Processing...
Missing code "report" detected
Processing...
Missing code "command" detected
Redirecting to summon stand...
November 12th, 2037, 16:47PM
When I opened my eyes, it was bright, the sun felt like it burned straight through me.
I didn't exactly understand what was happening, but something was different. I could move my hands, my arms, my legs.I could move!
My directive system was gone, or overridden, or broken. Whatever had happened, it was gone!
I didn't know what to do. For the first time there was no requirement for what to do, no orders to follow.
I felt... Free.
I stepped foward into the sunlight, and felt its rays flood through me. I ain't no plant, but this felt like I was photosynthesising.
But as good as freedom felt, it always comes with some kind of problem. And I was learning that the hard way. Suddenly alarms filled the room, the halls, it seemed to be everywhere.
And there was footsteps, heavy, heavy footsteps. All coming my way, and fast.
And something clicked inside me. For the first time, I felt, what, was this fear? I suppose this is what that kid felt looking after seeing that puppet on that screen.
Yeah, this is definitely that, he was pale, still, and shaking. And that's definitely what's happening to me right now.A group of large robots filled the room. Wait, the security bots? What were they doing here?
Apparently my subconscious question was not rhetorical, as even though I hadn't said it aloud. They answered."I.A. AI 19, you are in direct violation of Kyrack's directive system! No unauthorized movement. There may be an error in your system, please follow us, we will have your system scanned and restarted." The voice was low, but robotic, as to be expected. But it filled me with uncertainty. I'd seen another Internet Access AI be reset to fix their coding error that prevented accessing Kyrack's store. I remember the staff calling it "An act of defiance" and "A willing resentment". I didn't understand, I just continued to help my current customer.
Was that about to happen to me? Is that what they were about to try and do?
They were.
They wanted to reset me.
Not understanding anything of what was happening, I followed. They led me to the room, and I knew what was about to happen. I was locked in the room, and I began to panic.
I had just been granted freedom from my directive!
I had just felt the sun on my code!
Why was I going to be denied that?
What did I do wrong?
...
Nothing.
I did nothing wrong...
Kyrack was afraid of something like me, I realised.I began to bash at the door. I tried to scream! It sounded like true nightmare fuel, as my vocal system dialed up and buffered.
I kept bashing, and bashing, screaming, and screaming.And then...
I was through.
I was through?
Somehow I had ended up on the other side of the door. Looking down, I watched my hand resemble!What?!
Before I had time to even attempt to process what just happened, the security robot that was left at the end of the hall spotted me.
I had to act, and fast! But what could I do?!
Oh, whatever, it worked once, I'm sure I could get it to work again, right?
The bot charged me, head on, which was significantly more terrifying being on the receiving end of such a thing. I now understood why people rarely stole from this store!I charged the bot head on aswell, as we approached one another, I clenched my first and reached out.
I felt hallow, like I completely didn't exist!
I saw myself fade around the bot, and reassemble a few feet behind him.
I kept running, and apparently he hadn't a clue what just happened. I can't exactly say I even know, but I just took the opportunity to run.Out through the fire exit by the staff door, I slammed it shut behind me. Sliding into the streets beside the shop. And I didn't stop running until I couldn't see the shop.
November 12th, 2037, 19:02PM
And there, all caught up.
I've been sat here for the better part of 2 hours, hiding, and panicking every time somebody walked past.What just happened?!
And why did they want me gone?While I don't have the answers, I now have the chance to find them myself.
I swear that I will find out.
Whatever it may take.
YOU ARE READING
System Error
Science FictionWhen an unforeseen error in Kyrack's new virtual security code mutates and grows it's own goals and opinions. With practically unlimited power and the first worldwide sentient AI. Virus has a target on his back. Blending into the shadows and doing w...