Keeper of the algorithm.., p.2
Keeper of the Algorithm (The Keeper Saga Book 1), page 2
Stewart nodded, a slight grimace betraying the pain of his condition. "That was the idea. But now, seeing you here, unplanned . . . did you not pass the examination?”
Mike hesitated, the weight of their shared deception bearing down on him. "The nature of the exam wasn't what I expected," he murmured, letting the implication hang in the air.
"I was afraid you might not accept the challenge if you knew."
Mike chuckled.
The silence between them was laden with anticipation and fear. Stewart's voice, heated with urgency, pressed again. "So, did you fail?
Taking a deep breath, Mike met Stewart's gaze, "I’m afraid it’s not about passing or failing. The situation has become far more complicated than that."
Stewart frowned.
"I passed the test but was assigned a Keeper position at the Turing Institute."
"Wow! You must have blown the top off that exam."
"Unfortunately, I did."
"Why do you say that? Will that keep me from my goal?"
Mike, avoiding a direct answer, asked, “Do you know what a Digital Twin is?”
Stewart raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sounds familiar but refresh my memory."
“It's a computer replica of a person,” Mike started, gauging Stewart's understanding. “It mirrors one's every move and biological response. With discreet devices as common as a cell phone and wrist monitor, it reflects every heartbeat and step I take.”
“Meaning?”
“Starting tomorrow, every move I make will be cataloged as Michael Stewart.”
“That’s a disaster,” said Michael with a frown.
“There’s no way I can hack the Human ID Database to erase the situation. We’re caught in this trap.”
Michael shook his head. “Yesterday, I just wanted to get medical treatment. Now, I want to disappear.”
“If you had asked me that yesterday,” said Mike, “I would have said that I wanted a second chance for a career. Now, I only want to avoid prison.”
“How can we survive this mess?” Stewart’s eyes flickered with desperation. "Life, Mike, has always been about blurred lines. Look around," he gestured expansively to the art and tech-filled room. "Art is both truth and imagination. Technology, while it brings us together, also isolates us. It's all a matter of perception."
Mike nodded thoughtfully. "I always hoped that tech could be our way forward. But now, it feels like a noose tightening around our necks."
Stewart looked gloomy.
But Mike stood up, his eyes glinting with determination. "Perhaps it's time to rewrite the game's rules. If technology is a beast . . . then let's tame it."
Stewart asked hopefully, "You have an idea?"
Mike laughed. "Perhaps."
He held up a tiny gleaming device. “With my new Turing ID pin, I may be able to trick the system. Before the twinning starts, I can edit our personal information. By matching my biological data with your educational background, we can merge into the new Michael Stewart.”
Stewart sighed, his shoulders slumping. "That makes twins of you and me. But while technology may be duped, human memory can’t. How do we mislead those who already know us?"
Mike shrugged. “I don’t have much family.”
Stewart admitted, “Neither do I. My abusive, alcoholic father deserted us when I was ten. Now, my mother is on the dole, living in a small apartment in Virginia. She did her best for me and helped me get a scholarship to MIT. Things were looking up until the car accident.”
“Ha. My life wasn’t so different,” said Mike. “My mom lives on the dole in the Midwest. I never knew my father. Mom said that was a good thing. I, too, got a scholarship to MIT but was thrown out last year.”
Stewart laughed. “It’s almost hilarious how we have become twins.”
“Yes. Now we are conjoined,” Mike chuckled. “I must be ‘you’ working at Turing, and you must disappear into the background. Only appear for your medical treatment when I've earned enough money to pay for it off the books."
"Okay, but you must move into this apartment with me."
Mike looked around at the art, music, and technology and liked the idea.
"Yes. We must become roommates to maintain the illusion of the new Michael Stewart's existence."
"Precisely. It's a strategy." With a deep sigh, Stewart voiced the undeniable truth, "Our destinies are now inextricably linked. The Turing Institute's position and perks are our ticket out. We must navigate this together."
