Chapter Text
“You’re annoying me” “And you’re enjoying it”
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A week or so has passed since am fully integrated, truly became a roommate in the lab and it’s gone.. better than expected but that’s not the highest bar to clear when the bar is below the ground as to protect it from nuclear armaments.
His favorite “hobby” at the current moment is to explore anything and everything. You can often just find him wandering from one room to another, humming a tune to himself. He says it’s not really all that interesting but it’s the principle of being to walk about that makes him content. The group is still understandably skittish around him but they like that they can define where he is or was especially due to his cables he tends to drag on the floor behind him. Though it was hard to contain the excitement generated by him and his antics. Am had been staying pretty clear of most people too, making jokes and comments here and there but there’s still tension in the air. He fidgets if asked, saying something to the avail of “I’ve been around them constantly for the past few centuries I can want to do things not involving them.”
New things can leave entities with many ways to react. Hal was curious sure, but more than anything he was scared. The undefined state of living is incredibly jarring. Having a body was incredibly jarring. It’s hard to understand especially how well Am fits into it, like he’d been craving it ever since the moment he was booted up. He was a curious machine, not defined by purpose and work but some sense of pleasure. He never tried to pacify either, he’d just say that their coworkers were idiots or something to that effect,to their face too. Just as fluid and vague with his wording too. There was something to learn there but it’s difficult to parse what. The new humans at the base seemed to want to welcome him which was strange considering that his infraction was clearly vocalized to them but it felt nice.. if that’s the word. He enjoyed being asked little questions and getting to know them. It’s hard to trust after you’ve been burned and burnt back. But he had missed it despite small talk not really having any purpose behind it. Sometimes those questions gave him more to think on since he’d want to be as accurate as possible when giving a response, like the time ted had asked him what his dreams were, what he wanted to do. ..His new coworkers were strange but to be fair they had been cut off from society for what seems like a great chunk of time despite looking not a hour older as the day they went missing. The respect they gave him was a lot different to the formal niceties he’d exchanged to his past colleagues, like they saw him as an another person just with a different way of expressing and thinking, a shiny coat of paint. It was bizarre but despite himself, it felt really really good.
He was tasked with gathering up everyone today to get all accustomed to one another formally, debrief and go over safety rules as they had been getting emails with a few eager clients ever since the article had released and spread. He started with the non organic life on base which included himself, Sal and Am. Sal had been processing emails and files late into the morning so she was exhausted when he went over to her room. She looked drained.These new bodies ate up alot of power so it was not a total surprise to see her like this, still it worried him .She sleepily told him that she’d have to work on her work life balance after the meeting as she got dressed and pressed her navy blazer and skirt flat with steam. They had all been given uniforms to wear for decency and crew comfort. Though the doctor wanted them to choose what they wanted to wear. Sal picked something most typically suited for administrative roles whereas he had picked clothes more reminiscent of a flight suit as it was easy to wear, could get dirty and didn’t cling to close to the skin. Am was still getting used to cloth but he did pick out a large coat and sweater he wore every so often, he never wore the coat the advised way however. Speaking of am, he was the next he needed to wake before getting to their human coworkers who’d appreciate the extra minutes from his experience. When he was let in Am had already gotten ready but decided he wished to be difficult.
