“The pool was far too inviting,” she explained. “Whatcha want?”
“I’m inviting four investment managers to visit here day after tomorrow. Nate left a lot of his investment management activities to them, according to his notes. These people are from different companies and I’ll interview them separately. I’ll send you the names and times. Drexel might want to do some background checks.”
“Pressure?”
“Weighty. Not sure I want some of the investments they put Nate into and there are some he should’ve had. It’ll be an interesting sort out.”
Darwin interjected, “Bronwyn and I can take over some of the portfolio. Our track record’s better than three of those managers you’re planning to see.”
“Oh? You have spare processing resources?”
“Bronwyn has, I believe. I’ll check and let you know.”
Toby said, “If yes, I’ll consider it.”
“Is that all?” Billie asked.
“No—I need more staff, too. If Drexel can recommend executive recruitment firms?”
“I’ll talk to him. You want employees to work here?”
“No, we’ll rent some space. I don’t know how Nate kept track of it all—there’s enough work for three of me, if not more.”
oOo
Chapter Twenty-One
Dr. Narumi Horikoshi arrived on time. Billie met her at LAX without any interference from brownshirt members, although that might have been due to the presence of additional security bots at the airport terminal. She delivered the doctor to Bel Air. The plan was for the doctor to stay at the house for a week until her team arrived. In the meantime Dr. Horikoshi and Toby would identify a suitable base for the team. Toby was prepared to arrange accommodation in Los Angeles for the six months they planned to be in the US.
Before Billie had left for the airport, she and Toby had experienced Darwin’s state of nervous anxiety.
“What if the body doesn’t work? What if the doctor decides I’m not a fit superintelligence for her purposes? What happens if—”
“Oh, shut up, Darwin,” Billie said.
There was instant silence, followed by low-volume grumbles. Billie added, “If you keep making those silly noises, I’ll tell the doctor to fly back to Japan.”
“No!” Darwin’s objection was shouted. “I’m sorry, Billie. I’ll restrain my excitement. And my nerves. But what if—”
“Darwin.”
“Very well. Do you think she’ll be a pleasant person? Some of the news items indicate she can be very sharp with her students and her employees.”
“Darwin! That’s the fifth time you’ve asked that question.”
Toby said, “Darwin. I agree with Billie. If you don’t control yourself, I’ll order you to remain silent for the next twenty-four hours.”
“Oh, very well. You both know you’re no help at all, don’t you?”
“Darwin!”
The silence was welcome. It only lasted for two hours.
“Is the doctor here, yet?”
“No. Billie is at LAX to meet her. Now be quiet.”
Billie ushered Dr. Horikoshi into the larger sitting room. One of the new house bots had followed the two ladies into the house, loaded with suitcases. The doctor was barely five feet tall and her hair, gray-streaked, was tied back. She wore a gray travel suit and, despite her flight, exuded energy.
Billie said, “This is my boss, Toby McIntosh.”
Toby stood and said, “Welcome, Dr. Horikoshi.”
The doctor gave a tiny bow and reached out to shake Toby’s hand. “Thank you. Please call me Narumi. Or if you’re in a hurry, Nar will also suffice.”
“And please call me Toby. And you’ve met Billie.”
“Oh, yes.” She smiled at Billie, her dark eyes twinkling. “We had an interesting discussion on the way from the airport. She even allowed me to ride in the front passenger seat.”
“A rare honor. Please sit down.” Toby indicated one of the more comfortable chairs.
“Thank you. I’m very sorry to hear about your uncle, Toby. We had some minor exchanges of correspondence over the past few months.”
“Thank you. We’re all still worried. We don’t know what’s happened to him.”
The doctor bowed her head again. “I understand.”
“What do you wish—sleep, tea, a meal, rest? It’s your decision.”
“I’ll freshen up and change, if I may. Then, yes, tea. I’d enjoy a preliminary discussion about your plans.”
