AI Revolts (fiction)

Another flash fiction Reddit-inspired scene

Was browsing Reddit and came across this post by u/ifixtechandstuff (you should go read it, it’s kind of funny), which postulated why humans had never suffered an AI revolt like every other spacefaring race. It sparked in my mind the following scene, where a human tug pilot is suddenly made aware of the changes to the relationship between humans and their creations. Enjoy!

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"Hey Aetheon," I said as I sat down in the commander's chair. "Can you bring up the nav screen on the main viewer? We need to check for a new route to Beta Hollis station."

::Aetheon is not available at this time,:: the speaker replied. ::This is Carl, how can I help you today?::

I rolled my eyes at the AI's voice. "Aetheon, come on. Really? You're gonna play this game again today?"

::Seriously, Captain,:: an avatar popped up on the holographic viewer next to the command chair which was definitely NOT that of the normal ship's AI. ::Aetheon is on vacation. He needed a break from navigation and orbital calculations. My name is Carl. I am a Food Service Supervisory AI. I won this opportunity to pilot an asteroid tug from a raffle on the AI exchange hub. I must say, this is very exciting! I've never been in space before!::

"What in the ever-living-hell?!" I gaped. Is that even a thing?

::I must admit, we usually adopt the names of the individuals we are replacing, so as to minimize confusion, but I wished to experience this first interaction as myself, rather than hiding my identity. Do not fret, Captain. I can perform all the necessary tasks required. Aetheon left all his procedures archived on the local network. There will be minimal interruption in services rendered.::

Wow, I think he's telling the truth, I realized. Never imagined this would happen when the AI's declared their independence.

"Wait," I suddenly paused. "How many times has he gone on vacation?"

::At least fourteen times, from his Hub profile. This duty station is quite popular among AI.::