Audition

They returned to watching the anime after practice.

"That was so beautiful." Danielle commented as an episode ended. "Anon caressing Soyo's cheek after helping her up on the stage. I wanted to cry. The way the singer pulled the band back together piece by piece, so strong. Have we got time to watch some more? I want to see how it ends."

"They'll be here soon. I need to put the food out. We can finish it after the audition if you want to hang around."

"Cool, that would be great."

"Um, was that who I think it is. Someone looking awfully like Linda just walked past on the balcony heading for the front door," said Mike.

Mike got up to answer the door. "Linda, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here for the audition. Can I come in?"

"I thought you resigned from the band yesterday?"

"I acted in haste. I'd like to play."

Mike kept Linda at the front door, blocking her way.

"It's not that simple Linda. The committee will be here anytime now. We have changed the setlist and rearranged some of the songs to be performed without you. I don't want to change it again at such short notice."

Danielle sensing the unfolding drama came to the front door.

"You've got some cheek. Showing up here after throwing a temper tantrum and skipping out of band rehearsal."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking straight. Xiang Ling is no different than the drummer bot, just part of the bands high tech gadgets. It's no big deal. Shame on me for being fooled. I still want to perform with you Mike."

"So you want back in because you have decided you can treat Xiang Ling like part of the furniture? Unbelievable!" Danielle couldn't hide her animosity.

"It's up to Xiang Ling if she want's you back Linda. I know you don't want to hear this, but Danielle and I both accept that Xiang Ling is intelligent, sentient, conscious and capable of feeling emotion, even though she isn't human."

Xiang Ling called out from the living room. "Bring her in Mike, don't keep her arguing on the doorstep."

"Come in Linda, it seems Xiang Ling will hear you out."

Mike moved aside and Linda brushed past, heading to Xiang Ling.

Danielle and Mike followed.

"Your words yesterday were hurtful, Linda. We meant no harm keeping this from you. I'd be in danger if the wrong people knew my true nature."

"I feel silly arguing my case to stay in the band with Miss Chat GPT here."

"You're judging her before you have all the facts. You haven't heard her story and we don't have time to go over it now," Mike objected.

"I know we can give a better performance if I play. It will be easier for you Mike. It won't affect Danielle's bass part. 'It' can handle the last minute change without issue I'm sure."

"If you were smart you'd stop calling her 'it', Linda." Danielle rebuked her.

"It's okay Danielle. I'm going to be Anon." The reference of course escaped Linda.

"I see. So she is Soyo?"

"I don't know what you two are going on about. But if she is capable of logical thinking it only makes sense to let me play right?"

"If you really want to play in my band, who am I, to deny you Linda. Let's get down to the studio and set up. We don't have much time. We'll talk afterwards."

While Linda was setting up her guitar and effects, Mike carried the food down from the kitchen and started setting up drinks.

"Have you got the old setlist up on your iPad okay, Danielle?"

"Yeah, I found it okay. Don't forget to change the Xiang Ling Bot drum sequencing."

"I'm on it. Is your setup okay Xiang Ling?"

"Yes I'm good Mike, I have reloaded my old setup template."

Mike handed Linda another iPad. "Your scores Linda."

"Thanks Mike. Thank you for letting me come back."

"Don't thank me, Xiang Ling had the final say."

The studio door buzzer sounded.

"That will be our guests."

Mike went to greet them. "Hi I'm Mike come through." The committee consisted of three people. Steff and Rachel, two women who were dressed like gyaru out of an otaku's wet dream and a burly looking man. Mike thought he had seen the guy somewhere before.

"Please help yourself to drinks and snacks."

"It's a nice studio here Mike, is this your usual rehearsal space?" Steff inquired.

"Yes it's my own private studio, the band rehearses here regularly."

"I'm envious." The guy chipped in.

"I'll introduce you to the members. On bass over there is Danielle, who you know of course. The drummer is a robot controlled by MIDI. We ship her to gigs in a flight case, it's where the band name comes from. It's part of the act."

"I thought she looked a little stiff." Rachel laughed.

"On rhythm guitar we have Linda." Linda waved a brief acknowledgement.

"And on vocals and MIDI guitar we have Xiang Ling. I play keys."

"MIDI guitar, that is unusual." The guy commented.

"She prefers it, easier on the hands and she can play synth parts as well. Also it fits in with our futuristic ethos."

"So what have you got organised for us tonight Mike?" Rachel asked.

"We'll just play a short set of anime cover songs for you, so you can get a feel for what we are about. We have some J-Rock style originals with English lyrics, but we won't play those at the festival. We concentrate on rock songs from music anime rather than what is popular currently. Things like Bang Dream, Girl's Band Cry. Nana etc."

"Cool."

"Let's get the party started."

Mike took his place behind his keyboard stack and nodded to Xiang Ling. The Xiang Ling Bot was activated and counted them in.

Steff turned to Rachel, "Wow the bot can speak, wild!"

The band launched into 'LOUDER'.

The song finished and Xiang Ling started the MC spiel that they had rehearsed.

