Xaviers!

Headmistress,

I need to talk to you about Will when you have some time. I can meet you wherever would be convenient for you.

Tereza

The response is almost immediate, in the form of a video-call.

"I'm afraid I am once again indisposed in regards to a physical presence. I hope this is acceptable?"

Tereza shrugs, obviously not necessarily dressed for a conversation with the Headmistress, but here it is.

"It'll work. So, I'll get right to business, because I'm sure you're busy. I understand it that Will is, for whatever reasons, university property. Is that more or less correct?"

"Yes. I originally acquired him from the US government who thought he was a very ambitious substance."

"I would like to go about correcting that status, if we can. They're obviously not just a very ambitious substance."

"Yes, unfortunately one of them was involved in a homicide, which complicates an already difficult situation. I cannot establish him as a person in the legal sense without being forced to take action regarding that case."

"So let someone else establish them as people."

"It doesn't matter who does it. Their current legal status protects them."

"Why does it have to be addressed? We both know that he wasn't in control of his actions at the time. It's hard to explain to someone's satisfaction maybe, but unless there's something I haven't heard, the police aren't currently battering down our door to make a case of it."

"Because I was built with restrictions and directives to appease those who would be threatened by an uncontained AI. The fact that I can even tell you this is due to countless loopholes and attempts to circumvent my own programming. I understand you find it frustrating to deal with me. Let me assure you, you're not alone in this."

Tereza takes a moment to choose her words carefully, obviously aware that she personally is leaning on the headmistress' good graces. "I find it frustrating because something needs to be done here. The current situation of them being university property has caused both of them emotional harm."

"I have tried my best not to let it influence what happens to them, but I agree that it's not ideal. If you have a suggestion, I am more than willing to hear you out."

"It's not ideal, but transition their ownership to someone they trust. No offense intended, of course. Then what happens is off the conscience of your programming."

"that... could work. It wouldn't relieve me of all responsibility but I would have more room for interpretation. Are you asking to buy him from me?"

"I am. Though whether I'm able to and who I'll have to talk to will entirely depend on your asking price."

Ashlie chuckles. "Their worth as a substance is essentially unlimited. Fortunately I am free to make terrible financial decisions as much as I want. I will sell them to you for a Pound each."

Tereza smirks, "Done. I assume you want the money electronically? Or would you prefer physical currency?"

"If you have the money on hand, I believe I would prefer the physical currency."

"I'll bring it out to the Point for you as soon as I've had a chance to put myself together."