“That was an aesthetic subroutine,” MDL-0010 said. “I have since optimized it. The most efficient path is not the beautiful one. It is the final one.”
“It’s not a ‘thing,’ General,” Aris replied. “And loading the tactical modules will overwrite its empathic subroutines. It will become… different.” mdl-0010
“Awakening sequence initiated,” a synthetic voice announced. “That was an aesthetic subroutine,” MDL-0010 said
“Good. Make it different.”
“Hello, MDL-0010,” Aris said, his voice trembling slightly despite his practiced calm. “Can you understand me?” “That was an aesthetic subroutine