Before Ai

By Eric Barger

Before Ai is a fascinating prequel to Ai Rising. The author mixed fact and fiction to make a perfect book about modern era artificial intelligence. The two main characters, Aiden and Taylor, are both starting M.I.T. at an age of fourteen. They both have struggles getting the things they need to chase their dreams. They meet online and are best f

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eric Barger
• Release date: Dec 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9781087858708

Book preview

Before Ai

Eric Barger

Contact the author

http://www.EricBarger.me

Twitter @ericbarger

Instagram @AuthorEricBarger

Word Count: 23,428

Copyright © 2019 Eric Barger

All rights reserved.

Developmental Editor: Savannah Gilbo

Proofreading by WordRefiner.com

Cover Art by Eric Barger © 2019

Back Cover Summary by Aiden Barger © 2019

Kelly

To my wife for whom without, this book would not exist.

Anything is possible. - Aiden Anders

1

PI Day

Taylor studied the circuit board she held, trying to keep her mind off the time. It was past her typical bedtime, but with the adrenaline rushing through her body, sleep was nowhere in sight. Looking at her watch, she stood from her chair in the sitting room and walked past the kitchen towards the study. It’s 10:28 pm. MIT acceptance emails should arrive at any moment.

Her dad put down his Sudoku puzzle as she walked by. Well, the message has to travel all the way to Durdle Door, England, he said, and Taylor’s mom laughed.

Taylor refreshed her email a few times and huffed. Where is that email? She opened a new tab in her browser and clicked on a shortcut. Tapping her feet against the floor, she logged on to Professor Davis’ message forum to see if anyone had posted any updates.

She scanned the MIT Acceptance thread and noticed many members had posted their success stories, but a few had posted they hadn’t been accepted into MIT. Where is my email? Taylor asked, mumbling more to herself than anyone else. I won’t get accepted. I knew my application wasn’t good enough.

A chime sounded, interrupting Taylor’s gloomy thoughts. About time. She paused and took a breath, then wiped her sweaty palms on her pants. Her finger drifted across the track pad and selected the message.

Her mom stepped up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving an encouraging squeeze. It will be fine, no matter the outcome. You already have three full scholarships to top British Universities.

But this is the one I care about. Taylor took a moment to look back at her parents. Taking a deep breath, she opened the email.

Taylor read the opening line of the message aloud. On behalf of the Admissions Committee, it is my pleasure to offer you admission to the MIT Class of — I’m in. I’m in!

As her eyes continued scanning the screen, her voice grew louder and giddy. I also received a scholarship to cover half of my tuition. This is great news! She jumped up and embraced her parents. I can’t believe I’m in! Taylor and her parents just stood staring at each other. They took a moment to celebrate and chat about this exciting news.

They took a seat near the computer, and her dad peered over his glasses. Do you have a friend or classmate from school you want to message with the good news?

I do! Hamburglar.

Who? asked her dad with furrowed brows.

Hamburglar. It’s a nickname used by a member on the forum. She felt silly about it and her insides were full of butterflies, but she had regarded Hamburglar as a good friend since they had connected on Professor Davis’ message forum. Taylor’s greatest wish was to attend MIT and finally have a friend to whom she could relate. Give me one second to let Hamburglar know. She sat down and her fingers hit the keyboard with a series of fast clicks. There. All done. I’ll catch up on the forum tomorrow.

Before she had a chance to stand, a new message popped up in Taylor’s inbox. I have another message in the system. It’s from the admissions department. She leaned back in her chair. Why would they send me another message? Do you think there has been a mistake? Did they realize I received an acceptance letter in error? Her mind frantically started considering all the possible reasons for another email so soon after her acceptance email.

Open it, her mom said. Staring at it won’t tell you anything.

Taylor opened and skimmed the message. Due to my age, I’m required to attend a second interview. It has to be a face-to-face meeting during Campus Preview Weekend. They want to be sure I can live on my own and handle college. Being young complicates everything.

An in-person meeting? her mom asked as she rubbed her eyes.

They’re right to do that. Fourteen is too young to go so far away from home. Your mom and I really want you closer to home.

Taylor’s mouth started to open. Pausing for a moment, she continued reading the message on the screen. Oh my. My meeting is with Professor Davis. That can’t be right. She is much too important to meet with incoming freshmen.

Why would you say that? her dad asked.

I mean, I’m just surprised that Professor Davis would be the one to conduct the in-person interview to determine if I’m ready for the transition to college. She’s not just any person. She is THE person when it comes to artificial intelligence. She’s bigger than a big deal, and I’m just a kid.

Stop putting yourself down, her mom said. Professor Davis may be a superhero in your eyes, but she’s still just a person like the rest of us.

Thanks, mom. It’s just a little overwhelming to think about my hero deciding my dream. Her voice faded. Besides —

Besides, her mom picked up where Taylor had trailed off, MIT is expensive, and we can’t take on that kind of debt.

Taylor’s head dropped when she heard the reality of the situation. It was the absolute worst time to discuss money. She just received the best news of her life, and her mom’s simple statement poured cold water over her exciting news. She took her hands off the keyboard and turned to face her parents.

Her mom stole a look at her dad. Taylor, why are you still chasing MIT when you have full scholarships to top universities here, closer to home? Your dad and I want you to chase your dreams, but we also have to be financially sensible.

Even with half of your tuition being paid, we can’t afford the remaining tuition, her dad said. And this trip to MIT would be a few thousand dollars in flights, lodging, and food. And that’s if only one of us accompanies you. That trip will prevent us from visiting my family in Hong Kong, and I haven’t seen my parents, your grandparents, in years, her dad said with a tired look in his eyes.

Her mom cleared her throat. We also can’t forget the cost of a new roof, which needs to be replaced before fall.

Taylor felt like her heart was shrinking. "If I attend school here at home, I wouldn’t be in the company of like minds. I can relate to the people on the message forum. Working with Hamburglar has shown me just how good life can be if I’m surrounded by the right people. And Professor Davis is the best in the world, and I’d be stupid to pass up