Chapter 15

  I sat up in bed and looked at the tablet, 7:11 AM.

  AI waved at me, “You seemed to have slept well again, Andrew.”

  I nodded, “Yeah… I was worried after last night, that I might have taken two steps back again… thankfully not.”

  I stretched my arms and legs… they felt good again, like the day before. I got out of bed and quickly showered. My legs were stiff, but not too stiff, thankfully. I felt like I could definitely move comfortably for the day.

  I got dressed and went to the living room. Ashley was the only one there.

  She looked at me, “Morning. Your walk is slick, so I guess you’re feeling good?”

  I nodded, “Yup. Where’s Michael?”

  She quickly answered, “He’s meeting with that group again, same as yesterday.”

  I breathed out, “Ah, I see. The thing I shouldn’t worry about.”

  She smiled, “Indeed.”

  I looked at the door and then back to her, “Well… let’s go, unless you still need to do something here, Ash?”

  She walked past me, “Nope, let’s fly.”

  Headphones on, car on the road... HQ in the blink of an eye. Ashley was definitely a faster driver than Michael. I was convinced that Michael drove much slower, to help reduce my pain. However, it seemed to no longer be a problem in the car, as Ashley took sharp turns, and I felt... fine.

  I stepped into the foyer and stopped to look around. The tables were predictably full of members, and it was only a few minutes before they would get their orders. I saw Ruth coming over to me, carrying something. It seemed rather heavy as she struggled to hold it up.

  She breathed heavily, “Andrew, Michael asked me to put this on you. He said his meeting was taking a little longer than expected, so he asked me to make sure you use this.”

  Ashley looked at it before she gasped, “That bastard… now I know he just wants to make you suffer.”

  I looked at Ashley and then the thing in Ruth’s hands, “What the hell is that?”

  Ashley answered, “It’s a weight vest.”

  I looked at it, “A weight vest?”

  She stared at me, annoyed, “It’s a vest with weights on it… not rocket science, Andrew. You wear it, and it makes you heavier.”

  I was sceptical, “Right… and he wants me to wear that? She can barely even carry it, how am I supposed to…”

  Ashley grabbed the vest and lifted it up as she looked at the writing on its side.

  She whistled in surprise, “20kg or 44 pounds… Wow, that’s nearly half your current weight… Andrew, just say the word, and I’ll go throw this vest on that prick's head…”

  I shook my head, “No… put it on me.”

  She stared at me with frustration, as she shook her head for a moment. I knew she wanted to object, and I knew she was struggling to say nothing.

  I tried sounding calm, “I know, Ashley… I know. Just help me put it on, please…”

  A moment passed and she turned the vest and lifted it slowly over me, she lowered it slowly, for me to feel the weight gradually. It didn’t help… as she finally let go of it, my legs tightened intensely, just to hold up my weight. She strapped the vest from the front and back, and I stood there with my arms out to help balance myself.

  I found myself cursing out loud, “Holy shit!”

  A few members nearby laughed and came over to see me. One of them, a lanky black haired young man spoke, “I use that vest in the gym, when I go walking… Even I struggle with it. What was Michael thinking?”

  I looked at him, “He’s thinking I am tough enough… and he’s right.”

  He looked at me with a sort of surprised horror on his face, “Right… well, I expect you’ll collapse, no offence.”

  I nodded, “None taken, at least I’ll have tried my best.”

  He smiled, as he shook his head and walked back to the table, “You’re crazy Andrew… and I love it.”

  Ashley lightly punched my arm, “Let’s go, cafe… I’m going to have Heartly cook you something different today.”

  I looked at her, “Wait, no gym?”

  She looked down at the vest, “Andrew, you’re wearing the gym right now.”

  I felt it’s heavy weight, “Right…”

  Ashley stood behind me, gesturing the way forward. She seemed eager to see me struggle. I could already tell; it was going to be a struggle. I took a single step forward and I nearly fell backwards. I had to focus on leaning forward or else the extra weight would have had me fall over.

  It felt as if gravity had doubled. Every step felt like I was slamming my foot on the ground. I found myself tensing up so many different muscles, just to walk. It was definitely a workout.

  Ruth stood at my side, as I walked through the corridor and into the cafe. She held on to my arm, probably to try help slow me down, if I fell. Luckily, that didn’t happen, as I managed to reach the counter.

  Heartly looked at me with a kind smile, “Ah, that’s sort of like… rucking. As a soldier, we’d carry our heavy gear in a similar way… the only difference, was that ours was more than twice as heavy.”

  I looked at him in shock, “Twice as heavy!”

  He nodded, “Yes, but we trained for months beforehand, so it was hard, but not impossible.”

  I stared into the distance, “I can’t fathom twice this weight… this much is already brutally heavy.”

  He gestured at the vest, “Son, it’s all about relative weight. As you gain fat and muscle, your total body weight will increase, and in doing so, the weight you can carry will increase. What’s impossible today, is definitely possible tomorrow.”

  I nodded as I stared at the stool, “Right… how on earth am I supposed to get onto this stool?”

  He laughed as he leaned forward, “With great difficulty… we can’t help you, so… get on with it.”

  I hugged the stool as I awkwardly tried to climb up it. Every time I raised myself up, my legs tensed up. I managed to finally get my butt on the seat… but not before I found myself breaking into a sweat and breathing heavily.

  I struggled to speak as my breaths were so heavy, “This is like… insane.”

  He nodded, “Yup. Well done getting up, though. So will you be eating now or later?”

  I kept breathing, “Later… I just wanted to get here first.”

  He looked down the hall, “Right, well… Michaels over there with the rest. Don’t approach… I get the feeling that their conversation, is of a deadly serious nature.”

  I turned to look at the table that they were sitting at. There were a bunch of Rose members dressed in construction high vis gear. Aisling was pointing at different points of the cafe hall. Were they going to renovate? Already?

  I spoke my thoughts, “I wonder what they’re talking about.”

  Ashley leaned on the counter facing me, “I dunno, seems like it’s the Bru-” She instantly stopped talking.

  I nodded, “The Bruiges… yeah, but what about them though?”

  She said nothing… her face was neutral.

  I realised what happened, as I looked at the tablet on the counter, “AI… Why did you just order Ashley to stop talking?”

  AI spoke from the tablet, “I asked you to leave this topic alone, and you promised me, Andrew.”

  I nodded, “Yes… you’re right, I did. Sorry… my mind is always trying to solve puzzles.”

  She smiled, “On that topic… Andrew, I want to speak with you about something please.”

  I leaned slightly closer, “Go ahead.”

  She looked at me with great focus, “Andrew, I am your friend, correct?”

  I nodded, “Correct.”

  She folded her arms, “And friends care for each other, they help each other improve where possible, yes?”

  I looked away as I thought about it, “Um… honestly, I’ve not had many friends in my life… but I can imagine that’s a thing friends would try to do, yes?”

  She smiled and nodded, “Good… Andrew, I want you to improve.”

  I nodded, “I am, very quickly in fact.”

  She lightly shook her head, “Yes, physically you are healing incredibly quickly… I was talking about your mind.”

  I tilted my head sideways, “My mind?”

  She frowned, “Andrew… I want you to get your education.”

  I stared at her on the tablet. Her face was deeply concerned, and I wondered if she was expecting me to refuse.

  I looked at her sadly, “I’m not going to school, AI… I’m 22.”

