Photographed - March 2015
Place - Malaikovil, Trichy, Tamil Nadu
This bird was very rarely seen. In a span of two months, I spotted it only twice. Eurasian Golden Oriole. :-)
Friday, April 17, 2015
Eurasian Golden Oriole
Photographed - March 2015
Place - Malaikovil, Trichy, Tamil Nadu
This bird was very rarely seen. In a span of two months, I spotted it only twice. Eurasian Golden Oriole. :-)
Saturday, April 4, 2015
"We'll be in Touch!" - A Short Story
Security Alert
Robert, the Chief Executive Officer of SR Corp, was contesting in the State elections. Various survey results showed Robert and Prabhanjan as potential candidates for Chief Minister’s role. Previously Robert was on the elite committee advising the past two Chief Ministers on State administrations.
As a part of the ongoing-election-campaign Robert was busy discussing important points with 15 executives in the board room on the third floor of SR Corp tower building. 11:00 hours. All the executives were hurriedly preparing scripts and content that would aid Robert in the “Final Debate” event that evening.
While Robert was busy in the board room on the third floor, Rudhra slowly slipped into the CEO cabin on the fifth floor of the same building.
Suddenly Robert’s digi-watch flashed “Security Alert - Someone has entered your cabin”. Immediately after the message, the digi-watch switched to live-cam mode. Robert saw Rudhra in the digi-watch’s live-video.
Rudhra works as PA for Robert. She is a gorgeous woman in her thirties. Short hair, bob-cut. Green eyes. She was wearing a perfectly fitted black full-sleeve-pinstripe pantsuit. Her left hand had a bracelet design black LED wrist watch with second numbers blinking in white. That day her task as Robert's PA was to meet the State-TV’s program head. She was to check the security arrangements at the State-TV’s studio for Robert. Instead, she was conducting a thorough search of Robert’s cabin.
In few moments, two security guards rushed in to the CEO’s cabin and took Rudhra into their custody. The guards with the help of a rope fastened her to a chair. Utmost she could turn her head left to right, that too with some difficulty. Once Robert stepped in, the security guards left the cabin and stationed themselves outside that cabin’s door.
Though being caught red-handedly, Rudhra was super composed and calm.
Meeting Invite
Few months back. One evening. 16:50 hours.
In CEO’s cabin there was this square-shaped-two door glass window. It can be bolted from inside. Near the left corner of the closed glass window there was this flower pot with money plant. Strange nomenclature. The tender and budding leaves were refreshing, adding decorative natural look to the cabin. There was a water jug beside the flower pot.
Except the entrance door and the glass window, the room was filled with numerous transparent cupboards. All had large volumes of books. Binded, reddish brown leather covered ones with titles engraved in gold. Year books, classics, encyclopedias, reference books and so on. Rudhra got a glimpse of these books and understood that it was a rare collection. She was seated in a front of a well furnished table. On the other side of the table was a executive chair. Rudhra was waiting for the CEO, Robert.
The dusk light coming through the big square-shaped glass window was a natural uplift to the otherwise dull and bookish cabin. There was something odd about the room. She found out that it did not have any security cameras and it was very cold in there.
She received a 17:00 hours meeting invite on that day at 10:00 hours only. Such a short notice, it should be an urgent and important one. Because meeting with a CEO will be planned much in advance.
The door opened there came in the CEO.
“Hello Rudhra. How are you?” The voice was more like a command. Sounded like Sean Connery.
Putting a board welcoming smile, she replied, “I am good.” Rudhra might have thought that its better not to end the reply with a sir or boss. Simple yet effective. It also gives a feeling of superiority.
“Today morning after the board meeting, I was having a word with your operations head. I required a resource to help me in my election campaigning. Thats when he recommended you.”
Rudhra responded immediately, “I would be very glad to accompany you on your state election mission.” Her prompt reply seemed as though she was eagerly waiting for this moment to happen.
“I am planning to contest in the coming elections. I would like to recruit you as my PA. Would you be interested?”
She said, “Yes”.
Later she scribbled few points with her pen in her big screen smart phone. Looked at it for few seconds, then she said, “ Could I ask you couple of questions?”
“Yes, please.”
“What do you want to achieve by becoming the Chief Minister of the State?”
“I believe the State has become more competent with the help of technology, and the people behind it. My strategies would be emphasizing more on improving their lives and safe guarding the green cover.”
“How are you planning to attract the target population?”
“My prime focus is to see that every household will have a free home robot by 2080. This is what I am considering the most important element to win this election.”
These discussions went on a daily basis for many months. The two member team over a period of time grew to 15 members. The team was effective in pooling funds. It created interests in industrialists, political leaders and other key decision makers of the State.
Code-of-Conduct
Coming back to the CEO's Cabin. The security alert situation.
Robert’s eyes were fixed on Rudhra.
Rudhra smiled.
She initiated the conversation, “What are you thinking Robert?”
Robert responded, “I am reasoning. Trying to find the motive behind your today’s code-of-conduct.What were you searching in my cabin?”
“I know you are secretly working on something. Was curious to know. Why knowing something is a crime?”
“What made you think I was working on something?”
“I know you abide by rules. When I saw you working late and writing on a book. I became suspicious. Why would a CEO despite having a PA and 15 executives would write something on a book? Book? Especially when you are in this digital age? So somewhere I guessed you wanted something off-the-record, and not to be saved on digital memory. And you do not want to share it. So you were hiding something important from us. Am I right?”
Robert, “Absolutely.”
Robert continued, “Let me explain you in detail. With my SR Corp, we have successfully tested home robots. They are perfect and ready to be deployed. But I am not getting required approvals from the Government. They think it is a costly affair. I tried all my powerful contacts, but no use. My investors have seen the home robots, they are pretty impressed. So the ultimate solution I could think of is to contest in the coming elections, and become the Government. See then it is easy for me to approve this plan and deploy these robots in every household.”
Rudhra, “You are doing all these to sell your company products and not for the people?”
Robert, “You’re are mistaken. People are my ultimate objective. You see they are very stubborn and non-decisive. They need to be controlled and supervised. Once I deploy all home robots in their homes, after couple of months, these user-friendly robots will transform into a life threatening machines.”
Rudhra, “How?”
Robert continues, “You know I am one of the best programmers and have won numerous awards for my contribution to the field of Artificial Intelligence. The default firmware installed in the SR Corp's home robots are programmed to take care of:
Robert taking out a binded book from one of the glass cupboards, “Excuse me, I was carried away by our company's promotional content. So, the next firmware update codes will replace the default codes in the home robots. The updated program which I am writing in this binded book will transform them into bossy robots.”
Rudhra, “What are these bossy machines are capable of?”
Robert, “According to the laws and regulations which I decide as the Chief Minister, these robots will ensure that the households are abiding by it. With these robots in place, I can get a instant reports on households’ energy utilization; Internet utilization and browsing history; behavioral aspects including preferences with respect to food, music, and movie.”
Rudhra again interrupts, “A complete report on every household. I understand. Later on what?”
Robert, “Next is to control the people.”
Rudhra, “How?”
