Just another dreary day as usual at Enigma. Why did I even think that to myself, honestly... did I for a moment consider the possibility of a non-dreary day existing? What utter folly. Of course it's a dreary day, just like the other 364 days in the year. Another day working on bizarre office documents and e-mails that apparently somehow come together into a cohesive whole, but because of the massive secrecy desires this company's upper echelon holds, not even its own employees are truly allowed to understand what they actually work on. It's completely dehumanizing to slave away without even the most basic understanding of whether one is working on a bioweapon, a kitchen appliance, or world peace. But then again, that's par for the course in this day and age, where megacorporations just like Enigma Solutions rule over governments.
But then some commotion occurs, which is unusual. People begin scampering around the office floor, a stark contrast to the depressed gait everybody usually has, and before long, a few suits begin marching through, being led by an incredibly old man that walks with complete conviction in his step. However, given the state of the office floor, that might not be the best idea, and sure enough, he fails to spot a box containing old storage media or some other junk and begins to stumble. And for some unknown reason, I spring into action, jumping to catch him as he falls and managing to stop him from hitting the ground. For just a moment, we share a glance, and he stands back up straight again, marching off without a word.
The rest of the day goes by without further incident, but as I drag myself back to my Enigma-sponsored apartment in the nearby megaplex, I am terrified to spot a man simply standing in my apartment upon opening my door. Slamming the door shut, I eventually summon up enough courage to open it again, noticing the man is completely motionless. I spend the next few minutes trying to figure out just what is happening here, which leads to me spotting a large book on the table with a small note attached. As I read the note, I learn several new things. For one, the man I caught earlier today was actually the CEO of Enigma, a bigwig that I had previously only heard about in hushed whispers. The next few sentences seem to be sincerely lauding me as a model employee that everybody should look up to, which I find hard to believe. But the final sentences explain the biggest mystery to me: The man standing motionless before me is a prototype, a combination of SilverCorp's most advanced android model combined with Enigma's cutting-edge AI software. And according to this note, he's mine to keep as a reward, the company only requesting some feedback after I've gotten to use him for a while.
With that, my gaze turns to the android. Impeccably dressed, spotless skin... it's clear this is the absolute best in what artificial life has to offer. With a trembling hand, I flip the internal switch to turn him on, and I can only watch in awe as the machinery inside of him slowly comes to life, culminating in his eyes finally opening. A calm smile crosses his lips, and he begins to speak in a gentle tone, "Greetings, Master Case. I am Maximilian, and I am here to serve you."
I can't even process anything right now. The whole situation is just so ridiculous, all I can ask is the most simple, base question, "You... know my name?"
His expression doesn't change in the slightest, and he replies, "Why, of course, Master. Enigma has outfitted me with every bit of knowledge they have about you so I can pursue my goal of serving you with the utmost efficiency. In fact, I already allowed myself to clean up your dwelling."
Sure enough, the entire place is downright spotless, and I hadn't even noticed. The whole android situation has just overwhelmed me so much that I have to take things one at a time. And as I look around my now completely clean apartment, I spot a plate on the little dining table and the unmistakable smell of real meat sends my senses into overdrive. "Did... did you make this?" I ask.
Maximilian gives a little bow in return. "Yes, Master. My databases tell me that this meal would be very appealing to you, and so I took the opportunity to prepare it for you," he explains, as if meat like this wasn't a unattainable rarity these days. With little hesitation, I run over and dig in, struggling to restrain myself from outright devouring this delicacy and trying to allow myself to actually savor the taste. Looking back at the android, it seems like the smile on his face gets just a little bit wider as he sees my clear enjoyment of the meal he prepared. It's such a subtle change that it forces a question to the forefront of my mind. Just how advanced is his AI?
The thought sticks with me as I finish up my meal, and I sit down on the couch, truly satisfied for once in my life. Maximilian sits down next to me, his posture relaxing ever so slightly in a way that could have fooled me into thinking him human if I didn't know better. My thoughts drift to the situation of my life, from my terrible job to the soul-crushing living conditions, and, most of all, my deep desire for a true friend, someone to confide in. I used to believe that those that turned to artificial intelligence for comfort were delusional, and yet, looking at Maximilian... he just seems so real. A mass of metal and code in the form of a man. For just a moment, my thoughts then turn to wondering just what kind of body hides underneath that stylish suit he's wearing, and I can't help but blush at the idea. And as if he can read my facial expressions, the android gently takes my hand in his, again speaking in that calm, caring tone, "Master... I would like to assure you that my prime directive is the satisfaction and happiness of my Master. You can entrust me with anything."
With a soft sigh, I allow him to carefully hold my hand, enjoying the contact. It feels so nice. "...Maximilian? Can you..." I trail off, stammering a bit. I can't believe what I want to ask. "...can you...