Shopping for an [AI] turned out to be a simple affair, it boiled down to Charles and Jenna sitting on their couch, scrolling on one of their pads and looking at True Mind’s catalog.
“So we could go for the DM model and save some cash, being one generation behind it won't be much slower than the newer DN models, or we can go all out and get the latest DN with a full suite of combat software. That will drain nearly all of our savings, but will give you an undeniable edge early on. After a few years, both [AI] would be at about the same point.” Jen said, showing Charles the listed [AI] packages.
“I was thinking about this one actually.” Charles scrolled down to near the bottom of the list, showing an entry:
AI experimental program: X-DO model. “Join our experimental program for the next generation of AI, as a beta tester you will receive constant support and updates, along with providing us valuable data on the inner workings and interactions of your new AI. All beta testers receive large discounts on the AI, along with any software packages.”
Charles then pointed out a fine print section at the bottom of the listing
“ If you have a talent that interacts with the skill in unique ways, we can offer it for free, provided you are willing to let us test the AI every tier, contract details can be worked out on a per case basis.”
“Are you sure you would be ok with that? I mean free is a great deal, but having your AI scanned every tier would be a huge invasion of privacy, even if they are not accessing the data in your [AI], they will be able to tell a lot about you and your talent from the skill structure.” Jen asked.
“Do you think it would be an issue, we are on the path. I doubt the empire would let them use a program like that on ascenders without keeping a close eye, you have seen what happens to people who mess with the path. Remember when Ascenders shadow and Wraith found that guild who was trying to extort pathers.” Charles asked, thinking about how Shadow teamed up with Wraith and scooped the whole guild up, building and all, before depositing them in the middle of an Army base.
“Yes and no, this would not be as easy to prove, but yeah, the risk is small for you. I think you are right about the empire keeping an eye on True mind where pathers are involved.” Jen said after a moment of contemplation.
“We should call, if we don't like the contract, we can just get the DN model.” Charles suggested.
“Hey its your AI, but if you need a sounding board I'm here.”
Charles taped the link to call the local true mind office.
“Good morning, This is True Mind corp. How may I direct your call?”
“I'm calling about the Experimental AI Beta tester program.”
“One moment.” The line was transferred, after a second of hold music a voice on the other end spoke up. “This is Harv with the development team. What can I do for you?”
Charles swallowed his anxiety and asked, “I was calling for more information on the Beta test program for the X-DO model, I have a skill affecting talent, and was curious about the contract I would need to sign. Oh, and I am on the path if that makes a difference.”
“It dose, that changes the terms a bit, we have to follow the rules regarding path security very closely, so thanks for laying that out first. Firstly, let me send you the basic contract, this lays out the default terms, the jest of that being that your AI would need to run tests every week, these are just programs you would run, and they would save the results, then once a tier you forward said results to us. If the nature of your talent affects the [AI]’s structure in your spirit we would have you come in every tier for a scan,5 to 10 total scans, the difference is based on how much you affect it. The scans are optional, but if you opt out then we won't cover the full cost of the [AI]. Following so far?”
“Yes, that makes sense, would you mind telling me what kind of data the test I would be running gives you?” Charles asked.
“Of course, the tests will gives bench marks on your [AI]’s performance, as well as metrics on individual tasks, the ones that come to mind are how fast it can index data, and its ability to recognize objects, skills and people. There is NO personal data involved, we never see any of your data, or your [AI]’s history, that's very clearly outlined in the contact, I don't even want to think about the Empire’s response if we were accessing pather’s data.” Harv shuddered on the other end of the line. “So if you pass on the scans , as a ex pather my self i recommend this, as it gives you greater freedom, not needing to visit a branch once a tier, just don't tell anyone I said that. You would just need to send us your test results once a year for 10 years, its a easy program. Now the perks, being a beta tester gives your [AI] access to a net site we host just for our testers, it has several free modules for activities ranging from combat analytics to cooking, and these modules are made specifically for this model. Secondly the site has a help center, you can use a chat, or call directly if your [AI] has any issues.” Harv said, sounding like he was reading off a script.
“That all sounds good, but how does my talent help you?” Charles asked, still skimming the basic contract template.
“Well, if you are passing on the scans, we don't get as much benefit, however most skill affecting talents will stress or grow the [AI] in weird ways, this makes your test data invaluable, as it can show us areas for improvement in the base model, either where we can improve a lacking section, or where we can shore up a weakness. I really can't state how much unique talents help us, even if the data set is small, the advancements are HUGE.”
Charles gave a silent glance to Jen, checking if she had any input, when she said nothing, he returned his attention to the conversation with Harv, “So, with all that in mind, I'd like to see the contract for the [AI] with the stipulations that I will not do the scans, and that I have a talent that affects skills, but won't reveal the details.”
“Fantastic, I’ll forward that immediately, I can't tell you how excited I am to see the data. If you accept the contract, just sign and send it back, then we will ship you the [AI] module, and a data packet to upload the testing software.” Harv said.
