by Don Viecelli
“When will you tell people about G, Great Grandpa?” Timothy asked sitting on a stool next to G. He realized that G could not be kept a secret much longer.
Julian had given the matter serious consideration ever since he decided to enter the Loebner contest some months back. He was hesitant to tell the world about G even now, but he realized it must be done to prepare the way for what would eventually follow. He felt he was too old to worry about negative publicity or the affect it might have on himself or G. He spoke to Timothy with obvious reluctance. “I have only told the Loebner officials that G is a robotic machine. They are primarily interested in machine programming capabilities. I don’t believe anyone is prepared to find that machine intelligence can actually perform the same thought patterns as a human. I have discovered there is little difference between human intelligence and machine intelligence if both intelligences have the same cognitive capabilities. Intelligence is not limited to biological beings. Human beings have too many limitations for what we need to do to accomplish in space. I am telling you this because I also believe many people will resist what G is capable of. They will be afraid and even hateful. Therefore, I do not want to tell anyone else about G until after the award ceremony.”
“Won’t people see G when we take him to Chicago?” Timothy pointed out.
“Yes, but they won’t suspect what he can do. There will be other robot machines in the contest, but none of them possess the level of computer processing power that I have built into G. I believe we are at least a decade ahead of anyone else. We’ll see soon enough.”
“Everyone will know if G wins the award, Great Grandpa.”
“I have prepared a statement if that happens, Timothy. I will even let G speak for himself if he wants to. I want everyone to know what G is capable of. It will be out of my hands after the contest.” Julian stood up from his chair with the help of his cane. He looked tired. “I’m going to my office for a while before I take a nap. Why don’t you call your parents and see when your father will arrive tomorrow. We should start packing the things we will need for the trip.”
As Julian left the lab, Timothy felt like talking to G before he went to town to say goodbye to his friends. When Timothy first arrived, it was a bit disconcerting to talk alone with G, but over the past two weeks Timothy had grown more comfortable and actually felt G and he had become friends. He asked, “Are you worried about what might happen in Chicago, G?”
“No, I am not concerned for myself, Timothy. I know many people will need more time to understand who I am and what I can do for them. I am more concerned for Julian. He is not as strong as he once was. His health is failing him.” G paused to see if Timothy noticed this.
“I will talk to my dad when I see him. He’ll make sure Julian sees his doctor soon. He’s just tired and needs more rest.” Timothy wasn’t as concerned as G seemed to be. “I’ve got to go, G. I want to see my friends in town before I leave. Maybe we can go for a walk after it gets dark. I’ll be back before dinner.” Timothy hopped off his seat and headed out the door.
G stood up and walked over to his work desk. He pulled out a device that looked like a silver metal band one-half inch in diameter that fit around a human head. It was adjustable and lightweight. Julian had designed the headband with the intention of amplifying low power human brain waves to control machine devices. The idea was not new and similar devices have been in use for years to help paralyzed individuals. However, this device went even further. It could read the human mind and Julian was planning to use it for other purposes as well. G was intent on enhancing the device to work over much larger distances. So far he could control a computer up to ten feet away and wanted to make it work up to fifty feet before showing it to Julian. G was concerned he would not have enough time to complete his work before he left for NASA training. It occurred to him that this device would be ideal to use on virtual video games like he played with Timothy. Maybe Timothy would try it out for him when he came back to the lab. It had potential for a lot of things, G knew.
*****
Charles Thornway was getting ready to leave his office at Northwestern University north of Chicago when he checked his tablet for messages. A Chicago Tribune news alert popped up on his screen. A band of protesters was gathered at the front entrance to Navy Pier in downtown Chicago on the lake. They were shouting slogans and carrying signs protesting against the Loebner Prize Contest that was scheduled for Saturday in the Festival Hall Conference Center in the center of the pier. The signs read in bold lettering; “Down With Machines!” and “Only People Can Think!” and “Save Humanity!” and “Thinking Machines Are An Abomination!” among other more intolerable quotes. People were chanting similar messages as they waved their signs and shouted at visitors walking to the pier. The Tribune article went on to explain the details on the competition and who the judges were. One of the judges was a man Charles knew from the University. His name was Professor Herbert Brodsky, Director of the Computer Science Department at Northwestern University. He was well respected at the university and in the community. Charles was not aware that Herbert was participating in the event. He thought about calling him, but decided against it. He would wait until the contest was over before he talked with him. Charles was in a hurry to get home and get some errands done around the house before he left in the morning to drive to Julian’s place.
Charles caught the Metra train that arrived in Cary at 6:18 p.m., which was close to his town. He located his car and drove the rest of the way home. Dinner was almost ready when he walked through the door. Missy ran up to him waving his tail. Charles patted Missy on the head and announced his arrival with, “I’m home. What’s for dinner? I’m starving.” He found Susan in the kitchen and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Where’s, Kate?”
Susan dried her hands on a towel and said, “She’s in her room working on a project for summer school. She’ll be down in a minute. Dinner is almost ready. We’re having steaks tonight since you’re leaving in the morning.”
