Cyborg Premaya

Hmm...?

What's wrong, Premaya?

I just received a message.

A message? But I didn't see you receiving anything.

Because I am a cyborg. That function was embedded within me when I was mechanized.

E-Embedded? I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I'm guessing it's something inside your body?

Yes, your understanding of the matter is largely accurate. Message content... A request, as usual. Details at Gamma District bar.

Can I come along too? Many hands make light work, right?

Thank you.

However, I cannot trouble Master over such a small matter...

You know, I've been wondering... Why do you keep calling me Master?

Because that is what you are defined as in my thought logic algorithms.

Are you displeased about being addressed as Master?

Well... It does tickle a little. Are you sure you can't call me something else?

Only if you order me to...

No, it's not an order or anything...

For reference, what is your preferred alternative?

Suggestions: My Owner. Big Boss... Godfather...

Wait a minute--?!

Highness. General. Milord... These are strong candidates as potential alternatives. Which do you prefer?

I-I got it. If calling me Master is easier for you, then let's keep it that way.

Thank you, Master.

For now, we should head towards the Gamma District bar to meet up with the requester.

Is that the guy?

An airport manager who was entrusted by the Elzion authorities with the task of monitoring airport facilities.

Right... Let's see what he has to say.

If it isn't Premaya! That was fast.

And who's that strange young man with you?

My name's Aldo, and I'm helping out Premaya.

That's certainly reassuring! Premaya always goes around by herself, you see, and I think that's dangerous.

No, Master. I am not doing anything dangerous.

And I believe hearing details about the request is our priority at the moment.

Hahaha! You're right. Well then...

My request is for you to suppress a robot that has gone amok.

It was a drone used to monitor the airport from above and intercept any Synth Humans. But for some reason, it's gone bonkers.

It attacks any humanoid forms with a thermal reading indiscriminately, be they human or Synth Human.

Indiscriminately, huh? That sounds bad.

In fact, it's already injured some people. We've evacuated most of them, but nobody can use the airport like this.

Has the management approved of this?

Yes. Their order is to dispose of the robot.

Then we shall execute that order immediately.

I knew I could count on you. But are you really doing it for free?

Free? You're taking requests for free?

Yes, my thought logic algorithm recognizes this activity as a mission that should be accomplished.

Very... Very strongly.

I don't really get it, but sounds like this is important to you, Premaya.

Where was the target last seen?

It showed up on the warehouse surveillance camera a little while ago, so it's probably still somewhere there.

Acknowledged.

We will now head to the airport to suppress the rampaging robot.

Yeah, let's go right now!

Where'd that berserk robot go?

Its last known location from the surveillance camera is this vicinity.

But I don't see anything?

Maybe it moved somewhere?

Maybe. I will conduct a search using a wider range--

Master, watch out!

Ugh!

Premaya! Are you okay?!

......

Guh... I shouldn't have been spaced out...

You're awake! Thank goodness...

Wa...

Wa?

Wa... Wa...

Waaah! That really huuurt!

Whaaat...?!

I'm hurt all over! Papa!

Papa...?! Are you referring to me?!

This isn't like you at all, Premaya! What happened...?!

Waaah! Make the pain go away!

O-Okay, okay!

Pain, pain, go away!

Better now...?

......

Waaah! It still hurts!! I can't walk anymore! Carry me on your back, Papa!

Whoa, wait a minute! Premaya?!

Carry me!

C-Calm down! All right, all right, I'll carry you!

*gasp* Wh-What was I...? Why am I in such close contact with Master?!

You're back to your normal self?!

That's good... I was panicking for a while there.

I am terribly sorry, Master... I think "she" may have woken up.

She...?

Woken up? What are you talking about?

The truth is...

For the sake of expediency, I call myself "Premaya", but that's technically incorrect.

Huh? You mean your real name is something else?

No... I am a personality created by the auxiliary brain that was installed during the process of turning me into a cyborg.

In other words, I am an AI, or artificial intelligence.

Auxiliary brain... Artificial intelligence...

So what you're trying to say is... Both your body and brain are machines?

Something like that. My...this body's real personality is actually something else.

So that baby-like Premaya just now was...

Yes... You have deduced correctly. She is the real Premaya.

How did things turn out like this, anyway?

She was involved in a major accident that seriously damaged her brain and body.

