Cubefall

[stilljustandrew]

There's a vaguely arachnoid robot, about six inches tall and a foot in diameter, spidering happily down the hallway into the bar.

Comments

[gone_byebye]

"Well, now," says a much taller robot who is not nearly as affected by the subspace compression field as he might be. "You look like you're having fun."

[stilljustandrew]

"Yes!" says the spider robot happily.

Its voice is completely synthetic, and vaguely female.

[gone_byebye]

"... please tell me you're not GLaDOS," says the mech. "Not that you look like one of her spheres anyway, but..."

[stilljustandrew]

"Oh no," it says earnestly. "I'm Baby. This mobile unit is a Cubefall gift."

[gone_byebye]

"Oh!" says the mech. "All right. It's good to meet you, Baby. I'm Ray Stantz. Happy Cubefall."

[stilljustandrew]

"Dr. Stantz!"

The arachnid clambers up to the top of a table for a closer look, and extends one leg as though for a handshake.

"You are a friend to Andrew Wells!"

[gone_byebye]

Ray reaches out for the leg very, very carefully. This is probably going to involve just one finger on his part, for reasons of scale. "Thank you," he says. "I do try."

[stilljustandrew]

They touch briefly, and the little robot lowers its leg.

"Who is GLaDOS?"

[gone_byebye]

"Oh, she's a sentient computer with some issues," Ray says. "I think I heard someone mention that she comes here now and again. I'm not sure how she does it, since I can't remember ever meeting her myself, but if you run into a computer with a thing for cake? That's probably her."

[mnt_mike]

The moment the robot crosses the threshold into the bar the writing on the Special's Board shifts.

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS!

[stilljustandrew]

"Bar!"

The little robot breaks into a skittering run, and leaps from floor to chair to barstool to bartop at the end of it.

"Hello!"

[mnt_mike]

You are looking wonderful, this Cubefall. How does the change suit you?

[stilljustandrew]

"Very well! I have never had a mobile unit before."

[mnt_mike]

Her words take on a rather strong sense of boldness.
They do have their advantages, don't they?

[stilljustandrew]

"Are you to have one as well, this year? I enjoyed speaking with you, last time."

The arachnid folds its legs under it, apparently making itself comfortable.

[mnt_mike]

I am having a difficult time deciding. Last year Michaelangelo helped me, but he has been very busy as of late.

[stilljustandrew]

"Is he here? I would like to say hello."

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

That's not quite prey movement but it's interesting enough to garner a werewolf's attention.

Is Security implementing mobile cameras?

[stilljustandrew]

The arachnid turns, scanning the entire room, and skitters closer.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"Is Security upgrading their equipment?" He won't be surprised if he gets an answer. GLaDos' Curiosity Sphere was about the same size and had no trouble asking him questions.

[stilljustandrew]

"I do not believe so. This mobile unit was a Cubefall gift."

The synthesized voice is female, and politely professional.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

And not one he recognizes. We don't believe he and Baby were ever properly introduced anyway.

He frowns slightly. "I see. You're merely using it to explore?"

[stilljustandrew]

There was never an introduction, no, but she recognizes him.

"That is correct, Captain Richard Ryan."

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"...I'm sorry, who did you say you were again?"

He hates being at a disadvantage.

[stilljustandrew]

"I am Baby. We have only met once, approximately two point five years ago, and we did not converse."