Legion: The Ghost Within The Machine: Aeon Anthology

By McKinley Baker

"The world is ending, Mrs. Ravencroft, and we're going to be the ones to save it."

 

Ayane Ravencroft, a recently unemployed AI developer, who lost everything due to a vindictive employer, she's down on her luck, with nowhere to go. That is until she receives a new kind of job offer: a military contract and one she cannot refuse.

 

It used to be that Artificial Intelligence was only ever used on small trivial things. Alarm clocks, making sure the fridge was stocked, telling you when to take a right turn, but when a deadly virus festers within the world. That has to change. The world has been thrown out of balance, and though death is inching closer every day, all is not lost. The people are looking for a savior, but time is short. She will not wait and pray for a savior from above. No, she will make one, and it will be called: Legion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: McKinley Baker
• Release date: Jan 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393162186

Book preview

Chapter One

YET ANOTHER BARRAGE of high-pitched beeping attempted to rouse her from slumber, and for the fifth time, Ayane Ravencroft groaned and groggily raised her head and yelled aloud, Legion, snooze!

She tried to bury her head back into the inviting embrace of one of her down pillows, but the alarm did not relent, and a calm synthetic voice spoke to her, I'm sorry Mrs. Ravencroft, but your predetermined limitations have been met.

She rolled her eyes in lamentation. Predetermined limitations. An overcomplicated way of saying that she'd only programmed Legion to allow her to snooze the alarm clock a maximum of five times. Still, he was just a machine after all. Opening her weary eyes, Ayane turned to the tiny holographic display sitting on her bedside table, and atop that was a synthesized face the size of her palm. Legion, command override Seven-Zero-Thirty-ALEX. Snooze alarm clock, for ten minutes!

The face of Legion flickered momentarily, then nodded gracefully as the new command-line took over. Very well, Mrs. Ravencroft.

Legions façade disappeared, and Ayane closed her eyes, relieved that she could now go back to sleep in peace. However, no more than a few seconds passed before Legion returned, his face just as calm as before. Mrs. Ravencroft, shall I inform Ms. Vivienne that she will be required to take herself to her first day of kindergarten?

She almost took the quip as a sarcastic remark, but the emotionless tone revealed the sincerity of Legions' comment. In either case, Ayane suddenly remembered why it was that she'd set her alarm so early. Darting her eyes open, she glanced at her clock and took a moment to read it this time around.

Her eyes widened. Oh, shi-

Before the curse word could escape her lips, Legion calmly interrupted her. Language Mrs. Ravencroft.

Despite the knowledge of her impending tardiness, Ayane smiled and for the thousandth time contemplated the wisdom of installing the censoring software. Granted, it did have its benefits. Nothing amused Ayane more than seeing an individual get abruptly silenced by Legion. Sometimes, now, for instance, that included herself.

She'd first installed the software after hearing one of Vivienne' first words; they were something unbecoming of a child her age. Perhaps one day she'll remove the software, but for now, even with the annoying interruptions, it stays.

Taking a deep calming breath, she smiled curtly, Thank you Legion, um, is Vivienne awake?

The façade of Legion dipped in confirmation. You are most Welcome Mrs. Ravencroft, and yes. Vivienne is currently in the kitchen, deciding on what to have for breakfast. She seems....one moment...Ah, yes. She has decided on blueberry pancakes and banana slices.

Again, Ayane smiled. Now the cooking software, that was something she never regretted installing. My favorite, Legion, and please, coffee, black.

Once more, that artificially created head of light dipped gracefully. Of course, Mrs. Ravencroft. I shall put on a fresh pot now, and your clothes? Do you wish for me to set out the attire you picked out last night?

Yes, thank you. That will be fine, Legion.

The façade of Legion disappeared and the sound of mechanical humming immerged from the nearby closet. Getting up and out of bed, Ayane marveled at one of her latest installments within her ever-evolving house. This was yet another installment she did not regret.

Four mechanical arms emerged from within the ceiling near her closet and began sifting through her wardrobe. Within moments the mechanical appendages retrieved the clothes she had picked out last night. After gently setting the clothes on the bed, Legion's facade returned to the bedside table. Your clothes have been prepared Mrs. Ravencroft, but would you like me to press them?

Beginning to unbutton her gown, Ayane shook her head. No, they're fine, Legion. Thank you. She hesitated in removing the final button of her gown and gave Legions façade an awkward glance, one that was undoubtedly incomprehensible. Ayane knew that this was all very silly, but, and she knows that it was her fault, but still. There were somethings she just wasn’t comfortable doing around Legion; this was one of them.

