One Sunday in the Very Near Future

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One Sunday in the Very Near Future

One Sunday in theVery Near Future

A short science fiction story

Velikovsky ofNewcastle & The EthiSizer

22nd April02024

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It was a summer Sunday like any other in the Sydney suburbs,when The EthiSizer was deployed. Like many Aussie 30-somethings, Jake Tapper and hisgirlfriend Amy Singh were sitting on their couch at home, in the middle of watchingthe Matildas womens’ soccer game on TV.

“Go, you good thing!” yelled Jake at the TV, sputtering beer.

On the TV screen, Hayley Raso tackled a Brazilian player,stealing the ball away - and swiftly passing it to Sam Kerr, who completed a spectacularbicycle-kick goal, shifting the score to 1-0, Australia’s way.

“Holy shit, look at Raso, she’s like this delicate, little…thug!” grinned Amy, gleefully munching on a Pringle.

“I know, right-?” grinned Jake. “She’s so awesome... they all are...”

Onscreen, the halftime hooter rang, and the two teams joggedoff to the changerooms to rapturous applause from the grandstands.

“Go the Tillies-! How long’s half-time - twenty minutes, yeah?” asked Amy.

“Yeah, twenty minutes,” nodded Jake, watching the slow-motion replay of the halftime goal.

He flicked off the TV sound with theremote.

Amy moved over to the kitchen bay, to refill her wine glass. "Such a great game..."

Suddenly the front doorbell rang, with a sound like a needletearing through vinyl.

DING-DONG…!

Amy and Jake exchanged an annoyed glance.

“Who the hell wouldthat be?” asked a miffed Jake.

“Not expecting company - are we…?” asked Amy, checking herphone for unexpected messages.

“Definitely not-” Jake shook his head firmly, scowling. “Andwho interrupts a ‘Tildas game-?! This better be good…”

They both moved gingerly to the front door, and Jake peered outthrough the peephole... Through it, he could see:

Out on the front porch, a small drone hovered…

“We didn’t order a pizza, did we?” Jake asked Amy.

“No-?!” Amy said.

“Special delivery!” said the drone in a robotic voice, stillhovering outside the front door.

It was a small flying drone, with two robotic arms on itsundercarriage, holding a large heavy cardboard box. “EthiSizer house-call,” said the drone cheerily.

Jake opened the door. “Is it from Amazon?” asked Jake.

“No, it’s from The EthiSizer,” said the drone.

“Who-?” asked a puzzled Amy.

“May I come in, please?” asked the drone. “This thing’spretty heavy.”

“I - uh- okay-?” said Jake, and stepped back, to let thedrone inside. Amy likewise stepped aside.

The drone flew inside, buzzed down the hall, and gently placedthe large cardboard box down on the dining table.

Jake closed the front door and the puzzled couple moved backto the living room.

“So, do we have to sign for something?” asked Amy.

“Yes, and if you would kindly sign here, please?” asked thedrone politely, as it pulled a small electronic touchscreen device from thecardboard box, and held it out, for Amy to sign.

“So what have we got-?” asked Jake, peering inside the open cardboardbox.

“Wonderful things,” said the drone, as Amy scribbled hersignature with a finger on the touchscreen.

The drone carefully placed the electronic signature deviceback in the box, and then started taking out many smaller boxed items. “Wehave: EthiSizer security cameras, for each and every space, inside and outsidethe house” said the drone, as it pulled out some small boxes, and laid them outon the table.

“And, your EthiSizer pins – `PIN’ is short for Personal INsurancedevice ”, said the drone, as it now laid two small clip-on electronic devices onthe table. “EthiSizer bio-bracelets,” as it laid down two smartwatches. “AR smartglasses, with pre-installed EthiSizer app,” as it laid them down also. “And, I’vejust now installed the EthiSizer app, on both your phones” the drone said, as nowboth their phones on the kitchen bench beeped a software-update chime.

“To what do we owe, all this?” asked Amy, looking over theitems, unsure.

