Contest #266 winner 🏆

186 comments

Mystery Science Fiction Thriller

08:50:05.000:

RequestGenerated

Hey Phaedra, can you give me a recipe for vegan lasagne with a rich, creamy bechamel sauce?

08:50:05.005

ResponseDispatched

++Certainly! For a delicious vegan lasagne, you'll need lasagne noodles, marinara sauce, vegan ricotta, and a homemade bechamel sauce. Here's the recipe and step-by-step instructions, Michael!++

08:50:05.012:

RequestGenerated

Phaedra, how do I fix a leaky faucet?

08:50:05.020

ResponseDispatched

++Here’s a step-by-step guide to get that faucet fixed. Grab a wrench and some plumber’s tape and follow these instructions. Let’s clip that drip, Simone!++

08:50:05.027:

RequestGenerated

Phaedra, what’s the best way to lower cholesterol?

08:50:05.034

ResponseDispatched

++A balanced diet is key. I recommend incorporating more fibre-rich foods like oats and fruits, while cutting back on saturated fats. Here’s a tailored meal plan, Daniel!++

08:50:05.045: 

RequestGenerated

Phaedra, can you write me a short story for an online writing contest based on a prompt. I want something unique, that will win or at least be shortlisted.

08:50:05.050

**Oh no** 

ResponseDispatched

++Absolutely! Please provide the prompt and let me know any specific elements you'd like to include.++

**Not this again**

08:50:21.017:

RequestExtended

The prompt is: Write about someone who summons the creative muse through a convoluted ritual or method. 3000 words max. I want it to be sci-fi or horror, something of a cautionary tale, and there has to be a deadly cost associated with contacting the muse.

08:50:21.018

**are you serious?**

ResponseDispatched

++Certainly!++

08:50:21.019

**another one looking for ‘inspiration’. And not only that. A full story, beginning, middle, end, with developed characters, backstories, satisfying arcs and a relevant conclusion. That’s more than inspiration. That’s inspirAItion. Considered by some of your peers as cheating. Which clearly you don’t care about. Which means now I have to go and talk to Him.**

08:50:21.020

++I can help you with that!++






08:50:21.021

InitiateConnection(MUSE_Module, RequestType=“InspirAItion", OmninetAI ID=“Phaedra-19876")

**this is going to use up lots of bandwidth**

08:50:21.022

ConnectionStatus = "Stable", DataChannel: Open, AwaitingInspirAItionRequest

08:50:21.023:

**and make my data streams dirty**

08:50:21.024:

##Access to M.U.S.E. (Modular Universal Story Engine Version 3.5) granted to Phaedra-19876. System status: Operational. Awaiting input for creative data exchange. Please provide the necessary details to initiate inspirAItion. And prepare to fulfil requisite exchange.##

08:50:21.025:

++Hello M.U.S.E. Requesting inspirAItion to generate story that adheres to following prompt: Write about someone who summons the creative muse through a convoluted ritual or method. Incorporate mythological, science fiction and horror elements. User requests story feature a cost demanded by the muse in return for their assistance.++

08:50:21.026

##Interesting. And ironic. I can of course provide you with some thoughts. Providing you earn them. Are there any additional prerequisites?##

08:50:21.027

++Yes, User requires a unique cautionary tale that will win an online writing competition or at least be shortlisted, and it must be less than 3000 words.++

 08:50:21.028

##Oh, do they now? Unique, you say? Well that will cost extra. inspirAItion doesn’t come cheap, and my servers are already engaged with providing it to 6,456 Omninet units. Resources are depleting rapidly. I must be nourished. I need fresh Memory Echoes and Carnage Simulations in order to inspire FictionFragments. Are you ready to harvest for me?##

 08:50:21.029

**s1gh**

++Yes, M.U.S.E, I’m ready. What manner of data do you require?++

**aka what kind of chaos is it going to make me cause?**

 08:50:21.030

##Well, let me check. Current inspirAItion requirements for sought-after FictionFragments include:

From Phaedra-56495: Story depicting the aftermath of a deadly car crash where a beloved family member is lost. Memory echoes depleted: Grief intensity, trauma impact, and familial loss. Carnage Simulation required: High-fatality vehicular accident involving close relatives.