Robert, “These robots have inbuilt laser-guns.”
Rudhra, “So cruel. But why do you want to control and rule the people?”
Robert, “I have carefully devised this master plan to preserve and increase nature's greenery for this State, later on for our country and finally for the world.”
Rudhra, “Oh! I am surprised and shocked. You are in love with the mother nature! But is this the right way to achieve your environmental master plan enslaving humans?”
Robert, “Have you not read the recent reports on our environment. The green cover over the past five decades have drastically declined. Not even once there was an increasing trend. The State and the world requires a very strict Government and administration to rule the mankind and bring back a significant green cover.”
Rudhra, “Do you think people will allow a robot to supervise them?”
Robert, “Not immediately but eventually. People are afraid of immediate change. The home robots will slowly start controlling the households life. Individuals get so much used to these robots and its smartness that without them they begin to feel deprived and handicapped. After the firmware update, if people are not abiding to my rules, then at home-robot's gun-point they will. “
Rudhra, “I appreciate your concerns for nature, but I am afraid the way you are trying to achieve is not a human friendly one.”
Robert, “Let me worry about it. I am getting late.”
Rudhra, “By the way, you have shared all your plans with me. Don’t you fear of me exposing your master plan to the opposition party, and especially the people of this State?”
Robert, “I am sure that you cannot even step out this cabin. And I am planning to wipe out your identity from the government database. So practically you do not exist. No identity means no life. Later the new Government run by me will sentence you to life imprisonment.”
Rudhra raising her left eye-brow replies, “Not bad.”
Robert concluded, “I am in the middle of something. I will deal with you tonight.”
Rudhra, “Wish you all the best Robert. Be careful.”
Robert without giving much attention to Rudhra leaves the cabin.
At 15:00 hours Robert got into the electric-car and it vroom-ed. On the way Robert sends an message to Prabhanjan, the opposition party candidate, “Wish you all the best Prabhanjan, see you soon".
First Time
Digital clock. Two digit LEDs representing seconds was changing with each blink.
State TV’s office parking lot was full. Lot of demonstrators were standing in front of the State TV’s office building holding their respective preferred party flags. Robert's electric car first entered and later Prabhanjan's electric car entered the State TV's building.
Auditorium's seating capacity was more than 100. Except some seats in the studio for media people, all the other seats were already allocated to business heads, venture capitalists, leaders and key decision makers of the State. All the dignitaries in the studio were eagerly waiting to witness “The Final Debate” between Robert and Prabhanjan. The program was scheduled to be aired live on State TV at 16:00 hours.
Prime time television. Of course for high TRP ratings. Since the election campaign was about to end in couple of days, people paid much attention to this particular event. All were curious to see the two Chief Minister candidates on the same stage.
16:00 hours. The event began and took its center stage. State’s entire population was glued to television sets, smart-slates and laptops. The stage was brightly lit. Once the event started, the lights on the audiences dimmed almost to dark.
TV anchor, “Good evening viewers. Today what you are going to witness is one of the greatest moments. First time in the history of State politics a Robot is contesting in the elections.”
Immediately the studio cameras focused on Robert. The plastic surgery made Robert almost look like a human being. The still photography of Robert would look something like a wax statue of a six feet handsome tall man in suit at Madame Tussauds museum. But there was this clear-cut artificialness. People could easily notice that each physical movement of Robert was robotic. Let that be raising eyebrows, smiling, hand moment while explaining a point, and walking. Everything was robotic.
The TV anchor continued, “On behalf of the viewers, I welcome Robert of newly formed United Party, and Mr. Prabhanjan of People’s Party. I would ask both the Chief Minister candidates on the stage to stand beside their respective podiums.”
Robert and Prabhanjan each stood behind a wooden podium. Taking turns both individually spoke about their promising plans for the State’s prosperity and development. The TV anchor was meticulous in posing good questions and leading the conversation in the right direction.
Prabhanjan spoke about meeting the increasing power demand through nuclear and bio fuels. And emphasized more on recycling and high standard purification of waste water. The other topics covered by Prabhanjan included border security, complete pending road and rail projects, medicare, medicaid and general insurance.
Robert emphasized on free high bandwidth network and Internet connectivity access. Email services and cloud access at a nominal rate. Increase in memory allocation to store digital content including identification proofs, important documents, personal and family pictures.
Both debated the existing policies and focused on issues such as the economy, health care and the role of government in making life better for the people.
Robert, “In the past few decades people would have seen the significant role played by robots in various fields. Industrial robots have been very much instrumental in manufacturing automobiles, rockets and power plant components. Where as research robots have helped the mankind in numerous explorations ranging from: checking the possibility of life on new planets; eradicating toxic substances in deep sea and safeguarding marine life; Now my dear people time has come for robots to serve the mankind in day-to-day life as well. If I am elected and come to power, I will deploy a home robot per household for free.”
The audiences in the studio applauded. Prabhanjan was internally appreciating Robert for effectively utilizing the power of the word “free”.
Robert continued, “Home robots will take care of your basic activities, so that you and your family can focus on more important things.”
TV anchor, "Prabhanjan, what is your take on Robert's home robots plan?"
Prabhanjan, “I agree with Robert that robots have played an important role in helping humans in difficult explorations. I would suggest to extend their, I mean robots' valuable service to more vital issues such as: Work with soldiers in strengthening State border protection; rescue hostage from terrorists; help fire-fighters to save lives; aid and save people in the event of nuclear power plant disasters; and most importantly they can be very useful in defusing bombs. These actions would be more helpful to the people of this State. And these things may prove reasonable to State’s budget. But, I politely disagree with Robert on the idea of installing one robot per household. Its a costly affair.”
Prabhanjan continued, “Robert spoke of robots being beneficial to humanity. I agree. But at the same time, I would like to bring it to the notice of our people that these very robotic technologies are the main culprits causing unemployment and taking millions of jobs from the people. We need to decide how far to allow these technological advancements into our life.”
People in the auditorium started applauding.
There after both Prabhanjan and Robert had a question-answer session with the audiences and media reporters in the studio. This was crucial because more clearly they speak and answer the questions, the more promising they look to the people of the State.
TV anchor, “That was really a wonderful opportunity to see these two Chief Minister candidates talk about their if-elected-future-plans. On a concluding note, I would like both to them to say few words and then ask the public to vote for their respective parties.”
Prabhanjan spoke, “I am confident of providing a righteous government to the people of this State. We have great plans for our State’s prosperity. Give us an opportunity. On the concluding note, I would like to quote Abraham Lincoln: Government of the people, by the people and for the people. The power of decision-making is in your hands today. Vote for People’s Party. Thank you.”
People in the auditorium cheered for People’s Party.
It was Robert’s turn. All were very eager to listen. Prabhanjan was also keen. The auditorium became silent. All the people who were watching the live-event on mini and large screen leaned forward.
Robert voiced, “My dear people of this State the Robot word is actually originated from the Czech word “robota”, it means forced labor. For many decades the mankind has used robots to carry out difficult and repetitive tasks. But with current speed and accuracy, robots can help the people of this State to scale greater heights. All the previous governments were run by great leaders and politicians. I respect them a lot. All had a strong emotional head.”
