The Watcher (Book 2) (Page 182)

~~~(Scott Autumn)~~~

~~~(Location: Teleportation Gate, The Keynote)~~~

"Have you ever talked to Aurora about making her a body so you two can be together? I know you're both smart enough, and don't make some dumbass excuse like you've never thought about it. Since you like her, you've thought about this for sure."

Durado has been laying to me with questions for the last 15 minutes, and I'm starting to think that talking about women with Durado isn't such a good idea.

Besides, he doesn't know what it takes to create an artificial body that has all the functions of a natural and organic one. It's not as simple as manufacturing one. Aurora can be seriously damaged if the artificial body is incompatible with her holographic AI design.

"No, I haven't talked to her about it. It's not like I have given it thought, Durado. I know that creating an artificial body for an AI is something that is possible. But the slightest mistake can destroy her. In fact, she's safest as she is."

Aurora doesn't know what an organic body feels like. She doesn't know how to gauge physical pain on that level. Once inside the artificial body, who knows the limits and breaking points, she'll pass in the first hour. It's dangerous.

"That's crap, and you know it. You're more than capable of doing some Primordium bullshit that can make that body she needs for something like that."

It's like explaining bio-electrical engineering and biology to a wall.

"Okay, Durado. Let's say I do pull some Primordium bullshit, as you've put it. What then? She needs to learn how to walk, eat, take a piss, and shit. It'll be a fully grown adult in a full-grown body with the motor control of a baby."

I'm not even close to being finished, and Durado can see that.

"Not to mention the conversion between a digital mind to an organic one. AIs are far more intelligent than any organic lifeform. Even me. Aurora is smarter than I am. She'd need a mind more powerful and versatile than the one between my ears."

That means creating a new brain superior to anything that's ever been created before.

"There are so many moving parts to making an artificial body, Durado. But to make one for the mind of an AI, that's as powerful as Aurora would take decades of trial and error. There is a reason the Primordium didn't do it, and it's not because they never considered it."

He's now thoroughly silent, and while I like this new peace. It sucks that I had to completely destroy any hope that Aurora could have an artificial and organic body of her own.

"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said anything..."

Now isn't that even more of a surprise? Durado apologizes for being an idiot. Never thought I'd see the day.

Before I can say anything, Aurora appears before us and snaps her fingers. Lighting up the teleportation gate and getting back in Aurora Holder MK.1. I'm positive Aurora heard our conversation. But it's not like it'll matter.

Since she's not talking, she's likely thinking about it herself.

~~~(POV: Aurora)~~~

~~~(Location: Traveling through Teleportation Gate to The Watcher, The Keynote)~~~

It'll only be a minute at most before we make it to The Watcher. What Scott said has been on my mind, and as much as it hurt to hear. He's right. The science and technology to do such a feat would take years.

AIs weren't designed to ever be transferred into an artificial organic body. Or perhaps it's the other way around in a sick sense. I don't know the deepest thoughts and plans of the Primordium, but I do know they never considered something without all the risks.

"Aurora."

Scott says my name as the minute passes, and I pop out on the Aurora Holder. We look around, and this place matches the Dexahedron that I found.

"This is it. The Watcher should be here. But I'm not picking up any readings. Take me to the nearest console."

Scott looks like he doesn't want to. And I understand. There is a chance this is a trap for both of us or me. But we need to do something.

"Don't worry, Scott. I'll handle anything they throw at me."

I look up at him in my miniature hologram form, and he gives a half smile before walking us over to the nearest console. I enter the system and try to find out anything that might give us some answers.