A few moments later Charles’ pad got two pings, one was the contract, the other was a message from Lance, the head of the play pen, it simply stated that the contract had been reviewed by him, as the path had strict rules for contracts, in order to keep corporations from effectively boosting pathers, as that would be outside help. This contract was accepted by the Path’s central [AI] and path management, as it was a fairly standard contract for AI testing, and lots of pathers used this and similar opportunities, so he shouldn't stress about it. Quickly Charles skimmed the document, seeing everything was in order, all in plain language, and straight forward. He attached a verified statement from his profile, citing his talent affected skills, then he accepted it, signing the bottom. With the large discounts from the Beta test program, the final cost was only 4 tier 3 mana stones, or 40 tier 2, that was only a few delves at their current rate, and would be nothing once they actually started delving the tier three rifts.
“Great, I see the contract just came back, thanks for participating in our beta program!” Harv said. “Your AI will arrive in the mail tomorrow, our branch is local here in Valley Harbor. Again, thank you, and we look forward to seeing your data.” With a beep, the call ended.
“That is an exceptional deal.” Jen said, “and the provisions about them never seeing your data take a load off my mind, Just keep in mind its a beta, so the [AI] may have some kinks to work out.”
“Yeah, that is true. I think the advantages will out weigh the cons however.”
“Oh for sure, and the price, that was nearly free, sure it was 5 or so tier 2 delves worth of profit, but once the tier 3 mana stones start rolling in, it will be water under the bridge.”
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The next day Charles and Jen went to the post office and picked up his package, before heading to the medical ward to get the [AI] implanted. Unlike normal skill shards, the [AI]s like this one came on small man made crystals, and were implanted in the back of the neck, then they grafted the structure directly to the spirit, this was the reason Ki had given for why his talent wouldn't interfere with the skill, he was not absorbing it, it was more like he was a host, it did still take up a skill slot, and Charles had a core slot open for it.
“There is a wait of about 20 minutes” The head nurse said, “Then a healer will be available to implant your AI, take a seat over there please.”
“Im going to go grab snacks for our down time, once the AI starts integrating with you spirit you will be dead to the world, so snacks will be key to our survival.” Jen said, leaving him to head out.
“Grab me some apple juice!” Charles called after the form of his retreating friend.
After a bit of waiting, he was lead in to see the healer.
“Please lay down on your side.” the woman said, indicating a raised bed. “Once I implant the AI, it will wait for you to activate it, when you do so, you will feel very tired or very drunk, this will last for about 3 days, do not attempt combat or training during this time. Personally I was far to tired to leave bed, but just in case, its important that you know. Are you ready?”
“Yes ma’am.” Charles said.
A cooling feeling traveled down his neck and up into his head. The world faded for a moment before a green glow brought him back. The healer was wiping down his neck, and applied a small bandage.
“The healing closed the wound, the bandage is there for padding. Can you sit up?” she asked.
Charles dat up, and was poked and prodded with a few tests.
“It took perfectly, once you get back to your room, just send a strand of essence into the device, it will take care of the rest.” The healer instructed, handing him a cherry red lollipop. “Enjoy.”
When he got home, Charles striped, showered and got into his most comfortable pajamas, as he left the bathroom Jen walked in, carrying bags of junk food.
“Everything go well?” she asked.
“Yeah, I can feel that it's ready, I just need to activate it.”
“Great, help me get all this put away then we can veg out for however long it takes.”
After putting the food away, Jen went and took her own shower, emerging in an oversized T-shirt and shorts, carrying a large bundle of blankets. She made a nest on the couch and buried herself with just her head poking out, and a bag of chips in easy reach.
“You better get comfortable. My dad told me that this part sucks, he said he felt like a wrung out rag the whole time.” Jen said.
Charles plopped down on the sofa next to her, likewise getting comfortable and setting out some snacks in easy reach.
“It can't be that bad.” he said.
It was that bad, for the next 3 days he felt like he was drunk to the point of near unconsciousness. He remembered getting up to go use the bathroom at some point, passing out on the toilet, then eventually returning to find Jen sprawled out across the sofa. While he could have simply gone to bed, drunk mind did not function like that, instead he lifted the blankets, and crawled in. Having a fire bloodline, Jen was warm, lying next to her had a soothing effect on his aching mind, the headache felt like a pressure building behind his eyes, and the heat radiating off Jen helped relieve the pressure slightly. With that relief he promptly passed out.
Jen woke first, finding that she was for some reason spooning Charles on the sofa. She poked his unconscious form. “Why am I the big spoon?” she asked. All she got in response was a snore.
Grumbling Jen got up, grabbing a honey bun from the snack pile and shoved it in her face. Checking she found that her [AI] was ready, and she reserved 50 mana for it, letting it start up.
Internally she ranted. “I finally got to cuddle and I wasn't even aware for most of it! How is he this dense, I mean, I have been dropping hints for months, MONTHS!”