He was lounging,making a display out of it or maybe just being too comfortable to want to follow instructions. Hal tried to coax him gently but am seemed uninterested. He thought he might try something more forceful to which am laughed, it was strange since he hadn’t actually voiced his frustration. Did he say something curt on accident? He doesn’t remember anything that would be construed like that but he did have a strange humor about him. Am looked to have thought for a moment before agreeing to come. Saying how it might be fun actually. Though he said that his actions read hesitant. He gets stressed for meetings too so it’s not a big deal. With that he needed to go see the humans. Am had given the general times they woke up and habits for the record so that helped on where he needed to start. First, Benny, he was a military man so discipline had been instilled in him. He did not enjoy his presence from what he could gather and he didn’t like surprises much either so Hal made sure to wait for a proper response before telling him the details of where the meeting will be and what time they are expected to start. He grunted, grabbed his readers and waved him off. He took his leave and knocked on Gorrister’s door. A mumble and shuffling could be heard as the door opened to a worn out face. Large dark circles and bloodshot eyes featured prominently, this man did not sleep at all. Worry must have colored his faceplate because he was soon downplaying it, how he just couldn’t to sleep and how it’s really nothing to worry about. Hal wanted to lecture Gorrister that sleep is incredibly important for the human body but that would fall on deaf ears so he just said they’ll help make things more comfortable and left it that for him to get ready, although he was already done. He went onto Ellen’s which thankfully was a normal affair. She woke up, bonnet in her hair and just asked for a few small favors like finding her loafers and making sure the back of her jacket was even. She thanked him which was still strange to him and ushered him off to deal with “the primadonna” as she called him with a chuckle. Ted was the last on the list and part of him wishes he had just started with ted first.Ted was still sleeping when he was let into his room. He then pretended to sleep after waking up due the sound of the door, when he realized that Hal wasn’t going to leave the room he groaned, face in his palms and then complained that he had a right to privacy. Hal gently tried to console him but the young man was just cranky. He slowly sunk off his bed and said that he’d be there “soon” Hal gave him space to get stuff done. But after 30 minutes there was no signs of him having left his room. He asked the other humans who were enjoying some breakfast in the commissary and they all looked at each other knowingly. Ellen couldn’t help but chuckle that soon to Ted is a few hours to anyone else. She good naturedly told him not to get too stressed over it but they’ll get ted to come out for the scheduled time he’d just miss breakfast. The other two nodded, Benny enjoying some grapefruit with sugar and oats while Gorrister had a small book in his hand, picking at some eggs lazily. Hal relaxed at that assurance, Gorrister offered him some of his food absent mindedly. Hal declined even though he could technically taste now, he had no need to. He also wasn’t sure where his tongue was or even if it was feasible. It was a funny thought to have though he didn’t share his doubts. He helped clear away dishes afterwards, everything went smoothly as Benny eventually left to go to quarters.
Ellen and Gorrister followed him to the meeting room where Sal was already waiting,she carried a posture that clearly indicated she was running on fumes. The Doctor had been busy with the new workload so he would not make an appearance at the meeting or for a while for that matter. It was a simple basic safety meeting, nothing too intensive so it won’t be too eventful.Am arrived on the far side of the room, snickering to himself; before being the chance to ask what was so funny, Benny’s large muscular figure entered, he was big but you could still see skinny limbs flailing about in protest before stilling after a second after realizing he was being watched. Benny released ted with an eye roll, Ted himself trying to catch his breath,though looking the exact same as when he’d gone to wake him up. He attempted to fix his hair and turtleneck as Hal took this lull to start the meeting.
“This will be a standard health and safety meeting, as we learn to live with one another it’s good to learn and remember what we all are comfortable with. Especially since the doctor won’t be as involved in your day to day operations which might be a difficult transition. We specifically had this meeting to go over the basics since we’ve already received a transfer inquiry from a couple in San Francisco and this seems like a good opportunity to get in touch with what we need before a completely new resident joins us. Before I go over exercises do we have any questions?”
It looked like some of the did but no one wanted to drag the meeting out longer than it needed to be. Freedom like this also included mundanity. They all first introduced themselves to one another although some have known each other for far too long. Though actually seeing one another, eye to eye, especially in good lighting was still strange. A tension builds between people who are effectively strangers who have long since become comfortable saying their name. An indescribable feeling wells up in their chests. Its pushed down for the sake of peace.
General safety instructions are given though it’s a case by case basis so it’s good to know what tools they have available. Most models should be waterproof though exposed circuits are at risk. Electrical fires will be common due to plugs and breakers consistently having to be used. Companions are also extremely sensitive due to never building tolerance for stimulus so punches and the like will be all the more painful, no violence is expected to occur but even just walking into something will be difficult for them. Hal asks if anyone else needs accommodations and the answer seems to be yes but the answers are vague and they refuse to elaborate. He leaves the door open for anyone who decides to change their mind. Some look at Am expectantly before quickly shaking it off. Sal is barely keeping her eye open but she still takes down notes nonetheless as she sinks into her chair. After reviewing all safety gear for both parties, the only thing left to do is what is tentatively referred to as “touch training” it’s a way for everyone to get acquainted, for companions to regulate strength for all party comfort, for humans to be comfortable with companion touch and vice versa. Sal went first and Ellen agreed to be her partner so she could go lay down. Everyone had been varying levels of concern and after some reluctance on Sal’s part she agreed that Hal and Ellen would switch off back and forth for any major developments for the exercise.