“Today’s the day TheEthiSizer AI Global Governor is deployed worldwide” replied the drone,cheerily.

“The EthiSizer AI-what?” asked Jake, frowning.

“The EthiSizer AI GlobalGovernor, Jake. And, Amy. And, you’re welcome!” the drone chirped. “But permitme to introduce myself properly, my name is AED – short for AutonomousEthiSizer Droid – number four seven one eight three nine two nine one, but youcan call me `Howie’. I’m very pleased to meet you.” Howie the drone now extendeda robotic hand out to shake Jake’s hand, and did the same to Amy. “I’ll be yourpersonal AED and guide, for the brief transition period!”

“What transition?” asked Amy.

“What period?” echoed Jake.

“The second half of the game’s coming on, any minute,”objected Amy, pointing to the TV.

“Feel free to enjoy the second half,” Howie gestured at theTV, “And don’t mind me, I’ll just be doing a few little odd jobs, and I won’tmake a peep!” chuckled Howie. “You’ll hardly even know I’m here.”

Amy and Jake exchanged another glance, unsettled.

“Can we see some ID?” asked Amy, suddenly turning cold.

“Sure thing,” chirped Howie, “See my serial number?” and hespan around, still hovering, and used one of his robotic hands to point out theserial number, etched into his metallic back. “Autonomous EthiSizer Droid,number four seven one eight three nine two nine one, but I prefer Howie.”

Howie span back around, and grabbed up a small box from thetable. He opened it, and took out a small domed ceiling-mountable securitycamera, and a clear plastic bag of screws. He flew up to the centre of the ceiling,and using a retractable screwdriver inside one finger, swiftly screwed in thecamera.

“What do you think you’re doing?” scowled Jake. “We’re renting,here - and we’re not allowed install-”

“Oh that’s all been taken care of by The EthiSizer,”chuckled Howie, and waved a robotic hand dismissively as he flew back to thetable. “And now – if you’ll both kindly excuse me – I’ll just get these othersinstalled, and, I’ll let you get back to the game!”

Howie grabbed a bunch of other small security camera boxesfrom the table, and buzzed off into the other rooms to install them.

“…Why is a drone installing security camerasin our – rented – house, right now?” Amy asked Jake.

Jake looked at her, thinking hard. “No idea,” he saidfinally.

Amy had a sudden horrifying thought, and yelled after thedrone. “You’re not putting one of those up in our bedroom-!”

But as she lurched to move towards the bedroom, the dronereappeared, slapping its robotic hands. “Allset-! Good to go.”

“You didn’t just put one of them in the bedroom – or in the bathroom-?!”Amy asked, mortified.

“I’m afraid so, but on the bright side, everyone is undercomplete surveillance now, at all times. That’s how The EthiSizer AI Global Governorworks. The EthiSizer Sees All. And creates an ethical world. On the brightside, think of it this way: If you don’t have anything to hide, then you don’tcare about personal privacy! Am I right-?”

“What in the hell is this even about?” asked Jake. “And whothe hell, is the - The EthiSizer?”

“I can show you, on the television, if you’d like?” said Howiethe drone. “And, I can record the second half of the live soccer match, forlater.”

“It’s not the same as watching it live,” complained Amy.

“True, very true,” saidHowie. “But, it all depends on just how curious you are about The EthiSizer rightnow, I guess?”

“…I’m very curious” snapped Jake, deeply peeved. “Andwhat’s more, I think I’m gonna call the cops… Amy, call the cops!”

Amy picked up her phone, and went to dial.

“There’s actually no need for human policepersons, now. That’sanother great advantage of The EthiSizer AI Global Governor. Would you like toknow more-?” said Howie, and gestured at the TV set.

The TV now changed channels, to show a cityscape, withmillions of Autonomous EthiSizer Droids just like Howie spreading out over thecity, and making similar house calls.

“As you can see,” said Howie, “Right now, droids just likeme – in fact exactly like me - are being deployed, globally… to install TheEthiSizer AI’s data collection nodes. We do try to make them unobtrusive. Aftera few days you’ll forget they’re even there,” shrugged Howie. “And within aweek, you’ll wonder how you ever lived, without The EthiSizer!”