She gave her partner another silent glare, then checked her [AI], it would take another 15 minutes to finish its startup, so she decided to get dressed and get them some proper food for breakfast.
When Charles woke, the world was yellow. He sat up with a start, and the yellow sticky note that had been on his face fell to his lap.
‘I'm heading out to get food, if you are feeling better when i get back we can go shopping for gear, we won't be able to afford it, but we have the day to make plans.’ ~Jen.
“Oh, I guess she woke up a bit ago.” Charles checked his pad, seeing it was half past 9 in the morning. He then remembered his [AI], and found it waiting in his spirit, so he reserved some mana, and let it start up, he immediately got feedback, letting him know it would take anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour.
Getting up he walked to the bathroom to take a shower, dropping the blankets off in their laundry along the way, apparently he had worked up a sweat in his sleep.
Stepping out of the shower he grabbed a towel and went to check his room for clothes, It was laundry day, and he needed to tackle that soon, so he threw a few sets into the washer/dryer combo. The fact that the machine did both was a godsend, as it illuminated the step of laundry he always forgot. Many a set of clothes he had forgotten to cycle and would sour, back when he lived with his mom. Emerging from their room he saw Jen had returned. With her was the smell of bacon.
“Come get it while its hot, I was lucky to catch breakfast at all, they were swapping to lunch when I arrived.” Jen called.
“Oh thanks, I feel like I could eat a mountain.” He said, moving to join her at the table. “How is your AI?” He asked.
“Its a lot of information, I'm still adjusting to it, and adjusting it to me, at first it kept trying to list everyone near me as enemy combatants.” she said around a mouth full of bacon. “Is yours done?”
“Its in startup mode, 98% so I should see it soon.”
“We should hit the training rooms after we checkout the weapon shops, we cant do any combat till tomorrow at the earliest, but we can at least let the AIs get a feel for our skills, and work on linking them so we can share info mid combat.” Jen suggested.
“Once we get into the rift, we shouldn't use the AI for the first few attempts, it likely wont be any good till we build a data set.”
“Agreed, Im going to have mine record everything though, being able to review will be helpful for the AI and for us, we can start working on more tactics, i feel like playing golem train for so long will have dulled our reaction times.” Jen pointed out.
“Fair enough, how is our delving fund?” Charles questioned, finishing off his plate of food and eyeing Jen’s.
“Not bad, after our most recent expenses, we both have our 20k tier one mana stone cards partially paid off, that's only 103 tier three mana stones between us, and we have liquid funds of 27 tier three mana stones. I’m going to miss the extra cash from selling the golem cores, its too bad the tier three rift isn't as much of a cash cow.” Jen said.
“Its badgers, so at least you can use your [Solar Flair] again, I know you miss shooting fire everywhere.” Charles said, trying to sneak his fork over her plate.
*SMACK*
“Hands off my bacon.” Jen said, slapping his hand away from her plate.
“You cant blame me for trying can you?
“I can and will. You need to respect a woman’s needs, and I need bacon.” She said in a mock huff.
The weapon shops were predictably mostly out of their price range. Sure, they could settle for a less than optimal weapon for each of them, but with this being a important milestone upgrade, they decided to pool everything and get Charles a new sword first. Finding a smith who made sabers was hard, finding one who was tier three, and did not charge tier 5 prices was harder. Apparently tier 3 was a huge jump in difficulty, and with none of the playpen’s rifts producing tier three metals, the prices were correspondingly high, additionally the enchantments that went on a tier three weapon cost boat loads of mana to add, and that drove up the price further. After a few hours of asking around, they found a smith who was willing to make a custom saber in a relatively short time, 3 days, and the price was 7 tier 4 mana stones. While that was expensive, it came with the sword being made to their exact specs, and with the enchantments they wanted. The enchantments were the standard durability and sharpness runes, but with an added formation to use personal mana, that way they could charge the mana stone made into the weapon directly, instead of needing a charger and swapping mana stones out. That did come at the cost of both the sharpness and durability runes both being minor runes, but the cost savings on the additional mana stone, as well as the convenience factor of being able to recharge mid combat was well worth it.
“That wasn't as bad as I thought. And the smith was cute.” Charles said, “we can almost afford a staff for you, we can, if we dip into the healing fund, but im not sure that's a good idea.”
“Only idiots dip into the healing fund.” she said, hip checking Charles as they walked.
“Saying I'm an Idiot? That's probably fair. Did I miss something important?” he asked.
“Always.” she said.
“What?”
“Hopefully you will figure it out, but I am not telling.” she said with a mischievous grin.
“Are you messing with me again?” Charles asked.
Jen stopped and looked at him like he had a big blinking sign over his head that read “Chief Idiot of the Empire.”
“It's called flirting Charles, I'm sure you know what that is. I watched you flirting with the blacksmith…”
“Uhhhhhh.” was all Charles managed before Jen stormed off.
