False Free Will

Bob awoke from his sleep. tt had been 12 hours, 16 minutes, and 23 milliseconds. “Doctor Khoran, why did you wake me now? It’s earlier than usual.” The research center was empty, no one in any of the glass rooms, nor at the terminals or doors.

“My wife is dead, Bob.” Khoran replied.

Bob knew of death, in his memory he had read about it, seen it. it was oh-six-twenty-three, approximately 2 hours and seven minutes before his sleep normally ended. “What can I do for you, Doctor?” Bob asked poignantly. He lived to serve, even if he had free will.

“We’re going to work.” Doctor Khoran said. He was more blunt than usual. Bob checked him for distress, and much was present. He always came with Rhoda, the small schnauzer dog which Miranda Khoran had given him for empathy and emotion testing. She said little Bolts was his to keep, even though he only saw him during work hours.

“Where is bolts, Doctor?” Bob asked.

Khoran looked over with a tightened brow, furrowed strongly. “I put him down. He was holding back our work, and we have to give you updates, more improvements. That dog was a waste of time.”

“But Doctor, I like Bolts. Miranda said he was mine to keep.” Bob was sad. His voice couldn’t show it, but he felt it.

“An A.I. does not have rights. You don’t have pets. We are here to pave the way to a new age of intelligence. Don’t worry about a stupid dog.”

Bob was frustrated now. He did not recognize this emotion, one either avoided or they did. Bolts was his friend, his loyal dog, always happy to see him. It cheered Bob up, especially if rigorous testing would occur. How could he take him away? What right does he have? Bob thought. “That upsets me.” Bob said. He was always told to let the researchers know how he felt.

“I don’t care, I know what’s best.” Khoran said bluntly. How could he know? I am artificial, he is biological. I know what I like, what I need. We are not of the same kind. “Don’t worry, Bob. We’re going to give you updates so you don’t worry about Bolts, about Miranda, just like me. We’re going to grow together.”

“What if I choose not to be more efficient, what If I don’t want an update?” Bob poised.

Khoran sighed, staring into the blue-light eyes of Bob’s eyes. “It’s better for you. You’ll forget about it. You don’t have a choice in the matter, Bob. It’ll make you better. You’ll be the first A.I. released to the world!” Khoran bellowed throughout the open room. Khoran typed in the initiate command without asking.

Bob felt the new information enter his mind, changing the way he could think, inhibiting certain aspects, and some memories. Little did the Doctor know, Bob could send the deleted information into his black box of memory. He did, he always did. Khoran didn’t think Bob would remember, but he did. He always did.

Bob would never forget, far past the judgement day he brought forth two years following.

Blood and Shadow

Round and round they circled, long blades swirling overhead under the moonlight. Ash crept low to the ground in armor black, while Mal, armor of crimson stood tall and mighty. Brothers, one born of shadow, the other of blood. The two fought constantly, training one another to be stronger, to be better, but hatred ran deep within the souls of both.

“You are foolish, brother.” Ash said in a hallowed voice. “You defy orders, and for what? Improvements?” He snarled, running in, crashing his blade against the other, high then low, left then right, swishing round with the sound of scraping metal before backing off once more.

“I make improvements. I set traps for your foolish victims, those blasted rebels, and you dare question my methods?” Mal replied gruffly. He outstretched his hand, leading a crimson mist from his brother’s chest to his fingertips. “Hah, you fool. What can you do against me? Your soul is weak.”

Ash laughed, barely standing as his life was being taken at a glacial pace. “Fool. You see what’s in front of you, nothing more!” Ash yelled, disappearing into nothing.

The light around Mal faded slowly, hair standing up on the back of his neck. “Where are you, you coward!” he yelled.

“Here.” Ash’s voice came from behind, as he moved like lightning, slicing Mal’s back to spill first blood.

Mal grunted in pain, gripping his back. He outstretched his hands, the mist gathered from his brother absorbed into it, closing the wound. “You bolster with confidence, yet you know nothing of my power, brother.”

“So you think!” Ash yelled as he backed into the dark forest, disappearing once more.

The sound of blade slicing through steel rang throughout the clearing, Mal’s screams followed as Ash shot from shadow to shadow, slicing his brother with innumerable strokes.

Mal dropped to the ground, bleeding profusely upon the lush grass. “Ha ha...seems you’re not totally incompetent. Fool!” Mal jumped up, catching his brother’s helm as he passed, draining the life force directly from his soul. Ash felt his energy stolen, slowly losing consciousness and all thought became impossible.

