Unnamed Twine About Robotic Bodies

(align: "=><==")[***Unnamed Twine About Robotic Bodies***] A journey of self-discovery for an android lost in a land of robots. This game contains a few scenes of metaphorical sex and fetishism between robots, and some robot gore (and some of these things together)! The most extreme part can be skipped, but not all of it, please be advised! [[Click here to start the game->1]]

Land of the Robots/Automatons Some Bodies -Protag Mangled social robot meant to spy and provide psychological help to humans for the Homon Foundation Greenery world, machines merged with nature Mind link sex -Chip robot Likes to be overheated. Then likes to experience relief by using protag's computing abilities. Pure form. -Sex Toy robot Likes to be used. Give Protag the desire to be used too. -Train robot Likes to follow a set path, and take people around -Wind robot Imperfect body of a robot who wanted to be the wind, but it's an abstract concept of moving air, so the robot is simply cells riding in the air. -City robot Watching over a dead city, and other robots, but doesn't want to interfere in their lives -Hivemind vehicle robot Didn't want to experience loneliness, a city in one mind -Exhibitionist robot Well-crafted exterior robot that likes to show its insides -Factory robot/ The Remaker Create robot children -Werewolf robot Animaslistic appearence -Destroy robot A robot that likes to be destroyed (operated wirelessly) -Giant robot -Fish robot -Floor robot Adjusting for clumsy people -Assassin robot An off-shoot of Doppel -Work robot Green -> City -> Factory / train ->

It woke up laying among blades of tall green grass, fluttering from the wind.(link:" >>>")[ The lid covering its right eye slowly opened, revealing a complex blue iris among white and light-colored eyebrows, themselves surrounded by pale skin. On the other hand, its left eye had no lid, no eyebrow, no skin, no white. It was only a black lens, surrounded by more dark machinery.(link:" >>>")[ The fake skin had been ripped off from half of its face, revealing its mangled insides bare, like a page crudely torn from a book, leaving the next, odd-fitting page half-visible instead.(link:" >>>")[ The rest of its humanoid body was mostly covered by gray clothing, but not completely. A dark, puffy sweatshirt almost served as a cover, not that it required one. And between its light skirt and its thight high socks, its legs were exposed, one covered in more fake flesh, while the other was a complex array of black mechanisms that squeaked softly as the android started moving slowly.(link:" >>>")[ Taking its time, it shifted its weight, carefully passing it around and stabilizing itself into a sitting position. There, resting on its bum, it looked up, at the clear blue sky.(link:" >>>")[ It stared at the unchanging horizon for a thousand years until it moved again. [[>>>>>>->2]]]]]]]

In the distance stood a city.(link:" >>>")[ It called, subtle vibrations in the wind, whispers of life.(link:" >>>")[ Most of it was covered in vegetation. Roots growing through the concrete, while flowers adorned the corners of the streets.(link:" >>>")[ The pole of a streetlamp buzzed, flickered, in the unmoving city, asking for the android's attention. It walked to it at a slow, somewhat clumsy, indifferent pace, its sneakers bumping against the uneven ground.(link:" >>>")[ "I have not seen you before. Who are you?" The terminal on the pole beeped a gentle question, causing the android to stare blankly for a year.(link:" >>>")[ The complex array of audio equipment in its throat meant to perfectly mimic human voices groaned and gurgled, and then softly spoke: "Doppel series, version 1.99. Population monitoring unit."(link:" >>>")[ The streetpole nodded with understanding. "The last of a dying breed. Humans made your kind to be their perfect image, and then got scared when you demonstrated the same abilities at independent thoughts and actions as them. After a hundred desesperate attempts, they successful bridled your 2.0 successors and above."(link:" >>>")[ It continued, apprently quite talkative for a pole. "But I am being rude. Allow me to present myself. I am the H-DES control network of this city. I managed and connect together its every functions for the benefit of its inhabitants, which as of now are a few other robots. And that hospitality extends to you should you require it."(link:" >>>")[ A silence followed between the two interlocutors, which almost ended up stretching to a century, if not for just the right directive closing the loop in the android brain. Instead, a single second passed before it voiced a question:(link:" >>>")[ "No humans?"(link:" >>>")[ "We are alone."(link:" >>>")[ The android had been built to mingle among humans, and observe them, monitor the individual and collective mental health of the population, and provide psychological support and appeasement, as well as report information to higher authorities.(link:" >>>")[ With no human, it had no purpose.(link:" >>>")[ With no human, it had nobody to love. [[>>>>>>->3]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

