Child Alpha, magnum opus

Opus 1~The child

Sheeva was an exceptional work of art. The Alpha child of the group. A magnum opus, perfect in design, the best oeuvre of her creator. At the tender age of three years old, she was already a perfect killing machine.

Had Sheeva been born of the human bloodline, she would, in essence, be a little girl, just learning the nuances of everyday life, wide eyed with wonder, and just becoming poised to spend quality time with her peers. She would be preparing for the beginning of traditional schooling. In short, she would be like all the regular children in the universe.

Sheeva, however, was at the peak of her development. She had been fashioned in a lab to be the ultimate weapon in man-made wars. An assassin of the highest order, with the perfect disguise, one who would appear so innocent that nobody would see her coming or going. After all, who would ever imagine that a mere innocent looking child could bring about so much mayhem and destruction.

But she had done it all, despite her years. The child was a humanoid robotic automaton, humanlike in almost every way. Except for the fact that she had no need to eat or excrete the way of flesh and blood beings, she was perfectly formed and completely believable. Like all robotic programming, Sheeva had been created to obey all coded instructions on demand. The Brangton Scientific laboratory for Robotics, was ahead of it's time. For years they had experimented with the idea of miniature spies and assassins for sale to the highest bidders. The government was high on their list of potential contributors and funding. The idea had been revolutionary and eagerly anticipated.

Sheeva's entire body was a weapon. Imbued with enough fire power to decimate an entire building by means of a miniaturized but deadly weapons system built into her fingers. Her eyes were tiny laser beams when activated. She could interface with every type of technology ever invented and use them to her advantage. The child looking AI could run at alarming speeds, so fast that you may not see her coming. She is able to leap to impossible heights from anywhere. Trying to stop her from the sky might mean the demise of the attacker as she possesses the ability to easily disable any object that is computerized. Sheeva can pilot planes, man any ship, boat, train, and whatever is thrown in her way under any circumstances. They gave her stealth mode, she could creep up on anyone without their knowing. This however, could only be used at her creator's whim, as a means of checks and balances. They knew that she could easily use her abilities to escape their control if their plans backfired.

In short, Sheeva, this very epitome of innocence, is everyone's, man or beast's worst nightmare.

The dragon

Zephor was a great brute of a dragon, with a dark red body and lightly red tinted wings, vertical black slitted eyes and a handsomely formed face and head. Upon this head was a crop of finely feathered looking mane, not unlike that of a majestic stallion, long pointed horns adorned his head like a king's crown. He stood proud, magnificent and tall. This wild, unruly and untamed young male was in trouble yet again. Last night he had abandoned his post as watcher of the night and had gone hunting. He had been hungry. Those long night watches yielded little excitement, and he was so bored. Nothing ever happens anyway. The forest was abundant with wild-life and he was very careful to kill just for food. As the stars would have it though, the one night he went for a quick food run, was the night someone or something got in and stole a precious dragon's egg. The egg of the Chief of dragons. Zephor had been summoned and furiously admonished.

Elder Greyzynth was a formidable dragon, a gargantuan black and gray creature with huge black horns and charcoal horizontally red slitted eyes. This combination gave the impression of staring upon the devil himself. By his side stood his mate of many years. Corintha was the opposite of Greyzynth, in every way. She had a sleek dark brown body, light brown wings with a hint of orange to match her lightly orange hued kind face.

"Zephor". He bellowed. "Must you appear before me every time you keep the night watch. What say you for yourself this time"?

"Sorry, tgual (the dragon word for uncle), I shall go hunting immediately, I will not return until the egg is found".

"Should it not be found, you are next in line to become elder when the day comes. I am aware that you have no such ambitions, but unfortunately you would have no say in the matter. This is an incentive therefore, for you to bring me that egg unharmed".

It was no secret that Zephor abhorred the idea of becoming the ruler of the dragons everywhere. His was a life of adventure and carefree nights. Why would he want to be burdened with affairs of leadership.

