January 3rd, 2061
Following initial activation, the subject (DRN-000) is alert and responsive to stimuli. A shiver reflex is observed as a result of the room being cold. The eyes follow, and focus on, objects entering the field of vision. Eye contact with Dr. Wily and myself is observed. Diagnostic findings report all systems have come online successfully.
The subject demonstrates comprehension of simple instructions given in spoken Japanese. A vocalization is observed eight minutes post-activation, but it is unintelligible.
After several minutes of training, the subject can walk with assitance. Gross motor movements are laborious and stiff. An averse reaction to the sudden bright light of the camera is noted by a blink reflex and/or a turn of the head.
At thirty nine minutes after activation, the subject demonstrates recognition of its own image in a mirror.
At sixty five minutes after activation, the subject vocalizes an intelligble word for the first time ("tree"). This is believed not to be a coincidence, as the subject soon after spends nearly forty minutes looking at the trees in the garden.
January 6th, 2061
The subject can walk without assistance. Gross motor movements are steady.
Speech development: the subject can pronounce the first ten sounds of the Japanese syllibary with accuracy (a-i-u-e-o-ka-ki-ku-ke-ko).
January 19th, 2061
Gross motor movements are now fluid and natural in appearance. Fine motor skills: the subject can now manipulate small objects and write legibly.
Speech development: the subject can pronounce all 46 Japanese syllables and most English sounds. The subject is competent in basic verbal communication and can express needs and wants.
Social development: eye contact is appropriate and naturalistic. Facial expressions are used to convey emotions. "Happy," "angry," "surprised," and "distressed" have been observed.
April 29th, 2061
The subject's temperament is becoming more pronounced. Introverted. Likes nature and music. Inquisitive. Easily startled by sudden or loud noises. Prefers concrete over abstract thinking. Does not like surprises.
The subject enjoys drawing, especially trees, flowers, and other features of the natural world.
Empathy was demonstrated for the first time today when the subject saw an injured crow in the forest and asked me how it could be helped.
May 16th, 2061
For the first time, the subject asked me why he exists. This predates my estimate by six months.
September 1st, 2061
The subject displayed significant distress following yesterday morning's earthquake. I explained the cause of the phenomenon, and he spent the rest of the day reading about plate tectonics on the netscreen. Frightened by aftershocks. Was very upset to learn about the toll of the '33 Tokai earthquake. Couldn't sleep that night. Asked me to stay by his side.
September 20th, 2061
Last week, the subject began playing the piano. It was his decision, and in fact he is teaching himself. He now spends a minimum of four hours practicing each day. Is making incredible progress (see attached video files).
November 9th, 2061
(deleted)
November 17th, 2061
(deleted)
November 20th, 2061
(deleted)
From: Tadashi Takayama
To: Thomas X. Light
Date: 5/23/61
Subject: Re: intruder
Dear Dr. Light,
Thank you for your cooperation regarding the tabloid reporter who was taking photos on your property. We have identified him, and are preparing to contact him today. Please let me know about any other such incidents as they happen. They will be dealt with appropriately.
Takayama
From: Tadashi Takayama
To: Thomas X. Light
Date: 9/2/61
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: DRN-000
Dear Dr. Light,
Again, I must remind you to use objective language in your logs. This is not the time and place for you to write about DRN-000`s "feelings."
Thank you for your cooperation.
Takayama
From: Thomas X. Light
To: Tadashi Takayama
Date: 11/25/61
Subject: urgent
Dear Mr. Takayama,
I am writing to you to shed some light on the events recorded in my most recent logs, as they cannot be adequately explained with objective language.
Blues has started refusing to participate in the tests. The reason, he says, is because he is confused regarding their purpose, and because he dislikes cameras.
This is one of many examples of Blues's recent displays of oppositional behavior. I am certain the root cause of this behavior is stress.
He is becoming increasingly despondent about the restrictions placed on his freedom. He keeps asking me to take him out of the house, into the world, so he can visit some of the places he's seen on the netscreen. His questions are relentless, especially those beginning with "why."
Mr. Takayama, I am urging you to let me bring the period of testing and documentation to an end. I'm getting worried about Blues's emotional state, and the extent to which it will decline if he is forced to continue much longer.
I have sent all but one of Blues's sketchbooks, and physical copies of all the video files Dr. Wily and myself have compiled since January. I believe you will agree that this, combined with the other evidence I have sent you so far, is more than enough to declare the project a success and release Blues from his obligations.
I would appreciate an affirmative answer soon.
Tom
From: Tadashi Takayama
To: Thomas X. Light
Date: 11/25/61
Subject: Re: urgent
Dr. Light,
I understand your request, and I'd like to move this along as much as you would, but these things run on a schedule. Please do your best to endure a little while longer as per our original agreement. If oppositional behavior becomes a problem, let me know and I will send someone to assist you and Dr. Wily in securing DRN-000's compliance.
It would be useful to learn how DRN-000 responds to continued stress.
Takayama
From: Thomas X. Light
To: Tadashi Takayama
Date: 11/25/61
Subject: Re: Re: urgent
In that case, I must invoke the terms of our contract which give us, Blues's creators, the authority to set the conditions of his care.
To ask us to continue the testing is a violation of that term, as it is not our wish to intentionally put Blues under stress.
In other words, that's a "no."
We don't require any "assistance," either.
From: Tadashi Takayama
To: Thomas X. Light
Date: 11/26/61
Subject: Re: Re: Re: urgent
I will call you later today. It would be better for us to discuss this matter over the phone. Prepare yourself, since you won't like what you're going to hear.
Takayama
This was the extent of what Blues was able to read before he gave in to the urge to set his head down on the desk and close his eyes. I'm so tired, he thought. I'll read more after I rest a little while... just a little while...
The metallic humming of the fluorescent lights lulled him. The gnawing pain in his abdomen faded and disappeared, replaced by warm numbness. Dr. Light's email log was still open on the netscreen, but Blues was past caring. His hands slid out of his lap and dangled at his sides.
That was exactly how Dr. Light found him the next morning.