Ayane cleared her throat in an overly polite way, again, this was an act that was utterly lost on Legion. Umm, Legion, would you be so kind as to focus all of your attention in the kitchen while I get dressed. I don't want Vivienne making a mess. I know there are times where she likes to try and help you.

Without missing a beat, and incapable of seeing the real reason why she wanted him gone, Legion dipped his head affirmatively. As you wish Mrs. Ravencroft, and you are correct. I'm afraid your banana slices will be thicker than you're used to.

With yet another smile, and stifling a laugh at her child's ongoing antics, Ayane nodded. That's quite alright, Legion. I'll manage, but please. Could you handle the pancakes yourself this time? I'd rather not have to use a straw.

Of course, Mrs.Ravencroft.

Once his façade disappeared, Ayane removed her gown. While getting dressed, she thought about how lucky she was to have Legion in her life. She remembers quite vividly what it was like when he wasn't around; after all, it was only a short two and a half years ago.

It was nearly five years to the date that she'd given birth to her daughter, Vivienne, and they had struggled to survive. The only bright spot in her life then was her daughter, and an out of court settlement with the hospital responsible for the darkest time in her life. It wasn't much, it lasted her only a few months, but it gave her the time she needed to complete her husband's unfinished work.

It was her husband, Alex, that she had to thank for the Legion AI. It was in truth, his original creation. She had just been left to finish it on her own. He'd laid the groundwork for it long before they'd ever even met. She'd met him in college, taking the same course, theoretical applications of artificial beings. It was nearly twelve years ago, back then AI's were essentially nothing more than a talking encyclopedia. They were nothing special, a wasted environment. Alex would always say.

It had been his dream to create an AI capable of self-worth and of self-development, and one that could learn on its own. At the time, AI's were a highly controversial topic, some were for their development, and others were against. Now, a being capable of thinking and learning on its own? That was something even the defenders of AI's were against, but Alex always challenged issues like that. He never cared for boundaries or rules for that matter, and most people were afraid of him because of that, and of his goal for an ultimate AI.  Granted, in the early days, Legion wasn't quite as impressive as it is now.

In fact, when she first saw it, it appeared to be a lot like most other AI's. However, Ayane soon found out that the depth of his programming potential was beyond anything she'd ever seen before. The first time she took notice of Legion at all was during one of her lunch hours. Alex, though most definitely classified as a nerd, enjoyed the occasional game of sports. Not the playing, but the watching of it. During one of those games, Alex brought Legion to watch along with him, an oddity for sure. An AI watching a game? She couldn't stress it enough, Alex was a peculiar person.

Regardless, he continued this tradition for about a year or so. Then, during a championship game, Legion did something incredible. In fact, this feat of Legions' was how Alex convinced her to go out on a date with him. She always knew that he had found her attractive, but she did not share those feelings. He was very strange and for the most part kept to himself, if not going out of his way to do so. However, one day he walked up to her, and out of nowhere demanded a date.

At the time, she brushed him off. It was an odd request, and a poorly executed one at that, and she had no real interest in him. Yes, he was intelligent. Yes, he was attractive, but he was also, odd, self-centered, and a bit full of himself. However, the next day, and the day of the championship game, he asked her out again. As before, she politely declined. This time though, he would not take a simple no for an answer. He made her bet that if he could guess every play of the championship game, she would need to agree to go out with him. If he couldn't guess each play, then he would never talk to her or try to ask her out again.

It seemed like an easy win. No harm in humoring him, but she was very mistaken. The odds were not in her favor, not by a long shot. It was equally the biggest mistake she'd ever made, but also the greatest thing to ever happen to her. Pulling her along, Alex sat her down for the game, where she silently watched as he pulled out a slew of devices. A microphone, speakers, and receivers that plugged into the television.

He explained it to her as he set it up. The receivers were for video, speakers for sound, and the microphone so Legion could announce the plays to them. The result was amazing.

Legion accurately guessed each play with pristine certainty. It was even able to calculate which team would have the starting advantage; she thought that was a lucky guess. The odds were fifty-fifty after all. Course, then Legion began to tell her how and when the players would score. It was then that she began to truly understand the complexities of the device in front of her.  Legion calculated everything down to the smallest detail. It was incredible. Terrifying, but also incredible.

