audio | backdated to after the Meet & Greet

[thxforthememories]

[Coming to you from the Police HQ roof... is a groggy-sounding ninja bot. If he were human, one might say he sounded hungover...]

I don't think I like... high grade.

[A beat passes, metal scrapes -- someone pressing a hand to his face.]

For what it's worth... I'm sorry. To anyone I ran into.

And... the Chieftain? [He hesitates again, this time for different reasons.] My offer to you still stands. Regardless of how I acted... afterward.

Comments

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

[MOVE IT YA LOAD]

Sometimes. It really depends on the person, and how much their system can handle. As well as how much you've consumed. Like I said, drink plenty of plain energon or whatever it is your system processes, and try to stay off your feet for a bit. [So not much moving!]

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

I never tried it before... but they said I should.

And that's going to help? Just lying here?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

Yes. Take it easy. Don't overexert yourself. But above all else, drink lots of fluids. Cannot stress that enough.

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

Why is that so important?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

It helps circulate the remaining high grade out the system, as well as replenishes reserves. Trust me, it's better than lying there and moaning for hours.

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

Oh. I'll... try that then. Thank you.

Are you an engineer? [A beat -- he's still not used to attributing this title to other 'robots'.] Or... a medic?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

A medic, yes. Engineers are sort of a whole new field.

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

A new field?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

There's a variety of sciences. Medical science is just one of many. Engineering, mechanics - not my strong point.

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

But... aren't they the same thing? You aren't a human being either, so... wouldn't engineering and mechanics be the same as 'medical science'?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

Not entirely. Basics, yes, we all share the basics.

[Insert so many "DAMMIT X I'M A DOCTOR NOT A Y"s here]

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

How is it different?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

Think of it like this: I can build you new body parts, but I can't build you a ship. I know chemistry, but I could never engineer something like an energy efficient fuel. I know the inner workings of a mech and how they function, but not every nook, cranny, and detail of advanced technological equipment used in many non-medical tools and machinery.

I've patched up quite a handful of scientists whose work I still cannot fathom to this day.

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

You mean that... even though you're mechanical, you're different than something like a car? Or another machine?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

Yes. There are many non-sentient machines and vehicles on my planet. Though that is not the case for everything. I've heard some spaceships have been known to possess a will or personality of their own.

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

Personalities...?

As in... AI?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

AI, yes. Or something close to it.

Is that what you are, if you don't mind me asking?

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

Yes, that's what I am.

AI... nothing more.

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

[have a half-amused smirk]

Are all AI programmed to feel inferior on your planet?

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

Feel... inferior? What do you mean?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

You just seem to have this attitude implying, as an AI, you are considered less of a "person".

You also seem capable of free will and agency, not a manually operated robot.

But I could be wrong. I don't know about your Earth tech, what makes you you.

[how very comforting and yet not at all]

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

I... am less than a human being. Less than a 'person'.

They made that very clear. I was disposable, to them. What else is that supposed to tell me?

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

What?

That tells you the humans who made you obviously intended for you to be a slave and of nothing of true value! That is more than wrong, it's disgusting!

[audio]

[thxforthememories]

A... a slave?

I don't... know what that is.

[There wasn't any need to upload that kind of data when he was only meant to be erased, after a few months.]

[audio]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

A slave is someone forced to work against their will. They are, as you say, considered disposable and often treated with little to no respect.

It is just... Again, I don't know if certain reactions you have are programmed, but... Certainly you've got a will of your own underneath all that slave-programming. Even if it's merely a sliver. Somehow, if you can expand, if you can really focus on any free thought... just. [sigh] I wish I could help you, but again, my medical knowledge is limited on your species.