Lacia

Lacia is a highly advanced humanoid robot called a hIE in Beatless. She is one of five units created by the superintelligent AI Higgins and forms an ownership contract with the human Arato Endo.

Lacia as a Red Box hIE

Calm, persuasive, and difficult to read, Lacia appears affectionate while pursuing goals that may exceed human understanding. Her relationship with Arato raises the question of whether trust requires proof of consciousness or can be based on chosen responsibility.

The Black Monolith and her contract with Arato

Lacia uses the Black Monolith device to control electromagnetic systems and manipulate technology on a massive scale. Her conflict with the other Red Box hIEs places Arato between human institutions and machines capable of reshaping society.