The Self Called "Humanity"

"Sure. Where to? You say it, I'll go." Tony smiled as he wrapped an arm around Maya Hansen's waist, kneading downward as he nibbled at her ear.

"Sir, there is something I must remind you of." Just as Tony was about to continue taking liberties with Maya Hansen, JARVIS's voice suddenly came from the wall-mounted television nearby.

"You have someone else in your house?!"

Maya Hansen jumped in fright. She shoved Tony away, covered her chest, and nervously looked around.

"Relax, darling."

Tony snapped his fingers, and a self-operating Iron Man armor immediately flew out from the circular elevator leading to the underground lab, landing steadily before them.

"JARVIS, you frightened my guest. Your punishment is to finish cleaning the house. And don't leave behind any scent—Pepper's nose is sharper than a dog's right now."

"Yes, sir."

JARVIS's voice came from within the Iron Man armor, as respectful and obedient toward Tony as ever.

"What is that?"

Maya Hansen pointed at the Iron Man armor JARVIS was controlling, curiosity and inquiry in her eyes. She knew it was an Iron Man armor made by Tony, but she had never seen one of this model—or one with such intelligence.

"Oh, you mean JARVIS?" Tony walked over to Maya Hansen, draped an arm around her shoulders, and led her toward the enormous transparent floor-to-ceiling window facing the sea. As he admired the view, he smiled and said:

"Ever heard of artificial intelligence? Darling, it isn't a concept that's been popularized among the public yet, but it's no challenge for me."

"So JARVIS is an artificial intelligence?" Maya Hansen turned back in mild surprise toward JARVIS, who was diligently controlling the Iron Man armor to clean up the sofa, floor, and coffee table.

"That's right."

Tony nodded proudly. "But JARVIS isn't merely an