Test Scene

[batteries_not_included]

As part of the condition for her freedom, Jane was regularly required to report to a SHIELD facility for physical and psychological evaluation. They actually had a specialist in AI psychologies. Jim Hammond called it a gross violation of her rights as a sentient life-form, though she disagreed. It was only logical. She was a potential dangerous weapon. Her 'brother' had become unstable enough.

Strange. Certain evasive thought patterns arose when she thought of him. But he had been dangerous, to himself and others. Putting him down had been the correct course of action.

As had been the choice to put her into storage. If one android had gone unstable, the likelihood of the other doing the same was also logical. Her reactivation had been a freak accident. She was not displeased to be active again, of course...

She had a short time between her physical examination and her session with the psychologist. Under supervision of several armed agents, she was allowed access to the mess hall. Methodically and precisely, she consumed a cup of coffee, because that was what was done.

Comments

[the_next_avenger]

Joe had heard about the new arrival and, while few wanted to go near her, Joe understood feeling out of place. As long as she was on SHIELD property, someone had to watch out for her.

Joe didn't wait to draw the straw.

He grabbed himself a cup of coffee and sat down across from her.

"Hey, you must be the new girl. How are you?" Joe asked.

[batteries_not_included]

Ah, yes. Small talk. Not the easiest thing to accomplish, nor did she fully understand its purpose.

"I am functioning at optimal capacity, thank you," she said. Then, "And yourself?"

[the_next_avenger]

"Oh, I'm fantastic. I'm Joe. Nice to meet you." he said, extending a hand.

[batteries_not_included]

She took and shook his hand, precisely and carefully.

"I am called Jane." A brief pause as she evaluated coversational options. "It is nice to meet you."

[the_next_avenger]

"Is everyone here treating you all right?" Joe asked.

"What kind of coffee are you drinking?" he asked. "I like mine black with no sugar but not everyone is that way."

[batteries_not_included]

"Well enough," she said. "Though I believe many of them attempt to limit their social interactions with me."

She took another drink of coffee. "Cream, two sugars."

The average and ordinary coffee order. What was generally expected.

[the_next_avenger]

"Hey, it's popular because it's good. And don't mind these other guys. They deal with gods, mutants and other super-types daily. Once they get used to you, they'll come around." Joe said.

"Mr. Hammond is a pretty cool guy. He used to run with my dad and some friends of his a long time ago. So that makes you good in my book."

[batteries_not_included]

She nodded, another precise and mechanical movement. "Mr. Hammond has proven to be very interested in maintaining my well-being."

She did not fully understand it, but there were many things she did not. Hammond had spent much more time with the humans, after all, than she did.

"Thank you," she added. "Who was your father?"

[the_next_avenger]

"My dad is Captain America. Living legend, super-soldier and pretty much the most upstanding guy that ever lived." Joe said.

"Men like him are rare. The rest of us wish we could be like him."

[batteries_not_included]

"I have read the files on him," she said. "His record is indeed impressive."

[the_next_avenger]

"Impressive is one word for it." Joe said, suddenly feeling self-conscious at speaking of his father.

"He's the best man I know. Maybe it's hero-worship and maybe it's bias...but other people feel the same. It's a lot to live up to." he said.

[batteries_not_included]

She nodded politely. "Their accomplishments make me wonder if I shall ever achieve anything of significance. I am uncertain."

[the_next_avenger]

"Believe me, I know that feeling. I live with it daily. The only thing we can do is hope that, when our moment comes, we're up to it the same way that they were." Joe said.

[batteries_not_included]

"Logical," she agreed. "And yet I find the ambiguity and uncertainty... annoying."

A slight tilt of the head. "Fascinating, when put into words like that."

[the_next_avenger]

"It's a scary thought. Time's running out and the fate of the world is on the line...and you're the guy holding the ball. Every wants to think that they'll know what to do at that moment. But no one knows where their mind will be." Joe said.

"Guys Mr. Hammond and my dad, they've been in that position a million times. It's almost old hat to them. But they still wonder, they still have doubts."

He paused.

"Do, uh...robots ever have doubts? Do you count as a robot? I really hope I'm not being offensive here."

[batteries_not_included]

"You are not," she said. "I am not sure it is possible for me to be offended. My personality matrix is not yet quite as developed as Mr. Hammond's."

She went on, "But I do have moments of less than perfect certainty and confusion. So that may be the same as doubts."

[the_next_avenger]

"Doubt kills as surely as fear does." Joe said.

"I see that you can drink coffee. Have you tried the tacos here? They're great. What kind of food do you like?"

[batteries_not_included]

She shook her head. "I have not tried tacos," Jane said. "But I do enjoy other breakfast foods. Eggs, toast, bacon."