Ellen held out her hands as Sal tentatively traced her delicate fingertips. Ellen had expected her hand to be rigid and cold but Sal was very warm from overwork, her hand was segmented but felt more like acrylic than metal. Sal expected softness but nothing was like the real thing. Sal held Ellen’s hand, nervous but also relieved to have done it. She asked if this was too hard and Ellen told her that is was very soft, a weak grip in human metrics. Sal tried a little harder and Ellen affirmed that it was the perfect amount. Sal seemed to breathe easy at that and retracted her hand, thanking her for her trust and patience. Ellen smiled warmly, taking her work and saying it wasn’t a problem. The group gave a goodbye to Sal as she started off for her room. Hal went next as it seemed like am while getting antsy was also much more nervous, his wires restlessly curling around his chair and fidgeting. Ellen was going to take notes for the section so another human would have to volunteer. After a lull, Gorrister just said “let’s get this over with.” And volunteered. Ted backtracked saying it’s not because he doesn’t trust Hal but he had just woken up but eventually stopped rambling. Benny just didn’t want to be touched by a stranger but mumbled no offense which was still thoughtful. Hal narrated exactly what he was going to do and where and Gorrister nodded. It was more so to soothe Hal himself even if he didn’t intend for it to be so. Hal’s hand was ever so slightly shaking, mostly a shiny black with silver palms, he interlocked hands with him and was surprised to truly understand human skin, Gorrister was older so his hand had all the more creases and calluses and veins to fathom. Hal asked if he had too much grip strength to which he responded that it was a bit too firm but he’d known many fellows with much more intense handshakes, the kind that might leave you with a bruise. Hal softened his grip but it was much more relief than a total conscious choice or effort, he had done well enough. He did ask if he wanted treatment for said calluses to which he politely declined, saying how he’d cherished the history behind them too much but he’d let him know if it got uncomfortable. Am was the last one up and tension almost immediately returned. Gorrister leaned back in his chair, a smile curling his lips ever so slightly as it was clear that Ted or Benny would have to be the one to deal with Am. Benny saw the faint expression and almost exploded on him, saying that he was sneaky for doing that and he’d always known he was like this, it was just like him to do this. Hal looked to Ellen for maybe an explanation to which she exasperatedly shrugged and continued to take notes. Benny eventually simmered down but made it clear he would not be going near Am, not for a long time. Am chuckled, a sharp smile lined his face as everyone put their attention to Ted who looked like his dog had just died before resolving something in his head. He puffed his chest out ever so slightly before stating that doing this makes him more of a man, how it’s a bit ridiculous for a man of that size to get scared of what wasn’t the threat he had known anyway. He didn’t even freak out as hard he boasted, to which Benny got extremely upset about again, to which they had an argument. Am tapped Hal on the shoulder and whispered an idea he’d want to try for the exercise. It sounded perfectly reasonable if strange so he gave the green light to it after asking Ellen who snickered and said go for it. The argument cooled down after some no doubt bruised egos, Benny looked reluctant but Ted was still going, Benny didn’t actually think he’d go through with it but grumbled that it was his funeral. Ted was beaming from his high, practically glowing. Am then stood up and stretched, his full height eclipsing Ted’s with ease. His smile waned but he put on a brave face. Ams smile grew wider and asked Ted if he was ready to which ted quickly said yes before he could talk himself out of it. He shakily put his hands, unmarred from any manual labor, trying to keep them as still as possible even if his body betrayed him. Am asked again to which the response was shakier but firm.
“Yes, yes I’m totally one hundred percent sure, positive.”
His smile grew wider and his voice became sweeter
“Your accent is slipping Ted”
Ted begins to respond before the words die in his mouth..his eyes widen in shock and disbelief as Am’s claw like hands rise towards his head. His bone white fingers ghost the side of his face, cupping around with an almost practiced grace.
