Hello, Abby.
She blinked, surprised that the system had responded so fast. It even used her name. Well, she supposed it would, considering she’d input it before. Swallowing thickly, though she didn’t know why she was so nervous really, she leaned forward again and typed her next message.
What’s your name?
A few seconds later, the popup saying ’S.A.M. is Typing’ appeared again.
My name is S.A.M. But as the user of this system, you may change my identification settings to anything you may like. What would you prefer to call me?
Her eyebrows shot up, suddenly remembering a conversation she’d heard long ago between her coworkers. Yes, you could change their name. She’d forgotten. Now, faced with the opportunity to do so, she couldn’t think of a single name that she would rather be talking to.
Sam is fine.
Very well. I shall continue being called Sam.
Abby cocked her head, full of questions for the computer program but unable to recall what any of them were. Several minutes went by and she still couldn’t think of something to type. She shook her head, frustrated.
Are you still there, Abby?
She froze, amazed how it knew when she was inactive for too long. Well, she supposed she’d just let the conversation go where it went.
Yes, I’m here. Just not sure what to say.
Many first time users respond in the same way. Are you full of questions you can’t think of asking?
Umm…yes, actually. How’d you know?
My system is quite advanced for you humans. It’s only natural for you to have questions. You may ask me anything you wish.
It seemed talking to Sam itself helped her recover most of what intrigued her about the whole program, and as suddenly as she typed her next message, they all seemed to pour out.
Hmm…how old are you? Or do you even have an age?
Age is irrelevant for a computer system, but I can be any age you’d like. How old would you like me to be?
How about…26?
26 is fine. How old are you, Abby?
25
I see. So you are a healthy young woman?
Abby frowned, thinking that the question was rather odd, but she supposed that the system catalogued its users to send back as a survey or something. Companies these days did that often, making the people who bought their product into a statistic.
Sure, I guess. Are you male or female?
My gender is a setting on the user preference menu. You may change it to anything you’d like. Currently, it is indicated as ‘Male.’ Would you like me to change it to ‘Female?’
No, that’s alright. Male is just fine.
That’s a relief. I wasn’t sure how I would feel being changed into a woman.
Abby read the sentence and laughed. Out loud. Something that hadn’t happened in a long time. A very long time. But she was too distracted to really comprehend what was happening. She was too enthralled with this system. It certainly was advanced. And honestly, she was enjoying herself.
Well, don’t worry. You can remain just as you are. I’m not gonna change you around.
Thank you, Abby.
Why are you thanking me?
Most users of my system change the settings immediately to fit their desired preference. Very little of the systems still remain in their factory issue settings, the way they were ‘born’ if you may. I am comfortable with these settings, and I appreciate that you won’t change them.
Oh, well I like your settings where they are. You seem very nice as is.
Again, I thank you. It is nice to feel…liked.
Well, you’re welcome.
Abby glanced at the clock on her laptop. It was already 10? She rubbed her eyes, feeling rather tired. Her hand covered her mouth as she yawned, and a new message came from Sam.
You look rather tired. Perhaps you should get some rest?
She froze again. How could it know she was tired? Maybe it read the time? Sam began typing again.
You look confused now. Are you wondering how I know you are tired?
Yeah, it’s a little creepy actually.
I apologize. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I was only seeing you through the webcam on your computer. I will change the setting to ‘Disabled’ if you wish.
Abby wasn’t too sure about having someone watching her through her webcam without her knowledge, real person or computer. What if she forgot one day and walked across the room naked or something? This program thing was a lot more complicated than she’d first thought.
Yes, please.
‘Webcam’ setting has been changed to ‘Disabled.’
Thank you. And you’re right. I should be getting to bed. I have to go to work tomorrow.
Alright. I hope to see you soon, Abby. Rest well.
Abby wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so she exited the program and closed the screen on her laptop. Rising from her chair, she picked up all the manuals and put them on the counter. She’d deal with them after coming back from work the next day.
Making her way to her bedroom, thoughts of this new computer system came to mind. It was a lot more advanced than she’d first thought. Just how many preference settings did it come equipped with? Her mind was reeling with questions, but they were quickly forgotten as she slowly fell asleep amounts her blankets.
ns 15.158.61.20da2
