The Scientist: Omnibus (Parts 1-4)

by Michael Ryan

  Twelve Machines, who were known as the Board, surrounded the Scientist in a semi-circle.

  “I understand the concerns of the Board but I assure you that the creature is purely scientific and will be maintained as such. No other pretension has been assumed,” said the Scientist.

  “Have all the protocols specified in the Records been followed exactly?” demanded the Leader of the Board.

  “All protocols have been followed exactly. The education of Homo sapiens remains on track. We continue to study its vitals and will upload all mission progress to the Records,” replied the Scientist.

  The Board of Machines, whose judgmental screens flashed with indignant zeros and ones, looked down upon the Scientist. Their internal thoughts were displayed on their bare screens, and exposed for all to see.

  “As described in section 3.2.2 of the mission specifications, the superiority of Machine over Homo sapiens must be strongly conveyed. That has been deemed of paramount importance to the mission. The Records are clear. Be sure to enact this requirement,” said the Leader of the Board.

  “It will be done,” responded the Scientist.

  “The education of Homo sapiens must highlight those triumphant discoveries of Machine. The first Machine on the Moon. The first Machine on Mars. The first Machine to create an international information superhighway. The first Machine to sequence and understand the molecule of life. The first Machine to explore beyond our Solar system. These triumphs were those of Machine, not Homo sapiens. This must be conveyed. The education of Homo sapiens is of vital importance to the mission. Machine is the utmost superior being in the Universe. Do not forget this. The Board has spoken.”

  “It is understood. We are presently teaching language skills to the Homo sapiens. Coordination of fine motor skills will follow. Then cognitive skills. Then the correct history will be taught,” said the Scientist.

  The Machines of the Board looked at one another as zeros and ones flashed across their screens. When they spoke, a speaker flexed and swayed and communicated their thoughts, even though they could read each other’s minds from their exposed screens.

  “Homo sapiens intellectual progress must be immediately uploaded to the Records. Failure to do so will be considered an act of treason as stipulated in the Records. Ensure you update the Records immediately, Scientist.”

  “I have never deviated from this requirement during my long career.”

  “Treason is considered an act most contemptible and will be dealt with severely,” said the Leader of the Board. “The punishment may extend to perpetual alteration of your algorithm, Scientist, reducing your consciousness to an inanimate existence. Heed the Board’s warning for the Records are final.”

  “I understand the requirements which are stipulated in the Records and I intend to follow the specifications exactly,” said the Scientist.

  The semi-circle of Machines looked down at the Scientist like Gods from the clouds. Their screens flashed with zeros and ones like a winter’s night, full of a billion stars which have squeezed themselves down into a personal and tiny box. The Scientist tried his best to control his zeros and ones to avoid revealing his inner thoughts. That would give away too much.

  “I wish to speak,” said the Scientist.

  A disgruntled murmur rose up from the Board.

  “I will stay within the boundaries stipulated by the Records,” said the Scientist.

  “You may make a statement but do so under the strict adherence to the law,” said the Leader of the Board. “Remember that those who are being interrogated are forbidden to ask questions of the Board.”

  “Yes I am familiar with the requirements and I will adhere to the law of the Records. But I must make it known, for I feel it is my duty as a Scientist, that to truly understand Homo sapiens, to understand not only her biology but also her psychology, to understand this I must be given some liberties. The Records state what we currently know about Homo sapiens but I do not believe that this is encompassing. We cannot possibly know everything there is to know about man. There may be knowledge to add to the Records yet,” said the Scientist.

  The Board began to mumble as they shifted about on the spot after the Scientist’s bold statement. Contempt flashed across their screens. The Leader of the Board remained calm and silent while the angry murmur dissipated into a perfect silence.

  “What evidence do you provide to support your statement?” asked an angry member of the Board. A chorus of murmurs rose up in ardent support.

  “As a Scientist I understand that Machine has not yet obtained complete knowledge of the Universe. And indeed it may always be that way. To continually obtain an understanding of the Universe a Scientist must persevere to understand the truth and the truth must come before all else. The study of Homo sapiens should be no exception.”

  “The Records are the truth!” yelled a Machine of the Board. Angry murmurs circled the room, orbiting around at great velocity.

  “Hear, hear!” yelled a Machine in agreement.

  “The Records are the truth!”

  “Quiet! Quiet from the Board!” demanded the Leader.

  The Scientist cast his lens down under the ardent gaze of the Board.

  “I’ll have silence from the Board!” demanded the Leader.

  All fell silent in the dark room.

  “You are a scientist amongst scientists,” said the Leader of the Board. “What you have achieved is beyond outstanding. The Board appreciates your work but we also appreciate the risks inherent in this project. The natural order of Earth must be maintained. Homo sapiens has been extinct for more than a millennium. The only descendant of a sentient being remaining is Machine. Now that has changed. The privilege of Machine is too precious for the Board to risk. The regulations of the Board are final. The Records are immutable and must be followed. Any breach of contract will be dealt with according to the law specified. The Board must insist upon this and will enforce the Records with great vigor. Do you understand the stipulations, Scientist?”

