Chapter 7
Yet another month had passed by, with the technicians making expansions on the data bank that would be stored with me. A woman named Hinode was teaching me more about how humans acted and spoke. Nobu had been hired as a technician and was currently trying to understand why I existed. Hiroyuki Ito had not come to check on my progress in two weeks.
"Alright, Mari," Hinode said, gaining my attention once again, "you'll remember everything I've taught you today?"
"It is already stored in my memory banks, I will not forget it."
"Okay then," she smiled, "I'll see you tomorrow."
I nodded and waited in my chair. Since Nobu had become a technician, I have gained limited mobile function. I was now able to move slowly around a small room. I was also given small tasks which had bored me to complete.
In about one half of an hour, they will test my "hand-eye-coordination" and such. I thought with boredom.
I also had access to the internet taken away from me.
"It's to take the stress off of your memory banks, Mari" Nobu had said when I asked him why. He had been the one to start calling me Mari, instead of Hajimari. "You know it's true."
I became frustrated at the thought. No, that was a memory. I began to survey the off-white room they had me in, for the time being. I tested my own functions, as I did every day. I looked upwards and saw an air vent. Then I looked at the door, which was always locked. I want to go outside. At least to the upper floors. I thought for a moment. I will speak to Nobu about this.
A few minutes later, a man came in.
"Hello, Miss Hajimari," He said politely, "Nobu would like to see you. Are you able to make the trip?"
I nodded, and felt excitement. I looked at myself in a mirror in the corner of the room, and saw that I was still just a skeleton of metal. My central wiring was exposed, and I did not have a face. I will have to bring this to Nobu's attention as well.
I followed the man through the laboratory, to a door. I had little difficulty navigating the rooms, without colliding into any objects. This must be a test of mobility. The obstructions were obviously placed in a way that would make sure my motor skills were on par to a human's.
I saw him sitting at his desk in the small office, provided to him by Hiroyuki Ito, and smiling.
"You passed that test with flying colors, Mari," he said, still smiling, "I'm sure you're wondering why I called you in here?"
"I am," I replied. I sat in a chair, using the information given to me by Hinode on how to properly sit, "I also have matters to discuss, but you may speak first."
"Thank you," he nodded politely and stood, "we are currently attempting to design your exterior, and we have a young professional helping us out."
He gestured with his left hand, and the door opened behind me. I rotated my head 45 degrees to the right, to see a tall young man with dusty blond hair, and silver glasses, walk into the room.
"You called for me sir?" his voice was soft, but deep. He looked towards me, and his eyes widened, "is that her?"
Nobu nodded, and gestured for me to stand and introduce myself.
"Hello, I am Aratana Hajimari, but Nobu calls me Mari," I stood and bowed politely, "And you are?"
"Greetings, and my apologies for not introducing myself earlier," he thought for a moment, looking my skeleton up and down for a moment, "My name is Suisei, and I'll be in charge of designing what you'll look like to the rest of us."
"I am looking forward to it."
Nobu looked on between us, "Now Suisei has studied in America and can teach you about their culture as well as ours. Along with Hinode, of course."
I nodded. Something about this man, I could not tell what was happening. I'll have to look into this.
Afterwards, I was brought back to the room again, this time with Suisei following me. We went into the room and he began looking my current body over, and taking measurements.
"How large do you want your breast size?" he ventured, after watching me.
I looked at him, startled, but confused, "What are breasts?"
He only nodded, instead of answering, and jotted something down on his notepad. I sat and watched his hand movement, "Now I know you were created," he turned the notebook to the right by 20.23819 degrees, "believing you were Hatsune Miku. But why did you request the name change?"
"I felt it was best, so I would not stand out too much in society."
He nodded, and continued sketching. Eventually he looked up and said, "Would this look suit your ideals?"
He showed me his drawing. It was of a young woman, age indicated at the top said that the body was suited for a 16 year old female. She had long dark hair to the middle of her back. Everything else about the image was average for the age group.
"I'll let you help me design the face," he said, looking up at me, "I'll even help make it so you can show emotion."
I nodded again. Yet another step closer to humanity. It is within my grasp, and I will reach it.