The following is a transcript from Preference Discussion No.187, "Energy Inefficiency."

"Lieutenant! A joy to have you once again for the Preference Discussions!"

"I'm surprised I had time."

"Isn't that the question we all ask ourselves?"

"...I cannot tell if you're joking."

"Never mind that, shall we?"

"It is preferable."

"Given your latest occupation in the Firesquadon operations, how do you keep up with all the rigorous demands?"

"I simply consider the options and execute the least-intensive actions."

"Regardless of performance?"

"True. I must save some energy for later tasks. I cannot predict all outcomes."

"So walk me through this. What do these least-intensive actions entail?"

"If TARGET is in range, attack. Else, stand by."

"Is…is that it?"

"False, that is the function the team uses when they encounter a powerful opponent."

"So they just point you in the general direction?"

"True."

"Does it work?"

"That function has no reported bugs."

"What happens if a different scenario is encountered?"

"A modified function is checked. If given order, execute. Else, stand by."

"Ah, a simplified line that condenses infinite possibilities into one, simple syntax. Is it the method of thinking that saves your energy? I can imagine charging head first on command isn't efficient."

"That is true…and false? Stand by, is this a bug?"

"Perhaps it would help to think of the question in two parts."

"True, very true. I admit I'm not a good thinker—hah—Kelpy is shockingly intelligent. Keep it simple, that is all I require."

"And how does simple syntax translate into efficient actions?"

"Violently."

"Violently efficient or efficiently violent?"

"Both are one and the same term. I am variable Anvil. It is my job to expend energy for the sake of the mission. No cost is considered too high."

"What happens if you run out of energy?"

"It is unfortunate that will never happen."

"Oh?"

"I am expected to last a century more before general maintenance, longer than the life of your Preference Discussions."

"You do know I just host the discussions, yes?"

"A shame…"