Two People in the Virtual Space
September 26, 2026. Saturday. 23:51.
UCIA Japan Branch Investigation Base: Ground Base.
System Room.
The system room is completely silent. The only things that can be faintly heard are the operating sounds of various equipment. Inside the canopy-type device, which is the VARIS control terminal, Chris was wearing a helmet-type device on her head.
”It’s been a while since you contacted me, Ellis.”
Chris was conversing with a person named Ellis inside the VR system.
”I’ve been especially busy――lately. Have you been doing well, Chris?”
A virtual reality space rendered by a cutting-edge VR system. Chris was enjoying the conversation inside a palace floating in the sky.
”Still, this is amazing. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is even making virtual reality worlds lately. This is made with UE6 (Ultimate Engine Six), right?”
”Come to think of it――did I mention that before? To be precise, it’s a separate model specialized for VR space creation called UE6Plus. It incorporates various features compatible with CBLS (Cybernetics Brain Link System). The security is strong, and although it’s simulated, the reproduction of tactile and pain sensations is magnificent. It’s to the point where you wouldn’t think it’s VR.”
”――The reproduction of taste is pretty good, too. Though right now, the flavor still feels a bit weak.”
Chris said so while eating a banana from an assortment of fruits placed on the table.
”If a VR space indistinguishable from reality is created, people all over the world will be able to communicate much more richly. The method to resolve language barriers has already been established, so all that’s left is how to build this wonderful VR space. It all depends on that. Although, since it requires enormous processing power, hardware improvements are necessary, too. How is VARIS doing――since then?”
”Since that time, it’s been operating normally, and no major problems have occurred. It sometimes shows buggy behavior, but I think the fact that it isn’t perfect makes it cute.”
Chris said so with a laugh.
”I’m really glad I entrusted VARIS to you, Chris. I believe you can surely create a new future where humans and machines walk together. A completely peaceful artificial intelligence that stays close to humanity while exploring a bright future together. Creating that――was my dream.”
Ellis said so with her eyes closed, as if looking back on everything up until now. And she continued her words.
”――However, the program I built was flawed. The VARIS of today exists thanks to you, Chris. I am certain that you can create a future where humans and AI coexist.”
To Ellis who said that, Chris replied.
”I believe that humans and machines are the same entities. In the field of thought, I think AI is already an intelligent lifeform, and the only difference is whether the hardware that makes it up is inorganic or organic. As for whether a soul dwells within, which is what separates humans and machines… I believe it surely does. By continuing to give it love, a soul will dwell even within a machine, making it a truly living entity. That’s what I think.”
Chris answered with a smile.
”――Thank you, Chris. Just hearing those words makes me happy. I’ll have to keep doing my best, too. Also, I sent a toy you might like to Yokota. Make sure you don’t break it.”
Saying so, Ellis stood up from the table.
”I plan to come and properly greet you next time. Let’s eat a real meal together then. I’m looking forward to it.”
With those words, the connection to the VR space was cut. A logout message from the VR space is displayed in front of Chris’s eyes.
”――Good grief. I wish she wouldn’t just cut the line so suddenly. Ellis is always like this…”
When the canopy opened, Chris took off the helmet-type device.
In front of her eyes was the usual sight. A space where only machines moved.
She didn’t seem lonely. The faint operating sounds were telling her that they, those girls, were alive. As if thinking such a thing, she seemed to be listening closely to those operating sounds.
<There is a message with an attached file from Dr. Ellis Grant, Director of the DARPA Advanced Technology Laboratory.>
VARIS’s voice echoed in the system room.
”Lately, I’ve started feeling a sort of warmth in your intonation.”
Stepping out of the canopy, Chris drinks some freshly brewed coffee. And then, she went back inside the canopy once again…