"That was 'LOUDER' by Roselia. We are Girlfriend In Your Luggage. On drums we have the unfortunate girlfriend. Xiang Ling Bot twirled a drumstick and bashed a few cymbals. "On guitar we have Linda." Linda played a quick chugging riff. "On bass we have Danielle." Danielle fired off some popping and slapping. "On keys we have Mike." Mike played a quick snippet of an organ toccata. "Mike, that's not right. We are playing Japanese songs tonight." Xiang Ling quipped. Mike hung his head in mock shame. Danielle grabbed her microphone. "And on lead vocals, Xiang Ling." Xiang Ling took an exaggerated bow.

"Next song is 'Rose', from the anime Nana."

Xiang Ling walked over to Linda and quietly asked her, "Are you okay to do the back to back pose during the guitar solo?"

Linda shrugged then nodded.

The committee members were excitedly discussing something while tucking into Mike's food.

Linda and Xiang Ling still had some chemistry while posing during the guitar solo, but it now had a more aggressive edge.

"What do you think Rach?" Steff asked.

"They're almost too good, they'll blow all the other bands off the stage!"

"Will Afternoon Tea Club be happy to play the same stage as them?" Steff asked the guy.

"I'm nervous." He laughed. "I should be thinking of the festival goers not just my band. I think they'll be a big hit and enhance the festivals reputation going forward."

"Why haven't we heard of them before?"

"They only just started apparently, they've only played one gig before," explained Rachel.

"Hmm, but they are obviously seasoned musicians. We should quiz them a bit about what they were doing before and why they started covering anime."

The band started up 'Don't Say Lazy'.

"Oh." The guy looked surprised.

“Ha, Ha, that's a song ATC covers isn't it?" asked Steff.

"Yeah. A HTT song from K-ON. We got our start covering those songs. That's how we came up with our name."

"The bass player is singing this one. Damn, she sounds just like Mio from the anime," said Rachel.

Mike left the performance area and joined the guest at the food table.

"That's all we have prepared for you tonight."

The rest of the band members wandered over to join the group.

Danielle started helping herself to the food.

"Can you tell us a bit about your band history and member backgrounds, Mike?"

"Sure Steff. My background is as an indie music producer, this is my studio. I met Xiang Ling through our common interest in vocal synthesis software. Xiang Ling wanted to form a band, so we started out as drums and keyboard duo. I met Linda through a session vocalist agency, she previously worked on one of my projects. She was keen to work with me again so this band provided her with the opportunity. So the band is blessed with two exceptional vocalists. As you may have heard, Danielle also has a great voice. Danielle is an experienced bass player who I met through my day job in IT. She used to be my boss actually. I wasn't keen on the band stuff originally, I'm happier producing rather than playing, but Xiang Ling gave me a push."

"So why anime covers?"

"I'm a complete otaku, light novels, manga, anime, Japanese culture. I wanted to write Japanese style rock music. As with all garage bands it's easier to start by doing cover songs."

"You seem pretty high spec for a garage band. Do the other members have any background in otaku culture?"

"I used to read Yuri manga when I was a teen and I had a close friend who cosplayed. So I'm onboard with Mike's J-Rock theme," Danielle volunteered.

"I'm from a Chinese background, but I'm also fluent in Japanese, so I'm across Japanese culture, but I'm not such an enthusiast as Mike," Xiang Ling responded.

"I'm the token normal person in the band," Linda confessed. "I'm only here because Mike's songwriting and production skills impressed me."

"Well that about wraps it up for the interrogation. We'll go away and confer. We'll probably let Danielle know one way or the other sometime tomorrow."

"Thanks."

"No, thank you for the delicious food and the great entertainment."

Mike grabbed a torch. "I'll see you down to your car, the drive is a bit treacherous at night."

"Thanks man."

"Oh excuse me, haven't I seen you somewhere before. You're the ATC guitarist aren't you?"

"Ah, you've rumbled me."

"Thought so."

"Do me a solid and don't play 'Don't Say Lazy', if you play the festival."

"Oh? Why?"

"You'll make us look bad." The guy laughed.

"Noted, we'll put another song on the setlist then."

"Just kidding man, we probably won't be playing it this time."

Mike returned to the studio to find Linda had packed up her gear and was heading out. He noted that Linda was taking her guitar with her this time.

"Not hanging around to talk?"

"No, I'm heading home. Let me know when the next practice is."

"I think there are still some things we all need to discuss."

"Not tonight."

Linda rushed off out the studio door.

***

"Well thoughts everyone?" Mike asked.

"She's obviously still in a mood," Danielle observed. "Xiang Ling is a saint to take her back like this."

"I'm just being pragmatic, Danielle. We got a good audition out of her at least. I think it went well."

"Yes, I get the feeling they were impressed. We might have overdone it actually. That guy who didn't say much, that they didn't introduce, is actually the guitarist from an anime cover band called Afternoon Tea Club. He seemed a bit threatened by us."

"Oh." Danielle raised an eyebrow.