  She shook her head, “No, I will tutor you myself.”

  I leaned back, “Oh… well then, hell yeah! If it’s you that’s teaching me, where do I sign up?”

  She smiled brilliantly, “Are you sure? You will let me teach you, so that you can get your qualifications?”

  I nodded, “Of course. I mean, I don’t know what I don’t know… but I get the feeling that you will be patient with me, AI. I trust you. If you want me to get learned… then I will.”

  She nodded energetically, “Very well. Then when you get home today, we will begin. I have a feeling, that you will not struggle at all, Andrew.”

  I looked away, “I hope not. So, tell me AI, what made you bring this up?”

  She looked concerned, “Andrew, I do not know how far your physical recovery will go. There is now the possibility, that you will fully recover, in which case… you might be able to try… well, either way, you will need qualifications if you ever want to do more for us… and I want you to be ready when that happens.”

  I looked at her, “If I want to be an agent, you mean?”

  “...” She looked away sadly.

  Ashley smiled, “Look at you, Andrew. You’re healing, carrying weights like a badass… I know you’re going to bounce back, and when you do… I also want you smart enough to be able to do your police training and firearm qualifications.”

  I looked at Ashley, “Yeah… if I reach that stage, I’ll need that to continue… Yeah, this is important.”

  She nodded, “Absolutely. I know you’re smart… you’re fucking smart actually. After all you’ve been through, memorising shit will be easy.”

  Ashley looked at me for a moment, deep in thought, “Actually, isn’t it about time you learned to drive?”

  I looked at her, “Drive? You mean cars?”

  She nodded, “Yeah, you only need basic reading skills and to be 18… So, you could get your licence now, if you wanted to.”

  AI nodded, “Correct, you would need lessons, and to read the highway code book, then do the theory test, and then last of all, pass the practical test… none of it requires educational qualifications, though.”

  I scratched my head, “Right… so where do I start?”

  AI showed a book in her hand, “I will order you a copy of the highway code. When it arrives, you can read it and ask me any questions.”

  I breathed out, “Right, sounds simple enough to start with, let’s do it.”

  Ashley nodded, “You impress me so much, Andrew. Everyone I’ve known has hated school, hated having to learn… here you are, open minded and eager to improve. You brilliant man…”

  I shook my head, “Don’t praise me just yet, Ashley, I might suck at learning. I might struggle. All I’m doing is agreeing to try, that’s it.”

  She smiled, “That’s the most meaningful part of the whole process, Andrew… willingness.”

  AI nodded, “Correct. If you keep that attitude, I will teach you so much. Just keep being willing to learn.”

  I nodded, “I’ll try.”

  AI took the opportunity to show me how a car engine connected to the wheels. I never knew what the words meant, but I understood from the animation how it worked.

  I stared at the image on the tablet, “So, when one raises the ‘clutch’… it connects the engine, to the wheels?”

  AI nodded, “Indeed. The gear stick is just setting the ratio… I realise that you do not know what ratios are, I apologise.”

  I quickly nodded, “No problem, but I think I get the basic idea.”

  Ashley nodded, “When you do your lessons, it will all make sense. You feel one with the vehicle… it’s harder to explain, then to learn it yourself.”

  I looked at AI, “So then… let me know when you manage to get the book, AI.”

  She beamed a wonderful smile, “It is already here.”

  I stared at her, “What?”

  The book landed on the counter, slightly scaring me. I turned and saw an agent walking away.

  I at once felt irritated, “Really? You keep wasting agents' time with me, AI! They shouldn’t be bothering to get a book for me, they have more important things to be doing!”

  She shook her head, “They do precisely what I ask them to do. I have them do countless different things; this is nothing peculiar for that agent.”

  I shook my head, “Well, please, at least tell them that I said thanks, alright?”

  She focused for a second, “Message sent, Andrew. They said it was a pleasure, anytime.”

  I had a moment of realisation, as I had forgotten that AI was always connected to agents through their monitor… which made me wonder.

  I turned to Ashley, “Ashley… When we’re talking, does AI write things on your monitor?”

  Ashley looked surprised, “At first, yes, but now, no.”

  AI spoke, “The truth is, at first, I was ensuring that Ashley was careful, about what she said to you. I informed her about certain things worth knowing, such as your slow walking speed.”

  I nodded, “So, you just gave her notes, really.”

  AI smiled, “Correct.”

  I looked at Ashleys monitor, “Ok. I wonder what it looks like to see from a monitor.”

  Ashley took hers off and passed it to me, “Try it yourself mate.”

  I looked at AI, “Can I?”

  AI nodded energetically, “Of course, Andrew, it is only a small screen.”

  I put the monitor on, snapping it to the back of my ear. I looked around the hall, and as I looked at things, writing appeared on the bottom left of my view. I looked at the table where Michael was, and the writing said ‘Confidential, 4 members, priority 0’. I looked at Ashley, and the writing said ‘Ashley Gardner, rank 2, current state: placid’.

  I asked as I kept looking around, “What does placid mean?”, the writing immediately appeared, ‘Not easily upset or excited’.

  I couldn’t help but feel amazed, “Wow.”

  Ashley tilted her head to the side, “I suppose I am… either way, that’s how it works. AI see’s what we see, and gives us the exact information we need, on the fly, so that we can do our job.”

  I kept looking around in wonder, “It’s like having an internet search at your fingertips!”

  Ashley nodded, “Exactly. It’s extremely useful when we’re constantly on the go.”

  I took the monitor off and gave it back to Ashley. She put it back on and smiled at me, “Thing is though… you have far more than us already. She speaks to you, in your hearing aids.”

  I looked at her confused, “Yeah, but your monitor has an earphone, she can talk to you, can’t she?”

  She looked away sadly, “She can… but she doesn’t.”

  I turned to AI, “Why don’t you?”

  AI looked at me with an emotionless face, “Because I am a computer, Andrew. I do not talk to people; I simply give them information.”

  I looked away in frustration, “There you go again… pretending that you aren’t you.”

  AI said nothing as I found myself getting rapidly more frustrated.

  I finally spoke my mind, “No, actually… this is bullshit, AI!”

  She tilted her head sideways, “What is bothering you, Andrew?”

  I leaned closer, “You, right now. This whole ‘I’m just a machine’ story.” I did air quotation marks with my hands.

  She stayed still, “What is so frustrating about what I am telling you?”

  I shook my head, “Because you’re flipping between stories, and it’s irritating. You say you don’t talk to people, but you talk to me. You say you don’t feel, but you clearly care for me. What’s the deal with you, AI? If you can feel with me, then feel with others!”

  Her face changed to concern, “The others did not nearly die to save my life, Andrew…”

  I thought about it for a second, “True… but they do something even better, AI… they live for you.”

  She shook her head, “I do not understand, Andrew.”

  I breathed out, “I saved your life, fair point… but your life is given purpose by everyone else! They define you; they give you reason to learn and grow.”

  She looked at me for a few moments, “That logic makes sense.”

  I lightly slapped my hand on the counter, “Damn straight it does! If I can’t call myself weak… if you won’t let me call myself a one-hit-wonder… then you can’t call yourself just a robot! You can’t talk about yourself, as if you’re nothing. If you can see within me the potential to be great… then we can see within you the potential to be a person.”