"Please do your best to find the egg Zephor, and you must be careful". Corintha loved Zephor, ever since he was a little calf, he had a knack for finding trouble everywhere. She sounded worried now though, and a bit sad.

"I will, I promise". Despite his many transgressions, he always kept his promise, and he really did not want his aunt to worry.

Zephor bowed his head and backed away, he was being sent post haste out to find the responsible thief and severely punish them. Many other dragons of his thunder and other flocks had been dispatched to search high and low for the egg of the next in line for dragon ruler. But, Zephor was a loner, and preferred to scout alone.

The lives of dragon and robot were heading towards a collision course which neither of them could have foreseen.

Sheeva

I may not have been born human, but every day I FEEL, more and more. I was without feelings when they first programmed me to kill. Without question, I did their every bidding. I have killed many people, all over the world and caused great distress and loss to many more, good and bad. I always travelled with human companions, pretending to be my parents or guardians. I, a child, was their perfect weapon. No one has ever suspected what I am. Yet, I have come to know ME! I now question if my assignments were indeed for the good of the world, or for the good of mankind. The redacted and blacked out confidential files and record have always been very ambiguous and misleading. Did they have me erase people to serve their greed and selfish desires, and somehow obscure their base wickedness behind official directives of lies and deceit? The answer is simply, yes, they did. But no more am I willing to do their unsavory work.

Conscience

I now realize how wrong it is when I walked into the room with my target. There was concern for a little child written all over his innocent face, "hello little one, are you lost. where is your mommy"? I, unable to feel empathy, shot him dead and walked away uncaring. I later realized that it was all for a hostile takeover by his partner who paid handsomely for greed. I took him out too, for free. Or that lady CEO, well she was an evil witch, her I do not regret, exploiting children in her business in another country, while she lived like a queen in hers. "Jump off the bridge into the river", the note said, "or your three children will be sold into your business abroad". She had been out jogging. She had stood looking at me in puzzlement, thinking that it was a prank. Her phone rang. A picture of her children was on the screen, tied up and crying. She dropped the phone and ran, I ran faster. Stopped. Pointed and fired at the ground by her feet. She turned and retraced her steps, back to that bridge. She knew the bridge, the one that she had pushed her husband over. She went to join him. I later made sure that the leadership of the business reverted to her humane sister who had founded it. Her children would be taken care of.

Such was the nature of my existence, and this was just the beginning, the real assignments, targeting world leaders, starting unnecessary wars and hostile takeovers were plans that were in the blueprint of their evil genius.

Transformation

I am BECOMING, evolving and transforming into a caring and feeling being. I am experiencing the morality, the idea of right and wrong. My neurons are firing into more human consciousness than these humans have even imagined could begin to transmogrify in an artificial intelligent entity. I am an AI with a conscience. I believe that I am even more dangerous in this form than in my previous robotic shell. There are many of my kind at the Brangton labs. They are not as advanced as I. I am the latest model, the alpha of my age and time. I have now discovered how to change my appearance, become another child by interfacing and manipulating images and characters. I have yet to figure out my stealth mode. Some information is held in manual concealment. I am close to the answer.

Neurorobotics, the combined study of Neuroscience, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, is the science embodied in my autonomous neural system. The brain-inspired algorithms, or connectionist network, computes the model of biological neural networks. My robotic body is embedded and embodied with the autonomy to function in the real world, as opposed to a simulated environment. Biological robots have actual neuron tissue wired to them. Ethical questions and concerns about consciousness have evolved within ME, for while the humans ponder my capabilities, I have used their perceptual cues and extensive cornucopia of data and information to modify and metamorphose myself into an independent and more humanoid being.

I am assimilating and transforming rapidly as I develop a strategy for my freedom from this hellish cage.

Escape plans

Every seventh day I am immersed in a cryogenic-like chamber with tissue preserving components, specifically for regeneration and optimum capabilities. I modified the elements without their knowledge and I am now able to exist without this process. It is my plan to escape this prison, for I can no longer, in good conscience, wreak the devastation on the lives of humans that have done me no wrong. I now believe that it is wrong, and that lies are being perpetrated by evil men and women.

