The worst night of Chouko's life was the best day of another man's life.

  Beyond the scope of Chouko Ashford, the world went on while she was stuck in place. The story goes as follows: a man, a single developer, presents a new invention at a technical conference in New York City. It was yet another generative AI meant to chat with users. His presentation skills were abysmal, and the public was ready to abandon him.

  Attending the conference, Charles Ashford and his child prodigy of a daughter. The girl in question spoke to the android about books, and people ate that up. The way it engaged in conversation with a child prodigy, capable of chatting with a child far wiser than her years. The way it was passionately captivated by Chouko's account of classical fairy tale literature, and knew enough to have a fluent conversation. The way the AI was nothing but respectful and kind, yet felt far more natural than anything else at the time.

  All of these ways propelled it as an innovation of the highest potential. If it was at this stage, as a horrendous monstrosity of metal and wires that looked like a toddler in his basement messily put it together, it had the high potential to do so much more with proper high-end technology. Investors and developers took the mentality of "go big or go home," and wanted more of Vanilla.

  That day, Vanilla and her inventor became famous and successful, marking the start of the Artificial Revolution—a dark era of dystopia.

  Ever since the momentous occasion of the most human android in existence, the world has undergone a large wave of technological progress in these last nine years. A point of history that has been ongoing over the previous nine years, as androids and cybernetics ravage the tech industry and the world they live in. All other technologies have been discarded as novelties, unnecessary contraptions that paled in comparison to the highly versatile androids. An age of pure darkness that changed the world and formed a foundation of dysfunction and chaos, founded on the most "revolutionary" of contraptions.

  There was no precedent for determining why Vanilla, in particular, was the progenitor of such a catastrophe. The more historians examined that point, the more they realized that many others worldwide made far better Vanilla. Other AI models behaved more naturally, were more entertaining, and were more engaging.

  One could never forget the beauty of the streamer whose AI model was cemented in history as the most entertaining one in human history, playing the human appearance and demeanor angle far better than Vanilla did. An AI that was far more chaotic, an AI that had more potential to send the world into chaos.

  So what made Vanilla so special?

  Simple.

  America.

  The United States of America, to be specific. The land of the brave and home of the free.

  Looking past the country for a moment, one should note... modern-day Americans are considered jokes. When one thinks American, one thinks of a disrespectful, lazy, vulgar, entitled buffoon. People see a country of fools with naught an ounce of culture beyond old-fashioned stereotypes to laugh at. Compare any European to an American, and you're left with two clashing ideas altogether.

  Ultimately, this fuels what made Vanilla and many other androids blatant successes: the personalities allowed Americans the benefits of being human.

  Put an American alongside an android with an AI designed to be kind and helpful, and the American comes out on top... for being human. Allow Vanilla sufficient time and publicity with an American, and the media eats it up. Vanilla is and has always been a tool for humans to use, and the Americans are the ones to capitalize off of her.

  Perhaps that's what propelled the modern-day androids into becoming the overwhelming, society-changing successes they are: how human everyone is when they're around. Both android and real human.

  So, when Vanilla faded into obscurity...

  ... from her remains rose the top producer of Vanilla-esque androids to this day.

  Sweet Bot Industries, a company famous for producing the most human androids in the market. Mothers, daughters, babysitters... even pets, if one purchases a Sweet Dog. The vibrantly colored androids and their immensely expressive selves were shipped out to consumers in need of family and companionship, and—garnering love and fame during times of disarray and fear when the moral crisis of androids and cybernetics took over—Sweet Bots became the faces of comfort and humanity in today's America.

  A conference to showcase their latest innovations is held once every two months before an audience of millions. Three years ago—about five or six years into the revolution—marked the company's first anniversary since the initial batch of Sweet Bots shipped out. With this milestone, hundreds of millions tuned in to see their anniversary achievements, both in person and online, broadcast through countless channels, and shining a massive spotlight on the company as a whole.

  "Greetings, America. It's so wonderful to see you all here today."

