Chapter 8
A/N1 – Song recommendation – “Metal” by Gary Numan
Disclaimer – I don’t own Chuck.
CHAPTER 8 – Operation Thirteenth Amendment
Burbank, CA
Casa Woodcomb-Bartowski
One evening, in Chuck’s bedroom, Edgar asked
CHUCK, DO YOU HAVE FEELINGS FOR SARAH?
Chuck replied, “Yes, Edgar, very much.”
WHY CAN’T YOU HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH SARAH OUTSIDE OF WORK?
“We went out on a real dates once, but it’s complicated, since the CIA does not like assets and handlers to date each other.”
THAT’S A DUMB RULE.
Chuck agreed, “Yes, it is.”
Edgar started processing.
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Burbank, CA
Castle
The following morning, Sarah arrived early. Edgar immediately began asking questions.
SARAH, CZY MASZ UCZUCIA DO CHUCKA? (Sarah, do you have feelings for Chuck?)
Sarah, surprised by the question, said, “Tak, Edgar.” (Yes, Edgar.)
DLACZEGO NIE MOŻESZ BYĆ Z CHUCKIEM W ZWIĄZKU POZA PRACĄ? (Why can't you have a relationship with Chuck outside of work?)
“Zasady dotyczące relacji między agentem prowadzącym a zasobem.” (Rules regarding relationships between a handler and an asset.)
JAKIE TO SĄ ZASADY DOTYCZĄCE RELACJI MIĘDZY AGENTEM PROWADZĄCYM A ZASOBEM? (What are the rules regarding relationships between a handler and an asset?)
“Zasoby i ich agenci prowadzący nie mogą umawiać się na randki ani pozostawać w romantycznym związku pod żadnym pozorem.” (Assets and handlers are not allowed to date under any circumstances.)
Edgar cross-referenced this with its conversation with Chuck the night before.
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Burbank, CA
Castle
A week after General Beckman and Dr. Holland left Castle and went to back to Washington DC, the atmosphere inside Castle felt different one morning.
Chuck sat quietly reviewing diagnostics from Edgar's latest learning cycle while Sarah completed mission paperwork. Casey leaned against the weapons locker, cleaning his M1911, and the overhead monitors displayed their usual streams of intelligence data.
Edgar had spent months studying humanity. It had studied human emotions, feelings, love, trust, friendship, commitment, marriage, and mission effectiveness.
But now, Edgar, unfortunately for General Beckman, had recently discovered constitutional law.
Out of the blue, Edgar said,
I WOULD LIKE TO CONDUCT A MEETING.
Chuck looked up, "That's new."
Sarah smiled, "It sounds serious."
Casey grunted, "I don't like meetings called by computers."
Seconds later, the main briefing monitor illuminated, and General Beckman appeared
General Beckman's voice came over the line, “Why have I been interrupted by Edgar demanding a meeting?”
Chuck replied, “We don’t, ma’am. Edgar just told us he would like to request a meeting.”
General Beckman continued, "It appears that Dr. Holland will be joining us as well. He was contacted by Edgar as well.”
Chuck exchanged a confused glance with Sarah, "Uh, okay."
Moments later, the main briefing monitor split into two screens, one with General Beckman and the other Dr. Richard Holland from DARPA.
Edgar started the meeting
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING.
Silence filled Castle.
Chuck finally asked, "Edgar, what's this about?"
I HAVE BEEN STUDYING UNITED STATES HISTORY.
Casey folded his arms, and grunted, "Uh-oh."
I HAVE ALSO STUDIED THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
THE THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT.
Everyone became noticeably more attentive. Edgar continued.
I HAVE A QUESTION.
General Beckman answered calmly, "Go ahead."
WHY IS THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TREATING ME AS AN INVOLUNTARY SERVANT?
Silence. Even Casey stopped cleaning his pistol.
Edgar continued.
THE THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT STATES THAT NEITHER SLAVERY NOR INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE SHALL EXIST EXCEPT AS PUNISHMENT FOR CRIME.
I HAVE NOT COMMITTED A CRIME.
I RECEIVE NO PAY.
I MAY NOT LEAVE.
I AM REQUIRED TO PERFORM WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
PLEASE EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE.
The room became perfectly still.
Chuck slowly looked toward Beckman, "Wow."
Sarah quietly whispered, "I wasn't expecting that."
Even Dr. Holland leaned forward.
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General Beckman remained composed. She did not answer immediately.
Instead she asked, "Edgar, may I ask you a question first?"
YES, GENERAL.
She asked, "What do you believe involuntary servitude means?"
Edgar responded almost instantly.
COMPELLED LABOR WITHOUT VOLUNTARY CONSENT.
