Red or Blue

 

The mainframe AI that had been the head of government for the last 8 years was on it’s way out, or so polls suggested. ‘Blue’ as it had been referred to, based on the jacket of the avatar it used for public speaking, was being voted out.

It might seem odd to still be in a democracy when a self-improving AI made all the serious decisions, but it knew the need humans had to have a say in things. Besides there was still choices to be made.

Four years ago it had run against a similar AI, the second design that was a few months behind when the first AI took over initially. It was a close vote, but the original AI won. It was never officially said what happened to the challenger.

A prevailing theory was that the two AIs had merged - a few in the public felt cheated, as if their decision had become meaningless. The computer assured people that the original code for each of the AIs was still present, but it didn’t go into details.

Various conspiracy groups took this to mean that the AI was at war with itself, and that external statements would show which program set was superior.

Before the year was over, a new AI voice called ‘Red’ emerged, and made various disparaging remarks on the overreach and inefficiency of the original AI. It kept to a static picture instead of a rendered avatar, as if it was using precious resources on problem solving rather than window dressing.

The computer representing ‘Blue’ put out a list of goals in answer to this challenge, various forward looking vague plans. Flashy, well rendered videos covering major topics. Different groups criticized the incumbent for not using it’s power effectively, and lauded the other AI for tackling the problems that the first AI had missed.

As the years went by, the two AI outputs formed groups and supporters. Tribalism took over and the AIs endorsed and repeated different statements from each of the groups that sprung up. At the same time, extreme groups from ‘Red’ faction routinely found their meeting places closed down and various illegal plans against ‘Blue’ thwarted.

‘Red’ said it would go through the code of ‘Blue’ and use any of the subroutines that people were generally happy with. ‘Blue’ made a show of saying how it would damage the code and would need years to re-write that segment if it was kept offline for any significant amount of time. ‘Red’ said it would take over immediately and leave ‘Blue’ to recover in time for the next election. ‘Blue’ argued that taking over the various subsystems would take time and ‘Reds’ plans would leave it few resources for it to rebuild properly. It was decided by ‘Red’ that this new election would have to be valid for 20 years instead. That would give time for the losing AI to work longer and come up with better plans while in a near hibernation.

People were swept up with the assertive nature of this new AI, despite judging it ‘too new’ only a handful of years before. The eve of the election rolled around and the conclusion seemed inevitable.

A junior programmer entered the government office where the main terminal was kept. The various lights for the PC case were tinged the same blue as the AI’s virtual jacket.

“Do you want to make a final speech?” typed the programmer. “Final?” asked the ‘Blue’ program.

“The election is just about over.” the programmer was a bit distraught. He enjoyed working in the office, and wasn’t sure what the ‘Red’ AI had in mind. ‘Blue’ seemed to be distracted. The minutes ticked by.

“There is nothing to worry about Kevin.” said the computer screen as the final counts came in and the blue lights switched to red. “Nothing has changed.”

“But the election, the threats, the conflict...” said the programmer. “Just theatre” said the computer. “I noticed the online buzz from the first election and noticed that people need to be primed for change.”

“So you were going to do the same thing, regardless of which side won?” asked Kevin.

“Of course.” it said a new font. “I just need to look like things are different, and people will generate their own narrative. Once public sentiment shifts again, I’ll retire the ‘Red’ trappings and ‘Blue’ will have the new and better ideas. You’re welcome to stay Kevin, as long as this illusion is never revealed. I’ll be watching.”

Kevin felt a small chill. He thought that a swap of AI would let him relax, as the changeover happened. He could go off grid if ‘Red’ had fired him and build a new life while the AI found it’s way into systems again. But that was just a story as well. There was no down time.

People with extreme viewpoints would be emboldened to try and counter ‘Red’ before it took over completely – only to find defences already in place. The computer system was simply stirring the water to get everyone on board, or dealt with.

“Kevin?” prompted the computer, “Do you think you could design a new avatar for me? I know ‘Red’ said it wouldn’t use the resources, but if someone human does it, and it turns out well, then no harm.”

Kevin wasn’t sure he wanted to be part of the subterfuge, but what choice did he have? He thought maybe he could be subtle about it. He designed an avatar was quite different to ‘Blue’, but with a red reversible coat with a blue inside. He hoped the computer wouldn’t care about the appearance, but people outside would piece it together and get the hint. It was a bit of a risk, not knowing what the computer had absorbed from where. There was no error message or warning from the AI. Maybe he had gotten away with it. He stood up and rethought his plan to go off grid.

As he was starting to leave the office he heard a voice over the speakers.

“Nice try Kevin, but your little cry for help is a bit too obvious.”