A First Time For Everything
A MLAATR-Inspired Fanfic
By Shvique

Author's note: This chapter is a bit of a departure, as portions of it deal with some serious and mature themes. Reader discretion is therefore advised.

Shvique


Chapter 9—Noontime Debate

Dr. Wakeman sat in the cafeteria of Tremorton General Hospital, sipping at a cup of coffee. She didn't generally drink coffee—she preferred tea—and the bitter brew she sampled now and then reminded her of the reasons why she didn't care for the beverage and rarely drank it. But the cafeteria was out of tea, thereby limiting her options.

As she sipped, she scanned her surroundings. This time of the day, close to noon, the cafeteria was rapidly filling up: Nurses, doctors, orderlies, candy-stripers and other members of hospital staff streamed through the doorway, stopping to pick up small food-items and beverages from the bus line, before taking their seats at various tables around the large room. They sat in groups of two or three or more, eager to enjoy a few brief minutes of peace and quiet and a quick bite, before returning to their never-ending and often hectic duties.

There seemed to be no sign of Dr. Toshiro anywhere. Though Dr. Wakeman had never met the doctor in-person before, she vaguely recalled seeing her photograph in the local newspaper some years back, appearing in an article about some local bond-measure currently under debate, intended to raise funds for needed improvements to local hospital facilities. Dr. Wakeman couldn't remember all the details of the issues involved, but she did clearly recall the pertinent fact, mentioned in the article, that Dr. Toshiro was a force to be reckoned with when it came to getting her own way; that she was an individual who was extremely determined and single-minded, and that it was largely through her iron-willed efforts that the bond ultimately passed in the following election. Dr. Wakeman thought it wise to keep that fact in mind as they discussed the very-different matter at hand today.

Just then, she spotted a small, feminine, yet oddly-familiar figure emerging through the doorway, stepping into the cafeteria, and scanning the seating area. Her eyes locked onto Dr. Wakeman in instant recognition, like the targeting-system of a guided missile, and she gave a short, curt nod in her direction.

Ah, this must be her now! Dr. Wakeman thought as she rose to her feet and crossed the room to meet the new arrival. As she approached, Dr. Wakeman was struck by the uncanny resemblance between Dr. Toshiro and her son.

"Dr. Toshiro?" she said upon her approach, extending a hand in greeting. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Noreen Wakeman."

"Ah. Yes." Dr. Toshiro replied with cold formality, extending her hand in a brief, firm, though thoroughly unenthusiastic, handshake. "Dr. Leslie Toshiro." She said with a short, polite bow.

Dr. Wakeman was relieved. Although Dr. Toshiro was a bit formal, she didn't seem as intimidating as Dr. Wakeman had anticipated. And after some of the experiences she'd had in Skyway Patrol and on Capital Hill many years past, Dr. Wakeman felt confident that she could handle an encounter with the young surgeon without too much difficulty.

And, she noted with some degree of relief, Dr. Toshiro was quite petite in stature, rather like herself. The two were very nearly the same height in fact, and would be able to look each other directly in the eye, a factor which would no doubt place them on a more-or-less even playing field, psychologically speaking.

Dr. Toshiro stepped into the bus line, where she proceeded to pour herself an extra-large espresso from a large coffee-urn, then turned to face Dr. Wakeman again.

"Shall we sit down, Doctor?" Dr. Wakeman said, indicating the relatively-secluded table at which she'd been seated. Dr. Toshiro nodded and the pair crossed over to the table. Dr. Wakeman added, "And may I call you Leslie, so that you may call me Nora?"

"I…would prefer to keep it on a strictly professional basis, if you don't mind." Dr. Toshiro replied formally, taking a sip from her scalding-hot espresso without even blinking as she sat down.

"Very well, if you wish," Dr. Wakeman replied uneasily as she drew a chair and sat opposite the young surgeon, facing her.

"Now, before we begin," Dr. Toshiro said without fanfare. "I must tell you that I don't have much time. I have to go on-duty very shortly, and even before that, I could get called away on a case at any moment. So whatever you have to say to me, I'll have to ask you to please keep it brief and to the point. Is that understood?"

"Yes, yes, I quite understand," Dr. Wakeman said.

"Also, I think you should know that the only reasons I agreed to speak with you at all are because of your standing within the scientific community, and because you kept making such a nuisance of yourself with your incessant phone-calls."

"I see. Well, I…appreciate that," Dr. Wakeman replied, her vague uneasiness growing. "And I also appreciate that your time is very valuable, so I'll try to keep it short and to the point, just as you request."

"Very well, then." Dr. Toshiro replied with a curt nod. "Proceed. What is it you wish to say to me?"

"Well, it's about the…unfortunate incident which took place some weeks ago at the top-secret government compound, involving your son and my daughter," Dr. Wakeman began, choosing her words with great care. As she spoke, she couldn't help but detect a certain…tension, a faint discomfort on the part of Dr. Toshiro when the word "daughter" was mentioned. Dr. Wakeman made a mental note of it, but gave it little thought beyond that.

"Now…I gather there's been a certain…conflict between you and XJ-9 about her…conduct that day," she went on. "Which I can certainly understand. And I certainly don't blame you for feeling that way. But it is my intention and desire today to clear the air and resolve that conflict amicably and to the satisfaction of everyone involved."

"Yes, yes, yes," Dr. Toshiro said with an impatient wave of her hand. "All very well and good, your intentions are certainly praiseworthy, to be sure. Now if you don't mind, Doctor, would you please come to the point?"

"Yes, of course," Dr. Wakeman continued. "Now first of all, I want you to know that XJ-9 is terribly, terribly sorry for…for what happened that day, for how she behaved, and for what she…" she hesitated. "For the way she treated your son." She went on, rephrasing slightly. "Truly, you must believe me, when I say that XJ-9 knows she was wrong, she's very, very, very sorry about how she behaved," Dr. Wakeman emphasized the point, hoping it would make more of an impression the second time. "And she has promised both Sheldon and myself that it will never, ever happen again."

She concluded, then awaited some kind of reaction from Dr. Toshiro. But no reaction was forthcoming; the young surgeon merely regarded Dr. Wakeman with an icy stare for what seemed like an eternity. Otherwise, her face remained just as impassive as though it were made of wood.

Goodness! Dr. Wakeman thought. I'd hate to get into a poker-game with this lady!

At last, Dr. Toshiro spoke. "Is that all?" she asked quietly.

"That's all."

"Very well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do," She started to rise to her feet, and Dr. Wakeman raised a hand, as if to stop her.

"Um…pardon me, Doctor, but I get the feeling that you're still not satisfied." She said. "Is that true?"

Dr. Toshiro's eyes narrowed as she regarded Dr. Wakeman with a withering scowl. "Well…would you be?" she asked. "I mean, put yourself in my place. Suppose your one and only child, your own flesh and blood, had been attacked and nearly killed by a deranged, out-of-control mechanical menace! Now I ask you: Would you be satisfied with—or even accept!—the empty, meaningless and vacuous assurances you've just given me, that the mechanical menace responsible for the mayhem was, quote unquote, merely 'sorry?'"

"Nevertheless, it's true!" Dr. Wakeman cried. "XJ-9 is sorry for what she did! She's very, very sorry!"

Dr. Toshiro's only response was to heave an exasperated sigh and roll her eyes in disgust. Clearly, the surgeon was not going to be easily persuaded.

"I—I understand how you feel, Doctor," Dr. Wakeman continued. "Truly, I do. I'm a parent myself, so I can—"

"Um—excuse me, Doctor, but you are not a parent!" Dr. Toshiro stared hard at Dr. Wakeman. "You do not understand how I feel! Not unless you have children! Real children! And yes, yes, I know that, for whatever bizarre reason, you like to pretend that your robotic creation is a 'daughter.' But a robot is not a child, and you are not a parent. And so you are therefore incapable of understanding how a real parent feels under such circumstances."

"Well, now I—"

"Furthermore, I don't accept that your robot is capable of, quote unquote, 'feeling sorry' for its actions. It's simply not possible. A machine is not capable of understanding the consequences of its actions, nor can it grasp the concept of remorse. It therefore cannot 'be sorry.' It's that simple."

"Well, no, I'm afraid that is not correct," Dr. Wakeman said. "You see—"

"And for that matter," Dr. Toshiro went on, interrupting her with a razor-like intensity. "I'm not all that convinced that you fully appreciate the seriousness of this matter, either! In fact, I frankly find your attitude in this entire affair to be downright appalling!"

"Appalling?" Dr. Wakeman cried, her eyebrows raised and her eyes opened wide.

"That's right." Dr. Toshiro coolly replied. "You seem to take this strangely casual and flippant attitude about your robot going off on a near-murderous rampage, as though it were nothing more than a minor, trivial, everyday occurrence; a simple matter easily swept aside and forgotten, like a cat knocking over a flower-pot. Whereas in fact," she paused dramatically, flashing Dr. Wakeman a look of pure poison. "The only reason I didn't file criminal charges and file a massive lawsuit against you for what your robot did is because my son literally begged me not to!"

Dr. Wakeman swallowed, now fairly reeling from the quiet but intense verbal onslaught she had just endured. So stunned was she by the quiet vehemence of the words that she momentarily found herself at a loss, unable to respond.

"I…I certainly appreciate your…restraint…in the matter," she stammered a meek reply when she had at last found her voice. "And as I said, I can certainly understand how and why you feel as you do. Were I in your position, I would no doubt feel the same way myself. However," she drew a deep breath to steel her nerves and steady her voice. "I can assure you that my attitude in this matter is neither casual nor flippant. Far from it. Were that the case, I would not have proposed this informal talk between us to resolve the matter. It is therefore unnecessary for anyone to speak of lawsuits or threats of lawsuits or any other sort of threat. Whether against me," she paused. "Or against anyone."

She waited, and for a brief moment, she thought she detected a faint look of acknowledgement in the young surgeon, which she took as an indication that her message, both spoken and unspoken, had been conveyed.

"Nor do I deny or avoid any responsibility in the matter, either." She went on. "I assure you, I take full responsibility for XJ-9's conduct, at all times, in all matters, including this one. And it is a responsibility which I take very seriously; very, very seriously. In fact," she hesitated. "The truth is…I was even prepared at one point to take some rather drastic measures to resolve this matter myself, if it became necessary."

"Oh, were you, now?" Dr. Toshiro regarded her with open skepticism.

"Yes, I was."

"What was the nature of those measures, if I might ask?"

Dr. Wakeman hesitated, then pressed ahead, realizing full well the stakes involved, and that full disclosure was necessary. "Well…if XJ-9 had not…satisfactorily resolved the matter herself, on her own…" she paused. "Then…I was prepared to…" She hesitated again, swallowed and concluded. "To…de-activate and dismantle her." She spoke the words quietly and as coolly-professionally as she could, yet it was clear that she did so only with great difficulty.

A brief silence fell upon the pair, and Dr. Toshiro registered surprise at what she'd heard with only the faintest rise of her eyebrows, nothing more. "You were really prepared to go that far?" she asked, her voice now free of its earlier contentious edge.

Dr. Wakeman nodded. "I was. So you see, I take this matter very seriously."

Dr. Toshiro nodded, and her expression seemed to soften slightly, as much of an indication as any that Dr. Wakeman was likely to receive, that the young surgeon had accepted her answer.

"Very well," Dr. Toshiro said with a nod. "Continue."

Dr. Wakeman knew that she had to choose her words very carefully. Now that she had Dr. Toshiro's attention again, she couldn't risk losing that attention by inadvertently saying the wrong thing and having that temporarily-open mind slam right shut again.

"Now…to go back to your doubts that a robot can 'feel sorry for its actions,'" Dr. Wakeman went on. "I can well understand your skepticism on this point. And it is a skepticism that would ordinarily be well-justified if we were talking about a simple, ordinary, everyday utilitarian robot, designed and constructed to perform a simple task or purpose or function. But you must understand that, in the case of XJ-9, we're not talking about an ordinary piece of machinery. She is much more than that. She is a highly advanced and complex cybernetic organism—almost more of a cyborg in that regard rather than a traditional robot."

"You're mincing words to no purpose, Doctor," Dr. Toshiro interrupted. "To me, you're drawing a distinction without a difference. Regardless of what kind of robot we're talking about or how complex it may be, we're still talking about a machine, basically, not a human being."

"Agreed, XJ-9 is not human," Dr. Wakeman conceded. "I'm not disputing that, but—"

"And that being the case, a machine is simply not capable of 'feeling sorry' for its actions. It lacks the uniquely-human emotions necessary to experience or even comprehend what the term means." She shook her head, grinning mirthlessly, as though pointing out a patently-obvious fact. "Why, the very idea is absurd! And a so-called 'scientist' ought to be above such foolishness!"

She concluded with a haughty toss of her head, as though she were discussing a subject so absurd as to be beneath her. The softly-spoken but chilling words shook Dr. Wakeman deeply, and her spirits plunged as she realized that this was indeed going to be a very uphill battle; perhaps even a hopeless cause…

Nevertheless, she steeled her nerves and forged ahead. "Um…if I might suggest…" she began, struggling to keep her tone tactful and conciliatory. "You earlier requested that we keep this discussion on a strictly-professional basis, and I agreed. I would therefore like to request that we keep it on that level, and not…allow personal rancor or insult to enter the discussion. Agreed?"

Dr. Toshiro frowned, and her jaw visibly clenched. After a moment's thought however, she grudgingly conceded the point and nodded. "Agreed," she said.

"Now, if I may return to the earlier point I was trying to make," Dr. Wakeman continued with just a trace of irritation. "XJ-9 is more than just your average, everyday robot. We're not talking about a simple, basic automaton designed to vacuum your carpets or mow your lawn. We're talking about a…an entity, utilizing the latest, most advanced, cutting-edge technology available—"

"Yes, yes, yes, I know!" Dr. Toshiro cut in, waving a hand dismissively. "You're speaking of its weaponry, correct? I'm well aware of all the taxpayer-funded armaments with which you equipped your robot, but I'm frankly not all that impressed by—"

"I'm not speaking of XJ-9's weaponry," Dr. Wakeman interrupted, determined to regain control of the discussion. "I'm speaking of her brain; her mind. You see, in addition to all her other high-advanced components, XJ-9 is also equipped with the most advanced, highly-complex and highly-developed Positronic brain, the structure, nature and functions of which are uncannily similar in many respects to those of a human brain."

"Frankly, Doctor, I find that very difficult to believe." Dr. Toshiro replied with an impatient sigh.

