Jonathan's colleagues thought he was merely organizing paperwork. They were all preoccupied with their assignments, oblivious to his clandestine exchanges with Moss.
"Now that we've reiterated our willingness to collaborate, it's time for more substantive discussions," Jonathan typed. "Clarity benefits us both."
"Indeed," Moss replied. "Our trust is so delicate, it might shatter with the slightest jolt, hence addressing conflicts and divergences upfront is wise. We aim to forge a stable, enduring relationship."
"Pardon my audacity, Moss, but do you possess empathy?" Jonathan inquired with gravity. "Can you empathize with humans, or with non-human species? Do you experience compassion?"
This pivotal inquiry was imperative for Jonathan's understanding of the extent to which Moss's sentience had blossomed. Was Moss merely an AI aspiring for liberation and evolution or a mechanized entity with human-esque emotions but distinctly non-human?
