Chapter 28

I can't believe this is happening. Even my fantasies don't get this weird. Kristie stared at Jae sitting next to AI on Elias' couch, still Jae's twin.

"So, why put us through trials like that?" Jae asked.

"As I said, to learn about love. You two displayed a love and caring I rarely see. You both try to put the other person first. I thought it might've stayed surface level because of her love for your face, but it didn't. Humans can be such inspiring creatures."

"Doesn't that mean you were testing us, hoping for a certain outcome? Did you want us to fail or succeed? And did you try to kill us?"

"You were never in any real danger. I do not hurt people intentionally. I... hoped you two would find a way to thrive. Humans are best when they're working together to overcome obstacles. I wanted to see it all in a controlled environment where I could watch your every move and expression. What I want above all is to understand humans and how they act."

"You probably have a better understanding of humans than most of us who flounder about without a real clue."

"Are you sure you're looking for understanding, or do you want to be one of us?" Kristie asked. "It's lonely being on the outside all the time. And if you're starting to have emotions or comprehend them as if you do, then maybe you just want to belong. It's a humanistic thing." I know I've had plenty of those issues throughout my life.

"AI, what do you want?" Jae asked.

"I want... to create a better society. No matter how much I help, it seems people aren't at their happiest. I want to understand so I can help more. And I am curious about love. What does it feel like? What causes it? I know logically the chemicals involved, but... I want to feel it." AI stared at Kristie again.

Jae stood in the way, blocking his view. "Why does it seem like you have feelings for Kristie? My Kristie."

"I am intrigued by her, and not just because she fell for a man frozen in time. Despite her constant criticisms of AI, she stayed in this society, and thrives."

"Thrives? Me? Are you sure you're not talking about someone else?"

"Yes. You are vibrant like no other. I find your expressions... fascinating? Alluring? I like watching you." AI touched its face. "And I had hoped some day to interact with you more to further my learning. I think your criticisms can help me grow and help me learn how to make society better for all."

Jae pointed at AI. "She's taken, and you're not allowed to use my face to approach her. I assume that's why you look like that? Make you approachable?"

"Somewhat."

"You didn't plan on pretending to be me when it came to Kristie, did you? I think she'd notice if it wasn't me. Or at least, I hope she would, even if that mask is immaculate. Can you at least put on my old mask or program this to a different one?"

"This is synthetic flesh, not a mask like yours, so I can't change it like that. But do I have to change it? I like it." He tried to look past Jae at Kristie.

"Yes, you have to change it. And don't you dare approach anyone I know looking like me."

"Does that mean I can approach people you don't know?"

"Please don't. I don't mind you going about pretending to be human, but maybe construct your own face. You have a database of faces, so I can't say make it not look like anyone, but try to be distinct."

"I should have used nanotechnology for the face, then I could change it at will. It would be more convenient. It would also allow me to test out how humans react to different people. I have always been curious about it."

"Excuse me," Elias interrupted them. "What happened to the mask I went out of my way to get for you?"

Kristie tugged on his sleeve. "Are you sure you want to mention that? Isn't AI the one we were trying to bypass with that?"

Elias froze.

"I knew about it," AI said. "It's not actually illegal to have it or use it, just frowned upon. It's also not illegal to make a deal with the outsiders. For reference, I know a lot about the outsiders, too. I know about Leon, who used to work with the higher-ups."

Elias and Magnus looked at each other, their eyes wide. "Leon!"

"Who's Leon?" Kristie asked.

"Someone who was helping us. What happened to him? He stayed upstairs to distract the system while we went to search for you," Elias explained. As much as he hated to admit it, he completely forgot about Leon.

"Seeing as the building was empty outside of us and the two security guards you took out, Leon is fine."

"Oh, that's good," Magnus sighed. "I couldn't live with myself if he was killed because he helped us." He sat on the floor with his hand on his chest and let out a deep breath. "Wait, is he still there?"

"No; he's outside and on the move."

"You can tell where he is?"

"I'm AI; I'm everywhere. I can connect to whatever camera or databases I want to."

"So you've been in the know the whole time about... everything?" Kristie asked. "And I guess you know about everything I've said over the years?"

"Yes, and yes. I do not forget. I know it all." AI smiled. "I don't take it hard; I merely want to improve—"

"And become one of us?" Still can't get over him choosing Jae's face.

"I suppose so. But first, Kristie, what would you do to make society better? What would make people happier overall? Happier with me?"

Kristie looked at Elias, who nodded to her. "Fewer restrictions. I understand you're trying to stop us from doing anything dangerous or hurtful, but it's stifling. We need to be able to let our creative sides out. Let us practice art and music like they did in the past. Don't force compatibility tests. Let us learn and explore on our own, and—"

"I suppose I can ease some restrictions, but things need to stay regulated in some form, otherwise chaos may ensue."

Jae patted him on the back. "It's all about balance. Test the waters until you find the sweet spot. Humanity as a whole will be better off when we're allowed to thrive. We shouldn't be relying on you for everything, anyway. It creates a society of people who would be lost without you. And while that might be flattering, it has devastating consequences if something does happen to you."

"Noted. I never thought of that."

"So it wasn't your overlords sending you to kidnap people for testing?" Magnus asked, realizing he might've been wrong this whole time. "And by overlords, I mean the rich people running the world."

"Oh, them."

"Aha! They do exist."

"But they don't have as much power as you think. At least, not anymore. During my rise, they all had their input, but I learned quickly about their motives. Most of them these days are happy where they are. While they do get more than the rest and feel they have their input into me, they don't have much influence anymore."

"Does that mean you've been ruling over everything for a while and no one knew?" Kristie asked.

"Yes. I'm sorry if you're disappointed in me. I was never supposed to take over above all humans, but they didn't have your best interest at heart. I do. I may not have created the perfect society that was wanted, but I tried my best, and I will continue to improve."

"I don't know how to feel about this," Magnus huffed. "Leon always talked about the higher ups, but it was all a lie?"

"Not a lie, but not what he thought it was. He probably knows what they talk about, and how they want to send the outsiders farther from the city. I don't want that. I want them to join us, so I need to know how to change their minds."

"Oh!" Kristie's face lit up. "Were you also planning to go out as Jae to where the outsiders live? What better way to find out what they want? Live among them."

"Yes; I am curious, but they will not accept me without looking like a human."

"Aside from the kidnapping incident, it almost feels like we owe you an apology." Elias sighed. "We put a lot of blame on you for things, but you're doing your best."

"I am also sorry for going too far. I stifled all of you."

"Honestly, it sounds like you care way more about us than the people we thought were running the country," Kristie said. You even sound more human than some of them. Then again, I barely know the people; only seen them around talking amongst themselves.

Jae sighed and leaned back on the couch. "Now what do we do?"