Page 74 of Guiding Reason
Col almost bit his nail but caught himself in the last moment. “If it were an emergency, dire, and if the hardware existed, could you do it then?”
The Op-AI was quiet for almost ten seconds. Col counted them.
“I think if that were the case, I might try. It might not succeed, but the benefits would outweigh the risk of failure.”
That is…good?“Thank you, Op-AI.”
“Of course. But you need not worry. The situation is being handled. I put in the request to the Committee of Grounds Infrastructure Oversight. The situation is being taken care of, and you need not worry.”
“Yes, I know. But I like thinking through possibilities. It helps sharpen my problem-solving skills.”
The avatar brightened at that. “A very good idea! I encourage that. Anything else you want to chat about today, Coldis?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact.
“You are aware I spoke with one of the Guardian insurrectionists? Alesa Yun?”
The avatar looked sad. “I was but didn’t want to bring it up in case it might rouse uncomfortable emotions. I can suggest treatment options, but a Therapeutic AI is the best way to start dealing with the attack. Should I arrange for one to contact you and talk? It can even keep you company while your Guardian is away so you feel safe and seen. I also recommend letting your Guardian know how you feel and what you need from him.”
Col dismissed the idea with the wave of his hand. “No. It’s not that. It’s what Alesa said. He still has contacts to the outside, and he seems to think they will come and free him. That’s concerning.”
The avatar sighed. “I am aware of the content of the conversation, but I agree with the Judiciary AIs. The likeliest is that the insurrectionist was lying because he wanted to hurt you. He has proven very capable of it, and it is what insurrectionists do. You can never forget that, Coldis. Your hurt is their gain.”
“I know that. And I won’t forget it. Insurrectionists—Guardian insurrectionists or other—threaten the very foundations our cities and the Grounds are built on. That is why I feel acting with too much caution now rather than with too little later would be beneficial.
“In addition, the protectors are stretched thin, given they are covering the Grounds now as well. A repeat attack would hit Ferrea all the harder for it.”
“I see. You make a compelling argument.”
Finally.“I just want the cities to be safe, and Ferrea, which has lost so much, in particular. Oh, Op-AI, the protectors mentioned they were having to expand their efforts to handling rogue security bots on the Grounds? Do you think you can help them?”
“Coldis, please follow my words. Security bots are designed to shut down before they are compromised, so I can assure you, any security bot you encounter on the Grounds will protect you to the utmost. Given the current situation, it is understandable why they are not welcoming toward regulars on the Grounds.”
“I trust the security bots completely, but I would feel much better if they trusted the protectors who came to our aid and are still here to help, even now. I don’t like that there is conflict between the bots and the protectors. Wouldn’t it be better for Guardians and Conduits like myself to see them work in harmony?”
“Hmm. That too is compelling, Coldis. I will think on that and make adjustments.”
Hyran’s mothers will be relieved.“Thank you, Op-AI. I don’t think there’s anything else that needs discussing right away.”
The avatar’s expression was pleased. “In that case, you should rest. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you or your team with.”
If only you could make them not behave like idiots.“Thank you, I will.”
Col ended the call, and the butler bot hovered over to him with a large mug of coffee on a tray.
“I didn’t want to interrupt, Conduit.”
Col took the mug, grateful for the warmth and familiarity of it. “Thanks. Can I ask you to do something else for me, bot?”
The lights above its bot eyes blinked excitedly. “Of course!”
Col gestured at the mail. “Can you sort through this? Everything that was sent, people who sent it? Can you make a list for me?”
“Should I read the letters for you, Conduit?”
Col worried his bottom lip, tightened his hold on the coffee so he wouldn’t bite his nails.
“No. No, I’ll read them. Can you bring them into my room?”
