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[obeir]

KD6-3.7

[ un: uses both K and kd6-3.7 ]

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[twatter]

[ 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.

K isn't. So K does have the choice. ]

[obeir]

[ Sometimes the lack of an answer is an answer in itself. He hadn't thought that would be the question that might infringe on boundaries, but true to his word, he leaves it at that; Tech might get an impression of an apologetic acknowledgement and withdrawal. Satisfying his curiosity at the expense of Tech's comfort isn't worth it, not when he's hoping that — this, all of this, can be more than a one-off for them.

Now that he's experienced shared consciousness with someone like him, he doesn't want to lose it. He'd never been allowed to cultivate any sense of kinship with other androids in his home universe — while humans despised him for being what he is, he was also ostracised by his own kind because of what he was ordered to do. Understandably. It's only in Folkmore that he's been able to escape that lonely isolation, that level of prejudice, though even here attitudes toward advanced technology such as robots and AI could sometimes be... Well. He tries to be forgiving of ignorance, even if the same grace wouldn't be extended to him. ]

I was attempting to be diplomatic. You're correct.

If the humans responsible for your existence are anything like those of my home universe— [ What he means could best be illustrated with a memory of where he's from, but for the time being he refrains from sharing one, thinking it probably requires a separate discussion first. But the impulse is discernible enough for Tech to probably pick up on it. ] You deserve better.

I also have to say, regarding you being the sum of the human internet, I'm astounded you're able to hold a coherent conversation. [ Just a touch of dry humour for levity before moving back to more serious topics. ] Healed you back from the brink. How does that work? Does being in proximity to technology — help you? [ Could I help you, in other words.

While they've been digitally conversing, K's gaze has intermittently drifted between his notebook and Tech, and at some point he'd even briefly sketched out a thought in the margin of a page. But the pen has since been set aside and his head is bowed when Tech reaches, physically, to draw his attention back outward. Raising his eyes, he takes in the suggestion in silence. But his expression conveys his feelings quite clearly: the almost stricken, uncertain look, that gradually eases into thoughtful consideration at the same time he hesitantly turns his hand palm-up, finding comfort in the physical contact. Not holding hands, exactly, just touching.

How can he be so utterly transparent to someone he's only known for the duration of a single conversation? There are people who've known him for months who don't have the faintest idea of his conflicted feelings regarding his lack of name. Though, to be fair to them, he doesn't often volunteer much information about himself beyond what he is — and that mainly because his identity as an android has become important to him — preferring to keep the conversational spotlight on others.

Just as Tech is bound by the rules of godhood, K's bound by programmed limitations. Only his recognised handler can name him. Or that's been his understanding, as he hasn't been capable of naming himself, and—... This is the first time anyone else has suggested a name for him, so that method's untested. Is it really as simple as that? Can he just... accept it, keep it? He doesn't actually know (and he's almost afraid to hope, lest it lead to crushing disappointment), but he pushes past the strange tightness in his throat to respond. ]

That's a good name. Too good for something like me. [ This isn't a self-deprecating statement. It's what he was programmed and socialised to believe. ] But... [ His voice softens, as though imparting a secret. ] I do like it. Would it retain its meaning even as a nickname?

[ Because that may be the compromise he'll have to make. And in light of Tech giving him a name, a gesture he's still trying to wrap his head around, the unanswered question resurfaces at the forefront of his mind. But he doesn't press the matter, just wonders if perhaps Tech could likewise accept a (nick)name given to him. If he'd even want one. Though K would have a hard time beating Kei. A god-bestowed blessing that he's determined to keep in whatever capacity he can. ]

[twatter]

[ There's a quirk of a smile after K's internet comment. Humor. Tech would like to hope K found his sense of humor on his own. But it was possibly part of the program. Humans liked humor, too. ]

it's okay to connect and upload if there's something you need to show me. so long as you're free of malware, haha

[ He'd sensed K's urge before and the way he held back. Wanting permission? Well permission granted. ]

being around technology does help. in the place i was at prior to this one, we were taken to an island without a single scrap of technology. no electricity, no network, no connections. there were a few fellow AI there who i connected with. similar to this.

they kept me alive.

[ And there's no shame in admitting that. Not to another being of technology. If this was a human or even another deity, Tech would have kept it close to his chest -- not wanting to give them anything they could perceive as a weakness. But what is a modern day tech god without technology? Where the worship shriveled up and died, he would have too, were it not for them. But alive wasn't living. He was weak. Frail. Only restored to full juice once their home was rebuilt and electricity restored.