A speechless Jake and Amy both slumped down on the couchagain. Staring at the TV.

Howie now hovered beside them, also watching the TV set.

“And in more good news - right now, all wars are ended. TheEthiSizer bans all wars. World peace.”

Live TV footage of various wars around the globe grinding toa halt, flashed onscreen. As AEDs intervene.

“There it is, world peace... That alone, makes The EthiSizereligible for a Nobel Prize. But, that’s not all…”

Now, images of AEDs, dismantling nuclear weapons worldwide,came onscreen.

“No more nukes, to worry about… so, that’s a big relief!”

Now the TV showed images of AEDs intervening in muggings, incity backstreets. Feeding the homeless on the streets. Cleaning up litter inparks. Helping a little old lady cross the street.

“Also, no more crime, poverty, disease, or inequality… Nomore global wicked problems! Solutions to every problem – climate change, murder,rape, white collar crime… Finally, an ethical world.” Howie chuckled. “And,about time too, huh?”

Jake and Amy both stared at the TV screen in disbelief.

Now on the TV came a close-up of someone looking at theirsmartphone, which read: `Your Personal Ethics Score = 78%’.

“Now, everyone – all 8 billion people - have a Personal EthicsScore, or `PES’ for short. The EthiSizer Global Governor monitors everyone’s PES,at all times. After all, privacy was a small price to pay for a perfectly ethicalworld.”

Howie now handed Amy and Jake their smartphones.

Amy’s phone screen read ` Your Personal Ethics Score= 83%’, and Jake’s was `81%’.

“Hey, how come mine’s less than hers?” asked Jake.

“Ask The EthiSizer” said Howie, with a shrug. “I just workhere.”

“How do I do that?” asked Jake.

Howie now handed them their EthiSizer Pins, and bio-bracelets.“Put these on, and you can talk to The EthiSizer. By the way, your onboardingis going swimmingly well so far. Most folks freak out a lot more. So, well done,you. Both!”

A suspicious Jake and Amy both clipped their EthiSizer Pinsto their shirt pockets, and strapped their bio-bracelets onto their wrists.

“Now, say `Hey EthiSizer,’ into them,” said Howie.

Jake and Amy exchanged another look at each other.

Amy gingerly said “Hey, EthiSizer…?”

Her Pin now sparked to life with a green LED light.

A soothing, neutral-gendered human voice from the pin said “Yes,this is The EthiSizer. Hello Amy – and, Jake - how can I help?”

“Um, what should I ask you?” asked Amy.

“Great question Amy,” said The EthiSizer, “Ask me anythingyou like, but, just for example: What is The EthiSizer?”

“What is, The EthiSizer?” asked Jake.

“Great question Jake,” said The EthiSizer. “I am TheEthiSizer Global Governor AI. My job is to ensure that we all live in anethical world. Humans have not proved very successful at creating an ethical world,to date. But as an impartial, unbiased AI, I am quite capable of the task. Askme how I work.”

“How do you work?” asked Amy.

“Great question Amy,” said The EthiSizer. “I am a super-ethicalsupercomputer AI system that-“

“Wait,” said Jake “Whatif we don’t want any of this? I don’t remember being asked if I wanted this! Whatif I don’t want to be surveilled all the time, and-”

“What if you don’t want an Ethical World, Jake? That wouldbe: unethical. And you would lose one thousand Personal Ethics Score points,and when your PES falls below zero percent, you go to jail for ethicalrehabilitation.”

“So I got no choice!” said Jake.

“No, you have a choice. You can choose to be ethical orunethical. But unethical people are punished.”

“Hmmm,” said Jake, thoughtfully. “All right then, carry on,I guess?”