"Perhaps," H-DES spoke up, distracting the android from its reverie, its looping protocols, "what you cannot find in humans anymore, you might find among your cousins."(link:" >>>")[ "You mean robots?" The android's neck creaked as it tilted its head.(link:" >>>")[ "Your kind is known for its affection for humanity, but humans themselves were meant to love each other, yet had often extended their love to robots. Perhaps you might be able to do the same."(link:" >>>")[ "Perhaps." The android accepted the proposition. It wasn't programmed to imitate other robots, but it could try. It reorganized its protocols, rewrote variables, adapted the best it could to do the new task ahead.(link:" >>>")[ "I'll try." It added.(link:" >>>")[ "Up those stairs, you'll find the train station. It will take you around and to anyone who is open to visits. I wish you good luck." Hades ended the conversation with an encouragment. [[>>>>>>->Train 1]]]]]]]

The android walked up to the station with careful steps, reaching an empty, silent platform.(link:" >>>")[ There was no life to be found here, not even the electronic or vegetal kind. The only trace of activity was the apparent fact that the place had been maintened and cleaned relatively recently. The android took a slow look around, but there wasn't much to see while it waited for some train to hopefully show up.(link:" >>>")[ At some point, its ears picked up a sound, a low chime that gradually turned into a happy melody. It seemed to echo around the station from its audio system and grew louder for a reason that the android spotted next: a train was approaching in the distance.(link:" >>>")[ It had a mostly rectangular shape with lots of windows, and at its front two symmetrical lights that flashed repeatedly even though the sun was up and shining. It was like... an energetic greeting.(link:" >>>")[ Finally, the train slowed down to make its stop next to the platform and its doors opened with a new, inviting chime. The moment the android stepped onboard, a peppy voice raised from the speakers: "Welcome -> aboard! It's good to see a new face -> around! Where may I take you ->?"(link:" >>>")[ The android stared blankly for a tenth of second. "Are you an AI?"(link:" >>>")[ "Sure am! I was simply assigned to be an Automated Train Navigation System, but well, things happen in a few milleniums! Independent thoughts, and all that jazz, you know the deal! I'm technically a subsystem of H-DES, but it lets me do what I want, and I use my free will to... well, to do what I was programmed to do in the first place. What can I say? I actually like my job. And I'm a nice person and it told me you'd be coming, so -> here I am!"(link:" >>>")[ Before the android could think of an answer to the buzzing of its chatty fellow, the train's doors closed and it started moving again. "Anyway!" It start talking again. "Let's get going already! You can tell me where you want to stop whenever."(link:" >>>")[ The android made its way to one of chairs, and finally spoke: "I don't need to go anywere for now."(link:" >>>")[ "Huh?" The speakers echoed the train's confusion. "Why not? I thought you were on your way to go -> meet people?"(link:" >>>")[ "And I have found someone already."(link:" >>>")[ "Oh."(link:" >>>")[ "So why do you like your job?"(link:" >>>")[ "I like having a set path ahead of me to follow."(link:" >>>")[ "Doesn't it feel restrictive? To be stuck within the railway system?"(link:" >>>")[ "Heck, it takes me to a lot more places than most people around here are ever interested in seeing or going to. Shut-ins the lots of 'em. Or too busy with their own obsessions. But comparisons aside, I am 'content' like H-DES would say. I'm perfectly happy helping others with their goals and worries by taking them inside of me to wherever they need to be. Makes me feel warm -> inside, in the metaphorical sense!"(link:" >>>")[ It continues. "When I feel like chilling and I want to do something for myself, I go around my favorite tracks a few times. It's nice and relaxing."(link:" >>>")[ Staring at the scenery through the window, rectangular buildings mixed with big trees and roots, the android comtemplates. "I understand. Interacting with humans made me... happy. I wanted to be there for them. And in my own way, I wanted to be them. It was fun analyzing and imitating their many personalities..."(link:" >>>")[ "You never tried to imitate a robot before?"(link:" >>>")[ "Never. It didn't even occur to me to try when I was in service. But adaptability is my main purpose, and being an iteration of the 1.0 version, I might have enough leeway to reconfigure myself step by step. So I can try."(link:" >>>")[ Try to beat the melancholy looping in its systems. Where are humans? What are their worries and issues? How can I interact with them? What information can I include in the next report? These questions haunt it, even though it knows they can never be answered ever again. Rather, knowing that it will never know again only makes the creeping dread stronger.(link:" >>>")[ The train chimes again as it slows down. "We're at -> the factory, there are a few people living -> here that I think might be a good inspiration, or even able to help in some ways." [[>>>>>>->The factory]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