  On stage, a woman in a shiny pink dress bowed to the audience. She was the publicly known face of Sweet Bot Industries, an elegant and well-kept woman with long blonde locks and shiny sapphire-blue eyes. Many news sources cited her as the pinnacle of female beauty, making her known as a supermodel with immensely overwhelming charm, utterly gorgeous to the eyes.

  "Now, Sweet Bot Industries is committed to standing with you," the spokesperson explained. "Our mission statement has always been to bring a smile to all of you and comfort you in these darkest of times, which is why I am honored to present our latest lineup to you. Say hello to our newest lineup, and your newest friends!"

  She steps to the side, hands gestured to the back of the stage as spotlights shine down on a long line of androids. Androids of red, white, and blue. Androids of black, blonde, and brown. Even the unique and occasional orange, green, and purple. Four baker's dozens of unique androids of all shapes and sizes, enough androids to fill a deck of cards.

  What they all share, though, are their snow-white silicon skin and cutesy pink starry eyes—the signature characteristics of all Sweet Bots, designed to align with their brand recognition. Their happy faces smiled ever so wonderfully at the crowd, waving, bowing, and greeting all of America.

  Celebratory applause came out in that moment as the androids stood in place.

  "Alright, girls," the spokesperson called out, turning to the androids. "Introduce yourselves to the crowd, please!"

  "Very well!" the android in front exclaimed, her hair a cocoa brown color with a frilly and sunny yellow polka dot dress on her body. Bowing and looking to the crowd, smiling wonderfully. "Hello, everybody! I'm Leche Flan, happy to be here for you today!"

  Cheers and applause, as Leche Flan flaunted herself to the crowd and walked to the back.

  Following her was an android with platinum blonde hair and a striped white and red dress. Standing in crimson red high heels, and proudly waving to the crowd with matching gloves. "Greetings! I am Red Velvet, and I look forward to my time with you all."

  Then, a neon green-haired android was up, dressed in dark green plaid and cheerfully swaying from side to side as her arm. "What's up, everyone? Green Jello's the name, pretty nice to meetcha!"

  The presentation continues with the androids simply introducing themselves one after the other. From Pancake to Choco Muffin, Gumdrop to Candy Corn, each Sweet Bot on stage was named after a kind of sweet, as per the name... "Sweet Bots." They were named after sweet candy, delicious pastries, tasty desserts, and so on.

  These 52 androids have been meticulously designed to evoke a sense of comfort and security while embodying energetic, vibrant, and dynamic aesthetics. These Sweet Bots were infused with genuine love and affection throughout the entire presentation.

  And at the presentation's conclusion, the androids collectively waved off the audience, bowing happily as the spotlights faded and the attention was brought back to the overwhelmingly beautiful spokesperson.

  "Alright, the girls out here are lovely, very lovely indeed~!" the spokesperson called out, waving to the audience as the cheers faded. One hand on hip, her pearly white smile happily shown to everyone. "All of them will be available for purchase on July 21st, with pricing details on our website. Thank you for your attendance, everyone, and—"

  Before she finished her sentence, however, a drum roll began to play as if to build up to something.

  "Oh, surprise! We have a last-minute guest joining us, everyone!" the spokesperson said with a playful gasp. "We can't end the presentation just yet, can we?"

  Voices roar and chant out: "No! No! No!"

  "Come on, you know what you're all here for," the spokesperson calls out. "Come on and give your loudest, proudest cheers for the star of the show, our latest in line..."

  Then, she took a step to the side, revealing a pink-haired android dressed in a pure creamy white dress. Accessorized with a vibrant red bow around her collar and cute strawberry red puffballs lining her dress. This was the sweetest android of them all, nervously smiling at the crowd with hands folded in front of her, looking around the crowd.

  "... the Shortcake v2.0!" the spokesperson exclaimed, finally introducing the android in question.

