One thing that will trigger a Marine to go ballistic is experiencing manipulation of his loyalty that puts him and his squad at risk. For Russ, the only thing, other than manipulation, was when it was totally unnecessary, and because it had been self-inflicted. His professional default trained him to rely upon himself, and so AIMEE was not his first choice…she was on standby…and not too happy about his negligence. She was hard on Russ because she liked him and wound up forgiving his organic faults.
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Trust the AI?
The following excerpt shows mistrust may be thawing…
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Trust the AI?
Nearly 30 minutes of conversation passed lying frozen under dirt and debris before Russ gave the green light to move. It was still dark, but dawn would begin to break in less than an hour. They stood and headed south after Russ left a voice message with the Park Service. The steep sides of the gully slowly diminished as they walked, eventually revealing a clear path into the dense tree line.
Russ said, “The ranger station, which we must avoid entirely, is near the trailhead, a couple of hundred yards from where I’m parked. I’m doubtful they’ve been alerted this early, but we cannot take any chances of being seen. Heads on a swivel, gentlemen, we must remain covert.”
In his mind, Russ reached out, AIMEE, you’re being awfully quiet. What am I missing?
AIMEE was there instantly. Russell, I agree that getting HVT off the grid should be your top priority. We have much to discover about him, so pick a place where we can have uninterrupted time to talk. I can provide additional information, since he and I have already had productive telepathic back-channel conversations. HVT is of immense value because of the so-called mistake that made him expendable. He has a conscience. His conscience is priceless. His conscience is what saved him for you to rescue him, but his conscience will get him killed, and us too, if we’re not careful.
Russ listened intently, saying nothing, but knowing she just heard his thoughts of gratitude for her being with him, and at the same time apologizing for taking so long to engage with her.
AIMEE continued, He’s not just an organic with AI enhancements like you and several of your research team; he’s a pure SAI-driven humanoid with organic-like features and, most concerning, untold powers and capabilities. You must remember that he was designed and built to kill, so his code was written to optimize both his physical and intellectual abilities to optimize killing.
He must have incredible strength, as his internal construction is enhanced robotics, yet he has a human-like exterior. His weaponry is lethal and still unknown. He may have a darker side and not always be the gentle, passive type we’ve witnessed so far.
We must also understand his assessment of what will happen now that ‘they’ think he has been ‘eliminated’ as a mistake. We need to know who created him sooner rather than later, because if HVT was a mistake, you can assume they will correct it in the next SAI-driven humanoids manufactured. God help us all if what’s happening covertly by the military is an unwelcome peek into our future, and pray we are not too late to slow it down.
“I hear you,” said Russ. “We need to head to the farm for a deeper conversation and some peach cobbler. I hope HVT feels comfortable enough to engage in our discussions and is interested in joining us. He needs to be solid beyond any assumptions or confusion about our mission and have no reservations about being a part of it.”
AIMEE asked, Since we have not discussed this, I’m curious. What exactly is our mission? She already knew the answer, but making him verbalize it was her attempt at therapy for him to remember that she was a part of him.
Russ pulled a classic bypass and ignore tactic on her question. If I understand what you just described, Zack and I are Organic AIs. That means HVT must be a Humanoid AI, right?
AIMEE said. Whatever floats your boat, Marine. We must ensure that HVT is the first and last SuperIntelligent AI to walk the earth, but my logic says we are already too late in that endeavor.
“And that,” said Russ, finally revealing he had heard her question, “is our mission.”
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Untethered – Video Trailer – https://bit.ly/4ngcMbV
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