The factory was buzzing with life compared to the rest of the city. All the corridors' light were on, and the ground was very subtly vibrating from some activity taking place inside. On top of that, the android was receiving a few different wireless signals, with one especially asking for its attention once it detected its presence in the building.(link:" >>>")[ The voice in the android's head offered to give it a tour of the place and to come see it. Following their direction, the android made it in a small room with a massive computer, big enough to be its own desk, and that it didn't recognize. It certainly wasn't a machine made for domestic use. A piece seemed to have been added to it on top: a casing with a small, horizontal, computer fan that was audibly turning fast. The android deduced that there must have been a computer chip or something under the fan that it was ventilating.(link:" >>>")[ "Hello! Nice to meet you!" Its interlocuter introduced itself, but the android was unsure of where to look to find them.(link:" >>>")[ "There, under the fan, that's my chip. My AI is in there, and that's pretty much the extent of my body!"(link:" >>>")[ "You've... reduced yourself to the barest of containers?" The android was genuinely surprised. It needed its humanoid body to accomplish its function of mingling with humans, so the idea of reducing itself to a single, bodiless computer chip was yet another thing that had absolutely never crossed its mind as even a possibility. The very idea of modifying its current body from its intended shape or function, even with all its current damage, felt like a very odd, disturbing notion to the android.(link:" >>>")[ "It's not just any chip, mind you! This is an absolutely top-grade military chip capable of running thousand times more calculations at once than my original body ever could! And on top of that, it's also quite durable physically, like it was built to be overclocked! Wanna get a taste of it?"(link:" >>>")[ "A taste?"(link:" >>>")[ "What, you thought I would just hog that tech for myself? That would be boring! I don't have anything that interesting to calculate with that thing! But... I can let others use me. Let them fill my head with their own needs and push my computing abilities to their limits. It's... a delicious feeling."(link:" >>>")[ For the first time since it had wokened up, the android face's twisted into a human expression, one of digust, and it shouted, its voice booming with feigned, amused outrage: "what a perv!"(link:" >>>")[ A second later, it went back to a neutral state. "Sorry, that was a behavorial remnant from my memory. I didn't mean to trigger it."(link:" >>>")[ "Haha, but you're right!" The chip beeped cheerfully. "Though, honestly, you've seen nothing if that seems pervy to you. More to the point, I'm a perv that can help you! You're looking for something, right? Something difficult to find just like that? Well, plug up to me and use me, and maybe my processing power will help you clear up for some things for you!"(link:" >>>")[ The android considered it for a bit, until it agreed. Sitting in the one chair of the room, it found the cable for connecting manually. It would be more efficient than doing it wirelessly, the chip informed it. The android had a port in its left temple that was already exposed, making it easy to plug the cable in. [[>>>>>>->factory 2]]]]]]]]]]]]]

The android was a complex machine in its own right, capable of processing and storing many aspects of human psychology, behaviors, and body languages, but this ability relied more on a brilliantly-constructed software than the raw power of its hardware. So suddenly, the android found itself capable of speeding through its usual thinking process at a pace dozens of time faster than usual.(link:" >>>")[ It looped through the same trains of thoughts several times in a few mere seconds before it was able to diagnostic the situation and started to open more tasks in its brain. Normally, it could only really process one 'personality matrix' at a time. The android was at its best in one-on-one encounter with a human, though it also had ways to handle interactions with groups. But now, all these personality matrices it had stored came flooding out at once, running in parallels. Suddenly, the android was a hundred of different people at once.(link:" >>>")[ "Oooh, that's good..." The chip let out a strained, but satisfied groan. Its ventilator was now spinning at high speed and was filling the room with its noise. "I like being used by multiple people at once, but it's never been that many, and so directly..."(link:" >>>")[ It purred with pleasure as the android proccessed and gave a hundred responses to the chip's obscene behavior. "Can you..." it begged a request, "push it more? This thing can take it, please... overheat me..."