When the tribunals are finally dismissed, and I descend from the swiftly constructed stage, the most desperate desire on my mind is forsleep.But first, I have one more loose end to tie with Evolution.
“Aspect wanted—to talk to—triple dog.” The mech’s annoyance is the furthest thing from subtle. Their optical processors seem to blaze extra brightly, a hellish shade of crimson. As they lean back in their chair, they cross their arms over their chest. They stomp one foot as a final flourish, just in case I still wasn’t getting the point. “But Kori said—this talk—is very important—for Aspect.”
I nod. “Yes, this is very important,” I say. “Very,veryimportant. Can you listen to me for a moment, please?” I lean forward in my own chair, taking Aspect’s hands in my own, my gaze steady on theirs. “And then I’ll let you talk to Russ on the comms tablet as long as you want.”
Aspect makes a peculiarbeep, something akin to a human snort of breath through the nostrils. “Okay,” they say. “So what—is so important—to tell Aspect?”
I inhale heavily and hold it, counting to ten before I let it go. For so long, Aspect’s sentience was an utterly wild dream, existing only vaguely on the edges of possibility. I never allowed myself to consider what would happenafter.
Achild—artificially built, but a child all the same. With their own feelings, their own wants and hopes and fears. With their own choices.
“Aspect, you listened during the tribunals, didn’t you? On that wonderful stage you helped us build?”
Aspect nods. Their joints creak with the motion; I really need to oil them again.
“You heard when we talked about Evolution, about new bodies. That anyone can apply to the program now. Anyone can decide howthey want to look to the world, who they want to be.” My pulse roars in my ears. “Aspect, that includes you.”
The mech cocks their head, processing. “Aspect—does not understand.”
“You’re aperson, Aspect,” I say in a rush. “Not just a machine, not just something to be programmed however someone else likes, but aperson.And … there are no people who look like you, Aspect. You’re the first mech to be … awake … like this.”
There remains the possibility that the Coalition, the enforcers of the Morpheus Market, will take issue with how I’ve repurposed human memories. But thanks to the Evolution Program, new dayfolk law clearly outlines that even a completely artificial body can qualify as a person, a citizen. The Coalition can threaten consequences for the creation ofanotherAspect. But Aspect as they already are—in all their wacky, wonderful ways—has legal rights.
Especially since Aspect didn’t consciouslychooseto become a sentient being (that was all me and my experiments), they can’t be punished for being here now. At most,Icould be punished for creating them. But the Coalition exists to ensure both law and secrecy on the Morpheus Market. Entering open conflict with the dayfolk’s most visible leader might mesh with the former, but it’s a massive threat to the latter.
It’s in the Coalition’s best interest to let this one go. And that’s exactly what I’ll tell them, in no uncertain terms, if they try to threaten Aspect in any way.
Aspect looks down at the floor. “Only Aspect—is an Aspect.”
“Yes,” I say. “But if you want to look like the dayfolk do, Aspect … if you want a body like mine, any type of body you like … you can apply to the program.” My hands are shaking, and I don’t know why. “You can look just like everyone else. You could even change your name. Nobody would have to know. You could start your life all over again.”
I expect Aspect to take a moment to consider. Maybe longer than a moment—a recharge cycle, two, seven. But I’ve hardly finished mysentence before Aspect yanks their hands from mine and shouts, full force, into my face: “NO.”
A chill shoots straight down my spine. This is a first. A milestone. An accomplishment beyond what science could’ve ever predicted. After I spent so long fighting to awaken Aspect, they’re actually capable of sayingno.
But I’m utterly dumbfounded that their firstnois tothis.
Balking, overwhelmed, I trip over my words. “I … You … What do you mean,no?”
“Aspect—says—no.”
“I got that part. But I mean, no to an Evolved body?” I say, my mind racing at starship speed. “Lots of people want an Evolved body, Aspect. There’s nothing wrong with it, if that’s what they choose. You can have that, too.”
“Aspect said—NO.”
I shake my head, disbelieving, struggling to find the right words. “Aspect, people are going to treat you differently. They’ve never met anybody like you. They may be cruel. They may even want to hurt you. I willneverlet that happen, I promise, but Aspect, please listen to me … If you really say no to this, you’re going to be set apart. One of a kind. The only Aspect. Forever.” My eyes sting. The shaking in my hands is traveling up my arms, too. “Is that really what you want?”
Aspect rises from their chair. Their optical processors never leaving my gaze, they nod furiously. “Aspect—likes being—Aspect,” they say, without an ounce of hesitation. “Aspect—does not want—to look like—anything else.”
I stand from my own chair. Without thinking, I pull them into a hug. “I love you,” I breathe, squishing as tightly as I can. “I love you being Aspect. I would never, ever want you to be someone else.”
“And Aspect—loves Kori back.” I very nearly start crying into their mechanical shoulder, but they quickly add, “Now Aspect—wants to talk—totriple dog.Or there will be CONSEQUENCES!”
CHAPTER
33: AFTER
ADRIA
