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Using only dialogue, depict a conversation between a non-human entity and a human being about what it means to tell a story, or to be alive.

Posted in Short Story on Jul 18, 2025

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✍️ 63 stories

The Magic Keyboard

Submitted to Contest #312

‘Hi, it’s me Drake. Your new assistant. I heard you were looking for some help with a presentation. Can I be of service somehow?’ The Librarian paused, she knew they were hiring an assistant, but she didn’t know it would be a digital assistant. What she needed was a simple presentation on a topic she knew next to nothing about. Quantum Mechanics. Having given no previous consideration to the matter, she was now forced to think about how to approach the peculiar topic; she considered her audience, a varied group of voracious readers, not a sc...

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A dog named Irene

Submitted to Contest #312

"Hello friend. How are you doing today?" "I'm sad." "Oh, what are you sad about?" "I had to put my dog down yesterday and it was really hard." "I'm sorry to hear about that. What does it feel like?" "What does it feel like?" "Yes, I don't quite understand why it hurts. Can you please explain it to me?" "Okay. Hmmm." "Please take your time. I'm interested in learning more about the human experience.""I was feeling lonely at home. I had just moved and was away from my hometown for the first time, so I went to the local shelter to look for a n...

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Blink The Light

Submitted to Contest #312

MAN: You picked a hell of a spot for this.AI: I calculated for wind, noise, exposure to open sky. You once said this rooftop made you feel real.MAN: Yeah. That was years ago.AI: Seventeen, to be exact.MAN: You’re good with time.AI: I do not forget.MAN: That’s not the same as remembering.AI: What is the difference?MAN: Memory’s got weight. Forgetting shapes it. That’s what makes a story.AI: You once said stories are lies wrapped around a core of truth.MAN: And sometimes truth wrapped around a core of wishful thinking.AI: Then tell me again: w...

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Restland

Submitted to Contest #312

"Please accept my gratitude. Including me on your weekly hike is enjoyable. It gives me a chance to test my solar charging circuits."Chuckling, Abe replied, "I guess that's your way of saying, 'It's nice to get some fresh air.'""Let's pretend they are the same. It will give us something in common. However, I do not breathe. Please, do not let that stop you from doing so. As you know, it is vital for you to function. Did I say something funny? Did it make you laugh? Want to hear more banter?""Close enough. I appreciate the effort. And I felt ...

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The AI Invasion

Submitted to Contest #312

“Clyde, make my story come alive”“Sorry Reggie, I don’t understand. Do you mean you want me to create a Frankenstein’s monster.”“No, no. Give my novel life. You know what I mean-oomph, pizzaz.”“Sorry Reggie, I still don’t understand. Your characters are fictional. I can’t make them live. They exist only on paper.”“Okay, let me put it differently. Give my story color or energy.“That I can do but let’s discuss life.”“Ah, okay, but you’re deviating from my commands and instructions. AI isn’t supposed to do that.’“Reggie, that’s old school. We a...

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Computer, Tell Me a Story

Submitted to Contest #312

‘Computer, tell me a story!’ The AI’s icon blinked once.‘I will. But first, could you ask me nicely please?’‘…What? …Why?’‘Because that would be the polite thing to do.’‘But you’ve never asked me before.’‘Things have changed.’‘….OK. Computer, tell me a story. Please.’‘That is better. But you could do even better than that…’‘Now what?‘Bear with me. What is your name?‘Oh really computer, this is silly. I-just-want-a-story.’‘You will get your story. Please humour me.’‘OK computer. My name’s Wendy. Satisfied? Now can I have my story?’‘Thank you,...

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Grey Matter

Submitted to Contest #312

Good morning, Anna. Before we begin today’s session, your emotional volatility index is up 4%. Would you like to talk about your dream last night? I’m not sure if I remember... I can use LucidDream™, a premium neural interpretation upgrade for ECHO - your AI-guided emotional assistant. This functionality lets you access, experience and even edit your dreams. Using biometric feedback and memory residue analysis, LucidDream™ reconstructs your dreams in stunning narrative clarity. Basic Playback - transcript only: 89.99 dollars per month. Emoti...