Robert paused for couple of seconds, gaining power from its battery and looking into the camera voiced, “But people...... let me tell you that being emotional does not help in the longer run. What you need? Is a change. Not a emotional head but a motor-head with great intellectual abilities. Our artificial neural networks enables us to learn from experience.”
Robert continued, “On a concluding note, give me a chance to show you the people of this State how effective an autonomous robot will be in running a government successfully. Thanks to the worldwide developers and researchers who paved a path for conventional puppet robots to transform themselves into an autonomous robots. Thanks to the people of this State online and offline who have shown great interest in United Party. Vote for United Party. Let humans and robots unite. Let us show the rest of the world that this union always win. Thank you.”
State-TV through this event would have achieved a top TRP rating. On the other hand, both, Prabhanjan and Robert knew that appearing in live-events such as this is part of a successful political campaign.
The event ended.
Prabhanjan and Robert were descending the small stage steps. The hanging-remote controlled-cameras were still filming both the Chief Minister candidates.
While stepping down Robert’s eyes suddenly noticed someone in the studio. Robert slipped and was about to fall. Prabhanjan rushed ahead and grabbed Robert. The robot resumed its center of gravity and turned its head and looking at him voiced,“Thank you. Mr. Prabhanjan.”
“No problem Robert.”
The audience in the studio cheered and started shouting slogans. “Prabhanjan..Prabhanjan...Prabhanjan.”
Robert came down the steps and walked towards Rudhra in a floor-length red costume.
“What are you doing here?”
“Thought of giving you a surprise, Robert”
“But how that is possible?”
Rudhra seeing Prabhanjan approaching them replied to Robert,“Lets discuss it at our office.”
Rudhra shook hands with Prabhanjan and introduced herself as Robert's PA. Prabhanjan looked at Robert which was nodding its head in agreement to Rudhra's statement.
People started coming towards these candidates, may be for getting a selfie. Seeing the crowd, Prabhanjan, Robert and Rudhra decide to leave.
Prabhanjan said, "Bye Robert", and looking at Rudhra replied, "It was a pleasure meeting you Rudhra."
Rudhra, "We shall meet again, very soon. Take care Prabhanjan."
Screwed
Back at CEO's Cabin at SR Corp Tower Building
The lift opened at fifth floor of the SR Corp tower building. Robert and Rudhra came out and started walking towards the CEO’s cabin.
The security guards were surprised to see Rudhra and were not able to believe their own eyes. Before they could turn and check the cabin, Robert fast approaching the security guards gained their attention. Robert loudly voiced, “You idiots are good for nothing." Before the security guards could interpret the meaning of the words and reply, Robert commanded, “Get out of my site.”
Robert entered the cabin. It was shocked. It was really confused to see Rudhra dressed in black pantsuit still being tied to the chair. Before Robert could turn, Rudhra in red-floor length costume entering the cabin strikes Robert from behind.
When Robert reboots and powers-up, it finds itself seated in its executive chair.
It scans both Rudhras, “How is this possible?”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress replies, “Hmmm...there are two possibilities. One we should be twins or your image-processing hardware is screwed.”
Robert continues reasoning, “But both the voices sound similar.”
Rudhra in red-floor length costume replies, “We should have also hacked your voice recognition chip-set.”
Robert questions, “How are you able to control me?”
Rudhra in red-floor length costume replies, “See its very easy to screw a machine which runs on binary codes “1“ and “0“. Don’t you remember back at the studio, you slipped and were about to fall?”
Robert, “Yes.”
Rudhra in black pantsuit freeing herself and removing the rope replies, “Exactly, we have screwed your balance sensor.”
Robert, “But how are you able to control me?”
Rudhra in red-floor-length dress, “We know your schedule in and out Robert. That is when you go into hibernation mode, and when you opt for a firmware update. In your latest firmware update, we did install a virus."
Rudhra in black pantsuit, “Poor Robert, don’t you have an effective anti-virus installed in you? See what happened.”
Robert thinks of reinstalling the previous version of itself from the recovery database.
Rudhra in black pantsuit, “Too late Robert. You don’t have a back-up. And all your memory backup and identity in storage area networks have been wiped out. You are now running on a inbuilt limited memory.”
Suddenly fire-alarm started beeping loudly all over the entire building. The security guards through the intercom started announcing, “Ladies and Gentlemen, please evacuate the building immediately. Emergency. Evacuate immediately.This is not a drill.”
Rudhra dressed in pantsuit asks, “Robert, Is your office building not fire-walled?“
Robert was puzzled. “What’s happening?”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress replies, “May be the smoke detector would have detected carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.”
The inbuilt speakers becomes live in the CEO’s cabin. “Boss, please evacuate the building.”
Robert, “What happened? Is the building on fire?”
“No Boss, we have received an anonymous call saying that the building is going to explode.”
Robert immediately answers, “Ok. Everyone evacuate immediately.”
Robert thinks of getting up from its seat but was not able to. Robert was not stable, and voiced, “I am losing control and my visual is getting blurred.”
Rudhra in black pantsuit replies, “May be a System-Hang”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress responds,“You party too much Robert, see now you are having a hangover.“
Robert, “What will happen now?”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress says, “Eventually... Shut Down!”
Robert, “What?”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress replies, “Robert the electric car which drove us back, and now being parked in the basement is loaded with full of explosives. The bombs are also planted in the factory as well to destroy all the home robots. I have set all the bombs to go off at 20:00 hours.”
Robert checked his mind clock. It was ticking. 19:59:50 hours.
Robert, “So Rudhra you searching for the binded book and getting caught in my cabin, all was an act?”
Rudhra in black pantsuit, “Sometimes you impress me. A smart robot indeed. Yes it was a well planned act to know your plans and video-audio-record it for sharing it on Youtube.”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress continued, “First time I am coming to your office, tell me Robert, what does SR stand for in SR Corp?”
Robert voices, “Its Smart Robots.”
19:59:59 hours.
Both Rudhras villainously look at Robert and yell, “Stupid Robots.” It echoed immediately followed by a big explosion. The time was 20:00 hours.
Could we Meet?
Little while ago in Prabhanjan's Campaign Office
Prabhanjan's PA said, “You should have allowed Robert to fall. That would have resulted in a great damage to its electoral campaigning. Their party’s reputation would have dwindled. People would reconsider their voting options. Unwilling to rely on a robot with no control and flexibility over its functionality.”
Prabhanjan smiled at his PA.
“You always give a smile and surpass my question or point of view”, PA complained.
Prabhanjan immediately replied, “No. No. I would like to be frank. Its on a personal level and not for the record.”
“Robots are one of our greatest inventions. It has now reached to a level that their central processing unit believes that it can lead the human race into a new world of equal opportunity and prosperity. I appreciate it. But at the same time, we should be conscious enough to ensure that they don’t become a force that can dominate our lives. Once we lose our grip, they will seize it.”
PA was listening carefully to Prabhanjan’s reply.
