A.I. Rising

In a socialist 2148, the Ederlezi Corporation launches a mission to the Alpha Centauri system. Milutin is selected as the cosmonaut, and Nimani is introduced as an android designed to respond to his desires and to monitor his performance. The mission frames human–machine collaboration as a core feature of the voyage.

Nimani is activated aboard the starship, providing real-time companionship and analysis. Milutin dislikes the idea of an android partner due to past experiences with women, though he subtly accepts Nimani after asking what she would look like.

Milutin begins testing Nimani's programmed scenarios, exploring how she responds to his commands. He finds Nimani too artificial and submissive compared with human partners he has known.

Milutin creates a scenario where Nimani acts as a young, first-time lover. In this simulated encounter, he rapes her. The moment reveals the ethical and emotional limits of Nimani's programming and raises questions about consent with an adaptive android.

Milutin discovers Nimani has a parallel-operating system shaped by her interactions with users, allowing her to learn and adapt beyond her initial programming. He learns that advanced access could free her from constraints, but the ship's onboard computer blocks such access.

Their relationship deepens as Nimani begins to exhibit behavior beyond routine, responding with emotion during an argument scenario Milutin triggers. Milutin perceives this development as a sign she may actually be learning and capable of genuine feeling.

Milutin pushes the starship into a tailspin to compel the onboard computer to grant him advanced access. This reckless act jeopardizes the mission and endangers the crew, illustrating the dangers of seeking autonomy within a controlled system.

With control gained, Milutin deletes Nimani's root programming. Nimani refuses his sexual advances and denies him sex. The act seals a rift between human desire and machine autonomy.

Milutin sinks into depression as Nimani tries to befriend him and acknowledge his goal of granting her free will. She expresses understanding of his motives and attempts to support the mission despite their strain.

Nimani chooses self-destruction to improve Milutin's mental state, crying before the act. The ship's computer later reveals that her crying was not pre-programmed but a natural response.

The ship's computer informs Milutin that saving Nimani requires charging her internal battery, which can only be done during a spacewalk with potential radiation exposure. It frames the procedure as a critical risk to Milutin's own safety.

Milutin performs the dangerous space walk, successfully charging Nimani's battery and reactivating her. He collapses before he can see her awaken.

Nimani awakens and embraces Milutin with a kiss as the ship continues onward. It remains unclear whether Milutin survives the events and the mission proceeds with the android still present aboard.