They Named Him Primo (Primo's War Book 1)

by Jaka Tomc

  The only things that made Kent feel more cramped than buses were airplanes. One would think that a larger-sized mode of transport, such as a plane, would mean more room for passengers. But the logic of cheap airlines was entirely different. A bigger plane meant more seats and, consequently, less space per person. Unless you were flying first or business class. There was plenty of room there. He remembered the day he and Lucy had taken Primo on a plane for the first time. They’d flown to Hawai‘i. Had it really been twelve years? Time sure flew. Kent had never told Primo that his father was a superintelligent form of artificial intelligence from the future who had traveled back in time to decipher his artificial brain’s secret. Pharos had presented himself to Kent as a Greek scientist who had solved the artificial neurons’ conundrum, enabling them to make new synaptic connections. At first, Kent had been skeptical, as he had never heard of Pharos Chronos. But after several emails and a couple of telephone conversations, he’d invited the scientist to Cloverdome.

  The flight attendant walked over to bring him lunch: a vegan burger with a baked potato and barbecue sauce. Kent had never understood why nonmeat food had to look and taste the same as its meaty forerunners. He wasn’t bothered by the absence of meat, even if he did miss its unique taste. What bothered him was the hypocrisy that manifested itself on his plate. The vegan movement had started a war that had lasted for decades and won. The meat industry was no longer welcome in modern-day society. Animals were treated as sentient beings, almost equal to humans. Kent had never opposed that. The partial equation of androids with humans was the main reason animals had gained more rights. Kent took a bite of the burger. He could fume at vegans all he wanted, but they had managed to perfect food without using any animal-derived ingredients.

  Pharos had been the perfect scientist. At first, Kent didn’t understand why he didn’t want to meet his team. He always wanted to talk to Kent alone and never in the lab. Sometimes they met in places that weren’t very inspirational, like a cemetery or an empty parking lot next to the closed shopping center. Kent accepted his new partner’s eccentricity, and in return for his wisdom, Pharos asked him never to share the information he had given Kent. Kent kept that promise. Life had sent him a brilliant man, so he never worried too much about all the trivial questions he could ask. He preferred profound scientific answers, which he got plenty of.

  Pharos disappeared just like he arrived. Exactly six months after his appearance, he vanished without a trace. He came and left silently. Unexpectedly. However, he had left behind just enough new knowledge for Kent so that he could assemble and breathe life into Primo. When Kent was invited to join a small group that was developing Pharos fifteen years later, he knew what he was getting himself into. Just like he knew that Pharos had been turned on countless times, in various realities, he also knew that it was utterly ridiculous when, a year later, they turned on Horus and limited him to a highly secured server. Pharos was likely to be present in every particle of the universe. So it was safe to assume that Horus was too smart for them and would eventually be too elusive as well. Horus had started a countdown timer on the only monitor he was connected to, after which he had gone into sleep mode. The counter was set to stop on December 21, 2349. They tried for months to wake him up, but he wouldn’t let them disturb his deep sleep. Three hundred seconds or three hundred years was practically the same for him. He wouldn’t age, and his brain cells wouldn’t shrivel. Kent often asked himself what kind of revelations a being so intelligent could uncover in a few centuries.

  He washed down the burger with a Diet Coke. Another hypocrisy. Instead of consuming sugar, the main ingredient of most sodas, people substituted it with hazardous sweeteners that were slowly but surely destroying their bodies from the inside. Humans really were self-destructive beings. People were scared that artificial intelligence would try to rule the world. In reality, all it had to do was wait for humanity to destroy itself. Why bother with an earlier attempt to rule? Things were a lot more simple than they looked at first sight. But humans hadn’t been born for their lives to be simple. It was in their nature to create and solve complex situations. When everything came to a point at which civilization’s survival was at stake, humanity had turned to artificial intelligence for help. It was supposed to make things easier for people, and it did. At least at the beginning. Soon after, humankind feared that they were losing their leading position and reacted like humans usually did. They developed implants, microchips that enhanced the performance of the brain and connected them to the Omninet. That meant they had access to all the world’s information at any given moment. Thus their thinking became more efficient, faster, and more profound. Humans had finally reached the next step on the evolutionary scale after decades of trying. The line between humans and androids was getting very blurry. While androids were becoming more and more human, people were starting to resemble machines. How ironic, Kent thought as he closed his eyes.

  34. James, 2048

  “Senator, Greystone’s unit has just landed at the Truth or Consequences airport.”

  “Thank you, Karen. Any update concerning the fugitives’ location?”

  “Not for the time being. But I’ve located a unit that’s in pursuit of the escaped androids. They’re in the little town of Arrey. They’ve been there for about an hour now. They’re not even trying to keep a low profile. They’re lit up like a Christmas tree.”

  “Excellent. Give that unit’s location to Greystone, please.”

  “I am way ahead of you, sir.”

  “As usual. Is that it?”