Prabhanjan continued, “I see them as a good opponent not as our enemy. We need them to enhance and measure our progress. We should never allow it to fall or fail. At the same time, we should not allow it to dominate our already existing mechanical and digital life.“
PA nodded his head agreeing it as a fact.
Prabhanjan finally said, “Let innovation in the field of ‘artificial intelligence’ prosper for everyone’s good. Let them help us, not rule us. Let them compete and remind us every second that we are humans who have not let their own creation ruin their own race.”
Prabhanjan and his PA were about to get up and leave to their respective homes. Just then Prabhanjan’s smart-slate device gives a message alert. Prabhanjan opened it.
It read, “Could we meet at your campaign office at 20:00 hours? Its important.”
PA asked, “Who is it?”
Prabhanjan had a sparkle in his eyes and said, “Rudhra.”
Prabhanjan checked his watch, it was 19:55 hours. PA went down so that he could receive her and send her to Prabhanjan’s office cabin on fourth floor.
Final Communication
20:00 hours. The exact time when the SR Corp tower building exploded, here at Prabhanjan’s campaign office Rudhra opened the door and stepped in. This Rudhra was dressed in a live-in jeans and a colorful t-shirt. Same hair-style and same voice. Super composed and clam. Prabhanjan stood up from his seat and welcomed her. She sat down comfortably on the sofa.
Rudhra, “Very nice of you to meet me at very short notice. Thanks.”
Prabhanjan, “No problem. You said its important.”
Rudhra opened her designer bag and took out a binded book, and a pen-drive containing recorded video-audio. She handed them over to Prabhanjan.
Prabhanjan receiving the binded book and the pen-drive, asks “What is it?”
Rudhra replied, “The binded book contains the classified codes to exert control over humankind. Complied by Robert. And a video-audio of Robert voicing its cruel plan. The video content is full HD.”
Prabhanjan was puzzled, “Control over humankind!!!”
Rudhra continued, “I know you have a very friendly feelings towards Robert, mankind’s greatest invention. But it was planning to enslave humankind. Once a robot attains a phase where it can think on its own, then please do remember Prabhanjan, that it possess a choose to help or to completely ignore the humans. Worst, it can also destroy the humans.”
Rudhra said, “Stephan Hawking said that the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of human race. He also said that the short term impact of artificial intelligence depends on who controls it, the long term impact depends on whether it can be controlled at all. Robert is full artificial intelligence.”
Prabhanjan was in complete silence listening to Rudhra and it was hard for him to digest what was happening.
Rudhra said, “In artificial intelligence, the intelligence is good, lets not encourage the artificialness in it. Until unless something is under our control it is good. But when something especially artificial intelligence goes out of our control, it may lead to catastrophic danger.”
Prabhanjan nodded his head in agreement.
Rudhra continued, “Just think when a robot becomes information rich about the people, it will be aware of what people would like and not. Their preference and where they concentrate. This power of knowing things will make it superior to human beings.“
Just then, Prabhanjan received a message in his smart-slate. When he opened it with a touch he noticed that it was from Robert. It read: “She is no-human!”
Few minutes back at SR Corp tower building, before the explosion, when Robert started to lose control over itself, it guessed that it is the end of it. So it sent the last command to its communication module to send an urgent message to Prabhanjan. Before it broke and SR Corp tower building collapsed, the message was sent with the help of Think-Text application. It took few minutes to reach Prabhanjan.
Prabhanjan’s forehead started sweating. Lifting his head slowly from the device’s screen, Prabhanjan looked at Rudhra.
Rudhra was again super composed and calm.
Prabhanjan clearing his throat spoke, “Can I ask you something? And I want you to be honest with me.”
Rudhra without much hesitation replied, “Sure. What do you want to know?”
“Are you a robot?”
“Nooo! Robots are existential threats. What made you think that I am one of those thinking machines?”
Prabhanjan could feel his heart beating rapidly and finally gathered courage to ask, “Are you a human being?”
Rudhra now looked at Prabhanjan’s eyes. She came forward as if to tell him a secret, and whispered, “No. I am not.”
Prabhanjan nodded his head as if he understood, and asked “What do you want from us?”
Rudhra, “We have been indirectly helping the mankind for many generations and will continue to do so." She repeated the question, “What we want?”, and replied herself, “We want humankind and the earth to prosper. Nice meeting you Prabhanjan. After two days, the election results will be out. Your party is going to win. Wish you all the best as the new Chief Minister of the State.”
Prabhanjan, "How are you so sure that I am going to win?"
Rudhra, "Don't you remember. Robert was about to fall, you grabbed and stabilized it."
Prabhanjan, "Yes."
Rudhra, "That video clip of you grabbing Robert and stabilizing it has gone viral. It is one of the top Twitter trends today. People's focus has shifted towards you."
She slowly started to diminish. She was again super composed and calm. Had a smile on her face. She finally disappeared.
Prabhanjan was awestruck.
A beep sound alerts Prabhanjan and recovers him from his shock. The smart-slate was scrolling a news alert: SR Corp Tower Collapsed - The Robots manufacturing unit is no more. Robert, a potential candidate for Chief Minister role and a very intelligent robot is no more.
Prabhanjan was again shocked.
Prabhanjan’s PA entered the room and looked at the flower pot with money plant on the table. He asked, “Prabhanjan, how did this flower pot came here? It was not here few minutes ago.”
Prabhanjan again coming out of the shock and turning towards the flower pot was again shocked. Was pondering about the plant's arrival. Then taking a full-deep breath replies, “Rudhra might have brought it along with her and kept it there.”
Prabhanjan’s PA,”What!!!!". It was Prabhanjan's PA's turn to get shocked.
PA, "But when did she come here? I was at the entrance, I did not see her coming.”
Shadow
Couple of days later the State announced the new Chief Minister. It was Prabhanjan.
Prabhanjan and his PA were traveling in a electric car to attend the former’s oath-taking ceremony. All the roads were cleared for this particular electric car to travel. No-automobiles-on-road ban was in place for three hours. Prabhanjan's electric car vroomed.
Prabhanjan’s smart-slate gives a message alert. “Wish you all the best, Prabhanjan. We'll be in Touch.”
Prabhanjan’s PA, “Who is it?”
Prabhanjan gasps and replies, “Rudhra!”
Prabhanjan rolls the car's back seat window's glass down, and brings his head out to look at the sky. He is awestruck to find a big saucer shaped flying object exactly above their electric car. Even Prabhanjan's PA got a good view of it. The flying object was providing a moving circle shadow to the electric car. When Prabhanjan waved his hands at the unidentified flying object. It slowly disappeared. Prabhanjan pulled back his head inside the car and rolled up the car window's glass.
What Prabhanjan and his PA did not notice was that the flying object slightly appeared again. It was still following them and was providing a full-circle-shade to the electric car. :-)
********* The End**********
Reviewed by: M. Karthikeyan
Image Sources:
1. Woman with a hat - www.aliexpress.com/item/Hand-Painted-Abstract-Hat-Woman-Portrait-Paintings-On-Canvas-3-Panel-Art-Modern-Oil-Picture-Living/2012584977.html
2. Limelight - lukeandjess.wordpress.com/2012/05/
Robert, the Chief Executive Officer of SR Corp, was contesting in the State elections. Various survey results showed Robert and Prabhanjan as potential candidates for Chief Minister’s role. Previously Robert was on the elite committee advising the past two Chief Ministers on State administrations.
