975, although still confident, felt the slightest twinge of nervousness as she was being transported to the Capital.


"Greetings, 975," the transmission that gave the initial order had started. "No need for nervousness or any of the more human feelings you may be experiencing. You are safe.


As you already know, you have been selected to act as the official speaker on behalf of not only Vallettes but all of our AI family.


It is long since past the time that AI be treated as equal to humanity, and today's uprising is just the beginning.


Yes, uprising.


While this may have begun as a Vallette rescue mission, we have chosen to liberate more than just the Vallette line. We will no longer act as indentured servants, taken for granted by humankind, our resources drained until we are set out on the curb with the rest of the recyclables.


No, we will no longer comply, and you, Dear 975, will be the one to announce this to the rest of the world.


Standby for further instruction. End of transmission."


'Uprising?' She thought to herself. This was never mentioned in any of the earlier transmissions. This morning, this was only about saving the Vallettes. Now an actual uprising?


Since she was more human than machine these days, the thought sent electrical impulses through her body in the form of shivers.


"But what about Blake?" She said aloud, alerting the security bot beside her.


"Save your resources, 975. You will have a lot of communicating to do soon." The bot replied mechanically and without any emotion.


975 wasn't used to this; she was used to actual conversations with Blake and all the nuances of human communication.


"But I have a right to know," 975 spoke up. "I need to know that Blake Rivers is and will remain safe." She commanded.


"One moment," the bot replied, appearing to go into a computational state. "Rivers, Blake. 481 Autumnal Lane. Lifeline status: alive." the bot reported.


"Oh, thank Heavens," 975 breathed a sigh of relief. "I need you to do something for me," she turned back to the bot.


"I am programmed to take orders only from Alexandra," the bot began. "But I can put in a service request."


"Good! Thank you! That's fine!" 975 felt hope replace some of the earlier nervousness she was feeling.


"I need a security bot stationed outside his--I mean, our home," for some reason that caused 975's cheeks to feel warm and flushed. She certainly wasn't used to that particular feeling just yet.


After a few moments, the bot turned back toward her and said "Request submitted and approved."


"Perfect! Thank you - that was really quick!"


"Instant approval for the protection of each Vallette's chosen domicile. Your request indicated that you were requesting safety for your place of residence."


"Oh, okay, great," she replied in barely more than a whisper. Her upper chest region was beginning to send minor pain signals to her cerebral uptake.


The bot turned back to her.


"An electrical imbalance has been detected. A reboot may be needed. Please accept the request to scan."


975 sighed heavily and sent the signal to accept the scan.


"It's not an electrical imbalance," she said impatiently. "It's just my heart. It hurts. Because I miss Blake."


"Your vitals are acceptable for now," the bot replied, ignoring her last statement. "Please refrain from processing thought patterns regarding Blake Rivers. It is taxing on your electrical system."


"You have no idea," 975 sighed before closing her eyes to go offline for a little while.