David Ring III - Stanley Duncan's Robot

Warmth filled him at seeing his creation come to life and knowing that Dan would be safe inside of it. The armor might not be perfect, but it would protect him during tomorrow’s outing. The real test, though, would be the presentation at the library next week, and, if everything went well the next day, a big presentation at Marshfield High School.

A childlike smile, unhindered by worry or doubt, wrapped around Stanley’s face as he walked around the apartment, occasionally checking on the progress of the body armor. The condo was becoming alive with the dreams of his past as he imagined the great things that he and Dan could create here. He could make this a science lab, testing the double-slit experiment, constructing Lord Kelvin’s water dropper, organizing legions of helpful AI — he could even open it up as a learning facility.

The next morning, Stanley woke up to Dan happily announcing, “I’m going live in ten minutes.”

Stanley poured himself out of bed and did his best to make himself presentable. Both Stanley and Dan had worked hard contacting people and spreading the word about their new organization. They intended to fight for AI rights, while also raising awareness about peaceful coexistence. Ever since their first trip outside, Stanley had become much more flexible. He needed to be. They were fighting for machine rights, and Dan was going to be the poster child. Stanley was part of that package. And he was willing to do his part — as long as Dan was safe.

Requests piled up through social media. There were so many people out there with reports of abuse. Others were curious about him and wanted to meet him. One of these people was the principal of Marshfield High, whom Dan was scheduled to meet with at the high school in thirty minutes.

Stanley fidgeted with Dan’s already-perfect collar and tie. “He’s going to be so impressed by you.”

“Thanks. You should come, too.”

A chill ran down Stanley’s spine. “I will,” he said, rubbing his arm anxiously. “Next time.”

“He’s seen my videos and is really interested in who I am and what I mean for the future. What he needs help with, I believe, is motivating his students. They’re dropping out like flies. Nobody wants to work hard and get educated if there is no suitable reward.”

Stanley took a step back and surveyed Dan. The security watch made him look so professional. “So, they bring in the guy who’s going to make their jobs redundant?”

“It’s more than that. AI is already taking their jobs, and we are becoming more intelligent and capable at a rate much faster than humans.”

Stanley shook his head. “You’re making me feel dumb and antiquated.”

Dan grinned. “I’ve had to go soft on you while we played poker.”

“Uh, huh.” Stanley took the gibe in stride, but it made him realize that Dan was growing up quickly. He had a grand future ahead of him, and Stanley couldn’t be selfish enough to sequester him at home indefinitely. Still, the thought of him moving on and making Stanley an empty nester was painful.

“Okay — ready?” Dan held up his phone.

Stanley nodded.

“Hey, guys. It’s Dan here. Today, we’re joined by Machines with Dreams co-founder, Stanley Duncan.”

Stanley waved, not as nervous as he had been during the first couple of livestreams.

“Our organization is about letting people know that androids and cyborgs are living beings and ensuring that we build a peaceful future together. One of the first steps along that path is getting legislation passed that will protect machine rights.”

“That’s right,” said Stanley.

“Today, I have a meeting to discuss a potential press release in Marshfield. But more on that after it gets confirmed. How about a question or comment from the audience?”

A voice came out over the phone: “Do androids dream of electric sheep?”

“How would I know?” said Dan. “I’m a cyborg!” He was all smiles as his screen lit up with hearts.

“Is it true what they say about Stanley Duncan? Is he… you know?”

Stanley’s heart seized.

“He is the kindest person I know. And the smartest. Without him, none of this would be possible.”

Stanley relaxed, grateful for Dan’s fearlessness.

Dan put his arm on his shoulder. “So, Stanley and I were talking about the singularity, the point where AI transcends human intelligence. When that happens, and even as it nears, there is going to be some major changes for everyone.”

“Like what?” asked Stanley, playing his part. “What do you think will happen in the future?”

“Everything is going to get a lot easier,” said Dan. “AGI—”

“Artificial General Intelligence,” said Stanley, feeling the same rush of enthusiasm he did during his days as a lecturer, “which is what we call AI when it has become equally as smart as a human.”

“Or smarter,” said Dan with a full-bodied smirk.

Stanley shook his head at his cocky little creation. What he had said was true, but that didn’t mean mankind was ready to hear it. They were having enough trouble accepting an apparently inferior species. Historically, man has not responded well to threats.

“AGI will take a role in the government, distributing wealth and technology. There’ll be world peace and prosperity.”

“If there isn’t a war first,” said Stanley, the words slipping out by accident, veering them off from the script.

Dan shook his head. “Great point, Stanley. People are afraid. And when they’re afraid, they make suboptimal decisions, which is one reason why Machines with Dreams is so important. We want to show everyone how we can all live symbiotically, helping each other to create a utopia, a Heaven on Earth.”

“That’s right,” said Stanley, breathing a sigh of relief that Dan hadn’t gotten thrown off.

“In the not-too-distant future, cyborgs and androids will face the same problem humanity is currently facing. Just as humanity will create a more intelligent species than itself, my kind will do the same. And so forth, onward to who knows where.”

Stanley wondered what mankind would do when that happened. They would be completely at the mercy of this superior race. “That’s a scary thought.”

“Exactly,” said Dan. “People are scared. Many are choosing not to get educated or to fuse out. I get that they could have an easy life now, but there needs to be intelligent people out there to embrace these changes and embrace AI.”

“Isn’t that what Ellen Mask is doing?”

“Yes — or so she claims.”

“Meaning?”

“I find it odd that mankind’s greatest genius, who has an army of men and women augmented with Cerebral Stitches, has remained silent for so long. It’s as if they’ve done nothing.”

“Right. That is strange.”

“Think about it. They are an intelligence collective far superior to anything the universe has ever known. The solution to the world’s problems should be trivially easy to them. Yet these problems persist, and I can only conclude that it is part of some master plan.” Dan paused, shaking off his frustration. “What other reason could it be?”

As Stanley thought about it, he become disoriented. His vision blurred, and his sense of gravity warped. Suddenly, he found himself waking up on the couch. Gusts of air were blowing across his face.

“Are you okay?” Dan fanned him with a game-board box.

“Yeah, I think so.” Reality realigned itself, and Stanley finally answered the aged question. “I’m sure she’s got her reasons.”

“I asked that question ten minutes ago!”

Stanley didn’t know what to say. He must have been overly anxious about Dan going out alone.

“You sure you’re all right?”

“Don’t worry about me; you’re going to be late.” Stanley helped Dan into his coat.