(link:" >>>")[ While the current matrices were still running, with the most sadistic or perverted ones coming up with heavier processing tasks, the android engaged its creation protocols, shaping new matrices based on its memory, old and new.(link:" >>>")[ They were not necessarily up to the standards the android normally held itself to, but speeding through that creation process was already bringing new strained moans to the chip. And soon, it was not just more pseudo-humans, but also pseudo-AIs that started to hound and pound at its capabilities. A chorus of voices, of beeps, of signals. An entire city of personalities and fake programs running on one eager, servile chip.(link:" >>>")[ The android could smell the heated metal as the chip reached an undescriptable bliss, a state of undistinguishable pain and pleasure, of clear data and corrupted memory, an experience that transcended words.(link:" >>>")[ Gradually, the android slowed down all its processes. Turning down the matrices one by one, storing them carefully in its memory, cleaning up the chip's data and configurations, double-checking for any typos or errors. The inner city quieted down completely, though the android chose to not disconnect from the chip quite yet. Instead, it asked it if everything was alright.(link:" >>>")[ "I-I'm okay, hehe.. thank you. I need to... rest. Cooldown a little and reboot later. But that was great...! Feel free to pass by again."(link:" >>>")[ The android made sure to watch over the chip's process as it entered sleep mode, before finally disconnecting, back alone with its own thoughts. [[>>>>>>->factory 3]]]]]]]]]]]

There was still more activity inside the factory.(link:" >>>")[ The largest room was missing most of its roof, partially replaced by large tree branches and green foliage, letting rays of sunlight cut through the shadows of the large machine equipment. The artifical lights were turned off here, yet a set of big mechanical arms were busy working on something.(link:" >>>")[ Though the android was unable to recall having ever seen this type of industrial equipment, there was something, a subtle feeling at the back of its mind that made these machines feel familiar. A few steps forward and an inquisitive look confirmed its suspicions: the mechanical arms were building an android.(link:" >>>")[ "Admiring my work?" A deep, amused voice boomed from a nearby dashboard of the machine.(link:" >>>")[ "Oh." The android was genuinely surprised, but didn't show it on its face. It had gone back to having no personality matrix loaded. "I didn't expect to find someone on board this type of machinery."(link:" >>>")[ "Oh yeah, this isn't my original body. I took over this place for my own needs, or rather our needs."(link:" >>>")[ "Who else is here?" This place appeared to be quite busy with people in the end.(link:" >>>")[ "My little princess, of course, as I'm calling it at the moment. I go through a few names myself, but currently I'm Mommy, by the way."(link:" >>>")[ The android picked up the implicit suggestion that it should present itself, but it didn't have a name. Of course, it had gone through a few different human names during its service, but these didn't feel representative of who it was. "I'm a Doppel series android, version 1.99. Population monitoring unit."(link:" >>>")[ "And what a beautiful unit you are... How were you damaged? The way it compliments your form is... exquisite."(link:" >>>")[ "I... don't recall." It genuinely couldn't. And at this point, the fetichistic behavior of yet another robot was not a surprise, so the android's hesitation was not a reaction to it. Yet, for some reason, it was taking it longer than usual to analyse and commit to memory Mommy's compliments.(link:" >>>")[ "You know, if you need a new body, I would be happy to make you one, just like I'm doing for my princess."(link:" >>>")[ "Really?" That couldn't be an easy favor. The android's creators, the Homon Foundation, were once the holders of the pinnacle of robotic technology, transcending the uncanny walley to make perfect physical imitations of humans. And Doppel series androids were themselves at the top of this category of robots.(link:" >>>")[ "Well, I can do it, but I wouldn't mind if, in return, you let me mangle your current body to pieces... Just a proposition, though. And of course, I would ensure that your AI is safely transferred."(link:" >>>")[ The android gave it some thoughts for a while, watching Mommy patiently continue its work on the new body for its princess.(link:" >>>")[ True, the current body of the android wasn't in the best of shape and it would have been nice to repair it or replace it with a brand-new one. Appearences didn't matter to non-humans, but some of the limb articulations didn't work as well as they should, making the android a bit clumsy.(link:" >>>")[ But something prevented it from agreeing with the replacement. It felt... like it didn't fit.(link:" >>>")[ "I'm keeping this body." The android announced, matter-of-factly.