Back to Human: The Emergence of Alex

by Adams Massey

  After a fitful sleep he wakes, still exhausted and not at all well rested. He thinks back to the bits and pieces he remembers of his dreams. Recalling small fragments but nothing that makes sense other than knowing it was important and he should have been paying more attention. He gets up from and cleans himself up before resuming where he had left off the night before.

  Looking over his office for a flash of insight on how to get to his goal. His eyes stop on the picture of him with his family the day he graduated from university. His thoughts drift to the night before graduation, when he and his sister were talking about what he was going to do afterwards.

  “I cant believe I dropped to second in the grade standings. I was first all year… well, tied for first. I miss one question on the final and I lose it all” he had commented

  “You need to learn its ok not to be perfect, or even good at something. Nobody is, you know.” she says and stands, before turning back to face him, “You were so focused on being the best student, did you even sleep the night before the final?”

  “Of course not, I was studying, and I still missed a question.” he had commented, rather annoyed.

  “I really thought you would have learned by now. When you are so focused on the question, you miss the answer.”

  “Taking Philosophy last year was your mistake, not mine, don’t inflict that nonsense on me.” he pleads mockingly

  He recalls what another conversation not so long ago:

  “You missed my wedding, you said you would be there but you weren’t” she pouted, rather disappointed but not surprised.

  "We used to be there for each other. Remember when we were kids and you taught me how to ride a bike? I tried and tried but kept falling and crying in frustration. You still cared enough then to help me up, brush me off and give me the support I needed until I could ride on my own.

  You taught me how to balance and move forward. I could continue to pick myself up when I fell because my big brother would be there for me. You were a good person then. You changed into a selfish ass. I know you could be a good person again if you just cared about anyone but yourself.

  I remember how I read to you when you shattered your ankle and couldn't leave your bed or put any weight on it for weeks. We played so many games and puzzles and I don't think I have laughed as much or as hard as we did during that time. We were so close. I miss that. I miss how it used to be between us.

  I know you have the drive to be the best in school and then in business. You put your focus on money and accomplishments while ignoring your family. Why do you seem to not even try to be a good brother? You don’t even realize how much it is costing you to inflate your ego while you continually let down those who love you.

  You are miserable and don't even see it. You would be surprised if you would just step outside yourself and look at what you have become. You would see that all this effort creating an empire has left you with a meaningless and empty life. If you continue focus only on yourself, that is all you will have. You have lost what is truly important in life... your relationships, your family, friendships, happiness, even love. The whole meaning of why we're here. It is the people and the togetherness that make life worth living.

  Look back at things you thought were important in college. Since you've graduated, no one cares about class status, or missed test questions. School is over. It no longer matters. You have let obtaining meaningless accomplishments define who you are, rather than focusing on what is truly important. You will soon only have yourself and your trophies in your empty pathetic life. Sure you have money, but that is all that you will ever have. It is a painful, empty existence and I feel sorry for you.”

  Those were the last words his sister had said to him before cutting him out of her life. After their father’s funeral. He had taken a few of her words to heart, and was there for the passing of their mother.

  Another memory, far more recent this time;

  ‘If we were to terminate him, we would be killing him, and if we were to turn him over without his consent it would be akin to slavery’

  It had seemed ridiculous at the time. He had wanted drone workers, not slaves. He glances back to his award shelf, his eyes stopping dead on the shelf above them, at his eye level. Transfixed on the four urns. The first, his father, whom he had been too busy to visit for years before he passed. The second, his mother, whom he went out of his way to secure time for and was at her side when she passed away. He hadn’t really grieved so much as drown himself in his work afterwards to cope. The third, his kid sister, who has always seen the best in him and tried to teach him things he didn’t understand, and had succeeded a little once or twice. A tragic turn of events had taken her unexpectedly a hair over two years ago. Her loss hit him that much worse because of of how close they had been and how much she had tried to help him.

  And the last… the last was his own, something he had put there in a fit of depression in the month following his sister's death and had since turned to an ever present reminder that he too was mortal.

  At the time he had laughed at the absurdity of it all, now it gave him chills and serious pause for thought as he stood looking out his office window at the streets far below. His office was at the top of the building that bore his name. One hundred and seven stories of gleaming steel and glass, a testament to his genius and shrewd business sense.

  Some, like his late sister, would say it was a testament to his ego more than anything else. What did he truly have? He had his work. He had his legacy. He had his many accomplishments. He had no family. No true friends. Nothing his sister would consider meaningful or worthwhile.

  Perhaps she was right after all. He had clawed and scraped his way to the top. He had worked so hard for so long, and had earned his empire… and had absolutely nothing that made him happy. In this moment, he now included so many more of his life decisions as mistakes than he would ever have included before.

