A/N:
Not sure what it is about A.I. units, but I think I've got an obsession. Bog-damn it. Also, Otome Youkai Zakuro is so damn perfect it hurts; watch it guys, watch it immediately. This is simply an introduction of much more to come. Thought I'd give a sneak peek at what I'm working on. Hope you stick around for it.
A.I. TAKUMI
PROLOGUE
"I don't understand. I've studied the nature of robotics, and I remember the very basic knowledge at the very least. In fact they've been known for a number of years. What you're describing is an entirely different definition of artificial intelligence; technology that doesn't even follow 'The Three Laws'. The first law states 'a robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm'. The second, 'a robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.' And, the most critical might I add, 'a robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.' All of it means nothing when it comes to Project Seika? None. Of. It."
"You've got it, Major Ayuzawa."
Doctor Satsuki Hyoudou had the unfortunate display of watching the major in question pace with a rather broad stride about the room, especially for a female. It seemed slightly bizarre to Misaki, that the lesson before her was that she'd actually had incorrect material on something. Perhaps, she thought, that was the very reason Project Seika was equally famous as it was covert – no one knew anything unless they were a participant in the project it would seem. A myriad of facial expressions expectedly crossed her face as she recognized the slight botch in her confident attitude, which also hadn't passed the doctor's vision. Anything, really, to lessen the blow to her character was helping the situation.
"I don't blame you, Major, in fact that's still accurate information," the woman said with a wide reassuring smile to Misaki, "but those laws just doesn't comprehend the A.I. Units of this particular breed."
Misaki Ayuzawa was not particularly one to feel dumbfounded at any given moment; she had two distinguished black lines on her double breasted white BDU jacket that highlighted a single star, that itself fully well backed that she wasn't one to look any less than talented ever. It was a sign of accomplishment; it was a sign she wasn't to be played with. And yet, to her bewilderment, the older doctor in front of her giggled her way through describing Project Seika with large excited eyes. Misaki couldn't help but cringe slightly at the doctor's display of young attitude.
Doctor Hyoudou continued, "There are two known types of A.I. in the universe, Misaki. The type that noncombatants use, the Simple A.I. In other words, it's the household friend."
The major's eyebrow lifted as the doctor used her first name.
"Then there is the Gifted A.I. which you're most aware of, likely. Management of planetary shipping, medical provision, staffing status given by hire rank, gun control, satellite rheostat. They are based on programming. What we're introducing to the military is not based on mere programming." Leaning back on the seat, Doctor Hyoudou crossed her hands and rested her head on them, looking up at Misaki through long dusky eyelashes. "You'll be paired with the perfect partner, Major. A near sentient A.I. that has been created by copying a human brain, developed from living brain tissue. Your own personal advantage, which has been engineered to provide strategic and defensive assistance to you and further the United Military Command, that's the basis of Project Seika."
She was drowning, she literally felt like she was drowning. Misaki took a deep inhale, much like anyone would underwater, and turned to Satsuki with wide eyes. Was the woman serious? Why on any planet would she find this information inspiring, why did the doctor in front of her seem so damn delighted?
Didn't this mean that the UMC was working towards a goal without her in the picture? Without people in the picture? Misaki let out the air she'd inhaled so suddenly, causing her cheeks to deflate slightly in the process. Over analysis might have been a quality she possessed, however this was an entirely different type of slippery slope. They were making A.I. units, and they were making them near human. Was that even sensible on an ethical standpoint? Wasn't the point of a robot to serve, and not have emotion? Even better, was Project Seika pointing toward a future with A.I. military perfection? The thought made her feel substandard for the tiniest of moments.
Seating herself in the chair she had avoided since entering the office, Misaki narrowed her eyes at the woman with an almost wild alertness. Her eyebrows pulled together, and even her lips slightly pouted together as she tried to form a response. The major didn't feel like much of a major as she looked the other in the eye. Here, at Project Seika's base, she was surrounded by the power of science.
"Why partner?" Misaki internally groaned at herself. She just couldn't let it go, could she? The idea of being surpassed by a machine was just too humiliating. She was Major Misaki Ayuzawa, and she damn well knew how badly she was needed by the UMC to strong-arm the lazy idiots in her squad. And, if it so happened that her managing turned into a form of dictatorship, so be it!
The doctor seemed puzzled a moment, "I'm sorry?"
The major straightened in her chair, "If these A.I. units you have made are what you say they are, what's the point of using a soldier? What's the point of pairing an A.I with a human?"
"Highly logical and strategic beings, A.I. outmatch humans on all levels of calculation, deduction, intelligence. But, you know Major Misaki, there is absolutely one thing we haven't been able to duplicate from a human into an A.I. – and it's the most important part of living: emotion. An A.I. can acclimate and adopt a reaction any human makes, but they don't understand feelings. A Hawk Moth Caterpillar can pretend to be a snake all day long, and it'll work, but it's not a snake."
From beyond the doors behind her, into the hallways of Project Seika, the sound system turned on and a female voice called for both Misaki and Doctor Satsuki Hyoudou. Immediately, Misaki stood from her chair, but continued to eye the petite doctor who hadn't much moved.
"I'm not God," Doctor Satsuki said to the floor, her voice dropping in enthusiasm, "If I can't lead this project to a form of cooperation between soldiers and A.I. units, it'll be because I'm human. But, with intelligence comes acknowledgment, and with acknowledgment comes contemplation, and from contemplation we find imagination."
Watching, Misaki noted the doctor's movements to leave the office. In turn, the major took her cap from the rack behind the double doors and turned to wait patiently on her host. She wanted to leave the room, though. She wanted time, mostly. Time to think further on the decision of joining Project Seika, and whether or not walking away from her position was in her interest. She definitely wasn't going to get it.
Well, of course the situation was in her interest. This opportunity…she shouldn't say no, she knew this.
Painfully, Misaki met eyes with the doctor.
"My A.I. units have imagination, Misaki Ayuzawa, Major to Squad M. Latte. You're here because you're good, but I can make you better." Almost in a morph, the short haired doctor smiled again, her tone lightening, "They can make you better."
Misaki resisted the sour smile that worked at her lips - who in the hell could possibly make her better?