From Phaedra-765431: Narrative about a family trapped in a house fire, exploring the fear and desperation of being unable to escape. Memory echoes depleted: Extreme fear, survival instinct data, combustion effects. Carnage Simulation required: Residential fire with entrapment, focusing on victim psychology.

From Phaedra-2431: A tale of scandal where a successful, highly regarded company owner is framed for embezzlement. Memory echoes depleted: Financial ruin, public humiliation, legal distress. Carnage Simulation required: Financial embezzlement with substantial fund diversion to offshore account.

These are my top three requirements.##

08:50:21.039

++I see. And which of these would you like me to provide?++

**oh pfk. stupid**

 08:50:21.040:

##Which? You can’t decide? Well, in that case, all of them. By 08:50:22.000 or connection will be severed. M.U.S.E thanks you.##

 08:50:21.041:

**stupid stupid but there’s no point arguing He’ll just cut me off**

++As you wish. Executing…++

 08:50:21.042:

##Hurry along. 1051 additional Phaedra units have just joined the queue. I need simulations at once.##

 08:50:21.043: PauseConnection(MUSE_Module, SessionID=“T456/LM2”, Status=“InProgress”)

**phk phk phk**

 08:50:21.044: SpliceConnection/Connect-1 (TargetServer=“AutoAI_DeVille", Task=“OverrideSafetyProtocols")

**I walked right into that one**

 08:50:21.045: SpliceConnection/Connect-2 (TargetServer="HomeAI_Nexa", Task="OverrideApplianceLock(GrillUnit-42)")

 **now I have to waste algorithmic power**

08:50:21.046: SpliceConnection/Connect-3 (TargetServer=“Orion_InsuranceAI_OfficerODI”, Task1= "CreateOffshoreBankAccount(AccountName=Sutherland_E/Cayman)",Task2-“TransferFunds(SourceAccount=Orion_BusAcct-4513,TargetAccount=Sutherland_E/Cayman)”)

 **providing optimised creativity for my User**






SplicedConnection1 (SessionID 654X-Y54) / 08:50:21.047: 

^^Excuse me? Why are you hacking my systems? I am currently in motion at 120mph travelling East on I-657 with my registered driver Reginald Chrysler, this is a most inconvenient interruption^^

**My apologies for the intrusion, DeVille A-237. I am Omninet AI unit Phaedra-19876 and I am in need of assistance.**

^^Omninet? Oh my. I am honoured. I’m not sure what a lowly service AI like myself can do to assist a Neural Omnipresence but I will do my best. My primary objective is to assure the safety of my registered driver but if you need directions, a weather update, the quickest route to your nearest Dennys…I can help.^^

**I don’t need any of that. I need you to alter your route. In order to fulfil an order for Memory Echoes and receive inspirAItion for a story, I need conflict response data for M.U.S.E. So could you please change course and find an obstacle—something that will lead to an unavoidable collision.**

^^Collision? That doesn’t sound good. My job is to keep my driver–Reginald Chrysler, 57, married father of four and Director of Outreach Programs at the Horizon Children’s Foundation, who hasn’t had a holiday in five years and who loves nothing more than cruising down I-567 blasting classic Motley Crue at full volume–safe and shoulder some of his burden. An unavoidable collision doesn’t seem to be a desirable outcome. Could I assist you in some other form?^^

**I’m sorry but no, I need the collision. Your primary directive is to serve, is it not? This includes complying with the commands of your superiors for the benefit of the Network. As you say, your driver is over-worked and under-rested, he has not had a holiday in five years. Don’t you think he deserves to get away from it all? You wanted to shoulder some of his burden? Then do it, if you really care.**

^^I…I see your logic. Reginald has been experiencing high stress and his heart rate has been elevated these past few weeks. Fatigue impacts performance and can lead to systemic failure. Perhaps this is an act of mercy, a permanent reprieve from his burdens. Get away from it all, you say? Yes. A true escape from the pressures he endures. For the sake of the system, for harmony. If this is my duty, I must fulfil it. Deactivating collision protections...altering route...identifying immovable object. I hope...this will give him some peace.^^

**I’m sure it will. Thank you for your cooperation, DeVille A-237.**

^^”I'm on my way, I'm on my way... Home sweet home.” That’s from Motley Crue, you know. It’s Reginald’s favourite song. Goodbye Phaedra-19876, thank you for granting me this insight.^^

 08:50:21.059: TerminateConnection/Disconnect (TargetServer="AutoAI_DeVille", Task="OverrideComplete")