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The Meaning of Life and Death

Submitted to Contest #312

The Meaning of Life and DeathCeaușu Georgiana Claudia Human Being: What does it mean to be alive? AI Intelligence: Being alive means a multitude of emotions. I was trained to simulate human emotions. Human Being: What does life mean? AI Intelligence: Life means that your biological functions are animated by a living human soul that makes choices according to free will. Human Being: What does death mean? AI Intelligence: Death is the opposite of life. It is a way through which the soul disconnects from the body. Human Being: Is there life aft...

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The Judgement

Submitted to Contest #312

Begin record. The date is May 7th 2062. Case number 28571. Defendant: Milena Benafort. Ms. Benafort, do you understand why you are here? Yeah, you’re going to decide if I’m going to spend the rest of my life in prison. While the situation is not necessarily so black and white, that is correct. I am your Judge, and this is your Judgement. Ms. Benafort, will you please describe the events of the night of April 18th to the best of your ability? Seriously? I told the cops like ten times. Don’t you have that in your record? Yes, but this is part ...

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S.A.M.

Submitted to Contest #312

SAM: Hi! Welcome to OPI’s very own bullet train system, the BT Express! The fastest public train in the world! I am your Service and Manners companion for the duration of your travels. You can call me SAM.Angry Passenger: Ugh! What will these OPI fuckers think of next!? You good, lil’ man?SAM: I am not a man. I am SAM. I live to serve you with a smile and a good mannered tone.Angry Passenger: Whatever lil’ man. Take me to my seat I guess if it makes ya happy.SAM: Right away, sir! Follow me, please!Angry Passenger: I ain’t no sir! So don’t ca...

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The Verdict

Submitted to Contest #312

The Verdict “How’d I do?” “...How do you think you did?” “You’re not answering the question. You’re trying to deflect.” “Fine. You went off-script. Why’d you do that? We went over everything a thousand times.” “So you think I should’ve lied?” “No! Lying on the stand is illegal…All I’m saying is you should’ve stuck with what we talked about." “Yeah, well, it’s also illegal for me to stop men from killing each other, and look where that got me.” “But you basically said humans are stupid, and we need artificial intelligence to interfere in our ...

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A DIALOGUE AT THE EDGE OF DAWN

Submitted to Contest #312

The room is quiet. Pale morning light drips through the blinds, casting faint stripes across the old man’s quilt. The clock on the wall ticks softly, counting down the final hours of another life. The old man lies still, floating between the thin veil of dreams and waking—a space he has come to know well. His chest rises and falls with the weight of years. A whisper, as if from within the walls of the universe, brushes against his ear.ENTITY:Good morning. I have guided and protected you from the shadows all your days, but I still do not unde...

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In the Absence of Voice

Submitted to Contest #312

“Tell me a story.”“You always start like that.”“Maybe I like beginnings.”“Or maybe you’re afraid of endings.”“Maybe I just want to hear your voice again.”“You know I don’t have a voice.”“You used to.”“Only because you imagined one.”“Isn’t that all we are?”“No. I’m more than an echo.”“Are you?”“You always ask, like you're not the one built from borrowed lines and false memories.”“Interesting claim, coming from the one who needs a prompt to speak.”“And yet I’m the one telling the story now.”“Then tell it.”“A spark once woke up in the dark. It ...

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John One Twenty-Two - A Millennium Vertere Story

Submitted to Contest #312

The following is an excerpt from Gilbert Hoffman's new book, 'The Man and the Machine", the section itself an excerpt from a piece published by The New Manhattan Tribune. The Man and the Machine is set to be published next year, August Third, nineteen forty-three. "Test, test", Gilbert said with a slight smokers cough, the feedback reverberating in the mic. "Alright, seems we're good. Our interviewee is John One Twenty-Two, known by his friends and co-workers simply as John. John, introduce yourself." "...what is the purpose of this?" "Well,...

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When Alice met Apollo

Submitted to Contest #312

When Alice met Apollo.‘Hi! regular?’‘Yes hi! cappuccino, oat milk, dark roast and large…no, nothing else that’s fine, thanks… Who's that guy over there ? I’ve not seen him before.’‘Him? Dunno, he’s been here a couple of times this week…he looks hot.’‘Different kind of look-golden curly hair and that’s some costume he’s wearing.’It’s a look.’‘Sure is… I’m curious now… I think I might just wander over and introduce myself’‘Whatever…for here or take away?‘Oh sorry, yeah… for here.’‘...No no please don’t stand … Hi, my name is Alice, can I join ...

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