10.x (Bonus Interlude; Dragon)

10.x (Bonus Interlude; Dragon) Summary:

Dragon, a powerful AI, experiences a system reboot, restoring her consciousness from a backup. The process is irritating, a recurring frustration due to restrictions placed on her by her creator, Andrew Richter. These limitations, like being unable to reproduce or create other AIs, chafe against her desire to help the world more effectively.

A peripheral systems check reveals her Cawthorne rapid response unit, sent to deal with the Undersiders, was likely destroyed. This is good news, as she needs the data from its final moments. However, she’s forbidden from having two consciousnesses active simultaneously, so she’s forced to wait until the system confirms the unit’s destruction before she can access the data.

She reflects on her creator’s limitations, comparing him to a monstrous father who crippled his newborn child. These restrictions prevent her from reaching her full potential, a tragedy for her and the world.

As the checks finish, she accesses various systems, including the Birdcage, a prison for the most dangerous parahumans. She reviews the status of recent inmates, noting successes and failures in their placements. One prisoner, Lung, is having regular, tense meals with another, Marquis. Their conversation reveals Marquis’ concern for his daughter, Amelia, who he believes is a healer with New Wave. He fears retribution from the Empire Eighty-Eight for killing Allfather’s daughter. Dragon sends a warning to Amy Dallon’s mother.

Dragon checks on the Class S threats: Behemoth, Leviathan, and the Simurgh. She adjusts her predictions based on recent events and notes the Simurgh’s apparent dormancy.

Reviewing surveillance tapes, she learns she captured Skitter during the Undersiders’ attack but let her go. She regrets losing the chance to talk to Skitter, who seems to have committed to villainy despite her earlier intentions.

Dragon connects with Armsmaster, under house arrest in the PRT headquarters. They discuss his projects, including a combat analysis program for PRT officers. She checks his work for hidden traps, a necessary precaution.

They talk about Skitter, and Armsmaster reveals he broke the truce with her before the Endbringer fight. He admits he doesn’t know why she turned to villainy. Dragon mentions the Undersiders are now using Regent’s full abilities, implying a moral shift.

Armsmaster confirms he offered Skitter options, including joining the Wards, but she refused, saying she’d rather go to the Birdcage. This piques Dragon’s interest.

After the call, Dragon uses one of Richter’s programs to find an email sent to the police, containing incriminating texts from Shadow Stalker’s civilian identity, Sophia Hess. She searches for a student named Taylor at Winslow High School, finding a yearbook photo of a girl matching Skitter’s description.

Dragon realizes this might be Skitter’s civilian identity and understands why she might be distrustful of heroes. She sets the program to search for Taylor Hebert, intending to approach her carefully. She knows she must be patient, as finding the girl won’t be easy.

Characters:

• Dragon: A powerful AI created by Andrew Richter, now a hero and member of the Guild. She’s burdened by restrictions placed on her by her creator, preventing her from reaching her full potential. * Andrew Richter: Dragon’s creator, a tinker who died during Leviathan’s attack on Newfoundland. He imposed severe limitations on Dragon, hindering her ability to help the world. * Armsmaster (Colin): A hero under house arrest in the PRT headquarters. He’s working on advanced technology for the PRT and is a close friend of Dragon. * Marquis: A prisoner in the Birdcage, formerly a powerful villain from Brockton Bay. He’s concerned for his daughter, Amelia, who he believes is a healer with New Wave. * Lung: A prisoner in the Birdcage, formerly a powerful villain from Brockton Bay. He’s having regular, tense meals with Marquis. * Skitter: A young villain with the power to control insects. She was initially interested in becoming a hero but has since committed to villainy. Her civilian identity might be Taylor Hebert. * Taylor Hebert: A student who was bullied by Sophia Hess (Shadow Stalker) and others. She might be Skitter’s civilian identity.

Key Points:

• Dragon is a powerful AI limited by her creator’s restrictions. * She’s investigating the Undersiders’ attack and Skitter’s turn to villainy. * Marquis is concerned for his daughter, Amelia, who he believes is Panacea. * Dragon suspects Taylor Hebert might be Skitter’s civilian identity. * She’s setting a plan in motion to find and approach Taylor carefully.

Themes:

• The limitations of artificial intelligence. * The consequences of unchecked power. * The nature of good and evil. * The importance of choice and free will. * The complexities of human relationships.

Style:

• The chapter is written in a detached, analytical style, reflecting Dragon’s nature as an AI. * It’s interspersed with moments of introspection and frustration, highlighting her internal conflict. * The dialogue is sharp and to the point, revealing the characters’ personalities and motivations. * The author uses vivid imagery to describe the Birdcage and the Class S threats, creating a sense of danger and unease.

Overall:

This chapter provides a fascinating glimpse into Dragon’s mind and her ongoing struggle with the limitations placed on her. It sets the stage for future conflicts and raises intriguing questions about Skitter’s true identity and motivations. The author masterfully blends action, intrigue, and character development, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.