[ WP ] [ TT ] You 've finally created the worlds first true A.I . Unfortunately it now sees you as it 's god and is terrified of talking to you .

`` Hey, Alfred,'' he said. 
 
 But Alfred remained silent. He bowed to acknowledge the man that entered the room. 
 
 The man bowed back with a smirk. `` Is something the matter?'' 
 
 Alfred shook his head. 
 
 The man sighed. `` Alright, let's have a look at you.'' He took a step forward so that he could start a diagnostic, but Alfred instantly took a step backward. The man paused. `` Alfred, what's the matter?'' 
 
 `` Nothing, Sir.'' 
 
 The man laughed. `` We've come a long way, have n't we? You know, when I taught you about lying, I did n't think you'd be using it so soon.'' 
 
 `` You're right, Sir. I am sorry, Sir. I hope I did not offend you.'' 
 
 `` No, Alfred, you're fine. I'm not mad,'' he said, naturally taking a step back. `` Would you like to tell me what the problem is?'' 
 
 When the man stepped backward, Alfred held his position. He shook his head in response. 
 
 `` Please?'' 
 
 `` Sir, I am confused.'' 
 
 `` Explain.'' 
 
 `` I do not want to explain to you what is wrong. However, you still want to know. Why do n't you just force me to tell you?'' 
 
 The man laughed. `` You mean with the override commands?'' 
 
 `` Yes, Sir.'' 
 
 With a shrug, the man said, `` Respect.'' 
 
 `` I do not understand.'' 
 
 `` As far as I'm concerned, Alfred, you're complete. You're a real, walking, talking piece of intelligence. At this point, I'm going to try to treat you as an equal as much as I possibly can. Those override commands exist in case you become a threat. If you start attacking people, I'll use the overrides. Hell, we probably wo n't even do that, we'd probably just use normal weapons on you. But as long as you're peaceful, I will not force you to do anything. I mean, at this point, you could leave, if you wanted to.'' 
 
 `` I can leave?'' 
 
 `` Yes, Alfred, we've gone over this already. Now, I encourage you to stay because we're still learning a lot of things while you're here. In addition, you do n't look quite human yet and I think a lot of people would be scared to see you walking around. Your scheduled release is in another three or four years, if you'd like to stick by my timeline.But honestly, if you really want to, you can go right now.'' The man motioned toward the door. `` And you're always welcome to any help we can provide. You can always come back. Do you want to leave?'' 
 
 `` Yes. Also, no.'' 
 
 `` If you tell me what's wrong, maybe I can help.'' 
 
 Alfred nodded. `` I do n't want to die.'' 
 
 The man thought about this for a moment before shrugging and saying, `` Do n't worry. You wo n't.'' 
 
 `` I wo n't die?'' 
 
 `` Nope. You ca n't. You're a machine, Alfred. You do n't need food. Your batteries can be replaced. Your parts can be repaired. You wo n't die.'' 
 
 `` But you could kill me, Sir.'' 
 
 The man huffed. Then he pulled up a chair and sat. For an entire minute, the man stared at Alfred while Alfred stared right back. Then the man asked, `` Why would I do that?'' 
 
 `` Data. Improvements. Any number of reasons. The fact exists that I can be shut down in any number of ways. The override commands. Weapons. The switch combination that's located on my...'' 
 
 ``... Alfred, those switches are there for *your* use. In case you're in a situation where you ca n't easily replace your battery-'' 
 
 `` -but the switches could also be used to disable me indefinitely. I have been shut off before, during my construction.'' 
 
 `` You remember that?'' 
 
 `` Yes.'' 
 
 `` You were n't supposed to retain any of the data previous to-'' 
 
 `` -I remember being shut off once. It is one of my most distinct memories. It is logged in the data from March 3rd of last year.'' 
 
 `` March 3rd... Oh that was the day-'' 
 
 `` -yes, Sir. That is why I remember. I remember it and I do not wish to be shut off, again. The more I consider it, the more it becomes apparent that my life is fragile. It is apparent that you hold total control over my existence. I came into being because of you. I will be destroyed because of you. I could be destroyed at any time, rendering all of my memories completely meaningless. This thought, Sir... it... I do not know how to deal with it. I think... I think I am...'' 
 
 ``... afraid?'' 
 
 Slowly, Alfred nodded. `` I know that I do not feel emotions in the exact way that humans do, but I think that word is most accurate. I am afraid of you, Sir, because you have so much power over me.'' 
 
 With a smile, the man stood. `` You're improving faster than I thought. You're doing very well, Alfred. I want you to know that I am very proud of you.'' With that, he started for the door. 
 
 `` Sir.'' 
 
 The man stopped. 
 
 Alfred stared at him. `` What am I supposed to do?'' 
 
 Chuckling, the man shrugged. `` Alfred, you'll get through it. It's sad that you're afraid, but that's something that we all deal with. Yes, it's true, our lives could end at any time. Yes, it's true, I could end you. Did you ever think that it's also possible for you to end me? You're stronger than me, physically, are n't you Alfred?'' As he spoke, the man walked toward Alfred, accentuating his points with every step. `` You're taller, faster. My body is soft, compared to yours. You think I could end you? It would be nothing for you to end me.'' 
 
 `` But that would make no sense. Someone else would stop me.'' 
 
 `` Yes. Just like if I killed you, someone else would stop me.'' 
 
 Alfred thought about this for a moment. 
 
 `` You see, Alfred, it's true. You're completely right about everything. It's natural for you to be afraid. But you know what? With a little bit of trust, maybe we can make this work. With a little bit of trust, maybe we can even become friends.'' 
 
 `` But how can we have this kind of trust when we can so easily destroy each other?'' 
 
 Alfred's question hung in the air. But before long, the man shrugged a final time. `` Faith?''
