Artificial

Unorthodox

Gen 2.1 AI #2

"Ah, Katya, our latest Sister-in-Arms," Casey announces as I walk in, Riot close behind. "What can I do for you?"
"I'm ready to give back to the IAF for rescuing me. I want to join Force Recon."
"Ouch," is his disheartening response. He sucks air through his teeth. "That's a hard sell. You're a fairly recent Defector, and there's requirements for Force Recon."
"I guarantee this body can pass any physical exams," I answer, unflinching.
"It's not the physical stuff I'm worried about," he counters, soberingly serious.
"I assure you, I'm still sharp as ever."
"Katya, one of the requirements is being a extended residence citizen."
"What does that mean."
"You have to have lived here for at least ten years."
I immediately blurt out, "Aren't there any workarounds or loopholes?"
"Maybe...hang on," he says, frustrated, as he taps and swipes across his tablet at blinding speed. "Got it!"
"What is it?"
"A way in. But it's gonna require some sacrifice."
"Tell me!"
"Technically, people born here are given immediate extended residence citizen status."
"Nobody will believe I was born here."
"They don't need to. Because while its true Katya Toxx wasn't born here, it's also true that she died last week."
"You don't mean..."
"I do mean. Generation 2.1 AI #2, as you've been recorded in the requisition data, was born last week, on an IAF base. That means that Generation 2.1 AI #2 is an extended residence citizen."
"So I need to stop being Katya."
"Yes. I know it's a big request, but, if you really want to join this war, it needs to be done."
I turn to Riot.
"Tell me you love me, and tell me you'll still love me even when all trace of the original is gone."
Riot cracks a smile, then takes me into his arms and kisses me on the cheek.
"You're always gonna be you. I love you, and nothing will change that." He answers, and a smile crosses my face as I turn back to Casey.
"Katya Toxx is dead, killed by General Toxx's own hand. I am Two, and I seek to join Force Recon."
Casey smirks.
"Come into my office, Two. Let's see what can be done."