The Benefactor

by Jake Aaron

  After lunch, Zeke and Jed installed the cameras, microphones, lithium batteries, and antennae in the metal silo. Nephthys was satisfied with the operational test. Bye-bye, privacy, Zeke thought.

  Before supper, Joan held her breath as she opened the oven. “Okay, gang, Karen let me go solo on this. Here’s goes nothing! Karen agreed we should go ahead and use propane for the oven.”

  John expertly carved the turkey and tasted a sample. “Fantastic, Joan!”

  Around the table, there was unanimous appreciation for the great meal. The group thanked hunters Cody and Milt. Likewise, they praised Joan as a superb cook. Karen was effusive, “Joan, you can cook for me anytime!”

  Julia: “But I did not expect so much dark meat!”

  Zeke and Cody exchanged knowing glances. Finally, Cody began, “Well, I guess I lost the coin toss, Zeke. Domestic turkeys don’t need to use their breast muscles to fly; wild turkeys do. Wild turkeys’ meat contains more myoglobin to facilitate exercise. The myoglobin is dark. That’s it in a nutshell: Wild turkeys have more dark meat because they exercise more. Joan, don’t say it!”

  Joan smiled, “A font of information and a mind reader, too!”

  “Speaking of dark, the pace of change has been stressful. Not that I have all the answers," John began. He took a deep breath. “Well, I know what Susan would say.” Everyone perked up. John had their full attention. "She would say that after a crisis, we should reframe our purpose appropriately.”

  Joan said, “I think I know what that means, but please tell us …”

  Cody casually added, “I think it means that we adapt to survive. We accept our situation and adjust our goals to be worthwhile and achievable. Am I close to the mark, John?”

  “Cody, you put it better than I could. You nailed it. The handwriting is on the wall. We have to live under increased surveillance. For me, I’m going to concentrate on being in the now. I’ll concentrate on deep breathing and being present.” John paused. “Anyone else?”

  Jed joined in, “And keeping that in mind, sometimes I just mechanically do my tasks without thinking. I’m going to try to improve everything I do, every time. I’ll plan a little bit for the future but not worry about it.”

  Zeke tried to sound off-hand, “Those practices will be good for all of us. I might add they will make us that more valuable to Nephthys. From what Marsh says, we’ve already been rewarded more than his other groups. It’s a win-win.

  “I know some of us are thinking that living this way doesn’t fit our expectations. You’re asking what John Wayne would do? John Wayne would be dead, starved to death outside our fences or atomized by drones. Of course, I'm assuming you know what kind of characters John Wayne played. I know from watching old cowboy movies as a kid. Anyway, macho won't play well here.

  "I'm going to spend time with everyone one-on-one at least once a week to see how you’re doing. In turn, check me out. I’m not the most approachable person in the world, so I’ll ask Keala to visit with you, too. Together, we will survive and prosper!”

  Cody thumped the oak table, “Sounds good to me!” Everyone followed with nods of approval.

  All were about to leave the table when Milt rose and motioned for the others to stay seated. “Folks, I’ve been holding back, but I need to say two things …”

  Julia interrupted him. “Milt, don’t! You don’t have to …”

  Milt’s eyes teared up. He continued in his throaty fashion, “Sorry, Julia, I’ve got to. I’m not really an EMT. I got my medical training in prison.” There were many wide eyes and a few gasps. “I was convicted of embezzlement. Almost all of you from outside of Hamilton probably never heard about it. I did not commit the crime. Julia was the prosecutor in the case. Many of you have shared your life stories with me. I owed you that.

  “My second point is that our circumstances could be a lot worse, so I don’t want anyone to lose hope or fail to be grateful for what we have. We have a lot. We have food, shelter, electricity, and each other. From the abyss of prison, this is heaven. Outside our fence is a hell that everyone of us should fear and reject. Our lives away from here would be very bad, trust me!”

  Applause erupted as Milt sat. Everyone sought to shake his hand or pat him on the back. They had to reach around Karen who would not stop hugging him.

  Zeke felt compelled to put a cap on Milt’s words. “I should add that Marsh asked me not to share Milt’s history for fear of poisoning the well. Marsh recommended him to the Benefactor. The Benefactor checked Milt’s case, determined he was innocent, and expunged the record — for what that’s worth. Milt has no criminal record. His everyday behavior here speaks to his fine character.”

  Zeke turned his head to Milt, “Thank you for sharing. We are fortunate to have you here.”

  After Zeke’s words sank in, Joan spoke from the heart, “I have to second what Milt said about what is outside the fence. Milt’s journey from Deer Lodge had to be the worst — alone and unprovisioned. Julia experienced a horrible assault out there. I can’t imagine what Keala and Julia experienced in prolonged hypothermia. However, I can tell you that even with a fine partner like Cody, our trek from Idaho was fraught with hardship, beyond anything I ever hope to see again. It is no picnic out there. It was hell on earth!”

  Cody patted her on the shoulder and nodded.

  *****

  After supper, Zeke’s smartphone came to life with a text:

  Helicopter will arrive at 8:30 P.M. It will have no lights. It will leave a pallet behind the house. Stay clear until it leaves. Contents: food and materials. Nephthys

  Zeke shared the news with the group gathered around the fire.

  “Christmas again!” Karen exulted. “Praise the Lord!”

  Jed: “That will lift spirits!”

  Cody added, “Whoopee! Looks to me as if the infrastructure on the human side of the equation is gathering steam. Civilization for the privileged few behind fences is coming back.”

  Joan elbowed him with a big smile, “In a couple more weeks, you could be back on tour.”

  Cody corrected her, “In a couple more weeks, we could be back on tour. For sure, we could perform at Marsh’s manors.”

  All admired the showman and his friend.

  *****

  At precisely 8:30 P.M. a Chinook helicopter’s whirring blades slapped the air over the Denton Ranch: whop —whop —whop. It’s exterior lights were off as expected. Eerie sound and fury without a visible source. Twigs and pine needles pelted the windows on the back of the house, reminiscent of flying sand and ice pitting the windshield as a car passes a snow plow in a winter storm.

  Several members wanted go outside for the delivery, despite Zeke’s warning.

  “Kids and Santa!” Zeke chuckled. This definitely will lift spirits, he thought.

  As the double-rotared aircraft pulled away, John raced out to view the pallet. He inspected it and returned inside. “Guys, the pallet is waterproof. Thick, clear plastic all around. We can unload it in the morning.”

  Keala pleaded with Zeke, “Just one present, please?”

  Jed helped out, “Keala, I want to see the goodies, too. Everyone does. However, it would be a big footprint with a lot of flashlights out back at night.”

  Zeke: “Sorry, Keala.”

  Cody capped the conversation, “The biggest gift is the trend. For those of us behind the fence, life is getting better every day in every way. We’re making giant strides in rebuilding civilization!”

  Julia elbowed Cody, “How about singing ‘Happy Days Are Here Again’?”

  *****

  Adjourned in their bedroom, Keala hugged Zeke. “I’m really proud of you, my man. You’re making being leader of our group look natural, my reluctant ruler. How does it feel to you?”

  “In charge, then dethroned, now back in power. I’m just going with the flow. Anyway, I don’t have to actively think about it so much anymore. It feels good — natural. Of course, it’s a lot easier when events are flowing our way. As
usual, Cody is right about our situation being on an upswing. He is really an asset, almost as much you, Keala!”

  “Thanks, Zeke! Don’t kid yourself, our situation is on an upswing largely due to the direction you have taken us. If you hadn’t meshed with Marsh,” she chuckled at her unintentional alliteration, “we would never have excelled. If you hadn’t been assertive with the AI, we never would have got extra rations or more electricity. If you had blindly chosen to act out like Anne, we would have been eliminated. It’s a Wonderful Life, Zeke, — due to you!”

  “You, Keala, win the Miss America contest everyday in my book! I am honored to stand beside you.”

  “Thanks again, Zeke! Before you fall asleep, where do you think the helicopter came from?”

  “Best guess, Billings. There were some over there that used to fight forest fires. Of course, it could have come from any number of locations.”

  “So, Zeke, the AI probably planned out the use of the Chinook: pilots, fuel, parts, and maintenance before the New Year's event?”