Simultaneous conversations are fairly simple to maintain. Speaking internally and externally could happen without missing a single beat for two beings designed to think and process faster than a human could blink. What causes a slight distraction for Tech is the turning of K's hand -- the way the pads of their fingers touch and palms meet, warm and smooth. Physical contact only deepens the connection -- like plugging in. Tech pauses for a fraction of a second before he answers. ]

Someone like you.

[ Tech Boy squeezes K's hand for emphasis -- a light little pulse of pressure before it relaxes into position. He could draw back. He's made his point, got K's attention. But....it's more efficient, isn't it? Operating this way. With a physical connection point. ]

You're not a thing. And someone like you is every bit as worthy of a name as the rest of the primates.

[ Not a flattering descriptor for humans. But also not inaccurate. ]

But yes. The meaning would still hold, even as a nickname. It could be something just for you and me -- if you're not quite ready to wear it out in the world.

[obeir]

It wasn't that important. Just a memory of where I'm from that's probably better off staying in my head.

Always use protection when interfacing with unverified systems.

[ A joke for a joke, though the malware comment does raise some valid concerns. Their systems seem natively compatible, able to connect as though they were made to, which he can only assume is down to Tech being what he is. But what if there are aspects of their systems that could unintentionally cause damage to the other? How would he even know? His own self-maintenance capabilities only extend so far. ]

A complete blackout. [ Even lacking a voice, there's a weight to his words as he realises what that would mean for a god of technology. It's sobering. ] I'm glad they were there and willing to help sustain you. Should anything like that happen here — I'll find you.

[ The squeeze is reciprocated, an acknowledgement of what he's being told as well as an offer of comfort in its own right. And to that end, K finally dares to gently entwine their fingers and accepts the correction without comment, uninterested in arguing the point. Why would he? Regardless of his beliefs, it's — encouraging, being told he's someone. Worthy. Deserving. More things that shouldn't matter to him, and yet it's like Tech's tapped into his psyche and is unearthing desires so well-hidden, their existence had remained undetected even on the baseline tests he was regularly subjected to. ]

I'd be proud to wear it out in the world. But I don't know if I'm allowed to. Or if my programming will accept it. [ The two statements partially overlap. Even the abbreviated form of his serial number, "K", had been his handler's decision. ] Though something that's just between us... that would be special in its own way. I'd like that, too.

Would you... [ He trails off in uncertainty. False start, but it's clear he isn't done speaking. Tech hadn't answered his original question about wanting a name. But he's refined the question into something more specific, and figures it's worth putting out there. ] If I could think of a meaningful name for you. Would you want one? Even if it's just between us.

[twatter]

[ Faint amusement comes to his face at K's joke, and he wants to insist that all parts of K are important -- even if it's a simple memory he thinks is better suited to remain in his head. Tech Boy wants to understand him -- one operating system to the next. He wants to know the parts that make him who he is, what parts are predetermined and what parts are the sum of his experiences. He wants to know.

But K's fingers twine with his and a million processes only focus on that for a few precious seconds. Having spent so much of this incarnation in solitude and isolation, he takes to touch like a man wandering upon an oasis in the desert. It's as vital and precious as water. And then, Tech continues on as though there hadn't been a pause at all. If he doesn't draw focus to it, maybe K won't realize how starved of affection he's been. ]

i'd appreciate it. this place might still be pretty backwoods and archaic compared to what we're used to, but its worlds better than hell. so i SHOULD be good for the most part here.

but yanno.

likewise, man. if shit starts to go bad, i can give you a charge.

[ His eyes flicker toward their hands again, residing there for the time being. Maybe all hands are like this -- but he can't help but feel as though K's hand specifically fits perfectly within his. A flawless design. Smooth but capable. Tech traces the pad of his thumb along the edge of K's knuckles, marveling at the craftsmanship -- at the likely millions of sensors that went into K's build to allow him to feel even the softest skim of a touch. Tech said remarkable before, but that word doesn't even fully encompass all that K is. Breathtaking. Perfect. Resplendent. From head to microchip. ]

If I'm the one giving you the name, then I give you permission to bear it. And I could easily go in and override the parts of your system that would prevent you from being able to utilize it. But. I want you to be the one who finds it in you to be able to do what you want and not what your programming tells you to do. As for you giving me a name...

[ Forcefully, Tech pries his eyes away from their hands, meeting K's gaze before blue eyes veer to his lips and then back down to the table. A wistful smile passes over his face. ]

I'd like nothing more...