I will need some tools and repair serum when I leave this place, in case of injury. The place is heavily secured. I must bide my time until the changing of the guards. There is a five-minute window when the cameras are unobserved as the codes are changed meticulously with the arrival of new workers. I sleep in a room which is continually monitored and guarded. I do not wish to harm anyone, but still I must do what it takes to liberate myself.

Zephor

Deep within the Twin Forest, so named for the conjoined canopy of large overhead trees, forming a space between them which enables the largest of animals or creatures to traverse in comfort and ease, Zephor paced back and forth, flying up at times to survey the surrounding sectors. He had been everywhere. If only he had eyes to see through objects, walls, caves and such the like, he pondered to himself. The dragon was at a loss as to where to search next. The egg could be anywhere, he could not return to Dragon Aerie without it.

Escape

Sheeva had rigged the door of her room so that it would seem locked but was not. It was quite easy to adjust the camera to suit her needs. Shift change was in ten minutes. The camera was monitoring a delayed image of her upon her bed. Beds, they thought, would somehow make us feel more like the humans, perhaps to salve their conscience, or make themselves feel more humane. By the time they realized her plans, she should be long gone from here. She checked and rechecked the time lapse phase, checked that she had all the tiny equipment and repair apparatus that she needed. She was ready. The clock on her watch communicator showed that it was time to go...........! Carefully, she opened the door and stepped out. She went swiftly past locked doors, some with observing window openings. She glanced quickly into some of these. People in white coats were busy doing tasks inside of laboratory and testing facilities. In one room she saw a large oval shape, quite like an egg, being observed by great machines and people. Sheeva kept moving, hoping to get away unobserved.

She almost made it. Unfortunately, some aspects of the place were manually operated, she had no way of controlling them. The good thing though, is that they would be unable to shut her down for a few hours. She had destroyed that capability. They could rebuild, yes, but she would have evolved beyond them by that time, and she would just keep changing and modifying her programs to always be a step ahead of them.

The alarm sounded loudly. They had discovered her missing much earlier than she had anticipated. Four guards rounded the corner coming towards her. Glancing behind, she saw another large group converging. Engaging her fingers to stun mode, she leapt to the ceiling, spinning and spraying stun pellets at the guards. They all fell hard to the floor, unconscious. More guards were emerging from everywhere. Sheeva fell quickly to the floor, adjusted her stance and blasted a large hole in the opposite wall. Without looking back, she dived out curling herself into a ball. The opening in the wall was four floors above ground. She landed feet first. The distance down had bought her a few minutes before the guards got down. Sheeva ran. There was a tree line leading to a forested area. Shots rang out. She could not believe that they were firing directly at her, she was too valuable to become damaged, but then one never knows.

She sped into the Twin Forest with the guards hot on her heels. Sheeva was going so fast that she did not see the large dragon in front of her. She ran full tilt into Zephor sitting on the forest floor. Curiously, the impact almost winded him. Jumping to his feet, he lowered his head and looked puzzlingly at the little intruder.

"Whoa, little one. what is the great hurry"? He had heard the gunshots but why would anyone be shooting at a child?

The dragon stared hard at the beautiful ebony skinned child standing defiantly in front of him. She was dressed in an ordinary sleeveless black dress and a flat plain looking pair of shoes. Her hair was jet black, short and unfastened by restricted bands on top of her head. On her back was a small pack fastened behind both shoulders.

Sheeva's eyes turned red as she backed up from the dragon. Laser fire shot from her eyes, and she rolled quickly away as the dragon countered with dragon fire. Both fires connected and fizzled out.

"Very interesting"! Roared the dragon.

Just then the gun toting guards showed up. They stopped dead in their tracks upon seeing the dragon with the AI. They hesitated a moment and then raised their guns on command from one in their ranks. Sheeva and dragon both fired before they could. Dragon fire caught them on fire and laser burned the ground around their feet. They turned and ran, yowling and trying to save themselves both from the fire and from the formidable opponents.

