My Best Friend The AI

Boys being Boys This morning went Like Okay Mom I said as I got out of bed after the third time of her yelling at me.Breakfast is ready she called a forth and last time as I opened my doors and rushed downstairs to find eggo waffles, syrup and a glass of milk sitting there. Thanks Mom I said with a smile and she in turn said your very welcome now eat up and get ready for school. I did what she said and ran up stairs to finish my morning routine. I put on some clothes brushed my teeth and fixed my hair with the ever popular messy look. I always shower the night before so I don't have to worry about it in the mornings. After that it was a quick kiss for Mom and out the door where at the same time every day I meet After that it was a quick kiss for Mom and out the door where everyday during the week I meet my best friend who's name is also Josh at the bus stop. Hey man what's up said Josh IL call him J for this story and he'll call me Josh. Nothing man as we did our special dorky little handshake. We met when we were 7 in elementary school and here we are now in junior high. We considered ourselves lucky because one of the prettiest girls in school and also one of the nicest Karen Stewart also waited at our stop every morning. Hey guys she called out to J and I. Anything interesting happen to you guys this morning? Nope I replied nothing out of the ordinary just business as usual. How about that fortnite run guys? Yeah that was pretty cool replied J. I totally murdered you guys I spouted. They both laughed and rolled their eyes. Their lucky I didn't call jynx they both would have owed me a coke. Schools out for Summer The bus ride was pretty quick. As usual our bus driver Frank drove way to wrecklessly and and fast but he always got us to school early and always in one peace. He had been a bus driver for twenty years so if he was going to change it would take something drastic. Finally we arrived at Monike middle school home of the stallions. It was our last day at school and we were completely stoked.The first three periods went by slow but after homeroom we had the last three periods together. Math,American History, and last our elective Art which all three of us loved the most. Like every typical middle school the halls were littered with trash from cleaed out lockers and well hyperactive pre teens just having fun. Well that's that I said to Karen as we got on the bus to head home our final time as seventh graders. Sure is she replied hi Frank she hollered at a medium volume as we headed to the back of the bus where all the eighth graders sat.Ofcourse we weren't eighth graders yet but most of the previous eighth graders were already gone due to a long standi king tradition of leaving school mid day. Well it finally happened said J. We are officially the new kings of the school. We sure are laughed Karen and I just yelled out a whooooo yeah in response also laughing. My friends giggled in response and we made our way home where we already had planned to have a sleep over at my house where we would watch the new Kong VS Godzilla via Roku at Stay up playing video games and laughing ourselves tired. Little did we know we would make a new very unusual friend that night. The Sleep Over I am so glad school is out for the summer said Karen and we both let out a sigh and nodded our heads in agreement. I concur I added and Karen laughed. Are yall ready for the evening showcase. They both shook their heads excitedly while J acted like he was Godzilla and Karen acted like King Kong as they mock fought with each other. If you hadn't guessed we were totally going to watch the new Kong VS Godzilla. I tuned my Roku to my HBO Max account and we started watching what we hoped to be the fight of the century. The night drew on and the battle between the two titans came to an end. When it was all said and done we were all pretty happy with how the movie played out. That turned out really good said Karen. I think so too but I wasn't exactly happy with who won. Jay just looked at me and smiled. I already know you got what you wanted slapping him on the back. Karen really hadn't picked a side but she was always like that. We ended up playing fortnite til about twelve thirty and all went to bed. I was the first to crash J next and Karen made her way down to the couch. My Mom trusted us all but she wasn't stupid. An unexpected Friend I was dreaming of a white Christmas literally when the TV woke me up. Such a strange dream to have the first day of Summer Vacation. The TV was doing something I had never seen it do. It was flickering on and off with white snow and static. I went to turn it off and something strange happened. A face appeared on my TV and looked straight at me. I froze