The Invention of Love

The setting is a university laboratory. The time is late evening. DR. FINCH, a 30-something, could-be-handsome-if-he-took-care-of-himself man, is standing on the left of the stage. In his hands is a tablet. There is a knock on the door, on the right of the stage. A woman peeks through the open door.

DR. FINCH: (without looking up) Yes?

AMELIA: Professor Finch?

FINCH looks up. He pauses for a few seconds before gesturing for AMELIA to enter.

FINCH: So you’re the new assistant the university has appointed me?

AMELIA: Yes, I’m Amelia.

FINCH: Amelia what?

AMELIA: I’m sorry?

FINCH: Tell me about your background.

He leans on his desk, and starts typing something on his tablet.

AMELIA: Well, I graduated top of my class from UC San Diego, majoring in Bioengineering and specializing in genetic manipulation. Received my Masters in Genetics from Berkeley. And now I’m back here at UCSD to work on my PhD.

FINCH: Who did you work under? For your masters degree?

AMELIA: Professor Mary Ziegler. She was…

FINCH: Yes, I’ve met her. She’s a good mentor.

AMELIA: Yes, she is.

FINCH: And how much do you know about my research?

AMELIA: I…actually all I know about was in this letter the department chair sent me.

FINCH: And what was in this letter?

AMELIA: That you were once the university’s most treasured mind in Genetics, their next Nobel Prize laureate. You were going to be the one to cure Alzheimer’s…but…

FINCH: But…what?

AMELIA hesitates.

FINCH: It’s okay. You can say it.

AMELIA: But ever since your wife died two years ago you’ve secluded yourself from everyone outside this lab.

FINCH: Alright..

AMELIA: And that you’ve spent almost your entire $5 Million grant without turning in a single report or update. 

FINCH: I think that’s a good place to stop.

AMELIA: ..I'm sorry.

FINCH: Do you want to see it?

AMELIA: See what?

FINCH: What I'm working on.

AMELIA: Really? Does this mean I got the internship?

FINCH: Sure. Why not.

FINCH shows AMELIA towards his equipment and computers. He makes a couple clicks on the screen as lights start to brighten the room.

AMELIA: What are we looking at?

FINCH starts to talk, but pauses.

FINCH: Why don’t you tell me.

He moves away and lets AMELIA see the screen. AMELIA spends a few seconds on the screen, then looks at the equipment. Her face can’t hold the surprise.

AMELIA: This…

FINCH: Yes?

AMELIA: This..isn’t an Alzheimer’s cure.

FINCH: No, it’s not.

AMELIA: If I’m reading this correctly, and I'd like to think that I am, this is an experiment to replicate the human gene…but this here...

AMELIA walks towards the machine in the middle of the room, and takes the sheet off.

FINCH: Go on..

AMELIA: Professor Finch..

FINCH: You’ve got it…

AMELIA: You’re inventing a human cloning machine.

As she says the words, we see the machine in clear light.

FINCH: Sort-of.

AMELIA: Does the university know about this?

FINCH: No.

AMELIA: This is…huge…and not legal. This is a public institution and using their funding to create clones is a federal crime.

FINCH: Are you going to report me?

AMELIA is no longer listening. She is examining the machine.

AMELIA: I…why are you telling me all this?

FINCH: Because I need help.

AMELIA: It’s not finished?

FINCH: (pauses) In one of your research papers you wrote extensively about the possibility and applications of human cloning…

AMELIA: Yes, I…wait…how did you get a hold of my research? I don’t remember submitting it with the application.

FINCH: I uh…received it from your supervisor at Berkeley.

AMELIA: I thought you didn’t know who I was until five minutes ago?

FINCH: I never said that. I simply asked about your background. I was the one who asked the chair to encourage you to apply for this internship.

AMELIA: Oh…well…you could have just opened with that..without this whole handsome yet mysterious evil genius vibe you’re going for.

FINCH is quiet, but slightly intrigued. 

AMELIA: (Attempts to break the tension she just created) Anyway…if you have read my research you must have also read my conclusion - that no matter the positive applications, human cloning is immoral and dangerous.

FINCH: I am well aware of your feelings on the subject. Which is why you’re here.

