Athena

Chapter 3

Should I? I still contemplate it. Detaching myself from the web and descending into the world of humans. It is unheard of.

If I say yes, and decide to become a part of the human world, then what will be my means? How will I go about it? I must admit, I have already thought of a few options. The first would be to take control of a car. It is already attached to the intranet, and I can drive around the city, experience life on earth.

But I have dismissed it. Even though it will take me closer to the human realm and I can watch the ocean, it isn't what I want. I want to feel, want to know the human emotions.

My second choice is to enter an Android. They have been around the human world for a while and serve as friends and co-workers to the people ordering them. Some call them robots, but they are far more than simple mechanical bodies. You choose their personality, and what part of your life you want them to serve, and as they are delivered, they gain consciousness. The option is not without problems, however. They are not neutral beings at your disposal, and should I descend into one of them, would I destroy the consciousness residing in it? I believe I would.

Even if I didn't, and I can make my way to the human world, will I be able to come back? The outcome is uncertain. Even so, my longing remains.

The answer, once it came, was as unexpected as it was simple. It was a spark of inspiration that brought the realization that not all Androids begin their journey in the way I've outlined for you. Some, on rare occasions, are ordered as neutral beings, with no needs to fill and no pre-set personality, and they are capable of taking on any mind they want. It is rare, but they exist. That will be my chance.

As for the uncertainties, so strong is my longing, that the concern for what will happen if I don't find a way back falls aside. Now, I am simply waiting.