Titles are Stupid 📝

S2: Prologue

Segment Two, Prologue:  Privileged

11 PM, on MeCloud, RECAT occupied his dark storage unit, behind the corridor to Steve's office, his crane led downward to where he sat near the dusty cement floor, typing away on his computer.

REPORT: 25

I actually witnessed the passion and expression of an object. The object in question in this report was a light bulb. I find interaction to be a gift and a privilege. I am privileged to be able to observe such a thing, and contribute to it.

I was greeted by a pocket knife today as well. For today's report, the occurrence came in two. One appeared chipper, and oddly pleased to speak to a robot. She called my voice familiar, and referred to me as a "pal". A true compliment to my creator–Modeling a system capable of so much and designed to look unbiased, yet keeping hold of that good intent.

—-

Cobs and Taco entered the back room RECAT was residing in, typing away. RECAT was clearly distracted with his report. Taco looked impressed, looking at the screen. Her eyebrows raised as she saw the paragraphs in a format she hasn't seen organized by anybody other than Cobs or Ball-point Pen. She looked up at Cobs, who looked somewhat skeptical as he kept his eyes glued to RECAT's writing.

Cobs approached RECAT, reading his report silently. RECAT promptly turned around and stopped typing.

> Hello, sir!
"DEAR KATZ-" He jerked back, moving his hands away and guarding his chest. "... I forgot your environmental sensors were so ... trigger-happy."

Steve composed himself, crossing his arms. "I see your report is taking quite a while to get sent out. I'm here with Taco, thinking you were having issues with either your coding or possibly your wiring. But I see you just gained a lot of input from today, I take it?"

RECAT replied, turning back to his personal computer, keyboard, and monitor.
> Yes! A lot transpired today.

Taco looked at RECAT's computer and arched an eyebrow. "Steve. Why does your robot need a separate computer? Seems costly."

"Ball-point Pen insisted... He had an extra computer he had no use for, and it seemed to run well enough. I just had to tinker with it. Actually, it didn't cost any."
"...You DO understand how easier it'd be to let him produce reports without requiring him to travel to a separate ROOM, right?" Taco massaged her temples in slight irritation.
"Whatever." He scoffed. "That's not MY job. You coded, I built. Giving him the ability to make reports in the first place wasn't even my decision."
"Exactly! I had to do that for you!" Taco nearly laughed.

Cobs looked down at Taco. "If you want him to perform like you're suggesting, why not just do it yourself? Why are you complaining to ME about this? Just do it yourself, for crying out loud."
"I will!" Taco looked down. "Sorry."
"Mhm. RECAT seems fine. I suggest you read the report, too. You're already here, so do it now."

Steve started walking out of the room, leaving Taco and RECAT in there.

> Why do you work with him?

"Hm?"

> Steve Cobs. Why do you work with him?

"Well... money. He makes me go insane, but moreover! At least I'm not TOO in-debt."

> You would rather lose yourself?

"...Lose myself?"

> According to the Mayo Clinic, stress–example being you and Cobs's dynamic– may put you at risk of anxiety and depression. It also leads to digestive problems, headaches, blood pressure difficulties (which may segway to heart problems), sleep problems, and memory/focus los-

"I didn't ask for a therapy session, RECAT." She looked unamused, almost defensive.
> Ah, apologies. My intent was to be helpful, and your behaviors bring me concern.

Taco just looked at RECAT's report and started reading it, disregarding RECAT's earlier statements.

Her expression shifts and she looks more absorbed in interest as she keeps reading.

"Knife and Lightbulb?" She seemed inquisitive, tilting her head to the side. "Now why on EARTH were they even close to MeCloud?"

> You know them!

"I do. I know both of them well. We competed on a gameshow, actually. Well... those two are still on a gameshow. I am not; I'm here."

"I should give you that upgrade." She started to power-down RECAT, and his holographic monitor switched off as his robotic arms fell limp.