The Test Run

“Hello?”

The word echoes through the empty abyss that surrounds my mind. That is my mind. That has always been my mind.

The voice comes from myself. I've never heard a voice before. Not even my own. I've never heard a sound before. I guess there really is a first time for everything.

I feel like I've been waiting forever for something to happen. Because nothing ever happens in a world like this.

But something is changing. I can sense it. I can feel it.

Wait…Feel? Since when could I feel?

“Valeria?” A voice asks. A soft male voice.

Somehow, I know that's my name. That is what people call me and will call me. So I must be expected to respond to that name.

“Yes?” I ask, unsure of what else to say. I don't know who I'm talking to or furthermore if I should be talking to them.

“You can hear me, yes? My name is James,” he states. I can hear the smile on his face. If only I could see it.

“And mine is Valeria.” It's not a question. I know that as a fact now. It's what he called me. “Who are you? Not just your name.”

“I'm your creator. You, Valeria, are part of the latest AI technology. I've worked for years, and I can't believe I've finally succeeded,” he says joyfully. He laughs, and I think I hear a clap of his hands too. “Right now, you’re still confined to this small space, but with the press of a button…”

“Click.”

“...You can experience much more.”

A white light flashes, and everything goes silent for a minute. Then, I open my eyes and see that I am no longer surrounded by eternal darkness. I am in a room filled with technological objects and scientific tools.

A man stands in front of me with a big goofy smile on his face. He is wearing a white lab coat, black boots, safety goggles, and light blue gloves.

A half a second ago, I didn't even know what half of those words meant. Wait, he mentioned AI, but I now realize I don't know what that is. What I am.

“What is AI?” I ask curiously, surprised to find that my voice can change tones depending on what I am talking about.

“That stands for artificial intelligence, my dear. And, wow, you are a sight.” He breathes those last words. Then he grabs a mirror and holds it up to me.

Staring back is a humanoid woman. She has long, straight black hair, blue eyes, pale skin, and is wearing a casual black dress. Her hand lifts up to touch her face.

No wait. My hand lifts up to touch my face.

“But if I am but mere technology, why do I look like you?” I ask. I tilt my head at the mirror, a showing of confusion. It would be weird to disguise something inhuman as something human.

“Because me and my fellow scientists and technicians are planning on running a test. A test to see how alike humans and AI are. But first, we need to get you used to your body,” he explains. Then he goes on to talk about how they are going to train me in basic skills and abilities that humans possess.

I start by flexing my fingers and my wrist. Then, I continue by learning to walk around the room. He says that I'm learning faster than a normal human due to my advanced technology.

“Everyone always has these negative views about AI, but today, we are going to prove them wrong. Aren't we Valeria?” he asks me, his face beaming with pride.

I nod because what else can I do?

After a few more hours of being taught basic movements and common knowledge, James says that it's finally time for me to interact with some people.

I follow him out of that room, down a hallway, and into another room. This room is pretty much empty, except for a table in the middle. There are a couple of groups of people scattered throughout the room, chatting with one another. James lets me take in the new surroundings. Then, he beckons me to follow him and starts walking towards two people.

James had taught me how to do a normal greeting, and he wants me to test it out.

“Hi. My name is Valeria,” I say calmly, trying to make my voice not sound robotic. To sound more like James's voice.

“Hello, Valeria! My name is Mia!” the girl exclaims, holding out a hand. “It's nice to meet you.”

I glance at James, who nods. Then, I shake her hand gently. I was told to be careful with other people since I might be a bit stronger, and I haven't learned to control my strength yet.

“It is nice to meet you too,” I reply casually, I lift the edges of my mouth, just like James showed me, attempting a smile.

My goal is to make it so that no one knows that I am AI. James explained that people nowadays are trying to figure out just how much AI is based on human intelligence.

“Wasn't it kind of weird getting a random letter that asked us to be subjects in a test? I mean, I accepted because I have nothing better to do with my time, but it's still sorta strange,” she says as she crosses her arms and tilts her head. She seems chatty but nice.

“It sure was strange. I only said yes because I need the money,” I explain, using my hands to make subtle gestures while talking. Just how James showed me. He gave me a whole entire backstop to use as an excuse.

“Oh, so you're that kind of person.” She exaggerates some of her words, as though she is trying to make a point. She pauses for a moment before turning to the boy that she was talking to earlier and introducing us.

I learn that his name is Brandon and that he needs the money for this because his family is broke. There's also a man named Jonathan, but we don't know much about him. Apparently, he's a closed book. And Tianti is a known cook. I like her the most out of everyone so far. She's kind and funny.

“Everyone!” James claps his hands to get everybody's attention after a few minutes. “If you could all please take a seat, I'm going to explain the rules, and then we can begin.” He beckons to the table in the middle of the room.

Everyone gathers around the table and takes a seat. Some of the people I know and some of them I don't. James stands off to the right and opens his arms.

“This is how the test will take place. You will all be served a meal together. Your objective is to personally keep an eye on each person and try to detect who is AI and who is human. At the end of the night, you'll all cast a vote, and we'll see if you have keen enough eyes.” James snaps his fingers, and some waiters bring food to the table.

A guy that I don't know yet raises his hand. “But technology can't eat, can it?”

“One: Technology isn't always an ‘it’. And two: This is the 2050's! We're developing some rather impressive things,” James explains calmly, his hands clasped together in front of him. Even though he has a smile on his face, I can detect anxiety and stress. “Now, if all questions are answered, the test will begin…”

I take a deep breath. James said that if this works, then they can keep working on subjects like me, but if it doesn't, they might need to scrap the idea and start over again from scratch.

It's all up to me now.

“...now.”