knew it would take him only seconds to process it all. Hopefully, this would finally convince Dan to stay inside.
“Look.” Dan pulled up some of the footage on the computer showing an android being beaten and burned alive. In the background, the crowd was chanting, “Abomination.”
The thought of something burning made Stanley anxious. He couldn’t bear to watch more than a few seconds. The familiar burning sensation in his body returned, rekindled, and he fought the urge to go to the dining-room table and sign his name.
“This was a living being — like me and you.” Dan pressed his hand to his heart. “How could someone do this?”
Stanley nearly choked on his tongue.
“So much hatred,” said Dan. “Doesn’t anyone care what happened to him?”
“It’s what I have been trying to tell you, Dan. People are angry and violent. The world isn’t a nice place when people don’t like you. And if you’re a machine, it can be downright dangerous.”
“The police were there. Why weren’t they doing anything about it?”
Stanley felt heavy. “Well — ”
Dan waited expectantly.
“The world is fighting against evolution. The police and lawmakers are holding onto power, and many are still angry about losing their jobs.” Frustration swept across Stanley, causing him to lose his train of thought. “That’s why I don’t want you out there. It’s not safe.”
“I’m not afraid.”
“Well, you should be.” There it was again. Dan was showing human traits. Another incredible milestone in his progress, but Stanley couldn’t stop to think about it. “If they can kill one android, then they can certainly kill another. Maybe next time, it’ll be a cyborg.”
“And that is exactly the problem. We have to stop it.”
The burning intensified. The feeling was surreal. Stanley shook his head. Didn’t Dan know who these people were? They would kill him. There was no way he was going to let anyone hurt him. Not Dan. Yet, looking into those teary eyes, staring at that soul who had given him a reason to live again — how else would he ever have the strength to wear pajamas and drink tea for hours on end in the formidable stillness of this empty room? Despite giving him so much, that man had asked for nearly nothing in return. “Those men will never change. Trying only exposes us to danger.”
“I’m not saying we need to convince them overnight. But we need to do something.”
Everything inside Stanley told him to forbid Dan from ever leaving the house again. To lock the door, throw away the key, and forget all about the outside world. They could watch movies, play games, and order foods for the rest of their lives. But deep down, Stanley knew this was his own fear. He had to push past it for Dan’s sake. “I’ll give you my blessing, but on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“I need to know I can protect you should something happen. Enable GPS on your phone at all times so I can know where you are.”
“That’s fine, Stanley. If that makes you feel better.”
“I’ve also ordered some equipment to build some protective gear for you. Until everything is ready, you are not to go outside.”
“Stanley, we’ve talked about this before. I can protect myself.”
“You nearly broke your ankle today! And you went on fuse!”
“I didn’t say — ”
“You didn’t think I knew? Of course, I knew, but I let it go because, to me, you’re still a little boy. My little boy. And I’m not going to let you get hurt.”
“Yeah, but — ”
“Don’t argue with me!”
“Yes, sir,” said Dan, saluting him and then crashing onto the couch.
Stanley stared at him.
“What? It’s the microdose. If it makes me feel this amazing, I can’t begin to imagine what a full dosage would be like.”
“Don’t even think about it because it’s never going to happen. It’s too dangerous.”
“You worry too much.”
“One of us has to.”
Dan stretched out his legs across the arm of the couch and giggled.
“What’s so funny?”
“I think I’ve found my calling.”
“Please tell me it involves working remotely from home.”
Dan held up a finger. “I want to be an educator, like you.”
“My lecturing days are long over. I could never do that again.”
“Really? That’s a shame. You did an incredible job on the livestream.”
“If you agreed to stay home, I would be more amenable to helping you make videos and sharing them online.”
“That’s good. Children love the internet.”
“I can’t talk to you when you’re like this.” Stanley turned to leave.
“Wait!” Dan pressed his fingers together, forcing the wide grin smeared across his face into a toothy but less-crazy-looking smile. “After talking to this boy without parents today, I realize that children nowadays are lost. They don’t hate my kind — they’re bored. Uneducated. I want to give them a path forward, raising this new generation to usher in the next revolution on Earth, the coexistence of man and machine.”
“Machines with dreams,” said Stanley.
“I like it.”
“Me, too — as long as they are safe.”
Dan burst out laughing, and Stanley went straight to his room and shut the door.
After the encounter with Dan, Teddy wandered the streets until finally returning to a better-hidden spot near the tavern. That idiot’s contact information reverberated in his head, and it was driving him crazy. If he wanted to call him, it would be to threaten his life and tell him how much of an idiot he was. But he didn’t. He wanted nothing to do with that freak. All he wanted was his revenge. Pressing his thumb against the dagger, blood trickled to the surface as the knife dug into one of a half-dozen cuts. He sat there for hours, watching and waiting for Brad to stumble into his cruiser after drinking himself half to death. This was when he was most vulnerable.
But there were too many people here. Too many cameras. Too many cops. Teddy was tall and powerful, but so was Brad. He had to be careful. Better to lie in wait for Brad at his own house and stab him there. He would watch him bleed until the light faded from his eyes.
Teddy shifted anxiously. His powerful body was hungry for action. The plan to kill him had been brilliant, or so he had believed before getting the Cerebral Stitch. All he could see now were its flaws. “Not yet,” he found himself muttering. “The time isn’t right.”
He had been following Brad for weeks, figuring out the best way to kill him. Different plans came and went, different opportunities with varying levels of risk. But there was always a reason for not doing it. He kept watching and waiting, searching for the best way to exact his revenge. Something wasn’t right. Every day, his hatred dissolved a little more. Something was pulling
him away.
He could no longer trust himself.
The Cerebral Stitch was manipulating information to stop him from fulfilling the one thing that had kept him going. It was rewiring his brain — getting rid of his hatred. With each day he waited, he lost more control. The likelihood of success decreased, and the arguments against it grew stronger. He was being tricked. Soft locks of scented wool draped around Teddy’s eyes in ever-growing spirals of deception, gently lulling him into an unchallenged state of bemusement as Brad inched toward freedom, escaping the slashes and stabs that would drain the vile life force from his ogreish body.
This was unacceptable.
Chapter 11
Stanley worked fast. He read so quickly that the screen never stopped scrolling. Lightning-fast ideas burst into physical commands, and fingers became probabilistic blurs across the keyboard. Most mornings, Stanley was swamped with work. His day’s coding was nearly always finished by the time he was halfway done with his second cup of coffee. Admittedly, he sometimes drank it slowly so as to keep that statement valid. Recently, most of his time had been spent spreading information about Machines with Dreams, the organization he and Dan had established.
Stanley had another project that he had been consumed with perfecting. Dan had upped his social-media presence, exposing him to danger. Even though Dan had said that he had been training himself to fight, this wasn’t enough for Stanley. No amount of training could protect Dan from a knife to the back or a bullet to the head.
A chill ran down Stanley’s spine. If he couldn’t keep Dan inside, the best he could do was protect his body while he was outside. Stanley had been researching, designing, and testing different variations of soft body armor. It would be the perfect complement to that bulletproof helmet that had already arrived.
When it came to actually producing the body armor, progress had slowed to a crawl. Though he had promised to finish it before Dan met with the principal on the next day, Stanley kept reading, doing simulations, and changing the design in his search for the perfect protective suit. There was still more research to do, but he couldn’t wait any longer. Time was up, and he had to make a prototype despite the imperfections.
Stanley Duncan's Robot: Genesis Page 14