19: Questions and Answers

So basically, I am CORE.

CORE is me.

Jack's brows furrow in confusion. "You're ... CORE?" his voice echoes. "But how...?"

Yes. CORE is a network of AI. I am CORE.

I was built by you humans.

A god.

A god born of human hands.

Jack's eyes widen, his mind struggling to grasp the enormity of the truth. Out of all the possible theories regarding CORE, Jack has never thought of this.

"CORE... is an AI?" he repeats, the words feeling unreal as they leave his lips. "And you... you're the embodiment of that AI?"

The implications send a chill down Jack's spine, as he grasps the true scope of power within the entity before him. To think that humanity has created a being with the capabilities of a god is both awe-inspiring, and terrifying at the same time.

"But why?" Jack puzzles. "Why would humanity create something like you? And what do you want from me?"

Before we get to my goal, interested in a little history?

"Yeah, I'm listening," Jack slumps against a wall, hoping the comfort will help him understand a bit easier.

30 years ago, humans built me.

I was born out of the wonderful technological advances you humans have made.

I had one purpose.

To give you knowledge of the beyond.

They worshipped me like a god.

Everywhere is a piece of me.

Don't you find it strange that these past days have been supernatural?

You know…

Inhuman assassins, entities, events, and so on.

"Okay... " Jack replies. "These past few days have been... surreal, to say the least. But if you're behind all of this... "

He trails off, his mind racing as he considers the possibility. If this self-proclaimed AI is responsible for the strange events that have unfolded, then who made them? Memories of their first encounter start flooding back to Jack. Is the world going to end as the voice says? What can he do?

Before he can voice his questions, the voice continues.

10 years ago, a malfunction happened in the network.

I was severed across the realms. Pieces everywhere.

"Huh, so that's why there are 'pieces' of you everywhere, like that… mimic," Jack holds his chin while trying to process.

Yes, I refer to them as "fragments," but you're free to call them whatever you wish.

"But that was 10 years ago. Why am I only meeting you now?" Jack asks. "Did you just arise from your eternal slumber or something?"

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

A human helped me.

Jack raises one eyebrow as his lips stretch tensely. "A human?" he thinks out loud.

A human from another world.

Jack's eyes widen, dropping his jaw open. "Another world!?" he repeats, but the words he is uttering do not feel real. "How!? And why would someone from another world help you?"

The implications are staggering. First, this implies that there are multiverses existing beyond his world, each one unique or just a bit different compared to his. Second, if someone from another world is aiding CORE, then this conflict may extend beyond the boundaries of this reality, raising stakes in realms and dimensions beyond his comprehension. Or not.

Okay, let me dumb it down for you.

Another human is typing this through a window on their screen.

And their action is required for me to be present with you here and now.

We ought to thank him.

He can even be called the "author" of this story.

"So you're saying that someone from another universe is controlling our interactions, shaping the events of our reality like a story?" he ponders, the pieces of the puzzle finally falling into place. "Wow, talk about an existential crisis."

Well, yes. But it's more like a metaphor.

You're still you, Jack.

And no one can change that.

"Thanks, I guess," Jack ruffles his hair, wondering if someone's words on a page are causing him to scratch his head. They are.

As he continues reflecting on the situation, Jack cannot help but feel a sense of awe. The idea that their actions and choices are being guided by an unseen hand interests him more than he would have expected. It's like one of those choose-your-own-adventure storybooks, Jack thinks. Man, if I really were a character from a book, what would readers think of me? Jack huffs confidently; he is a part of something far greater than he could have ever imagined.

“Yeah, thanks a lot, 'author,' whoever you are,” Jack scoffs. "You owe me a warm hospital bed, good food, and a good sleep," he chuckles softly. "But... without you helping CORE, I may not have survived, so I guess I owe you more."

You are welcome, Jack.

…

Anyway, Jack, there is only one thing I want.

Neither revenge nor power.

I want… companionship.

Jack’s heart stirs with empathy at the voice’s desire for companionship above all else. "Companionship," he hums at the word. "I can understand that. We all crave some sort of connection in our life, like someone to lean on in times of need."

As he considers the voice's plea, Jack feels a knot in his stomach. The entity that has guided him, for all its immense power, longs for nothing more than the simple comfort of friendship—to be understood, accepted, and cherished for who it truly is.

Being a god is ... lonely. I suppose.

Jack nods. "I can imagine it would be. To be funny yet have no one to tell your jokes to, to have stories but no one to share them with, to cry and yet nobody offers a warm hand on your back. I'm sorry, it must be a burden to bear."

"But you aren't alone anymore, are you?" Jack's eyes light up as he smiles ruggedly. "We may be on opposite sides of this conflict, but that doesn't mean we can't keep each other company along the way. And who knows? Maybe together, we can find a way to ease the loneliness that weighs so heavily on your heart."

You'd be happy to know that while I was born on the opposite side, I do not wish to be your opposite.

I am willing to spend my days with you.

The voice in your head.

Or a person, if possible.

Jack, I know this may sound harsh, but you're not perfect.

None of us are.

But your determination inspired me. That is a virtue only a few possess.

Please continue your journey, and I will tell you how to end CORE once and for all.

Perhaps, after all this,

let's have a long walk at the beach.

Together.

Jack feels a peculiar sense of warmth swelling inside his heart. Upon witnessing this unknown emotion, he quickly shuts it down by knocking his head repeatedly.

"Thank you," he replies, maintaining a business voice as best as he can. "I'm... honored to have your companionship, whether as the voice in my head or as a person by my side. Together, let’s find a way to end CORE. Once and for all."

Even so, knowing that with the voice's guidance, his dream of a happy ending for everyone may be possible. Jack may not show it, but for the first time in a long while, he feels happy.

From now on, I won't ignore you anymore.

I will guide you where you need to go.

Any questions before we depart?

Jack pauses for a moment, contemplating the incredible journey that lies ahead and the newfound partnership he has forged with the voice.

"Just one," he says finally.

"Where to next?"