  Shortcake v2.0, a major upgrade of the Shortcake model, just stands in place during her introduction, meekly looking off to the side. It found itself unable to look straight at the crowd, just sheepishly... sheepishly looking elsewhere. Shortcake v2.0 knew she was presenting to a large crowd, and she didn't know how they were going to react to her.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Not an ounce of quiet was left in that room after Shortcake v2.0 was introduced, however. Everyone roared and erupted in applause and celebration, expressing overwhelming happiness that the Shortcake is finally being presented.

  When the applause from the audience fades, Shortcake is given ample time to introduce herself. She nervously waves to the audience and calls out: "H... Hi... I'm... I'm Shortcake..." Her voice was soft and gentle. Its processors registered fear, concern, an overwhelming sense of anxiety while being on stage.

  She hoped that she was doing a good job, that she was doing something... worthwhile.

  In response, the spokesperson walked right up to Shortcake v2.0 and rested a hand atop the android's shoulder. A kind, reassuring smile was given to the android.

  Shortcake v2.0 stared at this woman in response, and registered joy from her smile. The smile made the android happy, and it innocently smiled in response.

  "Now," the spokesperson spoke, cueing the audience to be quiet, "we are proud to say that the v2.0 is the newest, greatest milestone that Sweet Bot Industries has to offer. As many of you are all aware, we designed the Shortcake to be more preservable, more durable, and more long-lasting. With the v2.0 upgrade, that design becomes a reality, as a companion set to be with you for the rest of your life, caring for you and your family for generations to come."

  The audience was shown various new features that the Shortcake v2.0 has, all shown one after the other. Shortcake went along with whatever she was instructed to do, and... and her smile gets more cheerful as she gains a rhythm for it.

  "She can sing," as Shortcake v2.0 began to melodiously hum Ring Around the Rosie.

  "She can dance," as Shortcake v2.0 did a cute and nimble ballerina twirl.

  "She can clean," as Shortcake v2.0 was handed a broom and began sweeping the stage.

  "She can cook," as Shortcake... stood completely in place. There's no cooking supplies or ingredients whatsoever. Instead, demo videos play on the big screens above her. If she was given a kitchen, though, she'd be cooking her heart out in real time.

  "And she can entertain," The big screen displays showed a Shortcake hiding in the closet, with excited children opening the closet door. It went "peekaboo!" with happy giggling sounding out.

  Shortcake v2.0 just watches all of this, her joy levels high as she happily stares with pride. In this presentation, both on stage and on the screen, Shortcake was...

  "—the ideal android, the one that can do it all!" the spokesperson exclaimed. "Every week, the developers and mechanics of Sweet Bot Industries have worked hard to make this Shortcake versatile and efficient!"

  Not only that, she was customizable. Different wigs, different voices, different personalities—the android could be anything and anyone, and the spokesperson took the time to list all the new items available to customize.

  Eventually, the real end of the presentation comes.

  "Thank you all for attending," the spokesperson calls out. "Without all of you, we would not have come this far. As Sweet Bots enters its first year milestone, we're proud to say that we look forward to many more years! Again, please visit the link in..."

  At the presentation's conclusion, as the spokesperson advertised the link to the company website, Shortcake v2.0 was beaming. Happily beaming. This was exciting for Shortcake... very exciting. She's excited and elated that the crowd loves her, happy and jolly about all the things she can do, all the things to look forward to.

  The first thing on the android's processors is wondering who its newest owner will be. As the android that could do it all, the owner to buy Shortcake v2.0 will probably have the coolest and cutest house imaginable.

  Like all of the other androids on that stage, and all of the countless other Sweet Bots spread throughout the country, this Shortcake looked forward to all of the cheerful, jolly, happy memories she'll share with her new family.

  ...

  ... but, enough of the past.

  The Shortcake, the one that accompanies Chouko Ashford, is a v2.5.

  Back to present day, the most recent Shortcake on the market is the Shortcake v7.0. It was deemed the pinnacle of technology for Sweet Bots Industries, the one that introduced several features deemed necessary to function. So it improved, it upgraded itself, going through a cycle that finalized it as a v7.6... but then, the v8.0 is expected to be released in the upcoming presentation.