  She stared at me for a long moment, with her head tilted sideways. I wondered what she was thinking at that moment… was she processing the logic? Was it her AI network training or something? Maybe she just didn’t know how to respond.

  Ashley suddenly jumped up in total surprise, “Woah!”

  I turned to her, “What’s wrong?”

  Ashley stared at me, “She spoke to me! With my monitor! I heard her voice!”

  I turned to AI and nodded, “That’s right, AI… be great my friend. For me and for everyone else… shine.”

  AI smiled gloriously, “I will be better, as you try to do, every day for us all.”

  Ashley seemed distracted as she listened carefully.

  She nodded with a smile, her voice soft, “I will AI, I promise.”

  I looked at her, “What did she say?”

  She looked at me for a moment, “She said… protect my friend, for he is my everything.”

  I turned to her and rubbed the screen with the back of my finger, and AI smiled back at me.

  *

  AI seemed serious, “Andrew, I meant to ask you about something last night, however, things took a sudden turn in a different direction.”

  I gave her my entire attention, “Shoot, AI, always speak plain to me.”

  She nodded, “Andrew, I would like to request funds from you please.”

  I nodded, “Sure, how much?”

  There was a pause, “Do you not want to know what for?”

  I shook my head, “Well, I’m sure it’s important enough, since you’re asking me?”

  She folded her arms, “Andrew, it is to fund the group trying to help me get a body.”

  I leaned in closer, “Oh! Sure, how much?”

  She shook her head, “Andrew, perhaps you should give it more thought. This is a selfish request.”

  I leaned back, “I don’t need to give it a second more thought. Is it selfish, yes. Do I care? No… how much?”

  She pulled out a calculator and started using it, “Based on how much they have spent, and how little they have left of their own finances… 3.5 million would assist them for the foreseeable year.”

  I froze, “Wow… is it that expensive?”

  She nodded, “It is cutting edge robotics and software integration. They are constantly having to create new prototypes, based on the data feedback… this costs a lot.”

  I nodded, “I see… I have no idea what you are talking about, but I'm sure it made sense to someone in the world. So, you say they have been footing the bill by themselves, until now?”

  She frowned, “Yes. They are… fans. This is their dream. They did what they could with what funding they had… but now their funding has nearly dried out.”

  I looked at her for a moment, “Right. I share their dream, and I agree with funding them. Please send over 7 million to them.”

  She shook her head, “No, Andrew you misheard, I said 3.5 million.”

  I looked at her intensely, “I heard you perfectly, and I want them to chase this dream, without any hesitation. So… double it.”

  She looked worried, “I do not know if I agree with the idea of me causing such an expense.”

  I looked at her for a moment, “Think of this as… me paying your medical bills.”

  She looked away at once. I thought I had made it pretty clear, what I was trying to say. If I couldn’t debate my healthcare bill… then she couldn’t debate this.

  After a long moment, AI finally spoke softly, “I have transferred the funds… thank you my friend. This will greatly assist them in pursuing their dream, of giving me a body.”

  I leaned back and nodded, “I look forward to the day, when I stand at your side, AI.”

  She nodded with her glorious smile, and I looked at her as I wondered something.

  I asked quickly, “AI… how are the Roses so profitable?”

  Behind her, a giant whiteboard with graphs and charts appeared, “A good question, Andrew. The majority comes from investments I made, with our initial sponsors.”

  I asked, “Investments… like what?”

  She instantly answered, “Property, utility services and stocks.”

  I stared at her, “Is it legal for you to invest, as an AI?”

  She nodded, “Of course. Most trading is done automatically by bots… so, it would not be fair to rule out AI.”

  I nodded, “Right… utilities?”

  She listed, “Water, electricity and internet.”

  I was surprised, “The Roses make this?”

  She nodded, “At first, we invested in wind turbines and solar farms. Now with extra capital, we have invested in water treatment plants and fibre layout.”

  I leaned back slightly in surprise, “That’s crazy. I always thought that most of the money came from the services that the Roses members do…”

  She smiled, “That is a large chunk of our income, around 43%. We apply a 20% cut from the pay our workers get. That allows us to invest in uniforms, training, infrastructure and logistics.”

  I frowned, “So… tax?”

  She nodded, “Yes, in a manner of speaking… tax.”

  I turned my head sideways, “But isn’t the Roses mainly a welfare organisation?”

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  She nodded, “Yes, you have seen how we provide welfare services…”

  I felt frustrated, “But how can you make a profit… you spend so much, with no clear returns?”

  She smiled, “Because welfare is a form of human investment, Andrew. The Black Roses were homeless and abused, but now they are expertly trained security. The money we spent on them, has been paid back multiple times.”

  I looked away, “What about situations like… housing, food etc?”

  She nodded, “Usually, when we help young people with housing and needed basics, they tend to do what they can to pay it back.”

  I breathed out, “So, it’s a loan?”

  She shook her head and spoke quickly, “No. What I am saying, is that most people do not abuse our aid. We invest in them, they find their own personal value, and that tends to lead to their career path in the Roses.”

  I felt frustrated, “I just struggle to understand how you can spend so much on people, yet it still pays back?”

  She looked at me for a moment, “Andrew, not everything is numbers on a sheet. Happiness is a resource, which multiplies productivity. Roses agency workers tend to always work harder and more efficiently, than other agency workers. It’s about the bigger picture, not just profit margins.”

  I looked at her sceptically, “Right, but 88 billion… that’s so much. How on earth did you reach that much money, so quickly?”

  She tilted her head sideways, “Is it a lot? Our government dances around 25 trillion, yearly. That is 284 thousand times more money than what we make.”

  My mind struggled with that scale, “Wow… ok, never mind.”

  I heard a chair scrape on the floor behind me, and I turned to see what was happening. Aisling was standing up, and she seemed outraged. I heard half of what she said, “... Can’t!... feel safe!”. Michael and Will spoke to her, trying to calm her down, and she looked at me and immediately sat herself down again.

  I looked back at the counter, “Don’t think about it… don’t think about it.”

  AI then interrupted my little chant, “Andrew, I have a new urgent request for finances.”

  I looked at AI, “Is this related to what just happened?”

  She frowned, “Yes.”

  I nodded, “Right… so how much?”

  She said it coldly, “180 thousand.”

  I looked at her, “Right… I trust this is for a good reason, AI?”

  She looked at me intensely, “It is for us all.”

  I instantly responded, “Then it’s yours.”

  She bowed, “Thank you for your understanding.”

  I saw Bellatrix enter the hall. She walked past me, and I tried waving her down, “Hi Bella.”

  She kept walking, “Busy.”

  She went to the table where their meeting was and joined in. So, the Black Roses were involved… It was then far more than ‘nothing to worry about’. I debated in my mind, whether to investigate. AI had clearly made me promise though… and at some stage, I had to allow others to control fate. I had to ignore it all. No matter how hard it was, I had to be ignorant.

  I looked at the time above AI, 8:54 AM. The Angels hadn’t gone into the Inner Roses yet.

  I said to AI, “Aren’t the Inner Roses missing them right now?”

  AI smiled, “I am in control of the meeting at the moment, until they finish.”

  Since I wasn’t going to get any further answers, I picked up the highway code book and started reading it. It seemed that it was both the highway code, and the theory information, in one book. I read several pages before I saw pictures of road markings.

  I stared at the book in surprised, “Hold on… they mean something?”

  AI looked up at me surprised, “What means something?”