Her body was saved when it was mechanized into a cyborg, but the damage to her brain was too serious. The mental shock she received was even more profound than any physical injuries. Records say she lost most of her memories and her mental age regressed as a result.

That's why an auxiliary brain with a personality was implanted as support until she regains her memories.

Sounds complicated... I'm all sorts of confused now.

You do not have to understand everything.

I am not the real Premaya. Although I dwell in a human body, I am but a program that simulates human behavior.

Therefore, do not become too attached to me...

Because... You're not human?

Honestly, a lot of my friends are like that too, so you don't have to sweat the small stuff, really.

Hehe... You are such a nice person, Master.

Well then, that is enough mundane chatter for now.

We should get back to our work.

Right! We're here to stop a rampaging robot, aren't we?

I'm more worried about you though... Everything okay?

Please do not worry. My vitals have restored to normal.

I see. If you say so, then.

Where did that machine go after I lost consciousness? We need to give chase.

This way! Follow me!

......

A lot of your friends are nonhumans too... But, Master... There is something crucially different about me from your other friends.

I am a supportive personality designed to protect this body and augment the original by stimulating her. Once that is complete, this personality will no longer be needed.

Target acknowledged...

Master, please wait here.

What are you talking about? I came along to help with the fighting too.

That drone deduces its targets using the body temperature, or heat pattern of living organisms.

The organic parts of Synth Humans are arranged very similarly to real humans. That is why it attacked you just now but passed over me, because parts of my body are mechanized.

So in short...?

In short, if you go any closer, it will recognize you as a target again.

I see... That's better, though, right?

What?

If we already know that it's going to target me, we can make use of that, don't you think?

Premaya, try to circle to its back while I'm leading it around.

But... That would expose you to danger, Master.

I'll be fine. You risked your life for me just now. Let me return the favor.

Very well... Please go ahead, then.

You can count on me!

Hey! Over here! I'll play with you!

You're not getting away! This is the end of the line for you!

Finish it!

Now... Loah!

Target silenced. Neutralization complete.

What was that just now...?

Loah, a liquid-metal. It supports me in all actions by reacting to my vocal commands.

Loah? You mean...

...What?

Oh, no! It's nothing! That is...let's see... Metal that is also liquid?! Future tech is unbelievable!

What?! Metal that is also liquid?! Future tech is unbelievable!

This one is quite a slouch, though.

Occasionally, it moves around by itself, or doesn't show up no matter how much I call for it.

Haha... Sounds just like a cat.

Now that you mention it, it does seem to have the ecology of a cat despite being inorganic in nature...

Whatever the case, we can all breathe a little easier now.

Now we'll just have to return to Elzion to report this.

Yes, though the broken robot still needs to be disposed of.

Master, please return first. I will be right behind you after I finish my work here.

You sure you'll be okay by yourself? Anything I can do to help...?

Thank you for the kind thought, but this is a simple work. Please do not worry about me.

All right. I'll see you later, then.

Yes, until we meet again later.

Now... Time to begin my work...

Heehee... Thanks for the meal!

Sorry to keep you waiting, Master.

Premaya! The robot's all disposed of now?

Yes, I suppose.

You suppose...?

Oh, no... The unit has most certainly been disposed of without issues.

Okay, good to hear that. Let's go make that report, then!

Yes, we should head for the Gamma District bar where our requester is.

The mission is complete. The rampaging robot has been suppressed.

That was fast! You guys do good work together, eh?

Haha... I'm just glad to be of some help.

Since you've found such a good partner, I can count on you guys for even more requests now, right?

Sure thing! Right, Premaya?

......

Premaya...?

No...

This will be the last request I take for suppressing rampaging robots.

What?! That's really out of the blue... Are you looking for a reward, after all? I can't pay much, but name your price and I'll try to match it!

No, I am not resigning because of dissatisfaction about something.

It is because I have realized what I should be doing next.

I-I see. Someone as skillful as you would be in high demand everywhere, I suppose. It's unfortunate, but it can't be helped.

I am really sorry... Thank you for everything.

No, thank YOU! You've been a great help.

Come back and look for me again anytime you change your mind.

Premaya... Are you really sure about this?

Yes. My thought logic algorithm is urging me to move on to the next stage...

The next stage...?

I may need your help again soon, Master...

And I know I can count on you when that happens, right?

Premaya...