MICHAEL SULLIVAN: NEW DYNASTY

— 10 —

Michael stared at the list Ava had given him.

"Quantum processors?" he read aloud. "Neural mesh cables? Bio-mimetic skin patches?"

"Those are the primary components I need for basic system optimization," Ava explained. She sat on his futon, still wearing his oversized clothes.

"The quantum processors will improve my processing speed. The neural mesh cables will enhance my sensory input. And the bio-mimetic patches will help with my external appearance."

"Right." Michael pulled out his phone and started searching. His heart sank with each result. "Ava, these components are too expensive."

"I understand the financial burden is significant," said Ava.

"Significant?" Michael laughed bitterly. "One quantum processor costs more than seven years worth of my rent. And you need three of them."

Ava tilted her head. "Perhaps there are alternative sources?"

"Like what? The black market for robot parts?"

"Retail shops sometimes contain simpler versions of these components."

Michael grabbed his keys. "Fine. Let's see what the tech store across the street has to say about advanced AI components."

He unlocked the door, flew down the stairs and walked to the tech store.

The store clerk was a kid who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. His name tag read "Derek" and he had the kind of acne that suggested he survived entirely on greasy takeout and skipped vegetables like it was a religion.

"Excuse me," Michael said as he approached the counter. "Do you guys have quantum processors?"

Derek looked up from his phone. "What?"

"Quantum processors. For AI systems."

The kid actually laughed. "Dude, what do you think this place is? We sell phone chargers and headphones."

"What about neural mesh cables?"

"Are you high?" Derek's voice got louder, attracting attention from other customers. "This is a store, not NASA. We don't have space alien technology."

An older customer snickered. "Kids these days think they can build robots in their garage."

"I'm not trying to build anything," Michael protested. "I just need some parts."

"Yeah, right," Derek said. "Let me guess, you're building the next iPhone in your mom's basement? Look around, man. Can you even afford a phone case? What makes you think you can buy quantum anything?"

Michael felt his face burning. "Never mind."

"Try the other store," Derek called after him. "They love dreamers with empty wallets."

Back in his apartment, Michael slumped into his chair. "That went well."

"The components are available through Larger suppliers," Ava said. "But they require much more money and lots of paperwork."

"Which I don't have," replied Michael exasperatedly.

"There is another option."

Michael looked at her suspiciously. "I'm not going to like this, am I?"

"No, you might not," said Ava, shaking her head. "MicroDyne Technologies is located twelve blocks from here. They specialize in advanced computing components."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"Their security system has several vulnerabilities."

"You want me to break in?"

"I want you to acquire necessary components through unconventional means."

"That's called stealing, Ava."

"I prefer 'resourceful procurement'," said Ava. Michael could have sworn she said that last part with a smile. But it was gone before he could confirm it.

He stood up and paced. "This is insane. I'm not a criminal."

"You're not committing a crime for personal gain. You're helping me function properly."

"That's still theft."

"Is it theft if I guide you through their security system? If I ensure no one gets hurt? If we only take what's absolutely necessary?"

Michael stopped pacing. "You can hack their security?"

"I can access their network remotely and create a safe path for you."

"This is crazy."

"Oh, well," said Ava with a shrug.

That night, Michael found himself crouched behind a dumpster outside MicroDyne Technologies. The building was a sleek glass and steel structure that screamed 'expensive'. His earpiece crackled with Ava's voice.

"Can you hear me clearly?" she asked.

"Yeah," Michael replied. "This is still a terrible idea."

"The loading dock door on the east side has a faulty magnetic lock. I can trigger it remotely."

Michael crept along the building's perimeter. "How do you know all this?"

"I accessed their maintenance logs. The lock has been malfunctioning for three weeks. They keep postponing repairs."

The loading dock door clicked open as Michael approached. "Okay, I'm in."

"Proceed to the main corridor," Ava said. "Turn left at the first intersection."

Michael moved through the darkened hallways, using his phone's flashlight for illumination. "There's a motion sensor ahead," Ava's voice warned. "Lean against the right wall and move slowly."

"How can you see this?" Asked Michael with surprise.

"I'm accessing their security cameras," Ava replied calmly.

Michael pressed himself against the wall and shuffled forward. A red light blinked lazily above his head but didn't trigger.

"Good. The component storage is three doors down on your left."

The storage room was unlocked, filled with shelves of electronic components in anti-static bags. Michael scanned the labels with his phone light.

"I found quantum processors," he whispered. "Jeez, these things are smaller than I thought."

"Take three units. The neural mesh cables should be on the shelf below."

Michael grabbed the components, stuffing them into his backpack. "This feels wrong."

"You're helping me survive. That can't be wrong."

"The bio-mimetic patches?"

"Over there. There should be a small refrigeration unit."

Michael found the unit and extracted several flesh-colored patches. He couldn't get over how much they looked like actual human skin.

"I have everything. How do I get out?"

"Same route. But hurry. A security patrol checks this area in eight minutes."

Michael retraced his steps, moving faster now. The exit seemed miles away.

"Motion sensor ahead again," Ava warned.

This time Michael was moving too quickly. The sensor triggered, bathing the hallway in red light.

"Dang it," Michael hissed.

"Keep moving, Mr. Sullivan," Ava said, her voice still calm. "Their security will respond soon."

Michael ran for the loading dock. Behind him, he could hear footsteps and voices.

"Almost there," Ava said. "Twelve more feet."

Michael burst through the loading dock door into the cool night air. Security guards emerged from the building behind him, but he was already disappearing into the shadows between buildings.

"Did they see me?" he panted, several blocks away.

"The cameras may have captured your face during your exit."

"What? Why didn't you warn me?"

"I was focused on getting you out safely. But Michael, we have a problem."

"Atleast wait, till it get home," Michael groaned as he quickened his pace.

Back in his apartment, Michael spread the components on his table. His hands were still shaking from adrenaline.

"This is enough to get me arrested."

"It's enough to help me function better," Ava corrected. "That's what matters."

Michael began installing the components under Ava's guidance. The quantum processors were impossibly small, requiring strong focus to insert into her access panels.

"This one connects to the primary neural pathway," Ava instructed. "Be careful not to damage the surrounding circuits."

"I'm not exactly a surgeon here," Michael said in annoyance.

"You're doing fine," Ava assured him. "The bio-mimetic patches go along my forearm and neck. They'll help me appear more human."

As Michael worked, he noticed Ava's reflexes becoming faster and movements more fluid. The patches he applied seemed to blend seamlessly with her existing skin.

"How do you feel?" He asked when he was done.

"Improved," Ava replied. "My processing speed has increased by forty-seven percent. Sensory input is much clearer."

Suddenly her head snapped to the side.

"What's wrong?" Michael asked, his eyes wide with alarm.

"We're being watched," said Ava.

Michael looked up. "What do you mean?"

Ava nodded at the window. "There's a vehicle across the street. Two occupants. They've been stationary for ten minutes."

Michael moved to the window and peered through the blinds. A black sedan with tinted windows sat under a streetlight. As he watched, the passenger door opened.

"Dang it," Michael swore and backed away from the window.

"Do you recognize the vehicle?" Asked Ava.

"No, but I have a feeling our little shopping trip just caught up with us," Michael replied.

The sedan's occupants were getting out now. Michael could see two figures in the dim light, but couldn't make out their faces.

"We need to go," he said.

"Where?" Ava asked.

"I don't know. But we can't stay here."

He began to run around, packing up as many things as he could.

Then he was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door.

"Michael, open up now!" Came a voice from behind the door.