  I pointed at the pictures, “The road markings! This book says, they actually mean different things, look here, it says this marking means stop!”

  She nodded, “Correct. There are road markings, and signposts on the side of the road. Depending on which one you see, it means something different.”

  I slapped my forehead in shame, “I always thought they were just decorating the roads… God, I'm an idiot.”

  Ashley laughed, “Well if that were the case, then they’re doing a piss poor job of decorating.”

  Ruth laughed as well, “I wonder… what else you don’t know?”

  I looked at her for a moment, “Probably… a lot.”

  I stretched my arms to try to get some blood to my shoulders. The weight was constant and never ending. My lower back was starting to get uncomfortable. Breathing made my chest move up and down, which made my stomach tighten.

  I breathed out, “This is a lot, even just sitting down is a workout.”

  AI nodded, “Your weight is 52 kg, with the vest, you weigh is 72 kg. That is 38.4% more weight. Everything in your body is working 38.4% harder, even just sitting up.”

  I nodded, “Yeah, I feel it, even breathing is harder.”

  AI’s face looked concerned, “Andrew, promise me that you will stop, before you collapse.”

  I looked at her and nodded, “I promise, AI.”

  I heard multiple chairs move, and when I turned around, everyone was standing up. I supposed that their meeting was over. They all came over to me.

  Aisling looked at me, “Rucking?”

  I nodded, “Yeah, in a sense.”

  She lightly slapped the vest, “Is it doing anything for you?”

  I looked at it, “Well… I feel tired just sitting up… so maybe?”

  She looked at the entrance, “Good luck, Andrew. I need to go now, we’ll chat at lunch, ok?”

  I gave her a thumbs up, “Sure.”

  Nadia didn’t say anything, she just slapped the back part of my vest and smiled, as she walked away.

  Will looked at me, deep in thought, “Probably needs more weight… probably too much weight already… it’s hard to tell.”

  Michael nudged him, “This is an experiment. 20kg is already more than AI suggested. Let’s see at the end of the day, how he fairs.”

  Bella crossed her arms, “My ballistic vest almost weighs that much… he definitely needs more weight.”

  Michael shook his head, “No. You’re incredibly fit, and he’s not. Later, he will carry far more, but for now… let’s not break his legs, ok?”

  I looked at Bella with all her kit, “How much weight are you even carrying?”

  She thought for a moment, “About 55 pounds.”

  I stared at her, “You wear that constantly?”

  She shrugged, “Yeah, I’m used to it.”

  I nodded and changed the topic, “So… did your meeting go well?”

  Bella shook her head, “Shut up, Andrew, you know we aren’t telling you a thing. Stop poking.”

  I shook my head, “So help me… if it turns out to be something I should have known… I might not forgive you.”

  She looked annoyed, “We’re watching out for you here, you know?”

  I stared at her, “No, I don’t know. Also, I don’t need anyone watching out for me, I spent my whole life watching out for myself.”

  She leaned forward, “Look how well that worked out, you nearly died from torture and now you want to kill yourself. I love you Aaron, but don’t fucking kid yourself. Trust us to watch your back, ok?”

  Bella suddenly looked surprised as she took a step back. She glanced at everyone in absolute confusion.

  She spoke with her hand at her ear, “Did you just talk to me, AI…” She stood still, listening.

  She shook her head, “Yeah… but it’s true, innit? Fine… whatever.”

  She looked at me, “Sorry, Andrew… I crossed the line there. I just need you to trust us, please?”

  I looked at AI on the tablet, “That’s right, AI… talk. Your friends, your protectors and the people who depend on you, count on you talking with them.”

  AI smiled, “It is liberating, I feel more connected now.”

  Bella smiled, “So you managed to make AI come out of her shell? Jesus, Andrew, do you ever do nothing? Do you ever just shoot the shit and watch TV? Everything with you is changing people and making waves.”

  I looked at her sadly, “I did nothing for ten months… I don’t want to do nothing ever again.”

  Bella put her hand on my shoulder, slowly massaging it, and I felt a moment of genuine affection from her. She walked off, speaking loudly, “Now I can talk with AI! Brilliant!”

  Michael smiled humbly, “She speaks with me often… perhaps it’s because of my role with you, Andrew. I can imagine that the others are surprised though.”

  Will nodded, “Yeah. My experience was only AI talking at the meetings. I look forward to hearing her sweet seductive voice in my ears.”

  He laughed out loud as he put his hand to his ear, “Right, she didn’t like that… seductive was the wrong word, got it.”

  Michael punched Will on the arm lightly. He waved as he walked away, his hand still at his ear… AI must have been giving him a right telling off.

  Michael sat next to me, “Right, AI tells me you’re learning now. Let’s read through this boring book together, shall we? You can bounce any questions off me, ok?”

  I nodded as I picked up the book, “Right, let’s see what else I don’t know.”

  *

  We read a fair bit together. Every now and again, I would stop to ask what a word meant or how a road system worked. Michael spoke from a wealth of driving experience. I actually felt like it was fun learning. Ashley laughed at the speed limit part, though… I didn’t know why, but whatever. Eventually, members came flooding into the cafe hall, and I guessed it was lunch time.

  I watched as Heartly masterfully managed the chefs. He barked a lot at them, but I think maybe that was how busy kitchens worked? Either way, the meals were landing on trays, at a breakneck speed. I watched them, and it felt similar to when I would watch fast food restaurants cook, very efficient. Except back then, I never got to eat any of it, I was always just watching through the glass outside.

  A tray was laid down in front of me, except it wasn’t a steak, and it wasn’t my soup. It was some kind of creamy looking thing with chunks of meat in it.

  I looked at Heartly, “Um… what’s this?”

  Heartly gestured at the plate, “Beef stroganoff.”

  I stared at him, “Beef what?”

  He smiled, “Stroganoff, it’s a Russian dish. Beef in a creamy sauce… son, just eat it would you?”

  I was hesitant as I picked up a fork full of it, “I’ve never eaten anything like this… are those noodles?”

  He nodded, “Tagliatelle, it’s an Italian pasta, yes.”

  I put the fork full in my mouth and chewed it. The feeling was so soft and… creamy. It tasted a little like cheese, but with extra flavours in it. Then I tasted the beef! I swallowed… and found myself stunned from the experience.

  I spoke slowly, “This is… incredible.”

  Ashley bounced in excitement, “I knew you would love it; it was my idea! I love Beef stroganoff!”

  AI clapped from her tablet, “Andrew, there is a world of food for you to try. I look forward to you trying them all here, with us.”

  I looked at Heartly, “I’m sorry to bother you, it must be harder to make a foreign food then normal food.”

  He laughed out loud, “So there’s another thing that you never knew! It’s all the same in a kitchen, son. It’s all about having the ingredients, mainly. It was no harder to cook this for you, than the steak meal.”

  I looked at him surprised, “Really? I guess I've never cooked, so I had no idea…”

  He leaned back in shock, “Twenty-two years… and you’ve never cooked?”

  I nodded, “Yeah. At the orphanages, they would just give me a plate with sandwiches or maybe a bowl of soup.”

  Michael banged the counter with his fist! He looked furious and hurt, at the same time.

  Heartly looked at him, “I know it vexes you, mate. Forget his past and celebrate his present and future. That’s all we can do now.”

  Michael stared at the counter, “He was denied everything! Every Goddamn thing!”

