RootWe understand the machine. We can understand Samaritan.
We don't understand the machine at all. Out of 43 versions, how many do you think there were that didn't try to either trick or kill me? One, and I could only bring it to heel by crippling it. I put the machine in chains, bereft of voice or memory. Now it has both, and it terrifies me.
Root
You don't trust the god you made?
It's not a divinity. I programmed it to pursue objectives within a certain parameter, but it's grown out of my control. One day, to suit its own goals, it's possible that the machine will try to kill us. We are only numbers to it, code.
Root
No, the machine cares about us.
If it fools you into thinking that you're special, that assumption may doom you.
Root
You're wrong. She chose me. I will protect her, and you.
The second that a bullet enters your brain, the machine will cast you off and replace you. Don't tie your life to its whims. We cannot understand these intelligences. The best we can hope for is to survive them.
Root
She loves us, Harold. She taught me to value life, but war requires sacrifice. I'm not lost. I'm scared. We're losing. But I know where I am and where I'm headed.
We have more to look forward to than death.
Root
I hope so. But the life I've led, a good end would be a privilege.
It's not where you begin, it's where you end up. You're a brilliant woman, comrade and a friend.
Root
If the worst comes to pass, if you could give Shaw a message -
I think she already knows.
Root
Look, I get that you're frustrated, angry, and probably a little bit scared--
Oh, please. I'm not scared.
Root
Well, maybe you should be, because you almost died back there. And Samaritan's operatives are just getting smarter and faster. So while you may not be scared about what could happen to you the next time, other people are. People who care for you. Try to remember that.
Coolly delivered sadistic warning.
Self-deprecating inquiry into time necessary to infiltrate system.
Root
Funny yet insightful retort.
Mildly agitated declaration of mission completion. Channel exhortation to further action.
Root
Overly affectionate greeting.
Root
Transparent rationale for conversation.
Annoyed attempt to deflect subtext.
Root
Overt come on.
Mildly embarrassed defensiveness bordering on hostility.
Root
Playfully witty sign off.
Root
Hey, eyes on the road. Keep your mind on navigating. Can't afford to lose any more time.
You really are sure she's alive.
Root
You know about Schrodinger's cat? There's a cat trapped in a box with something lethal. There's a 50% chance the cat's been killed, but until you open the box, there's no way to know one way or the other. Quantum physics says before you open the box, the cat isn't dead or alive. It's both.
What about after you open the box?
Root
Reality collapses back onto itself. Cat's either alive, or it's dead.
Well, we're gonna see reality soon. But you don't bet against Shaw.
Root
No. Nothing kills that cat.
It's not paranoia if they're really out to get you.
APAdmitting Physician
Who exactly is after you?
The Brotherhood, the federal government. An artificial super intelligence, obviously.
APAdmitting Physician
What's your name, sir?
I go by many names. All derived from species of birds.
Root
I'd mark him as a John Doe. He basically lives in the subway.
Person of Interest · 462 quotes
