week 3, saturday
[ perhaps it would be sensible to go out to the carnival and take a better look at the crime scene - but unlike Connor, Mizuki is a human, and they're running low on energy to keep investigating. The courtyard is where they spot him, a little while later. They'd usually be meeting with their god, but after the pathetic display today, they're feeling a little ashamed to show their face; their hands are empty. ]
Connor-kun? Good work today.
[ even if it wasn't much, he was helpful. ]
Connor-kun? Good work today.
[ even if it wasn't much, he was helpful. ]
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Well... Even you can't be perfect, you know?
[ he has a serious capacity for thought and self-reflection... it's been strange from the beginning that an android could "dream" and appear here, to serve under gods in an attempt to have his wish granted, and they find themself a little suspicious once more. ]
Connor-kun... Are you really an android?
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[And useless machines are, of course, deactivated and disassembled. His LED spins as he undoubtedly continues to reexamine his own perceived failures, but— Mizuki's question seems to snap him out of it. He looks at them, confusion evident on his face.]
Of course I am. I thought we already established this.
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[ is there a way to prove it? If they cut part of him, would they see circuitry? It sounds like a sadistic experiment, yet part of them is restless not knowing, irritated at the possibility that he's pulling the wool over their eyes. But they have neither the tools nor the energy to do that, even if they feel like he'd let them, were they to ask. ]
I've never heard of a robot that worries and beats itself up.
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I'm not human. I'm a machine. [Haltingly, almost like he's startled by the assessment.] And I can't feel worried. I can't feel anything.
[... and finally, the LED returns to blue.]
I'm only reacting to the incongruences between reality and my intended purpose. I was designed to help law enforcement officials. Allowing a criminal to get away with murder contradicts everything in my programming.
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Ironically, his heated denial only makes them more suspicious about his humanity. But this isn't the time to argue it - and they get the sense they wouldn't get far, anyways. Arguing with an AI is a big waste of time. At least it is where Mizuki's from. ]
Oh, is that all? [ they half-smile at him, not bothering to hide their doubt far behind that thin veneer. ] Well, I think you were helpful. These trials aren't as simple as "success" or "failure." After all, even if we'd "succeeded," we'd still have to decide what to do with Berry-kun, wouldn't we?
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But there's still a killer on the loose. One that we failed completely to identify. Regardless of Rachel Berry's ultimate fate, it's impossible for me to disregard that fact. My creators would not share your point of view if they were here.
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[ just saying... they don't push it, though. Connor's been good to them; they don't have a reason to push his buttons, no pun intended. ]
You could keep looking for them this week if you wanted. [ a pause; they look at him curiously. ] Is that more important to you, or having your god win?
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My loyalty is to my god. Serving them is my current priority.
[...]
But... You have to understand, the idea of an unsolved murder— It's also at odds with my programming.
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[ after all, they know for a fact Fortune wasn't his god. ]
Well, I think that's admirable in its own right. But, Connor-kun, don't forget that these murder mysteries are just window dressing to the real competition.
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[That doesn't mean it's not frustrating. He was made to solve mysteries. Failing to rise to the challenge this one time is... not something he's equipped to deal with.]
But thank you for your concern. Your words have been noted.
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You don't have to thank me for that, [ they say with a small laugh. ] I wanted to talk to you, actually. I thought you probably had some insights into this competition, especially regarding the gods and the murders... Do you mind?
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No... I don't mind. What would you like to talk about, specifically?
mfw i forget what they were going to ask about the gods and murders
[ they're interested in what his desires are. ]
WHOOPS... it happens
[Calling them his own desires might be a stretch, given what they are... As Mizuki will soon learn.]
I was assigned a mission by my creators. One that has proven... more challenging than initially expected. [An understatement, really.] Failure is not an option. So this competition is a means to achieve CyberLife's goals.