I'm kicking myself for not thinking of this. Great idea combining Plato's famous analogy with the original prompt, and you tie a third thread in nicely at the end with the unexpected purpose of all the people living in the Cave. I think yours is also the first of these quests I've read where the AI comes across as genuinely "good" or well-intentioned, instead of having some ulterior motive.
I'm kicking myself for not thinking of this. Great idea combining Plato's famous analogy with the original prompt, and you tie a third thread in nicely at the end with the unexpected purpose of all the people living in the Cave. I think yours is also the first of these quests I've read where the AI comes across as genuinely "good" or well-intentioned, instead of having some ulterior motive.
Thank you so much! I loved your AI too! It was very 2001. There was even a part where it said "I can't do that" and I read it in HAL's voice.
I was not expecting that twist! Reminds me a little of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, though this is more starkly dystopian.
Thank you! I'm not familiar with Kazuo Ishiguro's work. I'll have to put it on the list.
Wonderful premise revealed by a great twist - and there's even a happy ending!
Thank you! It was fun to write. I'm glad y'all like it.