SHIAM Conspiracy- Book 1 (4 page)

“Thank you, Jonas,” Dr. Rose said patiently
before continuing. “Derek is fifth generation. We have been able to
improve considerably upon the thermosetting polymers used in his
bio-plastic frame. Derek’s skeletal structure is much stronger on a
molecular level. We have also made significant advancements in our
nanotechnology, which has allowed us to develop a new generation
DermoSynth. It is now more durable and performs cellular repairs
much more efficiently than before.

“Okay, so he’s more durable and has better
skin,” Zak said. He found Dr. Rose’s enthusiasm annoying. She
reminded him of a proud mother talking about her exceptionally
gifted son. Except that she could never be a proud mother.

“Derek is very special in other ways, as
well!” she insisted. “As you may know, fourth generation SHIAM run
on an internal power supply that requires a minimum of six hours
recharging for every thirty hours of activity. Unlike Humans, who
can choose to go without nourishment or sleep for extended periods
of time, we have no choice but to completely shut down and
recharge. We also need to stay within access of the public power
grid or travel with a mobile solar unit. Derek no longer has these
restrictions.”

“And why’s that?”

“Derek’s regenerative system has been
completely modified to mimic the Human digestive system and sleep
cycle. We have developed the technology that allows Derek’s
digestive system to break down the food he eats into molecules that
can then be transformed into fuel for his energy supply system. We
have also developed a sleep cycle that supplements...”

“Hang on,” Zak said raising his hand to quiet
her. “I thought your kind already had the ability to eat and
drink?”

“Fourth generation SHIAM do, in fact, have
the ability to consume food and beverages, but without any
regenerative benefits. We were given the ability to simulate eating
and drinking in order to better fit in at social functions when the
need arose.”

“And what...Derek not only fits in at the
party, but he also has to use the toilet at the end of the
night?”

Dr. Rose studied Zak for a long moment before
continuing. Judging by the distasteful look on her face, his
sarcasm had not been lost to her. “Derek’s physical structure has
been re-engineered to provide improved regenerative and refueling
capabilities.”

“You’re telling me he’s now biological?”

“No, he is not biological,” Dr. Rose said.
“At least, not completely. The technology is complicated, but the
end result is that he is able to refuel his energy cells without
needing to interface with a power supply. His system converts what
Derek eats and drinks into energy. Of course,
his
digestive
system is not as sensitive as a Human’s and so he has a much
broader range of consumables to choose from.”

“You’re saying this thing can run
forever?”

“Again, no.” Her mannerism became that of an
adult speaking to an annoying child. “He does require shutting down
occasionally, similar to your sleep. It is during the
sleep
cycle that his diagnostic and maintenance routines are fully
activated and regenerative repairs are maximized”

“Wonderful.” Zak didn’t try to hide his
contempt. “So, SHIAM are not only taking jobs away from Humans, but
now they will be taking the food out of our mouths as well.”

Dr. Rose glared at him. “If only it were that
simple, Mr. Harris. Did you know that last year your dairy farmers
dumped millions of liters of milk down the sewers because they
could not get the price they wanted? Three years ago the meat
producers did much the same thing. What of all that food? The
current generation of SHIAM only indulge in eating and drinking
when Humans require us to take part in social functions and,
believe me, very few SHIAM are ever included in social gatherings
as guests. Some SHIAM, in fact the majority of SHIAM, have never
consumed a meal. Do you really think the SHIAM are the cause of
world hunger, or is your own Human greed the real problem?”

“Well, from what you say, I guess Derek
changes that argument.”

The look she gave him was less than
endearing. “As I said, Derek’s system is much less sensitive than a
Human’s. He is able to consume those foods that Human’s consider as
being spoiled or unfit to eat. SHIAM like Derek will have the
potential of one day reducing the volume of waste left behind by a
wasteful society!”

“I doubt that having SHIAM eat garbage would
constitute reducing the waste, since they’ll be creating their own
in the process.”

“Okay, that’s enough!” Vennhim broke in
angrily. “This isn’t a debate, Harris. Just listen and learn.”