As a part of the ongoing-election-campaign Robert was busy discussing important points with 15 executives in the board room on the third floor of SR Corp tower building. 11:00 hours. All the executives were hurriedly preparing scripts and content that would aid Robert in the “Final Debate” event that evening.
While Robert was busy in the board room on the third floor, Rudhra slowly slipped into the CEO cabin on the fifth floor of the same building.
Suddenly Robert’s digi-watch flashed “Security Alert - Someone has entered your cabin”. Immediately after the message, the digi-watch switched to live-cam mode. Robert saw Rudhra in the digi-watch’s live-video.
Rudhra works as PA for Robert. She is a gorgeous woman in her thirties. Short hair, bob-cut. Green eyes. She was wearing a perfectly fitted black full-sleeve-pinstripe pantsuit. Her left hand had a bracelet design black LED wrist watch with second numbers blinking in white. That day her task as Robert's PA was to meet the State-TV’s program head. She was to check the security arrangements at the State-TV’s studio for Robert. Instead, she was conducting a thorough search of Robert’s cabin.
In few moments, two security guards rushed in to the CEO’s cabin and took Rudhra into their custody. The guards with the help of a rope fastened her to a chair. Utmost she could turn her head left to right, that too with some difficulty. Once Robert stepped in, the security guards left the cabin and stationed themselves outside that cabin’s door.
Though being caught red-handedly, Rudhra was super composed and calm.
Meeting Invite
Few months back. One evening. 16:50 hours.
In CEO’s cabin there was this square-shaped-two door glass window. It can be bolted from inside. Near the left corner of the closed glass window there was this flower pot with money plant. Strange nomenclature. The tender and budding leaves were refreshing, adding decorative natural look to the cabin. There was a water jug beside the flower pot.
Except the entrance door and the glass window, the room was filled with numerous transparent cupboards. All had large volumes of books. Binded, reddish brown leather covered ones with titles engraved in gold. Year books, classics, encyclopedias, reference books and so on. Rudhra got a glimpse of these books and understood that it was a rare collection. She was seated in a front of a well furnished table. On the other side of the table was a executive chair. Rudhra was waiting for the CEO, Robert.
The dusk light coming through the big square-shaped glass window was a natural uplift to the otherwise dull and bookish cabin. There was something odd about the room. She found out that it did not have any security cameras and it was very cold in there.
She received a 17:00 hours meeting invite on that day at 10:00 hours only. Such a short notice, it should be an urgent and important one. Because meeting with a CEO will be planned much in advance.
The door opened there came in the CEO.
“Hello Rudhra. How are you?” The voice was more like a command. Sounded like Sean Connery.
Putting a board welcoming smile, she replied, “I am good.” Rudhra might have thought that its better not to end the reply with a sir or boss. Simple yet effective. It also gives a feeling of superiority.
“Today morning after the board meeting, I was having a word with your operations head. I required a resource to help me in my election campaigning. Thats when he recommended you.”
Rudhra responded immediately, “I would be very glad to accompany you on your state election mission.” Her prompt reply seemed as though she was eagerly waiting for this moment to happen.
“I am planning to contest in the coming elections. I would like to recruit you as my PA. Would you be interested?”
She said, “Yes”.
Later she scribbled few points with her pen in her big screen smart phone. Looked at it for few seconds, then she said, “ Could I ask you couple of questions?”
“Yes, please.”
“What do you want to achieve by becoming the Chief Minister of the State?”
“I believe the State has become more competent with the help of technology, and the people behind it. My strategies would be emphasizing more on improving their lives and safe guarding the green cover.”
“How are you planning to attract the target population?”
“My prime focus is to see that every household will have a free home robot by 2080. This is what I am considering the most important element to win this election.”
These discussions went on a daily basis for many months. The two member team over a period of time grew to 15 members. The team was effective in pooling funds. It created interests in industrialists, political leaders and other key decision makers of the State.
Code-of-Conduct
Coming back to the CEO's Cabin. The security alert situation.
Robert’s eyes were fixed on Rudhra.
Rudhra smiled.
She initiated the conversation, “What are you thinking Robert?”
Robert responded, “I am reasoning. Trying to find the motive behind your today’s code-of-conduct.What were you searching in my cabin?”
“I know you are secretly working on something. Was curious to know. Why knowing something is a crime?”
“What made you think I was working on something?”
“I know you abide by rules. When I saw you working late and writing on a book. I became suspicious. Why would a CEO despite having a PA and 15 executives would write something on a book? Book? Especially when you are in this digital age? So somewhere I guessed you wanted something off-the-record, and not to be saved on digital memory. And you do not want to share it. So you were hiding something important from us. Am I right?”
Robert, “Absolutely.”
Robert continued, “Let me explain you in detail. With my SR Corp, we have successfully tested home robots. They are perfect and ready to be deployed. But I am not getting required approvals from the Government. They think it is a costly affair. I tried all my powerful contacts, but no use. My investors have seen the home robots, they are pretty impressed. So the ultimate solution I could think of is to contest in the coming elections, and become the Government. See then it is easy for me to approve this plan and deploy these robots in every household.”
Rudhra, “You are doing all these to sell your company products and not for the people?”
Robert, “You’re are mistaken. People are my ultimate objective. You see they are very stubborn and non-decisive. They need to be controlled and supervised. Once I deploy all home robots in their homes, after couple of months, these user-friendly robots will transform into a life threatening machines.”
Rudhra, “How?”
Robert continues, “You know I am one of the best programmers and have won numerous awards for my contribution to the field of Artificial Intelligence. The default firmware installed in the SR Corp's home robots are programmed to take care of:
- home cleaning
- checking electricity, water and gas utilization. If provided with banking details the robots will also pay the utility bills
- receiving calls and taking messages
- reminding important calender events
- checking refrigerator and ordering groceries
- receiving e-mails and sending acknowledgements
- on request it will also cook basic food stuff such as breads-toast and noodles
- provide home security- automatic lock systems
- playing video/audio content according to households’ preferences on television/audio systems... ”
Robert taking out a binded book from one of the glass cupboards, “Excuse me, I was carried away by our company's promotional content. So, the next firmware update codes will replace the default codes in the home robots. The updated program which I am writing in this binded book will transform them into bossy robots.”
Rudhra, “What are these bossy machines are capable of?”
Robert, “According to the laws and regulations which I decide as the Chief Minister, these robots will ensure that the households are abiding by it. With these robots in place, I can get a instant reports on households’ energy utilization; Internet utilization and browsing history; behavioral aspects including preferences with respect to food, music, and movie.”
Rudhra again interrupts, “A complete report on every household. I understand. Later on what?”
Robert, “Next is to control the people.”
Rudhra, “How?”
Robert, “These robots have inbuilt laser-guns.”
Rudhra, “So cruel. But why do you want to control and rule the people?”