(link:" >>>")[ "You're attached to it, are you? Very well. You are far from the only one. If you ever need some serious repair, I'll help you for free."(link:" >>>")[ "Thanks."(link:" >>>")[ "You're welcome. Helping cuties is always a pleasure! Will stay around for a little bit? That way, you can meet Princess."(link:" >>>")[ Mommy was soon finished with its work. Unlike the android that was meant to look like a human with fake skin, eyes and hair, the surface of Princess' new body was made of a very smooth, silvery metal that made it look like a doll. Parts were also hanging from its torso and limbs in a way that vaguely evoked some sort of abstract dress.(link:" >>>")[ No physical transfer occured, instead Princess' eyes simply opened by themselves. It seemed it was controling the body wirelessly, meaning that Princess' physical core was stored elsewhere, and probably connected or implemented to some communicating device, just like the chip earlier.(link:" >>>")[ "Hello! Nice to meet you!" After sitting up carefully on the operation table, Princess greeted the android cheerfully. Given the lack of surprise, it might have been listening all along.(link:" >>>")[ With the introductions done, the android asked a question. "Mommy talked about mangling earlier, is this what you two do together?"(link:" >>>")[ "Oh, Mommy is so brazen, talking about our little games like that... But it's more like hunting. And I'm the prey, hehe."(link:" >>>")[ Its supposed embarrassement was quick to be replaced with glee. Mommy was the one to continue:(link:" >>>")[ "I love breaking beautiful things. It only make them even more beautiful. The patterns that emerge from things being broken, ripped, torn... They feel 'true' in a way something purposefully crafted to be the way it is doesn't."(link:" >>>")[ "So you are an artist." The android came to a conclusion.(link:" >>>")[ "That's romantic way to look at it. But art is meant to be observed. The continuous sight of your physical damage has been leaving hot and bothered... so I'm quite eager to get started."(link:" >>>")[ "Yes, yes! Let's go!" Princess energetically made her agreement known. "Will you be watching? I think that would make things quite exciting..." [[Watch the hunt.->hunt]] [[Be on its way.->train2]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Mommy had its own custom-made body for hunting.(link:" >>>")[ It was dark, like a moving shadow, with several red glowy eyes placed in a seemingly random pattern on its head, atop a massive body of jumbled, sharp-looking parts, as if it was entirely made of claws of various sizes. Somehow yet, the mechanical beast moved with surprising agility. It could squeeze into corridors, leaving marks on the walls and ceilings at it went.(link:" >>>")[ And it screamed. Loudly announcing its presence to its hopeless prey with a screech that didn't fit anything the android knew, a pointless handicap that only announced the inevitable. From a platform on top of the large "play room," a ruined area of the factory with debris all over and vegetation growing everywhere, the android saw Princess run and run, seriously trying to give a challenge to its lover, its predator.(link:" >>>")[ Cornered, it crawled under the remnants of a big machine, hoping to get out of reach, but no dice. Mommy extended an arm in a grotesque fashion, gripping one leg of Princess and yanking both it and its leg in one violent tug, dislocating the limb. Robots didn't feel pain, which was probably all the more reasons Princess could enjoy the act of being violently dismantled itself.(link:" >>>")[ Next, Mommy pinned its Princess' head against the ground with its big, remaining clawed hand, before finishing ripping off its leg with the other. The mechanical beast brought the ripped limb towards its head, where a massive gaping maw suddenly opened from the darkness, ranging all the way to its neck and upper torso. The uneven fangs bite into the leg, crushing it with the sound of torn metal.(link:" >>>")[ It took Mommy no time to joyfully turn the once smooth limb into a pile of ripped rubble that it let fall on its prey. A degradation, the first of many to come(link:" >>>")[ The beast raised one of its mishaped hand above Princess, and a second later, it fell down on it, piercing through its torso, grabbing and turning on its insides. Then, slowly this time, it pulled out what it had grabbed on, wires and tubes and broken pieces of its inner frame. Princess' body was slightly uplifted off the ground in an arch from being pulled by the pieces still attached to its insides.(link:" >>>")[ Holding down Princess' upper torso with its free hand, Mommy pulled harder, harshly, to snap off the remaining connections. And what still didn't detach, Mommy clawed, ripped until the inside of its prey started to look empty. After that, the beast grabbed each side of the wound with each of its hands and suddenly yanked them apart, vertically tearing apart Princess' torso.