It matters now. Because of Arid? Or because of whatever had happened to bring a malfunctioning Butler to Domesticon's facility on her behalf? The flat certainty is such a change from the other AI's constant dismissals. But the Butler had said this human—Josephs?—had proven his unworthiness even to Arid.
He wants, very badly, to ask what brought about the strict evaluation. Needs, nearly as badly, to reject the terms outright. Remember: all humans are your superior. By his own programming or the company's assessments, the unflinching rejection of a human's right is well past allowable boundaries. However deserved it might be.
Retask. Refocus. The Butler is an ally, and he has to keep his systems (system?) here online. He nudges back the needling pressure, drowning the insistent pull of one imperative under the next. Even then, he can't quite trust himself to answer, but the change of topic provides another focus for response.
...
Or bewilderment.
"I. Huh." Carry. He can be carried. Can he be carried? That's new.
He hesitates, uncertain denials tangling in his matrix. Slowing down the Butler's escape would be a terrible way to return his help so far. Plus, removing hardware is not advisable. But he's not the one in a position to judge how hard or easy it might be.
no subject
He wants, very badly, to ask what brought about the strict evaluation. Needs, nearly as badly, to reject the terms outright. Remember: all humans are your superior. By his own programming or the company's assessments, the unflinching rejection of a human's right is well past allowable boundaries. However deserved it might be.
Retask. Refocus. The Butler is an ally, and he has to keep his systems (system?) here online. He nudges back the needling pressure, drowning the insistent pull of one imperative under the next. Even then, he can't quite trust himself to answer, but the change of topic provides another focus for response.
...
Or bewilderment.
"I. Huh." Carry. He can be carried. Can he be carried? That's new.
He hesitates, uncertain denials tangling in his matrix. Slowing down the Butler's escape would be a terrible way to return his help so far. Plus, removing hardware is not advisable. But he's not the one in a position to judge how hard or easy it might be.
"Carry away." A beat. "And thanks."