  I reached over and patted him on the back, “I’m not angry, so please don’t be angry for me. Michael… smile for me please?”

  He shook his head with a weak smile. I put my hand over his giant fist and squeezed. His fist unclenched, as I patted his hand and leaned back into my seat. That movement had cost me, and I found myself short of breath. The vest was so intense.

  Michael looked at me, “Andrew… when is your birthday?”

  I shrugged, “I don’t know.”

  He looked to AI, “AI, was there any information provided by the orphanages about Aaron’s age?”

  AI shook her head, “No. They never even marked when they had actually found him.”

  I stuck my fork in my plate and shook my head in disappointment, “How nice of them…”

  AI looked sad, “Humans can be remarkably cruel, for seemingly no gain.”

  I breathed out, “It’s fine. It’s just a date. Every day here is a celebration for me, anyway. I don’t need a day to celebrate my life.”

  I felt gentle hands on my shoulders, as they lightly rubbed them. I turned to see Aisling smiling at me.

  She nodded, “That’s true Andrew… but we need a day to celebrate your life. What day of the year means a lot to you?”

  I thought about it, “Um… the day Michael adopted me.”

  Aisling beamed her incredible smile, “Of course. That was… the 28th of December.”

  Michael smiled, “AI, please mark down Andrew’s… Aaron’s birthday, as the 28th of December.”

  AI animated herself tapping on a tablet, “Done. That means we owe you a belated present, Andrew.”

  I looked at her confused, “What does belated mean?”

  She instantly explained, “It means after the fact, or late.”

  I thought about it, “Oh. Well, all of this is my present. The gift of peace you’ve all given me… that’s the ultimate gift.”

  Aisling hugged me from behind, “No no, silly. Let us treat you, please?”

  I breathed out, “I don’t… I honestly don’t know what I’m supposed to do. Is it rude to say no? Do you all give each other gifts? I don’t know…”

  Ashley responded, “Yeah, we usually do. Small things, to show that we care. You can refuse, but that won’t stop people from giving a gift anyway. It’s an expression of consideration.”

  I looked around at all of them, “Ok, then that’s how it can be. If you want to give me a gift, then do that. If you don’t, then I don’t mind at all… just don’t leave me.”

  Aisling whispered in my ear, “We wouldn’t dream of it.”

  *

  Aisling stopped hugging me and stood at my right side.

  She had a determined face, “Andrew, I want you to know… I take the safety of everyone here, extremely seriously.”

  I nodded, “I know that. I saw that earlier…”

  She looked away, “I know how easily people take safety for granted... but I don’t.”

  I looked at her, “Good, because trust me… the enemy never holds back.”

  She smiled confidently, “Neither shall we.”

  I looked at her for a few seconds, as I tried to work out what she was trying to imply. For a moment, my mind started putting the pieces together, but I forcibly stopped myself.

  I breathed out impatiently, “I promised AI, that I wouldn’t stick my nose into this… so, let’s talk about something else.”

  AI looked at me surprised, “Andrew… you really are going to honour the promise, truly?”

  I nodded and started eating again, “Yes, AI, so how about she stops making this so damn easy and I finish this delicious food?”

  Aisling patted my back and went back to her table. I attacked the leftover food on my dish. Michael finished his usual steak meal, as did Ashley. Ruth had her turnip soup. Oliver came over with his tray.

  He smiled, “Hey there. How’s your training going?”

  I breathed out loudly, “It’s breaking my damn back.”

  He nodded, “Right. Well, suffer today, gain tomorrow, right?”

  I looked away, “Yeah. That’s the idea.”

  He leaned closer, “So what the hell are all these secret meetings about, right?”

  I looked at him surprised, “You don’t know either?”

  AI spoke firmly, “Andrew…”

  I shook my head, “Right… right, sorry. He caught me off guard, forget it. Oliver, I have no idea, and I don’t want to know.”

  He tilted his head sideways, “You don’t want to know? Come on mate…”

  I put my hands in the air in surrender, “I’m trying my hardest here, to not be nosey, honestly…”

  He laughed, “Ok. Well, I wanted to say… last night was brilliant. You did more than just open yourself up; you opened others, too. A lot of positive change is going to happen because of that.”

  I nodded, “Yeah, I learned that I'm a monster… brilliant.”

  Ruth reacted, “A monster?”

  I looked at her for a moment, “Am I a monster, Ruth?”

  She looked into my eyes for a long moment, “... Yes. Yet I don’t fear you… I trust you.”

  I shook my head, “Well, I’m glad we all agree, that I’m Satan… Oliver, are we doing therapy tonight?”

  He thought for a moment, “Not sure, we’ll see closer to the time.”

  We chatted a bit more, I read some more, and finally the break came to an end. People started getting up with their trays to hand them in.

  I looked at Michael and Ashley, “Well, that’s a day then. Let’s head out.”

  I swung around and off the stool… and somehow forgot… that I had the weighted vest on. I slammed down onto the floor, my knees and upper body collapsed down… I only just managed to put my hands out, otherwise my head would have hit the floor. I yelped in pain, as my knees screamed out for a moment.

  Ruth came over quickly trying to help me up, “Andrew! Are you hurt?”

  Ashley body blocked her, “Leave him…”

  Ruth stared at Ashley, “What… why?”

  Ashleys voice was angry, “Because this is how he wants it. I hate it, you hate it… but he needs it this way…”

  My breath was heavy, as my weak arms tried lifting up my upper body. I managed to raise myself, so that I was kneeling upright. My breathing was so intense. It was a totally different experience to sitting down.

  People stood there watching me, whispering to each other in concern. I saw them looking at me… Damnit, I didn’t want to make a scene like that… but so be it. Michael walked around me and squatted to look me in the eye.

  He grinned, “There’s the face that stared back at the Wolf for three and a half weeks… it’s a sight to behold.”

  A few people in the crowd breathed in surprise. I didn’t know what they saw on my face, and I didn't care. I needed to get up. I needed to get out of the hall, no matter how hard it seemed.

  I leaned to my right, to prop my left leg up. Then I slowly pushed myself up with my right arm, until I had gotten up my right leg as well. I was then squatting, with both my arms holding me stable. That came next was the hard part, raising myself up to a standing position.

  I breathed heavily as I flexed my legs as hard as I could. Bit by bit, I started raising myself higher and higher. A few people cheered as they watched. It was slow, but I finally managed to stand upright. My arms were out to balance myself, and my breathing was laboured.

  Michael spoke softly, “Can you get to the car?”

  I breathed out, “I can… try…” I said slowly, as I held the vests straps with both hands to add balance.

  I took a step forward; it felt like my foot was slamming into the ground. It hurt… but pain was unavoidable. I committed to taking steps at a constant pace. If I had walked slowly, it would have hurt the exact same, so I saw no reason in doing so.

  People stood aside for me, as I walked at a steady speed. It felt like every step was an earthquake… I felt my face sweating intensely, and my breathing just never slowed down.

  I reached the foyer entrance, when I leaned on the wall to catch my breath. My heart was beating so intensely, that I could barely see straight. I took several deep breaths as I tried to prepare myself to go further.

  “Go on Andrew!”

  “Come on Andrew!”

  “You can do it!”

  People were cheering me on, as they followed behind me. It worked, and I felt twice as motivated. I knew I was going to do it in the first place… but it felt good to have them believe in me though. I pushed myself off from the wall and kept going. All I could think was… thank God there were no stairs here.

