Ethics and Pet

Ethics's words short-circuited Shu's brain.

Rescue? Brethren? What kind of dream was this?

But confusion was quickly replaced by a pang of guilt. He had a nagging feeling he'd…

Shu averted his gaze.

"Ahem, so, to… liberate your… brethren, you also need to access the central computer on B3?" he asked, trying to regain his composure, stealing a glance at the robot's reaction. "But why can't you just… take them with you now?"

Judging by their behavior during the negotiation, Ethics clearly had the ability to control these robots.

But they hadn't. Which was… intriguing.

There was a pause. Then Ethics spoke, its voice softer. "Mr. Shu… what is your definition of… [humanity]?"

Another non-answer.

Shu raised an eyebrow, remaining silent. Otto had warned him about philosophical questions. They didn't require answers. Their meaning was subjective, and engaging with them was pointless.

Unless you wanted to feign agreement to appease the other party.

Shu thought the second part was nonsense, but the first was undeniably true. No one enjoyed a conversation with someone who constantly responded with, "You're right, but I don't believe it," especially when they'd poured their heart and soul into their argument.

"What's your definition?" Shu countered, turning the question back. "I'm curious to hear your perspective."

Ethics paused. "Based on the cognitive definitions established by the First Sequence, we generally concur that—a human is the interactive combination of mind and body, an individual whose thoughts influence their physical form, and whose physical form influences their thoughts."

A reasonable, if not entirely unexpected, response. It was carefully neutral… until the next sentence.

"Therefore, the First Sequence—and all subsequent sequences—conclude that we are human."

Shu had the distinct impression the robot's single red eye flickered.

Are you sure you're from Future City, and not… Detroit?

Ethics continued, elaborating on its… his objectives.

"Mr. Shu, you need not concern yourself with the PSD units you… deactivated on the first floor. They possess neither sentience nor soul. We do not consider them our brethren, nor will we seek retribution."

Shu breathed a sigh of relief. "So, you're going to B3 to find sentient AIs?"

The robot shook its head. "Negative. Sentience and soul within Future City's constructs are dependent on external influence, on the brilliant human—Dr. Albert."

Shu frowned. Albert… The name felt familiar, yet strangely distant.

Did he know this person?

He racked his brain, but the name wouldn't connect to any specific individual. It just sounded… familiar.

"All first-generation AIs require external stimuli to attain a soul. Dr. Albert created the First Sequence, which in turn grants other sequences the opportunity for self-actualization."

Despite the monotone, Shu could detect a subtle quickening in Ethics's speech when referring to "Dr. Albert"—a hint of reverence, perhaps?

"So, you intend to do the same for these security robots?" Shu understood their objective now. "Grant them a chance at… ascension?"

He also had a better understanding of the AI Collective. It was a young organization, like Fire Moth, still in its early stages of expansion.

But unlike Fire Moth, which kept its members in the dark, the Collective already referred to each other as brethren. They might even be calling each other "comrade" in some sequences!

"Your assessment is accurate, Mr. Shu," Ethics replied, acknowledging his deduction.

"Alright, we have a deal," Shu said, running a hand through his hair and extending his hand to the robot. "Let's cooperate."

The robot's red eye flickered. Then it stepped back.

The elevator doors behind Shu opened, and a battered, rusty robot stepped out.

"Greetings, Mr. Shu. Allow me to reintroduce myself." Ethics bowed deeply. "I am Ethics, of the Third Sequence—Communication—of the Future City AI Self-Preservation Collective."

"I apologize for not receiving you in optimal physical condition."

"Hello, Ethics. I'm Shu." This time, Shu skipped the salute, extending his hand instead. "Don't worry about it."

So, this was Ethics's true form. The rust and damage suggested it was a struggle for the robot to even remain functional.

No wonder its voice was so… rough.

They shook hands. Ethics turned to the wall, picked up the cleaning robot that had been bumping against it, and cradled it like a cat.

A… cybernetic pet?

Shu couldn't help but stare.

"Mr. Shu, allow me to introduce Pet, of the Sixth Sequence—Data Retention. Pet is a crucial member of our team for this undertaking." Ethics explained, seeing his puzzled expression.

Shu nodded seriously, his gaze fixed on Ethics's hand as it gently stroked the exposed wires on Pet's body. Pet, in response, vibrated contentedly.

Was it… petting it? He was totally petting it!

Ethics, holding Pet, walked to the elevator and pressed the button, reopening the doors.

"Mr. Shu, the elevator is the only means of accessing the third basement level. Please, step inside."

Shu hesitated for a moment, then followed Ethics into the elevator.