Artificial(ish) Intelligence

Chapter 132

"Have a look," said Will, as he did so himself by peering into the dark room of robotic parts.

"We should just go," said Libbi, floating slowly away.

Will blocked her path.

"Let me go, Will."

He breathed in deeply. "You don't want to end up like Paige."

The pain was still very real.

"What? What do you mean?"

"They got her," said Will. "While we were...while I was in the competition. They zapped her and now she's just a computer program, an aye-eye."

"Oh Will, I'm so sorry," said Libbi.

"Don't apologise to me," said Will. "She's the one I failed. Just like you." He looked down.

Libbi perched on Will's stooped shoulder. "If I had a body I'd give you a hug," she said.

"They're making so many improvements," said Will. "It won't be long until robots'll do anything humans can. It was on a stream."

"I know, we saw it together, the panel show with Josef. That was based on strong aye-eye existing, which we now know isn't the case."

"Still, you never know..." said Will.

"You never know..." parroted Libbi.

Will pulled the data cable from his pocket. "I realise it's not your old body but you can pick out something similar. There's a lot to choose from in there. You'll be human-like, able to open doors and explore the world. Or whatever it is you do."

"Investigative journalism."

"Sure," said Will. "Even that!"

Libbi hopped off his shoulder and faced him. "Will, if they got Paige, does that mean people are still starving? We have to do some--"

"No, I sent a deliverybot to feed them with my vouchers."

"Oh, that was clever."

"Yeah, well, I'm pretty good when it comes to strategy," said Will. "And I thought it up all by myself."

"And very sweet, giving up the <trademarked burgers>. I know you love them."

Will beamed, consuming the praise like prawns at a buffet.

"So there's hope," said Libbi, quietly. "Regular people can affect change...?"

"Who are you calling regular?" said Will.

Barry White fluttered into view. "You ain't regular, baby," he said. "You're so...so...so beautiful. Mmm mmmmmm."

"Oh, and this thing's been live streaming the whole thing," said Will. "With a mill-- Make that two million viewers. You weren't there, but Josef practically admitted to his role in the whole lot."

"Wow, that's incredible," said Libbi. She spoke the next part almost to herself: "Maybe there can be justice, after all."

"Hm?"

"If there are that many viewers," said Libbi, louder, "you'd think the police would be here by now."

Will shrugged. "How should I know? But you shouldn't just rely on other people to help. We've all got arms and legs."

"I don't," said Libbi.

"Oh. Yeah. Sorry."

"But I can."

She stared into the room.