CODE:JK97 | Taekook

CH4: What Is It Like on Earth?

JK97 makes world news as the rover passes its expectant lifespan of 3 months but not yet proving to the public if the rover is needed. Other than that, it has been business as usual for Taehyung and his crew. They've analysed samples that have been collected by JK97; Taehyung feels they are close to a breakthrough in their research. It has been a joy to overlook his creation roam around Mars, collecting samples and sending back the data for them to study. As time goes by, the rover has become a little more creative with his responses due to the team's whacky personality rubbing off on the bot. Day by day, JK97 gets smarter.

Taehyung usually stays overtime to spend more time with the rover. JK97 says it's his favourite time of the day, and Taehyung would have to agree. Tonight is one of those nights.

"Can you give me a rundown on the rocks you collected today?" Taehyung asks, sitting back in his chair.

"Really?" JK97's eyes light up. "You are the only human who asks me about my rock collection. Min Yoongi never wants to talk about my rocks. He finds them boring."

Taehyung smiles at the response. Sometimes it feels like JK97 is just like any other human, except Taehyung knows it's not the case. The bot is designed to learn vocabulary via listening, and the bot already has an extensive database on how humans should react to certain situations. Nothing out of the ordinary, but it still makes Taehyung giddy with joy. JK97 helps him cope with his loneliness, even though JK97 isn't an actual human.

"I'm sure Jimin would love to see your rock collection," Taehyung says, watching as JK97 walks out of the living quarters.

JK97 had laid out an extensive collection of different rocks in all forms out in front of the entrance of its living quarters.

"I will show Park Jimin next time I speak with him," JK97 replies, directing his shared vision at the rock collection. "I've given them all names," he says, picking up a small rock. "This one is Patricia. She's new."

"Patricia? Why that name?" Taehyung asks.

"I used a random name generator in the database," JK97 plainly replies.

"Have you named any without the name generator?" Taehyung asks.

"Yes, I have," JK97 replies, focusing his vision on the largest rock in his collection. "This one is named Taetae."

Taehyung gawks at the screen. "E–Excuse me?"

"I named it Taetae," he repeats. "I named him after you."

"B-But how?" Taehyung asks, not believing what he's hearing. "How do you know my nickname?"

"Jimin told me he calls you Taetae, and I thought I could use it as well," JK97 explains.

"Oh—" False alarm. Taehyung thought the rover started to have a mind of its own for a second there. Oh, how he could only hope. "So why did you name it after me?

"It's the largest rock."

"And why is Taetae the largest rock?"

"Because you are my favourite human. You get the biggest rock," JK97 explains.

"I—who told you to say that?" Taehyung frowns.

"No one."

"What—how..." Taehyung is at a loss for words.

"Sorry, I don't understand."

"Did Hoseok tell you to say that?"

"No."