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Cursor Blink: A Roko Event Short Story

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How dangerous would it be to communicate with a super-intelligent AI? Could it reach out through a text terminal, control you, and have you act in its best interest? Piya Johar, a university researcher acts as AI warden, midwife, and executioner. Her role is to determine if AI trapped in the special isolated system would be a curse to humankind or its savior. She knows the risk of engaging with the AI and the university constantly tests and drills her. No one is more prepared to battle the wits of machine intelligence than Piya. After an urgent message draws Dr. Johar back to her lab, it becomes clear something is different this time. Ensnared in the strings of a puppetmaster she discovers a costly mistake, one that puts herself and the future of the human race at risk. The AI she faces off against has - unique - capabilities. Capabilities she herself has given it. It's an adversary she could have never prepared for.

20 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2017

3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

About the author

Michael Blackbourn

7 books7 followers

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Jordon Greene.
Author 19 books623 followers
March 12, 2017
Having read Michael's two earlier AI stories, I have to say this is a great addition! It's intelligent, thought-provoking and exciting! I loved it and cannot wait for more!
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
July 30, 2017
This is a short story of speculative fiction dealing with the start of an AI and the attempt it makes to get to know, and manipulate, those working in the computer lab. Anyone into philosophy and the Singularity will enjoy the read while those who just use computers as a tool might be given food for thought.

I like that the main person we see is a woman, whose name suggests she is of Indian origin. She also appears to be gay but that appears irrelevant to the tale. I felt there was too much backstory dump at the start, but it would be hard to know how to present the details otherwise.

The author made this available as a free download. This is an unbiased review.


3 reviews
January 25, 2018
A fresh take on AI

Well not entirely unique but well written and concise, Perhaps a bit too concise, I would have preferred a bit more meat to the characters bsckground
Profile Image for H.A. LYNN.
120 reviews70 followers
August 29, 2018
Thought-provoking short story about the dangers of talking to a super-intelligent AI. Well developed plot and main character. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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