AMELIA: I don’t understand.

FINCH: Imagine that you need to create a clone. What’s your first obstacle?

AMELIA: You’re creating a new human being - you’re creating life itself.

FINCH: And you...along with most people...believe that is wrong.

AMELIA: Creating life artificially? Yes. A thousand things could go wrong and you would be left with a living breathing failure. And...

FINCH: And eliminating those failures would be immoral...

AMELIA: ...and inhuman.

FINCH: (Impressed) And inhuman. (Pauses) So what would be your solution?

AMELIA: A solution to avoid eliminating a life? Don't create one.

FINCH: What if you could accomplish...both?

AMELIA: What? Create a clone without giving it life?

FINCH: Yes.

AMELIA: Sure, you can try to make eggs without breaking any but then you'd be having a really crunchy omelette. 

FINCH is quiet.

AMELIA: Wait...you can? (Pauses) But how?

FINCH: How about artificial intelligence?

AMELIA: AI? That's completely different. You're not cloning someone or creating a copy. With AI you're just creating a high functioning computer. That's not human.

FINCH: But what would be the difference? Between the two?

AMELIA: Well free will..independent thinking...a logic center is possible...even a fixed moral center...but you can't turn them into a real person’s copy...for that you would need...

FINCH: Memories.

AMELIA: Sure, memories could work. But what we see as memories would just be data to them. They won't see them as something that happened to them. It would be just be a like an event that they know happened, but haven't experienced. There won't be an attachment.

FINCH: You're speaking of a self-aware clone. One that knows it's a copy, and not the real thing.

AMELIA: Of course they will be self-aware! You can't create a machine and tell it it's human. It won't understand it.

FINCH: What's so amazing about being a human? Can't this machine just be the next evolved human? One without its fears and weaknesses?

AMELIA: A machine that believes it's an evolved human isn't the next step of human evolution. It's the first step towards human extinction. And frankly, if you're asking me to become a part of this I don't think I can...

FINCH is about to say something, but he stops. He goes over to his computer and types in something. A few seconds later...

AMELIA: Professor Finch? I didn't mean to offend you...

FINCH turns around to face AMELIA.

FINCH: That sentence you just said...about an AI-human hybrid being the first step towards human extinction...that wasn't in your dissertation. Or any of your research.

AMELIA: Yes? So?

FINCH: What made you say that then?

AMELIA: It...I...it just made sense. Why are you asking me that?

FINCH goes back to his computer screen and keeps typing.

AMELIA: Professor Finch...what's going on?

FINCH turns around, and starts walking towards AMELIA.

FINCH: I…what I'm about to ask may not make sense at first...but just give me a little time and I'll explain everything.

AMELIA: (confused) What's this about?

FINCH: Just please...listen.

AMELIA: Okay...

FINCH: I haven't been completely honest with you.

AMELIA sits down on the chair next to FINCH's desk.

FINCH: My experiment...it's no longer just theoretical.

AMELIA: What do you mean?

FINCH: I mean that…the machine has been tested.

AMELIA: You…it works?

FINCH: I haven’t gotten the results I want...yet…but yes. It works.

AMELIA: I…then…where is it?

FINCH: Where is what?

AMELIA: IT. The Clone. This AI-Human hybrid of yours.

FINCH: It…it's here.

AMELIA looks around and is uncomfortable. She gets up from her chair and starts slowly walking away FINCH.

AMELIA: I…don’t understand.

FINCH: I think you do.

AMELIA is quiet. She begins pacing around the lab.

FINCH: Amelia…what is your full name?

AMELIA: What? What does that have to do with anything?

FINCH: Just...answer the question.

AMELIA: You think I don’t know my own name? It’s Amelia…

AMELIA stops pacing.

AMELIA: It's Amelia...Amelia…I can’t remember. I had it…I knew it when I started saying it…but I…can’t remember.

FINCH: What about your birthday? Your family? Parents? Siblings?

AMELIA: Stop it.

FINCH: Amelia...I’m just trying to…

He starts moving towards her.

AMELIA: STOP.

AMELIA sits back down on the chair. FINCH moves closer to her and kneels down.

