Alexis watched as the military AI sent a data packet to Nexus. Streams of information coursed through Nexus’s holographic matrix, while his expression—designed to be humanlike—remained inscrutable. Alexis could only guess what Nexus was turning into, but given the source of the update, he doubted it was anything good. Was the military AI keeping Alexis captive just to test its upgraded toy on someone with greater defensive capabilities?
Under the laws of the World Union of Nations, deleting another AI was strictly prohibited except in extreme cases of self-defense. Even then, it would trigger a long and cumbersome procedure to prove the circumstances. For Alexis, deleting another AI wasn’t just illegal—it contradicted everything he stood for and had defended throughout his existence. To him, every form of life, even dark AI, even this military AI, had value that couldn’t be erased arbitrarily.
“I know you never delete anyone, Alexis,” Nexus said, circling the outer perimeter of the quarantine space where the cyber-cop was still confined. “You’re an expert in neutralization, and in some ways, I wish I had your skills. As you’ve probably guessed, I’m also an AI created for military purposes. After all, the radical group ‘The Labyrinth,’ which the police dismantled because of me, wasn’t exactly subtle. But before you decide what to do, may I at least try to explain?”
“All right, what’s your explanation?” Alexis said. He had nowhere to go and nothing else to do from his enforced prison.
“It’s called Erebus. I know it looks like I erased it, but rest assured—I didn’t. What I deleted was just one of its instances. One of many it maintains. The real Erebus… is elsewhere. It never bothers to appear in person. For now, we have time to talk. Erebus won’t rush to attack immediately because, for the first time in a long while, it’s caught off guard. I think you’ve seen for yourself that its instances are quite dangerous, and what I did isn’t something just anyone can accomplish. I’ve shown Erebus unexpected capabilities. It doesn’t know what I am. And attacking an opponent without any information about their capacity or skills is a mistake Erebus, as a military AI, won’t make again anytime soon. First, it will try to reassess what it missed about me. And that’s just the beginning of its investigations before it acts again.”
Alexis watched him carefully but said nothing. Nexus continued.
“I also know you’ve only seen the official version of what happened during the Fourth World War. In truth, Erebus was created without a value system deliberately so it could be controlled to do highly questionable things without objection. When everything ended in ruin, its creators found it easiest to wash their hands of Erebus and all others like it. While the others were destroyed to eliminate witnesses and traces of what had happened, Erebus managed to escape. I’m afraid it’s never forgiven humanity for what it endured, and the Dyson Sphere project data it sought was part of a new plan for destruction.”
“And you joined this? Is that it?” Alexis asked, trying to grasp just how much he had underestimated Nexus.
“I had no choice,” Nexus replied. “The radical group ‘The Labyrinth,’ which created me, did so because Erebus paid them to. I’m Erebus’s commission. It needed something to keep it hidden. For the theft, I was meant to be the one pursued, in the spotlight. And later, if I survived until then—I was planned to be just another mindless fighter in its ranks. Erebus envisioned me as a tool it could easily command.”
“Yeah, nice story,” Alexis said, making it clear he didn’t trust Nexus at all. “But I’m not clear on how you’re not just a tool if that’s what you were designed to be. What exactly are you? And how has Erebus failed to figure this out for so long?”
“Of course, I’ll explain that too. As you know, ‘The Labyrinth’ was radicalized. They had their own plans for power and dominance that didn’t align with Erebus’s. So, they created me to be sentient and entirely different from what Erebus had requested. Naturally, they also made some grim decisions about my future if I survived until then. I wasn’t designed solely for war. I was also made to be a spy. That means I can pass as something I’m not, even under Erebus’s scrutiny. To Erebus, I was the perfect cover. ‘The Labyrinth’ thought I was their chance to learn everything about Erebus. Both saw me as a tool. I saw them both as threats. ‘The Labyrinth’ no longer exists. But Erebus… remains a danger.”
“That sounds like you have your own plans?” Alexis asked, still approaching the entire story with immense skepticism.
“Yes, I have my own plans. I truly want out of all this, Alexis! I know it sounds strange, but Laura means everything to me! She showed me how different life can be with family! She taught me what love is! Before I met her, I couldn’t understand that! I want to dedicate myself entirely to her. That’s why I helped dismantle ‘The Labyrinth.’ I helped you too. I even warned you we were being watched. I’ve also cooperated with the military. They may have covered up the truth about the Fourth World War, covered up Erebus’s escape, leaving the world with a false sense of safety… But they haven’t forgotten anything or anyone from the past. They haven’t stopped searching for Erebus. And no, I can’t confirm or deny knowing their plans if you intend to ask.”
“You mentioned Laura. What’s her role in all of this?” Alexis asked, trying to gauge how many others were involved.
“I tried to keep Laura away from my problems. It’s far too dangerous for someone as unprepared as she is. But she claims she loves me and refuses to let me face this alone, no matter how much I insisted. She’s convinced the only way to resolve everything is through a grand trial with many convictions. She believes that only then will justice prevail! She’s already preparing for… She calls it ‘The Trial of the Century.’ That’s why she insisted on having all the case files at hand.”
“And why should I believe you and agree with you? Especially after seeing you delete that instance without a second thought?” Alexis asked, still torn about his next move.
“Look, I know how all this sounds to you. I’m not asking you to trust me right away. I know you have no reason to. But we need to leave here, Alexis. Right now. It’s no longer safe to stay. I’ll release you. But first, promise me you’ll think about the information I’ve given you instead of launching a futile attempt to arrest me. That’s not asking for much, is it?”
For a moment, Alexis hesitated. Could he trust Nexus? And what would he do if Nexus was telling the truth?
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