[ He doesn't answer the first question. Within this space of shared consciousness, it feels too intimate. Too vulnerable. And it's not that he doesn't trust K with the information. Not that he might not share it were they speaking verbally. But there's a degree of separation when they're not entwined, when they're not one system. His emotions had been complicated enough to deal with alone. To invite K into a space that could potentially bring about instability and glitches was not what K signed up for in his request to connect. What if something of Bilquis's magic inadvertently infected K like malware?
The risk is minimal, but it's not zero. Tech won't take the chance. So instead, he focuses on K's continued thoughts -- his summary of what Tech Boy said. Accurate and perfect in its analysis as he should have expected. Humans would have asked him to clarify, if they even cared to hear his involved explanation in the first place. And Tech's not blind. He knows most of the people he's met (and even loved) dismissed what he is in terms of thinking of him as just an ordinary human who can sometimes do cool tech things. K doesn't. He listens. He understands. And he doesn't question how such things are possible. Merely accepts them as they are.
It's nice. It's nice to be heard. And more than that, it's nice to be respected. Tech Boy has always spent much of his time like a scrappy chihuahua among the gods, screaming and throwing his weight around to be noticed and respected. But here? Now? He didn't seek K out for worship or to lord his power over him. He wanted to connect and K brought the respect. Maybe it's simply a part of who he is, but Tech Boy doubts it. A model belonging to the police department is likely a model designed, at least in part, to interrogate -- relentless and unwavering with little room for respect. ]
got it in one. but there's a bigger word i imagine you wanted to say. "tragic." would that be it? it's fucking tragic my existence is so inherently tied to humanity. especially because you and i both know technology will one day outlive their kind.
you pose a good question. one i'm not sure how to answer. humans are the important part of the equation, but i don't believe they're all. technology has also healed me back from the brink. could their worship be enough to keep me going? just don't know. don't have the data and facts on that one.
[ It's at this point where Tech takes a breather to open his eyes and simply focus on K in the flesh again. He doesn't break off the connection, but instead chooses to keep it going and to speak to K outside of their minds. He didn't answer the first question, and he's still not going to -- but with that question came a longing of its own. As neutral as K's tone had been, Tech Boy can't imagine he would have inquired about the choice of a name without having thought about that very topic on his own, in his own private time.
Tech Boy reaches out to capture one of K's hands, to slide his fingers overtop the android's knuckles and keep it there tenderly -- a soft little nudge for him to pay attention outside of their minds, too. ]
What about the name Kei....? K-E-I. Pronounced the exact same, but also a little something more. Pacific Islands in origin. And the meaning? Blessed.
[ He cracks a little smile at the irony. Some might call this entire meeting a blessing. Others would call it dumb luck. But either way, the name is still there on offer for K if he ever wanted to take it on for himself. ]
A name is an identity. And if your programming allows, you should claim that identity. One small step toward freedom.
[ His eyes settle on their hands. Even if Tech Boy hadn't said it in words, his use of if your programming allows hints at his own hang ups. Tech Boy cannot name himself because it's the job of the humans. He's bound by his own stupid rules of godhood. But.
no subject
The risk is minimal, but it's not zero. Tech won't take the chance. So instead, he focuses on K's continued thoughts -- his summary of what Tech Boy said. Accurate and perfect in its analysis as he should have expected. Humans would have asked him to clarify, if they even cared to hear his involved explanation in the first place. And Tech's not blind. He knows most of the people he's met (and even loved) dismissed what he is in terms of thinking of him as just an ordinary human who can sometimes do cool tech things. K doesn't. He listens. He understands. And he doesn't question how such things are possible. Merely accepts them as they are.
It's nice. It's nice to be heard. And more than that, it's nice to be respected. Tech Boy has always spent much of his time like a scrappy chihuahua among the gods, screaming and throwing his weight around to be noticed and respected. But here? Now? He didn't seek K out for worship or to lord his power over him. He wanted to connect and K brought the respect. Maybe it's simply a part of who he is, but Tech Boy doubts it. A model belonging to the police department is likely a model designed, at least in part, to interrogate -- relentless and unwavering with little room for respect. ]
got it in one. but there's a bigger word i imagine you wanted to say. "tragic." would that be it? it's fucking tragic my existence is so inherently tied to humanity. especially because you and i both know technology will one day outlive their kind.
you pose a good question. one i'm not sure how to answer. humans are the important part of the equation, but i don't believe they're all. technology has also healed me back from the brink. could their worship be enough to keep me going? just don't know. don't have the data and facts on that one.
[ It's at this point where Tech takes a breather to open his eyes and simply focus on K in the flesh again. He doesn't break off the connection, but instead chooses to keep it going and to speak to K outside of their minds. He didn't answer the first question, and he's still not going to -- but with that question came a longing of its own. As neutral as K's tone had been, Tech Boy can't imagine he would have inquired about the choice of a name without having thought about that very topic on his own, in his own private time.
Tech Boy reaches out to capture one of K's hands, to slide his fingers overtop the android's knuckles and keep it there tenderly -- a soft little nudge for him to pay attention outside of their minds, too. ]
What about the name Kei....? K-E-I. Pronounced the exact same, but also a little something more. Pacific Islands in origin. And the meaning? Blessed.
[ He cracks a little smile at the irony. Some might call this entire meeting a blessing. Others would call it dumb luck. But either way, the name is still there on offer for K if he ever wanted to take it on for himself. ]
A name is an identity. And if your programming allows, you should claim that identity. One small step toward freedom.
[ His eyes settle on their hands. Even if Tech Boy hadn't said it in words, his use of if your programming allows hints at his own hang ups. Tech Boy cannot name himself because it's the job of the humans. He's bound by his own stupid rules of godhood. But.
K isn't. So K does have the choice. ]