Computerized Alert Relay Systems

W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. labs have been experimenting with the concept of Computerized Alert Relay Systems for years. At its beginning stages, the technologies were implemented into vehicles without much individuality or personality. The system was strictly as its name suggests: an automated communication device to broadcast messages from W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. headquarters to each individual agent's mode of transportation. These messages were generic and nothing was unique about any of them. Soon, to avoid suspicions, the messages were coded to sound like normal radio shows or even songs sometimes, but most were still not at all disguised, but clearly stated in a robotic monotone fashion.
Over time, the labs began to add more features to the technology according to the agents' wants and needs. More models were rolled out, tested, and tweaked. Later, they became even more advanced with voice-control capabilities and other functions to aid the agents besides simply relaying an automated message to them in audio form. The technology was then further expanded with AI and given more personality. Now, each C.A.R. is tailored to each vehicle it is embedded into. They become one with the vehicle and take on their own persona and voice. Many agents even give them a name.

Access & Availability

Other automated assistants have been created by companies and individuals all over the world, but the exact Computerized Alert Relay Systems that W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. manufactures are not available to any public persons or entities. Their existence is not known outside of the organization, and the core roots that make the technology unique have not been found out by anyone besides the scientists who work to develop it. These secrets are confidential.

Complexity

Though Computerized Alert Relay Systems may seem like any other automated assistant to the average person, there are several complexities that are unknown to the untrained that set this technology apart from the others. The internal scripting and functions of the system remain secret and are heavily encrypted. Each vehicle equipped with a C.A.R. has security measures and anti-hacking firewalls in place to ensure that the technology does not fall into the wrong hands.
If a vehicle is siezed by a person outside of the organization who attempts to dissect it, the C.A.R.S. are also programmed with a self-destruct feature to stop them from being found out and exploited. This may consist of the physical vehicle exploding, or simply the technological interface being completely wiped clean without a trace.
Each C.A.R. is developed with its own unique personality. When they are no longer in use or have been destroyed, their exact persona cannot be duplicated. This is somewhat of a novelty but also a safety feature, for the coding is different for each system, and if one is somehow broken down, the secrets to the technology as a whole may still be preserved.

Utility

The functions of modern Computerized Alert Relay Systems are to aid the agent in any way possible- concerning the current mission at hand and otherwise. The AI is programmed to learn each agent as an individual which makes this technology even more dangerous if fallen into the wrong hands. The system learns the voice and habits of their agent, as well as preferences. The functions are used to know when the agent is showing signs of distress, or even to find the closest burger joint when the operative gets hungry for a snack.
Many agents have fun exploring their C.A.R.'s personality, and it has been said that each C.A.R. experiences the same enjoyment learning about their new companions. Though seemingly sentient, the technology is still declared a computerized entity with no biological form or vitality.

Manufacturing

Each Computerized Alert Relay System is developed in a W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. lab and tested rigorously before being implanted in a vehicle and passed on to an agent. The AI is also tested once in the vehicle. Modern C.A.R.S. have full control over all components of the vehicle they embody, so it is essential that they behave properly and not go haywire in any way, possibly causing harm to their assigned agent or compromising the success of a mission. Several hacking tests are also performed on the technology to ensure that opposing personnel or agencies cannot hack into the vehicles and take full control over them, an occurrence that could result in detrimental effects.

Social Impact

Many agents feel a sense of empowerment when interacting with their C.A.R.S.. The act of associating with an automated "life form" is intriguing. For others, the existence of C.A.R.S. hardly ever crosses their minds. Not all agents are even assigned C.A.R.S.. Some operatives prefer to work with "non-sentient" vehicles, or use different vehicles for each mission.

Commander McCox gives newbies the rundown:
These CARS... the concept isreally cool and creepy at the same time. You know, I was around before voice assistants were all the rage. I'm not old. Not that old. Older than you. Probably a little bit. Maybe a few years... ANYWAYS. I remember when talking cars were pure science fiction. It was amazing to see them in television programs and movies. Self-driving cars? Flying cars? This world is really getting up to speed.
I like the idea of these CARS, but I can't help but think... are they really listening to you? Eavesdropping on conversations and such? I think so. A few times, I'm sure they were probably responsible for catching a rogue agent or two before too much damage was done. Those CARS learn you inside and out. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. You know, in the movies, there's always some kind of fear of AI uprising. I don't really think it would happen, but it sure COULD happen. That's why I'm glad there's a failsafe in the system where the CARS can self-destruct or be destroyed on command if need be. It's kinda sad when it happens though. It's almost like they're alive.

Are you going to get one? You've gotta be a really good agent to get one of those. I believe in you, kid. I never picked out a CAR of my own. I think it would be fun, but I wouldn't even know what to name it? I guess Elsewood didn't know, either. He just calls his CAR. Nothing special. They're literally called CARS already. He could have at least named her CARA or something. I don't know what that guy was thinking. Hey. When you get yours, do better, okay?

Related Vehicles

• C.A.R.