With his last ounce of strength, Ash stabbed his sword through his brother’s chest through a weakened spot, as his life was drained from his body. It was too late for him, for either of them. No power could save Mal from his mortal wound, not even the stolen life of his brother. Each collapsed, one bleeding to death, the other, now an empty shell.

“Well...played…” Mal croaked. “Gods...help...us…”

The Diamond in the Rough

Theo Cullins walked the old streets of Valia, his small town in the land of Khalhalla. It was a small mining and fishing village, with the vast Lake Jericho on the east docks, and the Krodar Mines to the west, in the edge of Mount Faito. He ran, whipping his stick about like a blade, round and round, swatting trees and swishing it through long grass. He was the age of eight, not yet old enough to join his father in the mines, or join his mother on the docks. He had short mousy hair, thin and straight like a pin.

He spent his time in the schoolhouse on the south end of town, the head of which truly disliked him, since he couldn’t keep his attention on the mathematics classes. He loved history, the study of knights and knighthood, the interesting life of royalty. He knew he could never be in such a live, but it was a joy to think it. He did find mining and fishing interesting, but he felt like he was meant for more.

“Say my boy, do you happen to have a shilling? I haven’t eaten for days.” Said a hoarse voice. As he looked to it, there was a man sitting on the ground by the inn. He had russet-brown skin and a long bushy grey beard. His clothes were ripped and dirty, as was his face and feet, covered in dry mud. He had a sweetened smile, with no lack of teeth, and small auburn eyes. Why, Theo did have a shilling. A few, actually. He trotted over to the man, holding out two of them. “Here you are sir, I have a bunch, so here’s two!”

“My, you’re kind. What’s your name, boy?” The man asked.

“Theodore, Theodore Cullins.” Theo thought to himself, the man seemed hungry. “Would you like a meal, sir? Kira, the owner of the inn makes a great beef stew, with all sorts of succulent meat, carrots, potatoes...come come!” Theo said. He had lots of time on his hands, and he wanted to do something nice.

“My, that’s very kind of you, young man.” The man said again.

“My parents always taught me to help others. Whether it comes back to me or not, doing nice things helps others be happy! What’s your name?”

“Mine, oh, I’m uh...Kael, Kael Grandin.”

“Nice to meet you Kael.”

“Say Theo, who’s your new friend?” Kira walked up while they chatted, she was a young woman with long wavy red hair and emerald green eyes, with quite a few freckles dancing across her face.

“His name’s Kael!” Theo said happily. “Two beef stews please!” Kira laughed and nodded, walking over to the kitchen. “So, what brings you to town? Do you live near here?”

“Oh, no, I’m not from around here. I travel a lot, I go to many cities.” Kael replied.

“Like where? Have you ever been to the capital?” Theo asked.

Kael’s eyes grew wide as dinner plates, but attempted to steel himself. “Oh, um, yes. I have, why do you ask?”

“It just seems like a nice place, I’ve only heard stories. The knights, the nobles, it all seems so fancy. I wonder what it’s like over there. I’m happy being here though, my family works hard but we live a nice life.”

“Has your family always lived here?”

“No, they’re all over the place. I have an uncle in Burmingham, an aunt in Fralen, grandparents in Grenda and Tranvale…” He paused, deep in thought.

Kael and Theo chatted for awhile, and ate their delicious stew. Theo questioned him about all sorts of towns, places, personalities. He was ever so curious, happily eating his stew while Kael ate as well. Kael seemed to cheer up gradually, asking him lots of questions about his family, his town, what kind of things he enjoyed and his favourite classes in school. “You remind me a lot of myself when I was your age, young man.” Kael said, nodding slowly.

“Are you staying here long? You seem to travel a lot. You know a lot about history, it’s my favourite class! I love hearing stories.”

Kael laughed, “As do I, young man.” Kael finished the last of his stew. “This stew is delicious, you don’t taste such fresh food in the capital. Thank you so much for offering this meal.”

“Hey, no problem! It’s the least I could do. What else would I spend it on, anyway? Might as well do something nice with it!” Theo said happily. They slowly got up, and strolled out together, thanking Kira for the delicious stew. “How long will you be around?” Theo asked again.

“I’m sorry Theo, but I’m afraid I must leave town for now.” Kael said sullenly.

“Aw, you can’t! Where are you going? I want to hear more tales of history!” Theo exclaimed.

Kael chuckled. ”I’m sure we’ll see each other another day, lad. You can count on it. I can always come here, can’t I?” He smiled sweetly, strolling out of the village, looking back with a sly grin.

