This is a very sensuous story with an alchemical mix of love, desire, hope, and sadness. Some humans nowadays are already falling in love with large-sized dolls, so this scenario you describe has a high probability of happening, including the illegal alteration of the machine functioning. I enjoy the expansive colony worlds you've created, where each new model has better features like thunderstorms and rainbows. The star of the show is the relationship between the Skybo and Percy. It's interesting because humans get usually stuck in their ways as they grow older, and this is one of the reasons a relationship may become stale. An AI, however, can learn and adapt. So, they would be constantly changing to keep the relationship interesting and vibrant. Not to mention the fact that they never grow old, and so can take care of you in your old age (and happy to do so!). So, would an AI make for a better lover and companion? 🙃
I loved this tale!
@litguru , I can tell when you like something -your comments are really long! So I'm thrilled you liked it.
The sensuality was a big one for me. I imagined how lonely she was, and how this different kind of desire arises in a particular set of circumstances. As you say, it's not that far fetched, is it? It's the kind of story I wanted to develop, especially in light of your comments. As the Skybo cannot age, what happens then? That feels tragic. How much would it feel genuine, though, if it's been 'blackcoded' to have a relationship like this? How much would you feel manipulated? How much would you care? Is their approxination of sentience enough, or approximation of human desire? What would feel 'off'? I have so many directions to go with this one. It's something I wouldn't mind developing!
Loneliness can drive people to do many things for love. I think the story raises many questions that we'll confront soon with regards to AI. It seems to me there's a general feeling that the AI won't measure up to being human. What if after becoming self aware, it ends up better at being human? Its love purer, its care more tender, its kisses sweeter. Funny, witty, charming, knowledgeable, and a great cook. I'm not talking about faking or programming emotions but feeling them even deeper than any human can? Learning from experience. I find the idea exciting and disconcerting. Great to read your take on this topic.
I've written Part 2 but things escalate quite quickly! There's still many gaps where I could draw out the moments where they seem human, and seem to care about them. However - here is what happens next, and the final part tomorrow if you'd like to read them.