B.R.A.I.N by Bernie Koenig

Earth, on the brink of ecological collapse. All life in danger of becoming extinct. A huge database with all of human knowledge since the beginning of time. Liz Kolmann, a talented young neuroscientist; Eric Roberts, a hotshot programmer with a spiritual bent; and the US government, join forces to develop the most advanced organic Artificial Intelligence ever created, codenamed B.R.A.I.N., in the hope that it can stop and possibly reverse the damage. The government, however, has a secret agenda. Eric’s spiritual training in India helps him understand why things have gone wrong thus far. Liz is mildly interested at first, but begins to appreciate the logic behind his metaphysical explanations. In an attempt to challenge B.R.A.I.N.’s highly advanced algorithm, Eric asks it to solve the ultimate question, putting the entire project at risk. Surprisingly, a week later B.R.A.I.N. comes up with a cogent answer indicating its AI software is ready to tackle its primary mission. Liz and Eric are led to a battle for survival, a search for their very essence, and the true cause of humanity’s predicament.

Adult • Science Fiction • Science Fiction/Hard SF