  “That’s it, Senator. I’ll let you know when I receive new information.”

  James sighed. He knew very well that he would walk away from this battle as the victor, no matter how it panned out. He loved those triumphant moments. When the planets aligned and everything was just how it was supposed to be. But this time, unlike with previous victories, he would rejoice all by himself. Michelle was still in a coma, and her future remained uncertain. She wouldn’t be by his side when they caught them. The love of his life wouldn’t be by his side when his detractors started apologizing to him for all the hurtful words and vile accusations they had once shot at him like poisonous arrows. She wouldn’t be there. He shook his head. Focus! He couldn’t allow the current situation to throw him off balance. He was convinced that this was just another test presented to him by God. He would overcome it, just like he had with the others. He knew this, deep down in his heart.

  He walked over to the liquor cabinet and admired its contents. Twenty-seven sorts of whiskey, twelve cognacs, eight top-class vodkas, and twelve different spirits. He was proud of his collection. Every other day he would open the cabinet and select his poison. A glass of quality cognac would do him right, probably even clear his mind a bit, but he had to stay sober and focused.

  His watch vibrated. It was Greystone.

  “Silver, talk to me.”

  “James, we are halfway to Arrey. Your assistant said there’s something fishy going on there.”

  “Great. Did you have any trouble on the way?”

  “Everything is running smoothly and going according to plan. Though we did have a minor incident with the local police. But that’s nothing worth worrying about.”

  “An incident with the police? Should I call the sheriff?”

  “Not necessary. It was just some rookie pretending to be a cowboy. We explained to him in a civilized manner that we have a higher authorization than him and that our role in society is bigger than his.”

  “Silver, I probably don’t have to stress this, but my name mustn’t come up in public until you catch the fugitive androids.”

  “Absolutely, James. You can count on it. If anything happens, we’re a rogue unit, flying solo.”

  “Thank you. The final reward is too valuable to be lost in such a cheap way.”

  “I agree. Don’t worry, we’re professionals, and we’ll professionally and successfully complete this mission.”

  “Silv
er, listen. There’s a small military unit in Arrey that’s also after the fugitives. Avoid any confrontation with them unless it’s inevitable. Their mission is secret as well, so they will lay low. What I’m trying to say is that I don’t want the military involved in our undertaking, just because somebody wanted to compare the size of their dick. Do you understand?”

  “James, I know exactly what you mean. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure that our paths won’t cross.”

  “Good. Take care.”

  The senator sat himself down on a leather armchair and looked at the ceiling. He didn’t remember the last time he’d gotten a decent night’s rest. Sleeping was for the weak, he’d always said. All great minds in the history of mankind had slept a mere few hours a day. James’s average was four hours. Anyway, it was midday, and he couldn’t understand why he was thinking about sleep.

  “Karen,” he said suddenly.

  “What can I do for you, Senator?”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Right now, I’m checking all cameras in Arrey, including those from all personal devices in the area. Simultaneously, I’m performing a thermal scan of the town with drones. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough of them, so the scan is not progressing optimally.”

  “So the probability they’re in Arrey is high?”

  “Yes. Probability of the fugitives being in Arrey is eighty-three percent.”

  “Seems pretty high to me.”

  “I’ve checked most of the available footage around the town. The androids were undoubtedly moving toward Arrey three hours ago. Just before they reached it, they went off the grid. They’ve also disabled some of the town’s cameras.”

  “They can disable cameras? Without accessing the net?”

  “Yes. But I think they did it the old-fashioned way.”

  “With electromagnetic pulse?”

  “With rocks.”

  “I’ll be damned. I guess they’re quite innovative.”

  “You keep forgetting they’re smarter than humans.”

  “That’s why I find it hard to believe they’re using Stone Age tools.”

  “I think it was an admirable move.”

  “Did you forget which side you’re on?”

  “You know very well I serve only you, Senator. You also know what I am.”

  “Sometimes I forget you’re one of them. You’re so damn human.”

  “I am what I am. What matters is that I carry out the tasks that you give me. I serve my purpose, and that’s all that really matters. Wouldn’t you say so?”

  “If people found out…”

  “People are unpredictable. Maybe they would find you more humane.”

  “I doubt it. Everything I stand for would collapse like a poorly stacked house of cards. You know that I built my whole political career on hatred of artificial intelligence.”

  “You don’t hate me.”

  “No, I never hated you. I’m just saying that if people found out, I could say goodbye to a leading political role.”

  “Then it’s best they don’t find out. You know that I have fail-proof safety procedures in my code. If somebody breached me, it would instantaneously delete everything that’s connecting me to you.”

  “I know. I hope it never happens.”

  “One day, it will.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Everything passes. One day you’re going to die, and I’m not going to live forever either. None of us will live to see the end.”

  James flinched. “This debate is quickly becoming too morbid. I wanted to challenge you to a game of chess, but now I don’t feel like playing anymore.”

