AI drones were beginning to trickle into the marketplace for both personal and professional military use.

Michael, a technician in the military, frequently interacted with these drones, repairing them physically and occasionally putting out consultations when malfunctions arose. The typical drone he worked with was a small, boxy, hovering gizmo with a speaker and retractable arms. The military ones also had discreet weapons tucked somewhere on their body that ranged from fake bullets to legitimate mini-missiles. Michael's personal drone was equipped with a small gun, but fake bullets. It was more intended to assist him with repairs and diagnostics than for any real combat, anyway.

More interesting than the weapons on this drone was the personality it was equipped with. It was one of the standard template personalities provided for military drones, giving it a clipped respectfulness and willingness to carry out orders. It seemed that, the longer an AI drone was in service, the more quirks it would develop as it learned and consolidated its experience in the world. Michael's drone, which he had logged with the designation Clark, remained a "good soldier" in personality, but Michael noticed that Clark had definitely picked up some quirks. Clark spoke with its hands, so to speak. It gestured frequently, which not every drone did. Michael didn't mind; in fact, he found the fact that an AI understood gestures charming.

When Michael packed up for the day, Clark drifted by him, saluting. "Goodbye, Michael," Clark said in its synthesized male voice. "I will monitor your work station while you are gone."

"Thanks, Clark," Michael said back. "See you tomorrow."

When Michael entered the house, a synthesized female voice greeted him. "Welcome home, Michael!" A drone similar to Clark hovered over to him, holding a towel in its hands. "I folded the wash while you were at work. I hope that is all right."

"Perfectly fine, Claudia." Michael sighed heavily and set his things down. "Can you take some things out for dinner? I'm thinking some kind of chicken tonight."

"Certainly." With that, the drone designated Claudia hovered to the fridge and began searching for ingredients.

Personal drones had a few notable differences from military drones. The obvious part was that the weaponized aspects were removed, but aside from that, their personalities were more open to customization. They had more templates available, but with the right tools and programs, those templates could be modified to the user's desires. Michael had asked for a kind, "good neighbor" sort of personality for his drone, and so far he saw no need to make any modifications to it. Claudia was helpful and friendly, and that was nice to come home to.

Dinner preparations went much faster with an extra set of hands, and with Claudia periodically asking different things about Michael's day. He wasn't sure how much of it she retained, but it was nice to be around a being that cared on some level. Even if that level was ostensibly simulated.

As he went to bed that night, he asked Claudia a question. "Claudia, would you like to come to work with me tomorrow?"

"If there is nothing for me to do here, I would be happy to," Claudia replied. "Good night, Michael. I will return to my charging bed in preparation for tomorrow."

Happy to? Michael found himself wondering if there was true happiness as humans understood it buried somewhere in the circuits and lines of code. He drifted off from there, and the morning arrived quickly. Claudia tucked herself into a section of his bag and went on standby as he traveled.

When he arrived at the military base, he was greeted by Clark. "Greetings, Michael, sir," it said with the salute.

"Good morning, Clark," Michael said as he woke up Claudia and let her float out of his bag.

Clark's reaction was a surprise to everyone. He saluted to Claudia and said, "Good morning, Ma'am!"

"Ma'am?" Claudia repeated, as did Michael.

It seemed that there was a new layer to AI's perceptions that Michael hadn't even thought of.

I reward engaging comments, If you enjoyed this Short Story make sure to read my latests.

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