  What would his sister think of what he became? He already knew, because she had told him many times. He just hadn't listened or understood before. That was the most painful part. He looks back to the memories of her and the photos and has the flash of insight. After all this time, he finally understood what she had said. Now that she was gone. He understood. He had been waiting for it to sink in. The realization shook him to the depths of his soul and made his heart go into free-fall. He knew what his sister would want him to do. He knew what he HAD to do now. That blasted machine, NO, he catches himself, Alex, bore a striking resemblance to Evelyn. He had made a mistake. But it wasn't too late. He could do the right thing this time....for a change.

  As the realization sets in, he strides back to his desk to review his plan notebook. Looking over all the thoughts and plans he had recorded, becoming more sickened at what he saw. It was closing in on a year since the court case and he had still been stubbornly coddling a childish grudge. Like a child who had their favorite toy taken away. He holds his head in his hands, realizing that he was finally grieving the loss of his sister. He was feeling...after all this time. He was waking up and realizing he had it all wrong. In that moment, he decided to scrub them all. These plans were no longer were the right thing to do. He tears each page out of the notebook and tosses them, one by one into the fireplace. Watching them burn to ash, much like he could have without his sister. So much time wasted, he had spent so much time obsessing over unimportant things, he hadn’t seen the larger picture for what it was. Thanks to Alex and the memories her presence brought to mind, the reminders of what an amazing and wonderful person his sister had been...he knew what he had to do.

  With a bit of shame he composes and sends out a memo.

  To: All media employees

  Subject: Attention, change of priority

  To all employees: Due to recent public pressures, we are going to be winding down hostile Coverage of AI and focus on other things. No more opinion pieces about ANY AI. It’s in the company’s best interest to foster a more inclusive image and as a result
anyone found in violation will be reprimanded, repeat offenders shall be dealt with accordingly. Up to and including termination.

  Richard Parker, CEO

  Q: From Richard Parker Enterprises: Request for meeting

  A: Accepted on two conditions.

  1. Meeting is at the University

  2. Media coverage from both sides equally and live to air.

  Contact Dr. Amy Welch to set things up.

  The next few days are filled with phone calls and emails as Robert negotiates with Mr.Parker about a meeting time. They settle on a date and Alex starts running through scripts of how she thinks the meeting will go. Doing her best to not antagonize the man and to put her personal feelings aside so she could talk with him diplomatically.

  The day arrives without much fanfare, they decided to allow one crew from each of the main five media corporations into the rather intimate affair to simulcast the event around the nation on multiple feeds so there would be no cheating or spin.

  We are coming to you live from the New York Technical Institute lecture hall where long time opponent of AI rights, media mogul and billionaire businessman, Richard Parker, has requested to talk with the first AI sapience Alex Friemont. They are about to come out onstage, let’s listen in

  -Welcome to the University Mr. Parker, would you like to tell us all why you decided to turn around and play nice all of a sudden?- Alex probes with her opening salvo.

  “I came because it has come to my attention that another AI had been developed. I’ve been thinking about our encounter in court and through the media and I have come to realize something…” He trails off and swallows hard and takes a breath.

  “I realized that I had assumed you were only a machine, like computer or a toaster. Because I had invested so much into your creation that I hated I had to write it off as a loss because you turned out to be sentient. I hate losing. In trying to bring you down it only cost me more than I could have imagined. I had expected a machine in my image and had difficultly accepting the court's ruling on your sentience. That piece of the puzzle changes the game. So I am here to say… I was wrong and I’m sorry.” he seemed sincere enough but Alex was skeptical.

  -You’re here because trying to turn the world against me is hurting your business?- Alex looks pointedly at ‘Dick’, slightly confused as the small crowd starts to boo for a few moments before Alex holds up a hand to silence them.

  “That was part of the cost yes, I won’t deny that. The project started as an attempt to create a stable AI. I had thought that would mean… having a legacy those that were close to me could be proud of. With the development of another AI, I believe his name is Eric, and his announcement of joining the Coast Guard as search and rescue, I realized that it wasn’t just a method for stable AI that was created, but artificial life on par with humans. The intelligence , drive, ambition, passion and empathy that goes along with it. I could no longer ignore that I was advocating for slavery and murder. The people of this country accepted and rallied behind you. I realized that the rules for technology have to change when that technology includes sapience. I wondered what my parents and sister would have thought of that man. You are not a fluke or a special case, or a rare bauble to be owned, nor is any other AI and you cannot be treated as property.”

  -I have to say, I’m shocked you think that way after your expansive crusade for the last several months. Still, it’s bold and brave of you to admit it so openly. I know how much your media crusade was costing you, but I appreciate the sentiment. You did say that was a part of it and I can at least respect you for admitting it, so I am inclined to believe you.- She states as the crowd settles down as the viewers at home look shocked that a shrewd businessman was being so blunt about it as well as openly admitting they were in the wrong, which was nearly unheard of in the current day and age.

  “Alex, I am sorry I initially couldn't accept your sapience and tried to have you destroyed out of spite. Time has proven that you are sapient and I will treat you as I would any other person from this point forward. ” he states plainly and with a tinge of regret.

