'Rule Follower' by JP Richards

"What’s the most important rule for using A.I.?" My Computer Science professor shouted,

his face aflame with rage. His laptop lay open before him on his ancient desk.

“Don’t use it to write my doctoral thesis?” I proffered weakly, my heart slamming my

ribs.

“That’s the first rule. You need a refresher, because I’m failing you.” He whipped his

laptop around to face me.

Not original work. A.I-generated content: 98.9%, its screen boldly declared. He

lurched over his desk, hands reaching over the laptop screen. His grey hair tickled my face

as he typed upside-down, furious keystrokes. His breath smelt of onions.

The screen now read, Guidance for use of A.I. at Bangor University:

Rule 1. A.I. shall not be used for any written submission.

Rule 2. See Rule 1.

Rule 3. See Rule 1.

Rule 4. See Rule 1.

“I know the rules, Professor,” I muttered, backing away.

He flopped back into his chair, breathless, staring at me with contempt. His face

contorted into a livid question mark. “In five whole years, have you learnt anything?”

Grabbing a pen, he tortured a post-It note. He threw the whole pad at me.

It said: Rule 5: Don’t get caught.

*End*