CODE:JK97 | Taekook

CH1: JK97

Some say the concept of robots with emotions can only mean trouble for humans. Some say robots are already too intelligent. Personally, Taehyung thinks it's a whole load of rubbish. Dystopian media has given artificial intelligence a bad rep. He believes there is much to learn from robots. Can robots feel emotions?

"How's the programming going?" Hoseok asks, walking into the lab.

Taehyung lifts his eyes away from the screen below, focusing his vision on Hoseok. "I think we will have it up and going by tomorrow," Taehyung replies.

"That's great news! I came here to check on you as Yoongi wants to ensure everything is running smoothly," Hoseok says. "He doesn't believe you will have it up and running by the end of the week. We have to do a press release soon."

Taehyung groans. "I'm not looking forward to the conference. Journalists always ask dumb questions."

Hoseok nods in agreement. "The forums are waiting patiently for the announcement. JK97 is becoming a reality. You should be proud."

Taehyung smiles wholeheartedly. "It's always been my dream," he says, glancing over to a drawing that he framed. When he was 2 years old, his uncle gave him a book about the planets, and Mars had always been his favourite. He would make his parents read him the book every night before going to bed. You could say that it was the start of his obsession with space and robot building. The drawing of a robot on Mars. He named the robot JK—he could never part from it, taking it everywhere with him.

JK became somewhat of an imaginary friend to him. He would always draw JK in class over his notes. He turns his head to look at his creation, coming to life. To think he would be part of a project that will be a first that the world has ever seen... He has no words to describe the feeling. The day he got an internship with the space program was when things started to get real. Slowly he would make his way up the cooperate ladder until he scored dream position. You could now say Taehyung is the brains behind the whole project.

"You've always kept that silly drawing," Hoseok says, smiling affectionally.

Taehyung frowns. "It's not silly; it's the day this idea was birthed."

Hoseok walks over to investigate the drawing. "1st of September, 1997." Hoseok's eyes widen. "So that's where the 97 comes from.

Taehyung nods. "I still can't believe Yoongi let me name the robot."

"You are a huge part of why this subsidiary even exists. While everyone was focusing on the Moon, you always advocated for Mars exploration. And now we have a robot, first of its kind, that will communicate what life is really like up there."

"It's a shame that we couldn't get enough funds to prolong its lifespan."

"Don't worry too much about it," Hoseok says, resting a hand on Taehyung's shoulder. "If the mission is a success, we will be funded for a second robot. New and improved, JK97-2."

Taehyung frowns. "There can only be one JK."

Hoseok rolls his eyes. "Okay, fine, we will call it something else."

Taeyhyung hates that his creation already has an expiry date. All good things must come to an end, right? Just like how he had to replace his old toaster—the new one has four slots instead of two; a welcomed upgrade. JK97 isn't like a toaster, though. Taehyung spent his entire life working on this project.

🤖

"I would like to introduce you all to the first-ever, never been done before, human-like rover, JK97!" Yoongi announces, pulling off the fabric and revealing the drone to the journalists in front of the panel. What followed were a bunch of oohs and ahs. The clicking of the cameras and flashes blast at full speed, catching Taehyung off guard. He smiles regardless, proud that his project is finally out there.