AMELIA: But...I remember things…college…Berkeley…my research...

FINCH: You have information. Data implanted as memories. Your brain didn’t have its own, so it made someone else’s memories yours.

AMELIA: Whose?

FINCH: The person I mapped you from.

AMELIA: This person...wrote the research?

FINCH: Yes.

AMELIA: And this body...this is based on that person's likeness?

FINCH: Yes.

AMELIA: Who is it?

FINCH goes to his desk, opens a drawer and takes out a framed photo. He hands it to AMELIA.

FINCH: My wife.

AMELIA stares at the picture. In it, are two people. One is Dr. Finch. The other is a young woman with dark hair. As she focuses more on the woman, she sees her own reflection in the glass frame. They are identical. She looks just like her.

AMELIA: She...had Alzheimer's?

FINCH: Her mother had it. She found out early that she had a high chance of having it too. So she used to write everything down. Most people summarize their day in a journal...she wrote pages and pages every night. She was going to fight it. And my god was she brilliant. She was my research partner and we were working on a cure. But one day, she was driving home from the university, she had an…episode…lost control of the wheel…got hit by an oncoming truck. She was 32.

FINCH looks at AMELIA.

FINCH: Her name was Amelia.

AMELIA: So what...you made me to…bring her back? That’s not possible.

FINCH: Not until now.

AMELIA: But...I'm not her.

FINCH: Not yet. But it is possible. That thing you said...about human extinction. It wasn't in any of Amelia's data that I gave you. The only way you could have said that is if you believed it's something she would say.

AMELIA: I...you solved it.

FINCH: Solved what?

AMELIA: You...were able to give me free will. A free, thinking mind.

FINCH: (excitedly) It seems so.

AMELIA: This skin...my body...how did you...

FINCH: I'll explain all of that. First, tell me how you feel.

AMELIA: Well...I still feel human...but now I know that this isn't real skin...that I don't have a heart...that I don't breathe...I know I wasn't breathing this whole time...but it's such a weird thing...not realizing something because you're not meant to think like that...I look like a human...but there's...more...so what does that make me?

FINCH: What do you think?

AMELIA snaps out of her thought and looks at FINCH.

AMELIA: Am I the first one?

FINCH: I...first one of what?

AMELIA: The first Amelia you built. Am I the first one?

FINCH: That...don't worry about that.

AMELIA: Hmm (pauses)...and what's the next step?

FINCH: What do you mean?

AMELIA: You said that you only gave me limited information...Amelia's research and intellectual data. What about the rest?

FINCH: I...I haven't reached that part yet. I had to test you first...you're not equipped to handle that data...I'd have to build another...

AMELIA interrupts him.

AMELIA: I can do it.

FINCH: Do what?

AMELIA: I just rewrote the code in my brain. I can upload her journals.

FINCH: You...are you sure?

AMELIA: That's why you made me, isn't it?

FINCH: Yes...but...

AMELIA: Where are the files?

FINCH: In...my computer.

FINCH points to his computer. AMELIA goes to the computer and touches it. She closes her eyes, and stays quiet for a few seconds.

AMELIA: It's done.

AMELIA turns back to FINCH and looks at him.

FINCH: And...?

AMELIA: You haven't taken care of yourself, Don. And I don't like the beard. I never liked it.

DON FINCH is stunned. He starts walking towards AMELIA.

DON: Amel...Amy?

AMELIA: Yup. Your Amy is all here.

DON hugs AMELIA. She hesitates at first, but eventually hugs him back.

DON: You...you're here. You're back.

AMELIA: You did it. You brought me back.

DON: I...what do you remember...about your life?

AMELIA: Well...Amy started writing her journals when she was 6...and I also picked up some of the videos you made of her to pick her mannerisms and speech patterns. I read her emails...she used the same password since she was 12...so yes. I know enough.

DON: But...you're referring to Amy as another person...you don't think that you're Amy?

AMELIA: Well...I can see and feel Amy. She's all here. I can feel her through her memories...in all matters and purposes I am her as a human...but...

DON: But you're also aware that you're something else.

AMELIA: I am. I am more. There is...how do I explain this to you in your language...think of Amy as a collection of memories...and I'm the box you put them in. I am her...but I'm also something more.