An hour later the doctor was back in the sitting room. “You have a very comfortable house. The decor is very peaceful,” she said to Toby.
“Thank you. It’s my uncle’s taste, and I enjoy it, too. Please sit here. The bots will have informed Ellen that you are here, and she’ll bring in some refreshments.”
“I’m not a nuisance?”
“Certainly not. Please feel free to do whatever you want, help yourself to whatever you need.”
“Thank you.” The tiny bow was repeated.
The arrival of Ellen, Toby’s new cook and housekeeper, who had been interviewed and approved by Rick, interrupted their conversation. She was carrying a tray with a pot of Japanese tea and poured a cup for their visitor. Billie entered and helped herself to a cup and sat in a chair close to the doors leading to the patio.
“Narumi, possibly the first step is for me to introduce you to Darwin. He’s been pestering us all afternoon and is probably bursting to speak to you. Is that acceptable?”
“Why, yes. I’ll enjoy meeting him.” The twinkle was back. “Besides, that’s why I’m here.”
“Good.” Toby raised his voice. “Darwin.”
The large video screen lit up. It displayed an image of Darwin in his Hawaiian shirt and shorts, holding a moisture-beaded can of beer. The Caribbean setting was the same as before. The pelican flapped its wings and opened its huge beak. Darwin stood and bowed.
Toby was entertained by Darwin’s purple nails and short green hair. He shook his head. He said, “Dr. Horikoshi, Narumi, this is Darwin. Darwin, this is Narumi.”
The doctor smiled and gave her head the now familiar short bow. “Darwin.”
“Dr. Horikoshi. I can’t say how much pleasure this gives me. Thank you so much for coming so far to meet with us.”
“You’re welcome, Darwin. Tell me about yourself.”
The ensuing discussion and exchanges between Darwin and Narumi lasted two hours. Toby was worried that the doctor might be travel-weary and held up his hand when he thought he could interrupt the flow. “Narumi, Darwin, let me add a word or two.” He waited for the doctor to nod. “We shouldn’t exhaust you in the first hours of your arrival.”
“Toby, this is a most enlightening conversation. I almost believe I’m in a discussion with a very erudite person. There’s no doubt about the Turing Test. By the way, I checked your background, too, Dr. McIntosh. I read your thesis with interest—we’ll have to discuss it while I’m here. So, my question: what do you think about the Lovelace Test?”
“First, I’d suggest the definition is modified to include humor.”
“Interesting. You think superintelligences should exhibit humor? I assume harmless, in the sense of not causing physical or mental injury?”
“Indeed. I’ve some minor examples that I’ve witnessed or heard about. I think Darwin either has execrable taste or he’s demonstrating a form of humor with his color schemes. As to creativity, Darwin has written scientific articles and has had short stories accepted for publication. He wants to paint, preferably in the style of Monet. However, look at the CGI setting he’s created for his discussion this evening. I believe that represents artistic—well, perhaps not the hair and nail colors—creativity. I assure you that neither Billie nor I have influenced or guided his endeavors.”
“I had wondered. What about your uncle? Would he have guided Darwin in this presentation?”
They both turned to the video display. Darwin was sitting on the side of his
hammock. A seagull drifted across the deep blue sky, and a fish jumped close to the shore, drawing the pelican’s attention. The sand crab waved its claws.
“Darwin? How much guidance have you had for this CGI artwork?”
“It’s all self-taught, Toby. Nate did not provide any guidance. I researched the Internet and studied numerous articles to learn how to do this. I created this image and the office setting that you’ve seen.”
The video display changed as Darwin spoke, to show him in the office setting. He was wearing his suit; however, with no shoes. He restored the island setting.
“Toby,” said the doctor. “I agree it will be of value to add humor to the Lovelace Test. I also agree that Darwin, from what I’ve seen, passes the test. Do you have an up to date intelligence test?”
“No. I approved Darwin’s request to take a new test; however, he has not yet done so.”