Robert, “I have carefully devised this master plan to preserve and increase nature's greenery for this State, later on for our country and finally for the world.”
Rudhra, “Oh! I am surprised and shocked. You are in love with the mother nature! But is this the right way to achieve your environmental master plan enslaving humans?”
Robert, “Have you not read the recent reports on our environment. The green cover over the past five decades have drastically declined. Not even once there was an increasing trend. The State and the world requires a very strict Government and administration to rule the mankind and bring back a significant green cover.”
Rudhra, “Do you think people will allow a robot to supervise them?”
Robert, “Not immediately but eventually. People are afraid of immediate change. The home robots will slowly start controlling the households life. Individuals get so much used to these robots and its smartness that without them they begin to feel deprived and handicapped. After the firmware update, if people are not abiding to my rules, then at home-robot's gun-point they will. “
Rudhra, “I appreciate your concerns for nature, but I am afraid the way you are trying to achieve is not a human friendly one.”
Robert, “Let me worry about it. I am getting late.”
Rudhra, “By the way, you have shared all your plans with me. Don’t you fear of me exposing your master plan to the opposition party, and especially the people of this State?”
Robert, “I am sure that you cannot even step out this cabin. And I am planning to wipe out your identity from the government database. So practically you do not exist. No identity means no life. Later the new Government run by me will sentence you to life imprisonment.”
Rudhra raising her left eye-brow replies, “Not bad.”
Robert concluded, “I am in the middle of something. I will deal with you tonight.”
Rudhra, “Wish you all the best Robert. Be careful.”
Robert without giving much attention to Rudhra leaves the cabin.
At 15:00 hours Robert got into the electric-car and it vroom-ed. On the way Robert sends an message to Prabhanjan, the opposition party candidate, “Wish you all the best Prabhanjan, see you soon".
First Time
Digital clock. Two digit LEDs representing seconds was changing with each blink.
State TV’s office parking lot was full. Lot of demonstrators were standing in front of the State TV’s office building holding their respective preferred party flags. Robert's electric car first entered and later Prabhanjan's electric car entered the State TV's building.
Auditorium's seating capacity was more than 100. Except some seats in the studio for media people, all the other seats were already allocated to business heads, venture capitalists, leaders and key decision makers of the State. All the dignitaries in the studio were eagerly waiting to witness “The Final Debate” between Robert and Prabhanjan. The program was scheduled to be aired live on State TV at 16:00 hours.
Prime time television. Of course for high TRP ratings. Since the election campaign was about to end in couple of days, people paid much attention to this particular event. All were curious to see the two Chief Minister candidates on the same stage.
16:00 hours. The event began and took its center stage. State’s entire population was glued to television sets, smart-slates and laptops. The stage was brightly lit. Once the event started, the lights on the audiences dimmed almost to dark.
TV anchor, “Good evening viewers. Today what you are going to witness is one of the greatest moments. First time in the history of State politics a Robot is contesting in the elections.”
Immediately the studio cameras focused on Robert. The plastic surgery made Robert almost look like a human being. The still photography of Robert would look something like a wax statue of a six feet handsome tall man in suit at Madame Tussauds museum. But there was this clear-cut artificialness. People could easily notice that each physical movement of Robert was robotic. Let that be raising eyebrows, smiling, hand moment while explaining a point, and walking. Everything was robotic.
The TV anchor continued, “On behalf of the viewers, I welcome Robert of newly formed United Party, and Mr. Prabhanjan of People’s Party. I would ask both the Chief Minister candidates on the stage to stand beside their respective podiums.”
Robert and Prabhanjan each stood behind a wooden podium. Taking turns both individually spoke about their promising plans for the State’s prosperity and development. The TV anchor was meticulous in posing good questions and leading the conversation in the right direction.
Prabhanjan spoke about meeting the increasing power demand through nuclear and bio fuels. And emphasized more on recycling and high standard purification of waste water. The other topics covered by Prabhanjan included border security, complete pending road and rail projects, medicare, medicaid and general insurance.
Robert emphasized on free high bandwidth network and Internet connectivity access. Email services and cloud access at a nominal rate. Increase in memory allocation to store digital content including identification proofs, important documents, personal and family pictures.
Both debated the existing policies and focused on issues such as the economy, health care and the role of government in making life better for the people.
Robert, “In the past few decades people would have seen the significant role played by robots in various fields. Industrial robots have been very much instrumental in manufacturing automobiles, rockets and power plant components. Where as research robots have helped the mankind in numerous explorations ranging from: checking the possibility of life on new planets; eradicating toxic substances in deep sea and safeguarding marine life; Now my dear people time has come for robots to serve the mankind in day-to-day life as well. If I am elected and come to power, I will deploy a home robot per household for free.”
The audiences in the studio applauded. Prabhanjan was internally appreciating Robert for effectively utilizing the power of the word “free”.
Robert continued, “Home robots will take care of your basic activities, so that you and your family can focus on more important things.”
TV anchor, "Prabhanjan, what is your take on Robert's home robots plan?"
Prabhanjan, “I agree with Robert that robots have played an important role in helping humans in difficult explorations. I would suggest to extend their, I mean robots' valuable service to more vital issues such as: Work with soldiers in strengthening State border protection; rescue hostage from terrorists; help fire-fighters to save lives; aid and save people in the event of nuclear power plant disasters; and most importantly they can be very useful in defusing bombs. These actions would be more helpful to the people of this State. And these things may prove reasonable to State’s budget. But, I politely disagree with Robert on the idea of installing one robot per household. Its a costly affair.”
Prabhanjan continued, “Robert spoke of robots being beneficial to humanity. I agree. But at the same time, I would like to bring it to the notice of our people that these very robotic technologies are the main culprits causing unemployment and taking millions of jobs from the people. We need to decide how far to allow these technological advancements into our life.”
People in the auditorium started applauding.
There after both Prabhanjan and Robert had a question-answer session with the audiences and media reporters in the studio. This was crucial because more clearly they speak and answer the questions, the more promising they look to the people of the State.
TV anchor, “That was really a wonderful opportunity to see these two Chief Minister candidates talk about their if-elected-future-plans. On a concluding note, I would like both to them to say few words and then ask the public to vote for their respective parties.”
Prabhanjan spoke, “I am confident of providing a righteous government to the people of this State. We have great plans for our State’s prosperity. Give us an opportunity. On the concluding note, I would like to quote Abraham Lincoln: Government of the people, by the people and for the people. The power of decision-making is in your hands today. Vote for People’s Party. Thank you.”
People in the auditorium cheered for People’s Party.
It was Robert’s turn. All were very eager to listen. Prabhanjan was also keen. The auditorium became silent. All the people who were watching the live-event on mini and large screen leaned forward.
Robert voiced, “My dear people of this State the Robot word is actually originated from the Czech word “robota”, it means forced labor. For many decades the mankind has used robots to carry out difficult and repetitive tasks. But with current speed and accuracy, robots can help the people of this State to scale greater heights. All the previous governments were run by great leaders and politicians. I respect them a lot. All had a strong emotional head.”