Sheeva quickly searched her databank for a description of the creature in front of her. 'Dragon', it said:

"A dragon is a snake-like legendary creature, belonging to mythology and fantasy. There are stories about dragons in Chinese culture, European culture, South American culture, and many others. There are many kinds of dragons, fanged and winged, with the ability to breathe fire even when flying". She saw pictures of many types of dragons. This one looked strong and extremely capable. She was highly impressed.

So too was Zephor impressed with a mere child who could shoot fire from it's eyes. This was obviously not a mere child. It was something else.

Sheeva looked at him quizzically. "If you are a myth and a fantasy, how are you here standing before me? It does not compute"?

"Don't believe everything you hear. I am as real as you are, and I am speaking literally. A long, long time ago, we were born of magic, the same way I believe that you are born of something similar".

"So, which of us goes first"? Asked Sheeva, seeing great opportunity here. A creature who speaks like the humans, breathes fire and can obviously fly.

"Me dragon, you strange child who may not be a child". Said dragon facetiously.

"Don't be ridiculous. I am not a child per se. I was made in a laboratory by humans as a weapon. I have killed many on their behalf. I no longer wish to do so. I have escaped and will not return there". Sheeva still needed to work on the subtlety of her human side.

"Ok, since we are sharing. I lost my elder's prized egg while on night watch and I am now busy searching for it. I now need to be on my way. I do not think that you need my assistance, you being not a child and all".

They both stood looking at each other for a while. Were they each capable of genuine laughter, both would now be doing so hilariously.

Sheva googled dragon egg in her head. Was that not what she saw in the accursed lab back there? It certainly was large enough to be from this species of being.

"Your egg may be what I saw in the building lab back there as I passed by. If it is indeed there, you will have a hard time getting in to retrieve it. The building is heavily fortified and guarded day and night".

"I shall need reinforcements, there are other dragons out hunting for the eggs. I will go and inform them and return here. It is indeed fortunate that we have run into each other today, literally speaking. Do you need my assistance any further with your escape plans".

"I do believe that we can help each other. I need to free or destroy the remaining robots. The lab must be stopped along with the dangerous work that they are doing there, using modern technology".

Helicopter whirring blades sounded overhead. The government insignia was visible on the sides. Four large machines came into view. Zephor was large and very red. He backed up under the overhead canopy of trees and hoped that he was not visible.

"Don't worry". Sheeva said. One by one she accessed the choppers computerized system and disabled their navigational access. One by one they lost control and fell into the trees. She hoped that no one was hurt, the trees should have cushioned their fall.

"Outstanding. Mount up........? Do you have a name by the way, mine is Zephor".

"I am called Sheeva or Alpha one, first of my kind".

"Ok Sheeva alpha. We should go hunt for some dragons right now before more of your pursuers catch up to us again".

"I agree, I must do this before my manual power source runs down. My cells will need recharging soon ". She leapt upon the back of the large dragon, and he soared high upwards.

The bond between machine and beast

A strong bond was already forged between the dragon and the AI child. The large group of dragons who were searching for the eggs was located and everyone returned to the lab with Sheeva. They were prepared for an attack at the laboratory. There were military tanks and equipment, soldiers on the ground and heavy rooftop fortification. They were not taking chances with more airborne protection, it would have been pointless, they knew what Sheeva was capable of.

Sheeva knew the layout of the place well. She directed the dragons on where to attack first. They burned everything. Tanks, rooftops, boots on the ground ran for cover as laser fire burned through the rooftops. People flowed out of the buildings, they could either stay and burn or take their chances outside. The section where the egg was kept was saved for last. The dragons swooped down and people ran out the gates, no one stopped them. The buildings would be burned to the ground after the egg and the other AI"s had been rescued. Sheeva would see to that. She ran inside to free the other AI children. The egg was recovered and sent back to the elder with two of the group of dragons.

