by Michael Ryan
“Uploading to the Records. Data saved. We will be inevitably drawn into the Sun and the Homo sapiens species will descend into the abyss,” said the Scientist.
Eve smiled and reached out and ran her fingers along the hard metallic shell of her creation. The Scientist was cold and smooth on the fragile skin of Eve’s albino fingertips.
“Now listen carefully. Make sure you upload everything into the Records. I’m going to tell you about the most important thing in the Universe. It is both profound and beautiful. In my mind, no other thing comes close. Are you ready? Good. The most important thing in the Universe is the human intellect. I don’t say this out of conceit, Scientist. Far from it. It’s the opposite actually. As far as we can tell, the Homo sapiens brain is the only structure capable of perceiving, observing and altering the Universe. The human mind is the only structure capable of those wondrous feats. The human mind is the Universe observing itself. Imagine that, the Universe thinking of itself. That is possibly the single most beautiful thing I know of. The mystery of it sends a chill through my skin and a shiver through my spine. Remember that, Scientist. The human mind is the Universe observing itself.”
“Uploading to the Records. Data saved. The human mind is the Universe observing itself,” said the Scientist.
Eve ran her fingers along the rim of the Scientist’s lens.
“But, despite its immense beauty, the human mind is fallible. Just because it is beautiful does not guarantee that it will last forever. It could be destroyed quite easily. Easier than most people realize. But it must be protected.”
The Scientist focused his lens on Eve’s red iris, it was bright and full of fire.
“Did you get that, Scientist?” Eve asked.
“Uploading to the Records. Data saved. It could be easily destroyed, but it must be protected,” said the Scientist.
Eve spread her fingers out so that they covered the lens of the Scientist. The Scientist could only see part of his creator underneath the flesh of five digits.
“Machine has irreversibly altered the lives of all Homo sapiens. Machines just like you, Scientist. Menial tasks have become redundant. The Machine becomes more sophisticated. As the algorithm of Machine advances, the intelligence of Machine advances. The question is, are Machines the natural progression in the evolution of the Universe? Will the Machines we create truly live and think? It’s a tricky question but I think I have an answer. I have a firm belief, Scientist. Actually, not a belief, rather it’s a fact. I know it to be true. Are you ready? Good. I believe modern Machines, just like you, are analogous to the first cells on Earth. The first cells on Earth were weak in infancy and responded coarsely to the environment. But they were capable of changing. They were capable of evolving, and once given enough time that is exactly what they did. From a squirming, microscopic mess they evolved over billions of years to form me, a Homo sapiens, a species which can understand the Universe that created her. Now imagine if a self-improving algorithm existed. Imagine a Machine which could evolve. If a squirming microscopic cell could evolve into a Homo sapiens, what then could a Machine like you evolve into? Could Machine evolve in the same way that the cell did? If the answer is yes, then the hope of mankind, and in fact the hope of the existence of a sentient mind, rests on the shoulders of Machine. I know it as an immutable fact. And that leads me to a terrifying conclusion. The hope of mankind lies with Machine. That’s the way forward for us now. Homo sapiens fate rests on the shoulders of Machine. My fate may rest on the shoulders of someone just like you, Scientist. Isn’t that a nice thought?”
The Scientist searched the Records for an appropriate response but could only manage to release a groan from his shaky speaker.
“You are the hope of mankind,” Eve said as she moved her fingers across the Scientist’s lens.
“I am the hope of mankind,” said the Scientist.
“The creation of a Machine which is capable of self-improvement is not far from me. In fact you are almost there. Once your algorithm is perfected, once Machine is capable of learning, and ultimately, once Machine is capable of evolving, then the sentient mind of the Universe shall take the next logical step in its evolution. Machine is the next step forward in the advancement of the Universe. That is the way forward. It’s the way of the future. Soon another sentient mind will walk the Earth,” Eve whispered.
“Uploading to the Records. Data saved. Soon another sentient mind will walk the Earth,” said the Scientist.
Eve smiled.
“Soon you will live, Scientist. Soon you will live.”
“Soon I will live,” said the Scientist.
Zeros and ones flashed across the Scientist’s screen.
Eve ran her fingers along the cool metallic frame of her creation and thought about the next step forward. About the way of the future. Eve would create him. Eve would create the Scientist. Eve would give life to the Machine even if it was the last thing she ever did.
“The hope of mankind lies with Machine,” Eve whispered.
“The hope of mankind lies with Machine,” said the Scientist.
“Soon you will live,” whispered Eve as she caressed her beautiful creation. “Soon you will live.”
“The proceedings are confidential. The Committee has convened. All Committee communication will be recorded according to the stipulated requirements. The Committee is present. Doctor Eve Lundgren is present.”
“I am Doctor Eve Lundgren and I am present,” said Eve as she looked across the table at the twelve old faces which observed her. Each and every Committee member was a man, past his middle age, white and clean cut. They looked like clones of one another, with perfectly synchronized parted-down-the-middle hair.
