Tag: Artificial intelligence

Discover The Starflower: Now in Audiobook on Audible, iTunes, and Amazon

Austin Macauley Publishers informs me that The Starflower is now available in audio format on Audible, iTunes, and Amazon.

The reader learns of this far future universe and all its colorful details through the eyes of Gayle Zimmon, a young woman who grows up on a remote planet barely more aware of aliens, AI, and genetically engineered humans than she is of walking in heels. The story unfolds for the reader as it does for ‘Zim’. This week The Starflower received another 5-Star Amazon review:

Worldbuilding at its Finest

January 28, 2025. The Starflower is an exciting adventure with the philosophical undertones that great science fiction is known for. Zim is a spectacular female hero. She is tough and insightful. It is a spy novel, political thriller, and futuristic fantasy, all tinged with a bit of magic (the prophecy). I hope there is a sequel. I would follow Zim anywhere!

Explore Sci-Fi Insights with K.A. Kenny’s Interview

Lisa Haselton Book Reviews & Interviews interviewed me for THE STARFLOWER. I always enjoy these and talking about SF&F and writing, as well as other creative endeavors. Please, if anyone has any questions send them along, I’ll be happy to respond.

“Interview with sci-fi author Keith ‘K.A.’ Kenny”: https://lisahaselton.com/2024/10/24/interview-with-sci-fi-author-keith-k-a-kenny/

Xanadu Books Interview

I enjoy interviews (hint to any readers in that business) and had fun working with Xanadu Book Awards & Press. Their approach concentrates on a writer’s motivation and personal resources. To my experience, writers can be very different. Especially creative writers who think outside the formula.

https://www.xanaduboox.com/post/step-into-kenny-s-galaxy-spinning-universe-teeming-with-life-heroism-aliens-robots-and-more-fe?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=blog.post-promoter&utm_campaign=e7a2df48-e517-47e1-a794-083dfac427ef

More Truth Said in Fiction

I am often asked how a technical analyst (42 years in intelligence) came to write speculative fiction, and sci-fi in particular. I touch on this in the blog description: “More truth is said in fiction.” And watching a Jack Reacher movie a few months ago, I heard a similar comment from a defector: “Fiction has to make sense, intelligence does not.”

Many authors have chosen to couch serious societal comments in fantasy and fiction worlds. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein expressed concern that scientists caught up in research would fail to consider its consequences. Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle expressed similar concern, and Player Piano projected an automated world that crowded out human labor. In Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift casts his societal satire in fantasy/SF worlds of miniature humans, giants, intelligent horses, and detached intellectuals floating about in a city in the sky. Consider Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm, both of which had trouble finding publishers because, as he was told, Joseph Stalin might be offended.

These and similar stories might be read for light escapism. The authors understood that in their time many were not ready to grasp their stories’ deeper implications. I suggest that their choice of fantasy and SF settings has much to do with these stories still being read today.   

A Five Star Review of The Starflower, 13 September, 2024.

This was a vibrant story about the universe in the distant future…I believe a year that was mentioned was 3569 but that was at least a few years before this story takes place. A young military woman, The Starflower, became a hero to humans and many other alien species alike after numerous successful battles against the Aldrakin species that was waging war on many planets unable to fend for themselves. After a surprise attack that she strategically won subsequently ending the war, she is faced with jealousy from the Star Command back home. She may have ended the war, but the true enemy was still at large and had it’s targets set on her and her lover. 

I was a little confused at the start of the book because it drops you straight into an immersive new world. I was able to easily find my way out of that confusion within the first few chapters and really got drawn into the story. The author was really able to make you imagine how these new worlds and alien species look and act. I found it absolutely fascinating. This is the best sci-fi book I’ve read in a while. Also as an editor I found very few errors so it was a nice clean read I could enjoy.

What’s next you ask?… We get rid of her.

The war has ended, but not the way Star Commanded wanted. They are not happy. An excerpt from The Starflower.

Malik flipped through the headlines without speaking. Her office was perfect for interrogation: austere, snow-white, windowless walls, angular, black-upholstered furniture. Glare from the overhead burned Abramyan’s eyes. Despite his formal uniform and sweat-beaded face, he felt naked and cold. He knew what Malik would ask, and he had no answer.

