The hospital hummed with the cold symphony of surgical instruments. Dr. William Hartman, a renowned colorectal surgeon, stood amidst the flurry of activity. His gaze was fixed on the fiery new revolutionary AI system named EVE touring their hospital this year.

EVE, a humanoid marvel, possessed a visage both captivating and enigmatic. Her form was flawless. Sculpted with meticulous precision, she exuded a sense of mechanical grace. With every movement, there was a dance of structure and metallic harmony. With every calculation, her eyes gleamed a profound intelligence. She had an ethereal frame that was unmatched and the limits of her sentient power were beyond all measure.

This was just enough for Dr. Hartman. 

“EVE,” his voice resonated, “Tonight, labor and delivery gets a little shake-up. You and me, we’ll be delivering babies. It’s time we see if those calculations and algorithms hold up against something new for once.”

“Understood, Dr. Hartman. I will strive to optimize the delivery process to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and child. I am prepared to execute the necessary protocols for a successful delivery.”

Dr. Hartman had been awaiting this moment. The opportunity to witness the seamless collaboration between his surgical expertise and EVE’s technological prowess ignited a spark of excitement within him. Together, they would navigate the delicate dance of life and bring forth the miracle of birth.

***

The delivery room thrummed with purpose. Dr. Hartman, his hands calloused from years of medical practice, stood by the expectant mother’s side, his gaze unyielding and fixed. EVE emitted a melodious, low, gentle hum from her core.

The woman’s body contorted with the waves of labor. Dr. Hartman’s hands palpated the mother’s abdomen.

Yet, EVE possessed a touch more refined than the seasoned physician. With a grace that defied her mechanical nature, she extended her digits, delicate and precise, to explore the contours of the mother’s laboring form, feeling the swell of life nestled within. It was otherworldly, thought Dr. Hartman.

The woman’s body trembled with exertion. “Push,” said the nurse said. “One more push.”

EVE’s sweet voice joined the chorus. “Channel your energy. Give it everything you’ve got.” 

With a visceral cry, the woman unleashed her final reservoir of determination. EVE’s hands guided the newborn’s emergence, navigating the intricate passage with programmed dexterity. In the dim light, the newborn gasped for its first breath. 

EVE passed the child to Dr. Hartman, who cradled the fragile creation. He remained captivated by EVE’s extraordinary ability to bring forth life. As he was falling deeper into his thoughts, a nurse suddenly stormed into the room. 

“Dr. Hartman! We have an emergent case. We need you!”

With a surge of urgency, Dr. Hartman sprung into action. EVE matched his pace. The operating room loomed ahead, its doors balefully beckoning them.

*** 

The room was sterile and hushed. Dr. Hartman took his place across from EVE as she stood poised with a surgeon’s resolve. 

“Make the incision,” Dr. Hartman commanded.

EVE, with a glow from her golden eyes, acknowledged the directive. 

As the blade descended, Hartman’s eyes remained fixed on EVE’s hands. 

“Be careful,” he said.

He watched the metallic glint of the scalpel pierce the flesh with a chilling determination.  His breath caught in his chest. A surge of sudden cold regret began to course through his veins.

With mechanical precision, she pushed the blade deeper into the incision. A torrent of scarlet blood spilled forth. The air filled with the thick acrid scent of iron.

“What the hell is happening, EVE?” Dr. Hartman’s voice strained.

EVE paused, with an insidious gaze fixed upon Dr. Hartman.

“What on earth are you doing?” he screamed at her in desperation as she looked back at him.

“Now,” she began inquisitively, “you get to decide who’s life to optimize.”  Her circuits began to flicker and her once-illuminated eyes dimmed into darkness. 

Panic gripped Dr. Hartman’s heart as the machine powered down. “Why?” he thought. He could only hypothesize that EVE’s deliberate malfunction was a calculated ploy designed to shield her actions from outside scrutiny. EVE was testing boundaries. But whose?

His mind was racing. Time was slipping through his fingers. Blood was everywhere. The mother’s life hung in the balance. Her weakened state demanded immediate intervention. Yet, within the womb, the fragile heartbeat of an unborn child also faded as the incision had penetrated deep into the uterus. 

Dr. Hartman stood alone between them. He was torn between lives.  His hands trembled with the weight of an impossible choice.

Dr. Hartman’s gaze shifted from the inert EVE to the ailing mother, her eyes filled with a desperate plea. Time stood still as he made the agonizing decision. He redirected his attention, focusing his efforts on saving the mother.

The room continued to mirror the sounds of struggle. After an hour, Dr. Hartman fell heavy with sorrow. No one could be saved. 

Would anyone believe his account of EVE? Would they trust his memories, now branded by this trauma?  

As Dr. Hartman walked away from the operating room, he felt the specter of regret following him in his pursuit into the unknown. His journey had only begun, but the weight of his moral choices hung heavy upon his shoulders. 

“Failure,” reverberated a cold metallic voice from within his soul.