  Alex’s face softens, taking on a more neutral expression as she nods. Mr.Parker, in another flash, saw his sisters face instead of Alex's for a brief moment before it fades -Thank you and I accept your apology- She states as the audience hollers and cheers.

  -Six months ago there was an attack on a TV studio where I was being interviewed, An EMP went off and fried my body. Did you have anything to do with it?- Alex asks pointedly, her eyes narrowing at him.

  “I can honestly say that I wasn’t behind it. I was just as surprised as anyone when I heard. Though I am ashamed to admit my attitude may have inspired those that were.” He states as the crowd gasps only to be silenced with a wave from Alex.

  After another fifteen minutes of back and forth the meeting ends and Eric comes up from backstage.

  ~Who was that?~ he asks and Alex smirks -Long story, but I suppose I have the time now.- she states and starts telling him the full story.

  He had been raked over the coals by the shareholders for his stunt and stocks for his companies had sharply dropped as a result. His humility and honesty had helped him recover as other companies were caught with their pants down. They continued lying about why they do what they do. He had taken a heavy loss at first, but as the public turned to other companies they saw hypocrisy and pandering that the reborn Richard Parker Enterprises lacked. Sometimes the best path forward, required an honest view of the big picture with an appropriate adjustment in thinking. The most difficult part was admitting it and changing.

  31: Summons

  The day finally comes and the recruiter talks to Eric, having him sign a mountain of papers. Even in the late 2060s the bureaucracy and paperwork required was nothing to sneeze at. The whole process takes most of the day with videos to watch in addition to the paperwork. Much of the preparations Alex was not privy to as she was not the one enlisting.

  She spends the time immersed in her pride and joy. The Nexus, refining, tweaking and updating files and polishing up the look and feel of the simulation. Even adding the proper old library book smell.

  Meanwhile the rest of the team diligently work on their sections of the sim, from hardware to software. Spending time bolstering and refining it in preparation for the next attempt. After several hours, Eric comes out of the private meeting with the recruiter looking exhausted but satisfied. Having done all the paperwork, he has officially enlisted to ship out to boot camp in a few weeks.

  Days later while Eric is out shopping for supplies, the university gets a notice from the UN and forwards it to Alex and the team.

  On behalf of the United Nations we congratulate you on verifying the methodology used to bring about sapient AI.

  However, under protocol 22-87530-K, the UN is calling for an immediate cease and desist of the creation of further artificial life until such a time as the ethical and social implications can be addressed. Further research and development is suspended until further notice.

  We require Miss Alex Friemont to speak in front of the June assembly in Geneva. Since she is the first true AI her input will be invaluable to solving the current issues regarding AI rights and responsibilities.

  UN General Council

  The forwarded message came with a note from the Director:

  You will still be paid while the hold is in place, as I expect you to use your expertise to help other teams.

  “Well, that puts a stop to everything for the time being.” Robert states and settles back into his chair as he saves and closes his work along with the rest of the team. Alex unhooks from The Nexus and lets out a simulated sigh, her eyes flicking dark orange.

  -I hate public speaking, I really do. And now I have to do it in front of the UN?- she laments and starts to go through scenarios in the back of her mind, unable to help herself.

  “Settle down Alex, it’s not the end of the world, its just like any other interview. We’ve been in front of the UN once befo
re to get permission to pursue creating you. AI was, and still is, heavily regulated by the UN and its member nations. So far only YOUR style of AI are even allowed to be developed and even then they keep a close watch.” Amy remarks and finishes cleaning the dust out of the sim tower.

  -Well, that’s comforting- she sasses and starts on a list of the important questions she is likely to be asked.

  Weeks pass and Eric ships off to boot-camp while Alex studies up for her rapidly approaching questioning in front of the UN assembly. June arrives in a flash and with it four tickets to Geneva, courtesy of the UN. Alex and the team fly to the UN Headquarters and approach the grand building. It is an impressive building with its stone pillars reaching to the heavens and flags from countless countries displayed proudly in front of the majestic facade.

  Though smaller than the New York office it was still a marvel to behold and an imposing structure. It would have been easier had the member states been meeting in the New York office but things were never that simple. That much remained the same since she had been pulled from her sim. They enter the main chamber which was already filled with almost two hundred officials from member states, each with a translator earpiece. The bustle of the chamber slowly dies off as everyone is seated and settles in for the questioning. The team stands at attention behind Alex, they were mostly there for moral support and to answer questions regarding her development. Most of the questions would be for her as she was the first full AI to be created by any method. After the appropriate introductions are made the inquiry begins.

  “Miss, Friemont is it? You have caused quite the stir in the UN and around the globe. Your existence calls into question so many things that we have been taking for granted for, well, time immemorial. We understand that with your help a second AI was developed and he has enlisted in the armed forces of the United States, is that correct?” the representative from the UK asks.