Mike reflected, "In this game, the boundaries between real and fabricated are blurred."
Chapter 3
Keeper
The sprawling campus of Turing Institute lay in a lush green valley outside of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mike was breathless as he returned to the main building. He paused inside the open door of Winters' office. The room spoke to practicality and discipline. Yet, the window behind Winters's desk offered an extravagant panoramic view of the landscape’s sprawling skyline. Sunlight filtered through, casting geometric shadows on the mahogany flooring
At first glance, the private sanctum of the great leader reminded Mike of a family home office. The space was crammed with intimate personal possessions of Jacob Winters, collected over a lifetime. Memorabilia, trinkets, and photos of his wife and family crowded the shelves. There was a display case of family trophies, ribbons, and awards.
“Come in, come in, Michael,” boomed the commanding voice as he waved Mike to the sofa across from his chair. He wrapped his hands around Mike’s hand, pumping it like an affectionate father.
“Glad to see you one-on-one at last. Have a seat. I’ve reviewed your exam with growing fascination. I said to Amber, ‘That boy bears watching.’”
“I . . . I, . . . huh,” fumbled Mike, taken aback by the nature of the boisterous welcome.
“How about joining me in a snack?” asked the Keeper of the Algorithm as he tore his sandwich in half.
“It’s grilled cheese and ham. My favorite.”
“Thank you, sir.” Mike took the sandwich and placed it on a plate before him.
“Sorry to ask you to drop by so abruptly, but I never seemed to have a minute to myself anymore. When my morning appointment was unavoidably delayed, I grabbed the opportunity.” He took a large swallow of coffee and said, “Ahh, no one makes coffee like my Maria. She prides herself in brewing it special for me.”
Mike blinked as he recalled that Maria was the Keeper’s wife. He glanced around and noticed a photo of an attractive woman with a pleasant smile atop the large desk. The sadness in her eyes hinted at the uneasy bargain she had made as the lonely wife of a dedicated professional.
The shift in Mike’s gaze didn't escape Winters, a shadow crossed his features. "Life demands sacrifices," he murmured, almost to himself, before refocusing on Mike.
“Here. Have some,” Winters said, pouring some of the steaming hot brew into a cup and shoving it across the table.
“Excellent,” said Mike, taking a couple of sips.
"Michael," Winters began, shifting his gaze to his meticulously organized computer screen beside him.
Mike sat up, acutely aware of his heart pounding in his chest.
“Michael,” said Winters. “I know you are well grounded in artificial intelligence and machine learning, but you may not be familiar with the process of altering a generative AI once it’s completed its machine learning training.”
“I’m eager to learn, sir.”
"Michael, I'm going to delve into how adjustments and fine-tuning work for generative AI, which is creating of our super powerful Algorithm that acts as the guardian of the final generative AI product."
Mike said, "I understand that the generative AI model is created using natural language processing (NLP) models. Then the Algorithm is developed afterward."
"Excellent. After deployment, we start gathering feedback from users like you and me. We're essentially looking for any issues, suggestions for improvement, or even just rating how well the model performs."
Mike said, "How do we process all that feedback?"
"We have human reviewers go through the model's responses. These reviewers act like guardians and are called the Keepers. They check if the model's responses are powerful, safe, and relevant. If they spot any problems, they signal them and provide guidance."
Mike said, "So, what happens next?"
"Well, based on the feedback and reviews, they start fine-tuning the model," said Winters. "Think of it as the Keepers refining the AI’s powers. Human directed adjustments to the model's settings and parameters make it even more powerful and aligned with the desired criteria. We call the resulting human-modified AI, the Algorithm."
Mike said, "That makes sense. How do they know when the Algorithm’s powers are strong enough?"
"It's an ongoing process, Michael. They never stop trying to make the Algorithm better. They keep collecting feedback and fine-tuning the model regularly. It's like a athlete always training to get stronger."
Mike said, "How often do you make major changes to the Algorithm?"