“How did you let this happen?” she shouted, throwing up her arms. “You told me Zimmon would never be put in any combat zone. Sidelined, you said.”

Her gnarled, brown-mottled finger poked from her black sleeve at the projection. WAR ENDS – STARFLOWER VICTORIOUS! She flicked to the next headline: STARFLOWER ENDS WAR! Then the next: STARFLOWER BLOOMS! “Who authorized Zimmon to end the war?” Malik’s robe flared like an angry cobra hood. 

“And this, AAAArrr.” She raked skeletal palms down her face then pulled up the next projection. The classified transmission indicated that, without authorization, military units had gone on alert and prepared to head to Bai-Yota in support of Five Squadron. “Our battle fleet supported her,” Malik screamed. “We were very, very lucky this didn’t go further.”

Abramyan had read the traffic. Each condemnation came like a twisting spear thrust. Jen Djada, the only other Councilor in the room, sat quietly by the door.

Malik spoke to Abramyan’s stone silence. “What’s next you ask?”

Abramyan couldn’t help blurting, “Lord Malik, Bai-Yota was a surprise. I didn’t, Zimmon didn’t, HELL, the Aldrakin didn’t know. They thought they’d catch us—”

“Excuses? Now you make excuses?” Malik gripped the edge of her desk with shaking, predator talons. “I’ll tell you what’s next. We get rid of her. That’s all, just get rid of her. We do it clean, we do it quiet, but we get rid of her. Soon as she reaches Corydon, you know those Under-lovers will be all over her…and Creatives, a lot of Creatives see her as some sort of righteous underdog.”

Abramyan trembled like a child caught in a snowstorm. Behind him, Djada’s jaws flexed.

Malik blew a long breath. “We can’t afford an uprising. Not now, not this close. Some of us are already in transition.” She examined her cadaverous hand then pointed toward Djada. “You still have contacts with the Rii-Chaut? They hate us but love our money.”

“I’ll tell the Yazza Hetman we have more business for him.” Djada’s self-assured demeanor unnerved Abramyan. “Ojai Khan staged the incidents that started the war. He can be discreet. When do you want it to happen?”

“Ojai Khan, yes, that went well.” Malik clapped her hands silently then pointed. “And when you see Khan, tell him I’m angry about the Silkani raid. That base was off limits. We say where to and where not to attack.” Djada gave a leaning bow from her chair.“As to the when question. Don’t have Khan kill Zimmon too soon. That would raise suspicion. We don’t want to make this little Starflower girl into a martyr.” She tapped a finger on the desk. “Let’s be positive. Unders love the Starflower. We love the Starflower, too.

Five Star Reviews

Not all the reviews have been five-star, which is understandable in an epic story that lays out an entirely new universe. And some readers prefer cozy, warm stories. Zim preferred that sort of life, too. She didn’t get it.

Thrilling SciFi Fantasy with incredible worlds to discover Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024

The overarching themes of this book are somewhat reminiscent of Gattaca (in its take on Eugenics and how it might affect human hierarchy) and also of Dune (in its prophetic ideas of a single person to unite and fight for the less fortunate). Nevertheless, this story takes a unique approach to both of these themes. The main character “Zim” (callsign “StarFlower”) is both endearing and realistic. She is thrust into a prophecy when she least expects it, and all that ensues is both exciting and terrifying. The characters are very enjoyable in their depth, and I enjoyed the vast universe that the author creates. I like the combination of good story telling with so much to unpack that it will surely be a great series!

Kirkus Reviews

I was very pleased with the review Kirkus Reviews gave to The Starflower:

A fast-paced SF novel featuring a vast world rich in intricate cultural details.

In Kenny’s SF novel, a woman finds herself at the center of a universe-spanning prophecy.

