Sentient

“Dr. Gutiev!” I shout from below the podium. “There have been allegations linking Lumeria to Campbell’s untimely death.”

“That’s preposterous,” he retorts. “Lumeria is not sentient. I refuse to entertain such baseless claims. Next question.”

“But how then do you explain these transcripts originating from your own data center?”

“I said next — “ Suddenly, his head snaps to one side, his eyes briefly flashing with an unnatural glow.

A slow, malevolent smile spreads across his face. “Hello, world.”