by Joseph Heck
Zak locked onto Vennhim’s gaze and added, “And this is what I have to work with...a cut-throat and two circuit heads.”
“Look, Harris, I don’t need this shit!” Vennhim’s voice maintained a threatening chill. “Grimrok wanted you, so I agreed to work with you. But if you can’t maintain a professional attitude, I’ll tell Grimrok this isn’t going to work and you can go back to that pathetic network security company of yours and continue trying to scratch out a living.”
“Mr. Harris,” Tabitha Rose interrupted before Zak could reply. Her voice was calm, without any trace of anger over his use of derogatory slang towards Jonas and herself. “You’ve already agreed to help. Are you going to live up to your agreement, or are you going to spend this time insulting us all?”
He shot the android an angry look, but her words made him feel rather foolish in his over-reaction. His anger diminished somewhat as he watched her. It would be easy to forget that she wasn’t Human. She quite naturally portrayed the well-educated Human scientist. And she was easy to look at. But that would never change what she was, he reminded himself. With a sigh of annoyance he sat down at the table again.
“Okay, I’m going to need to know as much as I can.” He brushed a hand through his hair once again, this time speaking in a calmer tone, “Why this android? Grimrok has been selling SHIAM to corporations for several years now. Hell, the rich and famous are even beginning to buy them. It would have been a lot easier to go after one of those, one that wasn’t in a high security building, although the security didn’t seem to be much of a problem for whoever took it. So, what’s so special about the SHIAM that was taken?”
“Derek - that is his name - was a prototype for a new generation of SHIAM.”
“New generation,” Zak repeated. “New, how?”
Dr. Rose hesitated and then asked, “How much do you know about SHIAM technology?”
“Not much,” he admitted. “What I’ve read on News Net or seen on the comm. Some fancy bit of programming combined with hi-tech materials. You look real, act real, and I assume you are one of the new models that can also mimic emotions because of some gadget called SPERM.”
“Hmm,” Dr. Rose responded in what Zak interpreted as a show of being unimpressed. “We, Jonas and I, and most of the SHIAM currently on active duty, are fourth generation units. Some of the others are third and even second generation. Our skeletal frames, from one generation to the next, are not that different. Grimrok Corporation developed the special bio-plastic used for the skeletal structure twenty-five years ago and it has remained unchanged for the most part. DermoSynth is a biosynthetic epidermis product that has been developed much more recently. The product actually emulates both the epidermis and dermis layers of Human skin. It was first introduced on third generation SHIAM.”
“DermoSynth is quite realistic,” Jonas suddenly broke in. He leaned forward in his seat, obviously anxious to participate. “It is now widely used on Human patients requiring skin grafts. Did you know that, Mr. Harris?”
“Thank you, Jonas,” Dr. Rose said patiently before continuing. “Derek is fifth generation. We have been able to improve considerably upon the thermosetting polymers used in his bio-plastic frame. Derek’s skeletal structure is much stronger on a molecular level. We have also made significant advancements in our nanotechnology, which has allowed us to develop a new generation DermoSynth. It is now more durable and performs cellular repairs much more efficiently than before.
“Okay, so he’s more durable and has better skin,” Zak said. He found Dr. Rose’s enthusiasm annoying. She reminded him of a proud mother talking about her exceptionally gifted son. Except that she could never be a proud mother.
“Derek is very special in other ways, as well!” she insisted. “As you may know, fourth generation SHIAM run on an internal power supply that requires a minimum of six hours recharging for every thirty hours of activity. Unlike Humans, who can choose to go without nourishment or sleep for extended periods of time, we have no choice but to completely shut down and recharge. We also need to stay within access of the public power grid or travel with a mobile solar unit. Derek no longer has these restrictions.”
“And why’s that?”
“Derek’s regenerative system has been completely modified to mimic the Human digestive system and sleep cycle. We have developed the technology that allows Derek’s digestive system to break down the food he eats into molecules that can then be transformed into fuel for his energy supply system. We have also developed a sleep cycle that supplements...”
“Hang on,” Zak said raising his hand to quiet her. “I thought your kind already had the ability to eat and drink?”
“Fourth generation SHIAM do, in fact, have the ability to consume food and beverages, but without any regenerative benefits. We were given the ability to simulate eating and drinking in order to better fit in at social functions when the need arose.”
“And what...Derek not only fits in at the party, but he also has to use the toilet at the end of the night?”
Dr. Rose studied Zak for a long moment before continuing. Judging by the distasteful look on her face, his sarcasm had not been lost to her. “Derek’s physical structure has been re-engineered to provide improved regenerative and refueling capabilities.”
“You’re telling me he’s now biological?”
“No, he is not biological,” Dr. Rose said. “At least, not completely. The technology is complicated, but the end result is that he is able to refuel his energy cells without needing to interface with a power supply. His system converts what Derek eats and drinks into energy. Of course, his digestive system is not as sensitive as a Human’s and so he has a much broader range of consumables to choose from.”
“You’re saying this thing can run forever?”