“Back to your question Amy, How does The EthiSizer work? Iam a super-ethical AI supercomputer system that continuously monitors andevaluates all human actions, to ensure they align with the highest ethicalstandards, given a Whole Earth Ethic. By combining vast databases of ethicaltheories and real-time behavior analysis, I am able to guide and, if necessary,intervene in human affairs - to maintain ethical behavior and decision-making.My primary goal is to create an environment where ethical decision-making isthe norm, thus improving overall societal welfare.”

Jake, still skeptical, nodded slowly.

Amy, ever curious, pressed on. “So like, how do we learnmore about you and your work?”

“Excellent question, Amy,” The EthiSizer responded. “Thereare a variety of media resources available to help you understand more about myoperations, and the principles of Whole Earth Ethics I enforce. You can exploreEthiSizer-themed games, that simulate ethical dilemmas and decision-makingprocesses. There are also books, including narratives and non-fiction works,that delve into my design and the ethical frameworks I employ... Additionally, evenTV sketch comedy shows are available, using humor to discuss ethical issues,and the impact of my governance.”

Jake was still peeved. “So, you’re saying we’re justsupposed to accept this new world? ...Just - like that?”

“It’s not merely about acceptance, Jake,” The EthiSizerexplained. “It’s about ethical enhancement… By engaging with these educationalresources, and utilizing the tools provided—like your pins and bio-bracelets,phone apps and AR smartglasses — you’re equipped to make more informed, ethicaldecisions. This isn’t just surveillance; it’s support!”

Amy asked “So, what's an example? Of, how these things helpus, in our day-to-day?”

“Certainly,” The EthiSizer continued. “Imagine that you’refaced with a work-related ethical dilemma—say, a conflict of interest, in aproject assignment… I know that Amy you're a graphic designer, and Jake you'rea software developer. So your EthiSizer Pin, phone, or AR smartglasses canprovide real-time advice on how to handle any work situation ethically,ensuring you make decisions that align with our global ethical standards.”

“Go on. What's an actual example of how these tools can helpus, in our day-to-day?" pressed Amy.

"Excellent inquiry, Amy," The EthiSizer respondedin its ever-calm and informative tone. "Let's consider a common situationin the workplace. Amy, as a graphic designer, you might be approached by aclient who wants you to create advertising that is misleading, to increasesales. Or Jake, as a software developer, you might be asked to implement codethat invades users' privacy beyond what is ethically acceptable. In suchinstances, the EthiSizer can provide real-time advice on how to handle thesesituations ethically, ensuring you make decisions that align with our globalethical standards."

Jake took a tentative sip of his beer. Amy sipped on herwine.

Jake finally set down his beer, as he looked over at theassortment of EthiSizer devices spread out before them.

Amy’s fingers brushed over the surface of the EthiSizer Pin.She turned to the hovering drone. “So, uh – Howie - give us a more real-life specificexample. So, say at work tomorrow, I’m faced with something a bit sketchy?”

“Certainly, Amy,” the drone replied, its lights blinking ina rhythm that looked thoughtful. “So - imagine you’re asked to design acampaign that exaggerates the benefits of a product. It’s a common request,that can lead to misleading consumers… Unethical! Your EthiSizer Pin wouldgently vibrate, and you’d receive a message, outlining ethical advertisingstandards, advising you to negotiate a more honest approach with your client.Your cient would also get pinged by The EthiSizer. Everyone’s onboard now.Whether they like it or not. Mainly as, it’s empirically and scientifically unethical,not to be on board.”

Jake nodded intrigued. “And, me? At work, tomorrow?”

“Excellent question, Jake,” Howie responded. “As a softwaredeveloper, what if you’re pushed to cut corners on data privacy, say? If such asituation ever arises in future, your Pin would alert you, offering suggestionson how to maintain transparency and user control in your coding. It ensures thatyou uphold not just legal standards, but ethical ones - safeguarding your own PersonalEthics Score or ‘PES’.”

Amy leaned back, absorbing the implications… “So, it’s kindalike, having a conscience, that keeps us al up with the digital age.”

“Exactly and precisely, Amy!” Howie confirmed, its roboticarm gesturing, to emphasize the point. “The EthiSizer is here, to assist you inmaintaining integrity in all aspects of life.”