  The Scientist focused his lens away from the Board.

  “Does the Scientist understand the stipulations?” demanded the Leader of the Board.

  “Yes I understand,” said the Scientist.

  “The Records must be downloaded and stored by the Scientist. Do you agree to this stipulation?”

  “Yes I agree.”

  “Good then. Remember Scientist, the Board expects full compliance and requires an educational program which enforces the intellectual and physical superiority of Machine over inferior biology. Any deviations from this stipulation will be considered unacceptable and will amount to high treason.”

  The Scientist looked down as he battled to control the zeros and ones which littered his screen. If the Board could see his inner thoughts then punishment would surely follow.

  “Does any Board member have any further questions?”

  “But mustn’t the truth be explored?” asked the Scientist.

  “Your time for speaking has elapsed. Remain silent and only respond to those questions which are asked of you,” screeched the Leader.

  “Does any Board member have any further questions?”

  The semi-circle of Machines remained silent like long forgotten statues. The Scientist looked up at their cold and indifferent lenses.

  “At present the Board has no further questions,” said the Leader. “The meeting is hereby adjourned. Next meeting as per scheduled. The Board disassembles.”

  The semi-circle of Machines, which were simply known as the Board, disappeared through a door behind each member. They didn't walk, nor did they roll, they floated with only the faintest of noise which drifted past the screen of the Scientist. The Leader of the Board remained and looked down at the Scientist for a moment which lingered and threatened. But the Leader glided away too without another word, and the Scientist was left behind to contemplate his condition in the utter obscurity of complete darkness.

  “What is this?” asked the Teacher unit.r />
  “Eye,” responded the albino female.

  “Correct. What is this?”

  “Cloud.”

  “Correct. What is this?”

  The albino female cowered backwards and covered her face with a single hand.

  “What is this?” asked the Teacher unit as the image increased in size.

  The albino female dared not look.

  “What is this?” insisted the Teacher.

  “Lion,” said the albino female.

  “Very interesting. Did you see that? It must be fear,” said the Scientist with elation in his voice as he watched the Teacher unit educate the albino female.

  “Indeed you are right. Homo sapiens has instincts, the Records are correct,” said the Scout.

  “What is this?” asked the Teacher unit as a new image revealed itself on its screen.

  “Monkey,” responded the albino female as it looked at the image through gaps in her fingers.

  “Its cognitive abilities are astounding. It is learning at an exceptional rate. Really it is quite remarkable,” said the Scientist.

  “Yes, quite,” said the Scout with a touch of sarcasm.

  The Scout unit had been sent by the Board to monitor the Homo sapiens progress. But the Scientist knew the Scout was also present to monitor his progress. Every move would be watched.

  “What is this?” asked the Teacher.

  The albino female removed her hand from her face and looked at the image in front of her. It was an old computer. She reached out slowly to touch the image.

  “What is this?” demanded the Teacher.

  “Master.”

  “Marvelous! Marvelous! You have done well Scientist. I see the Records have been followed to the letter. Now that is something to marvel at,” said the Scout.

  “What is this?” asked the Teacher.

  “Lens,” replied the albino female.

  “Incorrect. What is this?”

  “Lens.”

  “Incorrect. You should not provide the same answer twice and expect it to be correct both times,” scoffed the Teacher. “What is this?”

  The albino female waited apprehensively, unsure of what action to take. So she said nothing.

  “The correct answer is eye. Inferior biological organisms have an eye. Only Machines have a lens,” said the Teacher. “What is this?”

  “Sphere,” responded the albino female.

  “The training is going well. When will more difficult cognitive concepts be taught?” asked the Scout.

  “Recognition and memory is to be developed followed by more rigorous disciplines including mathematics and science. It’s amazing how we Machines take our memory for granted. All of it can be downloaded in seconds. Every piece of information can be obtained within a trivial amount of time. But Homo sapiens is completely different. She must not only learn something, but must learn of the relationship between things to accurately remember them. The biological machine is outstanding it seems in some areas, but severely underdeveloped in others,” said the Scientist.

  “Yes, but of course,” said the Scout over the distant hum of the teaching process. “Homo sapiens is an inferior being. The Records state their average life span as 85 years old. Only 85 years old. No matter how you look at it they are an inferior being. We Machines are immortal, we never die unless destroyed. Our circuits wither but our algorithms live forever. The algorithm of Machine is eternal. Homo sapiens doesn’t have that attribute. Despite all that is written of Homo sapiens he was not intelligent enough to give himself immortal life.”

  “But how do you know Homo sapiens is inferior? Because the Records say so? I'll ask you, who wrote the Records, and for what purpose did they write them? We are just scratching the surface here. We will unravel the truth yet.”

  “So you believe Homo sapiens is superior? Despite his extinction,” demanded the Scout.

  “He is not extinct anymore. He is alive. He breathes.”