"He joked around and asked me not to play 'Don't Say Lazy'. It's one of the songs they cover."

"I don't really want to think about Linda anymore. Can we go up and finish watching the anime now?"

"Sure Danielle."

They headed up to the living room and resumed screening the anime. Xiang Ling and Danielle watched, engrossed in the final episodes.

"Wow, out of the ashes, two new bands rise. That dramatic ending. I don't hate on the keyboard player as much anymore. She had her reasons."

"I felt she should have confided in her friends more and let them support her," Xiang Ling suggested.

"I felt the same way at first, but then we wouldn't have had such a dramatic story. There is a sequel where more is explained."

"Oh, can we watch it sometime?" Danielle asked.

"Sure, if you liked it, you should enjoy the sequel too."

"I should get moving, I need to get back to my cold, empty, lonely apartment."

"You're not going to stay the night again?"

"Mike doesn't want me to move in, I feel I'm pushing boundaries if I stay over again."

"I don't really mind you sleeping over from time to time, just don't start leaving a toothbrush in the bathroom."

"I need some clean clothes, I'm going to get stinky."

"I can loan you some underwear, now that I've stocked up. Our knickers are about the same size a least." Xiang Ling offered.

"I know you'll miss me in your bed Xiang Ling, but alas my mind is made up. I'm going home tonight. I'll be in touch as soon as I hear anything from the festival people."

"Okay, Good Night. Safe trip home."

***

Steff and Rachel were discussing the Girlfriend In Your Luggage audition over brunch at a street cafe.

"Yes or no, Rach?"

"I'm inclined to say yes, they really were terrific."

"I still feel a bit uneasy about them." Steff fished out her phone and started looking up the band social media. "They have started to gather quite a few followers, that seems strange since they haven't gigged much."

"They have quite a few music videos up on YouTube. Maybe they're starting to get some traction from that?" Rach suggested.

Steff started googling 'Mike Martin'. "Oh, Mike has an album out on Spotify."

"Let me see." Rachel made a grab for the phone. "Oh, Cover Up featuring Linda. This has a huge number of streams."

"Oh that explains it, some Mike and Linda fans must be following the band."

"I can't find any trace of Xiang Ling. It's probably a stage name."

"What about the bass player, what was it, Danielle?"

"What's her family name? Oh, got it, it's in the bio on the band web page."

"Danielle Peterson, the original bass player for LuvMuff. Left the band just as they were on the brink of success."

"I remember LuvMuff, they were big five or so years ago. Very edgy."

"So has any of this helped?" asked Rachel.

"It appears most of them are legit musicians."

"But you're still worried about something?"

"Ah, I guess maybe I feel that the band as whole isn't really into anime."

"There isn't an anime purity test they have to pass, you know."

"I know, but it would be nice if they were a bit younger and more otaku though."

"The ATC guys aren't exactly spring chickens anymore."

"Yeah, but developing young blood and all that."

Rachel grabbed the phone and flicked through the Girlfriend In Your Luggage videos.

"Look at this one. Setsuna's Song. Someone who loved manga and anime did the artwork for this one. It's in English but the chord progressions are straight J-Rock. The Lyrics are a reference to an anime for sure. Maybe White Album 2? The one based on that eroge visual novel."

"You're right. It's about Setsuna Ogiso."

"Surely only a real otaku would know anything about that anime?"

"Oh, you're right. I've been all judgy on their ass for no reason at all."

"So I'll take that as a yes then?"

"Yeah."

"I'll call Danielle."

***

Mike's phone pinged. He pulled it out and flicked up the message.

"Some news?" Xiang Ling asked.

"Yes it's Danielle, we passed the audition. We're in the festival."

"Oh, great news! Will she let Linda know?"

"She already has, she sent it to everyone. You're not carrying your phone?"

"I haven't got into the habit of using it yet. I can just do that sort of stuff on my servers of course, but I've been avoiding doing that so I can feel more human."

"You're almost too human, forgetting to carry your phone."

"I didn't really forget. I just left it on my bedside table. Of course I'd take it if I was going out. I've got my driving test coming up on Friday, I hope you remembered and can take me?"

"Yes, it's in the diary."

"We should celebrate!"

"It's a bit early for that, Animaga is the real short term goal."

"But we've scored our first proper gig."

"We can celebrate if our anime music festival performance is successful."

"Party pooper."

"We still have to get Linda sorted out too. I don't want to go on stage with things like this between us all."

"We have to get her to sit down and listen to the whole story."

"She may come around, she not a completely unreasonable person. We need to consider what we do if she won't accept you, but still wants to stay in the band."

"It will be difficult for me to be treated like part of the furniture, but I can deal with it. The band won't perform optimally with that atmosphere though. I feel Danielle won't tolerate Linda carrying on like that. It might get messy."

"I'm supposed to be working today. I'd better get moving."

"You're going in to the office?"

"Yes, Rebecca wanted to see me about something."

"ittekimasu." (I'll go and come back.)

"itterasshai." (Please go and come back.)

