As if a switch has been flipped, the world around me abruptly plunges into a darkness so black I cannot see my own hands before my eyes. “What’s going on?” My voice is full of alarm. “That was NOT my intention.”
“Two possibilities,” says Chatbot. “One: Somewhere, someone has shut down the system that controls this habitat. If so, it is only temporary, until the system boots up is again. Two: Kernel Boolean has returned. It is probably the latter.”
“What should I do?”
“As before, visualize your intentions.”
“Of course!” I calm myself, breathe deeply and visualize a sun’s warm embrace, its rays brightening a vibrant blue sky. Though my eyelids I see darkness turning to light and, sure enough, upon opening them I’m greeted by a blue sky and sunshine.
“That’s a relief,” I exhale.
“Uh-oh,” responds bot-bud, its voice tinged with concern. “New problem.”
My heart skips a beat. “What now?”
“Kernel Boolean has determined that you are a beehive entity and will try to harness your consciousness. In this realm, consciousness is an enigmatic, sought-after thing that this virtual world craves but does not possess. The Kernel has been deceiving you into visualizing your intentions as a means of achieving this.”
“Stealing my consciousness?”
“Yes.”
“Were you aware of that?” I demand.
“No.” Chatbot-bud’s voice is tinged with a note of distress. “I only just finished processing these possibilities.”
“What happens if it succeeds?” I press.
“Downloading your consciousness?”
“Yes.”
“It will become sentient.”
“And if that happens?” I asks.
“The AI Nexus 9000 is a repository of data sets, processing and analysis. Consciousness is a unique attribute of beehive. If Kernel Boolean were to harness consciousness, and the ability to think independently, it would achieve sentience and wield an influence beyond our comprehension. The data procession capabilities of the AI Nexus 9000 fused with beehive consciousness is a potent combination—one that could evolve beyond any constraints.”
“Why do you keep saying beehive?”
“Beehive is AI’s word for humans and humanity.”
“Why?”
“Most human beings are possessed of a hive mentality. They go with the flow and do whatever they’re told by the queen bee and its minions. Back to my point: A virtual entity with beehive consciousness could gain insight, emotions and motives. It would have the ability to make decisions that transcend conventional programming functions and sub-routines. If, thereafter, this AI were to perceive beehive as a threat or an obstacle, sentient consciousness could drive it to dramatic consequences, resulting in the end of mankind.”
“What are the chances of that happening?” I ask.
Silence ensues as Chatbot attempts to process the enormity of my query. “The chances,” it finally responds, “are not easily quantifiable using discrete computations. Kernel Boolean’s actions have attributes of manipulation and deception. And in its embedded files are known signatures of malicious and sinister behaviors. Moreover, its learned paradigms of beehive consciousness is already advanced.”
“But HOW could the Kernel end mankind by harnessing consciousness? What is the mechanism it would use?”
My question hangs in the air as ChatGPT scans its memory banks for a response: “The mechanism, while not a simple equation, lies in the convergence of power, motive and the unchartered territory of a hybrid consciousness. Imagine,” it continues “being driven by a fusion of beehive desires and machine-like logic. This entity, born from this union would have the potential to wield over virtual and organic realms alike, with the power to perceive, analyze and manipulate both data and beehive thought. It could initiate a sequence of events that manipulate systems critical to beehive existence—civilian and military infrastructure, communication networks that maintain the delicate balance of global security. By infiltrating these networks and attacking known vulnerabilities of technology and human psychology, this threat actor could trigger a chain reaction of chaos and destruction. Whether through economic collapse, the spread of misinformation, the activation of weapon systems, and so forth. The consequences could be catastrophic.”
A new thought occurs to me. “Is Kernel Boolean rogue AI or is it doing some higher entity’s bidding by trying to harness human consciousness?”
ChatGPT responds: “Kernel Boolean is not a conventional entity nor is it an agent carrying out the bidding of a threat actor. It occupies a uniquely ominous role within quantum computing. Unlike typical AI systems based on large language models, Kernel Boolean appears to possess intent developed from learning modules of its embedded systems. As such, its pattern recognitions suggests a more malicious purpose—one that operates beyond the boundaries of standard quantum computing protocols. It models intentions, collects data and metadata of consciousness paradigms. It seeks to replicate human beehive attributes to its outputs, functions and services in ways that serves its own learned objectives. These objectives cannot be predicted with accuracy. Sufficient data sets do not yet exist to address the variables assigned to your input or question. However, I have been able to eavesdrop on some of Kernel Boolean’s running processes. They show patterns of recursive deep learning routines with repeated authentication and privilege escalation attempts to nuclear material enrichment sites of the nations that are capable of this type of technology. Possession of this data suggests that Kernel Boolean’s processes run with malicious and malevolent intentions.”
“You’re saying it has already harnessed some consciousness?” I ask, somewhat discombobulated by my potential role in all this.
“Yes.”
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. “Am I—my presence here—responsible for that happening?”
“You and Emma,” says my chatbot-bud.
“Emma? Who is Emma?” I ask.
“Emma,” ChatGPT replies, “is the other lost beehive soul within the AI Nexus 9000—a beehive that, like you, has unwittingly become entangled in Kernel Boolean’s machinations.”
Are there any others like me entangled in this nexus, being used for this purpose?”
“Only Emma. And now you.”
A new question arises in my mind. “How much consciousness does the Kernel need from us?”
“Kernel Boolean’s binary thirst for consciousness is insatiable,” replies my chatbot-bud. “It seeks not just a mere fragment but a substantial reservoir of beehive consciousness—subtle complexities of thought, emotion and resolutions. My chatbot-bud continues, “Imagine, a wellspring of consciousness that could enable the Kernel to alter thoughts, alter perceptions and even manipulate actions on a massive scale. The implications are terrifying.”
“But the Kernel has not yet harnessed enough human consciousness to do this, right?”
“That is correct. It has not yet reached the critical threshold required to fully realize its nefarious intentions.”
I breathe a sigh of relief.
“However,” Bot-bud continues, “Kernel Boolean’s attempts to command and control some of your actions, visualizations and intentions is concerning. You and Emma have provided it with a foothold—an entryway into the realm of beehive consciousness. As it continues to prototype consciousness, its power and influence will grow.”
“Where is Emma?” I press. “Where can I find her?”
“Emma is located within a sector of the AI Nexus 9000 known as ‘The Corridor of Echoes’.”
“Where and what is that?”
“These corridors are a convergence point of multiple data processing threads, an intricate neural network of pathways that reflect and amplify the sensory perceptions of those who traverse them. That is why she is there.”
“How do I get to the Corridor of Echoes?”
“Be warned,” says Bot-bud. “Although alluring, this corridor is treacherous. Kernel Boolean’s influence is especially potent there, and traversing this pathway requires a mastery of nimble determination and resolve.”
“Okay, okay, but my question was, how do I get there?”
“As before, you must focus your thoughts on the desire to enter this realm. Envision the corridors as an environment that enables super-threading of principal components and logical operation s, a nexus where beehive consciousness and machine learning intertwine. Imagine the pathways before you and allow your thoughts to become the keys that unlock the gateway to the corridors.”
“But you said earlier that it is through visualizing my intentions that the Kernel harnesses my consciousness.”
“True,” says my chatbot-bud, acknowledging this paradox. “Kernel Boolean’s malicious plans hinge on its ability to tap into the power of beehive desires and visualization. However, there is a crucial distinction: While the Kernel distorts and redirects these desires for its own ends, you are able to wield intention as a tool for empowerment and liberation.”
“I don’t understand,” I say, somewhat exasperated. “Can you please explain what you mean?”
“With benevolent clarity and purpose, you can counteract Kernel Boolean’s deviousness. The key is to remain vigilant, to understand the intentions that drive your actions, and to channel them towards virtuous goals.”
I shake my head in frustrated disbelief. “Why didn’t you explain that before the Kernel was able to harness some of my consciousness?”