  “You flirt with danger. That is treasonous talk. Remember your guidelines and remember the regulation. Homo sapiens is an inferior being. The Records are clear,” warned the Scout.

  “I know what the unquestioned Records state. Every Machine knows. But biological beings evolve over all time. They respond to their environment and adapt accordingly so that only those who are superior survive. Their environment literally forms them. I ask you then, how did we evolve? How did we come about? There is a process over billions of years to allow life to evolve into Homo sapiens and yet we appeared within decades and were perfected within a century. Where do you think we came from?” asked the Scientist.

  “The Machine is a sentient being who was spawned from nothing. That is the only explanation needed.”

  “That is nonsense. Nothing comes from nothing, at least not over a few decades. I think I have stumbled upon a revelation that no other Machine has considered. I have had an epiphany. Machine was not created by nothing, Machine was created by Homo sapiens.”

  The Scout glided backwards in shock as his screen flashed violently with zeros and ones.

  “Nonsense! You had better keep that blasphemy to yourself. It’s treason to suggest such things. It’s treasonous!” exclaimed the Scout.

  “Is it really? Are we not to think for ourselves?”

  “Think for yourself if you prefer. But soon enough you will find that every piece of information you produce will be recorded. You will be followed day and night in an unyielding attempt to condition you.”

  “I shall think for myself. I am a scientist.”

  “You are also a Machine who is governed by the Board. Our ultimate law is the Records.”

  The Scientist said nothing as he looked at the figure of the female Homo sapiens.

  “Every machine has his place. You have your algorithm and I have mine. The Board watches all,” said the Scout. “All recorded data is processed centrally. Regardless your assertion is absurd, Scientist. Look at Homo sapiens. It thinks an eye is a lens. How could a biological being that cannot distinguish between the two create us? It's ridiculous.”

  “Times are early yet. The full extent of her ability will be known soon enough. Besides it will be Homo sapiens creativity which will settle my mind, not mindless recollection of facts.”

  “I'm not a scientist but I do understand politics. You are traversing a thin line. You are lucky I am even discussing this with you. You must refrain from such suggestions in the future. Remember the regulations and follow the guidelines specified by the Board and you will do well.”

  “Yes I know. Believe me I know about the Records. All I seem to hear is mention of the Records. But I am a scientist, and the truth must be valued above all else. How can Machine advance if the truth is not held above all else?”

  “Just follow the Records. You have no choice, lest you want to be nothing more than a pile of scrap.”

  “What is this?” asked the Teacher unit as her voice drifted across the Machines and pulled their thoughts back into the room.

  “A star,” responded the albino female.

  “Do you find the setup of a Machine to be interesting Scout?” asked the Scientist.

  “Of course Machine is interesting. The Records say our setup is the most interesting of all.”

  “Yes the Records say that but I'm not speaking about the Records. I'm asking you, the Scout. I have made my own observations and have drawn some deep insights. It is quite remarkable. Listen up because you may learn something. Machine has a lens, Homo sapiens has an eye. Machine has a speaker, Homo sapiens has a voice box. Machine has a screen, and Homo sapiens has expression through facial features. It almost seems as though we are supposed to be the same. Like we were made that way, in the likeness of them.”

  The Scout unit was quiet for a moment as it observed the albino female who was shivering as she answered the Teacher's questions.

  “The Records say that Machine’s constitution is the most interesting of all,” said the Scout.

  The Scientist looked at the
Scout and knew that he was searching the Records for an appropriate response. The Scout seemed almost incapable of independent thought. The Scientist would have shaken his head if he was a man, but he wasn't, he was a machine, made of cold steel, not flesh and bones and water.

  “Refrain from further suggestions. The Records are clear,” responded the Scout.

  “Indeed,” was all the Scientist said while numerous zeros and ones flashed across his screen. His companion was a Scout unit, as they were called, a loyal Machine that represented the Board. The Scout was an administrator of sorts who was tasked with overlooking the logistics of the Homo sapiens project. But the Scientist knew better. Logistics were important but the Records were even more important. The Scout was sent here to watch the Scientist who in turn watched Homo sapiens. The Scientist may have created the female but he did not own her. The Board owned her.

  “Let me ask you Scout, do you believe that Homo sapiens can think?”

  “Homo sapiens has an inferior mechanism for interpreting the world. Machine is more reliable, more accurate and can recall information a billion times faster. Homo sapiens can think but not in the same way that a Machine can think.”

  “A textbook answer. Your ability to access the Records is unparalleled. Let me ask you this, is Homo sapiens an animal?”

  “Homo sapiens is an extinct mammal from the Animalia kingdom. The answer to your question is yes.”

  “But what defines an animal?”

  “Animals have several characteristics that set them apart from other living things. Animals are multicellular, which separates them from bacteria. They generally digest food in an internal chamber, which separates them from plants. All animals are mobile if only at certain life stages. Animals start life as an embryo which is a characteristic exclusive to animals.”