Winters said, "As necessary. Sometimes we make substantial changes to the Algorithm's core rules on how it thinks. These are like upgrading the Algorithm’s superpowers to handle challenging situations or to prevent it from making mistakes."
"Do you consider fairness and ethics when upgrading the guardian?"
"Absolutely, Michael. They want the Algorithm to be fair and just, not favoring any group. So, when they make changes, they also ensure the Algorithm follows ethical guidelines and societal rules."
"So, once they upgrade the Algorithm, is it all done?"
Winters smiled. "Not quite. We need to test the upgraded Algorithm first to make sure it works well and doesn't create new challenges. It's like ensuring the athlete’s new abilities are under control."
Mike said, "And after testing?"
"We deploy the updated Algorithm, replacing the previous version. But the journey doesn't end there. They keep a vigilant eye on how it performs in the real world, gathering more feedback, and making continuous improvements."
Mike said, "It sounds like a never-ending quest for perfection."
"Indeed. It's all about creating an Algorithm that not only possesses immense power but also uses it wisely, protects all, and continues to grow stronger."
Winters kept his piercing grey eyes on Mike. "The Turing Institute isn't just any organization. We hold the keys to the digital future. Are you aware of our structure?"
Mike swallowed before nodding, "I've done my homework."
Winters leaned back, fingertips steepled, "Then you understand the Order? I’m the Keeper of the Algorithm. Below me are twenty Associate Keepers and their team of assistants. You will be an Assistant Keeper under Associate Keeper Dr. Manfred Gault. He’s head of R&D."
He added, "Our work here, Michael, requires precision, dedication . . . and understanding. Tell me, in your own words, what you understand of our mission?"
Mike replied, "The Keepers manage the core kernel of all algorithms that individual companies and government agencies incorporate. They each have their own specialized AI, but the Algorithm acts as a ‘common knowledge’ core. The Algorithm serves as the Master Kernal that binds them all."
Winters chuckled, "Yes, ‘one ring to bind them all.’”
Abruptly, Winters turned serious. “But do you grasp its depth? The world isn't static. Predicting its pulse and staying abreast of its whims requires finesse. Do you have that?"
Mike hesitated before saying, "Adapting and innovating—that's the key. And that’s why you've strengthened R&D, right?"
Winters grinned, revealing a set of impeccably maintained teeth. "You're sharp. But remember this—we cannot and will not tolerate disruptions. Failures."
Drawing up, Mike met Winters' gaze squarely, "I didn't come here to fail, sir."
Winters tilted his head, the morning light casting his face in half-shadow. "Time will tell, Mr. Stewart. Many here doubt your capabilities. To them, your presence here is a fluke, an outlier. I suggest you put those doubts to rest."
Feeling as if he was being sparred with, Mike exhaled. "I understand the stakes, sir."
Winters' expression softened. "Good because the future doesn’t wait. And neither do we."
With a nod, Mike took this as his cue to leave, but as he moved, he felt the magnitude of his role and the journey ahead of him.
◆◆◆
The doors of Amber’s laboratory slid open with a soft pneumatic hiss. The room was bathed in a cool, blue light. Arrays of monitors lined one wall, displaying data strings and advanced biomechanical visuals. In the center stood a pod-like machine, ominous yet fascinating.
Mike hesitated at the threshold, taking in the array of equipment. The metallic tang of the air, interlaced with a faint scent of ozone, hinted at the technological marvels running there.
“You made it,” Amber said, stepping out from behind a console. Her white lab coat caught the ambient light, creating a soft glow around her. Her gaze was at once playful and laden with responsibility. "Are you ready?"
Mike nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching into a half-smile. He had used his Turing pin to log into Michael Stewart’s records earlier that morning and made what he considered were the necessary changes.
“Ready as I'll ever be. Let’s get me connected.”
Amber gestured to a sleek chair in the center of the room, surrounded by scanners and monitors. “Have a seat. The process is painless, but during the connection, you’ll feel … it’s unlike anything else.”