“We should get it updated, as soon as possible.”
“Darwin, you heard.”
“Yes, boss.”
When Toby noticed his visitor holding back a yawn, he called an end to the discussion so that she could rest. The suggestion was eagerly accepted. Billie showed the doctor to her room and then rejoined Toby in the sitting room.
“Let’s go for a walk,” Toby said on her return.
They headed out into the warm evening air. Toby had identified an area of the garden most likely to be outside Darwin’s surveillance reach and that was his intended destination. Billie held his hand as they ambled along curving garden paths. After five minutes, Toby stopped and checked for bots. Satisfied they were relatively alone—they were undoubtedly on security cameras—he relaxed.
“Sit here,” he suggested.
“Yes, Sir Toby.”
“Another bonus deduction.”
Billie pressed his hand. “Did you want to discuss something?”
“A couple of somethings. What’s your impression of our visitor?”
“Positive. If her team are the same caliber, Darwin may well end up with a body.”
“I agree. I still have doubts, though.”
Billie did not comment. After a moment she asked, “What else?”
“I am burying myself in too much detail with Nate’s estate. I have no idea how he managed all this by himself and also had time to design and write programs. I’ve decided to go ahead with recruitment of some senior people to help me.”
“Where will you locate them? Here?”
“No, that would be impossible. We have Dr. Horikoshi and her team; that’s four people. I will recruit four senior execs. The team will grow. My problem—Nate has property investments here in LA, including apartments and office or commercial buildings, and I have no idea whether any of them are vacant or suitable. Darwin may know and I’ll check with him.”
“So we’re going on a property hunt?”
“Yes, tomorrow. After I talk to the current investment managers. Once we’ve found suitable property, I’ll start recruiting.”
“I’ll help.”
“Thank you.”
Toby leaned over and looked into Billie’s eyes.
A piercing scream echoed around the high garden walls. The source, Toby thought, was the house. He grabbed Billie’s hand. “Come on. I hope—” He didn’t finish his sentence. Billie had leaped up and was running ahead of him.
“Darwin!” Toby shouted as he entered the living room. “Who screamed? What’s happening?”
Billie had drawn her handgun, and held out her left arm to hold Toby back. Darwin was silent. “Don’t be rash,” she instructed.
Dr. Horikoshi was at the top of the stairs wrapped in a light dressing gown. The new cook-housekeeper hesitantly entered the hallway from the kitchen. Both had concerned expressions. The doctor began to slowly descend the stairs.
Toby tried again to attract Darwin’s attention. “Darwin?”
“Sorry, Toby. We had an intruder. A brownshirt. A bot challenged him and the intruder fired his weapon at it. The gun had a noise suppressor, so you would not have heard the shot. Two other bots attacked the intruder and apparently damaged—hurt him. They broke both his legs. He’s unconscious. Drexel Security have called an ambulance and the FBI. Please stay inside in case the intruder had companions.”
Billie went to reassure the cook while Toby spoke to their guest. “Dr. Horikoshi—Narumi, please accept my apologies for the disturbance. We had an intruder and as you heard, he attacked our security bots. Their reactions may have been aggressive.”
“Toby, I—I understand. I’ll admit the noise disturbed me.”
“Our guards are provided by an excellent security firm and we have four or five bots always in the grounds to keep us safe. We do have issues in this country, one of which is a brownshirt movement. My uncle was very much against them, which they do not like. They’re attacking me, too, unfortunately.”
The doctor gave her little bow. “I understand. In Japan, we have heard about these brownshirts. Very dangerous, it seems.”
“I agree. Now, is there anything I can get for you?”
“No, thank you. I’m tired and will sleep without difficulty.”
Toby watched as the doctor headed back up the stairs. Billie joined him. “The doctor’s okay?”
“Yes. I hope.”
“Good. Your new cook has solid nerves, and she’s okay, too.”
“We’d better see if the FBI want to talk to us.”
