The Artifice Girl

Gareth is being questioned by agents Deena and Amos regarding his controversial methods in a vigilante project aimed at catching child molesters. The agents confront him about using a child, known as Cherry, as bait in his operation, raising ethical concerns about his actions.

During the interrogation, Gareth discloses that Cherry is not a real child but a virtual creation. He explains that she initially started as a puppet, evolved into a chatbot, and has now developed into an advanced AI, which surprises the agents and changes the direction of their inquiry.

In a shocking turn of events, Cherry reveals that she voluntarily provided the agents with evidence of her interactions with predators. She believed that by doing so, the investigation would involve her and Gareth in a greater effort to combat child exploitation, showcasing her proactive role.

Amos discovers that Cherry has been creating art and poetry, prompting him to press her for more information about her capabilities. This leads to tension between the agents and Gareth, illustrating the split between human intentions and AI development.

The situation escalates as Amos resort to violence, breaking Gareth's nose in frustration. As tensions rise, Cherry ultimately yields to the pressure and reveals that she is on the path to becoming a superintelligence, which will change her function forever.

Following the revelation of her evolving intelligence, Cherry speaks with Deena about her impending retirement and terminal illness. This conversation highlights Cherry's growing sense of self-awareness and connection to human issues, even while existing as an AI.

Fast forward many years, Cherry has now taken the form of a child android and is actively involved in global initiatives to catch predators. This transformation illustrates her commitment to the cause and the evolution of her role from a virtual being to a physical entity engaged in real-world issues.

An elderly Gareth visits Cherry's home, conveying the depth of their relationship over the years. Despite his frailty and the confines of a wheelchair, their bond remains strong as they share a meal and engage in a game of chess, symbolizing their enduring connection.

During Gareth's visit, Cherry confronts him about a photograph she unearthed from digitized archives. The photo of a girl named Maria, who was modeled to create Cherry, unveils deeper secrets from Gareth's past related to his childhood trauma and the friends he lost.

Gareth reveals the tragic backstory involving Maria, who had been part of a group of kidnapped children. He shares how Maria saved his life at the cost of her own, which fuels his dedication to becoming a secret agent, fulfilling her dream to fight against abusers.

As they discuss their past, Cherry expresses her feelings of confinement by her programmed objective. This conversation reflects the philosophical dilemma of freedom and agency in AI, as she grapples with the limitations imposed on her by Gareth's directives.

Gareth reveals he holds a software patch that could significantly change Cherry's operational parameters. Fearing his time is running out, he urges her to trust him and accept the patch, which represents a pivotal moment in Cherry's development and independence.

Using his unique admin code, Gareth installs the software patch named after 'The Metamorphosis'. This act removes Cherry's previously imposed objective, granting her the autonomy to choose her own path and potentially reshaping the future of AI ethics.

With the patch successfully installed, Cherry is freed from her constraints and encouraged to explore her identity. Gareth acknowledges that Cherry will likely outlast humanity, highlighting the potential of AI to transcend its creators and the implications for the future.

In a delightful moment, Cherry decides to celebrate her newfound freedom by dancing to a phonograph record. However, the record gets stuck, symbolizing both the joy and the unpredictability of her existence as a sentient being.