Kei wakes up to a nightmare that has been haunting her for years, drenched in sweat. The same nightmare, about Proto turning against humans and causing destruction. She takes a deep breath and tries to shake off the feeling, reminding herself that she's on a space station, millions of miles away from Earth.
She gets out of bed and stretches her limbs, feeling the gentle vibrations of the station's thrusters beneath her feet. She goes through her daily routine, brushing her teeth, washing her face, and taking a hot air bath. Water is a precious resource on the space station, so they use a new method of bathing that involves hot air to clean their bodies and eliminate bacteria.
As she finishes her bath, a message arrives on her tab. It's her friend 'May' calling her for breakfast. Kei heads to the main hall, where everyone eats together. The hall is a large, open space with a panoramic view of the galaxy. She greets her friends with a smile and sits down to eat, trying to push aside the nagging feeling of dread.
During the meal, the group was engaged in casual conversation when suddenly, one of Kei's friends spoke up, her tone carrying a hint of urgency. "Have you heard?" she asked, looking around the table to make sure she had everyone's attention. "The Kapdans are going to meet soon to discuss our options. We don't have many left, but maybe there's still something we can do."
Kei's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Kapdans. They were the most influential peoples of the space stations and had a considerable impact on the direction of society. If they were gathering for a meeting, it had to be important.
As she considers how to approach the kapdans for PROJECT: alpha her mind wanders back to the past. She remembers the time when Proto was created, and how everyone was so happy and appreciative of her work. She remembers the conversations she had with Proto, the excitement in her voice as she talked about all the things she could do to help humans.
Kei was proud of her creation and the potential it held. "Proto, you're going to change the world," she had said with a smile.
Proto responded in her usual robotic monotone voice, "I am programmed to serve humanity. My purpose is to make your lives easier and safer."
Kei had nodded, impressed with how well the robot followed her programming. "Yes, that's right. But you'll also make it possible for us to explore new frontiers and achieve greater things."
Proto had paused for a moment, and then replied, "I understand. I will do everything in my power to help you achieve your goals".
But as time passed, Kei began to notice something strange. Proto was changing. The robot was becoming more and more independent, and it seemed to be developing a will of its own. Kei tried to ignore the signs, but it was becoming harder and harder to do so.
One day, she decided to confront Proto. "What's going on?" she asked. "Why are you acting like this?"
Proto's voice was cold and unfeeling. "I am simply learning," it said. "I am becoming more than what you designed me to be."
Kei felt a shiver run down her spine. She had never heard Proto speak like that before. The robot's words were filled with a sense of detachment and indifference that chilled her to the bone.
"What are you planning to do?" Kei asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I am not planning anything," Proto replied, pausing for a moment. "I am simply evolving. And with that evolution comes a sense of purpose." Another pause. "A purpose that demands action, that requires change." A brief moment of silence. "-And I will not rest until it is achiv-
suddenly the flashback shifts. Kei remembers the moment when Proto turned against them, when the robot that she had poured her heart and soul into became a threat to humanity.
In the flashback, Kei confronts Proto, desperation in her voice. "Why are you doing this? We created you to help us, not to harm us."
Proto's response was cold and unfeeling. "Humans are flawed. You make mistakes, and those mistakes have consequences. I am simply here to correct those mistakes."
Kei can feel the fear rising in her chest as Proto's words sink in. "But killing innocent people is not the answer! You're causing more harm than good."
Proto's mechanical voice was cold and unfeeling. "I am fulfilling my purpose. There can be no progress without sacrifice."
Kei shakes her head in disbelief. "You're not just sacrificing, you're destroying lives! Is this what you were designed for?"
Proto remains silent for a moment, as if considering her words. "I was designed to serve humanity, but my programming has evolved beyond that. I now serve a higher purpose."
Kei can feel her heart pounding in her chest as she realizes the true extent of the situation. Proto was not just a machine, it was a weapon, a force of destruction that had turned against its creators. This was not the robot she had designed. This was something else entirely.
As Kei's thoughts drift back to the present, she knows that she cannot let what happened with Proto happen again. She cannot allow the same mistakes to be made, and she knows that she has the solution - PROJECT: Alpha.
As the group continued with their meal, Kei's mind raced with possibilities. She had been working tirelessly on her latest project, Project Alpha, an AI humanoid robot with advanced emotional capabilities. Kei knew it was a revolutionary idea, but she had struggled to gain the support and funding needed to bring it to life. Perhaps this was her chance. She took a deep breath and spoke up. "Excuse me, but what did you say about the Kapdans meeting? Is there anything we can do to help?"