Chapter 2- Girl's Ambition
"Good job Nora, your paper recieved an 'A'."
A grade of "A" was usual for Nora. The want to be the best never did leave her. Her effort does not work against her, but personal goals are never easy to attain.
"Phineas Mogg, 'A plus'."
Phineas was a thorn in Nora's side. He always managed to surpass her in every subject. She often thought he purposfully entered her classes to upstage her. His mannerism shows this.
"Nice try Nora," Phineas taunts, " but once again I exceed in all you do. What was your paper on again?"
Nora sighed with a roll of her eyes and mumbled under her breath, "Theories of Automoton AI."
"And what are these robotic Frankenstien theories of yours?"
"That Phineas, is none of your concern. They however are pluasable ideas."
Nora's agitation is clear.
"That still didn't get you to the top."
Phineas exits the classroom leaving behind a discouraged Nora Wakeman. Her professor walks up to her realizing her position. He tries to be consoling.
"You are very bright Ms. Wakeman," he says, "and there is so much you can accomplish, but your paper on this AI is far too off the wall to even be considered."
Nora defends her work, "Science is about discovery and innovation. Not restating the ideas behind old technologies."
"That is true, but Phineas also proposed ideas for the use of automated robots in the field of construction. Not giving them minds. You must be more realistic. Otherwise you may be viewed mad in the eyes of your peers."
"Many great minds have been viewed as madmen. One more won't make a difference."
Nora picks up her belongings and leaves. Her professor shakes his head.
He mutters, "It does make a difference when you're willing to bet your life on it."
Nora sits in the university's resource center studying many forms of program language and making countless calculations. She often ends up disappointed.
"Another dead end...", she whispers to herself.
Stressed out enough for the day she leaves, without any knowledge that she left her research paper behind. A moment later, a shadow looms over it. The paper is lifted and read.
In the administration building, a man enters holding the report.
"Can you tell me where I can find Nora Wakeman?"
End Chapter 2