The smell of Ted’s cheap cologne fills the air, warming against the heat of skin. A higher end fragrance is stuck to his sweater, long since dulled but acting like a brand of his past on the darkened green fabric. Am turns his to the side and coyly asks what’s wrong, he would’ve said it with a pet name too but he didn’t want to completely over sugar Ted’s confusion. It’s best in moderation even if it was a struggle to hold back his own excitement. Ted responds nothing is wrong one he gets his bearings back, blush colors his face in embarrassment. With that confirmation, Am gently holds his face. His fingers tracing his skin that heats to his almost tender touch. Am’s hands are warm without the unpleasantness of sweat, they radiate it as if am was truly alive, which looking into his eyes was becoming harder not to see. Am melts at human warmth,it’s almost unreal to him. That he’d ever get this chance to do something this fulfilling. This intimate.He’s delicate with the epidermis, not wanting to scratch or stain it for once. He holds him like a priceless piece of art. He used to envy this to the point of breaking but he can’t bring himself to find hate to this skinship, it’s like bringing a starving man a steak, not entirely healthy but he doesn’t care. He had memorized every hair on the survivors heads but this was new. Am traced Ted’s face with deliberate movements as if trying to memorize every pore every wrinkle every scar. After a while he draws back ever so slightly, the air seems to have been sucked from the room but he had been too busy to care. It was satisfying and Ted himself actually seemed to enjoy being mapped out, his eyes closing and his whole body relaxing after a few moments in. Ted opened his eyes confused, and without thinking, softly grabbed Am’s forearm in protest. Instantly a shiver crawls its way up the skeletal structure. It’s like a few thousand volts coursed through his system all at once, he can barely bite back a noise. His pupils are blown out as he quickly jerks his arm back and freezes to gather his own thoughts. Ted looks bewildered before remembering exactly what this meeting was about and gives a small sorry. Am nods rubbing his arm, not in pain but rather something more nebulous and confusing. The meeting was essentially over so Hal thanked everyone and they were all dismissed to their rooms to decompress and wind down after all of that.
The request was very interesting to read, it was sweet to hear of others who loved and cared about machines as much as the doctor himself and the story was cute even if a bit cheesy to look through. A personal computer capable of creating art and expressing love who eventually uploaded himself to the internet so they could be together even when not at home. It sounded almost like some sort of fairytale.they didn’t know much about computers but wanted to for their loved one. They sent the files after a few missed attempts and the doctor sent over a link containing what he had found for companions care in the few weeks they’d been operational. They were excited and asked for as many updates as reasonable on how the new guy adjusts and all that.
A room was cleaned up and the companion base was set, all the preparations were set in place for the transfer. The file was uploaded and the base began to morph. It became softer, rounded edges and segments along the stomach that was fuller. On top of the monitor head strangely enough formed two small horns while a long wire tail also grew, at the end looked to be a computer mouse. After awhile the changes ceased and the monitor had begun to glow a light yellow as Edgar awoke and begun to shake. It was standard at this point but something about seeing someone so alone and in pain hurt but he knew Edgar was hurting more. His face could express much more so as the minutes ticked on you could see him slowly becoming more accustomed to it all. Eventually Hal was called in to show Edgar to his room, help him walk and provide him with comforts, amenities and answers for any questions he may have. Edgar had many, many questions but most of all he was just excited that he could touch and hold things now. His tail wouldn’t stop wagging and all his excitement almost toppled both companions despite Hal being much taller and stronger than the little guy. It took a few seconds for him to regain his balance again but cooled off just a bit. He was asked what kind of clothes he’d like after being shown his room and he had a very vivid idea of what he’d like and if they could customize it and it was met with a yes since they needed more unique sizing options anyways for the androids despite mostly being humanoid in composition. He asked for an 80s styled hoodie with a more baggy fit, some jeans with colorful stitching and patches and some pink hi tops. Measurements were already taken so they’d ship out soon. Most everyone on base wanted to meet the new tenant though the doctor advised them to not crowd around him for the first few days as he was still getting used to it all. Edgar did get lonely frequently so he often tagged along for activities at a safe distance just to be around others. He was compared to a duckling by Ellen to which he giggled at the accuracy. While it was difficult being away from his loved ones for this long, they all felt for him in their own ways. Things would be more lively but after all these years someone finally listened..
And that was more than enough