016 웃 VOICE

[secretasshole]

[David's voice is flat when he clicks on the video feed. He doesn't sound sad, really, or angry. He's not programmed to experience those emotions the same way humans are, and so it's probably more accurate to say he sounds disappointed.

And maybe a little depressed.]

My creator said I was the closest thing to a son he would ever have. But because I was not human, I would never appreciate the gifts he'd given me - freedom from aging and death - because I lacked the one thing that would make me worthwhile to him. A soul.

During this breach, I had a soul, and chose to have it cut away from me. [And he's just. So sick of this, of being forced to confront these issues and knowing that no one's going to understand. This is all just so pointless.

There's a long pause, and he does consider saying something else, but ultimately just turns the feed off. It's the android equivalent of a fuck it, it's not worth it.]

Comments

[routemistress]

Don't like people, or just didn't like them?

[secretasshole]

Both, generally.

[routemistress]

...I'll admit there can be a lot not to like. I enjoy the endless possibilities of 'em, meself.

What don't you like? Specifically. I'm curious if it's just David-normal or if it's a reaction to 'ow people've treated you. Or summat else entirely, of course.

[secretasshole]

As I've made clear before, I don't appreciate people's attitudes towards artificial life forms, and it has been an unfortunately common behavior to encounter. Besides that, I've found most sentient, organic beings to be incredibly arrogant.

I also find nosy, overly familiar beings who are quick to make assumptions about others and use their curiosity as a shield to cover all irresponsible or offensive behavior particularly frustrating.

[routemistress]

[Iris grins, wide and catlike; amused, not especially friendly.]

And you're not arrogant at all. And never make assumptions about organic people either.

[secretasshole]

[Which is just getting you one in return, because you are still on his shit list. B(]

Except from your position of power, my making assumptions is a minor, temporary inconvenience. For those like me, being the subject of a false assumption can be quite significant.

[routemistress]

Which is why I try not to make 'em, David. It's why I try and talk to you, even when you're a complete git about it.

[secretasshole]

Your tactless attitude can and occasionally does cause more harm than good. It has, for example, done nothing to convince me that I'm in the wrong for finding most other sentient beings entirely intolerable, and I'm fairly certain that has something to do with my still being on this ship.

[routemistress]

...I know. I do try and watch meself; but I get away from me a lot.

I don't see why you need to like other people. Not like there aren't plenty of organic antisocial bastards out there.

[secretasshole]

I'd say you're welcome to provide a different hypothesis, but I wouldn't be surprised if you were planning on offering one regardless of my thoughts on the matter.

[routemistress]

No. I don't know your 'istory. You've been on this boat with me what, amost a year? All that time, I don't recall you 'urting anyone or starting any rabies epidemics. You're a bit of a git, but if people were inmates for that we'd need a much bigger boat. So no. I don't think you're expected to be a social butterfly to graduate, but I don't 'ave enough data for a proper 'ypothesis.

You've 'ad some bad luck with wardens, too, 'aven't you?

[secretasshole]

That's one way of putting it.

[routemistress]

It's the only way of putting it. You didn't corrupt Aya or drive 'er off. You've not been paired since, 'ave you? I don't remember.

[secretasshole]

No, I haven't.

[routemistress]

Kara might suit you. Or Polly, actually. You might consider talking to some of the unpaired wardens and see who works out. I'd offer meself, but I think we both know I wouldn't be right for you.

[secretasshole]

I'm not interested in being assigned a warden or finding a substitute in the interim.

[routemistress]

You want out of 'ere, don't you? If you were going to make it 'appen alone, you'd've done it by now. Don't dismiss my advice just because I annoy you, David, I'm still usually right.

[secretasshole]

As I've said on numerous occasions, I have very little reason to return to my own world, or take up residence in someone else's. I am dismissing your advice because it has extraordinarily little relevance to my ultimate fate, and because you assumed you knew the solution that would best suit me instead of asking me what I want.

[routemistress]

I'm not assuming so much as extrapolating, dear. You were the one being all bitter about power imbalances earlier; are you trying to tell me you're all right with not 'aving the freedom to leave?

And you've no obligation to take any of my advice. I just throw ideas out there. Pick 'em up or leave 'em; my satisfaction's in 'aving them.

[secretasshole]

Then I'm leaving them.