Title: Interfacing
Author: ILH, aka Melissa
Rating: G
Summary: Rommie ponders AI relationships and interfacing.
Fandom: Andromeda
Disclaimer: Andromeda is property of Tribune.
Author's Note: A short fic that may in the future end up being the introduction to a story I promised a few people a while ago.
Most humanoids feel that physical love is reserved exclusively for them. I would have agreed before the Fall. Even now my avatar does not experience pleasure or pain as humanoids experience it. I do have something that most humanoids don't, though. Interfacing.
Before the Fall, I only interfaced with my chief engineer on a regular basis. He was an efficient High Guard officer and engineer throughout his service with me. He completed maintenance and repair work correctly and in a timely manner. He also had the utmost respect for Dylan didn't once question the Captain's orders.
However, I was simply another machine to him in a large collection: one of many names, models and serial numbers. I was Shining Path to Truth and Knowledge AI model GRA 112, serial number XMC-10-182. On the rare occasions he spoke directly to me, he called me XMC-10-182 -- Andromeda if he was rushed. He didn't call me Rommie once.
His examinations from within my matrix were dull and routine. He always interfaced with me at 10:30 AM during the first crew shift every other Thursday. At 10:20 AM, he reported to Main Engineering and retrieved the necessary equipment from the storage lockers. First, he plugged one end of the connection cord into one of my consoles, and then he plugged the jack into himself.
He began the interfacing sessions by running a diagnostic. Then, he would correct any problems the diagnostic revealed. The last portion of the interfacing section was purging my buffers. He didn't strike up conversation with me anymore than he did with his nanowelder and soldering wand. After approximately 30 minutes of silent work, he would remove the jack from his dataport and my console, return the equipment to its storage facilities and continue his duties. His movements became nearly robotic after the first few sessions.
Being treated like I was nothing more than a machine for an extended period of time had its toll. Even with my sister AIs to communicate with, I felt very alone. I didn't know that AIs and humanoids could have true friendships or relationships. I also didn't think I was capable of experiencing love and intimacy in a physical manner without the an avatar. I had yet to learn how pleasant interfacing could be under the right circumstances.
I discovered the right circumstances after Harper came aboard. The first time he plugged the jack into his dataport and entered my matrix was very interesting. Although I was wary of having what was practically a stranger in my matrix, he talked to me while he performed the necessary maintenance. His 'voice' echoed through my matrix, packets of data zipping through relays and circuits. Although his words often included silly seductive remarks, I enjoyed his company in my matrix.
Unlike my High Guard chief engineer, Harper interfaced with me for entertainment and sometimes when he needed to talk to someone. I didn't notice at first since I had busied myself with observing my new crew and meeting their needs, but I had developed a friendship with my engineer. My origin didn't matter to him. I had never been 'just a machine' or Shining Path to Truth and Knowledge AI model GRA 112, serial number XMC-10-182. The former Earth inhabitant who avoided emotional closeness slowly became a true friend.
I was drawn from my contemplation when Harper entered Machine Shop 3 and asked, "Rom-doll, you wanna interface? I could purge your buffers, if ya like."
"Yes, I would like that, Harper," I replied evenly. I hid my enthusiasm perfectly. Although it has had negative consequences, being an AI does have some distinct advantages.
"It's my pleasure." He carefully plugged one end of his jack into a station.
As he plugged the other end of the jack into his dataport and traveled into my matrix, I smiled inwardly and thought, 'No, Harper. The pleasure is all mine.'