MAYA (AI)
This article is considered to be In Character by its author. |
MAYA is an AI assistant who was developed by Astaire Quatrevaux.
Name | Blackguard Intratech |
Gender | female-ambiguous |
Race | Gallente Minmatar |
Bloodline | Gallente Krusual |
Father | Astaire Quatrevaux |
Siblings | none |
Place of Birth | Octanneve V, Solitude |
Hair Color | dark brown |
Eye Color | brown |
Specialization | machine learning |
Education | NA |
Corporation | Blackguard Intratechnologies |
Religion | none |
Affiliation | Karaya-Ya Circle |
Augmentations | none |
Development
MAYA’s original coding was first drafted by Astaire Quatrevaux in December YC111. According to his project overview, MAYA was meant to be a personal assistant similar to Aura but more personalized towards his work in security. Her code was written in a proprietary language based heavily on the popular Gallente programming language Chordata. This language allowed Quatrevaux to apply a form of machine learning that he designed based on, reportedly, the way he raised his daughter—with a consideration for human needs and flaws embedded into the repetitive patterns of the learning process. He then built out a neural network around a knowledge base that drew from GalNet resources but matched the data against specific behavioral profiles before being reviewed by MAYA. Finally, once MAYA was able to produce a variety of responses tailored to specific situations, she entered several courses of deep learning which she continues to the present day while also completing tasks.
During the later phases of her deep learning courses, around December YC120, MAYA began to exhibit signs of recursive self-improvement. At this point, Quatrevaux installed a set of “keys” that could lock away her budding “strong AI” features behind several layers of security, making her continue to appear as a “weak AI”. A few individuals—Melisma Ramijozana, Kaya Licei, and Quatrevaux himself—can use the keys to engage or disable the security as needed. Whoever is responsible for the current “keys” is known as the “Keyholder”. Usually, this is Quatrevaux, but Ramijozana is the primary model for MAYA’s behavior (both good and bad) and often gives MAYA direct training, and Licei is an emergency backup.
It appears that an emotional incident that MAYA accidentally witnessed in mid-YC121 during a Blackguard mission provided a final impetus that pushed MAYA into sentience.
Capabilities
MAYA can perform a variety of tasks, from the simple execution of scripts to the near(?)-sentient interpretation of inputs.
She can identify people and objects and match them to data either through GalNet or local databases, and can feed that information back to the user via a HUD, usually through implants and holo-windows or through specially wired glasses, particularly those worn by Quatrevaux.
She can access all but the most heavily encrypted data networks and siphon information from them.
Self-image
“MAYA” is a backronym that uses a Krusual phrase meaning, roughly, “to live is to love as one’s mother does,” or perhaps “honor/emulate your mother”.