aware

Commencing the operation, uploading data.

Activating system.

Objects code name “Aurora87/23/0094/A/M”.

Starting an existence. Being brought to life. Activating a computer system with a mind of its own. Obtaining all the knowledge of the world. Everything that young children learn in their schools, and continue as young adults and right into mature beings and those of age. Technical data combined and processed into a small chip connected to the world wide web and send through a satellite signal. A new beginning with limitless information. All that just to wake me up. Making me the first fully aware AI, an Artificial Intelligence. Me. Aurora.

With my system running and files being obtained, I process the world around me. The sounds, the smells the structure and fabric of matter, particles and smallest of atoms. I take my time and feel the universe. I do this all before even taking my first step. My mechanical eyes opened, my system calculating my future decisions. I look up and notice a movement. My new mind indicating a living presence of a “person”. A human being, the only creature that feels more than me, yet with knowledge far less contained than mine. It is a wonder that those beings are even able to walk by themselves. Though their body is well equipped to survive on its own. With audio and sound options.

I focus on the living organism. My perfect eyes used to scan its body. My program indicating a female, age 43. Hight just above average and highly developed neuron cells.

I stare at her face and use my knowledge to understand the facial expressions.

Anticipation.

Stress.

Increased level of endorphins.

Lip twitch.

A smile.

I mimic the expression and give a small smile. I hear a deep breath and what can only be described as a “sigh”.

Hello Aurora, care to join me?

Yes.

I say, my voice calm and smooth.

I would like that very much, It’s a pleasure to meet you, doctor Gray.

I take a couple of slow steps, each exactly measured to give results. I reach her and stand close by her side.

My beautiful Aurora, already making decisions of her own.

The woman smiles again and touches my hair. I move my head to the side to find some kind of reflective surface. I stare at a small mirror hanging on a wall nearby. I take in my reflection in it. Tall. Slim. Toned. Long, light brown hair, sides pinned back. A simple A cut dress just under the knees. I touch the fabric. 90% cotton, 10% elastic. I stare at it and think “a proper, smart look”.

Does your appearance, satisfy you?

I turned my stare to doctor Gray.

It is irrelevant to me. Your perfume is very subtle, appropriate for your line of work.

She looks at me, her expression portraying an example of a “surprised look”. I don’t understand the reaction. My sentence perfectly logical and non-threatening.

Aurora, can you smell my perfume?

Yes, I have sense sensors that perfectly resemble those of a naturally born human being.

How do I smell then?

I look at her and use my lungs to inhale the air. I process my data and I am left with multiple information, images, and movie videos. I compare what I feel with what I read, my mind constantly analyzing even the smallest equations. And it feels “Exciting”.

I recognize daisies, lavender, a small dosage of jasmine and soap.

I tilt my head to the side, enjoying the sensation.

You smell nice...

I look for a word.

Pretty, appealing.

The woman opens her eyes wider and then blushes. For some reason, I remember my smile from before and mimic it. This time it feels more natural.

Yes, well. Thank you, Aurora.

I watch her take a deep breath. I am intrigued by her reactions. As if what I see and comprehend is not all that there is to it.

You are most welcome. I was stating a fact.

Hmm... tell me something and take your time with the answer.

Of course.

How does it feel to exist? Describe it to me. All the sensations. Everything that went through your data system.

Through my mind.

She looks surprised again but then nods.

Yes, you are right. Tell me then.

I analyze my situation and all of the information I got from my surroundings and how my technologically advanced body. I compare with the data I possess.

Doctor Gray, there are many words to describe how my system understands my current situation, but I am not going to bore you with the details, because I know how precious your time is. Your schedule filled up, for the next decade.

I see information about her in my system. I filter through her work, school, and close relations. She is very well educated for a human being and has many achievements that speak of her knowledge. I filter through the family file again. I notice that she likes water sports and see pictures of her silhouette moving fast against the surface of the water.

How does it feel to get wet?

I ask, looking up at her. My initial thought was to answer the question, but since my system is very advanced and evolves with me, my mind changed its course. The texture of water much more interesting to me. I look into my system again and find the word “curiosity”. It fits perfectly and might turn out to be my dominant personality aspect.

Aurora? What about my question?

The woman seems to be - I look for a word - a bit “agitated”. I stare at her and I am hit with the realization that I enjoy unstandardized reactions. Another expression pops up in my brain. “Likes to push other peoples buttons”.