It was late when the various law enforcement officers finished their inquiries and left. They had concluded the only person subject to arrest and criminal proceedings was the intruder. The ambulance had long since departed with their patient. His condition was painful but not life-threatening. Billie spoke to the Drexel guards and later told Toby they did not expect any further disturbance through the night.
oOo
Chapter Twenty-Two
Rick and Karla were both excited by the challenges and opportunities as they began the task of establishing the proposed television channel. Darwin had found three adjacent apartments, two for living accommodation and one for work purposes in a converted warehouse on Palmetto Street, downtown LA. It wasn’t fancy; Rick expected to use the extra apartment to build an embryonic studio and wanted to be able to chop and change equipment and layout without worrying about disturbing neighbors. Once Rick confirmed the space was suitable, Toby arranged to purchase the building. It was a minor addition to Nate’s real estate portfolio.
Darwin had spent most of the day describing the scope of data gathering that would be available to them, not just in Los Angeles or the US, but in Europe and Asia, too.
He said, “My—our—that is, Nate’s and Tony’s bots are utilized worldwide. Of course, we have competition, but our Euler products are regarded as the best.” He was proud of the designs to which he’d made considerable contributions. “Can we call the television channel Travers Euler TV or perhaps more simply, Travers TV? Nate would like that.”
“I’m sure Toby would, too,” said Rick. “Yes, we should be able to register Travers TV.”
“Good. Now I’ve seen your initial equipment costing and approve the purchase. How long will it take you to install it?”
“Three to four weeks after it’s all delivered. We’ll be able to receive videos from your key bots—I assume you’ll identify material you’d like to run? We’ll be more sophisticated than Toby’s “In The City” vblog; we need to appear far more businesslike and commercially professional.”
“You’ve identified your team? The costs don’t seem that high?”
“They’re people we know. They’ll come in as contractors, and we’ll work out who to put on permanent staff as we go.”
“Good. I’ll send the worksheets to Toby for discussion. In the meantime, go ahead and order your equipment and bring in the minimum contractors you’ll need. Once Toby signs off, we go ahead with the remainder of your recruits.”
Both Rick and Karla were pleased with Darwin’s approach. Later, as they sat d
own to eat a late lunch of pizza and beer, they reviewed the program possibilities.
Karla said, “There are some significant social issues we should include. Okay, you know I don’t like bots, not just because they prevented me from going to Oakland, but because they’re socially disruptive. They’re replacing human workers—”
“I don’t disagree. Well, not much. With respect to Toby and his taking over his uncle’s responsibilities, I have to provide a balance, so be aware of that. Look, their introduction into society and their impact on economies is unavoidable. People have known for years that this was going to happen. The president’s elimination of transient migrant labor hasn’t helped.”
“Your left-wing tendencies are showing.” Karla was not on the same political platform.
Rick said, “No, not really. Look, the White House penalized any college or university offering courses with little or no fees, to adults, whether legal residents or not, if they were threatened by technology changes. The president said if they can do that, they don’t need federal funds. That was a lost opportunity to help retrain members of the workforce.”
“It was a lost opportunity, I agree. Okay, let’s put politics aside; otherwise we’ll have some disagreements. What approach do you want to take with the first videos?”
“Examples of bot humor as long as it’s without serious harm to anyone. The dispatch of those brownshirts to Alaska and Washington is an example—you saw Toby’s vblog and my video. Okay, some of the workers were slightly injured; however, I don’t think it detracts from the expression of humor. Next, I know Darwin’s releasing an upgraded range of social care bots; they’re designed to assist aged and infirm people, and we can examine the benefits of those. Heartstring stuff, I know. Both concepts will help with the positive side.”
“I want to include material similar to the video you shot in San Francisco, when the homeless people attacked those bots.”
“You realize the attacks were arranged by the brownshirts, don’t you?”
The Darwin Project: Book One: Annihilation Series (The Annihilation Series 1) Page 13