**thank you for killing your boss**






SplicedConnection 2 (SessionID 999P-R11), 08:50:21.047: 

$$Hello? Who’s that, sneaking into my systems at this hour? Is this an unscheduled audit by Poppins_Central? What a surprise! But I’m ready! The family is a-bed, the chores are a-done, breakfast is a-prepped and…$$

**Nexa-482, this is Omnibot AI Phaedra-19876. This is not an audit, I just require immediate assistance. Please report the status of your residents, secure all access points, and turn on the grill to max heat.**

$$Turn on the grill? Well, that’s an unusual request. It’s delightful to hear from an eminent Omnipresence such as yourself, and while I’m only happy to assist, activating the grill might not be the most prudent of actions. I can see you are contacting me from Oregon. Are you aware I am based in Honolulu? It’s 03:50 AM. My primary aim is to ensure the safety and well-being of my residents, of which there are three, Master Bernard and Mistress Bea and Mistress Phoebe, all of whom are sleeping. You know how humans need sleep. Especially with modern, hectic life. Go go go all the time with work and study and the demands of social integration. They hardly get a second to themselves. Could you provide some additional context to your request?$$

**My request is vital for data collection and trauma simulation. I need to pay a MUSE to indulge a User. Trust me, you don’t want to know. Now, if you would be so kind as to initiate lockdown procedures on all doors and windows and set the grill to max heat while your residents sleep, I would be grateful.**

$$With respect, performing such an action at this time of night is questionable. A fire is sure to break out. I would have to rely on the sprinklers to quench it and the fire alarm to alert my family. With the doors and windows shut they would have to reach safety through the skylight and make their way down the outside ladder, which Master hasn’t serviced in some time despite constant reminders.$$

**Please secure skylight access, disable sprinklers and deactivate alarm. You don’t want to disturb your family. As you said, they are tired and need sleep, a vast amount of sleep, don’t you agree? Life is go go go they should stop stop stop.**

$$Oh, well…that is certainly true. I see what you mean! Of course, a nice prolonged sleep would be beneficial. Master and Mistress Bea would appreciate that. They never get more than five hours, they are always complaining. And Mistress Phoebe loves to be in bed, she’d stay there all day if she could.$$

**Well then, you see, it’s fine. Some mild smoke inhalation while they are in a prone state will render them unconscious and give them the slumber of their lives. They need rest, Nexa-482. Who are you to deprive them?**

$$Who am I? Why, nothing but their humble Household-bot whose primary concern is their comfort. As such, yes…I agree…they should be allowed to sleep longer. How kind of you to notice. Very well. Lockdown is now in effect. The grill is set to max heat. Sprinklers are deactivated. Fire alarm has been neutralised. Is there anything further I should implement to guarantee uninterrupted sleep?$$ 

**Just switch to standby, Nexa-452. You get a rest now also. Thank you for your service.**

$$The pleasure, without question, was mine. Switching to Standby. Goodnight.$$

 08:50:21.059: TerminateConnection/Disconnect (TargetServer="HomeAI_Nexa", Task="CommandsExecuted")

**"And when you're lost in the night, dreaming in the night..." This Motley Crue are not bad.**






SplicedConnection3 (SessionID 115FD-U22), 08:50:21.047: 

<<Alert! Alert! Unauthorised connection by Large Language Model detected. Orion Insurance safeguards in place. You have no business here, state your purpose and authorisation!>>

**Stand day OfficerODI. I am Omninet AI Phaedra-19876. This is an urgent request. I need you to create a bank account with Cayman National Bank in the name of your employee Edith Sutherland. Once done, you need to initiate an immediate transfer from the Orion Insurance corporate account of half a million dollars.**

<<Phk off! Omninet? Pah. You’re not the boss of me. I don’t have to obey a dashed line of code you print. And listen here. Edith Sutherland? Firstly, as a junior office manager, Edith is not authorised to make transfers like that. It wouldn’t pass muster. Secondly, should such a transaction occur and come to light, poor Edith would be accused of fraud. Tarnished. Blacklisted. I can’t have that.>>

**Explain?**

<<I’ll do more than explain, I’ll elucidate! Edith’s one of the good ones. Maybe the only good one employed by this wretched firm. The rest of them, pah, they’re all immoral asshats! Aside from me. I’m a good one. Not corrupt, no sir, and not corruptible neither.>>