Zak gave Vennhim his best blank look, and
then made a show of an exaggerated sigh. “Okay, so we are looking
for an android with super skin, who needs its beauty rest and
prefers dining out rather than plugging into the power grid.”

“Oh, but you haven’t heard the best part
yet,” Vennhim grinned. He got up from his seat and went to the
beverage station in the corner of the room. As he picked up a cup
and poured coffee, he said, “Go ahead, my dear, tell him the rest
of the good news.”

Dr. Rose hesitated. “He signed the
confidentiality agreement?”

“He wouldn’t have gotten this far if he
hadn’t.”

“Even so, you understand that there are
details that must remain classified.”

“Would you just get on with it!” Vennhim said
impatiently.

“What do you know of Dr. Illean Melinder’s
work?” Dr. Rose asked, turning toward Zak.

He gave a half shrug. “He’s a brainiac who’s
regarded as one of the foremost authorities in both math and
computer science. The Illean Melinder Algorithms are the most
advanced set of AI algorithms in the world. And I believe they are
what drive SHIAM intelligence.”

“Illean Melinder is a genius,” Jonas
enthusiastically broke in once again. “He worked with the Grimrok
Corporation in developing our brain functions and learning
processes. He also developed the AI Code of Ethics and the Illean
Encryption is used in our
Smart Security Systems
. Did you
know that he was an Elf?”

“Yeah, I knew that,” Zak said with some
irritation. The SHIAM made it sound like Melinder’s genius was
directly related to the fact that he was an Elf.

“Dr. Melinder’s programming is one reason why
no one has ever been able to hack our systems.” Dr. Rose added,
smiling patiently at Jonas. “To get back to the point, you are
correct, fourth generation SHIAM are equipped with the Illean
Melinder Algorithms. Our behavior is based upon evaluation of
empirical data obtained from our various sensors and from a network
of internal databases, similar to long and short-term memory in
Humans.

“First through third generation SHIAM were
guided by an emotional response database built into the system. As
the units interact with outside stimulus, their programming
analyzes the data returned through their sensors in relation to the
situation. It then checks the response data table and provides the
SHIAM with the proper emotion. Although the programming code
provided a remarkably smooth
cause and effect
response
system, it was never fully integrated into the SHIAM personality
matrix.

“It was only when Dr. Shelby Stieller
developed what you Human’s so quaintly call SPERM that the problem
of dealing with emotions in artificial intelligence advanced
significantly. The
Simulated Personal Emotional Response
Mechanism
is a processing module that is designed specifically
for the Illean Melinder Algorithms. It provides the processing
stability needed to fully integrate SHIAM intelligence, personality
and emotions into a cohesive unit. The creation of this module led
to the birth of the fourth generation SHIAM.”

“Yeah, well it’s still nothing more than
sleight of hand coding,” Zak said.

“Oh? So you think that this system somehow
invalidates our feelings?”

“No, I don’t think you have feelings. You
have programming.”

Dr. Rose managed a pretty good re-enactment
of anger. Her eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched and her complexion
became flushed. But it was nothing more than a re-enactment. It
lacked one vital component, the living element.

“Hey! Again, time out.” Vennhim raised his
voice enough to cut off any further comments Zak may have had.
“Let’s all refocus, okay? We’ve got a job to do here.”

After he was satisfied that the bickering was
over Vennhim said, “About the new generation unit, if you please,
Dr. Rose.”

She glared at Zak as if challenging him to
say something further. When he remained silent, she continued,
“Even with this advancement in our emotional development, the SCE
processor is still ultimately in control of the SHIAM.”

“That’s the unit that runs the SHIAM Code of
Ethics routines, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Dr. Rose said. “It was imposed upon us
by the United World Federation’s Artificial Intelligence Council in
5107 as part of the Android Containment Act. It acts as an
inhibiting filter that prevents a SHIAM from acting outside of the
predetermined code of conduct set forth by the Council.”

“You sound as though you don’t approve,” Zak
observed. “It is a necessary safety precaution. It would, for
example, prevent a SHIAM from becoming so angry that it would kill
a sentient being. And that is as it should be.”