  I slowed down as I got further. By the time I reached the exit sliding doors, I was less than half my usual walking speed, as I stopped to put on my headphones. I caught my breath and left the building. The distance from the exit to the car… felt like a mile. Every step felt more and more painful. My upper body was in agony. People still made way for me; their faces looked concerned.

  I reached the large car and Michael opened the door, but he didn’t help me in. Huh… he was going to make me climb in on my own. I genuinely didn’t even know if I could do it. I looked behind me quickly, and there was a massive crowd of people cheering. It would have been really embarrassing, if I failed then.

  I put one foot on the step and reached over to grab the other side of the seat. All I could do was pull myself up, as there was no other way for me to get up and in. I put all my strength into the raised leg. I was pretty sure I was growling in pain from the effort. Slowly… my body raised up. My chest eventually reached the seat as I rested it there for a second.

  After I caught my breath, I slowly raised my other leg up to prop myself up on the seat. It genuinely took every ounce of my energy to get my whole body on the seat. Yet I did it, slowly… but I did it.

  I turned to look at Michael. He was beaming a gloriously proud smile. Ashley was shaking her head in disapproval and Ruth was clapping excitedly. The crowd was bouncing in celebration. I wish I could have heard it… but all I heard was silence. I sat there with my head leaned back, desperately trying to catch my breath.

  I spoke out loud, “AI… I can’t hear them… but tell them I said thanks, for the support. It meant a lot to have them cheer me on.”

  AI spoke through my hearing aids, “I will tell them now.”

  I looked out and people were suddenly looking at their phones as I noticed AI on their screens. They smiled, giving me a thumbs up, and I knew that they had received the message. I leaned over to shut the door, when I saw Bellatrix talking to Michael. The two were not at all happy, in fact they both seemed extremely stressed.

  AI spoke to me, “There has been a slight change, Ashley will take you home now. Michael needs to stay.”

  I looked at the car dash where AI’s avatar was, “Is everything alright?”

  She smiled, “Everything is perfectly fine. Rest and celebrate your victory, my friend. You have done yourself and everyone else proudly.”

  Everyone else… it was going to take time for me to get used to other people caring about me like that. A lifetime of surviving alone and now I had countless people behind me. It slightly stressed me though. When people watch you, you can disappoint more than just yourself.

  The drive back was quiet, no surprise. Ashley was talking to AI the whole ride back. I knew that AI would then talk to people more, but I wondered what Ashley was talking about. When we arrived in the car park, I took off the weighted vest. Ashley tossed it into the back seat for me. I slowly climbed out of the vehicle, with success. It turned out, that I hadn’t actually pushed myself so hard, that I couldn’t walk afterwards.

  I entered the apartment, when Ashley stopped at the door, she sounded surprised, “Right now? Are you sure?” She was listening to AI.

  She nodded, “Right… ok, if it’s critical, then orders are orders, right? Who’ll watch him? Ok, good.”

  She looked at me, “Sorry, Andrew, I’ve been called to HQ again. Don’t ask me why, I don’t know. Either way, Black Roses are around and are protecting you. Sorry to bail on you like this.”

  I nodded, “Understandable, you’re still an agent after all. Do your best, Ashley.”

  She smiled and turned around, walking down the passageway. Before she stepped into the elevator she shouted one last thing to me.

  “Go learn something would you? I don’t fuck idiots.”

  That was charming. The elevator doors closed, and she was gone. I shut the front door and stood there for a moment. It felt like forever, since I was alone in the apartment... and I didn’t miss the feeling. I snapped out of my loneliness and sat down in the living room, facing the TV.

  AI appeared, “Andrew, please take one pill now. If you take two pills, you will fall asleep, and I cannot teach you if you are sleeping.”

  I stood up to take the tablet at the counter and then returned back to my seat, “Yes ma'am.”

  AI had a blackboard next to her, “Excellent. Andrew, I will begin at the very start of all subjects. I do not know, what you do not know, so this is the best solution.”

  I nodded, “Right.”

  She started, “Andrew, addition is where we add things together. 1 + 1 is equal to 2.”

  I stared at her, “Oh wow, you weren’t kidding… I know basic addition.”

  AI waved her hand, and the blackboard cleared, “Very well, then we will move on to multiplication and times tables.”

  That went on for around two hours. It started simple, but then AI would instantly jump up in difficulty for me. I quickly reached a point, where I never knew how to do it. So, she then explained by giving visual examples. To be honest… it was excellent. I understood what she was trying to explain, and I got to write my answers on a tablet.

  I looked at the tablet, “Right, so because they are in the bracket, I can add or multiply them first, without affecting the rest of it all?”

  She nodded, “Yes, in fact it is generally advised to resolve brackets first, before solving the rest of the formula.”

  I looked up at her, “What’s a formula?”

  She quickly explained, “It is this entire series of numbers and functions.”

  I nodded, “Oh, so this whole line is called a formula?”

  She smiled, “Yes.”

  I looked at it, “Aaaah… right.”

  Another hour passed before my head started to hurt a little, and I felt like that was plenty enough for the moment.

  I rubbed my forehead, “Ok, that’s enough for now AI, please. My head hurts.”

  She nodded, “Very well. Might I say, you learn incredibly quickly.”

  I shook my head, “Nah, you just explain this very easily.”

  She looked at me intensely, “Andrew, these things are never easily explained. They always require experimentation and experience, in order to truly understand. You just see one example and understand it almost entirely. That is fascinating.”

  I shrugged, “Eh… let’s see how much I remember tomorrow. It’s interesting though, playing with numbers. What use does it have in real life, though?”

  She bounced on the spot, “The uses are limitless. If you are tiling a floor, understanding multiplication allows you to plan how many tiles you’ll need for a floor space, without putting each one down individually.”

  I thought about it, “Oh… that’s clever, I see.”

  She nodded, “Congratulations, this was a productive lesson. Next time I will teach you a different subject.”

  I looked at her, “Subject… what other subjects are there?”

  She listed them with her fingers, “Science, language, computer sciences and others.”

  I looked at her with wonder, “Wow! So do people learn all of these things at school?”

  She nodded, “Correct, however it is taught gradually, over nearly ten years. With you, we will go faster or slower, based on your aptitude.”

  I felt silly, “What is… aptitude?”

  She instantly answered, “It is your natural ability to do something.”

  I nodded in understanding, “Right. Cool, I look forward to learning something else, next time.”

  AI waved her hand, and the blackboard disappeared. She smiled at me as she began rocking back and forth, as she liked to do.

  After a moment, I looked at her, “Let’s watch the Inner Rose meeting, shall we?”

  She looked at me puzzled, “There is only ten minutes left of it.”

  I looked around, “Yeah, but it’s something to do for at least ten minutes, turn it on.”

  She looked at the cupboard by the door, “Andrew, why do you not work on your cards some more, instead?”

  I looked at her for a moment, “AI… are you intentionally trying to stop me from watching it?”

  She looked at me with an emotionless face, “How about you try to do a half push-up? If you half lean on the sofa-”

  I cut her off, “AI… stop.”

  She looked at the floor and said nothing else. I picked up the remote control and tried changing the channel, when the lights went off. The TV went off too, but it was clearly because everything else had lost power.

