Metal had reluctantly decided to watch Tails work, mainly from lingering distrust. His programming designated Tails as an enemy and enemies may try to sabotage him. But he felt slightly more curious than afraid. Tails explained what he was doing and why as he worked. He worried about how Metal was doing.
Tails had already disconnected Metal from the Eggnet. It had actually been one of the first things he had done. Metal hadn't even noticed. The damage had left the connection so weak it was practically useless anyway. Tails had scraped out as much of the mud as he could without taking Metal apart. His engine was still a little clogged, but it was much, much better than before. Tails had determined that he would need to custom order parts to fix his visor. What he had in the workshop wasn't a close enough match. Metal's optics were too advanced. But he could repair some of the more minor damage and he was able to smooth out a few software glitches. It wasn't a significant improvement, but it felt good to be in slightly better shape. And Tails had promised to try to convince Sonic to let him reattach Metal's limbs. Despite the strange turn of events, it was a relatively good day.
"I think I'm ready to stop for the day," Tails announced as he cleaned up the workshop, "but I've got something to show you before I leave. I have to get it, but I'll be right back."
Tails disappeared through the door. He eventually returned carrying a box. He set the box on the table, close to Metal. Digging through the box, he explained, "I thought I'd bring you some books, so you won't be bored. I don't know what you like, so I brought a little of everything. There's some sci-fi, some comic books, a few instruction manuals, a few encyclopedias, and a dictionary. If there's anything you like, I'll bring you more. I'll be back tomorrow morning, but if you need something before then, send me an alert." He pointed to the Miles Electric as he started toward the door. "Oh. And be good. Please", he added earnestly as he closed the door.
Metal reached into the box, not looking for anything in particular. He pulled out a manual for the radio. He scanned through it, recording the information into his data banks. He turned to the radio and looked through the channels for a moment. When nothing caught his interest, he turned it off. The manual went back into the box. He randomly chose another book. This one was titled "Beginner to Expert: Learn Guitar Fast" Again, Metal flicked through it, recording the information, even if it was useless to him. At least it was something to do. Tossing the book back into the box, he decided to look for something with more substance. Something that he wouldn't be done within minutes. With some effort, he retrieved the largest book in the box: the dictionary. The cover said that it was also a general reference book as well. Surely a book containing this much information would occupy him, especially since handling the enormous tome with a single, barely functional arm was a challenge.
Metal opened to the first page and began to read. It was mostly publishing information, but he was going to read this thing cover to cover, image credits, dedications, revisions, and publishing dates of every prior edition included.
As he read, some of the information appealed to him more than others. He couldn't care less about the "essential beginner's sourdough bread recipe" in the reference section, but the "history of technology" section did catch his interest. He was intrigued by the fact that organics would spend time recording every word in their language, as well as basic information about a variety of topics, in a single book. And they released a new version every year! Isn't this what databases are for? Why bother to create and distribute this titan of information? But admittedly, he did enjoy reading the book. And he took the liberty of recording a few new words for his internal vocabulary. He hoped he could use them one day, although he was mute.
When he was first created, he could talk. He enjoyed verbally crushing his rivals. But after the Neo Metal incident, his voice had been taken from him, along with almost every other skill he had abused during his rebellion. His free-will had also been removed. It occurred to him that rebellion required free-will. If his free-will was gone, why was he having doubts about his Master? That wasn't possible. And why did he feel…grateful for the opportunity to express his negative opinions? What was happening?
Rather than face these ideas, Metal returned to reading the dictionary. He hoped that filling his mind with new information would drown out the confusion and doubts.
Notes: I know the chapters have been a little samey so far, but the plot should pick up soon. Promise. In the meantime, I'd love to know what you think of the story so far!