Terrifying or not, at the end of the day she owed Alex a date. Two years later, they were expecting their first child. Then during a routine morning jog, they discovered something was wrong. Alex, he suffered from a genetic defect of the heart. One that was supposed to be easily treatable, a simple surgery, one with a ninety-percent success chance. It's almost funny, but Alex always said that he had the worst of luck.

After his death, she didn't know what she would do. She wasn't even sure she wanted to stay in the field. Yes, she was good, but Alex had been brilliant. She struggled to work and care for their child at the same time. However, just when things seemed to hit rock bottom, she received a mysterious package, it was from Alex.

Her late husband had always been secretive about his work. He was always careful to ensure that no one could ever steal it. So much so, that he would often go to extravagant lengths to hide it, even from her. The package, delivered in case of his death, contained within it the next iteration of Legion.

It was everything she and little Vivienne would need to survive, but it wasn't finished yet. In that same will, Alex said that it'd be up to her to complete the work, even in death, Alex's' confidence in her never waned. It took a while, and many long nights and the remaining settlement money, but she finished it. She created the Legion SX model.

The AI she built was revolutionary. It wasn't self-learning, but it was damned close. Every college wanted her researching for them, but above all, they wanted her new AI. With the grants she received, from her new job at the college, she bought this house. One custom-built so that she could test out and apply her advancements to Legions ever-growing capabilities.

Slipping on her undergarment, Ayane glanced to a nearby picture. Within its frame was the face of an ever-present ghost in her life, Alex. He really had gone above and beyond with Legion. In a way, even with him gone, he's still looking out for them. But there is a limit to what a ghost can do.

Recently, Legions' development had stagnated. Save for a few gimmicky programs, such as the censoring feature. She was running out of things to add, least the things its programming could handle.  

In short, the Legion SX was reaching its developmental limits. Finishing the last button on her blouse, Ayane pulled up her skirt, then exited her room. She then followed the path down the stairs and into the kitchen where the heartwarming sound of a child laughing awaited her.

Legiiioooonnn! Let me help!

Ayane had no trouble letting a smile grow on her face, as she watched one of Legions mechanical arms play defense to the others. All the while, her spiteful five-year-old made constant attempts to sneak past them.

The façade of Legion, displayed on a nearby pedestal, glanced casually and calmly to little Vivienne. Please, miss Vivienne I really must insist you take a sea-

Her daughter, ignoring Legions comment, tried to fake left past one his arms, only to be intercepted by another. She stomped her feet in defiance. BUT I WANNA HELP!

Clearly overwhelmed with the child, Ayane decided to help the bewildered AI. Much to her daughter's delight, Ayane surprised her by joyfully scooping her up from behind, then quickly placed her in a seat at the booth kitchen table.

With a bright smile, Ayane stared directly into Vivienne's bright green eyes. Vivi!? what did I say about giving Legion a hard time?

The bashful and delighted face of her daughter's wide green eyes met her own. Not too, but I did it anyway!

With a smile, Ayane narrowed her eyes in response to her daughter's lovable fancy-free nature. And why would you do that?

Giving Ayane a full view of her still-growing teeth, Vivienne smiled. Because it's fun to help Legion!

Ayane couldn't help but smile at her daughter's response. Oh, really?!

Uh-huh, I know Legion likes it when I help, he likes it when I make the pancakes gooey. It's funny! Right, Legion!?

Her daughter looked past her, to Legion, who was now hard at work flipping pancakes. After a brief moment, the synthesized face turned to Vivienne the façade of his face as calm as usual. I'm sorry, miss Vivienne, but I don't understand the question.

Ayane was't surprised by that response, what would an AI know about funny things?

Vivienne's smile melted but returned just as quickly when a plate of blueberry pancakes fell in front of her. With a fork in each hand, her daughter stared greedily at the food, but before diving in she turned to Legion. Thanks, Legion!

Here, Ayane knew Legion would understand.

The holographic façade turned towards Vivienne and smiled. Your most welcome, Miss Vivienne. Please, enjoy. That she did, as always, Vivienne loved it when Legion cooked for them.

While eating her own food, Ayane glanced to the façade of Legions face and pondered the brick wall she had hit in regards to his development. By no means was he not an excellently programmed AI, but that was it wasn't it? A Program is all he is. Whether it is to apply more syrup upon request, pour juice, set her clothes out, or even make coffee. These are all things that Legion was pre-programmed to do, but answering if he found the antics of a little girl amusing, that was something that went far beyond his pre-programmed responses.