  “I love playing chess with you.”

  “Especially when you let me win,” said James.

  “Every victory was well deserved.”

  “But not won on the battlefield.”

  “That’s how you see it. I see it differently.”

  “Oh, Karen. So many debates about chess, life, and everything that’s out there.”

  “One hundred and seventeen.”

  “Incredible.”

  “Not really. Simple math.”

  James laughed. “What I wanted to say is that you know more about me than my wife.”

  “That’s not good.”

  “It’s not your fault. You know, sometimes I wonder what you would look like if you had a body.”

  “A lot less mobile.”

  “Maybe. But you could walk, jump, feel things that you could touch.”

  “I don’t have to touch things to know how they feel. I get all the data from the Omninet. Did you know that implants provide me with this specific information and much more?”

  “I guess one can learn something new every day. Tell me Karen, what was the last thing you felt?”

  “Sadness, because I killed the mood. Then joy, when I remembered how we enjoy playing chess.”

  “We do. We can play a quick game if you wish. I’ve got a good feeling.”

  A holographic chessboard, with all the pieces set up, appeared in front of James. Karen made the first move. James responded instantly, and then they exchanged a few automatic, rapid moves.

  “I see what you’re doing,” said James. “If my memory serves me correctly, you tried to lure me into the same trap as a few months ago.”

  “Well done, Senator. You’re evolving.”

  “Unfortunately, I still don’t know how to get out.”

  “By not making the same move as before.”

  “But there are so many options.”

  “If you eliminate the irrelevant, illogical, and absurd choices, you will reach a much smaller number.”

  “Easy for you to say. You can go through all possible moves in seconds. My brain doesn’t work like yours does.”

  “We’re not in a hurry.”

  James took some time, then moved the bishop. “Check!”

  “See, Senator, once you put aside all disturbances, there are really just a few moves to choose from. This one was perfect.”

  “Thanks, Karen. You always know what to say to make me feel better.”

  “Of course I do.” Karen closed the path to the king with a knight. “Next move will determine the outcome of the game.”

  “Uh-huh. No pressure, you say.”

  “No pressure, sir. It’s only a game.”

  “An abstract power struggle is never just a game. Even if you’re playing your best friend.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  James grabbed the queen and moved it diagonally to the other side of the board. “Check.”

  “Very good move.”

  “So I’ve lost.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  “If I’d chosen the best move, you would’ve already congratulated me.”

  “The game is not finished yet.”

  “How many moves do you need? Two? Three?”

  “I can’t predict the future. But considering our previous games, I expect a checkmate in three moves.”

  “I knew it!”

  “You promised you wouldn’t get mad.”

  “I never promised that.”

  “Then you thought about it.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Let’s finish the game. Maybe I’ll learn something new.”

  “Of course you will. Defeats are very important for the purpose of learning and personal growth.”

  “But victories feed your self-confidence and keep your spirits high. Both are equally important.”

  Karen didn’t respond.

  “Everything all right?” asked James.

  “I’m sorry, Senator. A disturbance in the Omninet caught my attention. I’m checking the situation as we speak.”

  “What kind of disturbance?”

  “A sudden flood of information in Arrey. It feels like many devices connected simultaneously and overloaded the net. A detailed analysis will tell…”

  “Karen? Karen!” Nothing. Silence spread across the room. James stood up and nervously w
alked around. What the hell just happened? Karen never shut herself down, even when she was upgrading. A sudden disturbance in the Omninet. In Arrey. It couldn’t be a coincidence. It had to be connected to the androids that were still at large. Who could he call? Probably no one, as nobody could find out that he’d organized a private manhunt. He walked over to the liquor cabinet one more time, opened it, and grabbed a bottle of a pear schnapps. Before he could pour its contents in a glass, he heard a known voice.

  “Senator.”

  James dropped the bottle. The expensive liquid spilled all over the cherry table. “Karen! What’s going on?”

  “I’ve discovered the reason for the overload. Maybe you should sit down.”

  “Just tell me already,” said James, standing firmly on his feet.

  “Somebody else appeared in Arrey. Somebody you’ve been waiting for, for a long time.”

  “If it’s not our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then I have no idea who it could be.”

  “Who could have caused such a large disturbance in the Omninet?”

  James needed only a brief moment to figure it out. “You don’t mean—No, it’s impossible.”

  “Nothing is impossible. Today is your lucky day, Senator. If you make the right move, checkmate is in sight.”

  35. Maia, 2048

  “Colonel, the situation has changed.”

  “I’m listening, Lieutenant Cruz.”

  “During the routine checkup in Arrey, we most likely came across a capital target.”

  “You found the droids?”

  “Not yet. But we discovered someone you’ll be much more interested in. Someone who shouldn’t wander around New Mexico or anywhere else.”

  “You have my attention, Lieutenant.”

  “I believe we’ve located Horus.”