Chapter 29

"You're going to have a suggestion box?" Jae asked after listening to AI.

"Through the watch. No one will have to worry about others finding out what they asked for. I can get a general consensus of what people want. I should have done it years ago," AI explained. "You all must understand, though, that I will not back down on some things. I will put health and happiness of people as my top priority. Actually, it always was, but I thought I knew better than all of you."

I don't think anyone can convince me he hasn't advanced to have emotions at this point. Kristie watched AI carefully, trying to read its expressions.

"So, I have to ask, are we in trouble?" Elias asked.

"For what? I am the one who caused trouble. I let Jae out. I tested all of you. If I wanted him captured, I could've had it done."

"So it really wasn't Kristie spilling her drink that caused a malfunction?"

"Hey!" Kristie punched him in the arm.

"Ow..."

"Where does all of this leave me?" Jae asked. "I'm obviously not hiding from you anymore, but does that mean I can get a watch with my identity and a job under my own name?"

"Of course," AI replied. "After I woke you up and after what I put you through, I owe you a lot. I shall see to it your needs are met. You may even ask for extra or a favour from me."

"So bigger meals are possible without starving my friends?"

"Yes; I will adjust food based on one's activity level and their metabolism."

"And I can finally learn about my family and friends from the past? I want to know what happened to them."

"It is ill-advised to delve into the past; I worry about your emotional and mental well-being."

"I can handle it. I came to terms with my new reality a while ago, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to know."

"My experience tells me it could cause a breakdown. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Can't you at least tell me if my sister got married and had kids? Do I have relatives alive now?"

AI stared at him for a moment, thinking.

"What's the problem with that? It's killing me not knowing. I'm worried I ruined her life with my death... or rather, my freeze."

"Since you put me through all this, too, I think I should get something," Kristie said.

"You're right," AI said. "What is it you want?"

"I want you to answer all of Jae's questions. He deserves to know about his family, even if it might hurt." Kristie held onto Jae's hand.

"Thanks," Jae whispered and laced his fingers through hers.

"Fine; if that is what you wish, I will let you know what my data says." AI tapped its watch, accessed its database, and brought up pictures of his little sister throughout the years. "She got married and had two children, and each of them had children. You have relatives alive now, though I don't know if they'd want to meet you."

"I don't have to; I was just curious." Jae clenched his fists, resisting the urge to reach out to the projected image. "Can you at least send that first picture to me? I want to keep it."

AI grabbed Jae's wrist with the watch and pulled him in close.

Jae twitched and tried to pull away, but AI's iron grip wouldn't let him budge. It was odd to be on the other end of the situation, but Jae chose to stay still as AI tapped on both of their watches, typing.

"I sent you them all, along with the information on your relatives."

"Had a change of heart?"

"Because she wished it, too. I thought I was putting on unwarranted restrictions again. You don't have to use the information if you don't want to. I've also changed the identity in the watch. You are registered as Jae Jackson again. You have all the rights of a regular citizen, and no one will be searching for you from the police."

"Were they actually? No one seemed to pay me any mind."

"They were, and it seems they need more training. It was also a test on them. Many things need to be reconfigured. I have a proposal for you, Jae."

"Oh, what is it?"

"I want you to work with me. Help me figure out what's best."

"I don't know if I'm qualified for that. What do I know about this world? Who am I to have a say?"

"Who is anyone? Despite your short time here, you have a good grasp on the world around you. You have a deep understanding of humans, and you've proven to be a decent person with a kind heart. You know about life in the past because you lived there, so I think you can help me shape the present."

"I don't know..."

"Go for it," Elias said. "Your alter ego worked with me, not you, so..."

"Are you firing me? I've barely started the job."

"Look, Jae, I don't think it's going to work out. I didn't need an assistant in the first place."

"He hacked into the system and created a job position for you," AI explained.

Elias froze. "You... you know about that?"

"Don't you know, Elias, I'm everywhere. I can detect the unauthorized changes in the system. Don't worry, though; you're not in trouble. I invite you all to work with me on some level."

"Oh, I see. You want to work with us, but we'd be on a lower level than Jae?"

"Is that a problem?"

"Well, not really, but I actually like my job." Elias looked at Kristie. "You've always fought with AI over being a teacher, but would you want to quit?"

I never wanted to be a teacher, but I got used to it. It'd be weird to bail on the students now. But I'd get to work with Jae. Oh, what a conundrum.

Elias raised an eyebrow. "Half-expected you to jump at this chance."

"How about part-time? Like I'm welcome wherever Jae is working, and I can make suggestions? I'd like to help; better than just complaining all the time."

"If that's what you want, then okay," AI agreed.

"I like my job, too, but I'll give you suggestions when I think of them, like allowing us to drive," Magnus said.

"Driving is too dangerous. Maybe on a track, but not on city roads."

"Damn... Well, maybe that could be fun, too. Sign me up if you need human testing for it."

"Noted. I will come up with things I think need revising, and you all can do the same. You will be programmed into the building next to the school for entry. I suspect there is a lot to review." AI stood. "That should be all for today. The next time I see you, I will have a face of my own creation. Again, I am sorry for the trouble I put you through." AI bowed to them.

"I think it was worth it with the changes to come," Kristie said. Though I should probably use the healer bot on my ankle.

"I hope so. Goodbye for now." AI waved to them and left as the others said bye.

"I should head off, too. Today's been amazing, but I feel like I'll need to sleep for the next week. And nice to meet the real you, Jae." Magnus waved with both hands and left.

Elias, Kristie, and Jae sat on the couch together.

"And then there were the three amigos," Jae sighed and leaned his head back on the couch. "Where do we go from here?"

"I was thinking of moving to avoid being the third wheel," Elias said, twiddling his thumbs.

"What?! You can't do that." Kristie grabbed his hand. "Abandon those who care about you—"

"I can live somewhere else and still be friends with you."

"It won't be the same."

"Who's going to keep her in check if you do that?" Jae asked.

"You?"

Jae shook his head. "I'm not you, Eli. I'll never be you; I'll never take your place."

"You sure? Thought you already did."

"No; you're irreplaceable. I just hope you'll accept me in this group."

"Not like I have a choice."

Jae leaned forward to look at Elias around Kristie. "Don't say it like that. I thought we had grown to be friends, too."

"I guess..." Elias sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Look, I get there's this new dynamic here, and I know I have to get past a few things, but I figured it'd be easier if I wasn't living here anymore, that's all."

"I see. I was hoping we'd be able to work things out here. I wanted a roommate who could help me along in this new life."

"You wouldn't abandon a newborn like him, would you?" Kristie asked.

"You two are laying this on thick. He's an adult, not a little kid."

"But he's new to this world. And you know I always want you near; we're best friends."

"Yeah, life would be boring without you here. I'll guess I'll stay... for now. Can't say it'll be forever."

"Yes!" Kristie pulled them both in for a hug.

"Maybe we can get AI to set you up with someone nearby, and you won't feel like running away anymore," Jae suggested.

"Ah-ha... Yeah... I supposed I could always try that; it's supposed to be a good matchmaker."

"Oh, and then we can all double-date," Kristie cheered.

"Sorry, man." Jae patted Elias' arm.

"It's okay. It was always going to end this way."

THE END