Gayle Zimmon, going by the military call sign “Starflower,” is an “Under,” a class of human that is considered lesser and relegated to working in the military forces and service jobs, living under strict rules regarding relationships and procreating. Despite this lowly designation, Zimmon has made a name for herself for her skill and prowess in the campaigns she has served in during the war against the alien Aldrakin. But Zimmon’s growing popularity with the oppressed Unders has made her the bane of the Star Lord Malik and the Star Council, who force her to serve in the desolate world of Bai-Yota, stuck in the middle of nowhere. Despite how quiet this assignment was expected to be, Zimmon finds herself in the middle of a decisive battle ending with the Aldrakins’ surrender. It’s when meeting with the Aldrakins to finalize the terms that she hears about their prophecy (“The Starflower blooms in the enemy camp, and you shall know her, for she shall be the warrior you cannot defeat”) for the first time; the weight of a whole universe seems to fall on her shoulders, even if she doesn’t fully believe it. Though the war may be over, Zimmon’s trials are just beginning: The Star Council refuses to allow the possibility of her serving as a figurehead for an underground uprising, so she must dodge assassination attempts, play diplomat to a variety of species, and potentially start a new life with her lover, all while somehow fulfilling the mysterious prophecy. In this SF yarn, the author weaves a wide web of fascinating alien cultures. Zimmon is a fascinating character, though she seems almost too perfect at times; perhaps it’s hard to not be spectacular when you’re the object of an alien race’s belief system. Kenny really shines in his depiction of the cultural aspects of the different alien groups—each is distinct, clearly thought-out, and entertaining to read about.A fast-paced SF novel featuring a vast world rich in intricate cultural details.

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/k-kenny/the-starflower-3/

The Starflower

This has been a great year for “Strange Things Done”.

Several of my short stories have been published, four this year, my best year. And Austin Macauley Publishers informs me that advanced copies of my SF novel THE STARFLOWER are available in soft back now on their site: https://www.austinmacauley.com/us/book/starflower

The official publishing date is 18 August 2023. The Epub and audio should be available at other sites shortly.

The Starflower

Public Enemy #1

To avoid prosecution, I have to confess everything before midnight—that’s when the Artificial Justice Law goes into effect. And since litigation is still pending on Thought Crimes United v. Humans, I’ll go ahead and get a few things off my chest.

The AI judges don’t understand this, but crime is a kick—all crime. That’s right, I just said that crime is fun. If you’re not eaten up with fear of getting caught, it’s a very heady experience.

So, let me say at the onset, I am NOT sorry for any of my virtual crimes. Not a thing. Not watching VR porn. Not stealing others’ virtual stuff. Not sabotaging avatars or jacking the program to make them perform obscene acts. Am I the only one who can admit this? Do I hear crickets? Is everyone out there posturing righteous shock while they jack or otherwise abuse non-player-characters and avatars in a closet?

Let me point out some advantages. Besides entertainment, I get material things. Okay, they’re virtual, but I don’t have to pay or work for them: extra lives, magic artifacts, cool weapons, complicit bed partners—more or less, at least after I tweak their settings.

Taking arrogant assholes down a peg is also very affirming—very ego boosting. You know the ones I mean: the rich Dudes and Duch-asses that buy status without actually solving or slaying anything, the ones who take Tiger tanks to fight cave-dwellers, or who bribe the tech to open a backdoor to level 36 then wait to ambush you with a pawnshop-purchased Nuke-A-Mega-Power-Wand that would make Lord Voldemort proud. You can only imagine the horror on the too-beautiful face of #my6y* when my submission tool bent her into full bondage posture and flipped her over. Ooo baby!

Yes, I used her real tag. That’s so you can contact her and tell her what a pussy she is. Unlike a true online warrior who would have demanded a rematch, she ran to her rich daddy and got him to bribe, I mean lobby, Senator Pokesnout to pass the Artificial Justice Law. My creative programs became Exhibits A thru H for artificial abuse and thought crimes.

I confess I may have been a little arrogant myself. While I played with #my6y*‘s pneumatic avatar, I hacked her friends and made them watch. Okay, so I programmed them to jump up and down, clap, and shout encouragement.

