'What is the purpose of synthetic life?'
EDI asked the Commander the question that had been niggling at her for some time now. She had asked Jeff this same question but he had avoided answering it with his usual non-committal noises and jokes about something else entirely to change the subject and deflect the question. It was a question that she felt needed an answer with each passing day, the need arising for everything she was seeing and experiencing. Yes, the destruction of the Reaper on Tuchanka by nothing more than a Thresher Maw had been one of the final events that had driven her to seek the answer, but she knew the niggling, almost unquantifiable reason, was something else entirely.
'It's not that different from organic life.' Shepard had stated after a moment or two to ponder the question. 'A free willed synthetic chooses what it wants.' The statement was simple and to the point, but it didn't provide EDI with the answer she needed. She knew that already, she was acting upon it but there had to be some sort of deeper meaning, surely?
'But the purpose of organic life is to preserve itself long enough to replicate copies of its genes in succeeding generations.' EDI countered. This was fact. All organic life had the goal of expanding its gene pool, either in an individualist way, or through co-operation with others, more specifically a related breeding pair, to ensure the survival of offspring. 'My purpose is not so clear. The other successful synthetic life-forms I have examined for comparison are the geth...and the Reapers.'
The commander hesitated a second, as if exasperated but not in an unkind way before she launched into her reply.
'Reproduction isn't all there is. We, organics I mean, find meaning in the work we do, good deeds we accomplish, love...' her voice trailed off as if she was realising something, this made EDI turn her physical platform to face Shepard again.
EDI studied the Commander for a moment. What Shepard said made sense as much as the organic need to procreate, but even the Commander couldn't be complete correct about this either. EDI monitored the crew's biometrics on a constant basis, as part of how she kept track of them and maintained their environment. Shepard's biometrics, despite the inherent differences caused by her cybernetics, still conformed to a more basic function when she encountered certain situations. Programmed responses that even her own free will couldn't override, and one of these corresponded to the urge to reproduce. EDI had witnessed it a number of times in the Commander, as well as in others, but hers were quite specific.
'I see. I will search my files on the biographies of humans and see if prominent figures fall the patterns you suggest.' That said, EDI searched and witnessed that humans sort out more than just good genes in a mate, some sort companionship rather than anything sexual. While still other devoted themselves to their species in other ways, neglecting, either by intention or by accident any notion of reproduction, in favour of helping others. Quickly she widened her search and found that many other highly evolved species looked for similar things.
There were thousands of cases of many species finding fulfilment in good works, all things that meant the people in questions were remembered. Famous philanthropists who worked hard to gain their fortunes only to give away what they had earned to others so that they could thrive when they would've perished. Many who had received such generosity had often described their benefactor as a parental figure, watching over them. There were many who gave their time and abilities to help people rather than giving money, people who physically helped those in need by helping them to help themselves. They would help whole communities to support themselves and survive, becoming as much a part of that community as those that had lived there all their lives. Some devoting themselves to raising awareness of the plight of the people they wished to help, as well as funds for charitable work. Others acted as diplomats and mentors, using their power to broker peace and prosperity for those they represented, enriching the galaxy with a different viewpoint to be considered and teaching others so that they, in turn, could do the same. So many examples.
'It appears that many did, in fact, do so.' EDI finally confirmed to the Commander and she watched a slow smile tweak at the corner of Shepard's lips, while Jeff quipped 'That was quick, gotta love quantum computing.' EDI chose to ignore him, and continued to relay her finding to the Commander. 'Shepard, I will alter my processing power to give priority to your stated goals: duty, altruism, love.'
Once again, Jeff butted in with an incredulous tone in his voice. He has much to learn about me, EDI thought. And I shall enjoy teaching him.
'Wait, you're just going to turn yourself good? You can do that?
EDI regarded Jeff and then Shepard.
'It should take some time.' She told then both before turning back to the Commander 'If I have any further questions I will speak to you again. Thank you.'
Shepard smiled 'No problem EDI, any time.'
EDI sat back in her co-pilots chair, returning most of her attention back to her duties. However, there was a distinct proportion of what she diverted to integrate the new personality parameters into her existing matrix that was focused on one new aspect in particular, that of love. Shepard had spoken of it before, when EDI had approached her about if she should pursue a relationship with Jeff. She had even listed a number of things that the Commander considered to be pointers of affection to another person, things that could be construed as love.
In her data banks, she collated all of the time she had spent thinking about Jeff, in any way/shape/form and to her surprise, she had noticed there was an exponential increase in the duration he had occupied her thoughts. With each passing day, she thought more about Jeff that she had before. It wasn't wholly restricted to monitoring and maintaining his continued well being through her protection and maintenance of the ship and its systems. But she regarded other aspects of him too. His physical attributes, his mental and psychological profile, as well as his personality traits. She had spent time trawling the extranet for humour that she could share with him, and other things that might rouse his interest, as there was more to him that just sarcasm and wisecracks.
The evidence was there, and it was mounting. She thought about Jeff often. In fact he was always in her thoughts in one way or another, but definitely more than any other member of the crew. Was this the beginning of what Shepard had used to define affection attachment? What this the start of her being in love with Jeff? Did he even feel the same way? She wasn't sure. More investigation would be needed.
Author's Note: Sorry for screwing up the order of the chapter. This was meant to appear first, before the chapter I had posted. The next chapter will be the original 'Rejection'.