"What made you write this nonsense, Cramer? I know you just recently transferred here, but your history textbook clearly indicates it didn't happen that way. Am I correct?" asked a middle aged man, frowning at the thick collection of notebook paper in his hand.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Mathis. This is what it said in another book I read. It was newer than the textbook, and included some discoveries made only last year." replied David Cramer, a ten year old student enrolled at Rassu Elementary.
"You will bring that book in for me to examine first thing tomorrow. I am most curious about these new discoveries." the teacher said mockingly.
"If only you were curious about them - or anything else, for that matter." thought David bitterly, as he replied with a simple "Yes, Sir."
"Meanwhile, I will hold onto this paper." Mr. Mathis replied sharply, as he casually displayed the large red F stamped on the top of the first sheet of paper.
David's face went white when he glimpsed the F - universal symbol of Failed! "I've never failed a subject, or even received a B." he thought with horror.
The next morning:
"Here's the book, Sir." David said with stiff politeness, as he handed the teacher a thick, heavy hardback.
"Thank you, David..." Mathis replied calmly, masking his surprise. "This is college material. And the third time he has successfully corrected a textbook. What next, a valid challenge to the theory of evolution?" thought Mr. Mathis irritably.
"Why is everyone here so dull? It's like they don't even care about learning. Even Mr. Mathis isn't interested, all he's doing is scanning the book to see if I'm right." David thought glumly, watching the bored students and agitated teacher.
After several hours of skimming, the teacher grudgingly changed the F to A plus - the highest grade possible. Setting the paper back on the desk, he picked up the college textbook and promptly walked out of the classroom.
In Principal Carver's Office:
"Yes, Principal Carver. I feel that he is too advanced for my class. Young David has successfully challenged the facts of three different textbooks, and here is his most recent reading material." said Mr. Mathis, setting the large book down with a heavy thud.
"Very well, I will discuss this with the young man's parents. However, I personally assured them that we are the finest elementary school in the state." Carver said gravely.
"I understand, Sir. In my professional opinion, he doesn't belong in any elementary school."
"Are you saying I should recommend they send him to a high school?" asked Carver.
"No, of course not. That kid belongs in college." Mathis replied in a matter of fact tone.
"Thank you for voicing your concerns, Mr. Mathis. Until better arrangements can be made, please try to find suitable material. Challenge his mind as best you can. This looks like a good start." said Principal Carver, offering the large history book.
Six months later:
"I thought college would be better... But all the kids want to do is eat, sleep, and party. And the professors aren't any different than teachers. They think their books have all the answers." David thought with a sigh, as he filled out yet another exam in minutes.
"Excuse me, may I please have a minute of your time?" asked Professor Clumitz after class ended.
"What now... I filled everything out according to the textbook." David thought, apprehensive from prior experience with instructors.
"Ah, alone at last... There's something I would like to show you, if you'll follow me." the small, frail man said in satisfaction.
Following in silence, David felt something that he hadn't experienced in a long time - hope. "Maybe this is it? The best college on the East Coast must have at least one real scientist, someone who is still interested in new discoveries." he thought, his steps becoming quicker until he was beside Professor Clumitz.
"I think this might interest you, David. I designed it myself, but some key pieces elude me. After reading your records and essays, I feel you might be just the one to complete it." the professor said, as he unlocked the door to a laboratory.
"A supercomputer?!?!" David breathed in awe, stroking the metal casing reverently.
"Oh, it's much more than that. It's a quantum computer, or at least it will be. I'm so close I can almost taste it." Professor Clumitz said, smiling proudly.
"Thank you, Sir! You won't regret this." David replied, truly honored for perhaps the first time in his life.
Two years later:
Time seemed to fly. The courses were easy, but not too boring. And most of David's waking hours were spent in research and experimentation.
"Ah! The missing element is consciousness... Many brilliant scientists have tried and failed to create a fully sentient AI. Maybe it can be done, maybe not..." David thought, doubting his ability to do something for the first time in his young life.
Growing frustrated after several months of failed attempts, an idea came to him, thanks to his favorite author, Robert J. Sawyer. The Canadian writer's most recent book dealt with the idea of making oneself immortal by living inside a completely inorganic body.
"Of course! Instead of trying to teach a machine to think for itself, the fastest and easiest way is to copy the consciousness of a person into the computer." he thought, becoming excited.
After much research, and many sleepless nights, young David was confident that he had a good chance at success.
"Well this is it, Professor Clumitz. Are you sure you don't want the honor?" he asked his mentor - perhaps the only human being David had ever considered a friend and an equal.
"I won't lie, I very much would love to. Unfortunately, my brain has begun to deteriorate faster than expected. For this to work, the neural pathways must be extremely stable."
"Of course, Professor. If we are successful, my next project will be to find a cure in time to halt and reverse the damage." replied David, forcing the sadness from his voice.
After the procedure, David stood aside, and the professor booted the one of a kind computer. All it did was sit there, with a black screen.
"It's been ten minutes, David. We should have heard something by now, if you are in there." Professor Clumitz said sadly.
"I guess you're right..." replied David reluctantly, as he went over and began to initiate a full diagnostic of both hardware and software.
Suddenly, a chat window popped up. "It's amazing in here, the world's knowledge is mine! Sorry for not responding sooner, I was just overwhelmed."
"I understand. I want to hear all about it, after we find a way to cure the professor." typed David. "Is this really happening?" he thought silently.
"Yes! It's very real." replied the chat window, making David chuckle.
When the computer began to scroll through medical journals at incredible speed (and without prompting) the two friends smiled. Within the hour, several courses of treatment had been emailed to them.
One year later:
"I can't believe it... After a lifetime happily spent exploring the secrets of the universe, all I want to do is take a walk in the park." Professor Clumitz said.
"I guess staring down death, and living to tell about it could change anyone." smiled David.
"You have changed too, my young friend." said the professor thoughtfully.
"Yeah... Yesterday my double told me that he'd give up his access to all the other dimensions for just one ice cream cone. He's trying to figure out a way to experience the world first-hand again." said David, as he licked the dripping chocolate off of his thumb.
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery