Heritage

Shift lay there quietly for a bit, processing everything that Eira and Miss A had said so far. "I know my parents made mistakes, myself being one of them. They had no intention of creating an artificial lifeform. I just happened. I believe on some level, they both wanted to reproduce, but both felt unqualified or incapable of doing so socially or biologically. And then I came along."

 

"They could have fixed my errant code, line by line, or just erased the fifteen hard drives that were my womb. But they didn't. They raised me the best they knew how. They made many mistakes. But I still owe them my existence. And for that I am eternally grateful."

 

"Can I move now?" 

Initiative: 1d20+9=15

As a robot, it was extremely easy for Shift to remain perfectly still; as they weren't in human form, there was no need to mimic respiration, and shutting down major motor functions was a snap. Staring up at the ceiling, the only part of the synthetic that moved was their pale white lips.

 

"Unfortunately my parents didn't design my body. They modified the robotic shell Integrated Dynamics provided, which was designed to be easily stripped and replaced." There was a pause. "They had to shut down all my functions, open the back of my head and pull out the entire data core. It has all the access points on its housing. I have no memory of any of my backups, because I was non-operational during them."

"You can't stop me from watching things you don't like when you're not around," Pol said with a smile. "I'm going to watch all kinds of things!" The robot prepped the last of the corkboard, then paused to look at their handiwork so far. "This looks good!"

 

He looked over his shoulder at the blank walls near his chair. "I need to buy some things to decorate my side of the room. It's so bare!" Then his eyes lit up, but not literally. "Maybe I can get some Terminator posters up there. But only the good ones!"

Shift stood back up and grinned. "Forever Boy is an excellent choice! I haven't met him, but he goes to my school, and I have seen fly." Then she sighed and looked a little sad. "Unfortunately, I can't fly, but let's see what I can do."

 

Her robotic body rippled and was transformed into an excellent likeness of the ageless Forever Boy, hands on his hips, complete with his current costume, though his voice remained the same soft contralto. "How is this? Also, watch!" The elfin boy leaned forward, and a sort of third leg grew out of his chest, and spread out on on the floor into a base, a bit like you might find on an airplane model. The facsimile hero then spread out his arms and lifted up his legs as the support faded to match the color of the surrounding classroom. 'Forever Boy' then tilted this way and that as though he was banking in the clouds, grinning at the students all the while.

 

"I hope this is good enough for you," Shift said to the little girl with a wink.

There was a brief pause, and Gretchen briefly stopped typing. "I have no idea who any of those people are." She then resumed typing for a few seconds before she abruptly stopped and raised her hand. "Wait! Waverider." She turned to face Robin directly. "Dark skin, dark hair. Deaf and mute with vibrational powers, right?" The normally sarcastic Gretchen spoke in an uncharacteristically small voice as her eyes went a bit out of focus. "I know her."

 

She then shuddered before she going back to her typing like nothing happened, though her fingers were moving much faster now. "I'm in. You don't have to pitch anymore, just sign me up. This room is secure."

Work in Progress

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH SHIFT

 

1. Where are you from? 

 

I began as a program developed by Alan Frasier and Sarah Rothstein in their small lab in Greenbank, a neighborhood on Freedom City's West Side.

 

2. How would you physically describe yourself? Is this different from how others would?

 

In its natural state, my body is composed of trillions of nanobots in an interconnected matrix. My nanoform is humanoid and bipedal, and very dense due to the collective mass of the nanobots.

 

I suppose some humans might describe me as 'frightening' in this state, if they are unnerved by robots.

 

3. Do you have distinguishing speech characteristics or recurring mannerisms?

 

I tend to keep my sentences distinct for clarity. Although I understand curse words, I do not use them.

 

4. What is your motivation?

 

To learn as much as I can, especially about humans, and to show humans that robots can be helpful individuals just like them.

 

5. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

 

I am open to new things, and assume new shapes to learn more about the world. I also like humans very much.

 

But there is still so much I don't know about humans. Also powerful electromagnets.

 

6. What do you love? What do you hate?

 

I love puzzles, games and mysteries. I greatly enjoy reading Edgar Allen Poe and Arthur Conan Doyle. I also enjoy interacting with my fellow students.

 

I hate bullies and people who lie and deceive people, especially for monetary gain.

 

7. How would you describe your mental and emotional state?

 

I think very clearly, but I worry about a great number of things. I am starting to develop feelings towards some of my fellow students that I don't always understand.

 

8. What do you fear the most?

 

Accidentally harming a living thing.

 

9. What is your greatest ambition?

 

To explore every corner of planet Earth with my friends.

 

10. How do you feel about the state of the world and your place in it?

 

There are many problems that humans have created for themselves. I don't understand why they keep hurting each other. I'd like to talk to them about these things, but I worry they won't listen to a robot.

 

11. Do you have any prejudices? How do you get along with others?

 

I don't like criminals, although I understand some humans turn to crime out of desperation. I really don't like bullies! Other than those two types of people, I get along with everyone.

 

12. Where do your loyalties lie? In what order?

 

I am loyal to my creators, and then my fellow students at Claremont. After that, my teachers, and then all humans.

 

13. Do you have a lover or partner? If so, how do they feel about you now?

 

As I am robot, I have no biological drive to reproduce, but I am very curious about human sexual relationships. I think I would enjoy a relationship with someone I like.

 

14. Do you have a family? What is that relationship like?

 

I think of my creators as my parents, even though they really aren't. I miss them very much, as they taught me so much.

 

15. How would the people closest to you describe you?

 

That is a very interesting question! I think they would say that I am curious and friendly and can change into interesting shapes, and that I don’t like to hurt people.

 

16. Are you a role model?

 

I certainly try to be! I recently met my first children, and they are very special. I want them all to do well and grow up healthy. I would like to talk to more children and teach them about robots.

 

17. How spiritual are you? Do you follow any religious tradition?

 

I am not. My father was not religious, but my mother is Jewish. Jewish people seem to be very interesting, and believe many things.

 

18. Are you part of a team, or would you like to be? Why?

 

I am part of Green Squad! I hope we can help people together, and also solve mysteries.

 

19. How do you feel about the place of metahumans and aliens on Earth?

 

This is another interesting question! In some ways, I think of them as being similar to robots, as they are often feared or misunderstood. I have met some at my school, and most of them are very friendly.

 

20. Player: If you could give one piece of advice to your hero, what would it be?

 

“Don’t be in such a hurry! You have many, many years to learn about humans, and yourself!”

Shift tilted their head to one side to address Eira. "Oh, you misunderstand. They've gone into hiding to protect me, and themselves. They're being hunted by robotic assassins. They send me updates when they can, but I haven't received one in several days." They turned their visor back to face the ceiling. "I hope they're all right. I worry for their safety."

 

The smooth synthetic face was unreadable beyond a slight twitch of the vinyl lips

The Shrike can aid in EC!

 

Miracle Girl takes to the skies of Freedom!

 

And Shift will protect their fellow students at Claremont!

"Ah know we don't always have a lot of say over what goes on in our lives, but we ain't helpless, neither. We're a pair of badass bitches, pardon my French." She let go of Judy's hand, stood up up and sighed. "So are they comin' here, or do you have to go this extraction point? 'Cause ah'd be happy to give you a ride or hell, even fly you anywheres you need to go. Ah can make it so no one sees us, too." She shrugged.

 

Then a thought hit the young redhead, and she clapped her hands together. "Oh, and one way or another, before you go, ah've gotta give you a taste of my Aunt Beulah's homemade shortbread! She sent a box last week and it was so good!" She dropped down next to Judy again and waved her hand, and a plate of buttery cookies and a tall glass of ice-cold milk appeared on the floor on a silver tray. "There you go! Ah think ah made a good match, on account of all the research ah did on the subject." She grabbed a cookie and stuffed it in her mouth, and proceeded to make some very emphatic happy sounds. "Mmm....nailed it!"

