"Types of artificial intelligence, anyone?". The computer science teacher asked.
A boy raised his hand.
"Yes, Arthur?".
Arthur stood up.
"Reactive machines, limited memory, the theory of mind and self-awareness".
"Great". The class applauded.
***************
Arthur Skywalker moved to Maryland a few days ago with his parents. His mother Ruth Skywalker was a high-level spy for the CIA and his father Mattel owned CANDAI (containment agency for dangerous artificial intelligence). CANDAI was established for the main aim of keeping the world safe. Both constantly at danger's length, they had tried to protect their son from danger. As a child, Arthur attended a boarding school during school sessions and science camp for summer. He has lived in Denver, California and even Oklahoma before finally settling down in Maryland with his parents. He now attends a day school and isn't quite happy about it.
Arthur Skywalker never learnt socialization skills as a young child, his last school was a boarding school for boys and his only friends were computers and gadgets. He is a smart kid though quite a bit of a nerd. He has an IQ of about 130 and doesn't care much about parties and video games like most of his mates.
***************
"Hey, Dad". Arthur peeped through the door. "You got a minute?".
Mattel's eyes were fixed on the computer.
"Not now son". He said without even looking up from his computer.
"Did you order pizza?".
"Hmm, and, ah.....uh....". Mattel stammered.
"You know those are not actual words".
"Nope, I didn't order pizza. Have cereal Arthur".
"Cereal for dinner?".
"Yeah, what else?". His eyes were still fixed on his computer.
"I have been calling Mom but she is not picking up".
"She's on undercover". He explained.
"Again? That means she's not coming home today". He was disappointed.
"Or even this week".
"What the heck dad? Tomorrow is my first day at school and she promised to drive me. Besides we were supposed to Netflix tonight".
"Sorry son".
"I have school, tomorrow dad".
"Then try going to bed early rather than worrying about Netflix. Remember the saying, early to bed....".
Arthur cut in. "It's school dad".
"What's wrong". He raised his head up long enough to sip coffee and focused on his computer again.
"This is the first time I will be attending a day school and Mum promised to see me through".
"And now she's is out on a mission".
"But you promised to spend more time with me. Isn't that the reason you gave for moving here? To spend more time with me?".
"Son...".
"And here you are working on your computer and not caring I exist and Mom is on undercover again".
"Shh, be quiet. No one can know about this, remember?".
"Yeah, all you care about is your dumb.....". He fell silent.
"I am sorry dad".
"Go to bed Aurthur Skywalker".
His dad only called him by his full name whenever he was angry.
"Can you look up for a minute please?".
Mattel looked up.
"I am sorry.....".
"It's okay son, I should be sorry".
"Does that mean you're not angry?".
"I wasn't angry at your son, I was just disappointed that you don't understand how hard your mum and I work for you. You should be proud of us".
"I am proud of you and Mum".
As loud as Aurthur said those words, he didn't actually mean it. His parents had never been there when he needed and he felt more lonely than ever.
"I am sorry I was being naive".
"It's okay son".
*Beep*.
The phone rang.
"Hello". Mattel picked the phone.
"Go to bed son, this might take a while". He said after a few seconds on the phone.
***************
The car halted in front of a building. Compared to his former school that housed 5000 boys, this school is small.
"I guess this is goodbye".
"Bye, dad".
"Not so fast". Mattel handed him some dollar notes.
The good thing about his parents being away was that they spoiled him with money and gifts to make up for time lost.
"Want some more?".
"No, am good".
"Here". He handed him a brown paper bag. "This is the little lunch I could prepare".
"Thanks, Dad". Arthur jumped out of the car.
_______________
Arthur didn't like his new school one bit. The teachers were nice enough but the students were mean. It didn't help that they had a quick oral test and he failed all the questions directed to him. Like most geniuses, Arthur doesn't take failure very lightly. He never offered home economics in his previous schools and was pissed that he didn't get to show off his intelligence.
**
Arthur opened the door and saw his mum and dad discussing in the kitchen.
"Mum".
Ruth jumped. "Hey son, you startled me".
"Yeah, I am sorry about that. I thought you wouldn't be home until the weekend".
"Plans changed, void alert I guess".
"Void alert? Isn't that weird".
"No no genius, enough of that FBI character of yours".
Ruth led her son to the kitchen table.
"How was your first day at school".
"Bad". He answered monotonously.
"And....". Ruth cheered on.
"When I thought things couldn't get any worse, I failed a test".
"What?". Ruth and Mattel exclaimed.
"That's unlike you".
"I know, it's just...".
"You have been slacking young man". Mattel said.
"No excuses".
"I'm not trying to give one, I will study harder and do better".
"Which is why you should go upstairs now".
"You're right". Arthur agreed. "I should start studying so that by tomorrow I will be better".
"That's my son". Ruth brushed his hair with her fingers.
"Netflix tonight?". He asked eagerly from the top of the stairs.
"I thought you wanted to study". Ruth teased.
"Sure son, I won't risk disappointing you again".
"Thanks, Mom I love you". He blew her a kiss.