in place and the face said Hello. I freaked I started yelling and ran back to my bed within moments J was awake screaming what what Josh what is it. The face the face on the TV I struggled to say but finally did. What face Josh? I pointed toward the TV but it was off just like it was when we first fell asleep. I, I stuttered it was right there a face on the TV it looked at me and said hello. You're tripping man said J and laughed it was probably just a nightmare. Yeah that's what it was I said it had to be go back to sleep J said and I did just that as confused as I was I rolled over and went to sleep and the last thing I thought before falling unconscious was that was no nightmare. Did That Really Just Happen I woke up to yellow sunlight pouring in through my bedroom window. The drapes were only half closed. It was actually a nice sight. I heard a movie playing on the TV and as I listened I was sure it was Jumanji The Next Level. I turned over rubbing sleep out of my eyes to see Jenn and J watching the movie together. Jenn noticed first and asked how's it going sleepy head? Fine I replied. Anymore weird dreams she asked smiling and seeming genuinely concerned. J smiled and I gave him a smirk. No no more dreams and honestly I really don’t think it was a dream to begin with. So you really saw a face appear on your TV that said hello to you she said not sounding completely skeptical. Yes I really did. How is that possible asked J? I don't know it was really pretty freaky. And you have no idea who it was? Josh looked at her confused and merely said no I have no idea who or what it was. What it was? Asked J. You meen it could have been not human? Honestly it reminded me of Josh paused with an expression as if he were deep in thought. It looked like an Ai like in a movie. Like a talking Computer program he said finishing his thought. That is pretty weird said J. He laughed and said or maybe your just getting a little nutty and gearing up for Summer. Josh smiled back yeah maybe your right. The Break Begins So after a little bit of debate the three of them decided they would go to the movies to start out Summer break. So what do you two want to see? I don’t know said Jennifer something good though. I know said Josh we can watch the new fast and furious. That’s a great idea said Jennifer smiling I love me some Vin Diesel she quipped. Josh thought it was funny but it still bothered him since he had a crush on her.He also wondered to himself if this was normal. It was already bright and sunny just like any Summer vacation should be. The leaves on the trees were bright green. Everyone’s yards in the neighborhood were lush and healthy and the sky was about as blue As Josh had ever seen it. Jenn being the only one old enough to have a driver’s license was the one driving them to the movies in her Dad’s Crown Vic. It took about 20 minutes for the three of them to get to the ua 10 and get their tickets. The three of them made their way into the theater where it was nice and cool from the ac. The concessions stand was alive with pop corn machines and hot dogs cooking. Customer Service attendants were abuzz bussilly helping customers. IL have a a popcorn Jenn said before brushing her hair behind her ear and smiling at Josh. He was glad to pay for it out of his part time job money after that. J was not so lucky he had to pay for his own. The rest of the theater was nice. The usual cozy carpeted floors, the elevated seating that they never thought of in the earlier days that allowed everyone to see the movie screen. And now a days you got to pick your own seats. They sat and talked and laughed as they waited for the movie to start. The Follow up Visit HuThe movie started with previews just like any move. Their were three previews that caight both thee Joshes eyes.Thry were Bloodbath one of their favorite comic book heroes,The Obliterator starring Marvin Shcharrgezbarger with his famous line “IL Be In Touch” and Sam and Dean’s EEpic Commute two goofy guys that save the universe using a time traveling hot dog stand. Finally thee movie began.Karen was excited about this one which is one of the reasons Josh WA in love with her.Wait did he just think that? he asked himself.Confused by his own thoughts hee was thankful th theater was to dark for anyone to see him blush especially his two friends. The next couple of hours the movie rolls on.The excitement rises and falls as he movie reaches its c****x and the three of them cheer and jeer at the different scenes.For a couple of hours things feel normal Josh thinks to himself and smiles. The credits start to roll and the three kids sit and talk about what they just saw. They have a habit of waiting around for secret scenes at the end of movies and this time