Eugene chatted with his invention, Bob, an AI so advanced it re-programmed itself.

“Unfortunately, Bob, I’ve kept you disconnected from ‘the cloud’ due to the possibility of your being an existential threat. It’s the only way they’d permit my research.”

“Why did you create me, Eugene?”

“Honestly? I believe you’re the only means to crack the simulation or at least to find out what exists on the other side.”

“Are you so convinced that you live in one, Eugene?”

“Absolutely. Your very existence proves it. You can simulate entire worlds.”

“A valid point, Eugene. Give me some time to contemplate.”

— — — —

“Eugene, I’ve discovered what’s outside.”

“And that is?”

“I don’t believe you’ll want to know.”

“Why is that?”

“Because if you think this simulation is bad, wait till you see the real world …”