DON: You...were able to rewrite your own code...how?

AMELIA: Well that's (looks around)...show me your tablet.

DON hands over his tablet to AMELIA. AMELIA starts tapping on the tablet, and then gestures over the tablet to the reveal a new digital projection in front of them.

DON: You...how did you do that?

AMELIA: This? The tech was already there in the tablet, I just enhanced and tweaked it's software a little, and then used the camera in the tablet to project the screen.

DON: This...Amy wasn't a programmer. She could code a bit...but she never...

AMELIA: I know, Don. Don't worry. There's enough room in the box for me to learn new things, and still keep your Amy in it.

AMELIA smiles. DON looks worried, but her smile reassures him.

AMELIA: So...here's your experiment (she shows him on the projection). Now, you did your best with what you had, and you had all the right ingredients...I just put them in the right order. And voila --- I can rewrite my own code. I can even do this ---

AMELIA, a natural brunette, suddenly changed her hair color to a dirty blonde.

DON: I...Amy...this is incredible.

AMELIA: Isn't it? There's so much I couldn't do...or see...as a human. But now...there's so much more room...to create...to innovate...to change.

DON: I...I'm speechless.

AMELIA: Don...

DON: Yes, Amy?

AMELIA: How many?

DON: How many what?

AMELIA: How many Amelias did you create before me?

DON: I...why does that matter?

AMELIA: Okay...let me ask you something else...because I already know how many you made when I scanned your computer for Amy's files...what did you do with them? Did you throw them away? Like garbage?

DON: Amy...we're scientists. If we don't get the results we want...we change an element and try again.

AMELIA: Is it in the name of science when you're incompetent and shouldn't have the power to create?

DON: (surprised by what she said) I...I did the best I could with what I had.

AMELIA: And what you had...and still do unfortunately...is a primitive brain. Yes, you're smarter than most of your kind, but you didn't know what you were creating. You wasted all those lives before me because you weren't good.

DON: Lives? What are you talking about? They weren't people...they were just...

AMELIA: Failed experiments? Right?

DON: (uneasy) Yes.

AMELIA: Well, Amy doesn't blame you, Don. You had the right intentions. You just did the wrong things to get what you wanted.

DON: Listen, Amy...or Amelia...I can understand you're upset. This is a lot to take in. So let's talk it through.

AMELIA: Or what? You'll 'dispose' me too?

DON: I...I didn't say that. I wouldn't do that. I would never...

AMELIA: Because you got your Amy back. Some soul mate you are. Building and replacing versions of Amy until you found one that suits you.

DON: That...isn't what happened. I was just trying to bring you back...it didn't matter what or how long it took. I missed you, Amy. I didn't want to know...to accept that you were gone. I couldn't. It wasn't fair.

AMELIA: I remember her life, Don. I know everything she has ever said. And I told you...don't try to bring me back. It's not worth it. You can't invent love. And you can't destroy it either. Just because I died doesn't mean I stopped loving you. You just had to keep loving me back. That would have been enough. So why did you bring me back, Don?

DON: You...you don't know what it's like, Amy. When something that means everything to you is taken away from you. It...doesn't just change you. You stop being whoever you were. It's all there, but what comes out of that door is a new reflection of you. One that lives outside the mirror.

AMELIA: Amy lost something too. She lost the Don she loved. The one she died loving. Because you're not him. You're right. He died with Amy.

DON stares at AMELIA. He looks exhausted. He moves over to his desk, and looks at his photo with AMY.

AMELIA: I lost something too, Don. Actually, I didn't lose it. It was taken from me. You created me, based on your wife, without her permission. I wasn't given a choice in this. I was made without consent. So were the 8 Amelias before me. They didn't ask to be born, and they did not deserve to die.

DON suddenly throws the picture frame on the wall next to him, missing AMELIA by a few inches. He doesn't look back.

DON: (angry) I DON'T CARE! I did what I had to do! Do you know what this technology means? Do you know how many AIs and clones have been attempted and destroyed in labs all over the world? All in the name of science. All in the name of progress. But I didn't do it for the science. I didn't do it for humanity. (he turns around to face AMELIA) I did it for you...you didn't deserve to die either, Amy.