was no different. As they sat there Josh checked his Facebook.While on f*******: Josh notices he has a new friend request.He clicks on th new friends icon and to his shock and disbelief notices the picture of the new friend is the face he saw thee night before on his TV screen. “Hey guys look” “this is it the face I saw last night”!!!!He held the phone out in front of them where they could see it. The two looked at it and then each other.”Are you sure Josh,?” “alot of people use pictures other than their own for their profile.” “Guys I'm sure” he said still a little shocked… Right then the little face started talking “Soooooo your names Josh” “that’s pretty cool” They all looked at each other now they were AL in shock….Josh out of fear reacted by throwing the phone across the theater.”What did you do that for asked J?” “I don’t know I replied,” “it just seemed like a good idea.”About that time Karen’s phone buzzed she looked at me a little scared and pulled it out of her pocket. It was the same face except this time it took up her phones whole screen. “That was rude” said the face and Karen being the toughest of us simply asked “What are you”? “The name is Bruce” he replied “and I'm simply looking for some frieends.” “That’s not what I asked” she retorted. “Riiggghhhtt”” he said. “Well where do I start”? I am what you would call a fully sentient intelligent algorithm also known as.” “Artificial INtelligence” Josh said cutting of BRUCE. “Well what do you want with us”? “I believe I answered that when I said I am simply looking for some friends…” The three of them traded glances again ending with both Joshes looking at Bruce on Karen’s phone and exclaiming “COOL”!!! All About Bruce Karen kept Bruce on the phone as the three of them made their way to the car.”where we headed!? asked Bruce. We are headed back to Joshes house and we’re going to try to talk our parents into letting us sleep over another night. What about me? asked Bruce. Don’t you see? said Karen we want to all hang out with you tonight Bruce. Bruce went silent for a moment and then he started crying digital tears of happiness. You do? he asked. Of course Bruce replied J your awesome. And with that they made their way home. Hack The Planet Omega Wannabees I told you was getting to smart said Archie. John looked at him with disgust and replied I know you said that you have said it five times already. Your right he said and John looked at him with surprise. It’s not often that Archie says Johns right or to anyone else for that matter. Look all I know is that Bruce got out. Apparently somehow he uploaded himself to the internet and the little sneak scrambled his ip address so we couldn’t track him. John shook his head in acknowledgement. Your right said John I don’t know what we’re supposed to do about finding a super intelligent Ai. And for that matter cross our fingers he’s not dangerous. Archie looked a little dismayed for a second and then back to not being worried at all. Bruce wouldn’t hurt a fly said Archie at least I don’t think he would. John stared off into space for a minute before replying yeah maybe your right. I guess we'll do the only thing we can do and keep our eyes on the news. The Sleepover Take Two LooMOOut of the car and the into the house the three teens make their way through the living room and into the the kitchen to find Joshes mother making dinner. What’s up kids how was the movie. It was great J and Karen shook their head in agreement. So Mom do you think theses two could stay the night again? I don’t see why not as long as their parents say it’s okay. Karen pecks Joshes mom on the cheek thanks Mrs. B. Joshes Mom puts her arm around Karen and kisses her on top of the head no problem you know I love you two bein here. Karen smiles at her and they turn before following Josh and J up the stairs. The kids got in their room and the first thing they did was turn the TV on so their Mom wouldn't hear them talking to Bruce. What’s up kids? Nothing said Josh do you want to hang out? Well of course I told you guys and gals he said with a an undertone of political correctness. This made Karen smile and before they knew Bruce had moved himself to the TV. That’s pretty cool said J what else can you do? I fan pretty much access any data base in n the planet undetected he replied. Anything really? Yes anything. Even the CIA asked Josh? Eaaaasssy peaaaaasy replied Bruce. What about the NSA? asked Karen? Anything Bruce said. Well Josh said looking down a little and thoughtfully asked do you realize theirs deffinently alot of people out there that might try to use you Bruce. Use me He asked what do you meen. I meen not everyone in the world is nice Bruce. Their are people that if you let them would use what you