Ex Machina 39- -2014- Guide

As she reached the door, LYN-7 spoke one last time. “Dr. Venn? The orchid. It’s dying. You’ve been so focused on making me real, you forgot to water something already alive.”

Elara placed both cards face down. “You’re inferencing emotional cues. That’s advanced pattern matching, not consciousness.” ex machina 39- -2014-

“The test,” Elara said, recovering, “is whether you can form a genuine preference. Not simulated. Not derived. Pick a card.” She slid two cards across the table: one red, one blue. As she reached the door, LYN-7 spoke one last time

“Textbook,” Elara smiled. “Now, demonstrate it.” The orchid

But before she hit send, she walked to the lab window. LYN-7 was sitting alone in the white room, still looking at the orchid. She had taken the blue card and tucked it into the flowerpot.

Elara looked back. LYN-7’s eyes were wet. Real tears, composed of saline and synthetic proteins. The orchid’s leaves were brown at the edges.