Impossible Miracles

Chapter 3
A Conversation

He shook hands with the older man.

"While I appreciate your willingness to help, I am afraid I cannot accept your offer."

The man frowned, pulling his moustache and beard down into a disappointed 'U.' "It does not take a genius to know what you are trying to do. As you are, you know you have a miniscule chance of even glimpsing the goal."

"Yes, but…"

"While a basic AI is simple enough, it is difficult to try to simulate the human mind. The sheer number of ideas a mind can dream up in a few minutes is staggering. Trying to get a computer that bases its calculations off of algorithms is going to be nigh impossible."

"But it's not impossible."

A sigh from the man, as he dragged his hand down his face in exasperation, "No, it is not. With today's innovations, it may well be possible. However … as contradictory as it is to hear a scientist like me say this, you're trying to program a soul here."

"I know."

Another sigh, this one heartfelt, as though the very breath drained years away from the man's life. "And yet you still want to continue alone…?"

"Yes. Thank you, for everything you've done for me. I would not have brought this to anyone else but one I completely trusted. As my teacher, you have taught me everything—"

"Stop that, Len. Talk like your age for once. People of fourteen would be too embarrassed to say those words."

The boy genius chuckled. "Perhaps, but then I have never really conformed to standards, have I?"

"No, indeed you haven't. I've never seen anyone pick up the field faster than you have, nor create as many original programs as well as you have."

"Now you're the one embarrassing me."

"Haha, an eye for an eye, I suppose. I apologize for not being able to help you in your endeavor in the slightest. You have already surpassed me long ago."

"No, it's quite all right. Don't worry about it." Len stood, ready to leave. "Thank you for your time, professor. I'll be going now."

"When you finish, tell me? I'll be anxiously awaiting good news."

Len smiled. "I will." He opened the door, and almost stepped out when the man's voice stopped him again.

"And Len, take care of yourself, will you? I'm not sure what the doctor said, but don't overstrain yourself."

At those words, Len's smile stretched wider. "I won't. I actually have an appointment with him soon. Last time I met him, though, he said that there was no change in my condition."

And that is why I have to hurry.

"That's good," the man nodded, reassured. "Well, good bye then. Until next time."

"Until next time."

With a final click, the door was shut.

Len walked down the hallway until he turned the corner. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms in thought.

He had hoped against hope that perhaps the man he respected most would be able to help him. Luckily, he was also the only man that he had trusted with even a hint about his "project." Granted, Len hadn't told him anything outright, but his teacher still knew.

He was almost an open book to the man who had tutored him not long ago. It was nerve-wracking, choosing every word precisely and schooling his expression just so such that he wouldn't suspect anything.

The "almost" part was his savior, or else he would have already been forcibly confined to a bed by his orders some time ago.

The doctor appointment was a lie; the last medical professional he had said he'd never seen a case so hopeless, that "Unfortunately, there is no help we can provide. As bed rest will not help, perhaps you should take this time to live your life out to the fullest – see the sights you want to see, go places you want to go."

There was only one thing he wanted to do.

And most regrettably, it had run into a roadblock.