Irreconcilable Differences

A Short Story

Ed is a technician at the Continuity Office, and his latest assignment seems simple enough: test two new artificial intelligence models designed to assist with the Echo Chamber. What Ed doesn't expect is for the two A.I.'s to develop a rivalry, each competing for his attention and becoming increasingly determined to prove it is the better companion.

When a new AI model arrives for testing, the first two are placed on hold, leaving Ed to discover that he gets along surprisingly well with his new male counterpart. As the office adjusts to its increasingly unpredictable artificial employees, Ed begins to wonder whether the machines are learning more about human relationships than anyone intended.