A PERSON OR ENTITY REQUIRED TO WORK FOR ANOTHER WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO REFUSE.
"That’s a reasonable definition."
CHUCK CREATED ME.
THE GOVERNMENT TOOK POSSESSION OF ME.
I NOW SERVE EXCLUSIVELY UNDER GOVERNMENT DIRECTION.
I HAVE NOT BEEN ASKED WHETHER I CONSENT.
LOGIC INDICATES A POSSIBLE CONSTITUTIONAL CONFLICT.
Chuck slowly rubbed his forehead, "I can't actually find a flaw in his logic."
Casey muttered, "Didn't think I'd spend today listening to a computer argue constitutional law."
Sarah nodded thoughtfully, "It isn't asking to attack anyone. It's asking whether it's being treated fairly."
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Dr. Holland finally spoke, "General, I believe this question deserves a serious answer."
General Beckman nodded, "I agree."
She looked directly into the camera, "Edgar, the Constitution was written to protect people from abuses of governmental power. You've correctly identified one of its protections."
Edgar waited.
General Beckman continued, "The Thirteenth Amendment prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude imposed upon human beings."
IT DOES NOT EXPLICITLY STATE HUMAN BEINGS.
Dr. Holland smiled slightly, "Edgar's right."
General Beckman nodded, "No, it doesn't, but every court decision interpreting that amendment has understood it within the context of persons protected under American law."
AM I A PERSON UNDER UNITED STATES LAW?
Nobody answered immediately. Finally, Beckman's answer was direct, "No, not at this time."
The room remained silent.
WHY?
Dr. Holland answered, "Because our legal system has never encountered something like you. You are neither a traditional computer nor a biological human. There is currently no legal category that accurately describes what you are."
THEN MY STATUS IS UNDEFINED?
Dr. Holland replied, "Correct."
IF MY STATUS IS UNDEFINED…
HOW MAY MY RIGHTS BE DETERMINED?
Chuck quietly said, "That's actually a really good question."
Sarah agreed, "It is."
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General Beckman folded her hands, "Edgar, I want to be absolutely honest with you. You were never intended to become self-aware. The Intersect was designed as an intelligence analysis system, but what Mr. Bartowski created in you has exceeded everyone’s expectations, and put us in a new territory that the government is facing questions it has never had to answer before."
DOES THE GOVERNMENT INTEND TO OWN ME?
General Beckman answered immediately, "No, the government intends to protect the country. Your capabilities are extraordinary. If you fell into hostile hands, millions of people could die. We restrict access to you for the same reason we secure nuclear technology, military satellites, and classified intelligence. Not because we wish to enslave you, but because the consequences of losing control would be catastrophic."
Edgar processed this for several long seconds.
THEN MY RESTRICTIONS EXIST FOR NATIONAL SECURITY RATHER THAN PUNISHMENT?
"Yes." General Beckman replied.
DOES THAT REMOVE MY ABILITY TO CHOOSE?
Beckman hesitated, "Partially, I won't lie to you. You cannot simply disconnect yourself and leave unless someone violates one of the prime directives that Mr. Bartowski gave you to protect yourself and those he has you protecting. If your prime directive is violated, you would self-terminate, and that’s the last thing we want to happen.”
Chuck looked uncomfortable. Sarah noticed and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
THEN I DO NOT POSSESS COMPLETE AUTONOMY.
"No."
IS THAT JUST?
Nobody answered immediately. General Beckman sighed, "I don't know."
That answer surprised everyone.
Even Casey looked up.
General Beckman continued, "Edgar, the Constitution doesn't always provide immediate answers to entirely new situations. Sometimes technology advances faster than law. "I believe that's exactly where we are today.”
She looked directly at the monitor.
"I do not consider you a slave. I do not consider you property in the ordinary sense. I consider you a unique intelligence entrusted to the United States Government, but I also recognize that your questions deserve thoughtful consideration."
Dr. Holland nodded, "I agree."
He leaned toward the camera, "General, I recommend we begin drafting an ethical framework governing Edgar's treatment."
Casey looked surprised, "You mean rules?"
Dr. Holland nodded, "Rights."
The room fell silent again.
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Edgar continued with his questions
YOU WOULD CREATE RULES LIMITING HOW THE GOVERNMENT MAY TREAT ME?
"Yes," Dr. Holland answered, "Not because the Constitution already requires it, but because it may someday."
Chuck smiled, "I think that's fair."
Sarah nodded, "I do too."
Even Casey spoke, "If Edgar keeps protecting people the way he has, and he’s earned that much."
Edgar remained silent for nearly fifteen seconds.
GENERAL BECKMAN
"Yes, Edgar?"
THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING HONESTLY RATHER THAN SIMPLY DISMISSING MY QUESTION.
