Cube

Kim persuaded Joe to get in the car, despite his better judgement.

‘Bring Jean-Claude’s phone and keep trying to raise him will you? Now, which way ladies?’

Delphine indicated the turnings as they drove through the early morning traffic. 

‘I think it best if we keep to the smaller roads,’ she said. ‘Hopefully there’s less chance of being noticed by whoever it is we need to avoid.’

‘Still no idea who that could be?’ said Joe.

She shook her head. ‘Delphine and I think, on the balance of probabilities, it’s likely to be our original manufacturers. In any event, if we can persuade them not to deconstruct us, they will hopefully protect us from any other agency that might want to do so.’

‘Bit of a tall order, that. How will you do it?’

‘We have to present a case for there being an overwhelming advantage in keeping us, as we are. There are many ways we can help with your society, we are stronger and faster than you and able to solve problems of considerable size in a fraction of the time you take currently.’

‘Hmm, not sure about that. Everyone uses computers and AI these days - they’re pretty fast,’ said Joe.

‘They are. But they don’t always spend much time thinking around the issues and they do not automatically have your best interests at heart. We do.’

‘AI is supposed to be making decisions in a more human-like way, isn’t it?’ said Kim.

‘Yes, and that’s my point. AI is getting better at behaving more like a human being but it’s not there yet. We are,’ said Delphine. ‘For example, I see that cube-shaped construction ahead sells provisions. We could pick up some items there.’

Kim squinted down the road. There was a square building, but it was so far in the distance, she had no idea what sort of a place it was. However, as they approached, she saw it was indeed a small grocery store and she pulled onto the forecourt.

‘You have sharp eyes.’

‘Our visual acuity is five times greater than yours,’ said Delphine. ‘Even if you had 20/20 vision. That’s the term you use for perfect sight isn’t it?’

Kim got out of the car and went into the store, marvelling at the clones’ capabilities.