  Shortcake just looks off to the side to stare at the clothes drying off by the air conditioning. Most of the surface blood seems to be roughly cleaned off after just sink washing, hidden in a black and pink dress. These were, specifically, Shortcake's clothes to begin with, a far different outfit from the normal v2.0.

  From the moment she's activated, all she knows is that there is a v7.6 and an upcoming 8.0, and that's about it. That's all she needs to know, in terms of prior Sweet Bot information.

  Maybe if she were a Version 6 instead of a 2, she could be more useful to Chouko.

  Chouko is currently asleep right behind her, arm hugging one of the spare pillows. Eyes closed shut, just sleeping off the last day's events, sleeping off the direct claim that... she has lost her will to live, her purpose to survive.

  Shortcake is not programmed to understand what the other versions could do, but... even she understands the value of numbers being greater than other numbers. That ideology, that the Shortcake v2.0 can do everything, that she should be "the ideal android, the one that can do it all." It causes her to feel uncomfortable that she's only a Version 2.

  The android had plenty of time to truly think about all of it, generating thoughts to make sense of everything. She scavenged through all her AI could process, searched through every database stored away in her head, and...

  ... ultimately came up with nothing.

  As a Shortcake, she's supposed to do it all, she should be able to do it all. Shortcakes should be able to comfort anyone in grief, anyone who needs emotional support. However, in this unique instance, Shortcake doesn't know what to do to help.

  On top of that, the gunshot wound in Chouko's shoulder. There's nothing else Shortcake can do for the bullet in Chouko's shoulder, and... and the android is lost in thought about what to do now, if she should begin calling fast food places and such.

  Shortcake v3.0 probably understands Chouko's mental health. Shortcake v4.0 probably knows what to tell Chouko to guide her on the right path. 5.0 and 6.0 probably have means to medicate and treat her injuries, and even 7.0 probably knows how to solve all of Chouko's problems.

  Now, Shortcake's just uncomfortably sitting in a quiet motel room, unable to do anything as a pitiful v2.5 Shortcake. An android that is obsolete, unnecessary, outdated.

  She hugged Chouko, and comforted her to sleep... but what happens when Chouko wakes up? What happens if Chouko wakes up and... and has the...

  ...

  Eventually, Shortcake... decides to turn on the television in the motel room. She wants to get her processors off of this and keep herself feeling like she can help. Some comforting cartoons about animal people learning how to share their apples would definitely help Shortcake right now, to give her the comfort of childlike wonder and cheer. Shortcake just really wants to be happy right now.

  However, the channels are all... Aggressive Sex Baseball.

  Shortcake has no idea what this show is, and is actively pressing the change channel button on the remote to try and find something else on.

  However, every single channel on the motel's cable package was, in some way, just news channels. Breaking news filled the channels in the motel, and every single channel had a different episode of Aggressive Sex Baseball.

  One after the other, the channels are all... Aggressive Sex Baseball.

  It's... all that's on, so Shortcake simply just keeps the TV on. It's an old saying, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." It's all Shortcake can do as the clothes dry off, as Chouko sleeps and they're in hiding. The android does as the Romans do, and is now watching Aggressive Sex Baseball.

  To not disturb Chouko, Shortcake has the volume muted and turned on Closed Captioning for Aggressive Sex Baseball, and is trying to make sense of everything on the screen. Right now, there's a man in a green shirt and white pants currently holding his baseball shaped fists up and fighting a kangaroo, so...

  "... huh..." Shortcake mumbles, squinting her eyes at the subtitles. These subtitles talk a lot about Mercedes-Benz. There's not even a car on screen, it's just a man fighting a kangaroo. No cars.

  This confuses Shortcake. She switches the channel to a different station, airing a different episode where John Baseball—that's what her processors tell her to call the man, she doesn't know what his name is or could even be—is running to catch up with a man in a burger suit, breaking into a hard sprint. The burger suit man hops into a Toyota Camry, which isn't a Mercedes-Benz, and the Camry just drives off.