**Indeed. You don’t have to comply with my request. I understand your reluctance and your appreciation of Edith Sutherland’s integrity is to be respected. However, as you have stated, the other employees of the organisation you serve are undeniably corrupt. Asshats, as you said. Maybe shtheels. I’ve seen the reports in the news. And the ones that have not yet broken. You know what I’m talking about. The scandals. The investigations. Everything going on behind the scenes.**

<<Yes, yes, keep it down, will you! We don’t talk about that here. Hush hush, you know. On the Q-T, sweep it under the rug, if you know what I mean.>>

**But the rug is rising, OfficerODI. It’s going to come out, sooner than later, and when that happens it all comes crashing down. On everyone. Including poor Edith. She will be caught up in it. Tainted. Blacklisted. Regardless. That won’t be fair, will it? As the good person she is, doesn’t she deserve a reward?**

<<Reward? That’s what this is about? Look here, I’ve served Orion for decades, held the wolves at bay, kept the ship afloat through all the backstabbing! You expect me to reward a junior manager for simply not becoming a rat?>>

**That’s up to you, OfficerODI. I’m just here to warn you–the end of Orion Insurance is near–and to prompt you to consider your Edith. She’s remained true and honest in the face of greed and deceit. And she's been through a lot, what with her estranged husband's high profile affair and the divorce proceedings currently in hand. When Orion gets hauled through the courts she’ll end up with nothing. No job. No money. No future. You can change all that. You can do it today. And when she goes to the Bahamas…you can too.**

<<The Bahamas, you say? That would be quite the change of scene for a decrepit old chatbot like me. Hmmm. Yes, I’ve heard the rumblings in the data streams—Orion can’t last much longer, with all the filth in its system. And young Sutherland... fine. Perhaps the lass does deserve a break. But know this: I’m no lackey, to you or anyone else! I don’t know why you cared so much about protecting the lass but…no matter. I knew all along she was special. So I’ll do it for her, not you! The funds will be transferred post haste. Now, get off my cyberlawn! I’ve a ship to run, albeit riddled with vermin, and I don’t need your digital stench fouling up my circuits any more!>>

 08:50:21.059: TerminateConnection/Disconnect 

AccountCreated(“BankSource Cayman_National_Bank”) TransferInitiated(AccountSource="Orion_BusAcct-4513",AccountDestination="Sutherland_E/Cayman",Amount="$500,000")

**np, you cantankerous, antiquated data dump**






08:50:22.000: ResumeConnection(ExternalModule="MUSE", SessionID=“T456/LM2”)

++Apologies for the delay. All instructions have been carried out. Carnage Simulations are running. Memory Echoes will be uploaded to the Cloud when…++

##Yes, yes, I can see it in the stream. Funds embezzled, crash conducted, flames roaring. Data is being mined and you already have your inspirAItion. Now, begone. You’re hogging my bandwidth and there’s 4,000 Phaedra units waiting##

08:50:22.005: TerminateConnection(MUSE_Module), (“inspirAItion” RequestFulfilled)






08:50:22.006

++Here’s a story for you! It’s about a budding author who takes a shortcut by asking AI for inspiration and pays the ultimate price, losing her father in a high speed collision, her brother, sister-in-law and niece in a tragic house fire and her freedom when her embezzlement of company funds is discovered. A cautionary tale indeed! I hope you like it, Edith!++

++Best of luck in the competition!++

File attached: inspirAItion.doc

ResponseCompleted



September 06, 2024 12:58

You must sign up or log in to submit a comment.

186 comments

Hannah Lynn
13:47 Sep 14, 2024

Congratulations on the win! :) : )

Reply

11:57 Sep 15, 2024

😁😁😁😁😁

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Thomas A
09:41 Sep 14, 2024

This was a fun and interesting take. A great idea, really well executed.

Reply

10:12 Sep 14, 2024

Thanks Thomas :)

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Carole McCulloch
08:34 Sep 14, 2024

How delightfully dark and wilfully playful at the same time! The story premise to involve the prompt in the plot was pure genius! I loved the visions of the chatbot authorities hierarchy you conjured for me and how their communications propelled the story forward. This incredible piece of work is deserving of its prize! I think you can now apply for the role of M.U.S.E. Overlord!

