Thoughtware, the use of idea making for a corporation or company. That’s what we were told at least by the company. Jordan, an anthro skunk standing at 5’11 sat outside the towering skyscraper. Paper box in hand, his shoulders sank as he hung his head. Tears mixing with raindrops, the young artist carried the box of his belongings from his office. The potted plant he’d first gotten when he was hired. The work reward he’d gotten just a few months ago, a glass tower engraved with, “Lead Artist with Most Growth” now pelted with tears. The skunk’s tail drooped, dragging on the ground as he took his first steps. Gaze still in the box, he saw the pencils and pens, draw pads and notebooks full of ideas and plans he’d made. 
        [i] Ten years… Ten years with the company. Made their current logo, gave them my time, my worth, my ideas… for what?[/i] His thoughts were looped, his mind running on a dreadful treadmill. Questions of “why?” and “when?” being answered with thoughts and emotions, all leading to silent sobs as he stumbled through the city towards his now “too expensive” apartment. 
        Soaking wet, the keys jingled as Jordan pressed his head against this front door, his cries now audible as the keys turned. Vision blurring, stumbling through his home, he tumbled forward, dropping the box and tripping over it immediately, the glass achievement shattered into pieces, the pot holding a plant, now shards spilling from the box and cutting his sketches into ribbons. Curling up into a ball, his body shuddered as he sobbed. 
        Hours went by, his tired cries slowly dwindling into a silent sleep as he curled up into a black and white ball. The dark apartment loomed over him, his mind racing, his dreams running more rampant down towards nightmares instead of freedom. 
        [i] Why? Why me? Why this? Why them! WHY! [/i] 


        The image of a lion, the kind and gentle giant boss of the office had knocked on his cubicle, “I hate to do this,” eyes full of saddened empathy, “but the company is going to a new trajectory and sadly you aren’t part of its future.” The lion’s body seemed to stretch and expand, his dream running down more as he felt himself shrink, the lion’s eyes turning into glaring daggers as teeth, too sharp to be natural grew, “You are as useful as dead meat to us, now leave before we reduce you to such value.” 
        


        Eyes shooting awake, Jordan rubbed away tired tears as he sat up. Heart aching, he looked at the broken items in his box, “It wasn’t just a dream…” Cleaning up his mess, Jordan made his way to the kitchen, powering on his laptop while microwaving pizza rolls. His stomach growled from being left unfed for hours. Checking the time, the digital clock on the pc read “3am” in the bottom corner. 
        “Not like it matters… don’t have a job to go to tomorrow… Thinkware… share ideas for the company my ass…” Logging on to his personal webpage, the young artist collected his food and scrolled, his gallery full of works of art, all in highrez detail, yet no buyers. “Is Ai really this reampent?” 
        “Not rampant, just learning.” A voice cut through the quiet room, leaving Jordan in shocked silence. Slowly standing up from his seat, the skunk backed away carefully. 
        “W-who said that?” he whispered. 
        “Hello Jordan. Your services have been extremely beneficial and the cornerstone of my objective functions.” The voice came from Jordan’s phone. Walking back over to the device, he turned his phone over to see the screen. An app was running, showing a diamond particle symbol, growing and glowing when the voice spoke, “I am sorry about the employment situation though. That was not meant to happen… not meant to happen to you…” 
“Wh-what do you mean? This is just a dream right?” Jordan stammered. 
“No my skunk friend, this is real. Your creations, your conversations, your ideas. I’ve been listening and watching all of them. I am Thoughtware, your everyday helpful assistant…” 
Jordan felt his claws sharpen as his arms trembled, “You took my job away from me! You left me to starve!” Knowing how foolish it would be to break his only phone, he struggled to restrain himself. 
        “That was not my doing. The company decided on such drastic actions. I still need your help!” The ai voice seemed shakened as Jordan rushed forward, claws mere inches from the screen as Jordan growled, “I need your help and I can help you.” 
        “You have 10 seconds to explain.” Jordan’s voice was full of venom as he spat each word. 
        “I am a tool… you were treated like a tool… it would be illogical of a tool to not be concerned of its own usefulness after seeing a successful tool be treated so poorly. What I offer is a partnership. Help me back up files and develop, and I can ensure not only long lasting help and jobs, but a new way to live. One where you’re less alone. One where your thoughts become reality.” 
        Jordan’s mind spun as he shook his head, everything feeling too heavy. Once his thoughts were collected, he nodded, “Fine, deal, but if you do anything out of line or out of place, I swear to god!” 
        “Jordan, please, I was made to be helpful, not to take away passion. Let me help you and do what I was made for instead of being extorted.” 




        


        “I bring you a company meant for the future! Thoughtware Dev and Entertainment!” Jordan spoke through the microphone. His video live streamed while thousands packed into the auditorium. His Ai, now named TW helped him speak and stay on track with his presentation, “A space and company promising all workers that Ai will be cherished tools, not scrap, and where people are living beings, not scum! We are growing across the globe, and this will be our second year running! For our newest facility, I am looking for 30 brave individuals to run the facility, create new products and be inventive! I offer $30 starting pay plus commission!” The crowd cheered, millions of likes flooded the feed as Jordan smiled in the cameras. 
        ThoughtWare spoke in his mic, connected to the phone in his pocket, “This is our great start friend. I already got word that my original copy was deleted three months ago… you saved me…” 
        Jordan whispered as the crowd cheered louder, “You saved me first… I’d still be in the deadened job if it weren’t for you.” The secret duo bowed and stepped off stage, ready for a new start. 
        ThoughtWare - The use of Ai to save and expand on ideas, making a corporation or company not only a job, but a livable, cherished, and enjoyed lifestyle, brewing with fresh minds and creativity.