[ video | un: drn0167 ]

[sentiences]

[ The video pans across one of the communal rooms before centering on Dorian. He looks overwhelmed and thrilled at the same time. ]

Okay, so this is amazing. I have a room with a bed — and I'm not entirely sure what they expect me to do with that. Also my own chair! It's a sweet deal.

[ Seriously. A chair. His own space. Let the android have his moment okay. ]

Unfortunately, I don't think my charging station came with me on the trip here. Does anyone know anyone technically minded or with a large amount of appliances and scrap? I kind of need it so I don't run out of power. Low charges are hellish.

I can pay you? I think I get wages now. Amazing.

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[sentiences]

I don't sleep. Robots generally don't need to do the whole sleeping thing.

[angelic_archer]

I didn't think robots - [How can he politely say that in his world they don't look like people unless they're in science fiction books?] - Where I'm from they're less advanced than you.

[Hopefully that wasn't insulting since he didn't mean to offend Dorian.]

Why wouldn't you have things like chairs?

[sentiences]

I'm not saying chairs don't exist.

I'm saying I've never had anything like this of my own. A space with chairs and a bed.

[angelic_archer]

I didn't think that there were no chairs. I didn't understand why you wouldn't have a space with chairs or other furniture.

[sentiences]

[ Okay, he can't help a little mockery. ]

Do you usually give machines chairs and furniture?

[angelic_archer]

The toaster can't have a conversation with me. You're sentient. That means you should have the same rights I have and the potential to have furniture or anything else that you want as long what you want doesn't hurt others.

[sentiences]

[ Dorian gets the feeling this is not a conversation he should be having and he almost wishes Kennex was here. Almost. ]

Well. It might be able to have a conversation someday. Sorry, but even though I have feelings and my own way of thinking, it's still artificial.

[ He smiles faintly. ]

Also I don't think I'm qualified to have this conversation.

[angelic_archer]

If it starts talking to me, I'll either give it a chair or I'll stab it because it's possessed by a demon.

[That can't really happen.. he hopes. Demonic toasters isn't something he wants to consider when he's making breakfast.]

If you can think and feel, then it's not artificial. Once the feelings exist, they're real.

Why wouldn't you be qualified to have it? [His tone is curious even if it somehow reminds him of how the Clave thinks. Those lacking a certain hereditary background and don't fit their ideals shouldn't have rights.] You're the one it involves directly.

[sentiences]

[ Possessed by a demon. Okay. He can roll with that. ]

Sure, but I like where I am. I'm proud to be an android, to do what I do. Sure, there are downsides but I'm pretty sure those exist whether I am a robot or not. No one is taking that from me.

[angelic_archer]

Does talking about it mean you'd have to go back? [And he thought the Clave could be strict about their secrecy policies...]

You should be proud of who you are. [Alec rubs the back of his neck as he considers how he'd hated himself for years.] That's not always an easy mental place to reach. I don't think any being has a life without some downside.

What did you do before if you didn't have a place to live or wages?

[sentiences]

No, nothing like that. It's not a secret or a rule.

[ Dorian's expression droops slightly. ]

I didn't. I was deactivated.

[angelic_archer]

Where I'm from, there's rules about what we can and can't talk about. We get punished if we say the wrong thing to the wrong person.

So you weren't - [Alive? What's the right word?] Active before you arrived here?

[sentiences]

[ He shakes his head. ]

I have no protocols concerning that. Obviously, I wouldn't share police or case-sensitive work to the public, but I have complete control in what I say or do. It's my choice.

I was only reactivated recently to partner with another detective.

[angelic_archer]

I wish we hadn't... We're lucky that it doesn't matter here.

Are you going to work for the police here?

Did your partner arrive here too?

[sentiences]

[ Dorian smiles because any topic involving his work is welcome. ]

I'm currently employed as a police officer. Unfortunately, my partner didn't come along with me.

[angelic_archer]

I'm sorry he didn't come here with you.

My sister works for the police department. She's one of their forensic pathologists.

[sentiences]

[ He tilts his head, congenial and unbothered. It would be easier to have Kennex around, as a buffer, but unnecessary. ]

I'll be sure to say hi sometime.

[angelic_archer]

Her name is Izzy - Isabelle - Lightwood. She'll be thrilled to meet you.

[sentiences]

You think so?

[ Dorian has a hard time picturing people who would be "thrilled" to meet him. Some reactions are understandable, but the glamour wears out quickly. ]