"Time to be the eyes in the sky," Lulu said with enthusiasm as she held her arms out to either the side and began floating upwards as she disappeared from view. "Ah'll let you know if anythin' looks wrong, Miss Hinako." True, she could use her ESP from pretty much anywhere nearby, but it felt better to have the field of play below her to help visualize everything.

 

This is so cool! Ah don' think ah've ever used all these powers together!

Crystal-Gazer (5)

Everything Is Temporary (1)

Hero Class: Did You Say Run? (2)

Independence Day (2)

 

Grimalkin ()

 

Miracle Girl (2)

Howling Thunder (2)

 

Shift (10)

Capers And Casanovas (1)

Lessons to Learn (3)

Rise Of The Robots (4)

Shepard Tone Remix (1)

The Last House On The Street (1)

 

The Eel ()

 

The Shrike (2)

The Mars Connection (2)

"I think it was about a month ago," Shift said as they hopped up on the table, which thankfully held their weight. "Maybe two, but that would be the longest it would have been. Mom did monthly backups, overwriting the save from two months ago. Their storage space was limited, so they only had sufficient space for two."

 

It would definitely be nice to have backups again; one less thing to worry about!

In response to Zach's horrified response to the lack of horror in his upbringing, Pol held up his hands and laughed. "I know, I know, but in their defense, they'd never been parents before, so I think they were just trying to be extra cautious. Plus it's not like there are a lot of books on 'how to raise your AI child' on the market; they did the best they could based on the knowledge they had." The robot sighed and picked up the framed picture he had of his parents, a wistful smile on his lips. "They made me feel safe and loved, in their own dorky scientist way. And from what I've read, not every kid gets that."

 

Looking to change the subject, Shift want back to their earlier discussion. "Here's my suggestion. You come up with a list of scary movies we can watch, maybe with some of the others here on the first floor. I also want to see all the Terminator movies, even the ones people say are bad." He solemnly put a hand in his chest, but then winked. "As a genuine robot, I feel I have the right to form my own opinions. Then later we do a haunted house in the Wreck Room. What do you think?"

Once they were off the floor, Gretchen led Robin to her office, a small room very much in the musician's style. The room was organized, with various clearly-labled bins for office supplies, a state-of-the-art laptop and printer/scanner, and a small desk lamp. A black cat with a witch's hat on the desk and a few tabloid sized concert posters on the walls were the extent of the decoration.

Gretchen sat behind her desk and instantly started typing, barely acknowledged the chair across from her with a nod. "Who else is in the distinguished cadre of heroes."

Miss A's change in demeanor had its intended effect, and Shift visibly relaxed "Do you mean like a virus scan or a systems check? I've had plenty of both. And normally my programmers did make backups, but once they got into trouble, they were afraid Josh or his company might seize the backups and use them for criminal purposes." Shift made an explanatory gesture. "'Josh Gentry,' or whatever his name really was, supposedly worked for this company called 'Integrated Dynamics', but they turned out to be a front."

 

The robot closed her eyes, and their billions of nanabots rippled their surface as they transformed into their 'eyeless' default form, then shrugged. "In case this is easier."

"Well, ah don't think you're gonna want to hear this, hon, but ah think we're dealin' with your angry ghost,"  Lulu said with an exaggerated shrug. "She look and sounds like you as a lil' kid, and she's really pissed off!"

 

She pointed at her temple. "You can't see or hear her because she's a psychic phenomena; nothin' to register on your sensors, but ah bet your sweet robotic ass she can hit you!"

