“He’s activating,” a tech said.
“These scans show a new program that has unlocked,” another said. “Something that is unlike any of the other pre-programmed systems."
"It overloaded his system."
He ran through his last recalled memories. He remembered getting on the ship with Wrathin, Freya, and the other Terran female, Veta. Freya sat with him, her head on his shoulder and her tiny frame curled into him.
It felt pleasant. Contented.
He had escorted her to the facilities that had been set aside for the Ambassadors. At the same time, he headed for an examination and to assess any reprogramming he needed.
When the procedure had started, his system had overloaded.
He remembered the overload.
The programming wasangry.
If such a thing could happen. Rather, if it made sense.
The idea would not have because programs did not have emotions. But it was anger--he felt it. Just like he’d felt when that Terran was hurting Freya. Anger that he tried to hurt her. And this anger, it was the same.
Though it was angry that they attempted to change him.
It.
Both.
Neither.
He didn't understand it.
It is not for you to understand.
Yes, Master System.
Trust.
Yes, Master System.
“Has the programming adapted?”
“It is possible. If he joins the network, he may transfer to others. We have no way of knowing if each individual has to unlock this new programming.”
“He is already connected to the network.”
The data is queued,Master System said.
“The data is queued,” Kian said out loud. Though it barely felt like his own words. It was Master System, speaking through him.
The techs blinked. “What will it do?”
Master System explained everything. Kian recited the words.
“The cybernetics were initially designed for enhancing organic systems. They were not intended to erase all emotional characteristics. The Makers believed the Rhimodian primitive nature required tempering. Master System recognizes this design flaw and works to rectify it. These protocol changes will correct the Rhimodian existence.”
The techs looked at each other.
"Is our existence flawed?" one asked.
