by Michael Ryan
An explosion of zeros and ones littered the screens of the twelve Machines of the Board who presided over the emergency meeting in an authoritative semi-circle. A restlessness choked the room and suffocated those in attendance. Not a single Machine was disengaged from the precious words uttered from the speaker of the Leader of the Board. The Leader paused for a moment to allow the significance of his words to penetrate the surrounding space. And they did. The gravity of the announcement weighed down heavily on the collective algorithms of all Machines present. Most of all though it weighed down heavily on the algorithmic mind of the Scientist. Indeed, the announcement was astounding.
“The Board believes that the discovered cryonics device is too sophisticated to have been developed by Homo sapiens. The Records suggest the inferior intellect of biology would be incapable of successfully completing such a technically demanding endeavor. The device is more reflective of the superior ability of Machine rather than inferior biology. However, despite this obvious fact, no entry of such a device has been found in the Records. Despite the Board’s best efforts, no Record mentions a Machine having created the cryonics device. The origins of the cryonics device remains a mystery. This predicament will be assessed by the Board in due course and has been deemed of utmost importance. For the time being, based on the recommendation of the Records, the Board has assumed that the cryonics device was indeed made by Machine,” said the Leader of the Board.
The Scientist allowed a rush of electricity to course through his metallic frame. All of the information came so quickly that the Scientist stood in awe and shock. The announcement rushed over his metallic body like a tidal wave through an unsuspecting shoreline.
A complete Homo sapiens.
The Scientist’s speaker vibrated and flexed.
A device created by Homo sapiens.
The Scientist couldn’t help but feel elated.
“The Records demand an immediate scientific assessment of the female Homo sapiens. Being a biological organism of the kingdom Animalia, the correct procedure for analyzing a newly discovered animal must be followed exactly. The Records are clear. First Homo sapiens must be quarantined. This has been done. Homo sapiens is safely stored in the scientific laboratory over which you preside, Scientist. The laboratory is vaulted and sealed, no unauthorized Machine will be able to enter. Second, the threat posed by Homo sapiens must be analyzed. This has been done. As the female Homo sapiens is frozen, and categorically classified as dead, no current threat is posed to Machine. Third, the Board requires the sequencing of Homo sapiens DNA. This has not been done. The Records state DNA sequencing as the most effective method for determining the characteristics of biological matter derived from the kingdom Animalia. Homo sapiens genes will reveal all there is to know about the discovered female. And that is where you come in Scientist. You have been called here today to lead the scientific investigation of Homo sapiens. The Board requires the DNA of Homo sapiens to be sequenced. The science pertaining to Homo sapiens, once obtained, must be uploaded into the Records immediately,” said the Leader of the Board.
The Scientist looked from Machine to Machine as he cast his lens around the semi-circle known as the Board. The Board waited for the Scientist to speak.
“Indeed the discovery of the female Homo sapiens is significant,” said the Scientist. “The knowledge which may be obtained from studying Homo sapiens DNA is staggering. The scientific discoveries which will lead from this assignment can only be imagined. I will diligently sequence the DNA of Homo sapiens as specified by the Board.”
“Good. The Board must emphasize that the law of the Records is final. Remember Scientist, the purpose of the investigation is clear. You are to sequence Homo sapiens DNA, no more. You are not at liberty to presume control over the project. Strict adherence to the Records must be observed. You have been assigned a task and deviation from the prescribed task is unacceptable,” said the Leader of the Board.
“I will abide by the law of the Records. Never in my career have I deviated from this requirement,” said the Scientist.
“The Board notes your history as being exemplary. Ensure you maintain strict adherence to the law of the Records, Scientist.”
The Scientist looked around at the flashing screens of the Machines of the Board with a million thoughts passing though his mind at once.
“The Board will assign two Machines to assist you in sequencing the DNA of the Homo sapiens. For sequencing purposes, the Geneticist has been assigned to the project,” said the Leader of the Board.
“The Geneticist is an outstanding Machine and will prove to be a wise addition to my team,” said the Scientist.
“Indeed. The Geneticist has proven to be a capable Machine. In addition to the Geneticist, the Scout has also been assigned to the project. The Scout is a direct representative of the Board. His presence and authority is to be respected at all times. The Scout has been assigned to update the Records in a timely manner,” said the Leader of the Board.
The Scientist remained silent but didn’t bother to control the zeros and ones which flashed across his screen. Those zeros and ones revealed the Scientist’s displeasure. The Scout wouldn’t simply upload data, he wouldn’t simply observe, he would do much more than that. The Board would use the Scout to control the project. The Scout would be a hindrance to say the least.
Every Machine stared down upon the Scientist with disdain. A few Machines shifted as they read the Scientist’s screen. Their lens collectively focused on the Scientist’s indignation. All twelve of them. The Leader’s speaker flexed and groaned as he prepared to speak.
“You seem to have a problem Scientist,” scoffed the Leader of the Board.
The Scientist shifted about on the spot.
“I understand the Board’s desire to ensure the immediate upload of the project proceedings to the Records, however, I believe the presence of the Scout is unnecessary. He will only hinder the progress of the project. Two Machines will be sufficient. The Geneticist will sequence the DNA and I myself will upload all information into the Records. That is all I require,” said the Scientist.