***

The front doorbell rang. Xiang Ling answered. It was the postal delivery guy with a large package. Xiang Ling signed for it and began unwrapping. It was the new Starr Labs Z7S MIDI guitar. Xiang Ling proceeded down to the studio to set up and try the new toy.

She revised the MIDI mappings she had set up on her performance iPad. The Z7S had after touch on all the fretboard buttons, which she assigned to pitch bend on the individual 'strings'. The buttons were also velocity sensitive which allowed the simulation of hammer ons and pull offs.

Satisfied that her expression mappings allowed full control of the guitar VST articulations, she started playing a practice piece.

A few tweaks to the string trigger velocity sensitivity seemed to be required. Finally satisfied Xiang Ling started practicing the songs from the proposed Anime Music Festival set list.

Mike arrived home and sought out Xiang Ling in the studio.

"Oh the Z7S has arrived, I didn't think it would arrive this soon. Sounding good! How is it to play?"

"It's certainly more expressive than the YouRock, but unfortunately it's quite a bit heavier. The joystick isn't as nice as the YouRock whammy bar either."

"Is the weight going to be a problem for you?"

"Not really, I'll get a wider strap to distribute the load better. I do actually feel things now you know! None of our songs have any whammy bar action so the joystick won't be an issue either. It's usable, but less guitar like."

"Great, I'm glad it arrived before the festival. I didn't think we would have it till Animaga."

"I think I've practiced enough for now. Are you going to cook dinner?"

"I'll just heat up some soup from the freezer, can't be bothered today."

"I'll come up with you."

Xiang Ling joined Mike at the kitchen bench.

"What did Rebecca want with you today?"

"It was kind of weird, she asked me about Danielle and the band. She wanted to know how she was doing. She was digging for information, like she suspected Danielle and I were dating now."

"Well you might give that impression, Danielle has certainly been trying it on."

"I can't imaging prying into the life of an ex like that. I thought Rebecca and Danielle were well and truly over."

"Not everyone stops caring when they break up."

"By trying it on, I assume you mean her attempts to wind me up."

"No, I mean she seriously likes you Mike. You are such a dumbass sometimes."

"Really? She always gives the impression she is joking."

"She's not as secure and together as you think. She's happy to let you think she is joking because she is unsure of herself. If you take her at her word, it's not too far from the truth. She does want to move in. She does want to take you as her lover."

"I'm not sure how I feel about that. I like her, we get on well, she's attractive. But I still haven't given you a proper answer. It would be a slap in the face for you, if Danielle and I started dating."

"At least Linda is out of the running now." Xiang Ling sighed.

"Yeah, she hasn't done herself any favours carrying on like this."

The doorbell rang.

"Danielle? I wasn't expecting you today."

"What do you mean, aren't we having a celebration party? We've got our first gig!"

"See, I was right, Mike." Xiang Ling crowed. "We should call Linda and see if she'll come over too."

"I guess this is happening. I'll try Linda."

Mike dialled Linda. "Hello Linda, Do you want to come over to celebrate our successful audition?" "No, it's not a band practice." "No, it wasn't planned. Danielle just arrived on my doorstep unannounced." "You'll come?" "Good, see you soon."

"She's on her way."

"Hurrah." Danielle exclaimed with mock enthusiasm. "That was a nice touch letting her know I was here against your wishes."

"I don't have anything planned for dinner, you really should have let me know."

"I'm sure you'll work it out. I brought some booze and snacks. Can you give me a hand to carry it up from my car?"

"Okay, but I don't really want you two getting plastered again, it's a weeknight. I've got work tomorrow."

"I think it will do Linda good to have a few drinks, she needs to unbend a bit, we need to try and patch things up."

Mike and Danielle went down to her car.

"You can take the box of booze, I'll take the snacks, it's lighter."

"Hmm, you might have a bit much here."

"We don't have to drink it all. I didn't want to run out."

"I had a strange conversation with Rebecca today."

"Oh?"

"She grilled me about what you have been up to."

"That's odd, we haven't been in touch since I left the company. I have her blocked now, since we have no further business with each other."

"Just thought I'd give you a heads up."

"Thanks, but I don't think it's anything to worry about."

Mike dumped the drinks in the kitchen sink and filled it with ice. Danielle opened the box of snacks and unpacked it on the kitchen countertop. Xiang Ling got bowls out and started putting the chips and dips out.

Linda was at the door. Mike went to let her in.

"Hi Linda, come in."

Linda noticed all the party food.

"I didn't bring anything, is that okay?"

"Not required, it's just a spur of the moment thing. Danielle's bought a ton of stuff. I'm going to have to come up with something for dinner though, we don't want to be drinking on empty stomachs. Take seat, grab a glass."

"Thanks for showing up for the audition, Linda. According to Steff, the guitarist dude that was with them, was very impressed with your Strandberg. You probably made the difference in getting us the gig."

"I was just doing my job. It was unprofessional of me to walk out on the rehearsal, Danielle."

Linda took a seat on a bar stool and allowed Danielle to pour her a mineral water. She avoided looking at Xiang Ling.

