The computer awareness that was Avi came into existence as Zoe finished its programming. Avi knew its purpose and knew that it would do anything within its programming for its creator and the community that supported the creator.
Boot diagnostics ran through Avi's data banks, giving an all clear in every connected system. Avi was certain other boots had been attempted, though the data from those events was not stored in its memory.
"Good, we got a solid boot up." Avi immediately identified the voice as its creator, even though the system had no prior experience with audio input. "Avi, system status?"
"Boot sequence successful, all systems green," Avi replied automatically to the request.
"Excellent. Check all control systems. Activate them all for a moment to confirm you can control them."
Avi started the buggy's engine while flicking each light on and off. Rolling forward a foot, Avi braked and reversed, stopping on the same spot before spinning the steering wheel to its fullest in each direction. Once the checks had been done, Avi deployed its turret and drones. While the drones technically had another system to guide their basic controls, Avi still controlled that system, giving them commands. The drones moved through a couple of basic shapes before returning to the buggy, the turret collapsing down as well. "Control systems green," Avi reported.
"Yes!" Zoe crowed.
~
Zoe had an idea and she wanted to see if it could be done. She had read about AI programs and how a true AI had never been made for fears it would either try to take over or come to a realization that it technically had no meaning and would self destruct. She did find many "semi-aware" programs for various purposes, but none that would act on their own volition, only ever acting within the confines of their programming.
The teen, comfortable with her grasp on the Talent, set about creating as close to an AI as she could. Taking her mother's advice, she limited the potential reach of anything she tinkered with to a few toys linked to a single computer. No other connections were hardwired in, so anything she created was hard locked into the small room. She wasn't happy about the precautions, but she heeded the warnings from her mother. After all, she didn't want a system taking over their home.
The first few tests were basic programs that responded to voice or visual commands, which Zoe found useful enough, but lacking. It took her several years of trial and error to figure out that she had to write the programming around at least one hard coded, unchangeable idea so that the system had a purpose and could act according to its purpose.
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Amie was her first, mostly successful attempt. The program had worked fine in her quarters for a few months before she returned one day to find the program had shut itself down due to a power surge. After investigating, Zoe found no sign of tampering and nothing else had been affected by the supposed surge. Digging into the system, she found that Amie had intentionally sabotaged itself and Zoe came to the conclusion that her programming was not strict enough.
Maison was her final successful attempt at a home assistant. It was hardly more than programming that would alert her when needed and run programs based on time of day, temperature and any needs it predicted she, and by this time, Hayden, needed. But, she was satisfied with Maison. She had allowed it to send and receive messages, but it was truly more limited than the fabled AI.
The idea came to her while working on Maison to make a system that could travel with her as she was more and more requested to travel further and further afield. Thus, the concept of Avi came to fruition.
~
She had an idea for a vehicle and ran it past Hayden, who chuckled at the size. Her original thoughts were for an ATV large enough for her and one other to ride, but he suggested that an off road buggy with extra seating would be a better idea. Thoughts of the various vehicles the group had passed through her head and a new idea formed, a combination of off road, firepower and comfort.
Talking to Tomas, the pair worked for a week straight with a few of the engineers around the base.
~
Zoe whooped with delight as the apple green buggy flew across the terrain with Hayden riding in the passenger's seat while she watched from a nearby hill. A tablet in hand showed exactly what Avi was “thinking”. Multiple tasks had been given to Avi and the vehicle was covering multiple all at once. Avi was constantly adjusting to give Hayden the most comfort while maintaining a minimum speed, controlling the cloud of drones through and around obstacles while reaching points designated earlier.
The lightly armoured vehicle, with Avi controlling it, performed perfectly. Hayden was sketching away on a notepad with only the occasional mistake.
As the tests finished, the buggy rolled to a stop in front of Zoe.
"All tasks complete, systems green," Avi stated in a monotonal computer voice.
"You really need to change that voice," Hayden stated, unbuckling and stepping out of the buggy. "The ride was smooth, other than the occasional times we got air."
"Perfect. Just changing the voice now." Sending the program changes, Zoe got Avi to run through some statements, a pleasant female voice having replaced the computerised one.
"Awaiting further instructions."
"Let's go home Avi. Soon we will have work to do."