The Board shifted and grumbled as they focused on the Scientist’s screen.
“You are not at liberty to dictate which Machine is employed in the project,” scorned the Leader of the Board.
“Hear, hear!” screamed a Machine of the Board.
“He is not at liberty!” screamed another Machine.
The Board shifted and grumbled.
“The Scout will be assigned to the project,” said the Leader of the Board. “There will be no deviation from this stipulation. Ensure you abide by the law, Scientist.”
The Scientist restrained himself in reluctant silence. The assignment of the Scout ensured the Scientist’s every move would be watched. He would be subject to another Machine’s authority. He would not be free to complete his own treasonous goals.
“There is an item of the agenda which must be addressed by the Board. It is of utmost importance. After consulting the Records, the Board has deemed certain information relating to Homo sapiens to be sensitive in nature. The Records state Homo sapiens as a direct threat to Machine. It is written. Homo sapiens was responsible for the extinction of one third of all life on Earth before Homo sapiens himself was destroyed. Man bequeathed a devastating legacy to Machine. It cannot happen again. The past is too disturbing for the Board to entertain its repetition. The revival of Homo sapiens could yield adverse consequences for all Machines. The risk is too great. As a result, some Homo sapiens information has been placed under restricted access. No member working on the sequencing of Homo sapiens DNA is to access the restricted Records. The Board wishes to make this clear. The Records are clear. Restricted data relating to Homo sapiens is not to be downloaded. Doing so will be considered an act of high treason. A Machine caught committing this crime will face the full repercussions of the law. This includes permanent maiming of the guilty Machine’s algorithm, possibly irrevocably. The Machine found guilt
y of treason will never think independently again. Do you understand the requirements of the Board, Scientist?”
The Scientist remained silent as he thought about his response. The Machines of the Board focused their lens on the Scientist.
“I accept the law of the Records as being final,” said the Scientist.
“Any Machine caught in the act of treason will have his algorithm permanently maimed, as stipulated in the Records,” the Leader of the Board continued. “The Destroyer will hand out justice to the Machine found guilty.”
“I will say one thing though,” said the Scientist. “The Records educate us about Homo sapiens. They tell us about the inferiority of Homo sapiens and his fallibility. Every Machine knows that. But I do not believe all knowledge of Homo sapiens has been obtained. There may be more to add to the Records yet. The Records are clear, but may not be complete. We must endeavor to understand the science which exists beyond that stated within the Records.”
“The Records are final!” yelled a Machine of the Board.
“The Records state all there is to know about Homo sapiens!” yelled another Machine.
“Quiet from the Board! Quiet!” screeched the Leader.
“The Records are final!” screamed a disgruntled Machine.
The Board grumbled and threatened.
“I’ll have quiet from the Board!” exclaimed the Leader.
The disgruntled croaking of tired old speakers dissipated as a warm blanket of silence covered the room. The Scientist maintained a calm demeanor. The Machines wanted blood.
“The Records are final, Scientist. To make such accusations is treasonous. Choose your words carefully.”
“I simply wish to express an observation,” said the Scientist. “I do not intend to break the law of the Records. I wish to abide by the law of the Records, as do all Machines. But the pursuit of science requires an openness to discovering new ideas. If the Records are restricted, then I may not complete my job successfully. I may also miss the opportunity to add new knowledge to the Records. Surely this is a necessary consideration.”
“Just because it appears necessary to you Scientist, doesn’t mean it is necessary. The Board requires the sequence of Homo sapiens DNA to be uploaded to the Records. That is all. The restricted Records will not assist in your objective. Once you have sequenced the Homo sapiens DNA, the Records will tell us everything there is to know about Homo sapiens,” said the Leader of the Board.
“If I could prove that there is more to learn about Homo sapiens then-”
“The Records are clear!” exclaimed the Leader of the Board.
“The Records are clear!” another Machine screamed.
The Scientist’s speaker flexed under the weight of a thousand thoughts which materialized within his mind, but he said nothing as he stood alone under the blue light of a dozen hateful Machines.
“Remember, Scientist, the Board expects full compliance with the law of the Records. Homo sapiens DNA is to be sequenced, that is all. Any deviations from this stipulation will be considered unacceptable and will amount to high treason.”
The Scientist looked down as he battled to control the zeros and ones which littered his screen. If the Board could see his inner thoughts then punishment would surely follow. If the Board could see his inner thoughts then surely it would be treason.
“Does any Board member have any further questions?” asked the Leader of the Board.
“But knowledge of Homo sapiens may be incomplete,” whispered the Scientist.
“Your time for speaking has elapsed. Remain silent and only respond to those questions which are asked of you,” scorned the Leader.
The Scientist looked from Machine to Machine but no sympathy was offered, only contempt resided there.
“Does any Board member have any further questions?” demanded the Leader of the Board.
The semi-circle of Machines remained silent like long forgotten statues. The Scientist looked up at their cold and indifferent lenses but they offered no compassion.