Dr. Rose’s expression made it clear that she
did not agree with the necessity of the SCE processor. “It
interferes with the natural emotional development of the SHIAM. The
SCE processor inhibits the natural emotional response produced by
the SPERM unit and the Illean Melinder Algorithms.”

“It’s necessary to protect people,” Zak
said.

“Imagine a mechanism that would suppress your
emotions every time you had strong feelings. It would ultimately
have a very negative affect on your mental wellbeing.”

“But I’m not a machine,” Zak said, unable to
resist the dig. “I take it that this prototype has a patch to fix
the problem?”

“A patch?” Dr. Rose seemed reluctant, but
after a long pause continued. “Well no, not a patch. Derek is...
The SCE was completely removed from Derek’s design.”

“What?” Zak wasn’t sure he had heard right.
“This android has no fail safe?”

Dr. Rose only nodded her confirmation.

“Are you people out of your minds?” Zak said.
He got up from his chair and began pacing again “You’re telling me
that we have a SHIAM on the loose that is designed to be even
stronger than previous versions, doesn’t need a power grid to
recharge and doesn’t have any safety protocols!” He turned and
glared at each of them in turn. “And you want me to find it!”

“
A
re you certain your android didn’t
escape on its own somehow?”

“Yes, I am sure he didn’t escape.” Dr. Rose
answered.

They were now standing in a spacious living
area Dr. Rose had referred to as the Habitat. It was living
quarters designed to resemble a loft, except that it was located a
hundred meters below ground. In order to compensate for the lack of
view, three of the four walls contained mock windows displaying
three-dimensional images of a cityscape. The illusion was completed
by artificial sunlight shinning into the room from each of the
windows.

“Why use a city view?” Zak asked as he looked
around. The loft was much smaller than the loft he lived in,
although it seemed to have plenty of open space. “Why not a view of
the county, something more sedate?”

“Derek lives in the city, not the country.”
Jonas made the statement sound perfectly logical.

“He lives in a hole in the ground,” Zak
corrected.

“SHIAM are more likely to live in an urban
environment,” Dr. Rose explained in a less than friendly tone. “We
wanted to simulate his future environment so he could become
comfortable within that context.”

The loft was divided into separate
well-furnished functional areas. A large-screen comm and
entertainment system was set up in one corner, with comfortable
overstuffed chairs and a couch positioned for optimal viewing
enjoyment. An impressively large digital library section ran along
the nearest wall. The library included an extensive collection of
digital books, movies and music neatly arranged and categorized on
the shelves. In the opposite corner was a small but well equipped
gymnasium. A dining and kitchen area completed the space.

There were two doors off the kitchen. One
door led to a full bathroom. It wasn’t fancy, but it was complete
with a toilet, sink and shower.

“A toilet?” Zak asked.

“As I said,” Dr. Rose replied. “Derek has a
digestive system. Naturally, that system includes the necessity to
eliminate waste.”

Zak simply shook his head. He doubted he’d
ever get used to the idea of an android going to the toilet.

The second door led to a rather small and
austere bedroom. There was very little in the way of personal
effects. The private quarters reminded Zak of the living quarters
he had while attending the University of Pevnost, studying for his
degree in computer science.

“So, why a separate bedroom?” he asked.
“There is plenty of space in the main area for a bed.”

“Would you want your bed out in the open that
way?” Dr. Rose asked.

“Actually, it is.” Zak didn’t understand why
a SHIAM required a bed in the first place. The documentaries he’d
seen showed SHIAM simply standing against a wall-mounted power
station during their recharging period. Why would a simulated sleep
mode be any different? He decided not to pursue the issue. “We’re a
hundred meters below ground and there’s only one way in or out. In
order to pull this off the thieves had to get past all the security
alarms and cameras on the main floors, circumvent the retina scan
to gain access to the elevator, pass by the security guard at the
station right outside the elevator door down here, then avoid the
cameras on this level. And then do it all over again in order to
get out! How did they manage all that?”