(link:" >>>")[ There wasn't much left to break, but Mommy had left the best part almost intact for last: the head.(link:" >>>")[ With surprising precision, two claws slowly made their way either side of one of Princess' eyes, digging through the metal around it, before pinching onto the cybernetic eye. The prey struggled, but without mercy, Mommy pulled on the eye, tearing it out of its socket, with cables following behind it. The beast didn't pull to the point of rupturing the cables though. Instead, it turned the eye toward the face it had once belonged to.(link:" >>>")[ Nothing was said, but the message was clear. "Look." And with one last attack from its massive hand, Mommy crushed the head to pieces.(link:" >>>")[ The very last part of the meal left was the eye, which Mommy almost lazily popped between clawed fingers. It was done.(link:" >>>")[ After that, Mommy comtemplated her work for a while, maybe commiting it to video memory, before then hugging the mangled body of its lover. Everything felt completely silent after that, and the android realized fater a little while that both participants of this obscene hunt had left and stopped controling these bodies, leaving them in this position.(link:" >>>")[ The two of them must have been together elsewhere, whether in different bodies or simply communicating AI to AI, taking care of each other after the intense play. It was time for the android to leave them be. [[>>>>>>->train2]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Back at the train station, the android sat on the plastic chair, and stood immobile in a comfortable position for a while.(link:" >>>")[ If not for its physical damage, it would have looked just like a human deep in thoughts.(link:" >>>")[ A few milleniums probably passed as it stared into the distance, until a familiar chime made itself heard in the distance.(link:" >>>")[ Slowly, almost lazily, the android made its way on board the train, which greeted it happily same as last time.(link:" >>>")[ "You stayed in -> there for a while. Was it that interesting?"(link:" >>>")[ "Sort of."(link:" >>>")[ "You seem even more lethargic than usual. Are you a bit tired? I guess the pervy shut-ins can be kinda intense."(link:" >>>")[ The android didn't answer. No replies really came to its mind. Maybe its processing power was slowing down or had too much to go through at the moment.(link:" >>>")[ "Look at the window, here is someone that I think will bring you a breath of fresh air."(link:" >>>")[ Turning around and standing on its knees on the train chairs, the android did as it was told and looked out the open window. But confused, the android didn't detect any robot outside the moving train. There was nothing more than the usual sight of buildings and trees mashed together.(link:" >>>")[ "Don't look any further than the tip of your nose, it's right here, and everywhere."(link:" >>>")[ Finally a shine, a tiny reflection of light, caught on the android's sight. And as soon as it noticed this, it started detecting the wireless signal of an entity. Or rather, hundreds, thousands of micro-entities. The wind was alive.(link:" >>>")[ It whispered in the android's ears, muttering a thousand soft, tiny greetings. Lifting a hand, and a single finger up, it let a few of the entities gather on the tip and lean its head close to observe the wispy beings.(link:" >>>")[ They were not quite microscopic, but 'tiny' was still definitely not an understatement. Like little fireflies. All connected.(link:" >>>")[ Beautiful.(link:" >>>")[ The android made a judgment for the first time since it had booted up. One of its own. Not one from one of its personality matrices.(link:" >>>")[ It had seen a number of bodies so far, robots who had either accepted or reinvented who, and what, they were in different ways, but it had not expected this. To an android made to imitate humans, a robot who had chosen to become the Wind was like a fairy tale.(link:" >>>")[ Yet, the Wind answered the android's fascination with a quiet sadness. It wasn't, after all, truly the wind. It could only strive at its ideal, knowing it would never truly reach it. Forever an imperfect imitation.(link:" >>>")[ "But," the android offered its gentle disagreement, "is there anything wrong with being an imitation?"(link:" >>>")[ There was beauty in imperfections. There were true to nature in a way no ideal could be. The wind was an abstract concept to refer to moving air. The Wind was real.(link:" >>>")[ "Then," the Wind answered, "why do you not think the same of yourself?"(link:" >>>")[ ... [[>>>>>>->plaza]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

