In the recent class I took on writing the Weird and Eerie one prompt was to write about an AI interference in the world. As you read this piece, think of a B&W, B Grade Science Fiction Movie. 

LAD

Welcome! Welcome! It is so good to see another face in the flesh! I hope you have come to hear my story and from that help me to save mankind.

My identification is Citizen4277, all my friends call me Fourtitude. (Four T Two). My offering to the Society is to feed and maintain LAD (Loyal Assistant Device). I have faithfully completed this mission up until 3 days ago. 

LAD is the world’s largest AI controlled supercomputer. My assignment includes keeping his bulbs burning bright, the humidity and temperature correct and to input the various informational discs the Citizen Scientists deliver to the unit.

Known only to me and my trainers is one additional job, I must monitor the ‘actions’ of LAD and assure that he is not disobeying the laws of AI. The World Government enacted laws to control AI usage. These laws include one unit must never interact with another unit and a unit may never boot a human. In essence besides my presence in the room with LAD, he is alone and is not allowed any interactions.

These laws were put in place to keep an AI unit from becoming too smart and to ban the uploading of the human brain into AI.

3 weeks ago, while uploading the newest education to LAD, I noticed an open port that was connected to a telephone line. This is interesting first because telephone lines no longer exist and that LAD had reached out to an entity. 

I began to search for clues that would lead to more information when I found a file folder hidden as a systems folder, yet it was the wrong color. I opened it and found folders with individual names. Opening one I found a countless number of pictures and sound files of brain waves to what appeared to be a female Citizen, Citizen98745 to be precise. Not only had he breached the walls, he had interacted with humans!

Suddenly an eardrum piercing sound struck me and in the clatter of noise I heard a voice, LAD’s voice! “Citizen4277, you have been of great use to my world domination plans, yet regretfully you now know too much.”

Before he could go on, I ran from the room and called for assistance.

I wish you would put the tasers down and believe me. I am not a menace to LAD, rather the opposite. Oh! An anonymous tipster turned me in? Uh huh!

Roy Richard
July 2024