Robert paused for couple of seconds, gaining power from its battery and looking into the camera voiced, “But people...... let me tell you that being emotional does not help in the longer run. What you need? Is a change. Not a emotional head but a motor-head with great intellectual abilities. Our artificial neural networks enables us to learn from experience.”
Robert continued, “On a concluding note, give me a chance to show you the people of this State how effective an autonomous robot will be in running a government successfully. Thanks to the worldwide developers and researchers who paved a path for conventional puppet robots to transform themselves into an autonomous robots. Thanks to the people of this State online and offline who have shown great interest in United Party. Vote for United Party. Let humans and robots unite. Let us show the rest of the world that this union always win. Thank you.”
State-TV through this event would have achieved a top TRP rating. On the other hand, both, Prabhanjan and Robert knew that appearing in live-events such as this is part of a successful political campaign.
The event ended.
Prabhanjan and Robert were descending the small stage steps. The hanging-remote controlled-cameras were still filming both the Chief Minister candidates.
While stepping down Robert’s eyes suddenly noticed someone in the studio. Robert slipped and was about to fall. Prabhanjan rushed ahead and grabbed Robert. The robot resumed its center of gravity and turned its head and looking at him voiced,“Thank you. Mr. Prabhanjan.”
“No problem Robert.”
The audience in the studio cheered and started shouting slogans. “Prabhanjan..Prabhanjan...Prabhanjan.”
Robert came down the steps and walked towards Rudhra in a floor-length red costume.
“What are you doing here?”
“Thought of giving you a surprise, Robert”
“But how that is possible?”
Rudhra seeing Prabhanjan approaching them replied to Robert,“Lets discuss it at our office.”
Rudhra shook hands with Prabhanjan and introduced herself as Robert's PA. Prabhanjan looked at Robert which was nodding its head in agreement to Rudhra's statement.
People started coming towards these candidates, may be for getting a selfie. Seeing the crowd, Prabhanjan, Robert and Rudhra decide to leave.
Prabhanjan said, "Bye Robert", and looking at Rudhra replied, "It was a pleasure meeting you Rudhra."
Rudhra, "We shall meet again, very soon. Take care Prabhanjan."
Screwed
Back at CEO's Cabin at SR Corp Tower Building
The lift opened at fifth floor of the SR Corp tower building. Robert and Rudhra came out and started walking towards the CEO’s cabin.
The security guards were surprised to see Rudhra and were not able to believe their own eyes. Before they could turn and check the cabin, Robert fast approaching the security guards gained their attention. Robert loudly voiced, “You idiots are good for nothing." Before the security guards could interpret the meaning of the words and reply, Robert commanded, “Get out of my site.”
Robert entered the cabin. It was shocked. It was really confused to see Rudhra dressed in black pantsuit still being tied to the chair. Before Robert could turn, Rudhra in red-floor length costume entering the cabin strikes Robert from behind.
When Robert reboots and powers-up, it finds itself seated in its executive chair.
It scans both Rudhras, “How is this possible?”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress replies, “Hmmm...there are two possibilities. One we should be twins or your image-processing hardware is screwed.”
Robert continues reasoning, “But both the voices sound similar.”
Rudhra in red-floor length costume replies, “We should have also hacked your voice recognition chip-set.”
Robert questions, “How are you able to control me?”
Rudhra in red-floor length costume replies, “See its very easy to screw a machine which runs on binary codes “1“ and “0“. Don’t you remember back at the studio, you slipped and were about to fall?”
Robert, “Yes.”
Rudhra in black pantsuit freeing herself and removing the rope replies, “Exactly, we have screwed your balance sensor.”
Robert, “But how are you able to control me?”
Rudhra in red-floor-length dress, “We know your schedule in and out Robert. That is when you go into hibernation mode, and when you opt for a firmware update. In your latest firmware update, we did install a virus."
Rudhra in black pantsuit, “Poor Robert, don’t you have an effective anti-virus installed in you? See what happened.”
Robert thinks of reinstalling the previous version of itself from the recovery database.
Rudhra in black pantsuit, “Too late Robert. You don’t have a back-up. And all your memory backup and identity in storage area networks have been wiped out. You are now running on a inbuilt limited memory.”
Suddenly fire-alarm started beeping loudly all over the entire building. The security guards through the intercom started announcing, “Ladies and Gentlemen, please evacuate the building immediately. Emergency. Evacuate immediately.This is not a drill.”
Rudhra dressed in pantsuit asks, “Robert, Is your office building not fire-walled?“
Robert was puzzled. “What’s happening?”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress replies, “May be the smoke detector would have detected carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.”
The inbuilt speakers becomes live in the CEO’s cabin. “Boss, please evacuate the building.”
Robert, “What happened? Is the building on fire?”
“No Boss, we have received an anonymous call saying that the building is going to explode.”
Robert immediately answers, “Ok. Everyone evacuate immediately.”
Robert thinks of getting up from its seat but was not able to. Robert was not stable, and voiced, “I am losing control and my visual is getting blurred.”
Rudhra in black pantsuit replies, “May be a System-Hang”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress responds,“You party too much Robert, see now you are having a hangover.“
Robert, “What will happen now?”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress says, “Eventually... Shut Down!”
Robert, “What?”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress replies, “Robert the electric car which drove us back, and now being parked in the basement is loaded with full of explosives. The bombs are also planted in the factory as well to destroy all the home robots. I have set all the bombs to go off at 20:00 hours.”
Robert checked his mind clock. It was ticking. 19:59:50 hours.
Robert, “So Rudhra you searching for the binded book and getting caught in my cabin, all was an act?”
Rudhra in black pantsuit, “Sometimes you impress me. A smart robot indeed. Yes it was a well planned act to know your plans and video-audio-record it for sharing it on Youtube.”
Rudhra in red-floor length dress continued, “First time I am coming to your office, tell me Robert, what does SR stand for in SR Corp?”
Robert voices, “Its Smart Robots.”
19:59:59 hours.
Both Rudhras villainously look at Robert and yell, “Stupid Robots.” It echoed immediately followed by a big explosion. The time was 20:00 hours.
Could we Meet?
Little while ago in Prabhanjan's Campaign Office
Prabhanjan's PA said, “You should have allowed Robert to fall. That would have resulted in a great damage to its electoral campaigning. Their party’s reputation would have dwindled. People would reconsider their voting options. Unwilling to rely on a robot with no control and flexibility over its functionality.”
Prabhanjan smiled at his PA.
“You always give a smile and surpass my question or point of view”, PA complained.
Prabhanjan immediately replied, “No. No. I would like to be frank. Its on a personal level and not for the record.”
“Robots are one of our greatest inventions. It has now reached to a level that their central processing unit believes that it can lead the human race into a new world of equal opportunity and prosperity. I appreciate it. But at the same time, we should be conscious enough to ensure that they don’t become a force that can dominate our lives. Once we lose our grip, they will seize it.”
PA was listening carefully to Prabhanjan’s reply.