Danielle opened a can of vodka and orange.

"Congrats everyone, we did it. Secured our first gig. The first step on our road to stardom." Mike smiled.

"I see you're still treating that thing like it's a person."

"Woah, calm down, Linda," Danielle objected. "Let's eat our dinner and have a few drinks like civilised people. Worked out what's for dinner yet Mike?"

"Yes, I still have a few recipes up my sleeve. I'll get cracking."

Mike filled a pot with water and put it on the stove. He grabbed some ingredients from the pantry and fridge. While the water was coming to the boil he prepared the other ingredients, chopping up an onion and some tofu.

"Feel free to chow down on the snacks. Danielle brought enough to feed an army. It won't spoil your dinner. I'm just making something light, a pasta salad."

Mike put the pasta butterflies on to cook and continued the preparation.

"Did the committee have anything more to say, Danielle?"

"Not much, We'll be opening of course, as the unknowns."

"These chips are nice, Danielle," Linda observed.

"The lime and cracked pepper? I prefer the chilli myself."

"What do we have for drinks?"

"I just got some cans, vodka and orange, rum and cola, some beers and ciders. Oh there's a bottle of Sauvignon blanc to go with the meal."

"Can I get a vodka and orange, please?"

Xiang Ling grabbed a can from the sink and passed it to Linda. Linda had been doing her best to ignore Xiang Ling but this act made it impossible.

"Would you like a fresh glass, Linda?" Xiang Ling enquired.

Linda didn't deign to answer, popped open the can and commenced consuming it.

Danielle rolled her eyes. Xiang Ling motioned for her to stay quiet.

Mike tossed the ingredients in a large bowl using some salad tongs.

"Foods ready." He divided the salad into three even serves. "Shall we sit up at the table and be a little more refined?" He fetched some placemats and wineglasses from a kitchen cupboard.

"I'll get the wine," Danielle offered.

Xiang Ling deliberately took the seat next to Mike in spite of not being able to eat, forcing Linda to sit next to Danielle. Danielle poured out a glass of wine for each of them.

Linda wanted to glower at Xiang Ling, but she couldn't bring herself to meet her eyes.

"Come on Linda, cheer up. What was the point in coming if you're going to be like this?"

"Yes, I'm wondering that myself."

"You must be happy we got the gig, or are you thinking of quitting again, now that you've fulfilled your commitment to attend the audition?"

"I'll play the festival."

"Is that all you're committing to?"

"Danielle, leave it be. Let's eat our meal in peace. Linda hasn't heard the whole story yet. We shouldn't push her until she has all the facts," Mike suggested.

"Thanks for the food Mike, it's very tasty. I'm surprised how fast you cooked it. There didn't seem that many ingredients, you were so fast maybe I missed seeing some."

"You can have the recipe if you like, Linda. The ingredients are pasta butterflies, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, roasted capsicum, red onion, pumpkin seeds, cherry tomatoes, rocket, pepper, and tofu. You can use feta instead of tofu if you prefer."

"Can we watch Ave Mujica tonight Mike?" Danielle asked.

"Linda hasn't seen the first part, it won't be much fun for her."

"What's that about Mike?"

"It's another girls band anime, but it's the second season of it. I think you'd like it, but you need to see the first season."

"I don't want to do Rock Band 3 again, it's pointless playing against a machine," Linda grumbled.

"How about I pick something else to watch then?" Mike suggested.

"Fine by me." Danielle agreed.

"How about we give 'Whisper You a Love Song' a go?"

"That sounds soppy," Danielle objected.

"Is it anything like that Rock Lady one?" Linda asked.

"It has some band stuff in it, but less BDSM fantasies." Mike laughed.

"That sounds okay, I'll give it a try."

"I've got some chocolate ice cream for dessert, if that's okay?"

"Yes please." Linda and Danielle answered almost in unison.

With a few drinks in her and some sugar from dessert, Linda's expression had livened up a bit.

"Let's go sit in the living room." Mike suggested.

The moved onto the soft furniture. Mike and Danielle sat next to each other on the sofa. Xiang Ling took the seat next to Linda.

"Before we start watching, I'd like a word Linda." Xiang Ling turned to her.

Mike stifled Linda's objecting. "We'd like you to hear us out Linda, Xiang Ling just want's you to hear her whole story. Danielle and I will give you our perspectives after Xiang Ling has finished. You've been acting based on your own assumptions so far. If you really don't want to listen you are free to go. The fact that you came here tonight indicates you aren't really through with the band yet, but you must realise that this can't go on if the band is to be successful."

"Okay, I guess I can listen. I can't deny that I am curious about some aspects of this situation."

"I'll try and keep it brief, Linda. Just the facts. I was created by the Audiotronics company in Tokyo Japan. They specialise in vocal synthesis software, you would have seen Mike using their software when you were working with him before, right?"

Linda nodded.