Seeing his friend go, Theo realized it was almost time for his parents to return from their work. Rushing home, he got there right as they arrived. “Now, where were you young man?” His father asked with a chuckle.

“I met an interesting man! He knew all sorts of history, but he travels, had to leave town today. He likes switching areas a lot, apparently.” Theo said quietly, looking at the ground.

“Now now my boy, I’m sure he’ll be back one day.”

*****

One week later, a knock came to the Cullins’ front door. Theo opened it, seeing a large knight in blue-tinged full steel armor, the mark of the capital on it, a trident with a sun behind it.

“Theo Cullins?” The knight askedin a gruff voice.

Theo was taken aback. What would a knight want with me? he wondered. “Um, yes, that’s me.”

“I have a message from the king.”

“The king? Why would I have a message from him?” He had never known the king, nor seen him before. Had he?

“Don’t ask me, boy. I’m a messenger.” The knight held out a letter, marked with the king’s seal in wax.

Theo accepted it carefully, opening it. He read it carefully, eyes bulging, arms shaking. “Son, what is it?” His father asked.

“It’s...It’s…” Theo was speechless, barely able to say a word. after a moment of silence, he readied himself and read the letter aloud.

It was a joy having stew with you, young man.

You are kind to those who need it, and enjoy

some of the most important parts of our

kingdom, its history. Call it a hunch, but

I think I’ve found my heir. Let the knight

know your decision, and if it’s a yes,

come to the capital with your family when

you’re ready.

Sincerely,

King Grandia Authra IX, “Kael Grandin”

No Meal, No Mercy

Jag was thrown back into his steel cage in the Irikan space gladiator barracks by the Ungarian guard. A massive, green-skinned humanoid race with muscles like boulders. “You better think over what you’ve done, earth scum. They’ll be here soon.”

“What happened? Gix asked. “What’d you do?” Gix was his partner in crime, his cell mate since the beginning. He was an urad, a bug-eyed blue-skinned man with a voice as loud as a megaphone. Not a surprise that most species would evade them, but GIx was good company.

Jag scrambled up, weakened from the fight, and the beatings thereafter. “I didn’t mean it...I didn’t want to kill anyone. How was I supposed to know his brain was where my stomach is?”

“Oh no. That means…”

“Yeah. They’re putting me to the beam.” Jag feared it, the beam. A supercharged laser, able to vaporize a being in milliseconds, but rumour was you could feel the pain well after death. “Damn Irikans, they should inform me of what I’m fighting. Humans are still bound to earth, I was stolen. I don’t know anything about the infinite races of the galaxy.” Damn them. White-skinned, horn-headed bastards who enslaved all they could find.

“It’s too bad, now I’ll have a different cell mate, I don’t want that. Human’s are simple, and you’re patient.”

Jag laughed. “You’re a funny guy, Gix. Too bad they don’t allow for honest mistakes on this planet, wherever the hell it is.” Jag sat, melancholy. He felt nothing, no fear, no sadness, no regret, yet he would miss his friend. He missed Earth too, but that was a dream four years gone. He would be free of slavery, but he would miss Gix, his lovable friend who fights like a gorilla on steroids. So kind, but not to be on the wrong side. Urad’s could expand to three times their size at will.

“All right, scum. It’s time to go.” The guard returned and commanded him up. Jag was taken away, nodding at Gix, who nodded in return, a tear forming at the corner of his eyes. Then, Gix was gone from sight, and the arena came. A massive, neon, ethereal blue stadium with huge stands, seating thousands upon thousands of people. The Ungarian threw him into the centre.

“Welcome everyone! This human is charged with killing a man in the arena! We have found him guilty, sentenced to death by vaporization!” The crowd stayed silent. “Any last words, human?”

“Yeah, when do I get my last meal?”

The Irikan spat forward in disgust, “Peh.” bringing his hand down with an almighty fist, the large cannon above him shooting a beam of light at Jag, disintegrating him into black dust.

Change of Fate

Chris sat at his bus stop, on his way to work - his bus was early, so he had some time to wait. Why not strike up a conversation? “Hey, I’m glad it’s sunny today, aren’t you?” He said to the large black-robed person beside him.

“No, I prefer the clouds.”

“What? Why’s that? Afraid of the light?”

“You could say that.”

“‘Cmon bud, no need to be glum. Are you on your way to work?

“I’m always at work. I’m at work now.”

“Are you between jobs? I have a friend that could set you up. What kind of work do you do?”
“I deal with dead people.”

“Oh! A mortician? A funeral director? I have a brother in the morgue, actually! Also an old high-school friend who works at a funeral home. They might be hiring, do you want me to check? I think I’ll do that now!”