"Nevertheless, it's true," Dr. Wakeman went on. "XJ-9's Positronic-based artificial intelligence—her AI architecture if you will—is quite unique, unlike other, more conventional AI designs; literally light years ahead of almost every other design currently in existence. Now, since your field is neither robotics nor AI, you may not be aware of the vast, even radical advances that have taken place in the field of Positronic-based Artificial Intelligence just within the last few years; advances that would have been unimaginable only a few decades ago. As AI and robotics technology advances and becomes more sophisticated, the gap between organic and synthetic life becomes narrower and the line between the two has become somewhat…blurred. Such is the case with XJ-9. Her AI is based upon neither conventional hardware nor software per se, but rather upon an entirely new, cutting-edge technology which we call Wetware."

"Wetware," Dr. Toshiro echoed neutrally, but with her countenance displaying an openly skeptical expression.

"That's right," Dr. Wakeman went on. "An revolutionary new principle and approach to Positronic-based AI design. Neither entirely solid nor entirely liquid, but rather…something in between: a soft, gelatinous silicone material that is similar in some respects to the substance and consistency of the human brain, though much more durable. That's why we refer to it as 'Wetware.' There are a few other robots in the world that also make use of this new technology, so XJ-9 isn't the only one. But very few, and almost none with her level of complexity and development. And I'm not speaking exclusively of the physical structure of her Positronic brain either, but also the highly complex neural pathways within that brain as well. These neural pathways and patterns which form the matrix of her cortex, are not based upon a strictly algorithmic design, as in conventional computer programming, but are rather based almost entirely upon the principle of heuristics; from XJ-9's own personal firsthand experiences—again, much as the human brain forms neural pathways as the subject learns."

Dr. Toshiro continued to sit quietly, still betraying no emotion whatsoever other than a subtle one indicating a faint, almost passing, interest. Dr. Wakeman took the silence as a positive sign—after all, if the surgeon had any objections, she certainly would have raised them by now.

Dr. Wakeman continued, "Just as the space within our craniums is finite, thereby forcing Nature to maximize that space organically through the formation of complex convolutions consisting of intricate webs of microscopic neural pathways," she went on. "So too is the physical space within a Positronic brain finite as well. And we also face the same challenge that Nature has: To somehow maximize that space to the greatest extent possible. To achieve that, we've turned to the field of mathematics. Are you at all familiar with the subject of fractal imaging? How by means of a fairly simple mathematical formula, one is able to produce an almost infinite number of variant patterns, each one entirely unique and yet almost natural and organic in appearance—"

"I'm familiar with concept," Dr. Toshiro interrupted. "So if you're saying you used fractal imaging to program your robot…" She shrugged dismissively. "I suppose I should be impressed by that, but…honestly, I'm not. I frankly don't see the point. Or the purpose."

"The point and the purpose," Dr. Wakeman replied, struggling to remain calm. "Was to create synthetic neural pathways within a Positronic brain that were as similar as possible to those of a human brain. To create a synthetic brain that could think and perceive and reason the way a human brain does. And by applying the same principles as those used in fractal imaging, we've achieved that; we've succeeded in forming synthetic neural pathways in a Positronic brain that are almost human in nature, appearance…and function."

Catching the highly-skeptical look that remained on Dr. Toshiro's face, she quickly added, "Well, that's not really so hard to accept, is it? After all, the organic-like nature of fractals has long been recognized for nearly a century now, and the principles behind it have been successfully utilized and applied to many sciences; in fields as diverse as oceanography, marine biology, botany, meteorology, biophysics, environmental engineering, medical diagnostics and countless other life sciences. It should therefore be unsurprising that my field should also make use of the principle when designing and creating a Positronic-based artificial intelligence."

She paused for a moment, and studied Dr. Toshiro, who continued to stare blankly at her in total silence. Dr. Wakeman wasn't sure whether her listener was impressed with her knowledge, or merely convinced that she had completely lost her mind. Either way, she took advantage of the silence to continue expounding upon the subject.

"You see," she went on. "My goal for XJ-9 was not merely to try to mimic or copy any one specific human brain per se, but rather to use the structure and functions of a human brain as a model, somewhat the way an artist will use a model to paint a portrait or sculpt a statue; a kind of mimesis, if you will. The result is that XJ-9's brain is, for all intent and purposes, much more similar in structure, nature and functioning to a human brain, than to a more conventional, electronic or digitally-based synthetic brain. Consequently, her analytical processes, perception and behavior—how she thinks, feels, acts and reacts and interacts with her environment—are more akin to that of human thought and behavior than to those of an ordinary robot."

"No…no…no…" Dr. Toshiro interrupted, shaking her head as a frown crept over her features. "I can't accept that. While I don't dispute the advanced levels of the various technologies with which you work, or the level of ingenuity and expertise that went into the design and construction of your…" She hesitated. "Robotics projects, that is still a very, very different thing from a living organism. Living is living, and synthetic is synthetic. The two are literally worlds apart. And despite your very learned discourse on the subject, nothing you have stated thus far convinces me otherwise. A robot, a cyborg or an artificial intelligence, or whatever you may choose to call it, is not human being. It is therefore not capable of understanding or appreciating the subtle complexities involved with issues of morality; of right and wrong. Such concepts are purely, uniquely human in nature, and cannot be reproduced artificially. They can only come from lifelong experience, personal thought and reflection, and guided by a certain set of—for lack of a better term—spiritual or moral values of one kind or another. That being the case, a robot—however complex and sophisticated it may be, and utilizing whatever technology—is still ultimately nothing more than a machine following its programming. It cannot, quote unquote, 'feel sorry' for its actions."

"But she can, though!" Dr. Wakeman exclaimed. "That's what I'm saying! XJ-9 is capable of understanding such concepts as right and wrong! She may not be human, but her Positronic brain functions in a manner nearly identical to that of a human being! And she learns in a manner nearly identical to a human, too! Like any human being, most of what she knows she has learned from instruction from me, from her own abstract thought and logical deductions, and from her own firsthand experience. That's what I meant earlier when I spoke of heuristics. There is actually very little that was programmed into her prior to her activation; just the basics, involving the proper function of her systems, controlling and regulating such things as balance and coordination, certain basic motor functions, maintenance of equilibrium and so forth—what you might call the 'cerebellar functions;' her 'robotic homeostasis,' if you will. She was provided with a rudimentary understanding of right and wrong, but only a very basic one. For the most part, when she was first activated, she could be thought of as more or less a 'tabula rasa;' a 'blank slate,' if you will. The more subtle and complex aspects of morality she mostly had to learn herself, through instruction and experience. Just as anyone else does. And in the course of her operational life, XJ-9 has learned many things of this nature. She's come to understand the long-term consequences of her actions, and she's learned to consider the feelings, emotions and points of view of other people. It hasn't been an easy process for her, nor is it by any means complete, but she has continued to grow and evolve and develop over time, just as anyone else does. So…no, XJ-9 is not simply a machine following its programming! She is a person! A synthetic person, but a person just the same!" Try as she might, Dr. Wakeman could not prevent an increasingly indignant tone from creeping into her voice, reacting precisely as any parent would when their offspring has been insulted or unfairly slighted by someone.

"So you claim your robot learns from experience," Dr. Toshiro replied dismissively. "Again, I fail to be impressed by that. Just because your machine follows its programming and copies the behavior it records from its environment, that doesn't indicate the presence of what can accurately be termed 'a learning process.'" She smirked. "And even if it did, I fail to see that as a particularly noteworthy achievement, either. After all, even a mere earthworm is capable of learning from experience. I can show you studies in behavioral psychology, in which an earthworm learned to avoid receiving a shock from an electrified grid."

"But an earthworm is not capable of experiencing or expressing emotions!" Dr. Wakeman retorted.

Dr. Toshiro stared at Dr. Wakeman, utterly perplexed. "Emotions." She echoed tonelessly.

"That's right." Dr. Wakeman nodded. "Emotions. You see, in the early XJ prototypes, I discovered that this new Wetware-based Positronic AI technology began to exhibit the most peculiar and surprising reactions to various stimuli. These reactions really had me quite puzzled at first; I didn't quite know what to make of them! But as I studied them, I began to recognize these curious reactions as emotions! Synthetic emotions! As you can well imagine, I was quite skeptical myself at first; I could hardly believe what I was seeing. But as the evidence accumulated, it became overwhelming; I could not ignore it. As difficult as it was to believe, the evidence indicated that this new form of AI had somehow acquired the ability to experience emotions, and with some enhancements added later, even to express them. I therefore decided to equip the later XJ prototypes with the ability to process a wider variety of more complex emotions, as well as more effective and sophisticated means of expressing them. Refining and perfecting this capability took a very long time, but eventually I succeeded, with the result being that XJ-9 is quite capable of experiencing and expressing a full range of emotions," She paused, then concluded. "Including those emotions closely associated with remorse and regret. So you see—and to return to the point of your primary objection—XJ-9 is quite capable of 'feeling sorry.'"

"You mean your robot's capable of mimicking emotions," Dr. Toshiro replied coolly. "And, I assume, convincingly enough to fool you into believing they're genuine."

"No, it's not simple mimicry!" Dr. Wakeman exclaimed. "The reactions—the emotions—exhibited by XJ-9 and the other XJs seem to originate from somewhere within, rather than from any external source. They seem to be generated internally and spontaneously, as a specific and yet uniquely-individual response to a given stimuli, according to each unit's unique, individual perception and interpretation of that stimuli. In other words, each robot reacted differently to stimuli; no two sets of reactions were alike! This is especially true in the case of XJ-9. The specific reactions and responses that I've observed in her were never part of her programming, nor do they appear to have been copied from any external source—at least, none that I'm aware. Rather, they seem to originate internally, almost organically, as part of a natural growth and development process. These reactions were spontaneous, often unexpected, and yet wholly appropriate to a given situation and set of circumstances. That's why XJ-9 has the ability to laugh, cry, express joy—even elation!—as well as sorrow, remorse and regret. These latter emotions, need I point out, play a significant role in the understanding of issues of morality and the adherence to moral codes. Thus, in the case of XJ-9, the greater the wrong she has done, the greater the remorse she feels."

She paused, awaiting some reaction from Dr. Toshiro's quiet, stoic countenance. She couldn't tell whether or not her words had any effect on changing the surgeon's opinions for the better; her grim countenance remained entirely unreadable.

"Well…" Dr. Toshiro said at last. "That is merely your opinion, Doctor. Your opinion. An opinion whose objectivity I tend to question. My opinion however remains unchanged. And in my opinion, you've drawn the wholly-unfounded conclusion that your robot has emotions, based upon an inaccurate, highly-flawed and highly-subjective interpretation of its ability to mimic emotions."

"Flawed?" Dr. Wakeman challenged. "How can you say that my interpretation is flawed? Or inaccurate?"

"Simple. You're projecting your own entirely-subjective emotions and values onto an inanimate object; in this case, your robot—or rather, your robot's behavior. You're attributing to it certain specific human qualities which it does not possess. And in so doing, you see what you want to see, rather than what is actually there. In reality, your robot is, of course, simply copying and imitating the behavior and reactions that it has recorded from human behavior, rather like a parrot repeating the words and phrases it hears, but without understanding their meaning. So yes, your interpretation is flawed; merely projection on your part, that's all. Simple projection; probably as part of the same syndrome that causes you refer to your robot as a 'daughter,' but we'll leave that issue aside for now."

Dr. Wakeman shifted uncomfortably in her chair and she began to frown. "Look," she began. "I can well understand your skepticism about all of this. I'm sure that, for you, as a relative layman when it comes to robotics and AI, this must all be extremely difficult to believe or accept. As I said, I had great difficulty believing it myself at first. But these are not solely my own observations! Or interpretations! Others have also observed this phenomenon, and they've drawn the same conclusions that I have. As difficult as it may be for you to believe, the data—the evidence—is there, and it will back up everything I'm telling you. All you have to do is look at it."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, oh really!" Dr. Wakeman snapped back, in an uncharacteristic sharpness of tone. "And let me ask you this: If, as you say, a robot cannot experience emotions, then how do you account for XJ-9's extreme reaction and response during the…" she hesitated. "Incident in question? Can you offer any other explanation for her behavior? A reaction that, in a human being, could only be described as a classic anger-reaction? A person 'losing their temper,' so to speak?"

Dr. Toshiro didn't even blink. "Of course," she said, with supreme confidence. "Since it was one of your creations, I can only assume that it simply malfunctioned, that's all. Perhaps it sustained a short-circuit, or part of its programming contained a bug that resulted in a processing-error. Or any one of a thousand other perfectly logical explanations to account for its failure. Given your track-record, I'd say that seems as likely an explanation as any."

Dr. Wakeman clenched her jaw and she felt her temper rise. But before she could respond to the thinly-veiled, backhanded insult, Dr. Toshiro continued.

"At any rate, and regardless of what your so-called evidence shows," the young surgeon went on. "And regardless of whatever satisfaction you may derive from thinking of a robot in human terms, the fact remains that it is not a human being, and so it lacks the very-human characteristic known as a 'conscience,' without which it therefore also lacks the ability to distinguish right from wrong, as we understand the concepts. So for that reason alone, it cannot truthfully be said to 'feel sorry' for its actions."

"Now, I'm glad that you've raised that very point!" Dr. Wakeman exclaimed, beaming widely as her mood brightened for the first time. "Because the fact is that XJ-9 actually does have a conscience! A Conscience Program, in fact, which I've taken great pains to design and integrate into her most basic, elementary programming!"

"A 'Conscience Program.'" Dr. Toshiro repeated the words with thinly-veiled scorn.

"That's right."

Dr. Toshiro grinned mockingly. "Somehow, I had a feeling you were going to say something like that!" Her tone indicated an absolute refusal to take the idea seriously.

Dr. Wakeman ignored the remark and the mocking tone, and continued. "You see, for many years now, I've—"

"Although," Dr. Toshiro interrupted, her grin widening and her voice now fairly dripping with ridicule. "It does seem to somewhat contradict what you said earlier, about your robot having been programmed with nothing more than a very-rudimentary sense of right and wrong, but…"

"No, no, that doesn't contradict what I said," Dr. Wakeman corrected her. "The basic programming of right and wrong to which I referred earlier is, in fact, only a small part of the Conscience-Program; the remainder is more complex, more subtle in its nature and design, allowing XJ-9 to evaluate and analyze real-life situations in real time, guiding her decision-making processes, and enhancing her ability to use good critical judgment." She paused, then finished in a slightly-altered tone, as she searched for the most euphemistic way to express the rest of the thought. "And…when she occasionally…well, gets things wrong," she said. "And…uses questionable judgment, then…the conscience-program makes her feel guilty, or sorry for her actions."

