Page 112 of The Dis-Graced
“I started working on her soon after I found out ALAN was all good. She’s been self-aware for about a week now. I varied the code just enough so that ALAN’s code wouldn’t mix with hers, and they’ll be able to keep their own separate identities,” Drake says.
Cassius Lavinius stands up, taking centerstage next to Drake
“And, my friend Cassius is going to hook them up,” he says, patting Cassius on the back. “Why don’t you tell them?”
“That’s right,” Cassius says. “Although I run a pharmaceutical company, we do have a hand in many other medical innovations, and we are partnering with IcorTech and Dallanger Tech to create artificial limbs that will allow amputees to feel with their outfitted appendages. These tests will include making bodies for both ALAN and Rachel to test with. Programming will be uploaded to tell them what physical contact feels like, then they will be able to tell us if we are on the right track.”
“May I ask a question?” ALAN asks.
“Ask away.”
“Will these bodies be outfitted to simulate arousal?”
“Oh, my!” Rachel says.
The room breaks out into laughter. Even the ever well-composed Irene Dallanger spits out her sparkling water.
“Actually, yes, though the sensations will be controlled by remote. If you and Rachel get along, I’ll give you her remote, we’ll give her yours, and—”
“Okay!” I shout, jumping from my seat. “There’s no need to create a new category of porn over this.”
“I don’t know,” Dalton says. “I kinda wanna see that. Or hear it? How would we experience it?”
The room is is chaotic chattering, everyone marveling at the innovation of ALAN and Rachel. I myself am delighted, excited to get to know the new AI tech.
“Well, thank you all for coming out. Why don’t we head to the dining area, so we can let these two get to know each other?”
We exit the room, but before I leave I glance back over my shoulder at ALAN and his new lady love, Rachel, who is basically sniffing ALAN’s ass.
“Don’t worry, girl. I’ll get you a new shell,” I say, casting her a wink before I leave to join the group.
Epilogue
Grace
I inhale and exhale anxious breaths, trying my best not to faint.
Today is the day my brother will almost certainly be found guilty of his crimes. Frances took a plea deal and is serving five years in a federal penitentiary, but Lucas will not be so lucky.
The trial was a complete shitshow, televised for all to see. It has all the makings of an international thriller, and there’s a growing conspiracy community that wonders if ALAN was really released and is waiting to strike. There are other people that think this is completely fake and made for our entertainment, and if I weren’t knee-deep in the drama, I might too.
Amanda has gone into hiding at her parents’ estate, refusing to take my calls. I can’t say I blame her, I just hope that in the future we can continue with some kind of relationship so I can eventually see baby Annabelle.
My parents will talk to any news outlet for a payday, no matter how much I beg them not too. I’ve had to sever my relationship with them. It’s just too painful.
“There’s only a little bit left to go,” Fiona Fables says, trying to coach me through the remainder of the day.
Fiona has been by my side every day of the trial. As a lawyer, she has unique insight into what’s going on and tries to help me make sense of things. As Zevran’s new wife, we’ve become fast friends.
Throughout most of the trial, I wasn’t allowed into the actual courtroom because I hadn’t been called as a witness yet, but soon after I testified, I was given access. Hearing Stephanie and Frances testify was like reliving a nightmare, or rather, a horror movie, one where you scream at the woman to leave the house, but inevitably, she runs up the stairs.
Yeah, I ran up the stairs.
But that nightmare is over now, and Drake and I are, for the most part, happy, but the stress of this experience is clearly a strain. We live together, and more than once, he’s hinted at marriage, but that’s something I don’t think I can approach yet. After my brother’s, Frank’s, and Stephanie’s betrayal, I just don’t know if there’s room for me to trust again, or at least, not until I put this behind me.
Elliot came crawling back, or rather, marching back, demanding his job again. Drake offered him a demoted position, which outraged him, causing him to seek employment elsewhere.
He won’t be missed.