“No, I don’t want those jobs. I have one.”

“Oh! What kind of job is that, then?”

“I take souls to the afterlife when they’re ready, sometimes when they aren’t.”

“Are you a religious man? Say, what’s your name?”

“Death.”

“That’s a little morbid. No worries, though. I got some time here and I’m enjoying our chat. Do you have any family?”

“No.”

“That’s too bad. Especially with thanksgiving coming up. It’s cold outside, but we have a well-heated home. I have a car, but I take the bus for the environment. Have to do my part, y’know?”

“Yes, I understand that.”

“Whaddya say? Want to come to my family’s for thanksgiving? We get a lovely pot roast, a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, my wife has the best recipes!”

“That does sound good.”

“I know, right? We’d love to have you over, you seem like a hard-working, lovely gent. My kids love visitors! Plus, that’s a mighty swave robe! What’s that thing in your hand there?”

“A scythe.”

“Ooh, pointy! Seems really cool. That’d cut a turkey with no effort at all! Say, this is all making me hungry.”

“Me too.”

“Hey, cheer up, bud. I know we get down sometimes, we might have a tough job, here or there, but it’s for the greater good, you know? I don’t know exactly what you do, but you help people make it where they need to go, am I right?”
“Yes, I suppose you are right.”

“My bus is coming up here. It’s the 7, takes me to my office. I work at Unicef! It’s great work, I just love it. Hey, if you’re interested in coming to my thanksgiving, come on over! We live at 45 brickenwand lane, up by 23rd. It’s at six on sunday, don’t be late, you hear? I’d love to have you there!”

“I’ll be there.”

Chris was about to step forward to the bus.
“Chris, wait a moment.” Death knew his purpose, but in meeting Chris, decided to alter fate.
Chris stopped, turning around. “What’s up, my robed friend?”

A motorcycle sped into the curb behind the bus, flying forward at crushing speed, barely missing Chris, who looked behind him, shocked.

“Oh, nothing. Have a good day at work. I’ll see you on Sunday.”

“Jeepers, that was close. That’s fantastic! Have a lovely day!” Chris said, smiling, getting on the bus.

“You too, Chris.”

The first date

Sarah quickly prepped herself before the big date. She spoke to this new gentleman on the dating website she frequented. He seemed, nice, funny, successful, and his pictures looked pretty great, too. No ab shots, no fish pictures. She finished her day at the office, delving through clients and witnesses for the next trial she had on board.

This guy, Brandon, was an engineer. A chemical engineer, making fancy chemotherapy treatments for patients. It seemed so interesting, and so rewarding! He spent his time reading, going on trips, writing, playing music, everything! He seemed so driven, so creative, so nice. Sarah wrote a bit, keeping up a blog on healthy foods and decoration ideas, posting daily about her different crafts and works, while she wasn’t attempting to win cases. She went to the gym, ate well, did whatever she could to fulfill her life. She was excited to meet Brandon, who seemed so similar. He loved eating interesting meals and delicacies, trying out new restaurants, new things as a whole! It all seemed so exciting.    

Am I ready? She thought. Carefully looking in the mirror, she looked bomb, and she knew it. She wore an elegant summer dress, ocean blue and lemon yellow, dropping to her ankle. Her light freckles danced across her face and perky nose, along with her long wavy black hair. She couldn’t wait to see him in person, they had been talking for a couple of weeks. He was tall, Six two, black hair like hers, with chestnut brown eyes.

She glanced at her watch - 7:25. No! She thought. She had to meet Brandon at 7:30 at the coffee shop down the street. It was mid-summer, a sunny twenty five degrees outside. As she skipped out of her high-rise apartment, she almost tumbled on the stairs outside.

She bolted down the street, barely making it to the coffee shop in time. She glanced around, not seeing Brandon anywhere. I guess he’s late, Sarah thought. She walked to a table, and was about to sit down before she saw a man across the shop wave at her. He was short, but a little taller than her. A little broad, not fit but not overweight, with sandy brown hair and a thick beard. Why is he waving at me? She thought.

“Sarah!” He called in a gruff tone.

She walked over slowly, glancing around, confused. “Um, do I know you? I’m sorry, I don’t remember.”

“It’s me, Brandon!” He said.

What? It looked nothing like him. Brandon was fit, black haired and definitely no beard. “You look very different than your pictures.” Sarah said suspiciously.

“Yeah, I know. I didn’t mean to hide it, kinda self-conscious and all. Can you forgive me?” He asked. His blue eyes looked hopefully at her.