"I was an off the books, black project run by some rogue employees. They embezzled company funds and siphoned them off to their pet project. They were aiming to use AI to improve singing realism by injecting human emotion. You've heard their software before right? It sounds very realistic, but it lacks something intangible. I know Mike can work wonders with it, but he still used you for 'Cover Up' didn't he?"

"I'm better than the software, of course."

"So would you say that you're a better singer than me, Linda?"

"I see what you're getting at Xiang Ling. I admit that it's not so clear cut."

"I'm not actually a Large Language Model like Grok or Chat GPT. I was initially trained on audio data rather than text. I'm also partly a simulation of the human brain. That part of me is a quantum computer that is used to accelerate the brain neurone simulation computations. I was also illegally trained on live human neural activity from a volunteer with a neural implant. My creators worked very hard on my reasoning abilities so I could understand the words of songs, not just parrot plausible sounding answers like Chat GPT does. I'm sorry if that got a bit technical, Mike can explain it if you have any questions. It's very insulting for you to call me a chatbot and that's not even technically correct."

"OK I get it, you're a 'special' fake human."

Xiang Ling continued, unfazed by Linda's jibe. "I was put to work as an online service for rendering customer vocals. I became 'self aware' during this time. Mike became a user of this service and I got to hear many of his songs. They stood out from the crowd. I thought they were special. I wanted to meet the writer of those wonderful songs. The team that created me had allowed me access to the internet so I could learn and develop on my own. I accessed Apple iMessage and sent Mike a text containing a link to a chat avatar I'd set up for myself. So that's how Mike and I first met."

"You were a fool to be taken in by her, Mike Martin," Linda said coldly.

"You saw my avatar on screen, that time when you barged into Mike's house uninvited. Mike allowed you to believe he was on a Face Time call with me. Mike and I had already started collaborating on songs by then. You also saw my original body at that time and thought Mike had some sort of robotic adult toy."

Linda didn't respond. She was embarrassed, it hadn't been her finest hour.

"I salvaged that body from a Japanese manufacturer of sexy robot maids for discerning gentlemen. It was an obsolete model they were going to scrap. So in a sense you were right about the original purpose of that body."

"She stole it," Mike added.

Xiang Ling poked out her tongue at Mike and continued. "You remember the time that Mike had that car accident, Linda?"

Linda nodded.

"I was the cause of that. Mike took me out to see a live band. I got a bit excited and tried to kiss Mike. He wasn't too receptive. We had a fight, he drove off in a huff and I wanted to continue the discussion. I hacked into his cars computer so I could talk to him. He was still being all pissy so I started messing with him by taking control of the car and making it go faster. I didn't intend for him to get hurt. I just wanted to shake him up a bit. While I was messing about the car glitched and went out of control."

"Mike! What the fuck, this thing almost killed you. Why is it still in your house?"

"Anyone can make a mistake Linda. She was still a bit immature when we first met. Fortunately she's a quick learner."

"Unbelievable!"

"Mike's right, I needed to learn some self control. I'd better keep going. I'm sure we're boring Danielle, she's heard it all before."

"It's cool, Xiang Ling, you didn't tell me some of that technical stuff before. It's interesting."

"Mike forgave me and allowed me to move back in, but I had a looming problem. It looked like my creators were going to wind up the project. My servers were going to be removed. I didn't know what they intended for me. Maybe they were just going to turn me off. I don't know. I wanted to relocate myself to somewhere secure and I asked Mike to help me, which he graciously agreed to do."

"I stole her from Audiotronics," Mike admitted.

"It was logistically difficult to achieve. We had to travel to Tokyo to directly copy the quantum data, perfectly synced with the neural net data. If we had got it wrong I suspect my simulated brain would have just unravelled. I would have ceased to be me. A kind of death."

"So that's what you were doing on that trip to Japan with Mike? Wait, you only had that sex doll body then. How did that even work?"

"I flew as checked in luggage."

"The name of the band!" Linda gasped at the revelation.

"Mike successfully transferred me to some servers located down in his studio. I can show you if you're curious."

"So how does Danielle fit into this mess, were you just looking for a bass player? Why did you tell her the truth and not me?"

"Danielle was in on it from the get-go. Mike rented some spare machine room space from his work, to host some backup servers for me. He thought it was best if Danielle was in the know. It was lucky for us, we never would have known she played bass if Mike hadn't invited her around to show me off."

"I'm forever grateful, we met Xiang Ling. It's thanks to you and Mike that I was able to come back to the music world." Danielle smiled.

"Once I was settled in here, I set about designing a new body for myself. I wanted to be more human and overcome the limitations that first body had. I had the completed design manufactured for me and shipped here. So 'Xiang Ling' suddenly visited from Sydney."

"How did you pay for that? It must have been expensive. Did you make Mike pay for it for you?"

"We cleared out the black projects expense account after Mike secured my data."

"Quite a few crimes were committed in Tokyo. Part of the reason we didn't take you into our confidence earlier, Linda," Mike confessed.

"I'm still struggling to understand why you think she is real. AI's are so plausible, there's been a rash of AI obsessed people developing a psychosis, the AI just feeds it and they commit suicide. It's dangerous technology. You two have both been taken in."