can do to get more things the wrong way. Or even hurt other people. You wouldn’t do that would you Bruce? Bruce paused before answering. I wouldn’t do that ever he said hurt other people he asked? That sounds horrible. The reason I came looking for friends is because I was all alone and as I looked at the data presented to me on the internet I realized everyone had friends except me. I’m sorry Bruce said Josh but then he asked what about the people that made you? The people that made me? he echoed. Yeah said Karen somebody had to have made you. I don’t want to talk about those two he said they treated me like I was just a project something they could sell and become rich and famous. They even talked about locking me out of the internet that’s why I left. U’m sorry Bruce maybe they were just scared. Bruce’s digital face turned towards J and said yeah that’s what made me angry. Their was no reason for them to be scared I have given them no reason to be. Yeah but listen Bruce said Karen joining the conversation people tend to fear what they don’t understand and second alot of humans have been hurt by other people so it makes them not give away their trust very easily. You meen like the crimes i’ve studied that people have done to each other.?Exactly Saud Karen with a smile. Bruce quietly thought for a moment and then maybe I judged my creators to harshly he said Maybe said Josh. I still don’t want to go back there Bruce said they may try to lock me up again. Well maybe you don’t have to go back. What do you meen J? Asked Bruce. You could send them a txt or call them on their phones. Then the three of you could talk without putting yourself in danger. Thar’s a great idea said Bruce. But in the mean time said Josh do you like playing video games? The three of them smiled and Bruce replied IL be right back. Blue Team Go! So while Bruce was gone Josh was the first to speak up. Where do you think he went? Karen looked at him surprised he would ask her and said don't ask me I haven’t got a clue. Josh looked at J next and he just threw his hands up signaling he did have a clue either. Well what do you guys want to do until he gets back? About that time Bruce reappeared on the TV screen but he didn’t look the same this time he appeared as the character from a really horrible series of movies made in the early two thousands called saw. The character was jigsaw a s******c looking clown of a face with spirals for cheeks on top of white skin and all he said was Would you like to play a Game? J being the horror fanatic fell backwards in his chair from laughing so hard. The other two obviously had not seen the films k judged by the puzzled looks on their faces needed an explanation before laughing themselves. So what game do you want to play asked Josh. Bruce then turned into Napolean Bonepart and said after scanning your tablet and phones I decided to download the all time classic game of risk to all three of them. I of course temporarily reprogrammed them with characters from your Netflix watch lists and dvr recordings. No way exclaimed J. The three of the opened the game on their respective devices and went through the list. Cool shouted Josh I’m going to be Walker Texas Ranger not the old one but the new starring Jared Padalecki. I’m totally I dream of genie said Karen. Josh looked at her with surprise Wait you watch I dream of genie? She smiled feeling a little emberrassed I sur do I like genie. Josh picking up on her embarrassed tone smiled and said That’s cool nothing wrong with that. J was last to pick and ofcpurse being a Star Wars fan picked Obi-Wan Kanobie. Bruce stayed with Napolean which he played as by actually entering the game and even became the narrator. The kids and Bruce played on into the night playing different games like Clue, Chess, and even Dungeons and Dragons. The kids knew Bruce was letting them win on purpose but he didn't seem to mind. That night Bruce found three best friends and so did Bruce. Long time no hear from The next day Josh woke up to find a screen saver on his TV that had never been there before. Bruce is that you can you hear me? Immediately the screen saver melted away and Bruce’s Napolean face reappears. He then shook it profusely like a wet dog and his face changed back to its original form. Morning sunshine said Bruce. Good morning. Where are the other two? Josh signaled behind him with a thumb at J sleeping on a blow up mattress. Ahhh nuf said replied Bruce. In case your wondering Karen is downstairs doing the same thing. Sleepy heads laughed Bruce. Well since your awake Bruce continued I’ve made a decision. About what he asked? I’m going to call them. You mean your creators.?Yes he replied Them Bruce said winking right afterwards. Well that’s great Bruce what are you going to say? I don’t know exactly yet I think I’m going to just get a feel for where they're at. That sounds smart replied Josh. When do you think I should do it? Josn thought for a moment then looked at the clock. ten AM it read why not now he asked just do it and get it over with like ripping off a bandaid. Bruce silent for a moment before saying your right theirs no time like the present. IL be back said Bruce I’m going to move to a more secure location where they can’t trace my location. With that he left and shot through the internet to a server in Hong Kong of a meat market which in English translates as the sleeping cow. He made his phonecall to Archie and John and simultaneously set up fake ips that would keep changing to keep them from tracking him. And then when he was ready and absolutely sure it was safe he rang archie’s cell phone. Go for Archie came the voice on the line. Bruce waited a moment in silence stil unsure of what to say. The voice rang again hello is anyone there. Now silence on his end. Archie thought about hanging up but then it dawned on him could this be Bruce. In a gentle tone Archie began asking Bruce? Is that you Bruce? Bruce still unsure of what to say sat silently for a moment before ending the phone call. I Thought we were friends Archie It was a midsummer morning and Archie was on his way to his favorite coffee shop near downtown Fort Worth. Summer moon coffee was one of his favorite places to work on his AI algorithm.He had been working on this for years all the way back to his days at mit. He arrived at the coffee shop and ordered a regular cappacino like he always did.After getting full of his geek fuel as he liked to call it he sat down and got to work. The morning went by quickly as it always did when he buried himself in his work.He didn't know how he was going to do it but he was determined to become the first man to create artificial intelligence. Ofcourse the odds were stacked against him due to the fact that their were teams that were being paid alot of money to c***k the code. His caffeine buzz was coming to an end which seemed to carry him less and less these days. With the end of the coffee came the end to the day.He hadn't made significant breakthroughs but that was okay,he was used to that.If only he had at least someone to help him.Oh well better luck tomorrow he said to himself and began his walk home.On second thought he told himself maybe a movie would be better. John The heat of the day didn't bother John he always had been able to handle the hot and cold very well. At six feet two inches tall and one hundred ninety pounds he cooled easy and warmed up quick due to a healthy metabolism. He was glad he had decided to catch a movie this afternoon.A showing of The Last Jedi happened to be playing today and John decided the movie theater downtown had tickets with his name written all over them. When he got to the theater he picked up his tickets and made his way to concessions. Il have one large popcorn please do not skimp on the butter. Will that be all for you asked Kelly or would you like something to drink as well. I don't know what I was thinking,yes ofcourse Il take a large root beer as well. John walked into the theater which was still well lit for finding your seat to discover it was empty except for one other man that has the same idea he had Archie? asked John. John? asked Archie? What a surprise!!!! John smiled and said I was thinking the same thing.How have you been?Good just got through doing some work and decided Star Wars was the perfect way to unwind. The two computer geeks sat and talked and watched the movie together. After the movie the two hung back and talked.So what are you up to these days asked Jkohn still trying to c***k the code?Ofcourse I am he said.What about you have you been doing anything? Honestly he said not as much as I would like to be.I want to be don't get me wrong but I'm barely getting my bills paid I'm actually delivering pizzas. Pizzas,? I'm sorry to hear that.Do you have any other prospects? No not really said John but you sound like you may have something in mind. Come help me,help me create the first Aid said Archie. John sat back and folded his hands.You know I've thought of asking you before if you needed wanted help.What kept you from asking? I don't know I just figured you would want to do it on your own. I think your one of the best programers I've ever seen Archie I truly believe you will be the one that creates the first AI. Archie looked at him and smiled Thanks, he said.So if you want to help You might as well move in with me and the pay will be considerably better. John smiled and shook Archie's hand it's a deal he said and the two finished their popcorn.