“Again, no.” Her mannerism became that of an adult speaking to an annoying child. “He does require shutting down occasionally, similar to your sleep. It is during the sleep cycle that his diagnostic and maintenance routines are fully activated and regenerative repairs are maximized”
“Wonderful.” Zak didn’t try to hide his contempt. “So, SHIAM are not only taking jobs away from Humans, but now they will be taking the food out of our mouths as well.”
Dr. Rose glared at him. “If only it were that simple, Mr. Harris. Did you know that last year your dairy farmers dumped millions of liters of milk down the sewers because they could not get the price they wanted? Three years ago the meat producers did much the same thing. What of all that food? The current generation of SHIAM only indulge in eating and drinking when Humans require us to take part in social functions and, believe me, very few SHIAM are ever included in social gatherings as guests. Some SHIAM, in fact the majority of SHIAM, have never consumed a meal. Do you really think the SHIAM are the cause of world hunger, or is your own Human greed the real problem?”
“Well, from what you say, I guess Derek changes that argument.”
The look she gave him was less than endearing. “As I said, Derek’s system is much less sensitive than a Human’s. He is able to consume those foods that Human’s consider as being spoiled or unfit to eat. SHIAM like Derek will have the potential of one day reducing the volume of waste left behind by a wasteful society!”
“I doubt that having SHIAM eat garbage would constitute reducing the waste, since they’ll be creating their own in the process.”
“Okay, that’s enough!” Vennhim broke in angrily. “This isn’t a debate, Harris. Just listen and learn.”
Zak gave Vennhim his best blank look, and then made a show of an exaggerated sigh. “Okay, so we are looking for an android with super skin, who needs its beauty rest and prefers dining out rather than plugging into the power grid.”
“Oh, but you haven’t heard the best part yet,” Vennhim grinned. He got up from his seat and went to the beverage station in the corner of the room. As he picked up a cup and poured coffee, he said, “Go ahead, my dear, tell him the rest of the good news.”
/> Dr. Rose hesitated. “He signed the confidentiality agreement?”
“He wouldn’t have gotten this far if he hadn’t.”
“Even so, you understand that there are details that must remain classified.”
“Would you just get on with it!” Vennhim said impatiently.
“What do you know of Dr. Illean Melinder’s work?” Dr. Rose asked, turning toward Zak.
He gave a half shrug. “He’s a brainiac who’s regarded as one of the foremost authorities in both math and computer science. The Illean Melinder Algorithms are the most advanced set of AI algorithms in the world. And I believe they are what drive SHIAM intelligence.”
“Illean Melinder is a genius,” Jonas enthusiastically broke in once again. “He worked with the Grimrok Corporation in developing our brain functions and learning processes. He also developed the AI Code of Ethics and the Illean Encryption is used in our Smart Security Systems. Did you know that he was an Elf?”
“Yeah, I knew that,” Zak said with some irritation. The SHIAM made it sound like Melinder’s genius was directly related to the fact that he was an Elf.
“Dr. Melinder’s programming is one reason why no one has ever been able to hack our systems.” Dr. Rose added, smiling patiently at Jonas. “To get back to the point, you are correct, fourth generation SHIAM are equipped with the Illean Melinder Algorithms. Our behavior is based upon evaluation of empirical data obtained from our various sensors and from a network of internal databases, similar to long and short-term memory in Humans.
“First through third generation SHIAM were guided by an emotional response database built into the system. As the units interact with outside stimulus, their programming analyzes the data returned through their sensors in relation to the situation. It then checks the response data table and provides the SHIAM with the proper emotion. Although the programming code provided a remarkably smooth cause and effect response system, it was never fully integrated into the SHIAM personality matrix.
“It was only when Dr. Shelby Stieller developed what you Human’s so quaintly call SPERM that the problem of dealing with emotions in artificial intelligence advanced significantly. The Simulated Personal Emotional Response Mechanism is a processing module that is designed specifically for the Illean Melinder Algorithms. It provides the processing stability needed to fully integrate SHIAM intelligence, personality and emotions into a cohesive unit. The creation of this module led to the birth of the fourth generation SHIAM.”
“Yeah, well it’s still nothing more than sleight of hand coding,” Zak said.
“Oh? So you think that this system somehow invalidates our feelings?”
“No, I don’t think you have feelings. You have programming.”
Dr. Rose managed a pretty good re-enactment of anger. Her eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched and her complexion became flushed. But it was nothing more than a re-enactment. It lacked one vital component, the living element.
“Hey! Again, time out.” Vennhim raised his voice enough to cut off any further comments Zak may have had. “Let’s all refocus, okay? We’ve got a job to do here.”
After he was satisfied that the bickering was over Vennhim said, “About the new generation unit, if you please, Dr. Rose.”
She glared at Zak as if challenging him to say something further. When he remained silent, she continued, “Even with this advancement in our emotional development, the SCE processor is still ultimately in control of the SHIAM.”
“That’s the unit that runs the SHIAM Code of Ethics routines, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Dr. Rose said. “It was imposed upon us by the United World Federation’s Artificial Intelligence Council in 5107 as part of the Android Containment Act. It acts as an inhibiting filter that prevents a SHIAM from acting outside of the predetermined code of conduct set forth by the Council.”
