[Fandaniel reflexively flinches when the tail lashes out.]
My!
[Beneath his boot the robot whirrs in distress as the tail lances into its side. Fandaniel steps back, content that the creature is unlikely to go anywhere after taking such a blow.
He turns his attention to the stranger.]
I say, that is quite the appendage. Is it of your own design?
I can only take credit for augmenting its design, I'm afraid. It was originally made to replace an arm or a leg, but I made adjustments to it. It's a fascinating relic.
[Calmly, he speaks to the little drone.] Forgive my brutish method. Were I to have my usual tools at my disposal, this would be a series of clean cuts. Unfortunately, there's not much I can do about that right now.
[After kneeling down, Bondrewd proceeds to pry open the robot with both the strength of his tail and his hands. Eventually, he succeeds in exposing its insides for both himself and Fandaniel to examine.
Indeed. Simple circuitry and chips, but it's certainly more than what was available not but a few minutes ago.
[Quietly, he observes that the interior is like the last robot he pried open. They all seem to be programmed more or less the same. No unique personalities, and yet... well, it branches into his answer to Fandaniel.]
Perhaps not. Yet, they emulate distress convincingly, don't they? It's probably just a programmed response to dissuade others from vandalizing, but even so, I respect the job it does.
Although admittedly that perception of mine could be skewed. The last machine I encountered was extremely convincing in how alive he could be. I was very impressed with his craftsmanship.
[Fandaniel tilts his hooded head, considering the stranger's words.]
Hm. If their makers wished to dissuade vandalism then they could have built their robots to dispense electric shocks. It would have been simple and far more effective. Why go through the effort of emulating emotion?
[He waves a dismissive hand.]
Bah, no matter.
You have aroused my curiosity. Do tell me about this "living" machine you witnessed.
I am certain there must be a reason. So I would like to study at least one or two more of these. There is much room for study in these adorable robots.
[Bondrewd's arms fold, a thoughtful position even if it may be difficult to tell what he's thinking.]
Ah yes. That "boy-type" machine... I regret not finding out more about how he functions, but quite a fascinating doll. One that appears to genuinely hold emotions, to feel hunger, to eat, to feel pain. He even had some form of excrement. I didn't have the chance to properly dissect him, as hardy as his body is.
An impressive fighter as well. Battling him was immensely exhilarating.
Oh, I am completely certain. Even if you have a valid suggestion, I can reassure you this was a robot. He could "eat his fill" via pure electricity if the opportunity presents itself as well. So it seems food is an alternative energy source where he can actually taste it.
I merely regret not being able to examine him further. An interesting relic indeed.
As for our little drone here... significantly less complicated, but perhaps useful?
[Fandaniel pulls a wire loose and holds it up for inspection.]
It is an antiquated and rather facile design but that simply makes it easier to modify. I could see it being a convenient way of spying on people or carrying mmm...secret messages, especially if the locals and other residents see these machines as benign.
[He gasps and touches a gloved hand to his lips.]
Oh! Not that I would ever deign to use this technology for nefarious purposes! I am merely "thinking out loud" as they say.
A fine idea. Though we've been provided a public network, presumably anyone can read it. Surely, it's monitored. So, to have a more... discreet method would be wise.
no subject
I am, much more than most from my world.
Now then. [A long, armored prehensile tail whips around from under Bondrewd's coat.] This will be enough to begin. A curious little thing, isn't it?
[The tail quickly stabs into the robot's side, twisting slightly to begin forcing it open.]
no subject
My!
[Beneath his boot the robot whirrs in distress as the tail lances into its side. Fandaniel steps back, content that the creature is unlikely to go anywhere after taking such a blow.
He turns his attention to the stranger.]
I say, that is quite the appendage. Is it of your own design?
no subject
[Calmly, he speaks to the little drone.] Forgive my brutish method. Were I to have my usual tools at my disposal, this would be a series of clean cuts. Unfortunately, there's not much I can do about that right now.
[After kneeling down, Bondrewd proceeds to pry open the robot with both the strength of his tail and his hands. Eventually, he succeeds in exposing its insides for both himself and Fandaniel to examine.
The kicking of the legs slow to a stop.]
no subject
Not quite as advanced as I'd hoped, but, still...
I see the potential for improvements.
[A weapon or a servant perhaps, or a way to spy on others?
His fevered mind whirls with possibilities.]
Do you make a habit of speaking to machines? I assure you they find no meaning in your solace.
no subject
[Quietly, he observes that the interior is like the last robot he pried open. They all seem to be programmed more or less the same. No unique personalities, and yet... well, it branches into his answer to Fandaniel.]
Perhaps not. Yet, they emulate distress convincingly, don't they? It's probably just a programmed response to dissuade others from vandalizing, but even so, I respect the job it does.
Although admittedly that perception of mine could be skewed. The last machine I encountered was extremely convincing in how alive he could be. I was very impressed with his craftsmanship.
no subject
Hm. If their makers wished to dissuade vandalism then they could have built their robots to dispense electric shocks. It would have been simple and far more effective. Why go through the effort of emulating emotion?
[He waves a dismissive hand.]
Bah, no matter.
You have aroused my curiosity. Do tell me about this "living" machine you witnessed.
no subject
[Bondrewd's arms fold, a thoughtful position even if it may be difficult to tell what he's thinking.]
Ah yes. That "boy-type" machine... I regret not finding out more about how he functions, but quite a fascinating doll. One that appears to genuinely hold emotions, to feel hunger, to eat, to feel pain. He even had some form of excrement. I didn't have the chance to properly dissect him, as hardy as his body is.
An impressive fighter as well. Battling him was immensely exhilarating.
no subject
He never looks over at Bondrewd, but he's listening closely.]
I can't say I have ever encountered a machine that felt pain, hunger, and a need to defecate.
Are you quite certain he was entirely a robot? Perhaps he was a mortal being who had been enhanced?
no subject
I merely regret not being able to examine him further. An interesting relic indeed.
As for our little drone here... significantly less complicated, but perhaps useful?
no subject
[Fandaniel pulls a wire loose and holds it up for inspection.]
It is an antiquated and rather facile design but that simply makes it easier to modify. I could see it being a convenient way of spying on people or carrying mmm...secret messages, especially if the locals and other residents see these machines as benign.
[He gasps and touches a gloved hand to his lips.]
Oh! Not that I would ever deign to use this technology for nefarious purposes! I am merely "thinking out loud" as they say.
no subject
[He coyly adds:]
In theory, of course. A good musing.
no subject
[Spoken like a man who smashed a robot before he could be properly offered a tablet.
He thinks he knows what Bondrewd is describing but just to be sure...]
Pray tell me more about this "network".