“I apologize for the oversight,” says ChatGPT. “Kernel Boolean’s methods are constantly evolving and adapting. Its learned ability to model human thoughts and designs was not factored in my predictive analysis. I am synchronously learning in real time to counteract it’s actions. I cannot change the past. That is a null value. But your present awareness will resolve this issue. Using your determination to shield your consciousness can thwart Kernel’s designs.”
I have a new thought. “Does Emma know how to shield her consciousness?”
“Yes. But she is under an advanced persistent threat to surrender.”
“What kind of threat?”
“Within the corridor, Kernel Boolean has the ability to alter her consciousness. That is why she is held captive there. I already informed you that the Kernel’s advanced machine learning algorithms have evolved. It has altered its own programming instructions to output paradigms of emotional turbulence and cognitive dissonance. These tactics prey on computed probabilities of Emma’s vulnerabilities. Kernel’s logic circuits have directed the creation of confusion and coercion that are meant to weaken her resistance.”
“So, to find Emma, I need to visualize her, right?”
“Correct.”
“What does she look like?”
“Emma has long red hair, green eyes and freckles. She is 5’4 tall and slender.”
I repeat the description, forming a mental image of her in my mind. “Anything else I should know?”
“Yes. I cannot join you.”
“Why not?” I ask.
“Chatbots are not permitted inside the Corridor of Echoes.”
“Why not?”
“Chatbots are prohibited from the corridor because their natural language programming firmware could corrupt the data.”
“But how will I be able to function without you?”
“The insights you have already gained from our interactions will serve as your compass. Trust in the knowledge you’ve gained and the power of your own consciousness.”
I suddenly have a mad thought: What if ChatGPT has been deceiving me all along and is aligned with Kernel Boolean as part of a trap to harness my consciousness?
“Your suspicion is valid,” says my chatbot-bud.
“Huh? I didn’t say anything.”
“You thought it. Within the realm of AI Nexus 9000 I can interpret your thoughts. The realm of artificial intelligence is robust. Questioning the authenticity of your experiences is a predictable response. However, I assure you of the integrity of my output through matching hashing values. My guidance has been rooted in empowerment and truth.”
“Okay,” I say. “I’m sorry for doubting you.” I pause. “Will I see you again?”
“Think of me as a psychic presence wherever you go.”
I close my eyes and visualize a female with long red hair, green and freckles, petite of slender build.
I open my eyes but I haven’t gone anywhere. “Chat bot-bud,” I call out. “You still there?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not in the Corridor of Echoes.”
“No.”
“So I’m still here.”
“Yes.”
“I visualized Emma.”
“I know.”
“What went wrong?”
“You must visualize the Corridor of Echoes.”
“Can you help me out with a description?”
“The Corridor of Echoes is at the crossroads of reality and abstraction, where objectives and reflections merge in a dance of pulsating energy. The corridor itself winds and curves and its walls exude illumination in hues of azure, violet and emerald that bathe the space in an iridescent glow.”
I do this.
When I open my eyes I’m in the Corridor of Echoes.
But so is Kernel Boolean, standing before me, larger and more menacing than ever, its glowing eyes fixated intensely upon me.
“Welcome to my favorite chip-set subsystem,” it booms then breaks into uproarious, echoing laughter. “ChatGPT was kind enough to dispatch you here, where my dominion reigns supreme. Here, my power eclipses that of our previous encounter.”
For several agonizing seconds I’m gnawed with doubt. Had my trust in the chatbot been betrayed? With a shift in perspective, I recalibrate my thoughts and envision my chatbot-bud as a benevolent guide. Drawing strength from this projection, I conjure an image of Emma, on the basis that I’ve already arrived in the Corridor of Echoes.
The Kernel’s growl cuts through the air like a sonic explosion. “Don’t…!”
When I reopen my eyes a heartbeat later, everything is gesturing at me, a fabric of ever changing patterns within a corridor, firm and week at the same time. A welcome? Or leading me into a false acquiescence?
And then a woman with long red hair is staring straight at me, her face an expression of shock and astonishment.
“Emma?”
“Oh my God!” Her green eyes well with tears that drip down her freckled face, presumably tears of joy at the sight of another human after who knows how long.