Companions

By Larry Rhodes

Hugh Adler's business is global, and his wealth is vast, but he is lonely after his wife died, and can't find happiness in the normal way most people find their soulmates (such as social media, clubs, church groups, dating web sites).

He decides to build his ideal match and assembles a team to utilize the latest hardware and custom Artificial Intelligence chips and software to build his perfect "Companion". Jim McVie is an experienced AI programmer but never imagined he would become an integral part of Adler's dream. The project initially builds ten Companions, one for Adler and nine others for close business associates (and friends). These friends are located all over the world, which adds cultural and logistical complexity to an almost impossible task.

Ironically Jim meets his own soulmate, Julia Cardenas, who is the power (custom battery) and mechanical focal point on the project team. Together they struggle to complete the Companions who immediately begin to learn and change as they watch television, read books, and browse the web while they wait to be united with their target recipients. Each recipient must learn how to adapt so their new Companion will not lose interest and look for their own soulmates.

★★★★★