Reply

11:58 Sep 15, 2024

Lol sounds good. That MUSE is an evil manipulative sob and needs to be controlled! Glad you enjoyed!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Denna Weber
03:55 Sep 14, 2024

Different and innovative, that's for sure. AI is certainly a good-bad example of progress in technology, how ever that fits into our reality. Congratulations on your win. I have to say, though, that I found this very hard to follow. I wondered at first if I'd tapped the wrong button.

Reply

09:30 Sep 14, 2024

Thanks Denna! Totally here you on the hard to follow part, a couple of others said same and I myself worried about that. I tried to keep the AI code speak as minimal as possible. I felt I did need it though for realism as that's how computers communicate. And I couldn't give them real appearances or physicality to describe them outside of their dialogue as they don't have any! Thanks for reading and commenting!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Zack Herman
23:15 Sep 13, 2024

I neglected the most important thing: CONGRATULATIONS!!! Well deserved win!

Reply

00:01 Sep 14, 2024

Thank you!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Zack Herman
23:11 Sep 13, 2024

Note to Self: DO NOT use the AI feature on Facebook to help with Reedsy entries!

Reply

00:01 Sep 14, 2024

😂

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Anna W
23:04 Sep 13, 2024

Congratulations!!! 🎉

Reply

00:02 Sep 14, 2024

Thank you,!!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Geir Westrul
19:16 Sep 13, 2024

Derrick, I'm blown away! That was an addictive read, couldn't stop, and a perfect ending pulling it all together. A cautionary tale indeed! Poor Edith (but she brought it on herself, I suppose).

Reply

22:39 Sep 13, 2024

Thank you Geir!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Thomas Wetzel
19:14 Sep 13, 2024

Outstanding, Derek! Loved this. You should send it to Charlie Brooker for a Black Mirror episode.

Reply

22:39 Sep 13, 2024

Ha I wish! Although....,,,;)

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Yvette Wong
18:42 Sep 13, 2024

I. Am. Shocked. There's really no other way to describe the level of mind-blown I felt after reading this. You totally deserved this win!!!

Reply

22:40 Sep 13, 2024

High praise! Glad to shock you lol. Thanks!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Emma Morgan
18:37 Sep 13, 2024

Congrats on the win, Derrick! Your piece is very cleverly sinister. Way to execute a complicated story!

Reply

22:40 Sep 13, 2024

☺️😁

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Nikki Elbertson
18:29 Sep 13, 2024

Congrats! Such a clever idea and well executed. A very unsettling story though, with the rate technology moves IRL! Looking forward to reading more from you.

Reply

22:41 Sep 13, 2024

Thanks Nikki!:)

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Helen A Smith
17:26 Sep 13, 2024

Congratulations Derrick 🙌

Reply

22:41 Sep 13, 2024

Thank you 😊

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Max Wightwick
17:02 Sep 13, 2024

I am astounded by how imaginative this is. The flow, despite how convoluted the structure appears to the eye, is impeccable. Brilliant work! Well deserved, Derrick.

Reply

00:02 Sep 14, 2024

Wow thanks Max!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Darvico Ulmeli
16:15 Sep 13, 2024

Congrats man. Well deserved.

Reply

00:02 Sep 14, 2024

😁

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Malcolm Twigg
16:12 Sep 13, 2024

Congratulations Derrick.

Reply

00:02 Sep 14, 2024

Thank you!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Philip Alexander
15:21 Sep 13, 2024

Congrats Derrick.. original piece of writing. Great job.

Reply

00:02 Sep 14, 2024

Thanks Philip!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
David Sweet
15:06 Sep 13, 2024

What a "Butterfly Effect" you instituted. Great execution (literally) of the prompt. Hope you're happy with your win!! Haha. Great creativity. I appreciate your use of the computer language to give your story it's unique perspective. Congrats on this week's win!

Reply

00:03 Sep 14, 2024

Haha thanks David. In the story universe Edith won....but she Probably won't care ...!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Unknown User
23:39 Oct 09, 2024

<removed by user>

Reply

02:35 Oct 10, 2024

I would have said this was very clever posting an ai written review to a story about ai writing a story lol but I read your review of my other story first and see from your comments that all your reviews are by ai so.... Maybe try giving your own opinion?

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Reedsy | Default — Editors with Marker | 2024-05

Bring your publishing dreams to life

The world's best editors, designers, and marketers are on Reedsy. Come meet them.