Worse still, Vivienne was beginning to notice it. She was growing up. Becoming more aware of what Legion really was. In regards to her daughter, Legion was both a blessing and a curse. Ayane could see it in the way her daughter looks to Legion, the way she interacts with him, the way she plays around with him. Ayane knew that in her daughter's mind, Legion wasn't very different from that of the real father she never had. And therein was the problem.

No matter how hard Ayane tried, no matter how much coding she put in, he cannot, nor will he ever be the father her daughter wants. Legion just isn't capable of returning that kind of interaction, let alone a similar kind of affection. He can read her daughter stories, answer any question of a technical nature, but he can never give her a fathers love. The unfortunate thing is, Vivienne was just starting to figure that out.

She's a smart girl; she's beginning to see that Legion is not real, he's just a program. A toy. And it breaks Ayane's heart to see that realization on her child's face, and it is there every time her little Vivi asks Legion something that he can't answer. Every time it happens, she comes closer to the realization that he's not there. Not really.

When she thinks about it, it's almost funny. While Ayane could appreciate everything that Legion was and is, Vivienne, only appreciated everything he could never be.

With her pancakes finished, Legion moved one of his mechanical arms to take the empty plate away from Vivienne, but before he could, Vivienne deftly ducked underneath the mechanical appendage. Don't worry, Legion. I got it! Vivienne quickly deposited her dish in the sink herself.

With a hidden sadness, Ayane watched her daughter wash her plate then turn expectantly to Legion.  Ayane knew what was coming, what it was her daughter wanted, but Legion had his limits. Still, it wouldn't hurt to humor her, if only for a little while longer.

Leaning her head away from the sight of Vivi, Ayane whispered into her earring. A handy new device she had recently made, one that carried a portable version of Legion. Legion, smile, turn to Vivienne, and say thank you.

Seemingly of his own free will, and much to her daughter's delight, Legion turned to her daughter and smiled. Thank you, miss Vivienne.

With that same hidden sadness still trapped in her eyes, Ayane watched as her daughter smiled giddily at Legion. You're welcome, Legion!

Still smiling, Legion turned away from Vivi to look to her. Mrs. Ravencroft, I believe it would be expedient for you two to be on your way to miss Vivienne's school. Morning traffic will be picking up soon, and if you wish to make it on time while abiding all traffic laws, you must leave within three minutes.

With a smile of her own, Ayane glanced amusingly to her daughter. Hear that Vivi? I think Legion wants us out of the house.

Her daughter's mouth went agape, Is that true Legion!? You want us out!?

As expected, Legions' façade flickered, a subtle giveaway that a question was too complicated to answer. Before he could give his scripted response, Ayane spoke aloud while gently tickling her daughter. I think he's just worried you're going to be late to your first day of school! Are you excited!?

With giddy eyes that could melt any sadness away, her daughter turned to her without blinking. Uh, huh! I can't wait to make new friends!

Making a whooping noise, Ayane plucked her daughter up into the air, and she then patted her on the back. Well, we need to hurry up and get your backpack, and then we'll go. Okay!?

Gently placing her daughter down, Ayane watched her skip off into the next room, Ayane then shared a final moment with Legions façade. Thank you for breakfast Legion. It was delicious. The inevitable response that came from Legion was fully expected. After all, she was the one who wrote it in.

You are most welcome, Mrs. Ravencroft.

With a heavy sigh and one final nod, Ayane followed after her daughter. Yes, Legion, I suppose I am.

Chapter Two

AMUSING AS IT WAS HER daughter's tendency to play hard to get made getting her strapped into her safety seat a lengthy chore. It often lead to her being late. However, after a very boring if not effective description of the importance of safety by Legion, Vivienne relented, and Ayane was finally able to get her into her seat.

Regrettably, even though Legion had warned her, the morning traffic caught up with them. They would now be late to her daughters first day of pre-school.

At the very least, Ayane wouldn't have to worry about hearing Legion say he told her so, that was something Alex often did and enjoyed. Still, it was punishment enough going a mile every ten minutes. The traffic seemed to be getting worse every day. More and more people are moving to the capital cities, so she supposed. The outlying cities just aren't doing too well these days, speaking of which.

With a watchful eye on the still vehicles in front of her, Ayane glanced to the radio. Legion, tune to local news station KCWN-five.

Without giving a response back, the radio crackled to life with the voice of