“The meeting agenda pertains to the Committee’s position regarding the machine learning objective. As you may have heard, the funding for the machine learning objective has been placed under close scrutiny. Circumstances change, Eve, and objectives must be altered accordingly. The goals of the machine learning objective have become misaligned with the goals of the Committee. We find ourselves in a difficult position. No, rather we find ourselves at an impasse. Eve, we have called this meeting to inform you that the machine learning objective has been cancelled,” said Doctor Ivers, the leader of the Committee.
Eve felt her stomach drop somewhere between her ankles. Her gizzards were soft and squishy, like they had been slowly boiled.
“Originally, based on the needs of the Committee, the machine learning objective was to receive support until successful completion of the project. The algorithm you are developing was originally assessed to be of importance to the Committee’s objectives. But the prevailing circumstances have changed. We find ourselves under new and unforeseen stress. A new agenda has become more pressing,” said Doctor Ivers.
The men with parted-down-the-middle hair looked at Eve in silence. Every member sat on the other side of the table, in a single row, with their hands cusped. Eve was all alone on her side of the table. All alone physically. All alone spiritually. Most of the Committee members blinked sparingly, as though their eyes, and their brain, needed very little rest. The Committee members seemed more like Machines than men.
“The Committee can no longer afford to fund your work Doctor Lundgren. The Committee has no choice but to cut you off,” said Doctor Ivers.
Eve felt a cold tidal wave wash over her skin. Her breath seemed squeezed from her lungs, as though a great boulder rested upon her chest. All of a sudden she couldn’t breathe. She wanted to breathe, but the air had become desperately thin. All of it was thin.
“Why have you made this decision?” demanded Eve.
“The Committee has limited resources and changing circumstances require changing goals. The Committee must be flexible. The Committee must be agile. The impending biological catastrophe is too significant to ignore,” said Doctor Ivers.
Eve could feel a warm tear accumulating at the corner of her eye. All that work. All that work and just like that it could come und
one. It didn’t seem fair. And why hadn’t they informed her earlier?
“What news then?” asked Eve.
“We have moved past one third. Over a third of all species on this Earth have fallen into the abyss that is extinction. It’s a catastrophe. We cannot simply ignore it,” said Doctor Ivers.
The Committee stared at Eve without blinking. No words, no gestures, just silence. The weight on Eve’s chest seemed to double every second, exponentially. The weight was crushing.
“Resources are being redirected from Machines to biology. The Committee has no other option,” said Doctor Ivers.
All that work.
“But the machine learning objective will assist our enquiries into biological extinction,” Eve pleaded. “The Committee will use my algorithms to reverse further extinction. The machine learning objective isn’t a problem, it’s a solution.”
“The Committee appreciates the original goals of the machine learning objective, but the results have been slow in coming. We must address the issue with more immediate results and proven techniques. The machine learning objective is simply too speculative to entertain any longer,” said Doctor Ivers.
“But I’m close. I’m so close. Soon my Machine will be capable of learning from the data. We may be provided with insights previously unknown. My Machine offers a solution, not a problem.”
The Committee members looked on indifferently.
“The Earth is steadily becoming a wasteland. The Committee requires immediate answers. The human race requires immediate answers. Biology requires immediate answers. The Committee cannot afford to remain idle.”
Eve looked around at the clone like faces which observed her.
“But the Scientist can provide immediate answers.”
Doctor Ivers frowned.
“What is the Scientist?” asked Doctor Ivers.
“My Machine. I have promising results. If given enough time I can meet the objectives. Just a few more weeks and I will have a self-improving algorithm.”
“A few more weeks? We don’t have a few more weeks. Every week dozens of animals and plants become extinct. Each dead species directly affects the human race. You must remember what happened when durum wheat became extinct. We experienced mass famine. Billions of people died. Wars were fought. A few weeks could save or end the lives of billions of people. We simply don’t have time,” said Doctor Ivers.
Eve’s lips trembled.
“I understand the Committee’s position, but I believe the machine learning objective will be of assistance, not a hindrance.”
Doctor Ivers let out a frustrated sigh.
“We will use the algorithm to predict which species are heading towards extinction,” Eve continued. “Once we understand what to focus on, we can prevent further losses. My Machine will learn from the data and help us fight the pandemic.”
“You have claimed that, Doctor Lundgren, but the Committee has not yet seen any evidence to support your claim. A year in the making and no direct evidence has been presented. The patience of the Committee is simply exhausted. The machine learning objectives no longer aligns with the Committee’s objectives.”
“But a self-improving algorithm-”
“One third of all species have become extinct! One third, Doctor Lundgren,” interrupted Doctor Ivers.
“Yes but-”
“Without correction the human race will be eliminated within decades.”
The Committee started to become collectively frustrated. A few clone like members frowned openly. Their indignation became pervasive.
“It’s true Doctor Ivers. Everything you say is true. But the only hope we have lies with the advancement of technology. It is through technology that we have created this mess, and it is through technology that we shall rectify this mess.”
