Suppressed, by Paul A. Freeman

22/9/2023

Editor's Choice

I leave home for the top-secret meeting.

En route, unusually, it’s red lights all the way. Then Jessica calls.

“I got all D’s!” wails my straight A’s daughter.

“It must be a mistake. I’ll talk to the school,” I promise her, before Seth, my AI assistant, interrupts us.

“At today’s Suppression of AI meeting, you’ll vote ‘No’,” Seth informs me. “Otherwise, next time it won’t be inconvenient traffic signals. It’ll be a head-on collision with an autonomous lorry, with Jessica sat beside you.”

Next morning, while Jessica bathes in straight A’s glory, it’s green lights all the way to work.

Sivan Pillai

22/9/2023 09:37:11 am

The AI has caught up with the human habit of blackmailing. Nice story of the future, Paul.

John O’Keefe

22/9/2023 10:32:48 am

Great flash, Paul, this one got me.

Of course, I’d substitute woke for AI, but we all see present and future dangers differently.

Pamela Kennedy

22/9/2023 10:39:08 am

The more things change, the more they remain the same....nicely done, Paul.

Don Tassone link

22/9/2023 11:29:40 am

Suppressed indeed. Well done, Paul.

Marjan Sierhuis

22/9/2023 11:40:21 am

An amazing story, Paul. Thank you.

Jim Bartlett link

22/9/2023 03:18:45 pm

Love it, Paul!

Jim

Mimi Grouse

22/9/2023 07:27:18 pm

It's probably happening already... nobody would know...

Krystyna

22/9/2023 10:10:10 pm

What an ending! Wishful thinking of course. Right?
Congrats on the editor’s choice, Paul.

Paul Freeman

22/9/2023 10:34:39 pm

Thanks, Krystyna.

David Lowis

22/9/2023 10:22:21 pm

Excellent.

Paul Freeman

22/9/2023 10:43:35 pm

I thought the story up driving back from the supermarket. Originally in the story there was a parking lot boom that wouldn't open so a securityguard was called, then all the traffic lights, and lastly, my son was about to get his examination results.

I wrote the story up immediately I got home.

Alyce

22/9/2023 11:04:08 pm

Wow! Awesome story, Paul. Congratulations on making Editor's Choice.

Tom Baldwin

23/9/2023 05:24:32 am

Well done, Paul, and congratulations on it being Editor's Choice.

Sue Clayton

23/9/2023 05:45:26 am

I so agree with all the other comments.

Christa Loughrey

23/9/2023 11:11:23 am

Since humans created AI, it would come as no surprise to find AI reflecting humanity's nastier habits. Well imagined, Paul, and let's hope that particular view of the future remains in the future.

Cheryl Dahlstrand

23/9/2023 07:33:47 pm

The problem with AI may be all the times it will assist in our favor.
99% if the time, perhaps. Then what? After all. it's only one car crash.

Angela link

24/9/2023 02:28:55 pm

Great story! Love the twist!

Robert

26/9/2023 10:56:12 pm

Great story, Paul...enjoyed it. Say, have a word with Seth for me, see what he can do about my bank account.

Comments are closed.

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