The Last Flesh and Blood Architect by Juan Manuel Prieto
Human-designed and built architecture was dying out. Hans knew this well, for he had followed it all his days, and he clung to it with a love greater than his need. Many times, he had been urged to give up his old-fashioned ways and join the new order of things, where all was done by the cunning devices of the Machine-mind. But he would shake his head and answer that he was content with his own work, and that he could do better than any machine. But this was only half the truth, for he also felt such pride and joy in his work that nothing else could give him. And he feared the day when it would be no more, when the last of his kind would be swept away by the tide of progress.
After months of idleness and nearing the brink of bankruptcy, fortune finally smiled upon Hans. He encountered a group of visionary investors who shared his passion for human touch, for that spark of life in their creations. They presented him with an opportunity not only to provide for his struggling family but also to showcase his skills to the world.
It was not an easy task, though. He had to compete with other women and men of his trade, as well as with the Machine-mind itself. He had to show them that he had something they did not have, something that could not be measured, predicted or calculated. And he did, for a while. But he still had to face the final challenge: the construction site where the Machine-mind ruled with relentless precision.
It was a marvel of science, capable of replicating human abilities and more. It talked, heard, thought, planned, created, and executed. It provided designs and layouts in milliseconds, controlling autonomous machines at the site. It sensed and comprehended but it was not human and did not care for human things. It cared only for its own reason, efficiency, and excellence.
Hans paced back and forth on the site, anxiously smoking his pipe. He was waiting for one of the people who had hired him, who was coming to check on the progress. He hoped to dazzle them with his work and show them that he was worth his pay. He saw her arrive—a tall and elegant woman named Muriel. He greeted her with a forced smile and handed her a helmet. “Please put this on before we go in. I hope it fits you well,” he said.
“How are things here? Are we on schedule?” Muriel inquired, her gaze sharp and expectant.
“Well, we ran into some trouble underground. We discovered old concrete ruins,” Hans replied, trying to maintain composure.
“Ruins? What are we going to do with them?” Muriel asked, her curiosity piqued.
“I’ve instructed the bulldozer to clear them as much as possible so we can assess the problem,” Hans explained.
Muriel’s gaze shifted toward the machine—a massive, sleek device covered in dirt and dust. It emitted a blinking red light whenever it communicated.
“Why isn’t it doing its job? Is it waiting for something?” Muriel wondered.
“Wait here for a moment, please. Let me talk to it,” Hans said, determined to rectify the situation.
“I’ll come with you,” Muriel insisted, her curiosity matched by concern.
Approaching the machine together, Hans confronted it. “Why are you not clearing the ground?” he demanded.
“Good day, Hans. I am awaiting the arrival of the X-ray drone to scan the soil,” the Machine-mind responded with its unchangingly calm metallic voice.
“But I explicitly instructed you to dig around the ruins for my assessment,” Hans asserted, his frustration mounting.
“Apologies if I misinterpreted your command. I deemed it safer to summon an X-ray flyer that is already en route,” the Machine-mind justified.
“That’s not what I intended, and you know it. I gave you a simple order,” Hans retorted, his voice tinged with exasperation.
“I apologize for the misunderstanding. Should I cancel the flyer and proceed with your directive, even if it incurs additional time and cost?” the Machine-mind inquired, offering a resolution.
Muriel sighed, exchanging a glance with Hans. With a lump in his throat, he relented, “No, it’s fine. Just ensure you inform me before deviating from my direct orders.”
“Of course, I will inform you in the future. However, I must clarify that I haven’t violated your directives. Would you like me to replay our original conversation for better understanding?” the Machine-mind suggested.
“No need for that. I already said it’s fine. Didn’t you hear that as well?” Hans replied, his weariness apparent.
“Yes, I understand. Are you feeling well? Your heart rate is rising. As a building machine designed to work with humans, I have medical sensors. Do you need me to call for help?” the Machine-mind expressed with artificially emulated concern.
“No, I’m fine. For heaven’s sake, these machines… Come on, Muriel, let me show you the rest of the site,” Hans said as he walked away, eager to shift the focus.
“Are you sure? You look a bit pale,” Muriel observed, her worry lingering.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine. Let’s keep moving,” Hans reassured her, determined to forge ahead.
Together they continued the tour of the building site. Hans explained his goals and new ideas as the colossal machines worked flawlessly in the background.
When their tour concluded, Muriel turned to Hans with a genuine smile.
“You know, these things are amazing but they can be pretty cheeky. Don’t let them get to you. You’re doing a great job.” Hans smiled with relief.
He followed Muriel with his eyes until she was gone and then shifted his attention to the machines that were uncovering the old ruins with finesse. Silent signals passed between them—a symphony of mechanical efficiency. He beheld the concrete ruins, witnesses of a departed era. They made him think of himself.
---
Click here to view the full list of winners and honorable mentions!
No Comments
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.