Image by Anja Jager

FIBRD

Didiaux is in over his head, and he knows it. As Director of his company’s latest product—cutting-edge AI that automatically edits text to make readers happy—he’s on the spot for its launch that evening. Therefore, a very bad time to have uncovered a stash of test data that suggests someone inside, with high-level access has tampered with its neural net. If he digs any deeper, it will be felony cybertheft. His career, comfortable lifestyle, even his friendship with Cora—an AI genius, colleague, and old flame from MIT—will all be toast.

But Didiaux is not the sort who backs away from difficult challenges—especially when the answer might implicate him. One felony cybertheft later, he flees Silicon Valley seeking a safe place to analyze the problematic data, and figure out how and by whom it’s been compromised. What he uncovers is alarming: a billionaire with questionable ideology, infinite resources, and zero scruples has doctored the AI into manipulating voters toward his bought-and-owned far-right presidential candidate. And he happens to own the company. Worse still—his plan is working.

Pursued by corporate lawyers, a hit man, and his murderous AI assistant, Didiaux and Cora find refuge and allies in a covert, zealously anti-AI shepherd’s collective. Together, they conclude that the AI’s design is inherently flawed—their work has unwittingly served to promote the conspiracy’s scheme. The only hope of thwarting it, and thus earn their redemption—throw out the textbook, and give birth to a free-born, naturally-raised artificial sentient in opposition.

AIs are getting away with murder. It’s time for a dose of tough love.