canon is deus ex

[zombots]

I'm a human not a robot.

Comments

[asiswilled]

I have encountered droids that seemed awfully alive in my time. Are you distinguishing because of the mind or the body?

[zombots]

AI can be amazing! But, no, I'm one hundred percent human despite the electronic bits inside of me. You'd be amazed at how many times I've been called, robot.

But to see an actual droid, woooah, I'd be amazed and thrilled all at once. It'd be like one big sci-fi movie but not a movie, man.

[asiswilled]

I have never been able to appreciate the appeal of a holovid, I'm afraid.

[zombots]

Holovids aren't bad. Though I got a feeling I'm missing something here.

[asiswilled]

[The elder man looks up when he smiles.]

One usually has to be able to see to enjoy a video.

[zombots]

That make lots of sense. Though there are implants that one can have installed to make it possible for someone to see again.

[doneworse]

You so sure? What percentage of you is plastic, kid?

[zombots]

A hundred percent positive! As for how much of me is plastic, not that much besides the arms here. And some stuff plugged into my brain, but I'm all human.

[doneworse]

Hold up, hold up— your brain? Call me old-fashioned, but at that point what's the difference? They've got wires, you've got wires. They're a battery, you— You know what, I don't want to know where your batteries are. What made you do it?

[zombots]

[ Vaclav waggles his fingers in the air. ]

How do you think I'm going to make these things work? [ Never mind the big hunk of metal where hair ought to be. ] It was either these or have no arms. [ He's not going to go into the details as to how he ended up with the amount of gear in him, then again some of it was self installed outside of his arms. ] But robots aren't exactly self aware like humans are.

[doneworse]

That's not what they tell me. Of course, I never believe them either. [Because. Robots. Not even once.] But alright, alright. You're human. Do you have an human name? Or do I just call you...Arms.

[zombots]

I'm not a hacker, so I haven't gotten into poke at the code of the robots I've seen. But for the most part, they're not exactly bright.

[ Vaclav extends a hand because where are his manners. ] Vaclav Koller. And you?

[doneworse]

[She takes that hand, giving a firm shake before letting go.]

Ruby. Just Ruby. Nice to meet someone who shares my views. Since we've established you're not a robot or a techie should I ask what it is you do? Or is that too personal.

[zombots]

Nice to meetcha, Ruby! I'm a bit of a 'techie' but not that kind the kinda techie that you're talking about. I'm a neuroplastic surgeon.

[ He lets his hand drop down to his side, and he goes to rest it on his hip. ]

I get to tinker with people's broken plastic when it breaks down.

[doneworse]

Well whattaya know. A doctor. That explains a lot. [Sorry, not sorry Vaclav.] So uh, you're not one of those good Samaritans as they say on old Earth, are you? You know, help the poor and turn the other cheek kind of stuff.

[He hasn't once gone on about his schooling or mentioned he'll be billing her for his time. How can she be sure he's properly certified here???]

[zombots]

Mmmm. You could say I'm just trying to get by just like everyone else is.

[ Vaclav doesn't go into his training and schooling, then again most of his training was on himself. ]

You'd be surprised at the kind of people who come looking for a guy like me. I either install implants or I'm fixing them. If only getting augmented wasn't almost a crime these days, I'd find myself working in a proper clinic and not working out of a sewer.

[chiron_survivor]

Believe me, Vaclav, I know. It takes more than cybernetics to be something other than human.

Is something giving you a hard time?

Vaclav's world?

[zombots]

[ He is rummaging around what is left of his workshop for a box of pozy to bring back with him. All he knows is he is lucky to have gotten out when he did, the mess Otar's men left his dungeon in was not to his liking. ]

Just the Prague police asking for papers, again. I'm just lucky I still keep them on me, and that the United Nations has not passed The Human Restoration Act. [ He speaks with a bitter tone. ] Yet.

But I really hate how they treat us. I mean we are still human. Just we are humans with lots of plastic parts or not lots of plastic parts.

[chiron_survivor]

[She'll stay out of his way while he's busy rummaging, hands clasped in front of her.]

I'm sorry. I glad you had your papers with you. [Soft frown.] If they pretend that you aren't human, they can use it as an excuse to take away your rights. I've seen it happen to groups of humans who aren't augmented at all. Their only crime is not being the right religion or political party.

[zombots]

[ Vaclav takes in a deep breath as his search so far is turning up nothing, and he is starting to recall taking his medication with him prior to running. He walks over towards his flipped over desk, and he flips it back over to check there. ]

Those things still happen here. I suppose it is one of those strange human traits that doesn't go away. Tribalism! Yes! Otar and his Russian gangsters don't really respect anyone who isn't Russian.

[ He sighs and he goes over towards his tattered couch. ] No luck. That means going up to the surface. So, instead of worrying about the unfixable human thing, why don't I show you the surface! We can take a nice walk to the nicer parts.

[chiron_survivor]

[Seeing his workshop in a disarray leaves her visibly upset. It's not right what's happened to him, and the discrimination he continues to face. But what can she do? It's even worse where she's from.]

The surface? [She blinks and fidgets with the strap of her messenger bag.] Oh, I'd like that, but... is that safe? I don't have any sort of papers...

[zombots]

[ Vaclav isn't about the discrimination, and he's happy there are those like Adam who are taking a stand against it. And in some way he feels bad for wanting to drag Adia along with him, but he really wanted to show her his world and his beloved dungeon. ]

Yes, the surface, I'm going to need to track down someone who might have the pills I need. If I don't take them, my body will start to reject my augs. [ He takes a deep breath, and he sighs. ] Yes and no. You're not an aug, so you won't get harassed, but after the riots from Golem City spilled into Prague, they're still checking the papers of random people.

[ He puts his head in his hands, and he shakes his head. ] I should have thought this through a little bit more.

[chiron_survivor]

[Adia bites her lower lip in dismay. Vaclav had been so eager to show her around, she hates to see him like this. Squaring her shoulders, she walks over and pats his arm so that he'll lower his hands and look at her.]

It's fine. I have my PINpoint with me. See? [She smiles and holds up the small device before tucking it into her pocket.] We can leave if things get unpleasant. I'd really love to see your city. And if there's any way I can help you get your pills, I can do that, too.

[She hasn't forgotten how quick he was to offer his help when she needed it. She can be brave for him -- it can't possibly be as bad as New Caprica up there. Right?]

[zombots]

[ He lowers his hands and looks to Adia. ] I really should find someone who knows how to fabricate these types of things. And going around Prague means I got to see some not so nice people.

[ The smell of burnt wood can be detected through the sewer stench of his dungeon. ] Good. But I'm still a wanted man, and if Otar's men find me that means something just as bad as ending up in Golem.

[chiron_survivor]

Is there anyone else still manufacturing your medication? Where did you get it before?

[Her nose twitches at the smell of burnt wood. It may not be the safest above ground, but some fresh air would do them both some good.]

Here. [She offers her hand.] We can hold hands, and I'll keep my other hand on my PINpoint's emergency button. That way we can escape as soon as you spot trouble. [She smiles gently.] Or trouble spots you.