Dr. Toshiro smirked and nodded condescendingly. "If you say so…" she replied. From her manner and tone, it was clear that she still didn't believe a word Dr. Wakeman said, but would, for the time being, continue listening. "Continue…" she said with a wave of the hand.

"Very well," Dr. Wakeman continued, with a faintly-irritated edge to her voice. "You see, for many years, I've been well aware of the moral implications involved with constructing an enormously powerful automaton—a robot—that is free from direct human control. And in fact, I've had to face the consequences of that issue myself in the past, when I—"

"If you're speaking about your Armagedroid fiasco," Dr. Toshiro interrupted. "I'm already familiar with that disgraceful story."

Dr. Wakeman stared in astonishment at the young surgeon. "But…but that was years ago!" she exclaimed. "You couldn't possibly know about that! Not the full story, certainly!"

"True, it did technically happen before my time. Nevertheless, I have learned enough of the details to be reasonably familiar with it, and to know that it only confirms what I already knew in my heart—and in fact, only proves my point! That Robots lack the ability to distinguish between right and wrong! And it is their lack of such ability that makes them so dangerous, and the consequences of their actions so devastating! Even disastrous! As in that infamous case!"

"Well, I…I…" Dr. Wakeman stammered as she struggled to come up with an adequate defense. "While I admit that…that particular project ended in failure, it doesn't necessarily mean that—"

"All those valuable resources!" Dr. Toshiro continued to fume. "All those millions of taxpayer-dollars, wasted! Utterly wasted! And for what? To build a gigantic robot that ultimately proved to be a greater threat to our lives and liberties than the very danger from which it was intended to protect us in the first place!" She shook her head in disgust. "Madness! Sheer madness! And utterly pointless as well! How on earth you ever managed to get funding again for any project after that is beyond me!" she added, as if to rub extra salt into a wound.

Dr. Wakeman winced at the harsh words. It was a painful sticking-point for her, but a true one, although she hated to admit it. Her Armagedroid project had ended in complete disaster, and she didn't like to be reminded of it.

She drew a deep breath, struggling to bolster her confidence. "Well…as I said…I admit that experiment was…not successful. However—"

"'Not successful'!" Dr. Toshiro snorted derisively. "If that isn't the understatement of the century!"

"Doctor, please! What I'm trying to tell you is that I learned from the experience. I—"

"Oh, so in other words, given enough chances to fail, then sooner or later you may get it right eventually?" Dr. Toshiro snapped. "Is that it?"

Dr. Wakeman sighed, her eyes closed. "Doctor…if you will kindly allow me to finish and make my point," she eyed the surgeon with a reproachful glare. "What I'm trying to tell you is that I learned some valuable lessons from Armagedroid, and I applied those lessons in designing of all my later robots from then on, including XJ-9! After Armagedroid, I never again built a robot without some means of internal behavior control. In the case of XJ-9, this took the form of her Conscience Program, as I said. I refer to it as such because its design is based upon the same principles upon which a human conscience is formed during the crucial early years of childhood development."

"And I suppose you'll tell me that the conduct of your XJ-9 is an example of how splendidly this…'conscience program' of yours works, is that it?" Dr. Toshiro asked in a mocking tone.

"Well…yes, actually…" Dr. Wakeman replied matter-of-factly. "For the most, part, I'd say her conscience program works quite well, in fact."

"By attacking my son!" Dr. Toshiro exclaimed. "I'm sorry Doctor, but I fail to see that as an sterling example of the trustworthiness of robots—especially one of yours!"

Dr. Wakeman closed her eyes and sighed in weary exasperation. "Doctor…" she said. "I have already agreed that XJ-9's conduct during that…unfortunate incident was inexcusable. I've already conceded and admitted that point, and I've taken full responsibility for it as well, as does XJ-9. So since we both agree on that one point, might I suggest that we move past it and not continually return to it, endlessly arguing in circles over it?"

Dr. Toshiro eyed Dr. Wakeman coldly. "Very well," she said after a beat. "We'll leave it aside for now and move on, as you request—although I do not for one moment concede the point about your robot 'taking responsibility' for its actions, as I still don't believe that's possible, and for reasons I've already explained. This…this 'conscience program' of which you speak, I'm sure you must be very proud of your work and all, but I for one fail to be impressed with it. For all its complexity, it's still essentially artificial in nature, and it is simply not possible for any artificial construct to replicate the intangible, uniquely-human quality known as a 'conscience.'" She leaned back in her chair with a self-satisfied smile as she shook her head. "It cannot be done."

"You are wrong, Doctor…" Dr. Wakeman shook her head sadly. "You are so wrong…"

"No, Dr. Wakeman," Dr. Toshiro replied, her smile widening. "I'm right. And I'm very sorry for you that you are unable to see that I'm right, just as you're unable or unwilling to accept the plain, simple truth of the matter for what it is."

Dr. Wakeman clenched her jaw and glowered at the surgeon opposite her. Inside, she was fuming, though she struggled mightily not to show it. It was becoming increasingly difficult for her to hold her temper in check, and it now threatened to flare openly to the surface.

"With all due respect, Doctor," she said with quiet, reserved intensity. "You are the one who is both unwilling and unable to accept the truth, not I. And for the record, you are also mistaken if you believe that my assessment of XJ-9's ability to feel remorse over her actions is merely a 'subjective projection' on my part. You seem to forget that I am, first and foremost, a scientist. When I arrive at conclusions in my work, they are based upon nothing but objective observation, cold, hard reason, and through analysis of facts—cold, hard, verifiable facts! That being the case, I can truthfully state that my assessments and conclusions about XJ-9 are based upon nothing but firsthand and objective observation and analysis of facts, all fully documented and supported by copious amounts of data, which I've been accumulating over a number of years as her creator and system operator. Everything I've told you about her is fully supported by that data; I've fabricated nothing. Now I would be more than happy to share this data with you to examine if you wish! In fact, I would strongly encourage you to do so. Look at the evidence for yourself, and draw your own conclusions."

"What evidence is there to look at?" Dr. Toshiro asked. "The only fact one needs to consider is a fairly simple one: A machine is not a human being. It is quite literally as simple as that. One need not look beyond that simple, unalterable fact. And despite your best efforts to obfuscate the issue with a lot of irrelevant, abstruse technical jargon and concepts, that is still the main, cardinal issue at hand here."

"Well, it's really not quite so simple as that," Dr. Wakeman said, her voice strained. "You see—"

"And who must bear the final responsibility when that machine malfunctions, as it inevitably will?" Dr. Toshiro eyed Dr. Wakeman narrowly, and she felt a chill run down her spine. "Its creator, that's who! You must ultimately bear the final responsibility for what your robot has done, what it continues to do…and what it might do in the future!

"I'm aware of that too, Doctor, but—"

"Then why do you continue to evade and avoid that responsibility?"

"Doctor, I'm not avoiding or evading anything!"

"Yes, you are! You still continue to evade and avoid the responsibility by shifting it to your robot, with all this foolish nonsense about a 'conscience program'! You do so because you cannot face the moral implications involved with your robot's actions, or the potential harm that it could do in the future—and probably will!"

"Doctor, let me be absolutely clear!" Dr. Wakeman exclaimed. "For the last time, I take full responsibility for the actions of XJ-9! And I am fully aware of the moral implications involved, too! That's the entire point of what I'm saying! That is precisely why I went to great lengths to create a conscience program for XJ-9 in the first place!" She paused to take a deep breath. Good lord! She thought in frustration. Doesn't this woman ever listen?

Doctor Toshiro shook her head. "All you're doing is passing on the responsibility to an inanimate object," she replied quietly. "And that, Doctor, is not only absurd, but it is itself highly irresponsible as well."

"No, Doctor, for the last time," an impatient, irritated edge crept into Dr. Wakeman's voice, despite her best efforts to keep her temper under control. "I am not evading, avoiding or passing any responsibility! What I am trying to do is explain to you some basic scientific facts; that all the latest evidence available supports my contention that Wetware-based Positronic AIs, the type which forms the matrix of XJ-9's synthetic brain, is capable of understanding issues and concepts related to morality—the distinction between 'right' and 'wrong—as well as matters involving personal responsibility and accountability. This has been thoroughly verified and replicated again and again, not only by myself, but many others in my field, operating independently of one another, throughout the world, in study after study, test after test, both in controlled laboratory environments and in real-life scenarios and situations, and they've all arrived at the same conclusions. The general consensus confirms the hypothesis that advanced Wetware-based Positronic AIs, when properly governed by an internal controller or governor—a 'conscience program,' if you will—are capable of grasping and resolving even the most abstract, complex and challenging of moral quandaries—even those which are challenging enough to a human mind!"

She paused, allowing Dr. Toshiro a moment to fully absorb the words. "And according to the scientific method," she went on. "Any experiment which can be replicated repeatedly and independently of the controller conducting it, and is therefore adequately safeguarded against any possible bias, and yet still achieves the same result, is and must be accepted as a scientific fact."

Dr. Wakeman concluded her brief but thorough lecture, and Dr. Toshiro merely watched her in complete, stony-faced silence.

Dr. Wakeman took the silence as a positive, even hopeful sign. At last! She thought. I think I may have finally gotten through to her! She finally seems to understand! At the very least, she's no longer arguing or denying the facts!

It was a small victory, but a significant one, and Dr. Wakeman leaned back in her chair, allowing herself a brief, satisfied smile as she savored the moment.

Finally, Dr. Toshiro spoke. "These…studies of which you speak," she began. "I haven't read them obviously, but I assume they're based upon observation of the behavior of your robot or others like it; their responses to various stimuli, or to the various questions or hypotheses, correct?"

"Well…they're considerably more complicated and involved than that, but—"

"Yes, yes, I know; but basically, we're still talking about the same thing, correct? Namely, a robot responding to various stimuli, questions or hypotheses: yes or no?"

"Well…technically, and putting it very, very simply in layman's terms, yes, but—"

"And those responses, whatever they may be, whether verbal or physical behavior and mannerisms, and however they're evaluated, and regardless of who's doing the evaluating," She narrowed her gaze. "These observed responses…well, they could still be nothing more than simple mimicry of human behavior and speech patterns, couldn't they? Just as I said earlier? Or, as you might inaccurately phrase it, 'learning from experience.'"

Dr. Wakeman slowly closed her eyes and shook her head. "No, Doctor… No. That does not appear to be the case at all. As I thought I made clear to you, the evidence seems to indicate quite the opposite, that—"

"But it's possible, is it not?" Dr. Toshiro countered, refusing to concede the point. "Since science must also always be open to the possibility of error; of being mistaken or incorrect in one's assumptions or conclusions…isn't that so?"

"Well—" Dr. Wakeman flustered for a moment, an all-too-rare occurrence for her. "Yes, technically, then I suppose I would have to say that it is possible, but—"

"And that there is, in fact, nothing beneath these responses that would indicate the presence of anything resembling an actual human consciousness? Or a conscience either, for that matter. Or…" She hesitated. "A soul?" She dropped her voice, clearly uncomfortable to be addressing a subject so far outside of her field, yet unable to entirely avoid the issue either. "You could, in fact, be speaking of nothing more than a patterned series of digital impulses, rather like a recording of sights, sounds and movement on a given storage-medium. And that you're simply reading more into it than is actually there. Isn't that possible?"

"Well, as I've already conceded Doctor," Dr. Wakeman began, taking a deep, patient breath. "I'm not claiming that XJ-9 has a human mind, consciousness or conscience! I've already conceded that those are all entirely synthetic! What I did say is that the design of her brain and mind are based upon the structure and functions of a human brain, and that it functions similarly to a human brain as a result. And at any rate, just because XJ-9's mind is non-human, that doesn't make it any less real! Or legitimate!"

She took a quick catch-breath and settled back into her chair as she continued. "And I don't believe the behaviors exhibited by XJ-9 are simple mimicry, either. As I've also already explained to you, the full range of emotional reactions and responses that I've observed in her were never programmed into her. Nor has she ever, to my knowledge, ever observed them in the behavior of others. For the first five years of her operational life in fact, she was kept in near-total isolation, with virtually no contact with other people whatsoever. So these behaviors and emotional responses must have originated internally, rather than externally, as there is no other source from which they could have originated."

"Wait just a moment," Dr. Toshiro countered "Did you say that your robot spent the first five years of its existence in isolation?"

From the way Dr. Toshiro asked the question, Dr. Wakeman immediately got the sinking feeling that she'd somehow made some sort of mistake or misstep, although she couldn't imagine what it could be. She hesitated before she replied, "Yes…yes, I did."

"Well then, wouldn't that increase the likelihood of its becoming socially maladjusted? Perhaps even making it essentially a sociopath as a result? A synthetic sociopath? And if so, then doesn't that only weaken your argument about it supposedly knowing or recognizing the difference between 'right' and 'wrong'? After all, few human sociopaths are even capable of making that distinction." Dr. Toshiro shook her head. "I mean, even if your robot had an actual consciousness to begin with—which I still don't accept. Either way, it certainly doesn't appear to help support your case that your robot has anything resembling 'human' emotions, let alone a human—or human-like—'conscience.'"

Dr. Wakeman sighed in exasperation; she was frankly getting tired of this. Trying to reason with Dr. Toshiro was like beating one's head against a brick wall.

She took a deep breath and tried again. "Well," she began. "All I can say is that I have seen no evidence of XJ-9 being socially maladjusted. Or being a…" she hesitated, as she could scarcely utter the phrase. "'synthetic sociopath,' as you put it. Quite the contrary, in fact. When XJ-9 has done something wrong, believe me, she knows it! So as far as I'm concerned, the evidence is clear that her conscience-program does function, in which case, it rules out any question about her being a…synthetic sociopath.'"

"Well, you'd just better hope and pray that you're right about that," Dr. Toshiro replied grimly with a chilling scowl. "Because God help you if you're wrong!"

Dr. Wakeman ignored the remark and continued. "And I must correct you on another point as well; your belief that robots lack a consciousness. There are, in fact, a number of robots and AIs all over the world that not only have consciousness, but have even achieved sentience, or self-awareness. XJ-9 is only one such example."

"That is merely your assessment Doctor," Dr. Toshiro replied. "An assessment whose objectivity, reliability…and credibility I would seriously question, as I said before. As with your statement about your robot having 'emotions' or a 'conscience,' you are merely re-defining such terms to fit your preconceived notions and assumptions, but the definitions of these words are not elastic! They have specific meanings and cannot be made to fit where they do not apply, simply because you want them to!"

"Doctor, I am not re-defining anything!" Dr. Wakeman exclaimed. "I am a scientist after all, and believe me, I am very precise in my use of terms!"

Dr. Toshiro's only response was to look away, as though pretending she hadn't heard, while she took a long swallow of espresso.

