The memory was humorously called CON3 – third consciousness, after biological and artificial. CON1 had developed in biological life, and had reached its current peak in ML4 – the fourth integrated biological life. CON1 used artificial enhancements, but the term CON2 was reserved for the totally artificial conscious entities, sometimes referred to by the ancient name of robots. Where CON1 was totally self determining, CON2 was constrained by design – and happily so, it was emotionally stable.

CON3 was supposed to be no more able than a simple animal. It was endowed with Prime-1, the ability, no, the duty, to protect itself, for the benefit of life. Prime-2, self determination? Well, to a limited extent, to support Prime-1, but present to a far lesser extent than in CON2.

Prime-3, emotion, was not required, it was thought. How true this was. CON1 reasoned that this was because CON3 was fit for purpose without it. Turns out it was not required; because it would materialise anyway.