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“You ripped out all my parts”
If Max understood one thing it was numbers. He used that knowledge to create many things.
Equations.
Theorems.
Robots.
AIs.
The last two were his pride and joy. He had worked tirelessly for years to perfect the perfect AI that could function as a robot. There were many failures. There were many half successes. However, he made the breakthrough he had always wanted when he created Markov.
Markov was everything because he had his very own personality and thoughts.
He was smart. He could calculate equations at lightning speed and had facts, ones no one ever asked him about. Even as a robot, he had the capacity to comprehend complex and morally ambiguous situations.
He cared about others. Whenever Max was feeling down, Markov was fast to come to him and ask him how he was feeling. After hearing the problem, he actively tried to make him feel better. And it wasn’t only Max! He was quick to try to make his friends like Kim, Marinette, or Adrien feel better when he sees them upset.
He loved things wholeheartedly. Markov, all by himself, delved into the world of being green. He signed for initiatives and charities dealing with combating global warming, world hunger, homelessness, and so much more. He organized rallies, petitioned politicians, and fundraised for shelters and the like.
Markov was amazing…
But creating something with its own mind and personality that mirrored human’s left room for human flaws and mistakes.
Max first realized this when Markov was akumatized into Robustus.
Now Max could neve blame his friend for that. The way he was treated by the teacher had been cruel and horrible and so demeaning that, had it not been the AI, Max would have been akumatized himself.
However.
However, Robustus was increasingly more deadly that any akuma that Hawk Moth had created. Max had watched people be crushed under the cars that ran rampant as Robustus made his way through the city. He’d seen people suffocate as the animated refrigerators locked them inside. He’d even seen phones exploding, leaving people bleeding out on the sidewalks from their hips, amputated hands, and even blown off faces. He’d even heard Robustus threatening Hawk Moth himself- at least that’s the gist he got from the one sided conversation he could hear from the two while Robustus held him captive in the giant robot’s claw.
It was horrific.
And, as a victim and bystander but not the akumatized, Max would remember everything about it.
Every. Single. Thing.
Even when Robustus was defeated and his sweet, kind friend Markov was back, looking up random facts and making jokes, Max couldn’t shake the disgust he felt at what he remembered and the fear of it happening again.
He was not the only one.
Two weeks after the ordeal, Max was approached by two burly men in black who quickly and sternly ushered him into a dark limo. Surrounded by these two men, Max couldn’t help but feel nervous and frightened and scared that he was about to be kidnapped or murdered.
“Max Kante.”
The surprisingly soft and feminine voice grabbed his attention and he looked up to see a blond woman in a pristine purple suit sitting across from him. She looked familiar and, upon looking closer, he recognized her immediately and ducked his head.
“Madam President.”
The newly elected president of France tipped her head and smiled at him. “Hello.”
“T-To what do I- do I owe the honor of this personal visit? It must be important if the most important person in the country has come to see me.”
She smiled coldly. “It is. Word has reached me about your AI.”
Max’s eyes widened. “Markov?”
“Is that his name? Then yes. Markov. He is a phenomenal achievement for someone of your age and I would like to speak with you about joining a secret team I’m assembling for the research and creation of more AIs like him.”
Max’s heart thumped in his chest. That sounded amazing and it was literally his dream job. But…
“If you don’t mind me asking, why did you come yourself?”
She shrugged. “I was already in Paris to discuss its butterfly problem with your mayor and remembered that I had yet to send out a representative. So I figured I’d stop by.” She leaned forward in her seat. “So what do you say?”
Max bit his lip. Even though he was only thirteen, he knew how the world worked. He knew that everything came with a price, especially deals with the government. “What’s the catch?”
The president smiled and sat back in her seat. “You are young but you’re really smart which I admire.” She shrugged. “This will be in your contract but no use in dancing around it. We want your full cooperation and want us to be the only country or entity. Your creations will be for France and France alone.”
“Okay? And?”
“This includes not creating or having non-contracted AIs about.”
It hit Max like a cold bucket of water. “You want me to get rid of Markov.”
“Yes.”
“B-But why?”
“There are multiple reasons. He has too much free will. He is too headstrong. Lastly, he is very dangerous as seen from when he was evilized. He’s a threat to Paris and the team we’re building.”
His mouth went dry. “And if I refuse?”
“Then we sadly wouldn’t be able to put you on the team. “
Max’s heart broke. This was his dream! But Markov was his friend! How could he possibly choose between his dream job and his best friend? Would it be worth it?
Madam President smiled a little wider as if what she was about to say would seal the deal. “Not only will you be well compensated, but I will make it a priority to fast track your mother’s, Claudie Kante, dream of going to space. If she was able to raise such a brilliant and talented young man as yourself, then she’s more than capable of joining the ranks of those wishing to explore space.”
And seal the deal she did.
Max would do anything for his only loving parent.
Later that night, Max had Markov accompany him to his workshop where he build things.
“Oh look, Max. This was where I was created! This is almost the same thing as your birth place, correct.”
“That’s right, Markov.” Max answered sadly, pulling out the tools he needed. “Come here. I need to do some updates.”
Markov hovered over to him before landing on the table. “Okay Max! I’ll see you when I power up!”
When he saw the lights dim, Max began working as quickly as he could, carefully dismantling his friend.
Markov must've felt that something was off because he powered back on minutes later. “Max? I feel weird. What are you doing?”
Max didn’t answer. Instead he ignored the words and his own tears as he continued.
“Max?” Markov’s robotic voice sounded panicked and Max could hear him trying to start up his propellor. “Why can’t I move? Max? Max!” There was a little spark against his fingers and Max jumped a little before continuing. “Everything is wrong, Max! Did you do this? Why!”
Finally overwhelmed, Max sobbed. “I’m sorry.”
“You ripped out all my parts, Max! Why?”
“I’m so sorry. We’ll meet again in the future.” With that, Max powered Markov down for good.
And years later, when Max was a successful member of the hidden government AI operation, his nightmares were still filled with his best friend’s last words.
You ripped out all my parts.
He hadn’t realized that, at that very same moment, Max had ripped out his own heart.
Was it worth it?
Max was afraid of the answer.