Can AI Protect Humanity?—New Earth: Chapter 7, Part 4—The Protector Clones
The New Earth series continues this week with the next installment of Chapter 7. Tao, Reed and Liberty escaped from Maxwell Rhodes—the rich tech genius—who turned against society in order to save it.
With the aid of an AI powered ship named Kairo, they were taken to planet Alpha. It is here they met Chef, the operator of the planet and of the cloning technology. This is all part of Max’s plan to save the human race by populating the galaxy with humans.
What will Chef do with them now that he revealed his plans? Is he a savior of humanity or something else?
Enjoy the next entry below.
All the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.
Peace.
Yesterday, the tour of the facility pleased Chef. Though he rarely smiled, he continuously spoke about the various technologies employed to build the facility and the cloning process itself. They walked through a few of the hundreds of below ground floors filled with human cloning pods. Inside, each clone was being injected with synthetic memories from the Memory-Language Matrix. Several times, Chef reiterated that the MLM was the missing piece from the current emotionless clones on Alpha. These new clones, he hoped, would be indistinguishable from Earthly humans.
These clones would spread across the galaxy. All three wondered about their role in Maxwell Rhodes’s supposed plan to save humanity.
Tao wanted to speak with Kai but he disappeared the next day. It seemed odd that the robot questioned or challenged Chef. Tao wanted to know why. But Tao’s mental powers were useless among the other robots or clones—they were empty vessels. Unusual. More striking was that Tao’s powers did not work on Chef himself. All very concerning.
As he sat with Reed and Liberty in the dining hall the next morning, Tao was forced to navigate the world of planet Alpha solely through observation and dialog. Unlike prior meals on Alpha, they were joined by humans. The three quietly ate, observing the clones.
First, Tao found himself starring at a clone at his table. Clones never initiated conversation. Sure they would speak or animate to find the source of a sound or fulfill a command. But otherwise, they sat, glossy eyed, waiting for something to happen. When a robot brought a clone food, the eating process began. In 13 minutes the clone would finish and leave. The next clone would take their spot. The portions seemed identical: the same quantity of synthetic protein, liquid carbohydrates and cubed gelatin filled vitamins.
Chef came by and noticed Tao starring at a clone. He said, “Though they lack any demeanor, there are worse characteristics of Earthly humans that these lack.”
“Such as?” Tao said.
Liberty interrupted, “How about selfishness, greed, pride, dishonesty and hypocrisy?” Tao and Reed caught each other’s eyes. “Just to name a few.”
“You’re a smart woman,” Chef said. “These clones are not companions, but I entrust them with my life. With all our lives.”
Reed said, “So the reason one stood outside our rooms all night was for protection. Not because we’re prisoners?”
“I assure you, they are your protector,” Chef said. “You may go anywhere you want. Explore Alpha. For your safety,” Chef smiled, “my clones will escort you. After all, you are new to this planet.”
Tao said, “Why use your precious clones as escorts instead of robots? For every clone,” Tao looked around, “you have ten robots.”
Chef took a deep breath. “Have you had much experience with robots, Tao?”
“I have avoided them most of my life.”
“Well, I haven’t. And there are some things robots cannot do. I should say, some things they will not do. It’s because of their programming. And here on Alpha, my orders must be followed. Clones provide that certainty. Robots do not.”
Reed said, “What you created is a dictatorship. And you’re at the top.”
“What did you expect?” Chef said. “Is something wrong with that?”
“Ask them.” Reed turned to the clone next to him. “What do you want to do today?”
The clone turned toward Reed and blinked. He said, “I’m here to help you explore planet Alpha.”
Reed said, “But why do you want to do that? Isn’t there anything else you want to do?”
The clone said, “I want to help you explore planet Alpha because it is part of my mission. We all play a role.” The clone returned to staring off into the distance.
“Well, that was inspiring,” Reed said.
Chef said, “I understand you enjoy the outdoors, Mr. Reed.” He pointed at Reed’s cowboy boots. “Go explore. The night sky on Alpha is spectacular. Unlike anything you’ve seen during campfires on Earth.” Chef nods at the clone. “He will keep you safe.”
“I could use some time outdoors,” Reed said. Tao, Reed and Liberty rose and started to walk away. Each of their assigned clones follow.
“Tao,” Chef said, “I need your help.” Tao glances at his friends and then at Chef. “You can join them later. Please stay.”
Tao nods at Liberty and Reed. “I’ll find you later.”
“Thank you,” Chef said. “Let’s go to my office. It’s not far.”