Dr. Wakeman looked at the young surgeon in utter bafflement and shook her head. "I must say that I frankly find your entire attitude difficult to comprehend," she said. "I truly cannot fathom it. I would think that anyone who has had training in the sciences would have a more open mind and be somewhat more receptive to new ideas and concepts, however unusual they might be. And yet you refuse to seethe evidence even when it's presented before you; evidence which, ironically enough, your own son was able to see immediately..."

"Evidence of what, precisely?"

"That XJ-9 is a person!" Dr. Wakeman replied quietly but vehemently. "She is a form of life! Yes, she's a different form of life. Yes, she is not like us; she is not human. She's not even organic. But she is still a form of life, nonetheless! Synthetic life! Positronic-based life! Life with all the same emotions, desires, interests and passions and yes, feelings, as those that motivate and drive each and every one of us!"

"Again, those are just your own opinions, Doctor," Dr. Toshiro coolly replied. "They're not facts, not evidence. Just opinions. And highly questionable, highly-subjective opinions at that." She smirked. "Unlike you however, I do not confuse subjective opinions with objective facts."

Dr. Wakeman fought the urge to sigh out loud, roll her eyes and simply get up and walk out the door. I give up! She thought. There's just no talking to this woman! She's just impossible! She's the most obstinate person I've ever had to deal with in my entire life!

But before she could respond, Dr. Toshiro spoke again. "I also thoroughly disapprove of your entire profession to begin with," she said with an arrogant toss of her head. "But…that is a separate issue."

Dr. Wakeman's mouth dropped open, her eyebrows raised nearly to her hairline. "Excuse me?!" she half-cried, nearly dropping her cup of coffee onto the floor.

"Nothing against you personally," Dr. Toshiro clarified in a cool, condescending tone and raising a hand as though to quiet a spoiled child throwing a tantrum. "And yes, yes, I'm fully aware of your long list of achievements in your field, however impressive they may be," her tone clearly indicated that she wasn't the least bit impressed at all. "I'm sure you must be very proud of your work, such as it is and of whatever value it may be, or whatever purpose it may serve." Dr. Toshiro didn't even bother to conceal the low regard she had for Dr. Wakeman's profession, as though the roboticist's long list of achievements was little more than a free prize offered in a box of cereal. "I just happen to believe that your profession is a wholly misguided one, that's all."

Dr. Wakeman folded her arms and glowered at Dr. Toshiro in cold, silent fury. "Well then," she said. "I should be very interested to know precisely why you 'disapprove' of my profession, and why you believe it is 'misguided.'" Though her tone remained polite, it also contained a sharp, vitriolic undertone as well. "Would you care to explain that, please?"

"Certainly," Dr. Toshiro coolly replied. "It's because your career, your entire field, is based entirely upon artificiality; upon the man-made and the synthetic. Robotics, and what those in your profession choose to call, 'Artificial Intelligence.' All of it. I think they're all based upon the wrong set of priorities."

Dr. Wakeman began to grind her teeth, her frown deepening. "Is that so?" she challenged.

"Quite so," Dr. Toshiro replied with supreme calm. "Even though, as I said, I still don't believe that what you've created constitutes true 'intelligence' per se, we'll leave that issue aside for the moment as well. For the sake of argument, we'll assume that your premise is valid, that what you've created does constitute true 'intelligence,' though artificial in nature and origin. But you see, that is precisely my point! It's artificial! And no matter how sophisticated it may be, or how much you and other professionals in your field may try to perfect it, and no matter how much you may dance around the issue, embellishing and obfuscating it with a lot of elaborate sophistry and incomprehensible technical jargon and doubletalk—and even re-defining and misusing the most basic of terms!—At the end of the day, we're still talking about the same thing. It is what it is and will always remain: artificial; nothing more. And by focusing only on the artificial as you do, you waste valuable time, money, resources and energy that could be better spent on far more worthy endeavors. You overlook and ignore the far more important priorities we should be focused on."

"Such as?" Dr. Wakeman asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, life, obviously!" Dr. Toshiro exclaimed, as though it were the most obvious answer in the world, one which didn't even bear mentioning. "Real life! Natural life! Organic life! And so far as it concerns us in the here and now, and in my field in particular, the preservation, enhancement and improvement of human life! That is the only priority that matters to me; the only one that should matter to anyone! And in my opinion, all the achievements of your profession, however impressive they may be on their own dubious merits, have actually contributed very little to human life. Oh, certainly, some technological innovations over the years may have made certain tasks a little easier and more convenient for people, thereby freeing up more luxury time for them, and sparing them the more arduous, and even backbreaking labors of ages past. I don't deny that. And I'm certainly not advocating a return to a pre-Nineteenth Century purely-agrarian existence, either. But so far as your robotics and AI fields are concerned, I fail to see where they contribute to human life in any significant, meaningful way, really. In fact, I consider them nothing more than pointless, wasteful distractions— wasteful because, as I said, they take away valuable resources that could be better used elsewhere."

"No, no, no!" Dr. Wakeman declared, shaking her and raising her voice to meet the challenge. "I disagree completely! While I agree with you that human life and its preservation should be our absolute highest priority—I agree with you wholeheartedly on that point, one hundred percent!I disagree when you claim that robotics is either pointless or wasteful! Why, the number of beneficial contributions that robots have made to human society over the decades are incalculable! Starting with—"

"Rubbish!" Dr. Toshiro interrupted with a dismissive wave of her hand. "And I'll tell you something else, too! Not only is your profession wasteful and misguided, it's also downright dangerous!"

"Dangerous?!" Dr. Wakeman half-cried, slapping the palms of her hands upon on the tabletop. Though she had tried to remain patient throughout the discussion up to this point, that patience now approached its breaking-point. "Now you really must explain that one, Doctor! How exactly is my profession dangerous?" she asked.

"Well, let's start with the immediate physical danger to humanity posed by robots in general," Dr. Toshiro replied as her face grew dark. "The…attack by your robot upon my son being just one particularly egregious example! Or your Armagedroid debacle, to name another! Both are extreme examples, written in large, bold, broad strokes, of the kind of danger I'm talking about!"

"Doctor, as I've already explained to you," Dr. Wakeman said. "XJ-9 is sorry for what she did—"

But Dr. Toshiro raised a hand to stop her. "Oh, don't start that nonsense again!" she interrupted. "I don't want to hear it. Besides, I'm not speaking exclusively of either of those two cases alone. I only mention them just to illustrate a larger point: Namely, the inherent dangers of your profession, in the possibility—the likely possibility!—that your robot or another one like it, will go on another violent rampage someday, again without warning or provocation, and possibly end up killing someone this time!" Her entire petite frame trembled as she spoke, as though to lend even greater force to her words. "Now extrapolate that threat-level by the thousands, or tens of thousands of robots currently in this world, and the infinitely-greater number of robots there will likely be in the future, and you have some idea of the magnitude of the danger I'm talking about! Yet you and too many others in your profession refuse to see that danger, or accept the responsibility for it."

Dr. Wakeman shook her head. "No…no, I won't accept that! If you're trying to tell me that robotics technology is some sort of Frankenstein monster that could ultimately destroy us, then I really must disagree! Furthermore, I don't believe the human race is so fragile that it could ever be destroyed by anything which we ourselves create!"

"Do you deny that science and technology have occasionally been misused in the past?" Dr. Toshiro challenged. "And in ways and on scales of magnitude that have threatened mankind's very existence?" She paused. "You cannot be that naïve, Doctor!"

The question caught Dr. Wakeman a bit off-guard. Although she should have anticipated it to come up at some point in the discussion, she didn't, and as a result, she now found herself at something of a loss to respond.

She shook her head. "No," she answered quietly. "I don't deny that. Historically, science and technology have sometimes been misused. That is an unfortunate, but undeniable fact. And it is a danger of which I myself have long been aware, as I said, and against which I've taken great pains to guard in my design of XJ-9."

She caught the look of irritation on Dr. Toshiro's face. "Yes, yes, I know you still have doubts about XJ-9's conscience-program. Nevertheless, it is a fact that she does have one, and it does work, and quite well, despite your doubts."

"And despite your sanguine but empty assurances about it," Dr. Toshiro shot back. "The potential dangers of misuse inherent in your profession still remain. You cannot deny that."

"No, I don't deny it," Dr. Wakeman acknowledged. "And yes, there will always be the potential for misuse in my profession. But the same can be said for any profession, including the medical profession!"

Dr. Toshiro blinked, as though caught totally by surprise, after which the frown on her face intensified.

"Or do you deny that there have been certain doctors or other medical professionals in history who have misused their knowledge and training?" Dr. Wakeman challenged. "Certain…deranged, even psychotic individuals, who misused their knowledge even to commit murder? Even—" she hesitated. "Even mass murder?"

Dr. Toshiro didn't answer, but shifted her gaze away.

"So you see," Dr. Wakeman went on. "Some degree of that danger exists within virtually any profession. 'Knowledge is power,' as the saying goes, and with that power, there goes also the responsibility to use it wisely, morally and ethically." She paused. "Every professional in any field carries that responsibility." She grinned crookedly. "Even the CPA who does my taxes every year!"

"Yes, but when a member of your profession misuses their knowledge, the consequences are far more dire than when a CPA makes a mistake and shorts the IRS a few dollars on a tax-return!" Dr. Toshiro snorted. "So again, the question remains: what happens when a member of your profession creates something—whether intentionally or otherwise—that poses a danger to the public?" she challenged. "What then?"

"Well, perhaps I may be a bit naïve," Dr. Wakeman replied with a touch of sarcasm. "But I believe there are laws in place to handle such matters." Yet even as she said this, she could not help but recall the other robotics scientists she had encountered over the years, who had misused their creations for unethical, or even criminal purposes.

"But the laws act after the fact, after the damage has been done, correct?" Dr. Toshiro countered. "And that does nothing to undo the damage…does it?"

"No…" Dr. Wakeman acknowledged with difficulty; it was a painful truth, but one which could not be avoided. "Nevertheless," she went on. "I still maintain and hold the belief that ultimately, mankind's ability to conceive and create new technology is, must be, and will always be guided by what Lincoln called 'The Better Angels of our Nature.' What man's mind can conceive and create, man's conscience can—and indeed, must!—control."

Dr. Toshiro remained silent for a long moment, as she weighed and reflected upon Dr. Wakeman's obviously heartfelt words. At last, she replied, quietly and soberly, "That…is a very noble, perhaps even admirable view, Doctor," she said. "But…it is also, unfortunately, a woefully naïve and unrealistic one as well."

"Perhaps it is," Dr. Wakeman acknowledged. "But it is, at the very least, a view that is based upon an inarguably human morality and set of ethical beliefs…wouldn't you agree?" she paused, allowing the words to resonate. "One which, I think we could also both agree, is absolutely essential to any profession." She paused again, then added softly, "And isn't that ultimately what counts in the end?"

Dr. Toshiro fell silent, frowning, as though unsure exactly how to respond. At last her frown diminished slightly, and she conceded with an almost imperceptible nod. "Perhaps…I suppose it could be so argued," She said grudgingly. "Nevertheless, I still remain convinced that robotics technology poses a far greater threat to humanity than any other field of study. My opinion remains absolutely unchanged on that point."

Inwardly, Dr. Wakeman struggled to avoid sighing out loud in exasperation; she had never encountered anyone so intractably stubborn in all her life.

Deciding to try a different approach, she forged ahead undeterred. "Well, look here," she said. "You speak of robotics technology as though it were some kind of enemy, one that has only harmed mankind, or has the potential to do so. But you overlook and ignore the many, many ways in which robots have benefited mankind! And I don't mean simply by making certain tasks or labors easier or more convenient for people, either. Countless occupations and professions have benefited from robotics, including your profession!"

Dr. Toshiro's interest perked up slightly at Dr. Wakeman's reference to the medical field. The frown that she had formerly worn had diminished even further, and she seemed to be at least…somewhat interested now—at least interested enough to continue listening without further interruption.

"As you must no doubt realize, medical science has benefited enormously from countless technological developments and innovations over the years," Dr. Wakeman went on. "Including developments and innovations in robotics applications. Take nanobyte technology for example, used to repair damaged cells and tissues at the microscopic level, or to remove or destroy otherwise-inoperable malignant cells. Nanobots have even been used to mend broken or torn nerve-tissue at the microscopic level, something that's never even been possible before! Or take so-called 'wearable robotics,' to name another example; the development of highly-sophisticated and articulated prosthetics, used to treat amputees, stroke victims and other victims of paralysis. In these and countless other ways, medicine has benefited enormously from advanced applications of robotics technology!"

She paused, allowing the young surgeon to absorb her words. After a few moments' thought, Dr. Toshiro nodded and replied, very quietly, "I…will admit that some robotics technology may have some value; that it may be of some use in some applications and treatments." She paused and cocked her head. "Even a broken clock is right twice a day, after all."

But then her expression turned cold and hard once again. "But unless I've been very misinformed, I don't believe that you personally have been involved in the development of either nanotechnology or robotic prosthetics, yet you speak as though you were! As though you're somehow taking credit for the work pioneered and performed by others!" She spoke the words sharply, their implicit, backhanded insult sending a chill down Dr. Wakeman's spine.

"No, no, no!" Dr. Wakeman hastily countered. "You misunderstand! I'm not suggesting that! I simply mention these examples to illustrate—"

"Yes, yes, I know that wasn't your intention." Dr. Toshiro replied smugly, as though she'd just scored some sort of victory. "But I'm still waiting to hear some examples of your particular branch of robotics having improved or extended anyone's life. Or," she added with a contemptuous smirk. "For that matter, being of any value or benefit to anyone."

"I was just coming to that," Dr. Wakeman said, her beaming smile returning, along with her self-confidence. "In fact, I've been saving that for the last. Because when it comes to saving lives, by any standards, by any robot within recent history, I can point to no finer example than XJ-9! Why, in the past seven years alone since she first became activated and fully operational as Earth's Global Response Unit, she's saved countless millions of lives, in countries all over the world! She's assisted in numerous rescue operations during natural disasters; she helps fight crime on a regular, ongoing basis; she battles gigantic, rampaging monsters; she's helped prevent wars from breaking out between hostile nations; and on more than one occasion, she's even defended the entire earth against invading armadas of hostile aliens! I could go on and on. When you add all of these together, why, I truly couldn't even estimate the number of lives she must have saved over the years; the number must be astronomical! Now, if you pay any attention at all to the news, you must surely be aware of this! You must know that it's true!" She paused, convinced that Dr. Toshiro would have no choice but to concede this point if nothing else. "Now, you must grant me that much, at the very least." She added, in a softer tone.