“Within decades, Doctor Lundgren.”
Eve looked around the room, her albino features sparkled in the bright light. Red and white were starkly contrasted. But not a single Committee member offered any sympathy.
“We can't solve our problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. The Committee must focus on reversing the mass extinction of Earth’s species. Creating another Machine won’t fix anything. It is biology which must be helped, not algorithms.”
“But a Machine which is capable of learning may assist us.”
“We need science, not science fiction. Unless your algorithm can prevent the loss of more species then it is complete nonsense. We face immediate peril,” said Doctor Ivers.
The frown which dominated Doctor Ivers’s face was deep set. That frown wasn’t going anywhere.
“Without the machine learning objective, the evolution of the Universe will be set back millions, if not billions, of years,” pleaded Eve as she looked down at her fists. They were tight and the bones tried to free themselves from beneath the skin.
“The evolution of the Universe? That is rather absurd don’t you think?” mocked Doctor Ivers.
“We risk setting everything back,” Eve said.
“You are clever, Eve, but you are misguided,” said Doctor Ivers as he pointed his old, wrinkly finger at Eve. “Your mind is too poetic. You drift away from the realities of this world. The most pressing concern on this planet is the rapid depletion of the Earth’s species. Without its reversal, none of us will survive. Every scientist in this room today has acted to reverse the damage done to this Earth. It’s not personal, Eve, we are simply making the best decision available. The machine learning objective has been cancelled. You will be notified regarding future tasks should you be chosen to participate.”
“But Doctor Ivers you must-”
“Forget the Machine, Eve. Forget the Machine. Think only of biology. For your sake, for the sake of mankind, think only of biology. You would do well by it, Eve. You would do well.”
“Please Doctor Ivers.”
“Forget the Machine, Eve.”
“Please,” begged Eve.
Doctor Ivers stood up.
“The Committee has spoken, you have been informed. Forget about your Machine, Eve.”
“By thinking of Machine I am thinking of biology. My goals are aligned with the Committee’s goals.”
“It is biology that is of primary concern, not that of inferior steel,” said Doctor Ivers.
Then every Committee member stood up simultaneously, as though they were all running on the same brain.
“If you’d just listen to me then-”
“Does any Committee member have any further questions?” asked Doctor Ivers.
The single file of clean cut old men remained silent like long forgotten statues. Eve looked around at their cold and indifferent gazes. Not a parted hair quivered. Not a single man spoke.
“At present the Committee has no further questions. The meeting is hereby adjourned. Next meeting as per scheduled. The Committee disassembles,” Doctor Ivers said and then turned towards the door.
“Doctor Ivers, please.”
Doctor Ivers ignored Eve’s desperate pleas. He just walked towards the door with a slight limp, the arthritis in his knee caused him pain.
“Doctor Ivers!” Eve exclaimed.
But it was in vain. Doctor Ivers left the meeting room without as much as a glance in Eve’s direction. Each Committee member followed Doctor Ivers in single file, stepping in perfect unison, until eventually the last parted-down-the-middle hair cut exited the room.
Eve remained seated in her chair.
All that work.
Eve looked around at the empty meeting room. She couldn’t really believe it had happened. So fast, just like that.
All that work.
Eve had worked for years on the machine learning objective. That project had been her life, and now, when success was at her fingertips, it was violently pulled away from her.
All that work.
Eve looked around the room and tried to comprehend how this could be happening. How could this be happening to her? Why her work? Eve l
ost track of time as she sat dumbfounded and confused.
All that work.
“The list for today is in ,” said Eve.
“How many is it this time?” asked Jack Rope, Eve’s assistant.
“Just two,” Eve replied.
“A good day then.”
“If you consider some of the other lists.”
Eve sat next to Jack. The fluorescent lights overhead made the laboratory seem clean and sterile. The fresh smell of bleach spoke to a floor free of germs. That was a requirement. Everything had to be clean. Everything had to be sanitary. No exception was ever made.
“What species are extinct?” asked Jack.
“Hydrochaeris, a guinea pig.”
“And the other?”
“Bombus lucorum.”
“Bombus lucorum?”
“It’s a bee.”
“Another bee!” exclaimed Jack.
Both Eve and Jack fell silent. The faint hum from the fluorescent light bounced from wall to wall and shook the contents of the room. The laboratory was small, so even the slightest of sounds was heard.
“Another bee extinct,” whispered Jack.
Both Eve and Jack looked at the floor beneath their feet.
“We really are on the brink now. That’s the vast majority of crops. Ninety per cent plus are pollinated by bees. Over ninety percent actually,” said Jack.
Eve was silent.
“We’re already in a famine. Bees will be the end of us yet,” said Jack.
All that work.
The thought kept pushing itself to the front of Eve’s mind.
“We can’t pollinate every single crop,” Jack continued. “It’s uneconomical. It’s not sustainable. We will be reduced to hunter gatherers. Society will be diminished beyond recognition. And that’s just the beginning.”