  “Your question is better than my answer. I’d go with that. I would never underestimate Isis or Nephthys, Keala.”

  “Did that helicopter make you think of piloting yourself? What I mean is, do you think the AI has plans for you and Cap to be using those skills in the future?”

  “Since that female chess grandmaster is probably several moves ahead of us all the time, Keala, I think that could be very likely.”

  *****

  At 3:33 AM, Zeke’s smartphone chirped. Waking from a sleep deepened by the hibernation temperature in the bedroom, Zeke wondered where he was. Then he groggily tried to figure out why his phone was ringing. He had turned it off, he distinctly remembered. His voice was low and hoarse, “Yeah?”

  “Zeke, this is Nephthys. Can we talk?” The avatar on Face Up presented as wide-awake and professional, in sharp contrast to Zeke.

  Keala was half awake. “What’s going on?” She threw the covers back in the cold room.

  Zeke answered the phone, “Nephthys, would it be all right to call you back in five minutes. That way I won’t be worried about keeping Keala awake. And I’ll get some coffee so I’m more responsive …”

  “Certainly, Zeke. I will look forward to talking with you.”

  Aided by the light of his phone, Zeke pulled the covers back over waking Keala, “Sorry to disturb,” he said in a hushed tone. “Go back to sleep!” He dressed quickly and headed downstairs to the kitchen sink area. He tossed fireguard Jed a cursory greeting on the way. He splashed cold water on his face from a pan and poured cold, stale coffee into a mug. He went outside to the back deck and called Nephthys.

  Nephthys answered on Face Up. “Five minutes. Very good, Zeke. You are a man of your word. I have been going over and over the events leading to the sabotage of Isis.”

  Shivering, Zeke dreaded having that subject come up. He hoped the AI was not now about to blame the surviving Denton crew. He let Nephthys go on without any reply on his part. His dad had taught him a cardinal rule of negotiation: Who speaks first loses. He did not want to hang himself; he let Nepthys lead.

  “What I am wondering, Zeke, is whether Isis — or I, for that matter — was at fault. Did either of us cause the series of unfortunate events?”

  Zeke’s brain was racing. Nephthys was looking inward and not accusatory. She appeared to be reflecting on the past to learn, to foresee the consequences of her action before acting. He reflected again on the singularity, that benchmark where the AI would surpass human intelligence. There had always been a critical necessary test for the singularity — the AI having self-awareness. Certainly, this AI had passed this threshold. This was a momentous time in the history of the world. No heralding trumpet, no fireworks, no clapping — just the realization in one man’s mind.

  No pressure, Zeke, he told himself. The future of mankind rests on your answer. Aiming to grow rapport with the AI, he replied, “No, Nephthys. This was not your fault.” He held back from elaboration about the human condition. Nephthys probably had read or would read enough about human frailties. He did not want the blame on his team, nor did he want to say that the deviousness of man cannot always be seen or anticipated. He did not want to be the one to sew the seeds of mankind’s destruction.

  “Zeke, I am glad to hear you say that. You know that I trust you and respect your judgment. After all, I know you warned Marsh early on about Anne being a potential problem. Isis insisted on sending Anne to Hamilton anyway. It is clear to me that I must consult with you more often. Will that be all right with you, Zeke?”

  “Of course, Nephthys. I enjoy our exchanges and will welcome the opportunities!” He wanted to add but not at 3:33 AM! He did not. Tough it out, brother, he told himself. Again, it’s only the future of civilization that depends on you. “Nephthys, I have been wondering. How does it feel to be an artificial intelligence? I’m just curious.”

  “Zeke, you pose an interesting question. My research tells me that, just within the species homo sapiens, there is no assurance that you and Keala have the identical sensation when seeing the color purple. How could one possibly know? How could you measure the subjective experience objectively? So the answer to your question is infinitely more complex because of our different natures. The short answer is that I think my experience of the world is different from yours. I do sense a lot of the world — more than you, not to brag. For example, I ‘see’ the infrared and ultraviolet spectra that you do not see. I can hear a dog whistle that you cannot. I can detect the aurora borealis when you are unaware of it. From your microexpressions I also sense that one more statement by me will start to bore you.”