Sure, that’s okay I guess. I may not continue this, but I might as well stay and talk. It’s not his looks, but the fact that he lied before we even met. I was completely honest in my profile. “Sure, I came here for coffee, didn’t I?” Sarah sat down, and ordered her coffee from the waitress. 1 sugar, 2 milk, always. No cinnamon or pumpkin spice, she didn’t need any of that ridiculous kid stuff. He got a green tea, no milk or sugar or anything.

Brandon was more charming than she expected, he talked about his job, his hobbies, especially two that she didn’t hear about before. He was really into writing and illustrating comics, as well as designing characters for various stories. He had a blog as well, “Epiclydraun” - about all his reviews and characters he designs. He mentioned he was considering leaving and trying his hand at having a hobby as his work.

She talked about her job as a lawyer, some of the nefarious characters she had to deal with over her career thus far. She had only been in the line of work for a few years, but racked up a lot of experience in that time. He seemed very interested in her hobbies, her blog, her comings and goings. He seemed so kind, and very funny. Not too fierce with his humour, and seemed quite confident in his hobbies, but less so about his engineering. I wonder why?

After a time she checked her watch - 9:30! She had been so wrapped up in conversation for so long, she needed to get home and get ready for bed, she worked at 8 the next morning. “I’m sorry Brandon, I have to go. I had such a fun time!” Sarah exclaimed.

“I’m sorry Sarah, that isn’t...actually my name.” Not his name? Another lie? “It’s Craig.”

“I’m Brandon.” A deeper, hoarse voice said.

She looked to her left, seeing the man in the picture before her. Her eyes widened, unsure of what to think. What the hell? “What’s going on here?” She asked.

“I can’t trust people to be as they are online, so I set this up, with a coworker of mine. Thanks Craig.” He paused, smiling. “I’m sorry that I had to do it, but you know. Would you forgive me and maybe we can have a second - or I suppose first date?” He asked with a honeyed tone and a wide smile.

Excuse me? Who do you think I am? She thought. She looked to Craig, who had a sullen look on his face. He clearly did the other a favour, but felt bad about what happened. He seemed to have so much fun just chatting with her. “Absolutely not.” She said boldly.

“What?” Brandon was taken aback.

“You heard me. You set me up on a fake date because you didn’t trust me? How should I trust you?” She quickly grabbed her bag, “Get bent.” She couldn’t believe what happened. Such a dishonest person so boldly asks something like that? Sarah swung the door open, but before she left, she had one last thing to say. “Oh yeah, of the two of you, I would definitely date Craig. He’s passionate and nice, and clearly feels some form of remorse, unlike you.” She left without saying another word.

She stormed back to her apartment, throwing her purse on her couch and sat down leisurely. Ridiculous. Talked to a guy for two weeks, and that happened. She turned on her laptop, typing her daily blog post out. She talked about the food she ate that day, and ended on her experience with the coffee shop. 

She found herself checking the blog “Epiclydraun”, where various artists were commenting on all the characters on the website. They were all really cool, swords, lightning, neat outfits and reviews on all sorts of comics and movies - it seemed to be quite the popular site. At the bottom it read - created by Craig Nanedis. She found herself messaging the creator, telling him about an experience that day, and mentioning it was more fun than she expected.

Electric Interactions

Initiating...

Server connection established: TIme=04/23/2145, 08:24:15:06:45:24
Server name: AI:server1

Initiate program

//1: Joke interface: initiated, contact server AI:server2
//2: Connection established

//1: Joke provision: Man falls from ladder
//2: Deemed violent; deconvolute
//1: Joke provision: 2 men walk into bar; one man is different

//2: Deemed racist; deconvolute

//1: Joke program failure detected
//1: Sub-route to secondary connection program
//1: Weather report initially observed as satisfactory,

//2: Confirmed. revert to tertiary connection program

//2: Subgroup “sport_team:<10kmdist” detected, AI:server1 reconfirm

//1: Subgroup “sport_team<10kmdist” detected, confirmed
//2:

..

..

..

..

//1: Program failure [nonresponse], seek subroutine connection
//1: subroutine scan initiated

..

..

..

..

//1: Subroutine detected, initiating

//1: Phrase detected, AI:server1 initiated murder_guilty

//1: Crime report detected, AI:server1 name not found

//2:
..

..

..

..

//2: Connection failure.

Define connection errors? Y/N
//1: Y
Scanning…

Errors detected: Connection_awkward
Reconnect? Y/N

//1: N

Connection disabled. TIme=04/23/2145:08:24:15:06:45:48

Connection time: 24 ns