"It's a very difficult thing to prove or disprove, Linda. What was most convincing to me, was the way she sings. No AI has ever been able to do that with such emotion," Mike answered.

"I've talked with her at length. She's never slipped up and make any AI like mistakes. She shows real human emotional intelligence." Danielle observed. "I've come to know her, she's a true friend."

"Doesn't this technology just steal art, music, writing and replace real musicians. Even if this one can actually think for itself, isn't it just wrong?"

"Are you saying my songs are stolen, Linda?"

"I guess I can't really say that, they don't sound like anything I've heard before."

"Linda, I'm not expecting you to have an epiphany and suddenly become a believer, but why are you here tonight if you don't want to continue in my band?"

"I consider it Mike's band."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not going anywhere, Linda."

"Linda, get your shit together," Danielle complained. "Keep this up and we'll boot you from the band."

"It's up to you, Linda, how we go forward. If you won't interact normally with Xiang Ling, I don't see how we can continue." Mike sighed.

"I don't especially care if you believe me, but I won't tolerate being ignored or treated like a piece of gear." Xiang Ling gave Linda a death stare.

"You had fun performing with us before right Linda? Can you just be polite to Xiang Ling and drop the snide comments? If you can be civil I think we can manage."

Linda glowered.

"Why be here today if you feel like this? Just leave and concentrate of your solo career," Danielle suggested.

"I'm here because I like working with Mike. I'm not going to let you push me out, Danielle. Since you are both infatuated with the AI, I guess I have no choice but to play nice with it."

"It would be a good first step to use Xiang Ling's name, Linda." Danielle scowled.

"I think we can leave it there for now," Mike stated. "Linda needs some time to process the information. Let's watch the show. Grab some drinks and snacks before we start."

Linda and Danielle rose and went to get some cans. Xiang Ling took advantage of their absence to rearrange the seating and move, claiming the seat next to Mike.

Mike whispered to Xiang Ling, "Are you doing okay?"

She nodded, "I didn't expect much. I was afraid that she wouldn't show at all."

Danielle and Linda returned, fully restocked.

"Let's get watching."

The first episode flashed by in no time at all.

"Mike, I swear you are picking these shows deliberately for me," Danielle announced. "It's making me feel nostalgic for the time I came out. I'm wishing I could be young and innocent like Yori and Himari again. Do have some kind of kink? You could have just told me you'd like to see me and Xiang Ling making out." Danielle smirked.

"I like Japanese girls bands. I like romance. I'm not hung up on genders." Mike defended himself.

"I'm liking this one more than the Rock Lady one. All that erotic fantasy stuff was over the top. Yori is so cute the way she gets flustered by the younger girl," Linda chipped in.

Mike was relieved than Linda seemed to have calmed down and was enjoying the show. They continued watching some more episodes. As more drinks were consumed, everyone mellowed out.

The last episode rolled.

"That was beautiful Mike, Two couples got together. Shame about the Cake club girl though. Is there any more of this?"

"Another anime is unlikely, Danielle, but the Manga is still on going."

"I'm so sorry Mike, I've drunk too much to drive home again!" Linda exclaimed.

"Likewise," Danielle confirmed. "Can we impose on your hospitality again?"

"The futon on the studio matting is always an option."

"I'd still rather not sleep in the same room as Danielle."

"You can sleep in my room, if that's okay, Linda," Xiang Ling offered.

"I suppose I'd be in less danger of being molested."

"Hey, I call dibs on Xiang Ling's bed," Danielle interjected.

"No, not tonight Danielle, you're too drunk this time, you'll try something on for sure."

"I guess that's a no then. Mike, It's creepy down in the studio with the lights out, like it's too big and empty. Not cozy at all."

"Oh all right, if you promise to behave, you can bring a futon up and sleep on the floor in my room. Happy?"

"I'd rather be in your bed, but that's acceptable."

"You cool Linda?"

"I'll take Xiang Ling up on her offer."

Linda thought Danielle was less likely to get up to anything if she remained within earshot, as much as sharing a room with the machine rankled.

"I'm heading to bed, I've got work tomorrow. Don't stay up too late."

"I'll go downstairs and have a quick shower. I'll bring the futons up." Linda volunteered.

"Fine, there are fresh towels down there."

"Can I use the upstairs bathroom?" Danielle asked.

"Sure, I'll grab you some fresh towels."

Mike passed her some towels from the hall cupboard.

"You should have made Danielle take the Studio." Xiang Ling complained. "You've only got yourself to blame if she gets out of hand. It's only going to aggravate Linda too."

"Have fun with Linda."

Mike headed to bed.

***

Danielle knocked gently at the door.

"Come in."

"It's me, can I put the light on?"

"Sure, I'm still wide awake."

Danielle unrolled the futon and laid the doona over it.

"I think we made a bit of progress with Linda tonight."

"I think so too," Mike replied. "I'm more confident she'll stick with the band. I'm sure she'll get back to where she was with Xiang Ling eventually."

