Interview With the Cylon

Introduction

The Cylon I intended to question was the model known as Number Six. This model is a female, just under six feet tall, and weighs right at 125 pounds, which proves how slender she is. This particular model has platinum blond hair, although others have been seen with golden blond and black hair. And she could certainly be called extremely attractive, perhaps even beautiful. Although they don't have names as we know them – John, Mary, etc., this model (although not this particular individual) has on occasion been called Shelly, Gina, and Caprica-Six, that we know of, so far. And it has recently come to my attention that the various models have taken names to infiltrate and to blend in with humans.

I knew from the outset that getting Number Six to trust me enough to:
1) not kill me at the first opportunity; and
2) tell me what I wanted to know, that I would first have to make it clear to her that what I wanted was a simple interview, and not an interrogation.

To gain her trust I had to make sure several conditions had been met. But first I had to clear not only my interview, but the requirements I felt were necessary, with Admiral Adama and President Roslin.
The first was that there were to be no more interrogations by anyone, for any reason, that might undermine the trust I hoped we could build.
Second, any and ALL mental and physical abuse had to be stopped immediately!
Third, her manacles were to be removed.
Fourth, a decent bed with a clean mattress, pillow, sheets and blankets had to be provided. And
Fifth, she was to be fed at least twice a day with the same food as the rest of the members of the fleet were given.

After I had the above assurances, I felt it was prudent for me to meet this Number Six face to face to let her know I was interested in interviewing her, at HER convenience. It would not be a demand, and she was free to refuse. And if she did so, those items given to her would not be rescinded.

And one last thing: Due to the fact that many people will take away from this interview that I have some kind of biasness toward Cylons (as opposed to the well-deserved hatred toward them held by many, if not all), President Roslin, Admiral Adama and I felt for my safety's sake, it would be prudent if I remained anonymous. Therefore in this interview I will be known only as "ANON."

The Interview

Day One:

Two armed marine guards entered the holding cell and instructed Number Six to stand in a far corner. After she had complied, two workers brought in the frame of a bed and re-bolted it to the floor using the holes there just for that reason. Next a mattress, pillow, blankets and sheets were brought in. After that, a small table and two chairs were similarly bolted to the floor, all with bolts requiring a special tool to remove them. After the workmen left, I entered the cell and instructed the guards to remove her manacles. There was the neck collar, connected with a chain to wrist manacles, connected with a chain to her ankle manacles. As they were removed, she remained motionless. During this process I watched her – noting the almost unreadable expression on her face, but taking special notice of where her eyes went; what she was looking at. I then ordered the guards to leave, leaving only myself, Number Six, and the food and water I placed on the table.

ANON: Hello, Number Six. My name is {anonymous}. First, I want you to realize that I know you could kill me before the guards could get back in here to save me. But I hope, instead, you will listen to what I have to say. I suppose you are wondering what is going on. The truth is that I wish to interview you. That is, just a simple Q&A – I ask you questions, and you answer them. I want you to know from the outset that this is NOT an interrogation. I will not be asking the whereabouts of the base ships, nor about their weaponry, nor about their tactics, nor any other military-related questions. And I want you to know that you have the right to refuse to this interview. I don't expect an answer right away. But I hope will consent to sit down and have a discussion with me.

I turned to leave, then turned back.

ANON: I will return tomorrow morning with your breakfast. If you are mistreated – beaten, food taken away, or bullied in any way, I expect you to tell me.

I left the cell and watched her for a half hour as she ate and drank, then she made up her bed and lay down on it.

Day Two:

The next morning I entered her cell with breakfast and set it on the table. She was lying down. She then sat up on the bed, feet on the floor, but didn't stand, nor sit at the table.

ANON: Good morning, Number Six. Did you sleep well?

There was no answer, and her expression was unreadable.

ANON: Did you think about my proposal?

Again, no response.

ANON: Very well. Enjoy the breakfast, such as it is. I will return this evening with your supper. I'm sorry, but prisoners are only fed twice a day.

I left her cell, then stayed to watch her eat her breakfast, and then she lay back down on the bed. I returned twelve hours later with her supper, and as with breakfast, I sat it on the table as she sat up from the bed. Apparently she spent most of the day on it.

ANON: Is the bed comfortable enough for you?

NUMBER 6: It's better than the floor.

ANON: Well, I suppose that's a good thing. Do you have an answer for me?

NUMBER 6: Why me? Can't you get all your answers from your precious Number Eight?

ANON: I assume you are referring to Sharon Agathon?

NUMBER 6: Whatever name she's using here.

ANON: I suppose I could, but you're the one I'm interested in. So, how about it?

NUMBER 6: [takes a breath, pauses] And if I don't?

ANON: Well, I'll be disappointed, of course. But it's your decision. The bed, the table and chairs won't be taken away, but since I won't be around, I can't assure you that you will be treated – decently.

NUMBER 6: Is tomorrow morning good?

ANON: It's excellent. I'll see you then.