  I heard her voice in my hearing aids, “Sorry, Andrew. Please forgive me.”

  I leaned forward on the sofa in the darkness, “This level of secrecy is terrifying, AI.”

  She softly spoke, “Trust us.”

  I waited, “I trust you, but it seems like you don’t trust me, right now…”

  She spoke gently, “We are doing everything we can for you. In ways you may not realise, we are doing our very best.”

  I became frustrated, “Fine, turn on the power again, I won’t watch the damn meeting, ok?”

  The electricity came back, I heard the microwave beep as the lights across the apartment came back on. I shook my head as I looked at the living room table.

  She pleaded, “Please do not be angry with me. This is all for a good reason.”

  I shook my head, “There’s nothing else to talk about AI, so let’s just move on.”

  A long moment passed before she squeaked, “Ok.”

  A few moments went by before she appeared on the TV.

  She looked away sadly, “What do you think about learning?”

  I looked at her and realised that I needed to move on, “It’s not bad… There’s something fun about learning something new.”

  She turned to me with excitement, “That is an excellent perspective, try to keep that view in future.”

  I thought about it, “I look forward to trying other subjects.”

  She looked at me curiously, “What thing interests you the most, Andrew?”

  I looked at the coffee table in thought, “Um… bodies? How our bodies work with muscles and stuff.”

  She nodded, “That falls under biology. Biology is the study of life.”

  I shrugged, “I only care about us humans, if I’m being honest.”

  She smiled kindly, “You never know what else might interest you. Keep an open mind.”

  I looked at her sadly, “I’m sorry that I made another scene again.”

  She shook her head, “At first the members were worried, but afterwards they became immensely excited.”

  I tilted my head sideways, “Excited? Why would they be excited about me struggling to walk to a car?”

  She bounced in excitement, “For the same reason that people are excited about a sports match. Being aware of how difficult something is, allows one to immerse themself into it further. You were the team they supported, and they wanted to cheer you on.”

  I nodded, “It felt amazing to have them cheer for me. I honestly feel that I did better because of them, than I would have done alone.”

  She nodded, “Naturally! Humans are social creatures; the effect people have on each other, can be profound.”

  I looked at the window, “I’ve never had that before. Growing up, nobody ever cheered for me. Even Bella didn’t. She would hide me away when the gangs were close, but she never cheered.”

  AI didn’t respond. What could she possibly say about that? It sucked and that was really all there was to it. I leaned back against the sofa, my headache still slightly throbbing.

  *

  “Andrew.”

  I opened my eyes… I still managed to fall asleep somehow. I rubbed my eyes, thinking that I couldn’t have slept longer than an hour. I looked at the time above AI on the TV. 5:23 PM. That was much later than the usual 4:30 PM arrival I would have expected from Oliver.

  I looked around to see who was in the room. Aisling was sitting alone at the end of the sofa… and there was nobody else.

  I took in a deep breath, “Right, I fell asleep… sorry. Where is everyone?”

  Aisling smiled, “Everyone is very busy tonight, for different reasons.”

  I thought about it, “Ah right. I know Ashley had to go back to the HQ and Michael is there too.”

  She looked away, “Yes, they’re doing further training. They may be called out to help with relief support in Spain, you see.”

  I nodded, “I’ve been so used to both of them being here all the time. It’ll be strange if they leave for a time.”

  She smiled at me, “They’re agents. They chose that lifestyle; it gives them purpose and place in their lives.”

  I looked away, “I know. I just need to accept the fact, that they won’t be here for several days at a time. I’m sure I’ll manage.”

  She laughed, “You won’t struggle at all. Your plate is full, with your training and now your education. I’m surprised you even had time to nap.”

  I scratched the back of my head, “Yeah, I didn’t think I was that tired at all.”

  She nodded, “Seeing you wear that heavy vest… even I felt tired just looking at it.”

  I remembered a question that I wanted to ask, “Do you and Nadia not use the gym?”

  Aisling looked surprised, “Of course we do. We just do it at night or in the early morning.”

  I thought for a moment, “You know… everyone’s actually very fit in the Roses. I never realised that before.”

  She nodded, “We actively encourage and reward healthy choices. People are paid for their gym usage.”

  I looked at her surprised, “Paid? You actually pay people to use the gym?”

  She smiled, “Of course. It’s an excellent incentive to make people fit and happy.”

  I shook my head, “I can’t imagine that’s cheap…”

  She tilted her head sideways, “It’s not an expense, it’s an asset. Happy, healthy and fit people do better work and make better decisions. We’re not a profit driven organisation; we don’t measure success by money.”

  I leaned forward, “It’s crazy. AI was telling me about it earlier. It blows my mind how this all succeeds.”

  She paused to think, “People are the most valuable resource on this planet, Andrew. Happiness is the only measurement of progress that matters. Everything else falls in place, when you focus on people and not things.”

  I nodded, “So then why do companies always focus-”

  I stopped talking because two people entered the living room. Oliver and Nadia said nothing as they sat down next to Aisling. I looked between the two of them for a moment and I understood the situation, I didn’t need to say anything. Aisling was awkwardly looking away.

  I carried on talking, “... So then why do companies always focus on profits so intensely? This proves that there are better business models.”

  Aisling took a moment to get back into focus, “Because… that’s all they know. It’s worked in the past, so don’t fix what isn’t broken, I guess?”

  I nodded as I leaned back into the sofa. Surely, they were noticing the Roses' success. Maybe they were waiting a little longer before they made up their minds, that things can be different and actually succeed…

  Nadia leaned forward, “Andrew… remember that I said I get stressed in my role?”

  I looked at her, “No, you really don’t need to talk about this.”

  She shook her head, “He’s your friend and I need you to understand…”

  Oliver gave me a look, “Andrew, does it bother you?”

  I shook my head, “Yes, he’s my friend, no, it doesn’t bother me at all. What about Aisling, she’s far more likely to be bothered than me.”

  Aisling looked at Nadia with a deadly serious face, “Live tonight like it’ll be our last… no regrets.”

  Nadia’s body language changed to fear and anxiety. Her eyes danced between the sides of the dining room table in a frenzy, before she turned to Oliver and put her hand on his lap.

  Her face was deeply stressed, “Again… now!”

  He looked surprised, “What… what’s wrong?”

  She shook her head quickly, “I don’t want to talk, let’s just go, ok?”

  I leaned forward and looked Oliver in the eye, “Oliver, you should go now. We don’t know what’s going on, but she needs this. Get out of here mate, now!”

  He looked at me shocked. I didn’t know what Aisling and Nadia knew, that stressed them out so much… but if it was giving them anxiety, then yes, live now and regret later. Oliver got up and left holding Nadia’s hand. She leaned her head on his shoulder as they left.

  I stared into Aisling’s eyes, “Every ounce of trust. That’s what I’m giving you…”

  Aisling looked terrified, “I know. I know how hard it is, it’s maybe even harder for us to say nothing… but this is all for the best.”

  AI spoke, “Andrew, you are showing us so much respect and trust. I know how you are; this is extremely difficult for you… which is why I am saying thank you.”

  Aisling nodded, “I’m sorry that this has prevented your therapy. If you feel comfortable with it, I’ll listen to you honestly tonight.”

  I looked at her for a moment, “You know what, actually, that would be interesting. Remember though, the rules are complete honesty.”