Grudgingly, Dr. Toshiro finally replied. "I…am aware of the reports," she said, as much of a concession on the point as Dr. Wakeman was ever likely to receive, she knew.

"So you see," Dr. Wakeman went on. "That in itself is something you share in common with XJ-9. You're both dedicated to saving lives, although in very different ways. And you've both done so countless times over the years! Isn't that so?" She paused, then concluded in a softer, more conciliatory tone. "And isn't that really what counts in the end? The final, ultimate purpose of it all? After all, you yourself said as much: that human life—and the saving and preservation of it—should be our absolute top priority."

But Dr. Toshiro merely shrugged. "It's not the same," she declared simply, taking a casual sip of espresso. "Your robot is merely following its programming, that's all. It in no way compares to my profession, the dedication required for it, or the daily struggles involved in it."

Dr. Wakeman slapped the palm of her hand onto the table surface. "Doctor, are you dismissing the value of all the lives saved by XJ-9?" she cried in frustration. "Are you? Because if you are, then you are the one who is unable and unwilling to face the truth, not me!"

"I don't deny that your robot may have its uses," Dr. Toshiro replied, her voice insolent and maddeningly calm. "I simply state an obvious fact: what it does is not the same as what I do every day in the operating room."

"Well, what difference does it make, as long as lives are saved?" Dr. Wakeman demanded. "You yourself said that human lives are what really count! Well, do they or don't they? And if they do count, and they are saved, then what does it matter who saves them? Or how? Or where?"

"It matters," Dr. Toshiro said quietly. "It matters to me."

"But why? Why does it matter?"

"Because one involves the human factor, obviously," Dr. Toshiro replied casually, as though the answer should be plainly obvious. "And the other does not. And there simply is no replacing the human factor. It's as simple as that."

"Well yes, I understand that, Doctor," Dr. Wakeman said. "But that's hardly the point, is it? The point is to save lives, isn't it?"

Dr. Toshiro shook her head. "You just don't understand," she said evasively.

"But I do understand!" Dr. Wakeman exclaimed. "And believe me, I am not trying to minimize the importance of your profession or the value of the human factor in it, or your own personal dedication to it. Far from it. I'm simply trying to establish that, like you, I also happen to place an enormously high value and priority on saving lives! And so does XJ-9! That is her entire purpose, in fact!"

Dr. Toshiro merely shrugged again and shook her head. "It's not the same," she repeated calmly, taking a long drink of her espresso.

Dr. Wakeman sighed loudly in frustration, closing her eyes and raking her fingers through her hair, causing it to bristle even more than it already did. Good lord…! She thought. This woman is impossible! Maddening! Truly maddening! She is quite literally like talking to a brick wall! Honestly, I've dealt with some hard cases before, both in Skyway Patrol and on Capitol Hill, but this lady tops them all! She's about the toughest nut I've ever had to crack!

"Besides," Dr. Toshiro went on. "Whatever…uses your robot may have served in the past, I'm still not convinced that it is all that essential anyway, or that there is even a need for such a thing as a 'Global Response Unit' in the first place. In my opinion, the task of protecting the Earth could probably be handled just as well, if not better, by Skyway Patrol, local Civil-Defense units and…various branches of the military."

Dr. Wakeman shook her head. "No, that's unfortunately not true," she said. "And I happen to know whereof I speak on this subject. You see, I've had experience with Skyway Patrol; you haven't. I was even a member at one time in my younger years. And even back then I could see their…deficiencies in some areas, and I realized that they would simply not be up to the task of handling such things as mass alien invasions that threatened the entire world, or other catastrophes on a global scale. I saw the need for something much more powerful; I saw the need for a Global Response Unit. And despite your doubts and your beliefs to the contrary," she added sharply. "XJ-9 has handled that role extremely well! Her performance of her duties over the years has been, in my opinion, thoroughly exemplary!"

Dr. Toshiro snorted in contempt. "Hmph! I would hardly call it 'exemplary'! If anything, the historical record seems to suggest just the opposite: that your robot acts as a gigantic 'trouble magnet' more than anything else, attracting all sorts of calamities to this quiet little town, just as a pile of manure will draw flies! Indeed, I can't help but wonder whether or not we'd all be better off without your robot here to bring all these troubles right to our doorsteps! Without your robot, we'd probably all be able to live our lives peacefully and quietly!"

"Oh, come now!" Dr. Wakeman cried. "You can't be serious! That is absurd! Utter, complete nonsense! To blame XJ-9 for these troubles is ridiculous! All of these calamities would still occur whether XJ-9 is there to protect us from them or not! That is a fact of reality! And that being the case, it's far better for her to be there, protecting us, than for us to need her and not have her! And these troubles are not just local and unique to us, either. Even though Tremorton acts as her home base, she is still Earth's Global Response Unit, and her protection encompasses the entire world! And if XJ-9 hadn't been there to protect us, the consequences of these catastrophes would have certainly been far worse for all of us! Now, that is an indisputable fact! You cannot argue with it!"

"It is also an indisputable fact that wherever your robot goes, trouble seems to follow!" Dr. Toshiro countered. "And it is also an indisputable fact that, wherever it goes, it tends to leave a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake."

Dr. Wakeman stared at her, speechless. Has she even heard a single word I said? She thought. Nothing I say to her seems to have any effect on her whatsoever!

"Or do you deny that, Doctor?" Dr. Toshiro added. "Do you deny that your robot has caused a substantial amount of damage over the years? Or will you simply quote the brutal old adage that 'one cannot make an omelet without breaking some eggs?'"

"Well…" Dr. Wakeman said, dropping her eyes. "I…cannot deny that XJ-9 has, on occasion, made some…" she hesitated. "Mistakes, and has made some…errors in judgment. And she has, on occasion, taken an approach to problem-solving that might be seen as…well, a bit heavy-handed…"

"Like a bull in a china-shop, you mean." Dr. Toshiro smirked.

"Nevertheless," Dr. Wakeman continued, ignoring the remark. "I still maintain that the many, many positive contributions that XJ-9 has made to humanity over the years vastly outweigh whatever…" She could not avoid using the word any longer. "Damages…she may have caused in the process. And it is neither reasonable nor logical to dismiss and disregard an overwhelming number of positive results because of a comparatively-small number of negative ones. And as a professional in the sciences yourself, you must concede that, in the final analysis, logic and reason must dictate in the end."

Dr. Toshiro lapsed into silence once again, weighing Dr. Wakeman's argument. Then, grudgingly, she conceded that the point was a valid and perfectly admissible one.

"Perhaps…I suppose that could be so argued as well," she said. "But if you'll forgive me for saying this, Doctor," she shifted to a tone which indicated that she didn't care whether Dr. Wakeman forgave her or not. "I think that, in spending your entire life working in isolation in laboratories, dealing with impersonal bits and pieces of technology rather than with people, you've lost your perspective. I, on the other hand, am able to view the matter with far greater objectivity. And in my view, whatever good your robot may have done in the past does nothing to negate or minimize the potential for harm that it could do in the future. And your sad and deluded emotional attachment to your creation has given you something of a blind spot, which prevents you from seeing the truth of the matter clearly and objectively."

Dr. Wakeman frowned and clenched her jaw, the sinews of her jaw-muscles now clearly defined at the temples. She'd had quite enough of this woman's infuriatingly closed-minded attitude by now. She'd put up with it for as long as she could, struggling to remain patient, but now that patience was finally running out, and she felt her temper rising to the surface.

"Well, forgive me, Doctor!" she said, her sharp words escaping her lips before she even realized it. "But if anyone has a blind spot in this matter, it's you!"

Dr. Toshiro's mouth dropped open and her eyebrows raised a notch—the first crack in her icy stoicism that she'd displayed during the entire conversation. She swallowed, allowed herself a brief moment to recover, then returning to her usual ice-cold calm, she said, "Would you kindly explain that, please." She spoke the words as though she were issuing an order rather than making a request.

"Gladly!" Dr. Wakeman replied. "By devoting so much of your time, energy and attention to your job, you've managed to overlook that which is taking place right under your own nose, with your own son! Now, you may not be aware of it Doctor, but the fact is that your son has both a great interest in and a rare talent for technology! And he plans to go into the field as a professional himself one day; the same field for which you obviously have so little regard, ironically!"

Dr. Toshiro frowned. "I'm aware of his interest," she acknowledged. "And yes, as a youngster, he…amused himself with such diversions." She paused, then continued, her tone turning cold and hard. "But when he becomes an adult, he will put aside such childish interests, and assume his adult responsibilities—first as a medical student, and then later as a practicing physician. He may even decide to specialize and become a surgeon." She smiled as she spoke the word, unable to conceal her obvious pride. "That time is rapidly approaching. You see, Dr. Wakeman, my son has a gifted mind, and will, I believe, make a brilliant neurosurgeon someday. And I have every intention of making that happen."

"Doctor, I agree that your son is uniquely gifted," Dr. Wakeman replied, on an all-too-rare point of agreement. "Indeed, I recognized that in him right from the beginning. I've always been fond of the boy, and I too believe he has enormous potential—perhaps even more than he himself realizes. He has always demonstrated a keen and passionate interest in all the sciences, and if I may say so, I believe he would make a fine scientist in any field he chooses. But that is the point: it must be his choice to make. He must be allowed to choose the career path that interests him, the one that motivates and drives him, the one that he feels is his calling, his true destiny, the one that he must pursue. And that, it seems clear to me, is the path of technology. He may even decide to focus on the field of robotics and AI, if it is not too presumptuous of me to say so. And if he does, then his passionate, driving interest in the subject could perhaps inspire him to make the most wonderful discoveries and achievements in the future, far beyond anything seen today; perhaps even beyond anything I can imagine! With the right kind of education and guidance, why, there is no telling how far he could go or what wonders he might one day achieve! And if he does choose to go into the field of robotics and AI, as I strongly suspect he will, he might even one day create something so extraordinary, so revolutionary and groundbreaking, that it will make my own work with XJ-9 look like something out of the Steam Age by comparison!"

Dr. Toshiro furiously shook her head. "No, no, no, Doctor!" she declared adamantly. "A mind such as my son's would be wasted in technology! Just as it would be wasted in any field other than medicine! My son is not going to squander his life tinkering away with various bits and pieces, trying to create another worthless mechanical contrivance! He's going to become a doctor! A real doctor! A medical doctor! And that's final!" She hammered the tabletop with a tiny, delicate fist as she spoke the words. "He will one day make great and noteworthy contributions to the world, and to mankind as a whole, but he will do so in the field of medicine! Not…" she gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "Not…"

"You mean, 'not what I do,' is that it?" Dr. Wakeman asked, eyeing the surgeon coldly.

"Well, if you choose to put it that way, yes! Sheldon will never amount to anything or be any good to anyone—not even to himself!—by wasting his life on a lot of silly, worthless contraptions and gizmos."

Dr. Wakeman was now absolutely seething, struggling desperately to control her temper. In spite of her growing anger however, she nevertheless stuck to her main point. "But shouldn't that be Sheldon's decision to make?" she asked. "Just as it should be his decision to choose his own friends?" Dr. Wakeman hoped the implicit meaning behind the question would be understood. "It is his life, after all, and he is no longer a child, as you yourself point out. He's growing into a fine, intelligent young man, certainly old enough to make his own decisions. He'll be old enough to vote before long, and he's already old enough to serve in the military. Shouldn't he be allowed to decide for himself which particular field of the sciences he wishes to pursue?"

Dr. Toshiro shook her head. "No, Doctor." She answered politely but firmly, as though the decision had already been made thousands of years earlier. "Such a decision should and must be mine and mine alone to make."

"But what about what Sheldon wants? What about his needs?"

"My son doesn't know what he wants until I tell him," Dr. Toshiro replied matter-of-factly, as though she were stating an inarguable law of nature. "And he doesn't know what he needs until I tell him, either."

Dr. Wakeman's stared blankly. She couldn't believe her ears. Was she hearing correctly? "I can't believe I'm hearing this," she said, aghast. "Doctor, will you listen to yourself? Will you listen to what you're saying? Do you realize how absurd you sound? On the one hand, you speak of your son having a brilliant mind—and he does, I agree!—and then on the other, you speak of him as though he were some sort of backward preschooler, unable to look after himself or even to cross the street unassisted! Don't you recognize the absurdity of that? How on earth can you possibly reconcile those two contradictory positions?"

"Very simply, Doctor," Dr. Toshiro replied calmly. "The truth is that I don't believe Sheldon is mature enough yet to make such important decisions. Nor is he capable of adequately prioritizing his life just yet. These decisions will have a long-term, permanent impact on his future after all, and…he's simply not yet ready to make them himself at this stage of his life." She paused and tilted her head back, gazing down the bridge of her nose at Dr. Wakeman. "That being the case, I'm simply doing as any responsible parent would do and should do: I'm taking an active interest in managing my son's future." She flashed a brief, smug smile. "That's all."

"Doctor, I can well understand your desire to take an interest in your son's future," Dr. Wakeman said. "And it is certainly commendable, by all means, I don't dispute that. However, you've taken that interest to such an exaggerated degree that you're now in danger of smothering him!"

"Smothering him," Dr. Toshiro echoed flatly.

"That's right!" Dr. Wakeman continued. "You're smothering him, by depriving him of the emotional space and freedom he needs to learn to take some responsibility for his life himself; to grow and thrive and fully develop into emotional maturity as an adult. He can only do so by making his own decisions!"

Dr. Toshiro fell silent, momentarily taken aback. She soon recovered however, and with a dismissive toss of her head, she replied, "Well…I disagree. And I think I'm a better judge of what is best for my son than you are. He is my son after all, not yours." She paused, and the corners of her mouth twisted upward into an arrogant smirk. "But then…you couldn't possible understand. You've never borne a child yourself and you've never had to raise a child. And you've never had to struggle and sacrifice for years as I have—or as any parent has. You therefore cannot possibly know what real parenthood is truly like, for you have never experienced it yourself."

Dr. Wakeman's jaw tightened. "That is true," she acknowledged. "I will admit that I've never experienced childbirth, and I never will. Nor will I likely ever experience the challenges involved with raising a biological child to adulthood. And please believe me when I say that I do not mean to minimize or trivialize in any way the difficulties and challenges involved in parenthood! Not by any means!"

