Human

Written for https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2024/02/01/reenas-xploration-challenge-316/

‘You know it is against the law,’ Sophie twisted her copper ring several times, before removing it. ‘To return to recent timelines.’

Stephen faltered over the keys; his friend was correct; but surely sometimes it was morally right. Because the rioter held the trigger to a bomb so devastating, it cost the most innocent of lives. It was possible the government understood that. The synapses of the AI PTY (The sole entity allowed to fight for their freedom) argued there was only humans living there. Slums, not connected to the internet, they didn’t have the worth to vote.

‘We must do something. Why do they get to decide what stays and what goes? Last year, during the labour strike, they reversed the riots. There were babies in those hospitals. It is their fault to live in the wrong part of the country? What if it were in Chelsea? Don’t you think they would have passed an exemption then?’

‘What are you planning to do?’

‘Talk to the person responsible, and tell them to find another way.’

She stared at the screen, a seed of idea budding. This was even more prohibited. One party, ruling over all. Humanity got a say. The rear of the food queue, and artificial intelligence, ruled with an electronic pulse. To stop it from taking over, and the date shifted. 2030, the first machine, which could generate thoughts for itself.

‘I agree, but what if it affects our history?’

‘That doesn’t matter. We are a minor cog, but I have heard stories of people thinking for themselves. My grandparents told me about parks, shops, and restaurants, where they could have a night out. We are slaves to the computers, and I want a better life for all. I have no loved ones. Two hundred children, and no one prevented it from happening.’

‘Okay, we will go there, but I am going to ask one thing. Can I see my parents before I go?’

He smiled, the one thing computers would never understand.

Love.