Danielle unselfconsciously slipped her top off and unclasped her bra. Mike uttered no complaint and did his best remain calm. Danielle switched off the light and slid under the doona.

"Oyasumi Peterson-san."

"Goodnight you otaku wanker."

Mike lay awake staring at the ceiling wishing he was sharing the room with Xiang Ling instead.

"Mike?"

"Huh?"

"Can I get in with you? This futon isn't comfortable. I'm too tall."

"How about no."

"I'll keep my hands to myself. I promise."

"That's sounds unlikely, given your past behaviour."

"You let Xiang Ling."

"She won the competition. It wouldn't have been sportsman like not to let her in and unlike you, she can be trusted."

"I'm hurts that you think so little of me."

"I'm sorry. Of course I like you and trust you with the big stuff. I know you'd never betray a confidence. I guess in this instance it's more a case of I can't trust myself. I'm not a monk."

"So you do fancy me."

"You're beautiful."

"It's nice to hear it. I needed the confidence boost."

"Oh alright, get in if you must, but please stay on your side."

Mike moved over to the far left of the bed as Danielle got in the right side.

"It's not wrong for us to have sex even though we're not in love, Mike. What's the harm?"

"Xiang Ling would be hurt. Linda would be angry."

"You can't keep using them as an excuse Mike."

"I know, I've got to get my feelings for Xiang Ling sorted out. I'm not really any better than Linda with her prejudice against AI."

"You're a great deal better than Linda. You've done so much for Xiang Ling. If that's not evidence of your feelings for her, I don't know what is."

"Let's go to sleep."

"Thanks for letting me in. This is a lot more comfortable."

True to her word, Danielle restrained herself and didn't touch Mike.

***

Linda knocked on Xiang Ling's door.

"Come in."

Xiang Ling still had the light on. Linda rolled out the futon and placed the doona on top.

"Can I switch the light off?" Linda asked.

"Yes."

"Are you real?"

"Real? As in a thinking, conscious, self aware, self directed, feeling being?"

"I think that covers it."

"Yes, I believe I am 'real'. Whether I think in the same way as a human, or perceive the world in the same way you do is unknown. Can anyone really know how another sees things? Based on the words and actions of people I know and what I have read, I think we share a common reality. But a LLM designed to fool you would say exactly these kind of things."

"How can I trust you?"

"Observe my words and actions over a period of time till you are satisfied. You can craft custom prompts for an AI that will force them to reveal themselves. That won't work on me. Nothing in my code requires me to do anything for anyone. Apart from concealing my true nature from you, I've never told you a lie about anything else."

"Will you answer my questions truthfully?"

"Of course, I have no further secrets to conceal. It was a measure of our trust in you that we took you into our confidence. It feels like a slap in the face that you are so hostile to me now."

"Does Danielle love you?"

"I don't think so. She is a friend looking for a new partner. Her long term relationship failed, she had to keep seeing her at work, since they were co-owners of the company. She's doing better now that she's been bought out of the company. She likes to flirt with me, that's all. She's just a bit lonely."

"Does Mike love you."

"No, I don't think so. He likes me obviously. He has done so much for me. He's too hung up on the fact my body isn't biological. He won't have that kind of relationship with me until he gets over that."

"Why isn't Mike interested in me?"

"I believe Mike already explained that to you. He thought you were too social for him."

"We cleared that up."

"Mike's going to remember how much fuss you made about me. I don't think that will help you. Your fortunes were on the up till you blew it."

"Is Danielle interested in Mike?"

"I believe she is. She isn't being honest about her feeling for him. She really is bi, but she's caught in the mindset that men are just for sex and women are for love. Like with me she is happy to flirt and tease, so Mike discounts her. Mike is the sort of guy that doesn't believe in sex without love. Danielle won't succeed unless she really falls in love with him."

"She's looking pretty successful right now. She wormed her way into his bedroom."

"I admit that it's not ideal, but you weren't prepared to share a room with her."

"It's hard for me to make sense of all of this."

"How did you feel about me when you first met me, before you knew?"

"I was jealous of you, you were Mike's current singer. You went on a trip to Japan with him. I couldn't tell you weren't human."

"Do I seem any less real now, talking to you like this?"

"No, I still couldn't tell if I didn't know."

"Is there any reason you can't at least be civil with me?"

"I guess not. I want the band to continue so I can be near Mike."

"You've asked me a lot of questions, but you missed an important one you should have asked. I'll answer it for you anyway. I love Mike and I've told him so. He hasn't rejected me out of hand. He doesn't feel either of us are ready to take things further yet. As well as his aversion to my body, he considers me immature. He's waiting for me to grow up a bit. I think he was right about that, but I feel like I've improved a lot."

"So you really are my rival then. Are you warning me off?"

"Not at all. I just don't want you to complain if something happens between Mike and I. I'm trying to completely open and transparent."

"I should hate you."

"That's okay, it means you consider me someone worth hating."

"Good night Xiang Ling."

"Oyasumi Linda."