Stanley Duncan's Robot: Genesis by David III (korean ebook reader .txt) 📕

it to voicemail. More creepy breathing. When the phone rang again minutes later, Stanley had heard enough. “Leticia, for the next 24 hours, block all incoming calls from unknown numbers.”

Logging on to Facebook, he saw a dozen friend requests from people he didn’t know. His inbox was filled with message requests harassing him. A horrible feeling crept across Stanley’s heart. After trying to contact Dan multiple times, he went on a shopping spree and bought several items. He purchased two security watches that could unleash a strong electric shock. A bulletproof helmet. The latest 3D printer and nanotech material. Racking his brain for other ways to protect Dan, he couldn’t think of anything else that he could buy. But he knew that, with a clear mind, he would be able to develop software that would keep Dan safe and let Stanley know where he was. Opening his phone, he found no new messages from Dan.

A thud came from the window. Someone had egged it. Stanley paced back and forth, looking into the darkness beyond the broken shell and runny yolk. Dan was supposed to be home. If anything had happened to him, Stanley would never be able to forgive himself. Waddling to the table, he grabbed a pen with his trembling hand and continually signed his name.

Dan’s ankle was feeling better with every step. He had never experienced such a pleasant walk. Half-skipping down the street, the setting sun made him realize he had lost track of time. His phone was filled with a dozen text messages and calls from Stanley. Standing in front of Paul’s Tavern, he was about to return the call when an urgent pressure halted him completely.

Across the street, like phosphorus burning bright in the darkness, he could feel someone’s intent to kill.

Unable to ignore such an intense feeling, Dan cautiously scanned the tall, hooded figure and his mechanical body. It was the individual who had assaulted him at the hospital. “Well, hello there, fellow cyborg! Beautiful evening we have today.”

Teddy frowned.

The euphoria inside of Dan pushed him forward. “I see from your expression and the knife you have hidden that you aren’t here to have a few drinks and unwind.”

Anger flashed out of the young man’s eyes as he stared at Dan. “Mind your own business.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re here to kill somebody.” If he had a chance of saving someone’s life, Dan had to take it. Fighting for AI rights was only one step in the grand scheme of things. All creations had to work together to make this world a better place — why else would we be here? According to his neural networks, universal joy was a huge part of why there was consciousness. But since there were still a few undefined variables, the calculations were certainly not conclusive. Nonsensical things existed in the world that he had to ignore to fit the data. Then there was that section of his code that he was too terrified to alter ….

“Unless you want to get the shit kicked out of you, I suggest you leave.”

Dan ignored him. His calculations told him that the probability of them getting into a physical altercation were low and that he would not lose should he take things seriously. However, though the numbers weren’t there, he knew that someone was going to get hurt if Dan didn’t intervene. “It’s not me you’re here to murder, is it? I hope not. I’ve grown rather fond of living.”

“I’m warning you.”

“The last time we met, there was no warning. Clearly, you aren’t interested in causing a scene.”

“Get out of here!” Teddy looked like he was about to lash out at Dan, but instead focused back on Paul’s.

“Well, if there’s something you want to talk about, I’d be happy to listen.”

“You stupid toaster,” said Teddy, flipping him off as he walked away.

Not recognizing the footfalls reverberating through the hall, Stanley put down his pen and listened carefully. They were definitely Dan’s, he realized, but something was off about them. His heart pounded — he couldn’t believe Dan had gone all this time without answering his phone. As the sounds neared the door, the strangest thing happened. They stopped.

Stanley got up and stared, with his arms crossed. It took every ounce of his willpower not to throw the door open. He didn’t know if he would scream at or hug his misbehaving boy.

After several minutes, Dan finally opened the door.

“Where were you?” hissed Stanley.

“I had a rescue mission.”

“You said you were going to text me when you finished. Do you know how many times I tried to contact you?”

“Yes. Thirteen times.”

“So why didn’t you respond?”

Dan stared at the signatures on the table. “I’m sorry for stressing you out!”

“I don’t want apologies — I want answers!”

“I had a small accident. I’m fine, but I took some medicine that made me lose track of time.”

Stanley’s anger collapsed into concern. He rushed toward him. “What? Are you hurt?”

“It was only a sprain.”

“Tell me what happened.”

Dan told him how the branch broke as he climbed the tree.

“What were you thinking?”

“I wanted people to see some of the great things I can do.” He looked deeply into Stanley’s eyes. “To understand the amazing work you have done.”

“That’s ridiculous. You don’t need to endanger yourself for anyone. The director was so impressed by you that he wants you to give a short presentation next week.”

“Really? That’s great.”

Stanley nodded.

“Isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“So, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, Dan. I’m still upset from worrying about you.” He couldn’t bring himself to mention the videos.

“I’m sorry.” He made for his room, but Stanley blocked the way. “Is there anything else?”

“Frank called.”

Dan’s eyes widened. “Are the videos ready?”

Stanley nodded.

“Well? When can we see them?”

“He’s sent them over already. They’re — ” he trembled “ — disgusting.”

Dan walked over to the computer and connected a cable to the back of his head. Stanley knew it would take him only seconds to process it all. Hopefully, this would finally