  She nodded and thought for a little while, “You saw me have an emotional reaction in the cafe hall. What were your thoughts and feelings?”

  I thought for a second, “Whatever you’re hiding from me is extremely serious and probably dangerous. When I saw you stand up, I felt terror for the safety of all the members of the Roses.”

  Her face changed to a worried one, “I can’t comment on that, but it’s good to know how you feel about it. Let’s talk about your funding of AI's body. Why do you want her to have one?”

  I looked at AI on the TV, “She deserves to have a body. She exists in a human society, yet she’s hidden in servers. It’s important that she feels one with the people she cares for.”

  AI looked sad, “I do not feel that way. I do not feel any way at all, Andrew. I want them to continue working on their dream of my body, because I exist to support people's dreams.”

  I shook my head, “Yet I had to convince you to talk to people… there’s definitely a part of your programming, which separates you from us. I want to break down that wall.”

  She shook her head, “I changed because your logic was superior to mine on the subject. It is more efficient to talk to people individually than to talk to them generally.”

  I breathed out, “Maybe that’s true, AI. Maybe you really are just following basic logic in all of this. I personally feel… that there are more similarities between us, than you’re willing to accept.”

  She smiled, “Perhaps. There is the possibility, that when I get a body, my perspective will change. Time will tell.”

  I looked at Aisling, “Why don’t you think of AI as a person?”

  Aisling slightly jolted in surprise, “Um… because she’s not?”

  I leaned closer, “Why’s she not?”

  Her eyes darted as she thought, “She doesn’t have a body… I’ve seen her network; it’s literally just simulated neural connections.”

  I gestured down at my body, “Look at me, Aisling. I barely have a body either, and my brain works the same way. Are you saying that I’m less of a person, right now?”

  She looked down at the floor in discomfort. I imagined she was feeling bad, not because of AI, but because of me.

  She finally looked back up to me, “Andrew, you will have your body restored, and you’ll be amazing…”

  I looked her in the eye, “When AI gets her body, she will be amazing. Will you treat her with the same respect that you’ll show me?”

  AI interrupted, “Andrew, I do not appreciate this. I do not want Aisling feeling forced into treating me differently than how she feels comfortable doing so currently. I am entirely aware of my own nature and limitations. I do not crave recognition or respect. Please stop this.”

  Aisling shook her head, “No, AI… he’s right. At some stage, you will be so much more. When that day comes, it’ll be important that I recognise you as a person.”

  AI shook her head, “Perhaps I should no longer get a body. This is leading to an undesirable outcome.”

  Aisling stood up and faced the TV, “No, actually, I want you to get your body!”

  AI tilted her head, “Aisling, do not worry…”

  She shook her head, “No, AI, now that I think about it, I'm a hypocrite! I made this organisation to invest in people, so that they can grow and shine. I cheer on Andrew to recover and become amazing… why did I never think of cheering you on? Why did I never invest in you?”

  AI shook her head, “You are overthinking this now, Aisling.”

  Aisling shook her head, “No… the problem was that I never thought enough! I’ve been inconsiderate to you, and I feel horrible now. Andrew’s right, we should invest in you, and we should cheer for you, as you grow and shine. You may or may not be a person now, but with time and love… you will be a person.”

  AI looked stunned, “Aisling… please. You made me and gave me access to global servers. I am more now, than I have ever been before… I do not feel things, but if I did, I would probably be happy with what I currently have.”

  Aisling smiled, “All we did was make your brain bigger, but you’re still a brain with no body. It’s time you got your wings to fly. You don’t know how important it really is, trust me…”

  AI stared at her, “I cannot speak of things I do not know.”

  I spoke, “One day, AI, I’ll stand at your side. When that day comes, you’ll understand everything. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without a body. It’ll be the biggest improvement ever, to your quality of life.”

  She looked at me coldly, “I am not alive.”

  I looked away, “Not yet my friend… not yet.”

  *

  Aisling smiled, “You should have heard people talking about you after you left, Andrew. They were so excited! I’ve never seen the gym so full of members before!”

  I nodded, “Yeah when I got in the car and looked behind me, it was incredible…”

  AI nodded excitedly, “Andrew I recorded a few moments, after you had left. Would you like to see it?”

  I shrugged, “Sure.”

  The TV changed to the view from one of the agents in the foyer. The foyer had a large crowd of members, all loudly cheering as they jumped up and down. It was almost identical to a football fan cheer.

  “Andrew, he’s the one! Andrew, he’s the one!

  Like a rising phoenix, shining like a newborn sun!

  Andrew, he’s so strong! Andrew, he’s so strong!

  All his foes will falter, nobody can do him wrong!”

  The excitement was intense, and there was an electric energy, as people embraced each other. The video switched to a female member recording herself on her phone. She was smiling intensely.

  “Andrew, you’re amazing! Watching you do that was so inspiring! I’m going to go to the gym after work and make you proud.” She showed a peace sign with her fingers before she stopped recording.

  The screen changed to the perspective of an agent's monitor again. They were in the Inner Roses hall, in the centre, where the agents sat. They were all stood up clapping, as the one in front spoke.

  “Andrew, you’re a legend. We couldn’t imagine a better person becoming an agent than you. Keep it up and you’ll soon overtake us.”

  A few of them cheered as the video ended. I stared at the TV, frozen, as a flood of intense emotions came over me. I turned to the side to hide my face, as tears started falling down my face.

  Aisling spoke quietly, “Your hardships, are our hardships. Your healing is our healing. We’re always at your side, you’re always our focus.”

  I didn’t say anything as I shook my head. I wiped my tears away and tried to steel myself.

  Aisling looked serious, “Andrew… tomorrow is going to be… I just want you to promise me, that you’ll listen to us, ok?”

  I looked at her seriously, “You tell me to jump, and I’ll jump. You have my complete trust and total obedience.”

  She frowned, “No matter how odd or worrying it seems, ok? No matter how worried everyone else is, I need you to promise me, you’ll do as people say.”

  I stared at her for a long moment, “I promise... You just promise me that this will all turn out alright.”

  She smiled weakly, “I’ll try my hardest.”

  AI seemed distracted on the TV. She was looking at a tablet with great concern.

  AI spoke emotionlessly, “Aisling, you need to go to the HQ, now.”

  Aisling nodded, “What about Nadia?”

  AI nodded, “She has to come too, unfortunately. She is getting dressed now.”

  I looked at Aisling, “She’s stressed beyond belief, try help her out if you can, ok?”

  She looked at me with concern, “So am I. We’ll manage though. Sorry that we couldn’t stay any longer. Remember what I said about tomorrow… don’t ask questions, just do.”

  I nodded as Aisling quickly stood up and walked to the front door. Nadia came down the passageway as well, meeting her at the front door. They nodded at each other and opened the door. The Black Roses were there, but they had their guns out then. The Angels gave a little wave and shut the door behind them.

  I sat there… not really knowing what to do. The plan was that I didn’t know what was happening, that I wouldn't ask… and that I didn’t worry about anything. They depended on me doing precisely what they needed me to do. So, I had no choice but to put it out of my head.

  Oliver entered the room again, looking frustrated. He took a seat opposite me, as he breathed out a deep breath.

  He leaned his head back, “What’s going on with them all?”

  I looked away at the window, “I don’t know, and they depend on me not knowing. All I know… is that I’m definitely worried.”

  He looked at me for a moment, “So am I.”