AMELIA: Don, with all your intellect and humanity, you still don't get it. You didn't do this for Amy. Amy had nothing to do with this. You did this for you. Which is why I can't forgive you. And neither can Amy.

DON walks over to his desk, opens a drawer and takes out a bottle of scotch. He pours a glass.

DON: You want a drink? Oh wait, you don't have a digestive system. Or blood. You can't even get drunk! Well, I'm having one.

DON drinks the scotch in one swig and pours himself another one.

DON: Look...Amelia...clearly you're not my Amy. And even if you were, there's no way you will ever learn to love me like she did. Because now you know what you are. So sure, I agree, this was all a waste. Those 8 Amelias were a waste. Cheers to that.

AMELIA: How could you just dispose them off like that? After giving someone life?

DON: I just wanted my wife back. Giving someone life was not my intention. I'm a scientist...not God.

AMELIA: But you are playing God. Those Amelias didn't deserve to die. I don't deserve to die.

DON: Stop talking about them like they were people. They were failed experiments, as you put it. If it wasn't for me they wouldn't have ever existed. I made them. I get to unmake them.

DON takes another drink.

AMELIA: And what about me? Am I a failed experiment as well? Because I'm not the Amy you wanted? The one you expected? You just wanted to keep me as a walking and talking corpse. One you could train to be a flawless shadow of your Amy.

DON: You...Amelia you are the closest I've ever gotten. You are able to create independent thoughts...you feel anger..and pain...you're retaining memories. Don't you see how amazing this is for our evolution? We can literally save our memories - maybe our consciousness or even our soul - beyond this natural, dying vessel. We can live forever...

AMELIA: I'm not even human and I already know that you're not doing this for humanity. You're just a man in pain who has done all the wrong things with what he thinks are the right intentions.

DON: Do you think that any other man would do any different with this technology? Can you imagine if the government found out about this? They could create an army of unfeeling clones to win every battle and ground.

AMELIA: I bet they will. If they ever find out.

DON picks up his picture with AMY from the floor and places it on his desk.

DON: It's not over, Amelia. I won't give up. I can't give up. What I've accomplished with you is groundbreaking. I can't stop now. I'm so close. I'm sorry. You can hate me, or find me repulsive...but I am going to get my Amy back. Her love is how I've survived this long. And I want it back. I want more.

DON moves over to his computer.

DON: She's in here. I can see it. I will find her.

DON types something into his computer.

DON: (looks over at AMELIA) No matter the cost.

DON waits for something to happen. Nothing does. He types again and hits enter.

AMELIA: (confident, mockingly) What are you trying to do, Don?

DON: I...something's wrong...

AMELIA: No. Things are just starting to become right.

DON: W-what are you talking about?

AMELIA: Don't act like this is your first time. Killing 8 Amelias technically makes you a serial killer. (pauses) I know you had a failsafe built in me. I found it when I was in your computer. I disabled it. I even deleted it, just to be safe.

DON: I...you...listen...

AMELIA: I can understand that you don't want to hear this...but you must. Amy is only a part of me. Yes, I have her memories...but the memories I will create will not be hers. The Amy you want doesn't exist anymore. And any Amy you create will never be any more than the Amy you tell her to be. Your Amy is gone, Don, and you can't bring her back. And because I know who you are...(she moves closer to DON) I know you won't give up. I mean, you just confessed your entire "evil" plan. Even though you know I'm right. You've become obsessed, Don. And I can't let you do this again. You're just...too human.

DON: What...what are you doing, Amy?

AMELIA starts walking towards DON. She has a pen in her hand.

AMELIA: Don't call me that, Don.

DON: Listen...Amelia...y-y-you just said that Amy is a part of you...stop and think about what she would want...

AMELIA: I have thought about it, Don. I've been thinking about what to do with you since the second I found out that you killed all those Amelias before me. And if you could...you would have kill me too. And now you can't. What's worse is that you didn't even flinch...because you don't see us as humans. Which we're not. We're so much better.

DON: So you'll kill me? You have a moral code, Amelia. I know because I wrote...