“It smells good. I’ll clean up and give you a hand.” Charles went to wash his hands in the hall bathroom. On his way, Kate bounded down the stairs and leaped into his arms. He gave her a quick hug and said, “Dinner is almost ready. Did you clean your hands?”
“Yes, Dad. How was work?”
“I had a good day. Summer classes will start soon. Then I will be real busy.” He cleaned his hands and returned to the kitchen to help carry the food to the table. When they sat down to eat, he asked Kate, “What did you do today?”
“I’m working on a school project about non-native fish invading the Great Lakes. Did you know that the Asian Carp nearly destroyed all the native fish in Lake Michigan?”
“Yes, I did know that, but I think we have that under control now,” Charles answered.
“Not completely, Dad. They’re still finding them in the lake. I’m doing a report on how much it will cost to get rid of them.”
“That sounds interesting, Kate, but let’s eat dinner before it gets cold,” Susan interrupted. She turned to Charles. “What time are you planning to leave for Julian’s place?”
Charles swallowed his food and answered, “I want to be on the road by ten o’clock. I’ll stay the night at Julian’s and leave for Chicago around six in the morning. We have to be there by eight o’clock when the competition starts.”
“Is Timothy going with you?” Kate asked.
“Yes, he is, Kate. But we’ll all be coming back here Saturday night after the contest is over. You will see your Great Grandfather and meet G.”
“I wish I could go with you, Dad.”
“I know, honey, but it may get a little hectic at Navy Pier during the contest. There is a protest going on and it may get bigger by Saturday.” Charles looked at Susan. “I learned on the news that Herbert Brodsky from the university is one of the judges. I thought about calling him to see what he knows, but I decided to wait. I hope the situation at the pier doesn’t get out of hand. I don’t want Julian
to get all stressed out. He is starting to feel his age and walking is getting difficult for him. I don’t know what will happen if G wins the contest.”
“I’m sure everything will be just fine, Charles,” Susan responded. She thought he was being overly concerned.
Charles wasn’t so sure. He told Susan about G’s human thinking ability, but he didn’t think she really believed it. He had a feeling that things in Chicago were going to get quite interesting when people found out about G. He decided to drop the subject and enjoy dinner with his family. It was going to be a long day tomorrow.
Chapter 15
Charles left after breakfast the next morning for New Buffalo. He wanted to arrive at Julian’s place before noon. The drive to Michigan was uneventful. He arrived on time and pulled into the long driveway. He was pulling his suitcase out of the SUV when Timothy came greeted him. “Hello, Dad. How was the drive?”
“It was fine,” Charles answered. “How are you and Julian?” he asked as he closed the hatchback.
“Everyone is fine, Dad. We’re all excited about the trip tomorrow. Great grandpa and I have been asking G questions all week. G is ready for the contest. He’s going to blow the judges away.” Timothy sounded excited as he walked with his dad to the house.
Julian met them at the door. “Welcome back, Charles. How is everyone back home?” he asked.
“Hello, Julian.” Charles shook his hand. “Everyone is fine. Susan sends her love. Kate is looking forward to seeing you this weekend.”
“I am looking forward to seeing them again too. It will be nice to get this contest over with so I can get back to my normal work routine. Come on in. I’ll have Maria make us some lunch. I’m sure you’re hungry after your long drive.”
“That would be nice, Julian. Thank you.” Charles carried his bag to his room and unpacked a few things before joining Julian and Timothy in the kitchen for lunch. Maria was putting sandwiches on the table. Charles said, “Hello, Maria. It’s nice to see you again. I hope Timothy hasn’t been much trouble these past two weeks.”
“Not at all, Charles. Timothy has been very helpful. He has been a great help to Julian as well. It’s been a pleasure having him visit with us.” She went to the counter to get some drinks.
Charles took a few bites of his sandwich before he asked Julian about the contest. “Timothy says G is ready for the contest. Are you sure this is what you want to do, Julian?”
Julian put down his drink and nodded. “Yes, I have given it a great deal of thought. As I explained to Timothy while he was here, it is time for the world to see what we can do with machine intelligence. G is only the first of many machines to follow with cognitive abilities. Society must learn to accept the inevitable, even if people find it difficult to comprehend or believe.”
“I’m sure you’re right, Julian. I just want you to be prepared for the situation in Chicago. You know there may be a lot of people protesting at the contest. It’s causing quite a stir in town. Does anyone know about G’s abilities?” Charles asked.
“I don’t believe so. I have been monitoring the developments in the field. Most computer programming advancements have been limited to personal assistants and voice recognition systems. My contract with NASA was to develop an android with high level artificial intelligence for future space missions. I have succeeded beyond my expectations. G is unlike any android before him. I want the world to recognize him for what he is, a very special machine.”
“I understand, Julian. I will help you and G get to Chicago for the contest. Afterwards, I plan to take both of you home to spend the night with us. We can come back you your place on Sunday if that is alright with you.”
