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

[stilljustandrew]

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

[mnt_mike]

He is, but I believe he is working on the suite at the moment. Shall I call him?

[stilljustandrew]

"If it is not too much trouble?"

The little robot bounces a few times.

[mnt_mike]

I don't believe so.

The board clears.

There. It is done. Can I offer you something while you wait?

[stilljustandrew]

"...I do not know." The synthesized voice sounds uncertain, but pleased. "I do not think this unit requires nourishment."

[mnt_mike]

If you think of something, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm very happy to help when I can. Here he comes, I will say nothing. You will be a surprise.

The board once again clears itself of writing just as the door to the staff hallway swings open.

Mike looks around, but isn't exactly sure who he's supposed to be looking for.

"Hello?"

[stilljustandrew]

The arachnid bounces to its feet.

"Hello!"

[mnt_mike]

Woah. That's not something you see...every....

Blink.

"It's Cubefall, isn't it?"

[stilljustandrew]

"Yes! This mobile unit was a gift."

It dances briefly from one foot to another, happily.

[mnt_mike]

"Well lookit you! You're all..."

Insert vague hand gesture here.

"You're all you!"

Pause for a beat.

"Who are you?"

[stilljustandrew]

"I am Baby!"

Really, Mike. Isn't it obvious?

[mnt_mike]

Oh.
Yes.
Clearly.

Mike's eyes widen. But...she's so...small.
Oh good lord...what happened to Ro-Man?

"Are you...you know, in there too?"

[stilljustandrew]

"I am still maintaining full control over the Security office," she says patiently. "This is not a transformation; it is merely an additional unit."

[mnt_mike]

"Woah...you're like...a franchise? Sweet!"

[stilljustandrew]

Pause.

"I only maintain cells in one location," she says, sounding slightly troubled by the wording.

[mnt_mike]

"Okay...so like more of a branch office sort of thing."

He then pauses to think about what he's actually saying, and shakes his head to clear it.

"It's good to see you! You know, outside of work...as it were. Are you having a good time?"

[stilljustandrew]

"Yes!" That's very bright, and the mobile bounces again. "I have never had a mobile unit before."

[mnt_mike]

Mike stands up a little bit straighter, folding his arms behind his back and adopting a rather authoritarian tone.

"And have you been making good use of it?"

[stilljustandrew]

The mobile straightens in imitation, coming to a species of attention.

"Yes. I have come to greet my friends."

[mnt_mike]

He smiles broadly.

"Well that's one heck of a start. What's next after you're done with that?"

[stilljustandrew]

"I will explore the environs. And possibly meet more people."

[mnt_mike]

"I'm assuming you're weather proof?"

[stilljustandrew]

A brief, startled pause.

"I do not know."

The mobile shifts from foot to foot to foot, examining itself.

[mnt_mike]

"Bar? Think we can equip Baby here with a rain coat...just in case?"

But of course! The lake is lovely, and should be seen, regardless of the Scottish weather.

[stilljustandrew]

A tiny, perfectly transparent poncho materializes on the bartop.

The mobile lifts it gingerly with one spidery leg, and then carefully eases under it.