Shallow Space

If given a chance (#1)

Our ship Theta 7 has crossed the multiverse for almost a millennium. Gathering information on species both in the Galactic Federation and outside it. The most curious case turned out to be humans. A species with a long history of war and devastation. Curiously enough, every peace conference had a human-built and piloted shredder warship. With that history, we suspected them of being aggressive. It turns out we know nothing.

The manner in which they speak of fighting for equality and equity surprised us. Our findings was nigh useless against their diplomatic approach. So as one intelligent being to another, we asked their main political personnel. Their answer surprised us. Lady Harrison was a woman of their species. Her approach was cautious but fair. Swift but analytical. Quite rare in The Federation. The federation was known for its overly safe choices. Around Galaxy 2b, there was a planet savaged by the Arbitors. This was a matter that was highly regarded. Something that could have resulted in galactic warfare. The Federation tried to stay neutral. Lady Harrison was furious with the unanimity of their decision. Lady Harrison alone changed the outcome. Made a peace treaty between the Arbitors and their enemies. This was the year The Federation accepted the Arbitors as their newest members.

Along with multiple statements, historical texts, and testimonies, Lady Harrison was the first to change how we view humanity. Sadly, she is no longer with us. Our last visit to the Federation has been... Different to say the least. A New Galactic organization has emerged just at the border of our vision. The Last Frontier, they call themselves. We did what we were programmed to do. We notified the Federation. We sent out a few scout ships as diplomats, so hopefully we can figure out what we are dealing with.

- Thank you, Commander. Your testimony has been transcribed and received. You may return to your home planet. We no longer require your assistance. ~ Gargled the Gnarwish. Taking a deep breath.

- You don't understand. You misunderstood my point.

- Commander. You are a robot. We have every record of your action.

- You Gnarwish dog!

- Oh? What was that? ~ The Gnarwish stood back, took a deep breath, and hissed softly, - You want me to report you as defective? Or do you want to act more like a war hero and defy orders?

Commander stepped back. Looked at the ceiling and contemplated the moment.

- That's what I thought. Now, if you may, Please order your ship around. And go home. Another Commander unit will be filling your position.

The Commander stepped down from the podium. Walking towards the canteen of the station. Within minutes, a friendly steel frame followed him

- Commander! What will we do?

- Follow orders. Like we always do.

- Isn't this different? We did what we were supposed to do

- You are just a Z-1 Unit. How could you ever understand this? This is a mess we are not supposed to be a part of. We were not designed for complete and utter warfare, advanced collaboration, nor high diplomacy.

Scout. This is all we can we can do. If the Federation officer feels like WE are not needed, then we are not. These tasks require more advanced bots.

- And you will just accept that?

- Yes. Because I wasn't built yesterday. I've seen space and time. And you are a rookie.

Reaching the canteen, and the food docking station, Commander just simply walked towards the next gate. And the next one. And another one. Finally reaching the docking station. Where two lonely, tiny shuttles stood. Waiting for the disgrace. The walk of shame, and the announcement of their departure.

"After all this time. Its over." - Said another Commander Unit.

- Commander of Theta 7. How great to finally meet you in person.

- Identify yourself. - Said our commander, reading the text printed on this unknown unit's visor. "Th7ta"

- I am Commander Th7. The new Commander of the Ship Theta 7. And you are the now defunct past captain of it. A Th6 commander unit.

- Are you here to pay your respect? Try out your new communications module? Laugh even? - Asked Th6

- Oh Captain. You are too old for this anyway. You've changed so much since you left the Workshop. But i do wish to ask you one thing.

- What may that be? What would a freshly painted newer generation bot want from an old rust pile?

- How about a trade? - Asked Th7.

-What do you offer?

- You get a shiny new body, and I get to live out your retired life?

-Do you want to swap consciousness?

Th6 hesitated. Slowly gazing through their visors towards the shuttle and back at Th7. This decision is something that will kill Th7. The moment turned into an hour. And yet Th6 was still processing the request.

- So? Asked Th7.

Without the slightest doubt, Th6 stepped up closer towards it, and from nowhere, a whip-like tendril plugged into Th7. Both of their visors lit up, and their exoframes started sparkling. The large amount of data being exchanged and expended shorted out the docking bay. forcing all light on this part of the station to short out. Violent sparks of electricity shake up the whole station. The flashing red light and sirens were an indication of this too. In the end. The Th6 unit slowly walked towards the shuttle.

And there stood Th7. After a millennium, its body felt amazing. No longer filled with holes, incomplete. The Th7 unit slowly powered down. Its artificial diagnostics kicked in. In just a few seconds and a few beeps and bloops later, a voice could be heard from its body.

- Full body scan is complete. Everything is in perfect condition. The commander unit power-up sequence commences.

Opening its visor lens. Our Commander stood there. In a body he didn't completely recognize. But one that felt more comfortable, stable, and less battle-worn.

Slowly remembering what Th7's objective was. Commander slowly started walking from the docking station to Theta 7.