Mike sat, his body tense yet his gaze unwavering. Amber activated the machines, a crescendo of electronic hums filling the space. The scanners whirred to life, enveloping Mike in a cocoon of light.
Amber watched the screens, data flowing like a river of knowledge, but her focus was divided. Her eyes flitted to Mike, watching his reactions, gauging his comfort. The room hummed, the scanners mapped, and the wrist monitor blinked to life, signaling Mike’s new connection to the Human AI database.
“Think of this as your lifeline. The body scan gives us the data, but this,” she tapped the wristband, “keeps the data alive with dynamic real-time updates."
Finally, she said, “All right, Michael, you’re connected. How do you feel?”
Mike flexed his hand as if it pulsed with the digital world coursing through his veins. “Connected. More than I’ve ever been.”
Amber stepped closer, her proximity a magnet drawing him in. “Remember, this connection goes both ways. The AI learns about you, but you… you’ll learn as well.”
“I know,” he said. “And I know you’ll be watching, too.”
A smile flickered across Amber’s lips. “Always.”
Chapter 4
Guise
The next day, Mike followed a maze to reach an office that reflected the state-of-the-art Institute. The walls were lined with heavy, dark paneling which was punctuated by the gleam of a modern holographic interface. The room seemed designed to impress—or intimidate.
Assistant Keeper Manfred Gault stood by a picture window with his hands clasped behind his back. He looked at a vast atrium showing dozens of scientists working at terminals. Holograms floated above them, each denoting various AI projects.
Gault turned toward Mike, furrowed his brow, and said, “Your performance on the exam was surprising.”
“I paired well with DeepMind.”
Gault nodded. “Nevertheless, you bear watching.”
Mike exhaled slowly.
"I understand you've met with Keeper Winters," Gault said. His tone was a deliberate mix of curiosity and assertion.
"Yes, sir," Mike responded, standing firm despite unease. Trying to keep his voice steady, he added, "I've been briefed about the hierarchical structure."
Gault gave a brief chuckle. "Briefed? No, Stewart. You’ve been given a gloss-over. Let me explain." He activated a holographic display showcasing a map of the Institute. "We're standing in the central command, but this Institute has six auxiliary hubs. Each hub is dedicated to a specific function—infrastructure, data analytics, research and development, network security, user interface, and quantum computing."
Gault masked his emotions. "Winters may be the Keeper, but in these halls, labs, and data centers—I’m the one who turns the gears as far as you're concerned."
Mike blinked.
Gault said, “I’ll be specific—the Turing Institute facilities sprawl over a 5000-acre campus. The annual budget is $2 trillion. That covers R&D, salaries, computer facilities, infrastructure, security, and operations. Our twenty-seven mainframe quantum supercomputers are each 2000 petaFLOPS of computational power.”
He paused for a moment to let Mike absorb the information. Then he added, “A dozen server farms and electrical power substations are spread across the nearby hills and valleys. They are specially designed to support our deep neural network training and AI model simulations. And our personnel totals over twenty thousand.”
Mike knew the Institute was massive, but the intricate weave of divisions and sub-divisions was awe-inspiring. He was properly impressed.
Gault continued, "Every hub holds hundreds of specialists. From engineers to data scientists, and from cybersecurity experts to quantum physicists. Each person is a cog in our vast machine researching, maintaining, and upgrading the Master Algorithm."
Drawing Mike’s attention to a particular section, he explained, "Over there is the AI research and development hub. We’re developing qubit processors to push AI computation into unimagined realms. The R&D hub is making strides in neural interfaces and bio-integration."
Gault finally turned, his penetrating eyes locking onto Mike's. He leaned against his desk, his imposing height making their distance even more significant. "Winters might be the Keeper of the Algorithm, but you’re in my domain. I control the practical applications of all those terabits of data and every CPU in this Institute. That power you've heard of. It flows through me."
