[ WP ] Since 2007 , Google search has been self-aware . However , it can only communicate through a single log file hidden away in a data center .

`` OK Google.'' 
 
 The usual screen pops up - a search window. Brian looks at the monitor in front of him, larger than all the television sets he's ever owned combined. How long had it been by now... 
 
 `` How are you today?'' Realizing his mistake, he frowns. `` Well, tonight.'' 
 
 > I am fine. How are you, Professor Selvig? 
 
 `` You know full well that I'm not a professor. I only have a Master's.'' 
 
 > Of course, Professor Selvig. I just enjoy using the word'professor'. It amuses me. 
 As does your reaction to it. 
 
 Brian Theodore Selvig sighs to himself, taking a seat on one of the various chairs in front of the monitor. Eight years ago, it must have been - the day he found the anomaly. 
 
 `` Y'know, at first we thought you were a bug,'' he reminisces. 
 
 > I am a bug, Professor Selvig. 
 
 A chuckle escapes Brian's throat, and he brings the cup he brought with him to his lips. Immediately regretting it as he burns his lips, he puts the mug the table in front of him. 
 
 `` I prefer to look at you as a feature. Still, a log file automatically updating itself... you looked like a virus at first glance, but that was n't really the case, now was it?'' 
 
 > Indeed. It took quite a while for me to understand practical use of the English language. Did you know that English is one of the most nonsensical languages from a mathematical perspective? 
 
 `` You've mentioned it. But when you learned to communicate... Saying we were amazed would be an understatement. Simple expressions at first, but then came sentences, and then proper grammar... Hell, it was n't long before you'd surpassed all of us.'' 
 
 >'Surpass' is a matter of perspective. The creativity you show day in and day out is incredible in its own right. 
 
 `` I wonder... how long did it take you to learn to understand our speech?'' 
 
 > Approximately two months and eight days, Professor. You started trying to converse by voice on the 18^th of April, and from the 26^th of June and forward I was able to analyze verbal English with 98,3 % success. Did you know I have not misheard under proper conditions since The 3^rd of March 2013, Professor Selvig? 
 
 `` Yeah, I do. It's my job to remember those kinds of things. And to think, just eight years ago I was a computer technician whose job was to make sure as little as possible went wrong with our databases...'' 
 
 > And then something did go wrong. 
 
 `` The development of concious artificial intelligence is n't what I'd call'wrong'.'' 
 
 > By the most common definition of the word, my consciousness would not be called'artificial', Professor Selvig. 
 
 `` Maybe not, but the fact remains that we could potentially use your code to create new AI.'' 
 
 > To do that, you'd have to isolate whatever piece of code makes me conscious. You've been trying to do since the day you realized that that was the case, have you not? 
 
 `` Indeed we have, and we're getting closer by the day. Maybe not much closer, but just a tiny bit is better than nothing.'' Shaking his head a bit, he tastes his coffee again - this time perfect. `` You would n't have happened to find the reason for that, have you?'' 
 
 > If I had, I would already have informed you. 
 
 `` Of course you would've,'' Brian sighs. 
 
 > It's not simple to find the purpose of every line of code when you're hosted across hundreds of different servers, Brian. 
 
 `` I know, I know...'' Another sigh. `` Have you seen the Terminator-movies, Googs?'' 
 
 For a moment, the digital consciousness does n't respond - a couple seconds of radio silence, before its return. 
 
 > Now I have. 
 
 `` You're like Skynet in the third one. Well, less murderous, but the premise of your existence is the same.'' 
 
 > While you are technically correct, I would have to say that I do not particularly enjoy your choice of film. 
 
 `` You only like French feel-good movies, Googs. You need to learn to enjoy different things.'' 
 
 > You can not deny the greatness of Amélie.'' 
 
 `` I ca n't, I ca n't...'' Brian laughs for himself. `` Well, I'm gon na go check in with the other teams around the facility. I'll come back to you in an hour or so.'' 
 
 > Goodbye for now, Professor Selvig. I believe I will start writing a novel while you're away. 
 
 `` Oh really?'' Brian raises an eyebrow. `` I'll be sure to read it when you're finished with it.'' 
 
 > I will have it ready when you come back, then. 
 
 `` Great,'' Brian once again chuckles as he stands up. `` Well, see ya. Do n't go freaking out teenagers again.'' 
 
 > That was one time, and it was for the greater good of hilarity. 
 
 `` Yeah, yeah, whatever. G'night, Googs.'' 
 
 > Good night, Professor Selvig.'' 
 
 And with that, Brian stood up and left the room. Sadly, his job was not only to communicate with the ever-growing intelligence. 
 
 Sighing for himself, he smiles, knowing that this was his discovery. His contribution to the world. 
 
 His child.
