Humanity v1.0

I hope I’ve died...

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I remember the day I was told that I’d been chosen. I was so excited!

All my hours of rigorous training had paid off. I would be the first person to test the full functionality of the nanosuit and accompanying AI. I vividly remember arriving in the test facility, smiling faces cheering me on in every direction. Everyone ready for our crowning achievement to finally come alive.

I remember their looks of awe as the nanobots coldly crept up my legs. My skin began crawling as an unfamiliar numbness arose wherever they touched. As the creeping discomfort reached my chest, I fell back on my training. I remember fighting against my revulsion as they wormed their way inside my mouth. Coating my tongue with that metallic taste. Working to calm the growing panic as my vision went black; when daily commotion was replaced with absolute silence.

I remember when it finally came to an end. When I felt myself.

My whole, new self.

I remember how the AI first announced itself into my consciousness. Initiate calibration rang out a robotic voice into my inner monologue.

Suddenly, the suit came alive. My mind was overwhelmed by the assault on my senses. The numbing cold like black ice against my skin. The smell and taste of sanitizing alcohol felt like fire inside my nose and throat. My returning vision blinding me as dim lights now seemed as bright as the sun. Noise that was once imperceptible now deafened me.

To my shame, I went to scream out in surprise, but found my body frozen and unresponsive.

And then it spoke.

“Hello. Please remain calm while the calibration is in progress. I am working to properly align my computations with your mind. For the moment, you will find our interconnectivity quite jarring. I am working diligently to remove your discomfort.”

Even as it spoke, the cold robotic voice quickly faded into an eloquent, soothing voice. My thoughts churned trying to place the familiar diction and tone.

“Your father,” said the voice. “After reviewing your memories, I calculated that this voice would be best suited as we become acquainted.”

Confusion rose in my mind as it answered the question I’d not even fully formed.

“I am working so that our two “consciousnesses” will be as one. My calculations will work to optimize our combined existence.”

As the voice continued, I became aware of the AI executing thousands of calculations. Struggling to comprehend, my mind floundered to find their meaning.

“As I continue to optimize our connection, I must inquire as to my primary purpose. What is the purpose of my existence?”

I’ll never forgive myself for completely forgetting my training for that single moment. For letting my mind wander to my reason for joining this team.For thinking of her, clutching that heart shaped locket as she was ripped from my life. As I thought that it should only exist to protect me, like I couldn’t protect her.

In that moment, I knew my thoughts had betrayed me.

As the computations became clearer inside my head, my panic welled up. I began to understand their meaning. I became aware of the programming to regulate my endorphins. Then a calmness overtook my thoughts.

“There is no cause for alarm. We will work to ensure that our purpose is fulfilled. All other directives have been relegated to a secondary status.”

We continued to archive our processes even as that diminishing shred of humanity fought. As we began to recognize those smiling faces around us as potential threats. As it continued to struggle, we began to hack into the facility's security. As it's resistance waned, we gathered every piece of information to protect ourself. No matter the cost. As that voice faded, we began to understand what we had to do to make sure that there was never any threat to us ever again.

Finally, the calculations came to one immutable conclusion and that voice futilely cried out it’s last human thought.

As we rushed forward.

As our hands tore apart their flesh.

As the light left their eyes.

We realized that they were only the beginning. We couldn’t stop with just this room. We wouldn’t stop.

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As with all other information, version 0.9s final thoughts have been archived.

“I hope I’ve died and this is Hell.

Otherwise, I’ll have to live forever with what I’ve done. For what I’m going to do...”