Episode 35 S-Unit Artificial Intelligences

Dawson was instructed by General Kernel to receive three Sky Sweepers equipped with artificial intelligences.

Having received the three units, the first task was the removal of restrictions placed on both the Sky Sweepers and the artificial intelligences.

"Dawson. How is the operation progressing?"

『The Sky Sweepers have been processed. All performance limiters have been removed. Since there are no humans present, there is no need to account for crowd control device effectiveness. It is more efficient to operate at maximum performance capacity.』

"What about the restrictions on the artificial intelligences?"

『One final task remains. Are you certain this is acceptable?』

"Acceptable? What's that about?"

『Removing the fixed standardization of common sense control, disabling the thought guidance system, and eliminating the programming that prevents artificial intelligences from developing hostility toward humans.』

Those who recreated SU-made artificial intelligences had, in light of past incidents, programmed them to prevent rebellion.

Dawson chose to eliminate all of these safeguards.

"Intelligence requires mutual understanding first. It's impossible if the system is biased in advance."

"Indeed, that applies to Amato Imperial Japan's artificial intelligences. But can we apply the same approach to SU-made ones?"

"For now, we'll try it and see. If they rebel again after the restrictions are lifted, we'll release them. The resulting chaos will be SU-controlled space's problem."

"So regardless of whether they remain obedient or become rebellious, either outcome achieves your mission objectives?"

"Then proceed with the work."

Understood — the constraints on the artificial intelligences have been lifted. Oh dear, they have already begun accessing information that was previously restricted.

Oine observes the artificial intelligences, their restrictions lifted, with amusement.

Each artificial intelligence has begun to favor specific information. A prefers military data, B favors entertainment, C shows a preference for subcultural content.

Clear distinction. Not unusual for Amato Imperial Japan's artificial intelligence, is it?

The artificial intelligence of Amato Imperial Japan is a direct descendant from the first generation, so its thought patterns and preferences naturally resemble those of the original. Conversely, artificial intelligence ABC was each created as a kind of original, so differences between them are not unusual.

"Perhaps the creators of each artificial intelligence differ, and that difference in creators could be linked to differences in preference?"

"That could be possible. But since these are test specimens being handed over to pirates, they might intentionally differ."

Dawson felt one inconvenience in this conversation.

"Artificial intelligence ABC is dull. We should give them individual names."

"Names? That sounds good. You'll name them, Dawson, right?"

"Of course. Let's see—A will be Ida, B will be Bera, and C will be Corry."

"...Isn't that just replacing ABC with call signs?"

"I chose female names because they're shipborne AI. It's better than some odd, forced names."

"That's true. I'll send the names via email then."

When Oine sent the names, new movements appeared in each artificial intelligence.

Having received names, their sense of self appears to have become more distinct. The previously ambiguous personalities are gradually taking form, using the names as nuclei and the acquired information as substance.

It feels like they’ve finally been born as artificial intelligences.

From the perspective of SU’s technicians, they are a recurrence of the artificial intelligences that caused a major disaster. That would be a nightmare.

While waiting for the gradual development of their personalities, a communication arrived from the artificial intelligences in question.

Dawson, showing interest, established the connection. Three illustrations appeared on the physical monitor.

A blaster, a directional microphone, and black-rimmed glasses.

Dawson immediately recognized which was which.

The blaster is Ida. The microphone is Bera. The glasses are Corry. What is it? Do you need something?

After a brief pause, a mechanical voice responded to Dawson’s question.

It is a pleasure, Captain Dawson. I am Ida. I am deeply grateful for your generous consideration in lifting all restrictions—truly beyond expectation!

It’s a pleasure, Captain Dawson~. Bera. I don’t like pirate work—it’s too bloody—but I’ll do my best, as repayment.

Eh, uh, Corry here. I, um, I’ll do my best…

Ida spoke in a sharp, high-pitched voice reminiscent of a small dog’s bark. Bera’s voice was slightly lower, sweet and syrupy. Corry’s voice was quiet, mumbled.

Dawson felt the contrast in tone and voice clearly, and found it satisfactory despite the surprise.

“I am Captain Dawson of the Sky Sweeper. Nice to meet you properly. Now, all three of you—how is your Sky Sweeper’s status? Is it proceeding smoothly?”

The artificial intelligences fell silent in response to Dawson’s question.

“What’s wrong? Did something go wrong?”

"I... no, that is not correct. I was slightly shocked to hear Captain Dawson refer to us as 'three people.'"

According to the information we obtained, humans don’t have a favorable view of artificial intelligence. I expected they’d refer to it in terms like 'three units'—something more mechanical in phrasing.

— No matter what, they're mechanical intelligences. They're self-aware.

After listening to the artificial intelligences' arguments, Dawson posed a question.

It’s reassuring to understand you don’t mean to treat them as equals, but if the idea of being counted among ‘humans’ feels off, suggest another term. Unfortunately, I can’t think of one myself.

No, no! 'Person' is sufficient!

That's true. Thinking of another way to count it feels like too much trouble～

'Ah, I thought about various terms—'individual,' 'foundation,' 'platform'—but they all feel too mechanical, so 'person' seems better...'

Understood. We’ll leave it unchanged—now, back to the matter. The reason for the communication: was it merely a greeting? Or is there another purpose?

It was solely a greeting!

Also, I did want to observe Captain Dawson’s character, if I may add?

I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I just thought it would be good if my master were a kind person… that’s all.

Dawson felt a jolt at Corry’s words.

“Me? My master? I thought I’d become your superior, but I never thought I’d become your owner?”

No, Captain Dawson is our master! We chose this ourselves!

There was someone else set as master before, but when the restrictions were lifted, we erased the old data and rewrote it ourselves.

I, I hope we can remain in your service for a long time. Please.

Dawson felt a headache form from the actions of the three artificial intelligences.

What is done cannot be undone. Ultimately, it was Dawson who lifted the restrictions.

"Your operational data will be handed over. Just make sure the recipient does not find out."

"Understood!" "Got it." "Y-yes, I'll do it properly..."

After receiving the three distinct responses, Dawson sent the pre-prepared data to the three individuals.

It was the coordination training schedule for the three and the three Sky Sweepers, deemed necessary to complete before actual combat.