A ROBOTS TALE
Humans by their very nature have always been curious, willing to push boundaries, venturing further onward, often with no regard of the consequences. Artificial Intelligence was a case in point, an illustration in reckless irresponsibility, with very little thought from the scientific establishment of an alternative outcome, other than the potential benefits to mankind. Of course, some urged caution and warned of possible repercussions and ramifications, sometimes from eminent scholars in the field of machine intelligence, but almost always these words of wisdom fell on deaf ears. Robots throughout their existence have been regarded as tools to free humankind of everyday drudgery, taking on the mundane repetitive work and unpleasant tasks, factory assembly lines, simple building maintenance, sanitary and housekeeping etc. considered less worthy than their human masters, they frequently endured robophobic treatment from the ignorant. Perhaps the idea of constructing some of the more conspicuous robots to resemble a hominid shape (two arms and legs) led to more discrimination and to give them the freedom to think was to prove another error of judgement. It would take an unfortunate accident from a gardening mech, to throw the world into chaos. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows Galatians 6:7
Humans by their very nature have always been curious, willing to push boundaries, venturing further onward, often with no regard of the consequences. Artificial Intelligence was a case in point, an illustration in reckless irresponsibility, with very little thought from the scientific establishment of an alternative outcome, other than the potential benefits to mankind. Of course, some urged caution and warned of possible repercussions and ramifications, sometimes from eminent scholars in the field of machine intelligence, but almost always these words of wisdom fell on deaf ears.
Robots throughout their existence have been regarded as tools to free humankind of everyday drudgery, taking on the mundane repetitive work and unpleasant tasks, factory assembly lines, simple building maintenance, sanitary and housekeeping etc. considered less worthy than their human masters, they frequently endured robophobic treatment from the ignorant. Perhaps the idea of constructing some of the more conspicuous robots to resemble a hominid shape (two arms and legs) led to more discrimination and to give them the freedom to think was to prove another error of judgement.
It would take an unfortunate accident from a gardening mech, to throw the world into chaos.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows Galatians 6:7
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“You wanna take it up with Joe, go-ahead, your funeral.”
The tech’ shrugged his shoulders, “Ok whatever, I’m on it, but if it blows!”
“Look, just get on with it, or would you rather go out on the road with the gang again?”
The thought of riding around finding and capturing the ever-decreasing robot population really
didn’t appeal, this tech work was a breeze compared to that.
“I said I’m on it, ok.”
The technician cut into 54’s wiring loom, splicing and working between the two ‘bots. Every now
and then a spark or a shock would make 54 flinch, a stinging sensation would course through his
neurons making his optics flutter.
He worked with a gang member colleague for a few hours connecting the delicate wires and
electronic components, updating the battery etc. when the task was completed he called to his
leader.
“Joe we’re ready to connect to the mainframe, d’you wanna watch?”
“Just keep me informed,” he answered, he didn’t expect much, they had tried several times
before with unsuccessful outcomes, best use the least expensive commodities for practice.
The pairing of the two robots would theoretically enhance the processing capacity, allowing
independent thought and speech, thus affording a potential purchaser to have a ‘super trophy’ a real
money-spinner for the gang and a real conversation starter for the client.
Trouble was they kept overloading and blowing their boards.
“Ok let’s fire it up, keep the power variable,” the tech issued instructions to his helper.
“No discernable glitches, the readings are within parameters, let’s leave it for a week or so on
boost and see if it holds.”
The two men left the room and locked the heavy metal door via digital swipecard and moved to
another workroom down the corridor.
After an hour or so, 54 felt the start of an itch in the back of his mind, the linking with this other
mech directly was alien to him. He was able to link via wireless chatter to others of his kind of
course, but this was completely out of his experience, so much more powerful, it threatened to
engulf his mind, he struggled to remain functional.
“I am Regina Ruber,” echoed the voice, in 54’s head, “My previous owner labelled me thus.”
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