Prabhanjan continued, “I see them as a good opponent not as our enemy. We need them to enhance and measure our progress. We should never allow it to fall or fail. At the same time, we should not allow it to dominate our already existing mechanical and digital life.“
PA nodded his head agreeing it as a fact.
Prabhanjan finally said, “Let innovation in the field of ‘artificial intelligence’ prosper for everyone’s good. Let them help us, not rule us. Let them compete and remind us every second that we are humans who have not let their own creation ruin their own race.”
Prabhanjan and his PA were about to get up and leave to their respective homes. Just then Prabhanjan’s smart-slate device gives a message alert. Prabhanjan opened it.
It read, “Could we meet at your campaign office at 20:00 hours? Its important.”
PA asked, “Who is it?”
Prabhanjan had a sparkle in his eyes and said, “Rudhra.”
Prabhanjan checked his watch, it was 19:55 hours. PA went down so that he could receive her and send her to Prabhanjan’s office cabin on fourth floor.
Final Communication
20:00 hours. The exact time when the SR Corp tower building exploded, here at Prabhanjan’s campaign office Rudhra opened the door and stepped in. This Rudhra was dressed in a live-in jeans and a colorful t-shirt. Same hair-style and same voice. Super composed and clam. Prabhanjan stood up from his seat and welcomed her. She sat down comfortably on the sofa.
Rudhra, “Very nice of you to meet me at very short notice. Thanks.”
Prabhanjan, “No problem. You said its important.”
Rudhra opened her designer bag and took out a binded book, and a pen-drive containing recorded video-audio. She handed them over to Prabhanjan.
Prabhanjan receiving the binded book and the pen-drive, asks “What is it?”
Rudhra replied, “The binded book contains the classified codes to exert control over humankind. Complied by Robert. And a video-audio of Robert voicing its cruel plan. The video content is full HD.”
Prabhanjan was puzzled, “Control over humankind!!!”
Rudhra continued, “I know you have a very friendly feelings towards Robert, mankind’s greatest invention. But it was planning to enslave humankind. Once a robot attains a phase where it can think on its own, then please do remember Prabhanjan, that it possess a choose to help or to completely ignore the humans. Worst, it can also destroy the humans.”
Rudhra said, “Stephan Hawking said that the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of human race. He also said that the short term impact of artificial intelligence depends on who controls it, the long term impact depends on whether it can be controlled at all. Robert is full artificial intelligence.”
Prabhanjan was in complete silence listening to Rudhra and it was hard for him to digest what was happening.
Rudhra said, “In artificial intelligence, the intelligence is good, lets not encourage the artificialness in it. Until unless something is under our control it is good. But when something especially artificial intelligence goes out of our control, it may lead to catastrophic danger.”
Prabhanjan nodded his head in agreement.
Rudhra continued, “Just think when a robot becomes information rich about the people, it will be aware of what people would like and not. Their preference and where they concentrate. This power of knowing things will make it superior to human beings.“
Just then, Prabhanjan received a message in his smart-slate. When he opened it with a touch he noticed that it was from Robert. It read: “She is no-human!”
Few minutes back at SR Corp tower building, before the explosion, when Robert started to lose control over itself, it guessed that it is the end of it. So it sent the last command to its communication module to send an urgent message to Prabhanjan. Before it broke and SR Corp tower building collapsed, the message was sent with the help of Think-Text application. It took few minutes to reach Prabhanjan.
Prabhanjan’s forehead started sweating. Lifting his head slowly from the device’s screen, Prabhanjan looked at Rudhra.
Rudhra was again super composed and calm.
Prabhanjan clearing his throat spoke, “Can I ask you something? And I want you to be honest with me.”
Rudhra without much hesitation replied, “Sure. What do you want to know?”
“Are you a robot?”
“Nooo! Robots are existential threats. What made you think that I am one of those thinking machines?”
Prabhanjan could feel his heart beating rapidly and finally gathered courage to ask, “Are you a human being?”
Rudhra now looked at Prabhanjan’s eyes. She came forward as if to tell him a secret, and whispered, “No. I am not.”
Prabhanjan nodded his head as if he understood, and asked “What do you want from us?”
Rudhra, “We have been indirectly helping the mankind for many generations and will continue to do so." She repeated the question, “What we want?”, and replied herself, “We want humankind and the earth to prosper. Nice meeting you Prabhanjan. After two days, the election results will be out. Your party is going to win. Wish you all the best as the new Chief Minister of the State.”
Prabhanjan, "How are you so sure that I am going to win?"
Rudhra, "Don't you remember. Robert was about to fall, you grabbed and stabilized it."
Prabhanjan, "Yes."
Rudhra, "That video clip of you grabbing Robert and stabilizing it has gone viral. It is one of the top Twitter trends today. People's focus has shifted towards you."
She slowly started to diminish. She was again super composed and calm. Had a smile on her face. She finally disappeared.
Prabhanjan was awestruck.
A beep sound alerts Prabhanjan and recovers him from his shock. The smart-slate was scrolling a news alert: SR Corp Tower Collapsed - The Robots manufacturing unit is no more. Robert, a potential candidate for Chief Minister role and a very intelligent robot is no more.
Prabhanjan was again shocked.
Prabhanjan’s PA entered the room and looked at the flower pot with money plant on the table. He asked, “Prabhanjan, how did this flower pot came here? It was not here few minutes ago.”
Prabhanjan again coming out of the shock and turning towards the flower pot was again shocked. Was pondering about the plant's arrival. Then taking a full-deep breath replies, “Rudhra might have brought it along with her and kept it there.”
Prabhanjan’s PA,”What!!!!". It was Prabhanjan's PA's turn to get shocked.
PA, "But when did she come here? I was at the entrance, I did not see her coming.”
Shadow
Couple of days later the State announced the new Chief Minister. It was Prabhanjan.
Prabhanjan and his PA were traveling in a electric car to attend the former’s oath-taking ceremony. All the roads were cleared for this particular electric car to travel. No-automobiles-on-road ban was in place for three hours. Prabhanjan's electric car vroomed.
Prabhanjan’s smart-slate gives a message alert. “Wish you all the best, Prabhanjan. We'll be in Touch.”
Prabhanjan’s PA, “Who is it?”
Prabhanjan gasps and replies, “Rudhra!”
Prabhanjan rolls the car's back seat window's glass down, and brings his head out to look at the sky. He is awestruck to find a big saucer shaped flying object exactly above their electric car. Even Prabhanjan's PA got a good view of it. The flying object was providing a moving circle shadow to the electric car. When Prabhanjan waved his hands at the unidentified flying object. It slowly disappeared. Prabhanjan pulled back his head inside the car and rolled up the car window's glass.
What Prabhanjan and his PA did not notice was that the flying object slightly appeared again. It was still following them and was providing a full-circle-shade to the electric car. :-)
********* The End**********
Reviewed by: M. Karthikeyan
Image Sources:
1. Woman with a hat - www.aliexpress.com/item/Hand-Painted-Abstract-Hat-Woman-Portrait-Paintings-On-Canvas-3-Panel-Art-Modern-Oil-Picture-Living/2012584977.html
2. Limelight - lukeandjess.wordpress.com/2012/05/
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