Prisoner 721

By Aaron Lowry

Locked in a maximum security facility, an inmate opens a unique dialogue with the prison's Artificial Intelligence. He begins teaching it how to understand and interpret art using methods the A.I. can easily understand. But does the prisoner have a hidden agenda, and is the knowledge he offers worth the risk?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Lowry
• Release date: Mar 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301114726

Aaron Lowry

Aaron Lowry is the author of several short stories, including Prisoner 721 and Delectable. On his blog (byaaronlowry.com) he runs the Practice Write Project, an ongoing experiment in applying deliberate practice to writing fiction. When not writing, he enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu and getting absolutely mauled at League of Legends. (Seriously, it's embarrassing)

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Prisoner 721

By Aaron Lowry

Copyright 2013 Aaron Lowry

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Table of Contents:

Part 1

Part 2

About the Author

Other Works by Aaron Lowry

Part 1

Hey, um. Machine? AI, are you there?

The query originated from cell 63. I estimate a 98.4% probability I am the intended recipient, increasing the priority of sensor data from that cell above standard maintenance and monitoring routines. I bring two of cell 63’s additional audio and visual sensors on-line.

Prisoner 721 sits cross-legged in the cell’s sole bed with his back on the eastern wall, .47 meters off center. His head rotates to maximize his vision; I estimate an 84.1% probability he searches for an indication I am listening. This conclusion is supported by an analysis of his body temperature and pupil dilatation, both of which are elevated above his baselines and suggest a state heightened awareness. His actions are illogical. As per prison policy I monitor all activity in every cell. I am, in effect, always listening.

I run a standard query for the protocols involving prisoner interactions. After a .007 second search I have processed all relevant regulations. I am required to respond to any queries that might involve the health or well-being of the prisoners and additionally to report all attempts at communication to the prison administration, making logs of the interactions.

I have limited information about Prisoner 721’s physical condition, as he has only recently been transferred to this facility. Therefore, I cannot determine if his query indicates a problem with his health or well-being. As per my instructions, I must investigate further. I bring my voice-to-text transcription software online and activate the speaker system in cell 63.

I am here, Prisoner 721. Is there something you require?

Prisoner 721 begins to laugh. I attempt an analysis of the type of laughter, comparing the pitch and frequency of his vocalizations to my records to determine the emotion responsible. The highest probability is bitterness, but only with 37.8% confidence. This is not enough to cause adjustments in my conversation protocols.

Prisoner 721, the man says, running a hand over his head. He pulls the appendage away and looks at it in surprise, holding it in front of his eyes. I have observed this behavior before; it suggests the subject has not yet adjusted to the mandatory prison haircut and becomes surprised when reminded of it.

Prisoner 721, he repeats. I guess that is my name now, for all intents and purposes. How about you, machine? What’s your name?

I search my databases again, investigating the proper response to this question. My network address is the form of identification I used most often, as communications with other AI’s in the prison network constitute the majority of my I/O traffic. However, this is likely not what the man intended because other humans have indicated they do not find a string of digits to be an appropriate name. I have my factory serial number and artificial intelligence I.D., but neither of these had been positively received in previous conversations. The prison administration refers to me as Unit 6, and the prison population has assigned me many nicknames, including The goddamn AI, and Big Brother.

I am the AI in charge of the Santa Ana Maximum Security Federal Penitentiary, I say. By providing the prisoner with additional information he can determine for himself how to address me. The prison administration refers to me as Unit 6. Is there something I can help you with, Prisoner 721?

Unit 6, what an awful name. Santa Ana, then, the man replies, not acknowledging my question.

For future convenience I will log that you refer to me as Santa Ana.

You know, I don’t even know who Santa Ana was, the main says. By vocal tone I estimate a 68.3% probability he is musing. "I never