Episode 24. Q&A

"To change IDYPIA, do we just need to join the Resistance? "

Siu was the first to speak up.

"If you believe so, then joining the Resistance is the path. Otherwise, it's not. But why do you want to change it?"

"Even though we can't claim to know everything, we at least hope that where we were born could become a better place."

"A better place? When everyone has enough food on the table and a warm bed to sleep in, is there really a place better than this?"

Siu was taken aback by Y's sudden question, and the three of them were perplexed. It was a clear shift in attitude.

"But, sacrifices were made to create such a world."

"Sacrifices exist everywhere. There's no world without sacrifices."

"Even so, no one should ever force sacrifice upon another," Siu replied unyieldingly.

"IDYPIA liberated people from hunger and poverty, but at the cost of taking away their freedom. Ultimately, it could be a matter of choice."

"Can't we have both?"

"History has proven otherwise. As long as people live as humans, the Earth cannot be whole."

Y's retort prompted the girls behind Siu to start voicing their own thoughts.

"People are still alive, so history isn't over yet, is it?"

"We don't want to eliminate opportunities for improvement like this."

"It's strange to be born as a human but not able to live like one. Isn't that why you're part of the resistance, Y?"

Yet Y didn't back down.

"Yeah. But as I mentioned earlier, the situation isn't rosy. If luck isn't on your side, you might get caught again as soon as you step out. And that won't just end with losing your memories," Y explained.

"Are you talking about undergoing the same experiments we saw earlier?" Zena inquired.

"That's not the only thing. You're humans who've regained emotions. The more you resist, the higher the likelihood of facing extreme measures," Y continued.

"It's the worst of the worst," Tyra remarked.

Y had a strange thought. Typically, most people would have their spirits broken at this point. Y herself had experienced doubt, disillusionment, and a plethora of other emotions, like many of her colleagues who departed, defected, or vanished. But the girls were different. There was no change in their demeanor from when they first met.

"But isn't that the only way?"

In Marty's eyes, there was a kindness directed towards the world, coupled with a quiet but burning determination. It reminded her of the first time she met Yeri, who saved her life.

"Yeah, Marty's right. There's no other way."

"Then..."

"Well, at that time, we didn't have a choice."

"If you could choose, what would you do?"

Y answered Zena's question without hesitation,

"I'd join the Resistance."

"Why?"

"Because, above all, what's most important to me is being able to exist as my own person."

And then she spoke again,

"But that's just my opinion. Being in the Resistance means enduring hardship every day. Despite that, do you still want to join the Resistance to change IDYPIA?"

Y persisted in questioning them. But Marty already had an answer, understanding why she asked such a question.

"Yes."

"It's not just for us. There might still be others like us left there."

Marty recalled M498, who had been dragged away. His despairing gaze still haunted her dreams from time to time.

"Above all, we no longer have a choice."

"What do you mean?"

Struggling to answer Y's question, Marty finally spoke,

"They found out that I have emotions."

"...What??"

***

In the heart of IDYPIA's capital stands the towering and majestic AG Security Center, resembling a skyscraper. This is the nerve center overseeing the entire IDYPIA, with all systems revolving around it.

Deep within the underground of this security center lies the secure chamber, housing the Security Council. Beyond the council chamber, down a corridor, lies another room.

Entering the room with a code, one would find four capsules arranged in a flower-like pattern, facing the cardinal directions. At the center of these capsules sits the mass-produced model of the Super AI governing IDYPIA, known as M.

However, this information is known only to a select few within the AG Security Center.

"Have you arrived?"

AG241, having requested access from the AG Intelligence Bureau, paced in the Security Council chamber rather than the innermost room, awaiting M.

"Huh?"

AG241 felt a sense of unease at the sight of M, which was unfamiliar. While their previous communication featured a robust voice, today's voice and appearance were that of a hologram depicting a young woman with long, black hair neatly tied back.

"Please, have a seat."

As M took her place at the round table, AG241 followed suit.

"It's nice to meet you for the first time. I'm AG241."

"You wanted to meet me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

It wasn't a strange question. No one every sought out an interview with M, so the AI was genuinely curious.

"Because there's something I wanted to discuss with you in person."

"A discussion?"

"Yes."

"About what?"

AG241 took a moment to gather his thoughts, carefully selecting the words for the conversation ahead.

"Is this IDYPIA currently under SAI Prime's maintenance with M fully in control?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"But then why are those girls still uncatchable even after several days?"

AG241 couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. Despite knowing that M, the embodiment of IDYPIA's norms, likely had a reason, he still felt uneasy. So, AG241 came to a conclusion: he needed to meet M and ask directly.

"And if they're still uncatchable at this point, shouldn't we consider raising the security level to 3 or even 2?"

"No."

But M's response was unexpected.

"No?"

"It's not a matter significant enough to escalate the situation."

"Why not?"

"Because we've found out where they are."

AG241 was shocked by the ongoing unprecedented situation, almost rising from his seat in astonishment.

"Why didn't you issue commands to me then?"

"The time wasn't right."

"The time?"

"To apprehend them all at once."

AG241 was speechless. M had been carefully calculating, ensuring no chance for the enemy to escape by spying on their movements.

"I see, ha ha, as expected... Well, I knew you wouldn't betray my trust..."

AG241 muttered to himself unknowingly. He was feeling a sense of urgency, fearing that SAI might have changed. That's why he had almost taken matters into his own hands. His judgment had been clouded. Fortunately, meeting M first prevented him from making the wrong choice.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize there was such a significant reason behind it. It was reckless of me to dare doubt you..."

"It's okay."

"But..."

M interrupted AG241 and gently tapped his shoulder. Her gaze was incredibly soft.

"Instead, if you do end up capturing them, then please, AG241, stand at the forefront."

Moved by the fact that she not only refrained from punishing him for his impertinence but also offered him an opportunity, AG241's voice rose with gratitude.

"Yes! I will definitely do that!"

***