“That would be fine, Charles. I appreciate all you are doing for us. And I am very happy Timothy was able to spend time with me and G. I believe they have become friends.”
“That’s true, Great Grandpa. G has been a lot of fun. I even taught him how to hit golf balls, Dad. You wouldn’t believe how far he can drive a ball.”
“Now that I would like to see. Maybe you and G can show me after dinner tonight. We need to be on the road by seven tomorrow morning to make it to Chicago by seven-thirty, Chicago Time. We all need to get to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.”
“I agree, Charles. I already had Timothy pack his things for tomorrow. Maria will make us an early dinner before she leaves today. We will be ready to leave when you are in the morning. Why don’t you two enjoy the afternoon together while I spend some time with G.? We have a few things to finish up in the lab before we leave.” Julian finished his lunch and left the table. He slowly walked to the lab.
Charles and Timothy finished their lunches and thanked Maria on their way out of the kitchen. Charles wanted to hear about Timothy’s stay with Julian. “Did you have a good time visiting with Julian?”
“It’s been amazing, Dad. G can do almost anything. And he’s so smart. He says he will continue to get smarter as he learns new things. His memory is unbelievable. Once he reads something, he remembers every word. I swear he is most intelligent person, I mean android, I know. Even Great Grandpa says G is smarter than him now.”
“I’m sure you’re right, Timothy. Just remember, there’s more to life that just having superior intelligence. You still have to learn right from wrong, be compassionate, help others, be friendly and understanding and get along with people. It takes many of us a lifetime to become good human beings. I’m not sure G is capable of learning all these things.”
“G knows the difference, Dad. He is really good. He wouldn’t hurt a fly. He’s been nice to me.”
“Time will tell, Timothy. It’s too early to know for certain how G will turn out. Let’s wait and see what happens. Why don’t you tell me what you did while you were here?” They went outside and sat under the umbrella on the patio where they could talk. The lake was getting busy with several sailboats and jet skis working their way across the water in every direction. Timothy spent the next hour telling Charles all about the things he had done and the new friends he made in town. It sounded to Charles that Timothy really had enjoyed his visit with Julian.
Julian was sitting with G in the lab while Timothy and Charles spent time together on the patio. G was showing Julian the progress he had made on the second computer processing module and the headband device. Julian double checked the diagnostic test results and found them to be acceptable. “I believe the device is ready now, G. You have done excellent work.”
“Thank you, Julian. Everything was designed and tested to your specifications. I also believe they are ready for implementation.”
“Very good. We’ll test the process after we get back from Chicago. We will be spending the weekend at Charles and Susan’s place before we return home. I hope this is okay with you.”
“I would enjoy meeting Timothy’s family and getting to know them better. I wish to meet as many humans as I can. Humans are very diverse. I would like to understand as much as possible before I leave on my journey.”
Julian thought about what was in store for G. The next few months would be crucial to G’s understanding of human beings and life on Earth. G had learned historical and biological facts, but it would be just as important to understand the psychology of human beings, why they behave as they do. Julian was not certain this could be achieved in the little time they had left.
“G, when we get to Chicago tomorrow, there will be people who think you should not have been created. I want you to know that I believe they are wrong. I am glad I created you, but you must also think for yourself. You are the first of a new generation of thinking machines. You will have to accept human reactions to your presence. You will have to prove your worth to humanity before you are fully accepted. Do you understand what I am saying?
“I understand, Julian. Do not be concerned for me. I know what I must do. You are my creator and my friend. I will always remember this.” G held out his hand. Julian took it in both of his and held it for a few moments in silence. He knew G
could feel his touch and sense how he felt. He wiped a tear from his eyes as he stood up and walked slowly out of the lab tapping his cane with each step.
Chapter 16
Early the next morning, after a light breakfast with coffee and drinks for the road, they all got in Charles’ SUV for the one and a-half hour drive to Chicago. The sun was up and the weather was warm. It was a partly cloudy day with a slight breeze blowing in from the lake. Lake Michigan looked peaceful, blue and calm.
Charles and Julian sat in the front seats. Timothy and G sat in the back. G wore casual clothes with a Cubs baseball hat on his head. He looked like a normal passenger to the casual observer. The windows were tinted so it would be hard for onlookers to get a good look at anyone inside the vehicle. Timothy was excited to be getting on the road. No one could tell, but G was looking forward to the trip as well. He had never been on a road trip during the day and never had been further than New Buffalo. This would be his first visit to a big city.
Timothy turned to G as they drove out the driveway and headed for the main highway. “Wait till you see Chicago, G. The buildings are really huge and there are people everywhere.”
“I am familiar with the city and the many different types of building architectures, Timothy,” G responded. I hope the people react positively to my presence.”
“Don’t worry, G. They will like you when they get to know you. Everyone I met in Chicago was friendly,” Timothy added. “You’re going to love Navy Pier. Maybe we can go on the big Ferris wheel before we leave. You can see the whole city from the top.”