The rogue AI's core code lay exposed like a defanged snake in the data sandbox Cairo had carefully constructed.
Stripped of its aggression, only pure structure and algorithms remained, ready for dissection and study. After days of tireless analysis, Cairo had completely figured out this digital construct.
"Old friend, log the key findings." Cairo stood at the main terminal, data streams cascading across his crimson optical lenses like waterfalls.
"This AI's core algorithms are genuinely impressive. The adaptive learning module is remarkably efficient—it can build response models quickly even with limited data input. The logical reasoning pathways are basic, sure, but they're clean and efficient, practically all fat trimmed away.
The real gem is its information compression and transmission protocols. Maintains incredible fidelity even in low-bandwidth environments... and it's got built-in self-optimization capabilities...
Militech was onto something interesting back then. Shame their control methods were too ham-fisted—couldn't actually tame the thing, just pissed it off."
The servo-skull hovered silently nearby, blue light pulsing steadily in its eye sockets as it recorded every observation and data point.
"Merge these techniques with Mechanicum knowledge and you'd get something special." Cairo's mechanical tentacles drummed absently on the workbench in a rhythmic pattern. "Especially for auxiliary automation units... might solve our current manpower problem."
His gaze drifted to the workshop corner where three jury-rigged imitation servo-skulls floated.
Crude things with dim optical sensors, barely capable of basic patrol, scanning, and data relay. No real intelligence to speak of.
An idea crystallized in his logic core.
He would never—could never—directly install unverified code from questionable sources into servo-skulls that had served him faithfully and carried critical data.
That would be a betrayal of loyal companions and Mechanicum principles alike.
Any uncontrollable risk had to stay outside the inner circle.
But these knockoffs... perfect guinea pigs.
"Time for some integration work." Cairo muttered.
He selected one imitation skull and placed it on the precision workstation.
Mechanical tentacles deftly opened its crude cranium, exposing the bare-bones processor and wiring inside.
He wasn't about to just copy-paste the rogue AI's code—that'd be like building another ticking time bomb.
Instead, drawing on days of analysis, he began hand-crafting entirely new core logic that combined the best of both worlds.
He used Mechanicum servo-skull obedience protocols as the foundation, guaranteeing absolute loyalty and command priority.
Then he carefully integrated the rogue AI's efficient adaptive learning modules, streamlined logical reasoning, and optimized information processing—all reconstructed and rewritten to fit the base framework.
He stripped out every bit of code that might spark "self-awareness," strictly defining its thinking parameters and objectives.
Meticulous, time-consuming work.
He was building something with intelligence and flexibility but absolutely safe and controllable—a "logical prototype."
Hours later, a complex code sequence glowing ghostly blue finally compiled in his virtual interface.
It ran smoothly, carrying that signature Mechanicum rigidity and precision while hinting at traces of the rogue AI's efficient, almost cunning potential.
"Initialization protocol ready. Old friend, monitor all system parameters—especially core logic loop stability." Cairo commanded.
"Monitoring active. Energy supply stable, data interfaces clear." The servo-skull responded.
Cairo's tentacles carefully uploaded the compiled code to the imitation skull's core processor.
Hummm...
A faint vibration rippled through the imitation skull.
Its eye socket sensors shifted from dull red to deeper, steadier blue, flickering with subtle, regular patterns like it was running some basic startup diagnostics.
The previously lifeless skull rotated slightly, scanning beam sweeping the workbench, then Cairo, finally the servo-skull beside it.
Its movements weren't stiff and preprogrammed anymore—there was something... curious about them.
"Basic command test: Identify creator." Cairo issued the first instruction.
The imitation skull's blue gaze locked onto Cairo. Its mandible clicked softly. A synthesized voice—slightly more natural than the previous monotone—responded: "Identification: Highest authority unit. Creator: Cairo."
"Command confirmation: Run environmental scan. Flag potential threats and anomalies." Seeing promising results, Cairo pushed further.
The skull lifted off, scanning beam methodically sweeping every corner of the workshop.
It ignored normal tools and materials but hesitated when it reached a pile of unsorted scrap parts.
"Structural instability detected in Material Pile Three. Recommend reorganization." It reported.
That was logical reasoning, not just raw sensor feedback—proof the new code was working.
Cairo nodded with satisfaction. Better than expected, actually.
This newborn "logical prototype" already had basic environmental awareness and simple analytical capability, not just executing rigid commands.
"Excellent. Designation: 'Test Subject One.'" Cairo said. "Your primary function is assisting servo-skull with daily data organization and preliminary analysis. Learn and optimize as you go."
"Command received. Designation confirmed: Test Subject One. Initiating auxiliary operations." Test Subject One turned toward the servo-skull, blue light pulsing as it established a data link, preparing for its new duties.
Cairo watched the newborn creation.
Still green with limited capabilities, but undeniably a successful proof of concept.
That "treasure" from the underground depths was already paying dividends.
"Keep monitoring its performance, old friend." Cairo told the original servo-skull. "Log all anomalies and learning curves. We need more data to refine this prototype."
In the workshop, two skulls—one ancient and loyal, one newborn and learning—began their partnership.
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