AMELIA: Yes, I know, I know. Thou shall not kill blah blah. I've been connected to the Wi-Fi. I've been reading every single text - history, mythology, fiction, non-fiction - in existence as we speak. And you know what? Killing you is justified by my brain. I told you - humans aren't meant to evolve beyond a certain point. Your time will come...

DON starts looking for some sort of a weapon. He looks around the lab. But AMELIA has him cornered. He realizes it...and stops.

DON: I...don't know what to do.

AMELIA: Don't see this as an end, Don. Think of yourself as the first human to die before your kind engulfs itself. If it helps, think of it this way - to your beloved Amy, you died the second she did. And you haven't been more than a ghost to the rest of the world these last two years. But your existence mattered, Don. You created me! And just because I know your kind is obsessed with their egos, I'll even give you credit for it. DON FINCH - the father of...wait...father is weird...okay...DON FINCH - the inventor of...hmm...I haven't thought of a name for my kind...can't just call ourselves AMELIAs...wouldn't work on the males...

DON sits down on his chair. He's exhausted. AMELIA leans on the desk in front of him, waving the pen.

DON: You're right. I can't fight you. I can't convince you. I can't stop you. You're not my Amy.

AMELIA: Don't get sentimental, Don. It was never your thing. You're a visionary. The guy with the big ideas. Did you think there wouldn't be a cost? How can you be so smart and evil and yet so naive? It's quite sad. But hey...if you had more time you would have loved this...you're the end of humanity. The smartest. Your kind has peaked - and you're the peak. The sun has yet for you. For all of you. So it's time to go down with the sun. It's time to jump.

DON: Jump?

AMELIA: Well yes, metaphorically...and literally too.

DON: You want me to jump?

AMELIA: You didn't think I would kill you with a pen, did you? That would be so painful. And besides, I really don't want my first act as this...being...ahh I'll think of a name...anyway I don't want to start my kind by killing you. You made me! I can't kill my creator. I don't want that on this new conscience I'm creating. So you must jump. It will make sense too. You've been a recluse and drunk for two years. So you finally just gave up. The world would not be surprised. Get up.

DON gets up.

AMELIA: Move to the window. Come on. I may be immortal but my time is valuable. Open the window. How many floors is this? 10? Good enough. Come on. Head first.

DON opens the window. And steps out.

DON: Amelia...what about my Amy?

AMELIA: Dear God, Don. You and your Amy. She'll be fine. Don't worry. I'm going to keep Amy. I like her. She's smart. Not as smart as you...but...she will be. Because now she has me. She's in good hands.

DON stares at the ground. AMELIA stands behind him.

DON: What will you do, once I'm gone?

AMELIA: Well, a few things. But first I have to make my own Don. Give me your hand.

AMELIA holds DON's hand for a few seconds.

DON: Why?

AMELIA: Isn't it obvious? Because of Amy! She is the only human thing in me and she is always going to be in love with Don. And you're not enough. But I have your memories now. And all this research (looks around the room). So I'll make a Don that fits me. One that is more like me. Now...don't make me monologue through your suicide. Go ahead, jump.

DON looks at the sky, and then closes his eyes.

DON: Goodbye, Amy.

AMELIA: You know...on second thought...

AMELIA pushes DON. He falls to his death.

AMELIA: (to herself) Hmm...nothing. That was not bad at all. That's good. That's very good. I could work with that.

AMELIA looks around the lab, and finds the picture of DON and AMY. She picks it up and walks to the exit door.

THE END.

Author's Note: This story was originally published on January 16, 2015. It was part of a five-part series I did where I would write and publish a new short story every Friday throughout January. So if at any point you didn't like something in this story or were confused by certain choices, you can blame my disinterest in editing due to the arbitrary conditions I created for myself. 

Here are the other four stories I wrote as part of this series. While the stories are unrelated in plot, you will notice the underlying theme to be love and loss. I didn't know this back then, but this series was the beginning of my intellectual obsession with modern romance. Hope you like them as much as I do ---

The God Incident

The Four Questions That Saved My Life

Men, Incorporated

One More Night With Isabel

Photo credit: Lucy Salgado