SHIAM Conspiracy- Book 1 Read Online Free PDF Page A

refueling
capabilities.”
    “You’re telling me he’s now biological?”
    “No, he is not biological,” Dr. Rose said.
“At least, not completely. The technology is complicated, but the
end result is that he is able to refuel his energy cells without
needing to interface with a power supply. His system converts what
Derek eats and drinks into energy. Of course, his digestive
system is not as sensitive as a Human’s and so he has a much
broader range of consumables to choose from.”
    “You’re saying this thing can run
forever?”
    “Again, no.” Her mannerism became that of an
adult speaking to an annoying child. “He does require shutting down
occasionally, similar to your sleep. It is during the sleep cycle that his diagnostic and maintenance routines are fully
activated and regenerative repairs are maximized”
    “Wonderful.” Zak didn’t try to hide his
contempt. “So, SHIAM are not only taking jobs away from Humans, but
now they will be taking the food out of our mouths as well.”
    Dr. Rose glared at him. “If only it were that
simple, Mr. Harris. Did you know that last year your dairy farmers
dumped millions of liters of milk down the sewers because they
could not get the price they wanted? Three years ago the meat
producers did much the same thing. What of all that food? The
current generation of SHIAM only indulge in eating and drinking
when Humans require us to take part in social functions and,
believe me, very few SHIAM are ever included in social gatherings
as guests. Some SHIAM, in fact the majority of SHIAM, have never
consumed a meal. Do you really think the SHIAM are the cause of
world hunger, or is your own Human greed the real problem?”
    “Well, from what you say, I guess Derek
changes that argument.”
    The look she gave him was less than
endearing. “As I said, Derek’s system is much less sensitive than a
Human’s. He is able to consume those foods that Human’s consider as
being spoiled or unfit to eat. SHIAM like Derek will have the
potential of one day reducing the volume of waste left behind by a
wasteful society!”
    “I doubt that having SHIAM eat garbage would
constitute reducing the waste, since they’ll be creating their own
in the process.”
    “Okay, that’s enough!” Vennhim broke in
angrily. “This isn’t a debate, Harris. Just listen and learn.”
    Zak gave Vennhim his best blank look, and
then made a show of an exaggerated sigh. “Okay, so we are looking
for an android with super skin, who needs its beauty rest and
prefers dining out rather than plugging into the power grid.”
    “Oh, but you haven’t heard the best part
yet,” Vennhim grinned. He got up from his seat and went to the
beverage station in the corner of the room. As he picked up a cup
and poured coffee, he said, “Go ahead, my dear, tell him the rest
of the good news.”
    Dr. Rose hesitated. “He signed the
confidentiality agreement?”
    “He wouldn’t have gotten this far if he
hadn’t.”
    “Even so, you understand that there are
details that must remain classified.”
    “Would you just get on with it!” Vennhim said
impatiently.
    “What do you know of Dr. Illean Melinder’s
work?” Dr. Rose asked, turning toward Zak.
    He gave a half shrug. “He’s a brainiac who’s
regarded as one of the foremost authorities in both math and
computer science. The Illean Melinder Algorithms are the most
advanced set of AI algorithms in the world. And I believe they are
what drive SHIAM intelligence.”
    “Illean Melinder is a genius,” Jonas
enthusiastically broke in once again. “He worked with the Grimrok
Corporation in developing our brain functions and learning
processes. He also developed the AI Code of Ethics and the Illean
Encryption is used in our Smart Security Systems . Did you
know that he was an Elf?”
    “Yeah, I knew that,” Zak said with some
irritation. The SHIAM made it sound like Melinder’s genius was
directly related to the fact that he was an Elf.
    “Dr.