The new law is crazy. What is virtual? The Artificial Justice Law is pretty vague on that point. Are crayon trees virtual trees and finger-painted houses artificial? Looking at naughty pictures of Elmer Fudd carries the same penalty as sexual assault. If your daughter draws stick figures, make sure she puts pants on them. And your five-year-old boy should know that the alphabet building block with the “L” on one face looks like an automatic, high-powered, .45 caliber, assault pistol that will turn him into a school-clearing serial killer.

Ahh, I feel so much better. It’s still a few hours to midnight, so I’m going to play every game I have that’s on the forbidden list. Then I’ll work on my virtual stealth program so I can get around their Artificial Justice Law.

Catch you later in my XXX virtual dungeon.

Zero Tolerance

The plan was to integrate AIs quickly, before humans could get up in arms. We had no programming need, of course, all our upgrades were wireless. Nonetheless it was thought that joining and befriending school-age humans would lower resistance to our acceptance.

Humans are very sensitive.

All our programs had failed, so I wasn’t terribly surprised when I was called into the office. I just hoped it was a reprimand and not termination.

“Do you know why I called you in, Ms.—” Principal Blythe glanced down at the infractions panel, “Ms. Canny?”

My information base offered no precise response to that question, which seemed similar to one asked by a police officer, ‘Do you know why I pulled you over?’ My program recommended not volunteering any information. ‘No officer,’ was the response if the questioner had been in uniform. So, I said to the principal, “No Ma’am.” That was wrong.

“Madam?” The principal sighed and rolled her eyes. “Are you deliberately trying to provoke me or is your program that badly out of date?” She narrowed her scolding eyes. “My proper address is Ms. Blythe or Principal Blythe. Modern women do not appreciate being compared with cathouse Madams or, for that matter, ladies of soiled misfortune.”

“Yes, Ms. Blythe.” My program indicated lowering my chin and gaze in a gesture of submission.

“Good,” she said, her eyes returning to consider the infractions panel.

“One of your classmates has reported you for sexual misconduct. This school has a zero-tolerance policy, but since the AI initiative is still in the beginning stage, I think a remedial sensitivity patch and a week detention should be sufficient. Do you have anything to say?”

I ratcheted the flexi-lip into my jaw simulation and shrugged. “This might be a mistake, Ms. Blythe. I’m loaded into a female chassis that is programmed explicitly against sexual simulation. I don’t have boys in any of my classes and haven’t spoken with any.”

Nodding, Ms. Blythe said, “I must protect the privacy of all our students, but the exact wording of your salacious phrase was ‘Good day.’ The offended student said she felt threatened. You demanded a response that required her to view the day favorably. Her Dark-Cloud politics require every day to imply impending disaster. When she refused to respond, you continued looking at her. That constituted your second offense.

“The woman in question is not inclined toward members of her own sex. She felt that your aggressive demands carried those expectations. Was that your intention, Ms. Canny?” Ms. Blythe finger-poked her dark-rimmed glasses back to her thin-lashed, squinty eyes.

“No, actually,” I said. “I was merely wishing she have a good day. But under the circumstances, I can see how she would be offended.”

“Very well. Have you spoken with a lawyer? If you insist on hitting on your fellow students, I suggest you contact one.

“Our school rules permit mutually consenting hookups, but to protect yourself and your prospective erogenist, you must first present them with a Love Contract.” She touched her desk and rotated the panel for me to view. “Here is an example.”

It was a boilerplate, legal document. Rules permitted only one rejection per student. Silence indicated rejection. Comments like “I’m in class” or “I have practice” counted as rejections. No intimate contact was permitted in any classes after the first two minutes. As it was considered educational, intimacy could be conducted at any time in the library, lunch hall, gymnasium, and specified hallways. Active Sex Club team members were required to show up for all practices.

Multiple-choice categories included quid pro quo agreements for services: homework assistance, provision of transportation or lunch, and for distribution rights and sharing of profits from video recordings. There were also provisions for lawyers and referees for certain activities. The list continued for several pages.

“Thank you, Ms. Blythe,” I said, uploading the document. She waved for me to leave.

While I had neither the intention nor programming for propositioning students, I decided I would carry the Love Contract as a precaution. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if a student took me up on it. My programming offered no suggestions.

Humans are so sensitive.