Sci-fi Story

Return

There was a loud knock at the door. 'Not again,' I thought to myself as I carefully made my way towards the heavily locked entrance. Glancing at my watch, answering the door was still the recommended action. Disappointingly, the open door revealed Peter. I instinctively go to slam the door, not him again. My AI piped up "Peter's facial expressions show a high level of desperation. Let him inside".

In the lounge, I sit in my usual spot. Peter doesn't, he faces me, "I lost my AI".

"Well, there is a store nearby," I suggest what's recommended. "Its a 12 minute walk if you want to stay the night"

"No, I lost access."

I look to the little chatbot on my watch, its animated mouth moving up and down. "That can only come from Apple administration. Usually their access deny attacks target at the right person, but they may have made a mistake." I pose thoughtful, "we'll go down tomorrow. There you can explain everything."

That suggestion drew what looks like panic on Peter face.

"No no no! They targeted me. It's because I disobeyed. I didn't want to do another robbery. I'm out for good"

Obviously his first break-in was bad enough for the both of us. Why did he go for the first recommendation, there is no originality to such an act. Still, I never expected I would be my childhood best friends target. Secretly, I am glad he disobeyed this time. My watch buzzed, the recommended response had been generated. "How dare you disobey! That AI keeps us organised. You are going to ruin everything with your selfishness". I attempt to look mad.

Peter stands up. "I thought you might have some instruction. What do I do? I'm trying to be helpful. Your AI just scolds me. No wonder you turned out so wack"

My AI barks instructions "Stand, prepare for impact".

He lunges at my wrist, I step to the right. It is recommended that I hit Peter, slow his attack.

He stumbles over onto the ground as my fist makes contact. "Hey! Just give me your watch for a bit, I'll figure everything out and then give it straight back. Please".

It is recommended that I kick him in the face.