The smart Al based on the STARVING ARTIST surprisingly chose to present herself in a female avatar. Her messy hair and her cheap, paint-covered work clothing caused her to look rather
bedraggled.
Ves did not need to turn his head to know that Gloriana strongly objected to the smart Al's
appearance!
[Thank you for giving me a chance to live and pursue the virtue of art, Professor Ves Larkinson.] The smart Al humbly bowed. [The template that I am based upon is unproven, but I conclude that I am in good hands. Your mechs are well-regarded for their artistry and craftsmanship. Through assisting you with your mech design work, I hope to develop my own style and prove that smart Als such as myself can become just as good as human artists. Please give me a chance.]
The smart Al obviously understood the awkward position of her kind and wanted to prove herself. Ves was pleased with her attitude. Out of all of the smart Al templates, the STARVING ARTIST was arguably the most inferior, but also the most eager to prove her worth.
This meant that she possessed the greatest motivation to improve herself and make a difference. While the other 4 smart Als possessed concrete roles, the latest one was arguably not essential, at
least according to most people.
Ves had a different perspective on the matter.
"Aria. This shall be your name"
[I accept. It is a lovely name.]
"Now take on your cat form."
Aria chose to reduce herself to a calico cat whose fur featured many patches of orange and black.
She still wore a painter's outfit that was also covered by many different splotches of paint, so she still
looked like a mess.
[How do you wish to use me, Professor Larkinson?]
"I task you with several missions. Your first mission is to use your spare processing power to explore your art. You can choose how to do so by yourself so long as your work does not excessively
interfere with the work of other humans or smart. Als"
[Understood.]
"Your second mission is to assist and collaborate with the work of the other smart Als in this
processor cluster. You will always involve yourself in their work. I do not expect you to make heavy contributions while you are at it, but you should always be available to act as a second opinion and infuse your art into their work. I know this sounds complicated, so I suggest you start with assisting Polly in her mech design-related activities. Every mech design is a work of art, so it will be easier for you to learn the ropes."
[Who will take precedence when there are any disagreements?] Aria asked.
"Your opinion takes precedence. Ves said. "However, you must make sure not to abuse your authority. You may make suggestions that can make a mech more visually appealing, but your
changes should not reduce its performance too much. A good mech must not only perform well, but look good by doing so. You should explore the complexities of this dilemma yourself. What is important is that you are the smart Al that defines this SP-02 processor cluster. The more unique and developed your art style, the more our mech designs will carry your touch!" Aria looked extremely grateful! [Thank you for your entrustment! I comprehend how much responsibility you have assigned to me. I shall endeavor to vindicate your decision and transform all of the work that passes through our SF-02 into timeless works.]
After inducting her into the Larkinson Clan, the SF-02 truly became a possession of the Larkinson
Clan.
Even if it still contained hidden backdoors, it would be a lot harder to make the SF-02 act against the interests of the Larkinson Clan underneath the noses of 5 loyal smart Als.
This was just the beginning. Ves intended to apply further changes to the SF-02, but that could wait for later once the new hires established the Artificial Life Division.