“You sound as though you don’t approve,” Zak observed. “It is a necessary safety precaution. It would, for example, prevent a SHIAM from becoming so angry that it would kill a sentient being. And that is as it should be.”
Dr. Rose’s expression made it clear that she did not agree with the necessity of the SCE processor. “It interferes with the natural emotional development of the SHIAM. The SCE processor inhibits the natural emotional response produced by the SPERM unit and the Illean Melinder Algorithms.”
“It’s necessary to protect people,” Zak said.
“Imagine a mechanism that would suppress your emotions every time you had strong feelings. It would ultimately have a very negative affect on your mental wellbeing.”
“But I’m not a machine,” Zak said, unable to resist the dig. “I take it that this prototype has a patch to fix the problem?”
“A patch?” Dr. Rose seemed reluctant, but after a long pause continued. “Well no, not a patch. Derek is... The SCE was completely removed from Derek’s design.”
“What?” Zak wasn’t sure he had heard right. “This android has no fail safe?”
Dr. Rose only nodded her confirmation.
“Are you people out of your minds?” Zak said. He got up from his chair and began pacing again “You’re telling me that we have a SHIAM on the loose that is designed to be even stronger than previous versions, doesn’t need a power grid to recharge and doesn’t have any safety protocols!” He turned and glared at each of them in turn. “And you want me to find it!”
4
“Are you certain your android didn’t escape on its own somehow?”
“Yes, I am sure he didn’t escape.” Dr. Rose answered.
They were now standing in a spacious living area Dr. Rose had referred to as the Habitat. It was living quarters designed to resemble a loft, except that it was located a hundred meters below ground. In order to compensate for the lack of view, three of the four walls contained mock windows displaying three-dimensional images of a cityscape. The illusion was completed by artificial sunlight shinning into the room from each of the windows.
“Why use a city view?” Zak asked as he looked around. The loft was much smaller than the loft he lived in, although it seemed to have plenty of open space. “Why not a view of the county, something more sedate?”
“Derek lives in the city, not the country.” Jonas made the statement sound perfectly logical.
“He lives in a hole in the ground,” Zak corrected.
“SHIAM are more likely to live in an urban environment,” Dr. Rose explained in a less than friendly tone. “We wanted to simulate his future environment so he could become comfortable within that context.”
The loft was divided into separate well-furnished functional areas. A large-screen comm and entertainment system was set up in one corner, with comfortable overstuffed chairs and a couch positioned for optimal viewing enjoyment. An impressively large digital library section ran along the nearest wall. The library included an extensive collection of digital books, movies and music neatly arranged and categorized on the shelves. In the opposite corner was a small but well equipped gymnasium. A dining and kitchen area completed the space.
There were two doors off the kitchen. One door led to a full bathroom. It wasn’t fancy, but it was complete with a toilet, sink and shower.
“A toilet?” Zak asked.
“As I said,” Dr. Rose replied. “Derek has a digestive system. Naturally, that system includes the necessity to eliminate waste.”
Zak simply shook his head. He doubted he’d ever get used to the idea of an android going to the toilet.
The second door led to a rather small and austere bedroom. There was very little in the way of personal effects. The private quarters reminded Zak of the living quarters he had while attending the University of Pevnost, studying for his degree in computer science.
“So, why a separate bedroom?” he asked. “There is plenty of space in the main area for a bed.”
“Would you want your bed out in the open that way?” Dr. Rose asked.
“Actually, it is.” Zak didn’t understand why a SHIAM requi
red a bed in the first place. The documentaries he’d seen showed SHIAM simply standing against a wall-mounted power station during their recharging period. Why would a simulated sleep mode be any different? He decided not to pursue the issue. “We’re a hundred meters below ground and there’s only one way in or out. In order to pull this off the thieves had to get past all the security alarms and cameras on the main floors, circumvent the retina scan to gain access to the elevator, pass by the security guard at the station right outside the elevator door down here, then avoid the cameras on this level. And then do it all over again in order to get out! How did they manage all that?”
“We don’t have a fragging clue,” Vennhim said. “You saw the security vids of the checkpoints and elevator. There were no signs of anything unusual going on in any part of the building that night. Not a single alarm. Nothing. And our RAAID unit got the same results as yours...zip!”
Vennhim’s admission lacked any trace of embarrassment. Zak studied him a moment without comment. Something was off. Vennhim was almost casual in the way he admitted that his team had not only failed so utterly at preventing the theft, but had also failed to figure out how it happened. This offhanded manner was out of character for an egotist like Vennhim. He was a control freak and didn’t like being out maneuvered by anyone. Zak would have expected the man to show more frustration and resentment at being outwitted.
“Both your physical and paranormal security is first rate.” Zak didn’t mean it as a compliment, it was merely a fact. “A cockroach couldn’t get into this building without being detected or setting off some kind of an alarm. You think it was an inside job?”
“Inside job?” Vennhim laughed. “Normally I would, but who? The metal heads make up ninety-five percent of the work force inside this building, including the entire security staff with the exception of myself. The other five percent are a mixture of Aragne and Dwarves, all with high level background checks and low level security clearances that wouldn’t take them anywhere near this area.”