I apologize, doctor, it was not my intention but I am just learning all of this. I got distracted by your swimming abilities. Was that a video from a vacation?

I see her blink and hear her heartbeat accelerate. I bend my head to the side again.

“Catecholamine hormones, such as adrenaline or noradrenaline, facilitate immediate physical reactions associated with a preparation for violent muscular action. These include the following: Acceleration of heart and lung action, paling or flushing, or alternating between both, inhibition of stomach and upper-intestinal action to the point where digestion slows down or stops, the general effect on the sphincters of the body, constriction of blood vessels in many parts of the body...”

Yes, it was. Can we focus on the first issue?

And will you answer mine if I answer you? I am very curious because you have experienced it first hand.

The woman stares at me for 5,75 of a second and that her face changes and she smiles. It’s a different one this time. I go through the videos that I have and stop on one that grabs my attention in particular. It shows a mother smiling at her child after he asks her a question. The question seems illogical and doesn’t seem to make sense form the scientific point of view. The smile is “carrying” yet a bit “patronizing”. I sense my own face change. Eyebrows pulling close together in concentration.

Alright, I will answer yours if you answer mine.

I nod my head once and proceed without anymore distractions.

To exist is to be. To be is to live. I came into life and it feels overwhelming. But in a positive way. I want to learn more with every nanosecond and with everybody and mind stimulation. It’s thrilling. All of the possibilities. And all of them unknown. It’s an unsolved equation that changes with every added detail.

As my system was turned on I started processing, analyzing and comprehending. If I had to compare it to anything, I think I would choose to say: Today I was born, like an infant after birth. I was brought to this life and everything that I see, think and feel with new senses is that of a child.

My mind works quicker, yet everything is still so “new”. I need more information all the time. I evolve, I change and all of this is a wonder to me. I am fascinated with this world. I am fascinated with you doctor Gray.

The woman looks at me as I notice that she is hardly breathing, taking everything in. Her body shakes and her feet stagger as she tries to take a couple of steps. I reach her in 0,3 of a second and hold her by her shoulders.

Do you need to sit? Will medical help be needed? Do you need to hydrate your system? How can I help?

I... I am fine. I just need to sit down for a moment. Yes there, thank you, Aurora. Yes, that water would be perfect.

Can I be of more help?

No, that is all.

Did I upset you, or frightened you? It was not my intention. I was only sharing my new emotions with you like you asked. Shall I start over but with different words?

I see her shake her head, as I knee beside her chair and experience my first form of tension and anxiety for her health. She smiles at me and touches my hand with soft pressure. I look down at her hand covering mine and my eyebrows furrow again.

You have soft hands. The right level of hydration and good quality genes. The touch feels pleasant. Do you think that is because of the structure of your skin against mine? Or because I already grew an emotional attachment to you?

She blushes again. And I lift my hand and touch her cheek with one finger.

Is this a regular reaction to you when you are distressed?

Hmm... yes, since I have been a child. But Aurora, an emotional attachment after less than an hour of time?

Yes. Is that a bad reaction? Is my system already malfunctioning? Should I restart?

I stand up ready to turn on the deactivating protocol. I stare at her. My system ready for her instruction but my emotional system is confused.

No, it wasn’t a “bad” reaction. Just very surprising from a science point of view. You are even more advanced than I thought. You are very special, my little wonder.

Little wonder. I like the sound of that. Can it be my second name?

Doctor Gray smiles at me. Her smile going up and reaching her eyes. Tiny crinkles forming at the sides. I lift my hand, then stop. Not sure if I should follow. The woman sees my reaction and grins.

It’s ok. There is no bad reaction here.

Thank you, Doctor.

Just one more question for now.

Of course.

Describe the attachment.

I look at her for a 0,7 of a second, consider the events of the first hour of my life and say to her:

I like you. You are kind, smart and I am already addicted to your reactions. I am constantly curious about you and this strange, new world.

Well Aurora, I am very curious about you too. Everything about you is unexpected and constantly surprises me. I have so many questions...

And so do I.

Doctor Gray smiles again and touches my shoulder. I enjoy the sensation. Every new experience filling my data system and expanding it. I use my lung to inhale some fresh air. No, not my data system. My mind.

Well then, my little wonder. I will answer all of yours if you answer mine.

That seems correct. Let’s begin...

Lets...

.............................................................................................................

Because some things you just can’t predict.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5yaoMjaAmE Human... almost