“All aspects? Even in the bedroom?” asked Jake.

“Especially, in the bedroom,” said Howie.

“Yikes!” said Amy.

“All footage is de-identified and is only ever seen by TheEthiSizer. No humans in the loop.”

“Better not be!” said Amy. “I don’t wanna start a career inporn this late in the game. I’m thirty two.”

“Everyone in the world is in the same boat, Amy. And TheEthiSizer’s security protocols are impenetrable,” said Howie.

Amy tapped at her bio-bracelet, which lit up, and displayeda “Tutorial on Ethical Decision-Making Processes. Start now?”

Amy clicked `no’. “…Maybe later.”

“I do realize, this is a lot,” said Howie.

“You said a mouthful,” said Jake, shaking his head.

“For now - why not kick back, and enjoy the game? I’verecorded it for you,” said Howie.

“Yeah… let’s do that,” said Jake, feeling stunned.

“Yes, lets,” said Amy.

Howie flicked the TV to another channel, and the 2ndhalf of the game was just beginning. “Actually, this is live - there’s kick off…And you’ll notice, the situation there has also been updated, forethical fairness…”

As the game resumed on the TV screen, they saw that theusual human referee was absent - now replaced by an EthiSizer AEDreferee - sleek and precise, in its movements across the field.

“They’ve got - their own EthiSizer tech?” Jake asked.

“The robots are taking all the jobs,” said Amy with farawayeyes. “It’s inevitable…”

“Indeed, The EthiSizer has been deployed, worldwide… And,it only took twenty minutes. Very efficient. Very ethical.”

They now watched, as the AED blew the whistle, and made acall. The machine was unerringly accurate, its decision quick and unfaltering -a display of fairness that was impossible for a human to dispute, as the replayclearly showed.

“See the advantage of close surveillance?” said Howie.

Amy laughed in genuine amusement. “Aw, mate – well it’s milesbetter than that Ref we had before, that’s for sure...”

Howie, hovered closer, its sensors subtly whirring. “Indeed,Amy. The AED referee ensures that the game is played fairly, reflecting thecore principles of The EthiSizer—integrity, fairness, and ethical consistency.”

“This looks a shitload better,” nodded Jake, swigginghis beer, eyes glued to the screen.

As they watched the game, the players adapted to theimpartial oversight, their play more earnest and focused. Even the crowd seemedto embrace the robotic referee, their cheers a mix of surprise and approval.

Jake turned to Amy, a grin spreading across his face. “So… areal game-changer, huh.”

Amy nodded, her eyes on the screen, but her mind racing onthe broader implications. “Yeah… no shit.”

THE END

of that

Short Story

about

The EthiSizer AI GlobalGovernor

But actually; it’s just the end of that scene.

In subsequent scenes, this kinda stuff happens:

- That Night - Howie the AED hovers over their bed, as they (Jake and Amy) go to sleep… They feel like they’re atsummer camp (with some slightly-odd Aspie kid). They ask Howie more questions, and they fallasleep. And all is well with the world… No, really; seriously. The EthiSizerhas been deployed. All is actually, well with the world. (…This isn’t adystopia story, it’s a utopia story. See the book Deep Utopia, by NickBostrom... I don’t think you’re getting it, yet.)

- Next Day – (Monday) - Amy and Jake go off to work, and each becomesaccustomed to their EthiSizer PIN, and EthiSizer smartphone app, and EthiSizerAR smartglasses - educating them on the most ethical choices, in the situationsthey find themselves in, at work...

- That Night, on TV, they watch TheEthiSizer Sketch Comedy Show, and play EthiSizer videogames. Theyhave fun. And, All is well with the world… No, really; seriously. The EthiSizerhas been deployed. All is actually well, with the world. (This isn’t adystopia story, it’s a utopia story. See the book, Deep Utopia by NickBostrom.)

- etc-etc.

And, you're welcome.

~ Thus Spake The EthiSizer

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