“Cho, have you secured the patient?”
“Yes Mr. Schumann. 20 is sedated and restrained. Shall I start the program?”
“Of course, proceed as you see fit. I’ll be in my office.”
It was going to be a long, painful day. Three days ago, a mental defective who called himself an intern failed to restrain a patient. He struggled and twisted free and succeeded in breaking the delicate surgical arm. We wouldn’t be able to replace it for a week. Now, all procedures are being done manually. Today is especially difficult for us at the Institute. We were performing the final treatment for number 20, and the council will perform an evaluation tomorrow morning. We need perfection, or we risk losing funding.
“Mr. Schumann?”
“Yes Cho.”
“He’s ready.”
Hurriedly, I get up and rush into the hall. Everyone is tense. The magnitude of what we may have accomplished is astounding. A small flock of nurses and technicians has begun to form behind me. Ignoring them, I step into the elevator. An electronic voice is heard.
“Good evening Dr. Schumann. Please state your destination.”
“Level Six.”
The doors silently close and we begin the long 80 story descent.
20 looked magnificent. He was lucid, calm, and seemed to be in a good humor.
“Patient 20, please state your full name and your history.”
“My name is Fredrick Alexander. I am twenty-six years of age. I was admitted to this wonderful facility two years ago. I was accused of renouncing the council and attempting to destroy the order and structure of our new government. It was a most heinous crime, but I am a changed man thanks to the wonderful doctors here at the Costington Institute.”
“Very good. Thank you for being so accommodating.”
“You’re quite welcome doctor. Thanks to you, I am the man I am today.”
Yes, I made him the man he was today. A robot; but a robot capable of actively participating in society.
I took Cho aside. “Excellent work Cho. Your idea of conditioning him to praise the institute was a stroke of genius. I will personally ensure that you receive a significant wage increase.”
“Thank you sir. Shall I return 20 to his quarters?”
“Yes Cho, that would be wise. Also, prepare another patient for the conditioning. Should anything happen to 20, at least we’ll have another.”
“Very well Dr. Schumann.”
So there it was. A lifetime of research and hard work, finally worth it. That magnificent human being was the future. Forget criminal reform, this technology could have widespread use. Imagine being able to create a true utopia. The perfect people for living in the perfect place.