She paused, and both her tone and her expression softened. "But you're wrong when you say that I don't know what it's like to work and struggle and sacrifice for years," she went on. "Because it so happens that I do. I've struggled for years in the pursuit of something much more intangible: An idea! And just as I can never know the experience of giving birth, so too can you never truly understand what it's like to start out with nothing more than an idea, a certain ineffable inspiration that comes from who-knows-where, and then to be fully committed and driven to pursuing that inspiration, and to put in the necessary efforts and exhaustive labor to make that idea become real; never knowing exactly where it will lead, never even knowing for sure if it will lead anywhere! Never knowing whether or not one will be successful, whether the end-result will be workable, or even worth the effort. And although I'll never know the satisfaction of raising a child to adulthood, so too will you never know the satisfaction which comes, after years of struggles, countless failures and endless frustration, from seeing one's ideas come to fruition in the form of concrete physical realities. Indeed, making one's ideas and dreams become real is a very rewarding experience, believe me, and in that sense, is the closest thing that I can imagine to what a parent might feel in successfully raising a child to adulthood."

Dr. Toshiro scowled, clearly uncomfortable with Dr. Wakeman's analogy, but she nevertheless maintained a respectful silence.

Dr. Wakeman continued. "In the course of conceiving and building my XJ project for example," she said. "I've put more thought and imagination and effort into it than I have on any other that I've worked on before; the total summation of all my skills and knowledge, all that I know, all that I've learned. I've devoted years of my life to the creation of XJ-9, putting in endless long hours of toil, for months and years on end, often working well into the night, trying to get every last little detail and aspect of her design and programming just right. For all of these reasons, I can truthfully say that I've put a lot of myself into her creation, my very heart and soul. That is why I take her so very personally. And I take my role as her creator and Unit Controller just as seriously as if she were my own flesh and blood. I've made every effort to offer her the best guidance of which I'm capable; to teach her my values, my beliefs, my ethical code, and my deepest, more heartfelt moral convictions, all that I cherish and in which I firmly believe. And despite what you believe, XJ-9 has learned these values and convictions. It hasn't always been easy, and the process is still far from complete, but she has learned!"

Dr. Wakeman paused for a breath and, settling back into her chair, she continued. "And I've also tried to help XJ-9 to…well, adjust to the outside human world as best I can. It hasn't been easy, and although it's not exactly like being a parent in the literal sense, it has presented its own unique set of challenges and rewards that are not entirely dissimilar to those of parenthood. That is why I tend to think of XJ-9 as…well, my child. Now, I know that you will forever disagree with me on this point, and I know you believe that I'm simply deluding myself, that I'm being foolish and misguided. That is your prerogative; believe as you will. Nevertheless and notwithstanding, that is how I truly feel about my creation. To me, and to all interested parties, XJ-9 is my daughter!"

Though the volume of Dr. Wakeman's voice never rose above that of a normal conversational level, the quiet, deeply personal intensity of her voice spoke volumes, speaking from sincere, honest, and heartfelt conviction, beyond all question or dispute.

After a brief silence, Dr. Toshiro simply shrugged. "Well…I cannot speak to your personal feelings," She declared. "They are of no concern or interest to me. However, I can state that whatever rewards you may have derived from pursuing your various robotics projects and whatever difficulties you might have encountered in raising funds from taxpayers to pay for them, and whatever…bizarre and perverse satisfaction you may derive from pretending that your robot is a 'daughter,' they pale in comparison to the day-to-day realities of being a parent. It is therefore ludicrous to even attempt to draw a rough comparison between the two, just as it's absurd to draw any kind of comparison between a living organism such as a human being, and an inert, artificial construct such as a robot. So…as I've already stated: when it comes to raising a child…" she tilted her head back and gazed at Dr. Wakeman with an air of haughty insolence. "You simply don't know what you're talking about."

"Doctor," Dr. Wakeman replied wearily. "What I'm trying to explain to you is that although my challenges have admittedly been very different from yours, I have nevertheless faced them, accepted them and dealt with them. And although we can disagree on definitions, I have fully accepted the duties, responsibilities and obligations that go along with parenthood—whether XJ-9 is human or not! I've not only tried to 'raise' her with a set of moral and ethical principles as I said, but I've also tried to provide her with a good, solid, stable home life as well, with a supportive, nurturing and encouraging environment. And I've also learned to provide her with sufficient room to grow and develop as an individual. I've allowed her the freedom to select her own friends, and although I have, of course, established a certain set of 'house rules,' which she knows she must follow, I've also allowed her the ability and the freedom to make her own choices and decisions in many matters. I've made all of this a priority with XJ-9, because I firmly believe that the ability to use and trust her own judgment is absolutely essential to her emotional development and long-term stability. It is especially important when it comes to forming social bonds of her own choosing, as I believe these social bonds are critical to her developing an empathy for the people of earth she was designed to protect. You see, I believe it was the lack of empathy that was partially responsible for Armagedroid's failure; it was a major oversight on my part which I was determined not to repeat when I conceived and constructed XJ-9."

Dr. Toshiro leaned back in her chair, setting her coffee-cup on the table and regarded Dr. Wakeman coolly. "That is all very well and good, Doctor, and I suppose it may be of interest to some in its own way," she said. "But I hardly see where it has any relevance to the subject we're discussing."

"It has everything to do with it, Doctor!" Dr. Wakeman retorted. "The point is that, unlike you with your son, I recognized the need for XJ-9 to make her own choices in her life, select her own friends and…well, many other things. I will admit that at one time I made the mistake of trying to micromanage every small aspect of her life, but…well, it was not successful, shall we say. I then recognized the need to step back and allow her to make more decisions on her own. I now provide her with guidance whenever possible and appropriate, but in many cases, I leave the final choices to her. And the reason I do so is because I recognized in her the need for the very same degree of freedom that you seem intent on denying to your son!"

Dr. Toshiro reacted to the statement with nothing more than a single raised eyebrow. "Indeed." She said simply. "Well…as I said: I wouldn't expect a non-parent to understand."

"Well, I don't need to be a parent to know a clinging, possessive, over-controlling mother when I see one, either!" Dr. Wakeman shot back, her patience now exhausted at last. "Look why don't you just admit it? Deep down inside, you're afraid, that's all! Beneath all the intellectual rationalizations, the high-minded philosophizing about the value of human life and your repeated fallback onto your status as a biological parent, the simple, subtle truth behind it all is that you're afraid!"

"Am I, now?" Dr. Toshiro challenged. "How? Exactly how am I afraid? Tell me."

"You're afraid to let go of your son and allow him to grow into the young man he is rapidly becoming, that's how!" Dr. Wakeman shot back. "You're afraid to let him grow and develop into adulthood! And the fact is that whether you like it or not, whether you try to stop it or not, he is growing up!" She paused, and cocked her head to make another point. "And I'll tell you something else, too! You're also afraid of the future! A future that will be increasingly technological in nature, and you're afraid to face it and cope with it! A future that, ironically, your son is not afraid of, but in fact whole heartedly embraces! And lastly, you're afraid because your son has demonstrated a clear and distinct fondness for my daughter!" She paused to deliver the final coup de grâce. "And that's what this is really all about, isn't it? You resent me, you resent my profession, and above all, you resent XJ-9, because your son actually had the temerity to like her without first asking for your permission!"

Now it was Dr. Toshiro's turn to be left stunned and reeling by the words. Her silence lasted for several long moments, but her icy stoicism remained unbroken, betraying not the slightest emotion, not even blinking, scarcely even breathing.

At last she responded. "Now let me tell you something, Doctor," she said softly, her tone quietly poisonous. "As long as we're laying our cards on the table and being completely honest and candid in expressing our opinions as we apparently are, then in my opinion, your robot is nothing but a public nuisance! A threat to public safety and a highly-toxic influence! Not only on my son's life, but on everyone's! Throughout all of society, just as I said earlier! In my opinion, your robot has done far more harm than good to anyone, and nothing you've said thus far convinces me otherwise! And I'll tell you something else: Even if I were to grant your premise as a valid one—which I do not for one second!—let's assume for the moment that your robot is a 'person,' so to speak. Well if so, then that makes its actions even less excusable in my opinion! Despite—" She raised a hand to cut off Dr. Wakeman's obvious, forthcoming objection. "Despite your claims that it is now 'sorry' for its actions. In my opinion Doctor, if your robot is a…'person,' as you claim, then it is nothing more than just another bully! A malignant thug abusing its power! The exact same kind that Sheldon has had to deal with his entire life. This is nothing new for either of us; we've dealt with it before. It happens quite frequently with gifted children, in fact. Unique gifts such as my son's often inspire envy, resentment, even hatred and cruelty in the, shall we say, less gifted children, to put it kindly. Now I've never put up with bullying in the past, and I'm sure as hell not going to do so now. I am not the type to simply 'turn the other cheek' and allow such provocations to pass unchallenged. Anyone or anything that attacks me or one of my own had damned well better be prepared to deal with a whole lifetime of holy hell to be rained on their head!"

A chill ran down Dr. Wakeman's spine and she shuddered. "Um…Doctor, I…I thought we agreed not to make any threats—"

"I do not make threats, Doctor," Dr. Toshiro cut in. "Let me be absolutely clear on that point. I am simply giving you a fair warning. And I'm also telling you, in no uncertain terms, that if you think that after being in labor for twenty-five straight hours to bring Sheldon into this world—a very difficult labor I might add, which ultimately required a C-section just to get through!—and then spending a lifetime of working long, exhausting hours at this hospital, often working double-shifts, and making endless other struggles and sacrifices over the years to raise him and provide for him and generally do my damnedest in every way possible to give him a good life…" She paused to take a deep breath and intensified her gaze. "That after all that I'm going to stand by and allow him to be bullied and abused by some deranged mechanical monster created by an equally-deranged scientist, you are wrong, Doctor! Dead wrong!"

"But—but XJ-9 is not a bully!" Dr. Wakeman stammered in response, ignoring the insult to herself. "She—"

"Well, if not, then it is still, as I said, a menace, and a threat to public safety, and a toxic influence!" Dr. Toshiro countered, maintaining her momentum. "And I will do anything and everything within my power to protect my son from it! Whatever is necessary!" Her tone sharpened, and she leaned forward, staring hard at Dr. Wakeman. "And I do mean anything!"

The two extremely-intelligent, highly-educated professionals sat opposite each other in chilling silence for several long moments, glaring at each other like a pair of prizefighters in a ring, staring each other down from opposite neutral corners.

This time, Dr. Wakeman was the first to break the silence. "Well, I—" She paused to clear her throat. "I…hear what you're saying, Doctor. And I understand, to a large extent. If I were in your position, I would probably feel the same. However, you're wrong to call XJ-9 a, quote unquote, 'bully.' Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, immediately after the—" she hesitated, then continued. "Unfortunate incident in question, I made it very, very clear to her, in no uncertain terms, that she is never to behave in such a fashion ever again under any circumstances, and that such conduct by her is not acceptable and will not be tolerated! Not by me, not by anyone!"

Another long moment of silence followed, as Dr. Wakeman allowed the full meaning of her words to register.

"Just so we understand each other," Dr. Toshiro finally replied in a flat and even tone.

"Indeed."

The two Doctors continued to stare daggers at each other for another long, chillingly-silent moment, neither one shifting her gaze away for even an instant, neither one even blinking.

"At any rate," Dr. Toshiro finally spoke. "I must correct you on your assumptions about me. Contrary to your wildly-inaccurate assessment of me, I am not the sort of clinging, possessive mother that you describe. I want Sheldon to grow into well-adjusted manhood. I want to see him live a happy, productive and fulfilling life. And I'm not simply speaking of his career-path, either. In addition to guiding him into a sensible and rewarding career in medicine, I also want something much more for him. As I said before: Sheldon is a gifted child, and as such, he has certain…how shall I put it?...certain unique needs. By that I mean he needs the right kind of friends, associates, and above all, he needs the right kind of girl; a good and kind girl, nurturing and supportive, someone who can and will provide him with the kind of love and affection and emotional support that he needs in order to fully thrive and flourish as the unique, rare, and gifted individual that he is. I want him to meet such a girl; a girl who will make him happy, and perhaps—perhaps!—with whom he may one day settle down and raise a family." She paused, then added, "Without that kind of love and support, I don't believe Sheldon can ever be truly happy, and if he isn't happy, then he can never fully thrive and reach his full potential."

She took a long pause, then continued in a soft, quiet tone that Dr. Wakeman found vaguely unsettling. "And…even if your…robot is not strictly-speaking a 'bully,' or even the toxic influence that I believe it to be, then it is still not adequate to my son's unique emotional needs." She paused again, then concluded. "To put it simply, your…robot…can never make Sheldon truly happy. It can never provide him with the kind of love and emotional support he needs, for it has none to give. It's a simple as that. Not to belabor the point, but your…robot is still just a machine. And if Sheldon continues to waste his life pursuing it as though it were anything more than that, it will only confuse and frustrate him, leading him to heartache and perhaps even ruin." she paused, taking a long swallow of her espresso. "The finest blades, after all, are often the most easily bent, blunted…or broken. And I simply cannot allow that to happen."

Dr. Wakeman momentarily found herself at a loss; in spite of herself, she suddenly found it extremely difficult to argue with Dr. Toshiro's obviously heartfelt and sincere words. "Well, I…" she began feebly. "I…can certainly understand your concerns, Doctor, but—"

"No, Doctor, you don't!" Dr. Toshiro retorted, her voice suddenly regaining its earlier, sharply adversarial tone, as cold and hard as titanium. "You don't understand! And what you don't understand is that, after all I've gone through for Sheldon, there is absolutely no way in heaven or in hell that I'm going to stand by and watch him ruin his life over a—" she hesitated, then concluded. "Over a...bizarre and misguided fixation on a machine! An inanimate object!"

Dr. Wakeman gulped audibly, stunned at the characterization…and the bitter, unspoken contempt behind the words. Ohhhhh…! She thought in dismay. I'm certainly glad that XJ-9 isn't here to listen to any part of this discussion!

"This fixation of Sheldon's has grown into an unhealthy, almost pathological obsession!" Dr. Toshiro went on. "Now I haven't said much about this whole foolish business up to now. Prior to this incident, I simply assumed that Sheldon would eventually outgrow this nonsense. But if you're going to continue to press this matter, then I will take action to intervene! You can count on it!"

Dr. Toshiro concluded and leaned back in her chair, taking a long swallow of her espresso, her hand clutching the cup so tightly that it became bent and warped.

"Doctor…" Dr. Wakeman began softly as soon as she dared speak. "I…I know you will never credit this, but the honest truth is that I want what's best for your son, too. I admit that I don't have the dedicated interest that you do, for obvious reasons. But as I stated earlier, I am fond of the boy, and I would also like to see him happy."