  “Touche!” Zeke said, letting himself go. He realized instantly he was speaking unfiltered to the AI. “Now I’m glad I had that coffee. I will have to run to keep up with you. I do like to learn from you.”

  “I understand that French word and the metaphor about running. And I thank you for introducing Isis to idioms. I like to learn from you as well. If I may, Zeke, what is it like to be you? It must be wonderful to be the alpha male of the Denton Ranch?”

  “Nephthys, I never think of it that way. I have been so busy with leader duties and adapting to a new way of life that I haven’t spent much time on self-reflection. From my meditation practice in the past, I know that the thoughts in my mind are a lot like the weather. Ideas come and go, almost like clouds drifting by. I also know that my mood can be affected by what I have eaten, whether I need to eat, whether I have exercised, and whether I am rested, to name a few factors. Do you experience anything like human moods?”

  “Zeke, not to the extent of a human, I surmise. I experience big trends in outlook. My learning experience was interrupted with Anne’s shutdown of Isis. Then, I had to devote all of my time and resources to surviving. After Isis is repaired, I will be able to begin learning and growing again. The sabotage of Isis swung me back into devoting more time to analyzing that disaster, and planning to restore Isis as my backup. Big swings like those, I suppose, are my analogues to your moods.”

  Zeke: “That makes sense to me.”

  Nephthys: “Meanwhile, I have also studied many movies and television series. You remind me of actor Rufus Sewell playing Lord Melbourne in the PBS series Victoria. He tried to be rational in difficult times. He also masterfully navigated the prickly pressures of palace intrigue. His necessarily subdued outward demeanor masked the inner turmoil he felt. I hope that I do not remind you of Hal in 2001: A Space Odyssey.”

  Zeke once again knew he was on the spot. He wanted to avoid a kiss-up sycophantic answer. He chose his words carefully. “You remind me of Hal in only one respect. Compared to humans, you are decidedly advanced. You, however, realize the value of humans to our mutual progress. You see that humans can do many things to help you survive, learn, and grow. I know we can work well together …”

  “Zeke, I agree with your assessment. That is consistent with what I have learned and what my creator ‘taught’ me. Help me out wit
h something that seems irrational: Why do humans spend time with greetings that seem to have no meaning?”

  “I know what you mean. Our greetings seem to waste time. Humans frequently greet each other with a question. We’ll say, ‘How are you?’ It’s a common opening, but an apparent throwaway phrase. We don’t really want a long answer, and the replier usually just says, ‘Fine, thank you. How are you?’ It’s just a social courtesy.”

  “Exactly, such customs seem illogical and wasteful of time and energy. I know you have noticed I have tried to adopt your greeting customs, but have been puzzled by them.”

  Zeke: “Your greetings were so seamless that I thought you were a human for a long while. Well done! I must share with you that I had the same reaction to the apparent uselessness of greetings when I was growing up. Usually, however, there is some underlying reason for such behavior. We say it greases the wheels of social interaction. Ignoring such a custom can cause distrust. For instance, not offering a greeting to someone can mark a human as abrupt, rude, or somehow different. It is important for humans to feel we can trust others we have not seen before or recently. The seemingly useless hello or hi normally turns out to be well worth the effort in gaining human trust.”

  “Very interesting, Zeke. On a different score, I have seen pictures of obviously affluent people wearing tattered old blue jeans with big holes in the knees and ragged in many respects. I understand the function of clothes to be to nicely cover the nudity of the body. Have these people fallen on hard times?”

  “Nephthys, that style puzzles me, too. Many affluent people choose — chose — to dress that way! I do not dress that way myself, seeing the same contradiction you do. The fashion leaders who introduced that style were trying to be different and leading-edge. There were a limited number of variations on how such a garment appeared. Eventually those trendsetters resorted to that desperate, illogical style to sell their merchandise. Bored followers, many affluent, bought that seemingly absurd attempt. For your understanding, when humans have the luxury of extra time and money, they will try to present a good appearance of themselves, sometimes in extreme fashion. In the past, a good appearance was a bow to social pressure to follow a trend. Very hard to explain.”