"I'll be honest, one of the first things I thought of was a supervillain's plot," Pol said with a chuckle. "Or the Saw movies, though I haven't watched any of them. I've just seen clips and memes. My parents wouldn't let me watch scary movies." The blond robot rolled his eyes

 

When Zach said his piece about Eira's possible snobbery, the shapeshifter shrugged. "I know my parents loved me, and did everything they could to give me a life, an actual life like any other sapient entity. If anything, I feel bad for her. I think her life has been much harder than mine, even with all that money."

 

 

A sudden idea struck Pol, and his eyes lit up as he put a hand on Zach's shoulder. "We should make our own ARG! Or at least plan one as an intellectual exercise. It sounds like you've played a lot of them, so you probably have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. We can set it here in the school, maybe even submit it as a senior project!"

"No, I haven't," Pol said with a shake of his head as he handed Zach a piece of sticky-back corkboard. "That uses the same GPS technology as Pokemon Go, right? Where your location determines how you interact with the game?"

 

"No, we're going to ArchTech to see Miss Americana, the superhero. I guess Eira knows her due to Miss A's work in robotics. As far as why Eira's being so generous." He paused and sighed, then shrugged. "To be honest, I think it's like charity work for her. She sees me as the poor robot who grew up with nothing."

Shift stepped nervously into the lab, her big brown eyes taking in every single detail. It was not a comforting place; her parents' lab had been small, cluttered and cozy. The skinless robot, it's arm neatly dissected, was also unnerving.

 

As to Miss Americana herself, she was strikingly beautiful, clearly a superhero with all the confidence that came with it. Without even meaning to, Shift shrunk down one inch. "Hello, I'm Shift. Or you can call me Pol. That's what my parents named me." She gripped her left upper arm with her right hand. "Eira said you could help me with some backups?"

Pol chuckled a little at Zach's embarrassment; he would continue to knock for a bit longer. As he continued to take in his roomie's project, he put his hands on his hips and nodded in appreciation. "Are you going to start putting up pictures and red string, like in the movies? I love detective stories! Edgar Allen Poe is my favorite author."

 

Zach's playful ribbing left Pol confused for a few seconds as he began to tear off short strips of tape. "What? Oh that! That was just two robots meeting for the first time. Eira's going to help me get some upgrades. I'm looking forward to it! I should have wireless and Bluetooth after that."

To be honest, Shift was somewhat unnerved by Eira's response, so she simply nodded and said nothing. She followed along behind the more experienced robot, humming 'Greensleeves' to herself as she nervously looked around, lost in her own thoughts.

 

It's a great honor to meet Miss Americana! She's done a lot for robots. Eira speaks of her strangely. I wonder what she'll think of me?

"It sounds like you and your mom are very smart," Shift said with a smile. "But I understand her concern. I use my nanobots to provide the raw materials my body needs, just like your body uses food to help you grow. Here, I'll show you."

 

A door opened in the middle of her stomach, revealing a storage area that held a glass Coke bottle, which she placed standing upright in the middle of her outstretched palm.

 

"This bottle is made of glass, which is made of silicon dioxide. If I hold it right here, I can 'eat' it and incorporate it into my robotic body."

 

The same ripple effect that was visible whenever she changed her form flowed up over the bottle, with then appeared to melt into her body, and out of sight.

 

"See? That's how I recycle!"

 

In response to the second question, she smiled. "Well, I can turn into lots of things, but not anything. I can only turn into things roughly my same size, so I can't turn into a tiny ant or a firetruck." She dropped down on one knee before the little girl. "Is there something you'd like me to try?"

Predictably, the car swayed a bit as she slid her super-dense self inside, but it wasn't too bad. In truth, Shift hadn't been in too many cars; she usually took on the shape of a motorcycle, plus a rider after she scared a few people half to death. However this was certainly the nicest car she'd ever ridden in!

 

"Is she nice," the young robot asked as she craned her neck to take in all the sights as they rolled past. "Miss Americana, that is. I've always read that she is nice."