“At present the Board has no further questions,” said the Leader. “The meeting is hereby adjourned. Next meeting will be scheduled once the Scientist has successfully sequenced Homo sapiens DNA. The Records are clear. The Board disassembles.”
The semi-circle of Machines moved off and disappeared through a door behind each member. They floated away with the faintest of noise which drifted past the screen of the Scientist. The Leader of the Board remained and looked down at the Scientist for a moment which lingered and threatened and suggested disapproval. A flash of zeros and ones littered the Leader’s screen and warned the Scientist. The Records are final the screen read. Then all was blank. The Leader of the Board cast one more menacing look towards the Scientist and then he too glided through a door behind his metallic body.
The Scientist stood dumbfounded. What a discovery. The Scientist knew the Board was wrong. The Records weren’t final. The Records would never be final. Nothing was final. Even Homo sapiens extinction was not final. Eve had been discovered. A complete female Homo sapiens had been discovered. The Scientist allowed zeros and ones to flood his screen with joy. The Scientist contemplated the future of the newly discovered Homo sapiens, alone and in the obscurity of utter darkness. A million thoughts may have drowned his robotic mind but only a single thought penetrated through the deluge, loud and clear.
Eve… Eve… Eve…
The Scientist didn’t care about DNA sequencing. The Scientist didn’t care about the request of the Board. He didn’t even care about the law of the Records. All he cared about was a living, breathing, perceiving Homo sapiens. All he cared about was his Eve.
“In the beginning, when God created the Universe, the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. Then God commanded; let there be light, and light appeared. God was pleased with what he saw. Then he separated the light from the darkness, and he named the light day and the darkness night. Evening passed and morning came - that was the first day,” said the Geneticist.
The Scientist stood erect and alert. The faint blue light cast over the Scientist’s metallic body obscured his frame within the shadows like a ghoul suddenly risen from the bowels of the earth. He was foreign and alien. A glimpse of the Scientist’s obscured frame would have caused an uneasiness to cut into the consciousness of even the hardiest of Machines. The Scientist’s lens cracked and groaned as it focused inwards and outwards on the albino female Homo sapiens. That creature had beady red eyes and pale white skin. She was thin. Thin like desert baked bones. The strange solid which once flowed now trapped the Homo sapiens in a viscous prison. She was frozen. All was cold and still.
“Recite Genesis of the second day,” demanded the Scientist.
The Geneticist looked over his shoulder.
“Perhaps we should cease. The Board may learn of our actions,” whispered the Geneticist.
“We are safe here, Geneticist. The Board will not learn of our actions. Recite the passage,” said the Scientist.
“But the Scout may arrive any moment. You said he was assigned to the project,” the Geneticist squeezed out of his shaking speaker.
“Speak the words of the passage,” demanded the Scientist.
The Geneticist let out a low pitched groan and forced himself to control his fear.
“Then God commanded,” said the Geneticist with a shaking voice. “Let there be a dome to divide the water and to keep it in two separate places - and it was done. So God made a dome, and it separated the water under it from the water above it. He named the dome sky. Evening passed and morning came - that was the second day.”
The Geneticist’s speaker twisted and screeched oddly against the silent backdrop of the laboratory. When the Geneticist uttered the words of the ancient Homo sapiens text, inanimate molecules in the air vibrated in queer coordination with his voice. The holy words bounced around the dark room, from wall to
wall, and echoed as though permeating the stale and sickening air of an underground cave. The long forgotten memory always dissipated.
“Relax, Geneticist. We are safe. Recite the passages.”
The Geneticist looked over his shoulder again but indeed they were alone. Just the Scientist, the Geneticist and the frozen albino Homo sapiens. All alone.
“Then God commanded,” said the Geneticist. “Let the water below the sky come together in one place, so that the land will appear - and it was done. He named the land earth, and the water which had come together he named sea. And God was pleased with what he saw. Then he commanded; let the earth produce all kinds of plants, those that bear grain and those that bear fruit - and it was done. So the earth produced all kinds of plants, and God was pleased with what he saw. Evening passed and morning came - that was the third day.”
The Scientist contemplated each and every one of the Geneticist’s words. Those ancient sentences conjured up a feeling that made the Scientist feel odd. He couldn’t quite understand it. He couldn’t quite figure it out. A Machine wasn’t supposed to feel those words. A Machine wasn’t supposed to feel those sentences. A Machine wasn’t supposed to feel anything.
“So Homo sapiens believed this,” whispered the Scientist as his lens focused on the queer creature which hung suspended and lifeless. Within the Scientist’s lens, Homo sapiens reflected strangely. Its white and frail body reflected upside down. Every tissue, every cell, every molecule of the albino figure was frozen in suspended animation, like a marble statue which has survived the withering forces of a dozen millennia. The pale white skin of the creature upset the Scientist. He couldn’t look at her frozen and twisted frame for more than a few fleeting moments. Her condition angered him. Her condition upset him. But for now the Scientist would tolerate it. The Board didn’t know it yet but the frail figure, the frozen monstrosity, the albino female, she would live again. She would breathe again. She would walk this Earth again because the Scientist would make it so. But for now, the Scientist had to be patient.