"FWLS56" - читать интересную книгу автора (A Future We'd Like to See)

experience with AIs."

"We're not that bad, despite what some punks think," she
said, nudging a nearby body with the toe of her sandal. "Just
like you, only electronic. Although you seem to be a better
fighter than me."

"Wae Spat," I nodded. "The recent art of fighting."

"Good stuff. I just know how to whack things with an
umbrella... it's helpful at some of my nastier junior highs,
though. Say, could you walk me home? These guys have been
aiming for me over the last few days, and an actual warrior would
be nice to keep around."

I wasn't too sure. Wasn't I supposed to be throwing myself
off a building? Or had I already done that, technically?

"Problem?" she asked. "If it's about me being artificially
intelligent, that's alright, I understand. It's been a problem
before--"

"No, it's not that. Well, sort of. I'm not sure anymore,"
I admitted.

"Sounds like someone could use a chat. Come on, my
apartment's this way."

*

I had never met a real AI before. I had heard of them,
everybody had... AI rights protest demonstrations, the occasional
one going nuts and leaving a wake of destruction behind, AIs
taking part on horribly dangerous sports competition shows... but
I had never met one, face to face before. There was no
difference on the exterior that I could find, which sent a wave
of fear down my spine.

"Something wrong?" Help asked, turning the key in her
apartment door.

"Just cold," I said, faking a chill. I didn't have to fake
it, really... I WAS cold. Wet clothing that has been in the rain
for days will do that to you.

"I've got some hot cocoa in here you can have," Help said.

"You drink cocoa?"

"Certainly. Tastes good and warms you up."