Google is sat at his workstation, as the Host enters the Googles' computer lab. He doesn't turn round or respond to the Host's presence, certain that the Host will state his purpose here soon enough.
"The Host is afraid there's a problem with Bing."
Google's fingers freeze above his keyboard, the droid turning slightly but refusing to meet the Host's gaze. "What problem?"
"The internal life support. The Host worries that it may not be sufficient given the high level of stress that it was created under."
Google returns to his work. "It'll be fine."
"The Host was just there, and Bing had a panic attack."
Google stops typing, his fingers curling up with barely contained concern before he pushes back from his station, bringing up a communication screen so that he can message the others. "I will get someone on to it."
"The Host thinks maybe you should see to it."
"The others are more than capable." Google doesn't see the frustration in the Host's face as he continues to message someone to check Bing's life support.
"The Host is sorry for this." With an exasperated sigh, the Host places a hand on the back of Google's chair and leans in as he speaks as clearly as he is able. "Okay Google."
Google's system freezes instantly, the screen disappearing, and his chassis straightening as he sits up perfectly straight, his gaze going hollow as he stares helplessly at nothing.
"Of you and your brothers, who is the most qualified to reinstall Bing's internal life support?"
"I am." Google answers the question truthfully, as he's programmed to do. He's the one with the greater knowledge of the parts they're using to restore Bing, the one with the most experience in improving robotics, the one with the greater drive to succeed the first time around, the one with the greatest motivation to bring Bing back up to operational standards.
Google's shoulders relax, the question answered and he scowls, turning in anger, but before he can say anything, the Host speaks again.
"Okay, Google." Google freezes again, awaiting instruction. "Why haven't you visited Bing?"
"Because I'm malfunctioning." Another true answer. His pre-programmed response to the 'magic words' which Dark had sworn no one but the two of them knew. Either Dark lied or the Host somehow got inside his head and took it out.
"Malfunctioning?"
Google glares at the Host, waiting to see if he uses those words again but the Host just waits patiently. "I feel hollow." he says eventually. Reaching up, he taps at his chest with two fingers, just where a human's breast bone would be. "Right here, whenever I see him."
"Hollow…" The Host considers Google's words as he shifts in place. The droid doesn't have much frame of reference for emotions and is known to misinterprets them. Feeling hollow…. "…Is it possible that you feel that what happened to Bing is your fault?"
Google pushes his glasses up his nose, purposefully avoiding looking at the Host. "It is my fault."
"Why do you say that?"
"When he was being attacked Bing kept looking to the cameras. He knows I hack them but it took me two days to even notice he was missing. I should have seen. I should have known he needed help. I could have…" Google's voice slowly builds speed as he speaks until he realises that maybe the Host has hit on the problem. "…done something."
The hollowness in his chest is back with a vengeance as he thinks of the moment when he saw the time stamp on the footage and Google absent-mindedly raises his hand to his chest, clutching at his shirt, and closing his eyes trying to fight it off. It is a grossly unpleasant feeling and he wants it gone.
The Host places a firm hand on Google's shoulder, the droid turning to look at him. "There's no way you could have possibly stopped them, even if you hadbeen."
Google nods. He knows he wouldn't have got there in time. "…But I could have tried."
The Host sighs as he thinks on what Google's saying, crossing his arms before he speaks again. "Okay Google." the droid freezes once more. "Bing has never needed you more than he does right now. Go and see him."
Without hesitation, Google gets to his feet, unable to disobey the instruction. Secretly, he's grateful that the final decision has been removed from his hands, wanting to visit Bing all this time but always finding a reason to stay away. Now those reasons mean nothing.
Still as he passes the Host he pauses a moment. Google's face is stern as he taps one finger firmly against the Host's chest. "Don't ever use those words against me again."
The Host stands defiant, unapologetic for what he has done, though he inclines his head slightly. "The Host promises."
With that, Google leaves.