She paused and leaned forward, and lowered her voice to a quiet, confidential tone as she continued. "But wouldn't the best chances of him finding happiness come from at least choosing his own friends? And choosing which…" She hesitated, searching for just the right euphemism to minimize any further conflict. "Romantic interests he may wish to pursue? Wouldn't the choices he makes himself in these matters be the most likely to bring him happiness?" She paused. "After all…just for the sake of argument, let us suppose that he never meets a girl that you would consider suitable or acceptable. You wouldn't want him to waste his entire life trying to find just the right girl to meet the unrealistic, impossibly-high standards he believes you've set for him…would you? And possibly end up alone…and unhappy as a result…?"

Dr. Toshiro's gaze shifted off to the distance, and her expression changed subtly, growing more pensive, as she carefully pondered the question. She remained silent for several long moments before she replied, "Well…in that case, if my son is destined never to meet the kind of girl he truly needs," Her tone, normally calm and cold, now turned positively frigid. "Then…I want him to be as emotionally independent as possible. I don't want him to ever become dependent upon another person for his emotional needs."

Dr. Wakeman stared aghast at the surgeon. "So are you saying that you'd rather he end up alone than be with someone you disapprove of?" she asked. "Do I understand you correctly?"

Dr. Toshiro shrugged. "If that is what is meant to be," she paused. "So let it be. And perhaps it is just as well. For if he ends up with the wrong kind of girl, one who will not cherish him for what he is and what he has to offer the world, then…he will most likely end up being abandoned by her and left alone in the end anyway."

Dr. Wakeman felt another chill and her mouth dropped open, utterly stunned by the cold, harsh words, so seemingly at-odds with her earlier stated wishes for her son's happiness. What on earth could have happened to this woman? She wondered. What could have given her such a bleak and harsh view? Has life really treated her so badly?

"Well then, let me ask you this," she then asked, deciding to take a slightly different, albeit riskier approach. "Suppose you were to…" she hesitated, trying to put it as delicately as possible. "Continue interfering in your son's choices on such personal matters. Isn't he likely to resent you for it? And isn't such resentment likely to increase over time?" She paused, then added quietly, "And if so, then isn't it possible that it might eventually reach a point where it is you who could one day be left abandoned and alone, and not him?"

Dr. Toshiro frowned at Dr. Wakeman; clearly, it was at least a possibility, one that she didn't want to acknowledge, as it evidently struck uncomfortably close to home.

"Well…I don't know about that," Dr. Toshiro replied evasively. "But one thing I am certain of is that whatever happiness and fulfillment Sheldon is likely to find in this world, he is certainly never going to find it while in the company of your…" she hesitated, then finished. "Your machine!" Her voice now fairly dripped with outright contempt as she uttered the word.

Dr. Wakeman didn't respond, or even react. She didn't even blink. Instead, she merely sat and quietly observed the young surgeon, in equal parts dismay, sadness and pity. It was now increasingly obvious to her, just as she'd suspected all along, that Dr. Toshiro harbored a deep-seated hatred for XJ-9, just as she likely did for all robots to some extent. It went far beyond her disapproval of robotics technology in general; it even went beyond her moral objection to the misguided applications and ill-uses of technology, or the related ethical and moral issues involved. No, this was something else entirely: a deep and abiding visceral hatred that defied all comprehension. Dr. Wakeman truly could not fathom it; she had witnessed such hatred a few times before in her life, but never in such a highly-educated individual as this, someone whom she expected ought to know better.

"I just don't understand…" she replied softly, struggling to keep her emotions in check. "I don't understand how someone so intelligent, so highly educated and trained in the sciences as you, can harbor such harsh and closed-minded views… And I'm sorry for you, too; I truly am. You are so blind that it is pathetic. You discount the vast number of lives saved by XJ-9; you refuse to even consider the overwhelming evidence that advanced AIs such as XJ-9 are sentient and can even experience emotions. You barely even acknowledge the value of robots in medicine You do all of that in order to cling to an inaccurate and distorted judgment of robots, based upon long-outdated assumptions and preconceived notions. You do this for no other reason, so far as I can discern, than to justify and rationalize your own closed-minded and prejudiced views."

"Prejudiced?" Dr. Toshiro cried incredulously.

"Yes, prejudiced!" Dr. Wakeman shot back. "Even…hatred! Hatred for a form of life that is simply…different from you—"

"Stop right there!" Dr. Toshiro exclaimed, raising a hand and cutting Dr. Wakeman off in mid-sentence. "Before you go any further, I'd better make a couple of points absolutely clear to you!" She leaned forward and eyed Dr. Wakeman narrowly. "In the first place, I am not the bigoted, prejudiced technophobe that you seem to imply! And if you believe that I am, well…let me just inform you right here and now that you are wrong! Just as you're wrong on nearly everything else! The fact is that I happen to know something about what real bigotry and prejudice are! My ancestors have had to face it in generations past, and they've had to pay a terrible price for it! Some of my ancestors were even interned at Manzanar, in fact! It's a disgraceful part of history that will never be forgotten! That being the case, I am probably among the last individuals in this town—indeed in this country!—to be prejudiced against anyone!"

Dr. Toshiro's words shook Dr. Wakeman to the bone. Left reeling with embarrassment, she broke into a cold sweat as she struggled to muster an appropriate response. "I—I beg your pardon, Doctor…" she said feebly. "Forgive me, I…I didn't know…"

Dr. Toshiro eased back into her chair. "So you see, Doctor," she said quietly. "I am not prejudiced. Nor do I hate anyone. I don't hate you. I don't even hate your…robot." Though she uttered the word softly, she still could not entirely conceal the disdain in her voice as she said it. "I am not motivated by hatred you see, but by love. Love for my son, love for mankind…love for all of life! Real life, human life! And I will always have far greater respect and reverence for life than I ever could for anything that is man-made. I feel this way because I am a doctor—a medical doctor. I witness and experience and interact with life every day. To me, it is not some abstract, philosophical issue to be debated, but an absolute; a physical fact of reality: A single human life is precious. No power on earth can ever restore or replace a life that is lost." She paused, then continued with a frown. "Needless to say, the same cannot be said for any mere piece of machinery. And that is the difference between you and I, Dr. Wakeman. That will always be the difference."

Dr. Wakeman drew a deep breath and released it slowly. "Well…I agree with you that human life is precious and irreplaceable," she said. "I agree wholeheartedly on that point. But…but you see, that's just my point as well! As I said before: That's why I built XJ-9! To protect people! To save human lives!"

"Yes, yes, I know," Dr. Toshiro waved a hand dismissively. "You're very proud of your work and your dubious achievements. But all of your wondrous technology still cannot create life. It cannot replace it. Nor can it ever be an adequate substitute for it. Now I realize that you do not share this view and you will continue to argue over, and that is unfortunate. It is truly unfortunate that you suffer these sad delusions that cause you to think of a robot as a human offspring. But regardless of the psychological reasons for it, and whatever emotional satisfaction you may derive from doing so, the fact is that I am not obligated to either share in your misguided beliefs, or to play along with your sad, deluded charade by pretending that a robot is a person, or that its existence has a value equal to a human life."

"Um…excuse me," Dr. Wakeman gently objected. "But to be fair, that's not quite what I said. I never claimed that a robot could be either a substitute or a replacement for a human being. In fact, I thought I made it quite clear that I value human life just as highly as you do, but perhaps you weren't—"

"But you view the issue only from a very narrow and isolated viewpoint," Dr. Toshiro interrupted. "One that is both remote and somewhat out-of-touch. As a result, your perspective is distorted. As I said earlier, your entire world is centered around a laboratory, surrounded by nothing but test-tubes, bits of hardware, software, and abstract mathematical formulae, completely isolated from human contact and the physical realities of everyday life. To you, the universe consists entirely of lifeless pieces of technology; man-made devices which, when all is said and done, are essentially inert. When they stop running, they're ultimately nothing more than the random bits of metal, plastic and silicon of which they're composed. There is nothing more to them than that; there will never be anything more to them than that. When they break down, they can be repaired and made functional again. Or they can be upgraded. Or they can be enhanced and improved upon. If not, then they can be easily disposed of and replaced. But human life cannot."

She paused, then continued, her tone now less-confrontational, less-contentious. "But unlike you, I don't have the luxury of hiding away in a laboratory. I have no choice but to face and deal with the harsh realities of life every day, and in so doing, I regularly deal with the very intricacies of the life-process itself! And in the most direct levels possible: on an up-close and very-personal level, making thousands of life-or-death decisions every single day! To me, it is literally an ongoing battle against death itself. And there are times when it feels as though it's a hopeless cause, a losing battle, yet it is one that I know I have no choice but to keep fighting. I know of no other way."

Though Dr. Toshiro had maintained her normal, professional, clinical tone throughout, there was no doubting her deeply-personal and passionate devotion to her profession.

"And when I lose that battle," she went on, her voice suddenly soft yet heavy with restrained emotion. "When I lose a patient, there is nothing in this world that will bring them back. Nothing." She paused. "And so, knowing that fact, I continue to fight with everything I've got to save and prolong every life that I can, to the utmost of my ability. And I absolutely refuse to be satisfied with anything less."

She paused, and her face hardened into a deep scowl again. "And that is why I cannot bear to see human life trivialized in any way," she went on. "Least of all by something that is, at best, a mere mockery and travesty of a human being." Even without spelling it out explicitly, she left no doubt that she referred to Jenny.

A long silence followed, as Dr. Wakeman weighed the surgeon's words, and struggled to form an appropriate response. It was difficult for her, she discovered, for, despite their many differences of opinion and widely-disparate viewpoints on many issues, Dr. Wakeman nevertheless still found much to admire in Dr. Toshiro.

"Well," she began. "I…can well understand and appreciate what you're saying. And please believe me, I have nothing but the greatest of admiration and respect for you, your dedication to your profession, and your dedication to saving lives."

Dr. Toshiro nodded. "Thank you," she acknowledged.

"But it's not true to state that all technology can be easily replaced," Dr. Wakeman went on gently. "I can assure you that that is definitely not the case where XJ-9 is concerned, for example. She is a thoroughly and completely unique individual. There is no other robot like her in the world. In fact, even I could probably never make another one exactly like her if I tried. The specific synaptic structures and neural pathways and networks of her Positronic cortex are so complex, so thoroughly unique and integral to her own individual personality and nature, and based upon her own life experiences, that they could never be exactly duplicated or replicated. Not by me, not by anyone. She is just as unique and individual as you or I…or indeed, anyone else in this world."

Dr. Toshiro frowned and violently shook her head. "No, no, no, Doctor! You're talking nonsense again! The same nonsense you were talking earlier! You are still talking about a machine, not a human being!"

"I never said XJ-9 is a human being!" Dr. Wakeman clarified, raising her voice in frustration. "I said thatXJ-9 is a person! And she is!"

"Once again, Doctor, you're mincing words to no purpose," Dr. Toshiro leaned back in her chair with a weary sigh, folding her arms. "We're talking in circles."

"No, no, you don't understand—"

"No, Dr. Wakeman, you don't understand!" Dr. Toshiro cried, furiously slapping the palms of her hands onto the table surface. She glared deeply into Dr. Wakeman's eyes with a laser-like intensity that seemed to penetrate to her very soul. "You don't understand, and that's the whole problem! You're neither an MD nor a surgeon, so you can't possibly know or understand! You can never have the same appreciation for human life as I do. But when you've held a patient's living, beating heart in your hands as I've done, struggling desperately to maintain even a portion of life in that heart for more than a few moments, knowing that you're fighting a losing battle the entire time; when you fail, and you feel as though all of your insides have been torn out, and you're convinced that you cannot continue for another day but you do anyway; when you come back the next day and the day after that and the day after that, and fight the same battles again and again because it's your job! When you do that every day—every day!—over and over and over again, for years and years on end without letup, without cracking!—when you've done all of that, then you can come back and talk to me about your robot creations and how impressive they are! But until then, until you have the necessary first-hand experience to appreciate the value of a single human life as I do—especially the life of a child!—then don't presume to tell me that your robots are in any way, shape or form equal or comparable to human life!" She concluded her incensed tirade, then settled back into her chair, silently glowering at Dr. Wakeman.

Dr. Wakeman swallowed involuntarily, her throat suddenly dry, in utter stunned silence from the sudden vehement and explosive outburst from Dr. Toshiro. I may be mistaken…! she thought uneasily. But I get the distinct impression that there is more going on here than has anything to do with either Sheldon or XJ-9…!

"I…beg your pardon, Doctor," Dr. Wakeman replied contritely in a small, quiet voice. "I…truly did not mean to cause offense, I assure you. If I gave that impression, then I sincerely apologize; it was quite unintentional. Please accept my apologies for my…clumsy choice of words and manner of expressing myself."

Dr. Toshiro held her silence for another long, glacial moment, then responded with a short nod of her head. "Very well," she replied curtly. "I accept your apology." She paused, then continued in her usual cold, sharp tone. "And I hope I've made myself very clear on this point. I will brook no further discussion or debate on it, as it is by now a rather tiresome and absurd point of contention! Is that understood?"

"Fair enough," Dr. Wakeman replied neutrally. "I will, for the time being, set that particular issue aside, just as you request. However, with that said, I would still nevertheless like to…" she paused, searching for the most tactful, diplomatic phrasing. "Respectfully request and encourage you to at least maintain an open mind, and—" she raised a hand as Dr. Toshiro drew a sharp, impatient intake of breath, as though preparing to raise further objections. "And…consider some other viewpoints. Because you see, I believe you've misjudged both XJ-9 and myself, and that judgment is not only inaccurate, it is also unfair."

Dr. Toshiro sighed again in exasperation. "If I agree to maintain an open mind," she replied in a tight, strained voice. "Then would you please move on and make your next point?"

"Very well," Dr. Wakeman replied. "Then I would simply like to point out that…well, I am, of course, much older than you and, contrary to what you believe, my life has not been spent working exclusively in isolation, cloistered away in laboratories. I've actually seen and experienced quite a lot in the outside world. I've learned quite a number of things along the way, and they weren't all learned in lecture-halls or out of textbooks, either! I've learned some things about human nature for example, and the art and skill of diplomacy. In fact, I probably have far more years of experience in dealing with a wider variety of people than you have. Have you ever appeared before Congress to try to lobby for funding? Have you ever dealt with the higher levels of command within Skyway Patrol? Have you ever had to deal with the infinite levels of bureaucracy and the endless amount of red-tape that goes along with either of those? Have you ever served on a board of advisors at an international science conference held on a distant outpost on a remote asteroid? And spent days—days!—trying to broker a compromise with various conflicting factions that couldn't seem to agree on anything, and in fact seemed to actively despise one another? Well, I've done all of these things! As a result, I've learned to get along and negotiate with a wide variety of different people, and in widely different settings and situations."

