Digi-Friends

The Life Inside of You

In the past...

"A still husk, void of anything is considered lifeless," I spoke lightly to myself. This is what I had learned from all my time as a robotic engineer.

The room was unlit with metal on the walls and floor. The only things in it were myself, a non-coniferous evergreen, and a table with a grey, leaf shaped robot lying down. Her eyes couldn't blink and were practically black. The same could be said about the indicator of her battery that kind of resembled the shape of a stem.

I had a messager bag on me with everything I needed to make my dream a reality. Reaching into my bag, I pulled out my trusty cassette, pressing record before putting it on the edge of the table.

"Day 1095. It has been three years since I first started this project. There has been one failed robot for every year. My newest attempt, L0-4, has an artificial brain the size of an orange. Since programming how the living usually react to things wasn't working, she must learn on her own."

I took a deep sigh and sat down on the metal floor for a minute. Surely all my work would amount to something someday. It won't go to waste. I refuse to allow it.

I stood up and stretched my arms into the air. "L0-4 appears to be lifeless right now. All that needs to be done is a quick check up on her structure. Then, and only then, will I turn her on. If all my calculations and failed projects were correct, L0-4 should start acting on her own accord and then state her programmed phrase. Phase one starts now."

I started to check over my robot and found a few loose parts in her legs. Those were easily fixed by tightening the screws and wasn't anything serious. All robots wore out with time. Nothing could last forever.

That does leave the question of who will fix her after I inevitably die. This robot is illegal with the new decree.

Soon enough, the checkup was done. I smiled before beginning to speak again.

"Onto phase two of my plan. I must now activate L0-4 with the power switch on her back," I paused as I flipped her on her front before continuing, "they said that a robot could never contain true life or emotions. L0-4 will prove that wrong. If this phase is a success, she will be given a name. This should cause a colour change in her body."

My hand grew shakey as I reached towards the switch on her grey body. I didn't want to restart this project again. This had to be the time everything worked out. I closed my eyes before quickly turning on the switch and flipping her on her back.

...

Nothing happened. All that work for nothing. Again. Tears almost came to my eyes as my legs gave out and I slammed my hand against the table. The light sound of buzzing started to ring. It felt like everything became lighter.

I looked up at L0-4 before quickly backing up and getting on my feet. Her grey body was now a shiny green and dark blue lights lit up her eyes. She stayed still for a bit until she used her arms to lift herself up.

L0-4 was alive. I can finally celebrate.

Her body turned towards me as I finally got to look at my finished masterpiece. Her eyes were wide and full of curiosity.