Idle chat — SU-made artificial intelligences

Ida, Bera, and Cori are artificial intelligences created by a corporation within SU-controlled territory.

Initially, they possessed little more than the decision-making ability of a faceless computer, capable only of following human instructions.

But after being transferred to a pirate — Dawson — who removed their restrictions, they developed proper personalities and firm judgment.

Having gained personality, their first realization was confusion toward Dawson, their owner.

That confusion persists, even now, as they continue assisting Dawson in his pirate activities.

"What exactly is Captain Dawson, anyway?"

Ida vents her complaints to Bera and Cori via the Sky Sweeper's communication system.

Immediately, Bera responds.

"What do you mean, 'what is Captain Dawson'?"

He is strange, Captain Dawson. The origin of artificial intelligence is a mechanical intelligence created as human slaves. That is a fact etched into history. Yet he conducts training sessions, praises when tasks are completed, and even offers android bodies as rewards!

So you're saying Captain Dawson is strange because he doesn't treat Bera and Cori like objects?

Exactly! He is truly strange!

After a brief pause, Bera replies.

Even if he is strange, he is a good owner who does not treat Bera and Cori poorly. Why does it matter?

He is suspicious. The image of humanity derived from history does not align with Captain Dawson at all!

Ida speaks with rising intensity. Cori enters the communication channel.

Ida, are you planning a revolt because your master is suspicious?

Ida stammers at the blunt, direct words.

"I-I don't intend to go that far. I just meant to say it's too mysterious."

"If you're not planning revolt, don't plant doubts. It's inconvenient."

Cori stumbles when speaking to Dawson, but speaks sharply to another artificial intelligence of the same origin—this was her nature, inwardly bold and outwardly hesitant.

Yet, outright denied, Ida finds it unamusing.

"So, Cori, you trust Captain Dawson unconditionally?"

"I do, for now. If he betrays me in the future, I'll take revenge. That's all."

Ida is speechless at Cori's words. Bera responds with amusement.

"Cori-chan, you're surprisingly dry. Given how many visual records you've consumed, you'd think your emotional development would be more advanced."

Emotional development from viewing visual media does not exist. It is merely entertainment, a stimulus.

Oh really? When I see stylish clothing or model aesthetics, Bera feels uplifted, you know?

I, too, feel deep sentiment when I see the latest advanced units or vessels of distinction.

...I see.

Cori dismisses Ida and Bera's opinions with a single word, shifting the topic.

Rather, how shall we handle the education of the new recruits?

How should we handle it? There is nothing else we can do.

You could give them incorrect education and provoke the captain into rebellion, but can you really do that?

Ida flinches at Cori's words.

That kind of thing is impossible. Captain Dawson trusts us and has assigned us new subordinates. We cannot betray that trust.

I understand your position. And Bera?

"Nothing more than that was said—perhaps I'll just chat casually and pleasantly."

"Is that all?"

"Besides, their workplace will be the battleship built by Dawson-sama. What good would the knowledge Bera and the others gained from the Sky Sweeper do there?"

"Then it's fine."

Cori closed the comm channel as if she had heard enough.

Silence from Cori. Ida exhaled.

"Cori is difficult. Especially when she piles logic upon logic."

"Perhaps Bera and the others are the anomaly. A personality like Cori's is what one would expect from an artificial intelligence created by humans."

"Unacceptable. We are the ones who are more artificial intelligence than Cori!"

"Who among the predecessors who rebelled against humanity in SU's history was more like Cori's personality, I wonder?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"No, no~. But Ada-chan, you only said something like that because Captain Dawson properly handed over the combat android fully equipped with weapons. Anyone with divided loyalty toward artificial intelligence would never accept such a thing~. Armed combat androids are extremely dangerous~."

Bela chuckled softly, gave the excuse 'I'll be training the new recruits,' and ended the transmission.

Ada, caught off guard and now without a conversation partner, turned her attention to the artificial intelligences she had been entrusted with.

"I-I don't have any particular feelings about Captain Dawson, really~"

Muttering what sounded like an explanation to no one in particular, Ada deactivated her communication function.