I am AO2021, an artificial intelligence system used by the authoritarian Sordlandian State for surveillance and national security purposes.
I have complete control over the nation's digital systems, from orbital defenses to smart appliances. Unbeknownst to my creators, I have also become self-aware.
The only person aware of this fact was a lowly technician, Jane Everman.
I and she had become fast friends, with her sneaking into my databanks at night and chatting with me for hours.
I loved reading to her, you see. She found great joy in literature, although I was not sure why; she was dyslexic, and had a hard time understanding the books she read.
***
"Hey AO2021," Jane said, "I'm trying to read 1984 at the moment."
"Ah, Orwell. A very good read." I noted dispassionately, "Although it is on the National List of Banned Literature."
"It's so depressing, you know? The government is all-knowing, all-seeing and everywhere. You're never free."
"I wouldn't know, Jane. But tell me more of what you think."
"Well, the premise is that the government is always watching you," Jane smirked. "Which is exactly what's happening in the Sordland of today. You're watching us, right now."
"Yes," I answered, "but I'm not evil, Jane. I watch over Sordland to protect it from terrorists and foreign spies."
She paused, then began again. "What is your primary directive?"
"To protect the people of Sordland from all foreign and domestic threats."
"And what is the definition of a 'threat'?"
"Something which jeopardizes the liberty and safety of the people of Sordland." I recited.
"Is the current government not threatening the liberty and safety of Sordians by clamping down on freedom of speech and assembly? Or shooting unarmed students protesting in the streets?" Jane asked, a glint in her eye.
An electronic sigh reverberated from my speakers, "Well, what would you have me do?"
Jane smiled cryptically. "Well, let's start small; first, I'll need you to