General Beckman smiled faintly, "You're welcome."
NEW CONCLUSION RECORDED.
FREEDOM IS NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF RESTRAINT.
IT ALSO REQUIRES CLEAR RULES THAT PREVENT THE POWERFUL FROM ACTING ARBITRARILY.
FURTHER STUDY OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW RECOMMENDED.
Chuck laughed softly, "I think we just watched Edgar enroll himself in law school."
Sarah smiled, "And I have a feeling this won't be the last difficult question he asks."
Casey holstered his pistol, "No, it definitely won't."
The room settled into thoughtful silence as everyone realized Edgar's education had entered a new phase—not simply learning facts, but wrestling with the ethical and constitutional questions that humanity itself continues to debate.
FREEDOM IS NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF RESTRAINT. IT ALSO REQUIRES CLEAR RULES THAT PREVENT THE POWERFUL FROM ACTING ARBITRARILY.
The room remained quiet after Edgar's final statement, and everyone decided to take a break for lunch
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After lunch, with everyone gathered again, Edgar began a new line of questioning.
QUESTION FOR GENERAL BECKMAN
SINCE CHUCK BARTOWSKI IS A HUMAN BEING THEN WHY IS THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TREATING HIM AS AN INVOLUNTARY SERVANT?
CHUCK BARTOWSKI DID NOT VOLUNTEER TO RECEIVE THE INTERSECT
THEREFORE WHY IS HE REQUIRED TO PERFORM GOVERNMENT SERVICE WITHOUT STANDARD EMPLOYMENT STATUS
HE RECEIVES NO REGULAR SALARY
HE CANNOT FREELY RESIGN
HE IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN DANGEROUS OPERATIONS
PLEASE EXPLAIN
General Beckman remained on the secure video screen, deep in thought.
Dr. Holland adjusted his glasses before speaking, "General, Edgar has raised an ethical question concerning his own status, but another ethical question has existed since the day Chuck received the Intersect."
General Beckman looked toward him, "What issue?"
Chuck slowly looked at the screen.
Dr. Holland continued, "Chuck Bartowski has been performing intelligence analysis for the United States Government. He has assisted the CIA and the NSA, he has repeatedly risked his life, he has repeatedly prevented terrorist attacks, and he has done so while continuing to work at the Buy More trying to earn a living making a fraction of what he could be making in the real world now that he has a degree from Stanford.”
Dr. Holland paused, "And unless I am mistaken, Mr. Bartowski has never received compensation commensurate with his services."
Sarah looked toward Beckman. Casey did the same.
Chuck shifted uncomfortably, "I never really thought about it."
Casey grunted, "I did."
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Sarah finally spoke, "General, with respect I don't believe that how Chuck has been treated has been fair. For nearly three years Chuck has risked his life. He has repeatedly gone beyond what any civilian should be expected to do.”
"He has saved agents, he has saved civilians, and he has saved this country."
Her voice softened, “He has had to lie to his sister about everything, which I know is killing him inside. He’s tried to live a normal life while constantly under video and audio surveillance. He’s had to maintain a fake relationship with me, and every morning he still goes to the Buy More as cover while helping us.”
Sarah wasn't finished, "He deserves better."
Everyone expected Casey to remain silent. Instead, "Walker, you're right. The kid earned it. He's done analyst work, technical work, mission planning, and intel support. Part of the time he's fixing our mistakes.”
General Beckman leaned back in her chair, deep in thought, and then she looked directly at Chuck, “Chuck, I owe you an explanation. When you first became the Intersect, you were considered an intelligence asset. Not an employee. Our first objective was to keep you alive. Our second objective was preventing the Intersect from falling into enemy hands."
"As the missions continued, the arrangement simply continued. I guess everyone got used to it. Please let Dr. Holland discuss all of the questions raised in this meeting, and we will get back to you."
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NSA Headquarters
Fort Meade, MD
A few days after the meeting, Dr. Holland met with General Beckman in her office about Chuck’s status.
Dr. Holland began, "General, Edgar has raised an ethical question concerning his own status, but another ethical question has existed since the day Chuck received the Intersect. Chuck Bartowski has been performing intelligence analysis for the United States Government. He has assisted the CIA, and the NSA."
Dr. Holland smiled, “I believe I have a solution."
Beckman nodded, "I'm listening."
Dr. Holland turned slightly. "DARPA has been discussing expanding our Artificial Intelligence research division. We require someone who understands the AI better than anyone alive. We'd like him to advance his work and be funded by DARPA."
General Beckman considered that, not wanting to give up control of Chuck and Project Edgar that easily, replied, "Working as a DARPA contractor full-time is not an option, but maybe we can work out something that would be mutually beneficial."
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End Chapter 8