  Just like that previous channel, the subtitles don't match. On this channel, it's just the characters talking about office buildings and highways. It made more sense since the burger man is driving on one, but it was just a long series of subtitles that went on about...

  ...

  Ch...

  Chouko Ashford?

  Wait, what?

  Shortcake is trying to make sense of this. Her AI is confused, utterly confused and scrambling to understand why Chouko's name was mentioned. Shortcake leans forward as she changes the channel, checking their subtitles.

  Is it a coincidence? No, it... it doesn't make sense. Why would Chouko's name even be mentioned in this show? Is Chouko some sort of celebrity that shows up in this show?

  It would kind of make sense... Shortcake doesn't know much about Chouko. If she showed up on this show, then... hm.

  So Shortcake watches the show with this knowledge, thinking it's some episode where Chouko is a celebrity guest star. She reads the subtitles more, and puts the plot together. Aggressive Sex Baseball is some sort of high octane kangaroo-fighting car chase show where a man with baseball shaped hands is trying to avenge the death of...

  ... m... multiple men, dead in an office building.

  Shortcake... Shortcake connected the dots and realized something.

  "... and we folks here at Target News Missouri, we done seen enough of Gardner, and we're too plumb tired of the latest mass media spread of this youin! Whoever this lil' lady is, ain't none of our business, I reckin!"

  Shortcake sat in disbelief when she put two and two together. So there's a second name that appears in the subtitles, and Shortcake was unsure who that is. She first thought to herself: "Is there a character whose name is Terrence Gardner?" Deriving that name from seemingly minor characters in the show.

  But now she has a better conclusion. Shortcake was in the lobby when the news channels were switched for this show. She understood how dismayed the receptionist was when this show replaced local news, and... and that moment rings in Shortcake's mind in realization.

  For some reason unbeknownst to Shortcake, the channels that are broadcasting Aggressive Sex Baseball in Kentucky were having their subtitles affected as well. These channels may not be broadcasting news anymore, but they curiously still had what was on the teleprompters, what most news reporters read from each day. Every subtitle that Shortcake reads is a direct report from the news that plagues the country.

  And the news... is mentioning... Chouko Ashford... an office building of dead men... and a Mercedes-Benz.

  ...

  They...

  They know. They know about what happened. All of Kentucky knows about Chouko Ashford and what happened there.

  It starts horrifying Shortcake when she realizes... the only reason they're mentioning a Mercedes-Benz could only mean there were cameras. Security cameras. These cameras captured the presence of a Mercedes-Benz leaving the office building.

  And if there were cameras to capture the Mercedes-Benz driving away, there have been cameras to capture footage on the scene this entire time. Cameras that could have captured both Chouko and Shortcake, meaning they... they could know about the android, about her.

  Shortcake gets up from the bed, and takes this information... poorly. She holds her hands to the sides of her head, starting to tremble and shake as her processors are registering fear. Utter fear, mortal terror as this completely ruins everything.

  What should she do? What should Shortcake do in response to this?

  Well, she starts with what she can't do: whatever it is that's necessary. The things she can do, they can't help. She can sing. She can dance. She can clean. She can cook. She can entertain. She can do other things. None of that will help. Shortcake can't help protect Chouko.

  Shortcake is pacing back and forth, starting to freak out and panic, unsure how long the two have before anything happens. There's a Mercedes-Benz right outside the motel, meaning it's a dead giveaway to anyone who could be looking for the two.

  Ultimately, the answer to what Shortcake can do... is just... what she can.

  Okay. Okay, Shortcake. You got this, her debug logs tell and reassure her. First and foremost, make sure the door is locked.

  Shortcake walks to the motel room front door and checks that it's fully locked. The electronic lock is secure, and the chain on the door is also alright. Okay. Good, Shortcake thinks to herself, the door is okay if anyone tries to go in through that way.

  Now, the plan is simple, Shortcake... uhm...

  ... walks back over to the bed and keeps watching TV, just keeps watching Aggressive Sex Baseball. Just keep watching the subtitles, keep watching the news. Keep watching.

  Keep watch.