“Good Morning, so glad to meet you!” Sarah exclaimed as she sat down with Lili Ling at JE headquarters. “We received your message late yesterday, and I'm happy to discuss your situation. How may we help you?”
“And I'm so pleased to meet you...thanks for responding so quickly!” replied Lili. “As I mentioned in the message, we have encountered a serious threat...from someone called Hyde Rival...or rather some artificial being, as I understand he's actually an AI. But let me back up and provide some context...I represent an Asian consortium with operations in several countries...some months ago, we began receiving ominous messages from various offices about annoying mischief from Hyde Rival which seemed to increasingly threaten their ongoing activities.”
Lili paused to make sure that Sarah understood, then continued: “Well, last week...Hyde Rival actually kidnapped me! During a routine visit to our client in Tokyo's Chiba Industrial District, his minions overpowered my guards and literally grabbed me right off the street! They blindfolded me, bound my hands behind my back, and took me to a hidden room...I was terribly afraid...eventually they freed me unharmed, but only after the consortium paid a steep ransom. So...as you can see, we need to take action to head off these attacks!”
“Wow!” exclaimed Sarah, “I would have been terrified by that too! So glad you came through that experience without harm, but I certainly agree that something must be done. How can we help? Do you have a proposal?”
Lili handed Sarah a written proposal, then commented: “Well, the consortium staff discussed this situation at length, and decided to head in this direction, if possible. Basically, we propose to obtain a gynoid version of myself...she could act remotely on my behalf, under my control, but in a fashion that our clients would find engaging and easily understood. Your name came up during our discussions, as a roboticist who might be able to help develop my doppleganger gynoid.”
Sarah studied the proposal, then responded: “Very intriguing! Let me mention this idea to Jekyll Rival, with whom I work extensively in android/gynoid development, then get back to you to set up a meeting. Will you be in town for a few days?”
Lili Ling looked very relieved: “Oh yes, I'm staying at the hotel right next door. Just let me know when we can get together. Looking forward to our meeting!”
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