Submitted for the September 2024 prompt: The Bogeyman Cometh

As usual, after logging off from work, Mark turned off his brAIn chip; the name, a clever nod to the human mind. When it didn't respond on the third tap, Mark was puzzled.

 

He had expected the familiar tone that indicated he had switched to ‘personal’ mode. He could then jump back into Doomsday 3. His team was unbeatable since Kelly had joined and he was already in love with her avatar.

 

He pulled out his mobile phone and sent a text to his boss, mildly amused that he could write perfect sentences without typos.

 

brAIn at work.

 

* * *

 

Bill had an annoying habit of pacing when he spoke.

 

“Let me be frank with you,” Bill paused and Mark met his gaze. “Your overall performance for FY29 has been disappointing.”

 

Mark clasped the seat-handles of the chair which did not go unnoticed. Bill leaned forward: “Mate, you are a brilliant engineer. Your code is of the highest quality, and the inline comments showcase your left… or right… well, creative brain.”

 

Mark waited for the inevitable.

 

“Sure, there's pressure to give you a ‘needs improvement’ rating but I know you.” Bill smiled. “So, I’ve marked you ‘meets expectation’!”

 

Mark released the handles and sank back in his chair. “Thanks,” he sighed.

 

“But your communication needs work and,” Bill’s voice softened, “though I don't have a pay rise, I have something you might enjoy more.”

 

Mark straightened.

 

Bill laughed. “I knew it! I've signed you up for the new AI app, still in early Beta–”

 

“What? Wow!”

 

Bill laughed again: “It can help you communicate more effectively within the team, and with our customers–”

 

“Where do I download it from?” Mark interrupted.

 

* * *

 

Mark had barely sent the text when his gaming console beeped. His teammates were waiting for him.

 

Once, he'd forgotten to switch brAIn off, and in the game, he had annihilated the opposition single-handed. His team was impressed but also dismayed as they barely had fun. Nevertheless, Kelly gave him a heart emoji and her coveted ring-of-power.

Next morning, Bill was upset, drumming the desk when Mark walked in.

 

“Mark, finally!” Bill had snapped. “Help me with this audit log, mate!”

 

Mark knew what it was. “I’m… I’m sorry, Bill. I forgot to log off yesterday. I’m still getting used to the switching–”

 

“Every minute that brAIn is active costs us thousands of dollars. Plus, there’s a chance our data can be stolen. It’s in an early stage of development, and is not a hundred percent secure… yet. We don’t want it discovered outside of our network. I hope you understand.”

 

“Yes, I do.”

 

Back in the present, he tapped behind his ear again before unlocking his phone. His message was unread, but he didn’t want to join the game with the brAIn chip active.

 

* * *

 

At the next performance review, Bill was ecstatic although his pacing hadn’t ceased.

 

“So, how do you feel, Mark? Has the AI app been of assistance?”

 

“Yes,” Mark replied, “I believe my communication skills have improved, thanks to the cute robot who’s now an essential part of my workspace.”

 

“Great. Your feedback to the development team has been invaluable too. I am pleased to reveal that you’ve exceeded expectations this year. Congratulations!”

 

Mark smiled. “There’s one thing, though–”

 

“Yes?”

 

“It seems I am no longer producing new ideas but merely reviewing what the AI app suggests. In fact, I have little, if anything, to add sometimes.”

 

“Isn’t that the motto of the app, ‘Let me know your thoughts’?”

 

“Yes, the robot repeats it every so often. It’s super annoying.”

 

“Well,” Bill clicked his fingers, “I have just the upgrade for you.”

 

“An upgrade to the app?”

 

Bill laughed. “No more passive apps, Mark. It’s cutting-edge tech.”

 

“Wow!”

 

“Yeah, but I’ll need a written approval–”

 

“Done!”

 

“There’s more… It involves a minor surgical procedure where a chip tinier than your pinky nail will be embedded behind your ear. Of course, you’ll be able to tap it on and off. But there’s an NDA–”

 

Mark frowned. “Why the NDA?”

 

“Well, just like the company laptop, while the implant is turned on, your ideas remain exclusive property of the company. Moreover, it's in alpha stage, and we don’t want the competition hearing of it.”

 

“So, the NDA is just for the secrecy of the project?”

 

“Correct.”

 

“Is it safe?”

 

“Well, it has been tested on primates and human trials are underway. You will be the first human to try it outside the lab.”

 

Mark swallowed but said nothing.

 

“I understand you're nervous, but the chip can be removed.”

 

When Mark didn’t respond, Bill continued, “I could offer it to someone else, but I know you love tech and the geek in you will–”

 

“How does it differ from the app?”

 

“It can supplement your thoughts, render ideas in the most appropriate language, and improve tone. You’ll never rewrite stuff again. It’s like having that dancing robot in your head!” Bill laughed.

 

“The current app works well,” Mark said. “What if I refuse?”

 

“I’m afraid you agreed to test future versions when you signed up for the app.”

 

“What if I quit?”

 

“That’s your choice. But you can’t work for another tech company for at least three years!”

 

“I’m guessing I’ve agreed to that too?”

 

“‘Fraid so.”

 

* * *

 

Mark’s phone rang, and it startled him. It was Bill.

 

“What’s up, Mark?” Bill yelled over what appeared to be pub chatter.

 

“I'm unable to turn brAIn off!”

 

“What? Hold on, let me find a quieter spot–” Bill broke off, then resumed. “Better now? Could you repeat that last bit?”

 

“I am unable to turn the chip off, Bill!” Mark repeated.

 

“Ah, that must be the update.”

 

“What?”

 

“The latest version disables the off function.”

 

“What? Why wasn’t I asked to accept the changes?”

 

There was a pause before Bill asked: “You sure you didn’t accept the new Ts and Cs?”

 

“I’m positive!”

 

“Then who did, mate?”

 

Mark reached behind his ear. He screamed.