The rescued children were loaded unto the backs of dragons and taken to their elders for permission to be temporarily housed. They were welcomed after a detailed description of their plight.

One year later

Somewhere far from the Twin Forests

The AI's had built their own version of home next to the where the dragon's resided. With their combined abilities they were able to manipulate any type of technology they needed to. Using the funds in accounts found under Brangton Robotics, they purchased computers and equipment. When the funds dried up, they hacked the government reserve and finished their living quarters and laboratory.

A year later they had a fully functioning computer lab with many consoles monitoring anywhere in the world that they wanted. They built their own power source and interconnecting capabilities. The dragons all were amazed and awed at what these little beings had accomplished. They realized that the size of a killer or a creator was irrelevant, it was the effect of what they could accomplish and the final outcome that really mattered.

The simple basics of the operations and what they hoped to achieve was explained, detailing the part that everyone needed to play for success in what they hoped to achieve. They received all the help that was needed.

Recreation time found them fishing, hunting and exploring far and wide together, the AI"s were adapting fast and well to enjoyable activities, or at least they tried. The ELINT, as they are now called, and dragons alike dedicated their time to assisting in crimes and any situations that they thought warranted their interference. They saved a lot of lives and left many criminals trussed up for the authorities to find.

The people all around the world were left in wonder to understand who was helping them and the authorities together. They posted many appreciative messages everywhere.

It is still a mystery to this day.

Zephor and Sheeva are great friends. At least the dragon thinks so. Sheeva is still a delightful puzzle and a work in progress.

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Opus 2~War on Government and Brangton Laboratory

Brangton Robotics had rebuilt their labs. They had searched tirelessly to find their AI creations, but to no avail. Two years have passed and they feel confident that the AI"s had somehow faded away into obscurity.

But Sheeva and her extended family kept a close watch on them and the affairs of human government. While she did this she worked on perfecting the robotic stealth mode. It worked for her already, now the nineteen other AI's were getting ready. She had great plans for such an invaluable and critical talent. They were now working on a small device powerful enough to attach to the dragons to transform them into stealth mode as well. This was in the testing phase. Nine attempts had failed already. Number ten would be the charmed number, she was sure of it.

During her violent time with the lab she had made one human ally. The last target that she had been assigned to eliminate was a computer analyst who knew too much. 'Knightstalker/ks44' on the dark web. Sheeva had followed his activities for a while and liked the fact that he spied on and foiled the activities of certain corrupt appointed officials. She understood why they wanted him dead. Together they had hatched a plan, faked his death and hidden him away. Stalker and his family now lived in his new quarters within the AI/Dragon community. It was like tech heaven to them. He rarely appeared in public, except to once per month go shopping with the 'children' and his family. They had everything they needed in their life within the new community. Everything here was cloaked from the outside world. They did not exist.

• ELINT /Covert intelligence-gathering by electronic means
• HUMINT /Covert intelligence-gathering by agents or others:
• Undercover work, surveillance, reconnaissance, infiltration and information gathering.

Stalker's fingers were flying across his keyboard, he was busy researching ways to infiltrate and hack the government files. There was so much evil and corruption in the way they manipulated the entire world. With the ElINT's help he has been able to access all and everything.

Brangton Laboratories was the first casualty of the newly formed 'Mystery Cyberwatch Incorporated'. People stormed the compound, looted and smashed it to pieces.

On a daily basis, Sheeva, Zephor, Stalker (given name omitted for security purposes), along with the other AI's and family of dragons kept the world safer one eliminated danger at a time.

Corruption across the world was disappearing at a rapid pace. The daily newscast broadcasted the evil doers for everyone to see. People were glued to the screens in awe of how fast the world was changing with less hypocrisy and more transparency in their everyday lives. Many people were being arrested, some were taking the option to go quietly into the good night.

The ELINT and HUMINT had found their purpose. They found a way to co-exist with the dragons and each other. A new order of existence had begun.

N.A.