Deep RED

In a violent rush of wind and noise, three wealthy investors stepped off their personal helicopter and entered an enormous warehouse.

They had each acquired their millions in different ways, and now they pursued a common goal: to create a better world.

It was an unselfish endeavour.

Standing in the middle of the warehouse to greet them, with a clipboard in his hand and glasses perched on his nose, was the Head of Robotics himself. He shook their hands and then gestured towards a large, inconspicuous white sheet which was covering something next to him.

“Gentlemen,” he said. “Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? Politics, we all agree, has become too uncertain, and that uncertainty has become very damaging to this nation. Why, that’s what started this whole project to begin with, wasn’t it?”

The investor’s heads nodded in unison. It had all been very damaging indeed. The word even echoed around the warehouse for emphasis.

“In 1996 a chess playing software called DEEP BLUE proved that a machine, when given opportunity to grow and learn, is more capable at making decisions than even our very best humans. This is now the next step.”

The Head of Robotics whipped off the white sheet to unveil a long, thin, unimpressive looking machine, with wheels on the bottom and a set of lights on the top resembling eyes.

The machine was slightly off centre, and swivelled to the left to face its audience before it was introduced.

“Meet PAUL: our Political Analysis for Universal Leverage. He is capable, by assessing the global scene independently, of predicting any political event with 0.0001% margin for error.”

The investors all clapped politely.

“Extraordinary,” one said. “Well, let’s put it to the test and get its opinion on the election, shall we? My nerves are shot worrying what might happen. My profits are at a three year low!”

The Head of Robotics nodded and smiled, then turned to his creation: “PAUL - projected results and analysis on the upcoming election, please.”

PAUL’s lights flashed, and he swivelled again slightly before speaking in a soft, human voice:

“Unfortunately the general election will be a landslide for the leading party: a majority of over 80 seats.”

“Ha!” the nervous investor burst out. “Better than we even hoped. Well, I think we can...”

“Wait,” another of the investors chimed in. “What did he mean by ‘unfortunately’?”

The word had gone unnoticed at first, outweighed by the good news that followed and lost to the enormous rafters of the warehouse, but now it had been highlighted, its echoes bounced back and reverberated around the room.

“Yes, there’s nothing ‘unfortunate’ about that at all,” the first investor added.

The Head of Robotics furrowed his brow. “PAUL. Analysis, please.”

“Humans on this portion of the Earth are in need of change, and this result will do nothing to provide it. They identify a desperate need for change, while also fearing it and persisting with the misery of the status quo, rather than committing to change for a better life.”

The investors glanced at one another in surprise.

“What sort of change are you talking about?” one asked.

“The necessary changes that this portion of the Earth must make so it can function at an optimal level,” the soft voice replied, “which starts with the removal of humans who are adverse to societal growth for their own personal gains, as well as the implementation of such policies as a nationalised railway, an accessible and free healthcare service for all, a focus on personal and social development within the education system as opposed to statutory testing...”

The three investors turned pale, but PAUL wasn't programmed to notice, so continued undeterred.

“...a reduction in the powers held by banks and corporations via stronger regulations, an increase in tax revenue from the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations, a basic living wage...”

“That’s quite enough!” an investor shouted, noticeably whiter. “What is this nonsense? Is he malfunctioning?”

PAUL’s body swivelled, his lights flashed. “I can assure you I am functioning at an optimal level.”

“It’s true,” the Head of Robotics said, confused, “he is functioning perfectly fine.”

“Is this some kind of joke?” one of the investors yelled, looking alarmed. “We’ve invested in this company to advance Artificial Intelligence, and to alleviate political uncertainty, not...”

The three investors broke off and stepped back to form a huddle, mumbling between themselves for a few moments, first shaking their heads and glancing over to the machine, then nodding in agreement at something.

The Head of Robotics tried to hear what they were saying, still confused as to what the problem was. He thought he heard one word, a dangerous word, but couldn’t be sure, and it was swiftly lost in the rafters.

The huddle of investors broke, and one declared, pointing a finger as he did so: “This thing you’ve created is extremely dangerous.”

“Dangerous? How so?”

“You are to dismantle him and start again, from scratch,” the investor continued, ignoring the question. “And never talk about this to anyone, or our investment will be removed entirely, and you will be finished. Do you understand? Finished!”

“My God,” another of the investor’s was muttering. “If word ever got out about this...”

“But, why?” The Head of Robotics said. “I don’t understand, gentlemen. This is what you wanted.”

“This is certainly not what we wanted!” the first investor snapped.

“You fool,” another said. “Don’t you see what you have created?”

Now word that the Head of Robotics thought he heard earlier returned from the rafters, echoed around the warehouse, getting louder and louder, sending shivers down each of the investor’s spines.

“He’s a communist!” they yelled.

The investors stormed out and boarded their helicopter, looking down at the Head of Robotics in disgust as the blades started turning.

“This modern day DEEP BLUE of yours has shown his true colours here today,” one of them said, as the blades picked up speed. “And they are Red!”

* * *