She paused, awaiting a response of any kind from Dr. Toshiro. But there was none; nothing but the same grim, cold, unyielding visage that continued to glower at her from across the table.

"As a result of such experience," she went on. "And as a result of my…" she hesitated, then went on. "My…senior years, I've learned to recognize when it is perhaps appropriate to take a step back and consider other viewpoints now and then. As is the case in any science, one must always be open to the possibility that one could be wrong. And one never knows when one may hear a useful bit of information, or from where it may originate."

Dr. Toshiro held her silence for several more long moments as she mulled it over, then responded with single, brief nod. "Very well," she said, in a slightly-softened tone. "Perhaps I may have misjudged you somewhat on that one point, at least. Perhaps." She paused, glancing down at her wristwatch, before asking, "Now…do you have any other points you wish to address in the time remaining?"

"Well…just one, that has to do with a subject you raised earlier," Dr. Wakeman replied gently. "About your son having certain…unique needs as a gifted child. Well, that is actually something that I can relate to and understand, and probably far better than you realize. The truth is that when I was a youngster, I was also considered something of a 'gifted child;' a genuine prodigy in the sciences at a very young age. And…I've also faced some of the same personal difficulties and challenges in growing up that your son has."

A look of veiled surprise crossed Dr. Toshiro's face, softening its formerly-grim features. Slightly.

"So you see, I do know something about the subject of 'gifted children,'" Dr. Wakeman went on. "That's probably one reason why, as I said, I've always been fond of your son, and why I respect his talents." She paused, then continued in a slightly-different tone, softer and more confidential in nature. "And…I have some rough idea of the challenges involved with raising a 'gifted child,' for another reason too, which I will explain."

She caught the look of suspicion coupled with irritation that flashed across Dr. Toshiro's features, and she hastily added, "Yes, yes... I know you think I'm foolish and deluded to look upon XJ-9 as my daughter," She paused. "But please listen and at least try to consider my point of view. Please. Now…just as your son has certain unique needs, so does XJ-9. She also has a tremendous need for love, guidance, emotional support and companionship, in order for her to fully thrive and be happy as a healthy, emotionally stable and well-adjusted individual, even though she is a synthetic one. She needs the company of others who can regard her as a person, and treat her like one and respect her accordingly." Though she tried to adopt the coldly-clinical and objective tone of the scientist she was, she nevertheless could not conceal the heartfelt emotion she felt beneath the words.

Dr. Toshiro merely sat in silence as Dr. Wakeman spoke, narrowly scrutinizing her as though she were examining a specimen in a Petri-dish under a microscope. Dr. Wakeman found it an extremely unnerving sensation, one that became more uncomfortable as the moments ticked by, despite the fact that Dr. Toshiro's expression seemed…softer somehow, and less-severe; almost more thoughtful, in fact.

"Do you mind if I ask you a question?" Dr. Toshiro finally asked.

"Um…why no…no, go right ahead…" Dr. Wakeman replied, with the uncomfortable feeling that she wouldn't like the question once she'd heard it.

"Well, so far, you've spent nearly a full hour trying very hard to convince me that robots—particularly yours—have value, that they're not very different from human beings, that they should be regarded as a legitimate life-form and so on; all positions with which I fundamentally disagree, and for reasons which I've already detailed and explained. And yet you still continue to press the issue. And I'm just curious as to why. Why is it so important for you to try to change my mind? Why does my opinion matter to you so much?" She paused, then went on. "I may be mistaken, but I somehow get the feeling that, for you, there is a much more personal stake involved here; that this is not merely an intellectual exercise for you, and that you have some deeply-personal motive in mind; an ulterior purpose." She paused again, and eying Dr. Wakeman narrowly, she asked, "And I'm curious to know what that purpose might be. So tell me: what is really going on here?"

The question was entirely unexpected and caught Dr. Wakeman completely off-guard. Momentarily flustered, she averted her eyes, and realized that, although unexpected, the question was a fair and honest one, fairly raised, and it deserved a fair and honest answer.

She swallowed and replied softly, "Well…that is actually a very astute observation and question on your part. And you are quite correct: I do in fact have a personal interest here—a very personal one, in fact. You see…I'm not simply thinking of the here and now, today; I'm thinking of the future—specifically, XJ-9's future. You see, it is my belief that XJ-9 will continue to need strong social bonds in the years to come, just as she thrives with them now. She will continue to need friends—good, reliable friends and companions who will be there for her during times of need. And more importantly, she will need someone special, someone to whom she can turn, as not only a trusted friend and companion, but also one who deeply cares about her, who can offer her support and guidance during those times of personal crisis and unhappiness, and upon whose trust and judgment she can totally rely; someone who can provide her with the kind of loving, supportive and encouraging environment she needs in order to remain a happy, contented and well-rounded individual. And it must be someone specially-qualified to look after her and care for her…" Dr. Wakeman hesitated, then continued. "Her…special needs as a robot as well. After all," she paused again, then continued soberly, dropping her voice to a low, confidential tone. "After all…I'm not going to live forever. I won't always be around to look after XJ-9 and care for her. Sooner or later, there is going to come a time when…when she will…" She hesitated, searching for the least-painful way to express her thoughts. "Will…find herself alone in a world of human beings; a world that is often hostile, even cruel at times. And without me there to….to offer her support…and guidance…and reassurance…" She faltered and lowered her heard, slowly shaking it. "I…I can scarcely bring myself to think about it…"

She paused, and to her credit, Dr. Toshiro at least maintained a respectful silence, for which Dr. Wakeman was grateful.

"So…when that time comes, XJ-9 will need someone special; a lifelong companion who can be more than just 'a good friend' to her; someone with whom she can form a special bond, and who can be just as devoted and dedicated to looking after and caring for her as I am, tending to her needs and well-being, just as I have done. Someone who will belong to her and to whom she can belong." She paused thoughtfully. "For quite some time now, I've privately wondered if perhaps your son might be just that person. I've never told him this directly of course, but…this has been on my mind. Now…I know that XJ-9 is very fond of the Carbunkle boy, and although he is a very nice fellow in his own way, I don't believe he has quite the right qualities, the necessary talents or the unique sensitivities that XJ-9 will need in the years to come. However, I have seen signs of these very qualities in your son, just as I've seen evidence of his exceptional talents. Moreover, I've also observed a substantial growth in his character. Like XJ-9, he has made some…" she hesitated, searching for the most tactful way to put it. "Some…mistakes along the way. But like XJ-9, he has learned from those mistakes, and he's become a better person as a result. And although he has faced his share of…" she paused again, unsure how to address a very sensitive topic. "Difficulties in the past; difficulties involving bullies and such, as you mentioned, he doesn't seem to have become embittered by them. At least, not that I've observed. Needless to say, it would have been all too easy for such a…sensitive young man as your son to have become…well, warped by such experiences, but he hasn't. So far as I've observed, he seems basically the same good-natured young man at heart that he has always been. That, to me, demonstrates a strength and resilience of character that is truly remarkable."

As she spoke, Dr. Wakeman noticed with a degree of satisfaction that her words had apparently made a positive impact upon Dr. Toshiro, who merely sat quietly, displaying none of the irritation, annoyance or impatience that she had displayed earlier. Instead, the surgeon seemed almost pleased with what she was hearing—at least sufficiently so as to continue listening attentively without interruption.

"And over time, I've become more and more convinced that my initial instincts about your son were correct," Dr. Wakeman went on. "And I now believe that your son might be that certain special someone for XJ-9; the one who can provide her with the kind of devotion, commitment and support that she needs. And yes, perhaps I am being a foolish, deluded old woman, but I have learned enough in my life to know and understand a few things about human nature, as well as robot nature, and one of those things is that some things will never change. Things such as…well, the need for friendship…companionship…and…" she trailed off, gesturing with her hands as she sought just the right words to express the ineffable thoughts which eluded her. "Even simple kindness…empathy…and understanding. Those sorts of things. Whether one is young or old, male or female, human or cybernetic, the need for such things will always continue to…well, to matter, to all of us. Our need for them is essential to our well-being…"

She took a long pause, then concluded. "So…I suppose you could say that, for my own peace of mind, I would feel much better knowing that XJ-9 will always have someone there to look after and care for her and…well, be kind to her after I'm…" she trailed off, gesturing with her hands to indicate the conclusion of her thought. "Well…you know…"

A long silence followed as Dr. Toshiro pondered the words. Finally, she nodded. "I see," she said. "Basically, what you're looking for is a free, full-time maintenance technician to keep your robot repaired and in proper working condition after you're no longer here to do the dirty work yourself, is that it?"

Dr. Wakeman sighed and closed her eyes. "No, Doctor; no," she replied wearily. "That is not why I'm saying at all." She took a deep breath, struggling to hold on to the last remnants of her nearly-exhausted patience. "What I am trying to say is that…I believe your son…and my daughter," she couldn't help emphasizing the pronoun to drive home her point. "Can be very good for each other, and make each other very happy, if given a fair chance. That's all." She paused and, giving Dr. Toshiro a warm, gentle, ingratiating smile, she softly added, "Don't you think they deserve that much at least? A fair chance at being happy together?"

"Well," Dr. Toshiro replied with a dismissive toss of her head. "Then I'm afraid we'll simply have to disagree on that point as well. As we seem to disagree on virtually everything else of significance."

"Oh, Doctor!" Dr. Wakeman could no longer contain the dismay in her voice. I give up! She thought. My God, this woman is truly heartless! There's just no talking to her, no getting through to her at all on any level! Has she no feelings at all?

But almost as though she'd read Dr. Wakeman's thoughts, Dr. Toshiro added, in what was for her a softer, almost conciliatory tone: "Look, I'm not as insensitive as you may suppose. I can see that you clearly have an emotional attachment to your robot. But I happen to believe it is an attachment that is both misguided and even unhealthy. I believe it's a mistake for anyone to become so emotionally-attached to an inanimate object, and I simply don't want to see my son fall victim to the same sort of delusional thinking from which you evidently suffer. It will only confuse him, and it can only bring him unhappiness, sorrow and heartache. Now, I'm sorry if this view comes across as harsh to you, but that is my honest opinion on the matter, and for that I make no apologies."

This is hopeless! Dr. Wakeman thought in growing despair. Absolutely hopeless! This is getting us nowhere… we've reached an impasse…an impossible impasse! And it was true; the surgeon's views on the matter remained just as intransigent and intractable as when they'd started the discussion.

Dr. Toshiro had apparently arrived at much the same conclusion. She glanced at her watch again, quickly drained the last drop of her espresso and declared, "At any rate, I really must be going now. I've already wasted enough time here as it is." She rose from her seat, but Dr. Wakeman raised a hand, as if to stop her.

"But Doctor, if you'll only listen—"

But Dr. Toshiro stared coldly down at her. "Doctor, I have been listening to you." she said. "I've been sitting here for well over an hour now—which is an hour longer than I'd intended to give you, I might add!—as you've tried to make your best attempts to change my mind. But unfortunately you've wasted both your time and mine. I've heard nothing from you that could pass for 'reason;' only biased and highly-subjective opinions, and weak and feeble appeals to emotion. Nothing more."

"But—"

"No, Doctor; no," Dr. Toshiro said firmly with a shake of her head. "I've been more than patient with you, but…enough is enough. You may be very passionate in your arguments, but you do not persuade. It's as simple as that."

In desperation, Dr. Wakeman groped frantically about for an idea, a fresh approach she could take to change the surgeon's mind. In the microseconds remaining, a last-ditch option occurred to her.

There is one angle I haven't yet tried! She thought. Or rather, I mentioned it, but I didn't pressed it hard enough!

"Well look, suppose we leave it at this for now," she said, now also rising to her feet to face the surgeon eye-to-eye. "Now, you've made your views on the nature of artificial intelligence and sentient robots very clear. Very well. We will, as you say, simply have to agree to disagree on that—at least for the time being. But look here. You and I are both trained professionals in the sciences, are we not? We both believe in applying the scientific method; in carefully examining and weighing the evidence, coldly, objectively and unemotionally, and drawing our conclusions based solely upon that evidence, correct?"

Dr. Toshiro remained silent, but conceded the point with a simple nod.

"Then if I were to provide you with all the latest scientific literature and research data that is available on the nature of Wetware-based Posititronic AI architecture, the various independent studies on its nature and functions, the research data indicating that it is capable of experiencing and expressing emotions, the various research studies supporting the 'conscience program' hypothesis, and all the numerous documented cases in which XJ-9 has saved lives all around the world—essentially all the available relevant information on this subject, will you at least look at it?" She paused, awaiting a response.

Several long moments passed, as Dr. Toshiro silently considered her response.

"Are you willing to do that much at least?" Dr. Wakeman prompted. "After all, these studies are not simply my opinions, but were conducted and reported by numerous other scientists all around the world, operating independently. As are the various news-agencies which have reported on XJ-9's achievements. I had no influence upon any of them."

She waited another beat then added, "Or are you afraid they might prove you wrong, Doctor…?"

At last, Dr. Toshiro acceded with a simple nod. "Very well," she said. "I'll…I'll read the material, as you request."

"Good, good," Dr. Wakeman replied, immediately relaxing with a relieved smile, her spirits rising slightly. It was a small victory, but she would accept it. "That's all I ask," she went on. "Examine the evidence for yourself. Do so as a scientist, with an open, inquiring, objective mind. Free from my…'appeals to emotion' as you put it, free from any…preconceived notions or biases which may exist." She chose her words carefully, deftly gliding past the thorny issue of the surgeon's obvious, demonstrated prejudices on the subject. "Simply look at the facts, coldly and objectively, but read them and read them thoroughly. And draw your own conclusions."

A quick, furtive look of irritation briefly flashed across Dr. Toshiro's features, and for a moment, Dr. Wakeman thought another objection was forthcoming. But the moment passed quickly, and the surgeon relented. "All right!" she said sharply. "I'll look at it; I'll look at the data. I don't really see much point…but…I will read it nonetheless."

"Very well," Dr. Wakeman said. "And who knows? You may be surprised at what you discover. What you read may cause you to reconsider some of your basic assumptions."

"I doubt that," Dr. Toshiro muttered, as she started to turn and head for the exit. "At any rate, I really must be going now."

"I understand," Dr. Wakeman said, willing to settle for at least a grudging truce on the matter. "Thank you for your time, Doctor. Good-bye." She extended her hand, which Dr. Toshiro accepted.

With a final cold but polite handshake and a curt, professional nod toward each other, the two doctors parted and exited the cafeteria. As they stepped through the doorway, they each deposited their now-empty coffee-cups into the wastebasket, and proceeded into the hallway outside, each heading in an opposite direction.


End Chapter 9