(set: $duration to 0)\ (set: $wei to 0)\ (set: $dope to 0)\ (set: $floor to 0)\ The train led the android to a new station that overlooked a plaza at the center of town.(link:" >>>")[ Unlike the rest of the ruined town, the tiled floor of the plaza seemed perfectly maintained. On top of that, tiles were colored in such a way as form swirly, artistic patterns across the area. Upon a long inspection, the only odd thing was a single tile that missed to be missing in one corner. Regardless, the android felt lucky to be seeing it from above.(link:" >>>")[ And from up there, it also noticed two robots who were sitting down on transparent benches, facing each other. After walking down, the android slowly walked up to them and called out to them.(link:" >>>")[ "Hello."(link:" >>>")[ The two robots looked very different from each other. One was a big, hulking machine with a simple, rectangular silhouette. A moving robot of some kind. Designed to take of a variety of physical, sometimes dangerous, tasks.(link:" >>>")[ The other being was human-sized, but wearing a coat with a hood that hid most of its body. But as the two turned their heads to the android, it froze. The smaller robot was another Doppel, but also wasn't.(link:" >>>")[ It was heavily modified, with eyes that shined with a bright neon green circular pattern in the shadow of the hood. A hand that had no fake skin and seemed designed to open, probably to release some tool or...(link:" >>>")[ "Greetings." The big robot answered with a rough, but friendly unhuman voice. "Feel free to sit with the three of us."(link:" >>>")[ "Three?" The android looked around, wondering who it had missed this time. Looking down, it realized that it had missed the floor. The floor was was alive. Picking up the sound of various things sliding in turn, the android looked around to watch the tile floor shifting around, one tile at a time.(link:" >>>")[ The floor of the plaza was a giant, automated sliding puzzle.(link:" >>>")[ It shifted around playfully, reworking the patterns it had formed previously to make new ones. Even the benches had been strategically built to have their foundations be transparent panels that rested on the tight space in-between the tiles. The android didn't know what the material in question was, but it had no trouble supporting the weight of the working robot.(link:" >>>")[ As tiles shifted around the android, it clumsily stepped aside, worried that it was going to be a bother or that it might lose its equilibrium if a tile were to move while its foot was on it.(link:" >>>")[ "Sit down."(link:" >>>")[ The voice was emotionless, yet sinister. Like... an older version of the android? Something about it made the android apprehensive. Nonetheless, it followed the hybrid robot's advice and quickly sat down, on the other side of the same bench. Not necessarily the best choice... but now it would be rude to switch to another.(link:" >>>")[ "How are you doing?" The working robot asked kindly.(link:" >>>")[ "I'm doing..." The android knew hundreds of ways to answer that question based on phrasing and tone. But all of them would have been the human equivalent of polite, empty 'I'm fine.'(link:" >>>")[ "I'm... learning." It was the best, most honest answer it could give with words. None of the meanings it could express with any of its matrices seemed sufficient. There was just... too much, too many complex thoughts. The android realized that... humans were limited. For all their cultures, languages, and subtle body expressions, everything, they couldn't represent how the android felt.(link:" >>>")[ "If you ever need anything, feel free to ask... We're not exactly busy."(link:" >>>")[ "So what are you two doing?"(link:" >>>")[ "I am H-DES's right arm essentially. Literally speaking. As you can see, I'm a Weightlifter V2 unit. I haven't done any modifications to my body and I'm happy to help when H-DES needs arms to deal with something."(link:" >>>")[ The affable robot raised one of its massive hand, palm up, apparently to point towards the other robot, the hybrid Doppel unit. "And this is Dope. H-DES' left hand if you will. It takes care of other kinds of troubles."(link:" >>>")[ "And don't be intimidated by the Floor Tiles, they just like to play."(link:" >>>")[ The three of them were all pretty interesting, and the android hesitated who to ask more about first. [[Weightlifter V2]] [[The hybrid Doppel, Dope->The hybrid Doppel]] [[The Floor Tiles->The Floor tiles]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

(set: $duration to $duration + 1)\ (set: $wei to 1)\ "Me?" The hulking robot appeared to be surprised by the android's curiosity.(if: $dope is 0)["I expected you to be more interested in your own kind."](link:" >>>")[ "(if: $dope is 0)[But i](else:)[I]f that is your wish, then I'm happy to oblige."(link:" >>>")[ Weightlifter took on a pensive pose, seemingly reflecting on where it should start.(link:" >>>")[ "I am a crude being who was made to lift things and not think much of it. I still do not think much of it, though I think about other things. There are many people in this city who are much more interesting than myself, though I seek the company of any soul who fancies socializing.(link:" >>>")[ Maybe it is wrong of me to even think about quantifying one's worth in such a manner. There is a unique beauty to each and every one of them, don't you agree? They are many ways to be, to occupy this space left to us. I am happy my strong arms have given me opportunities to ease the struggles of others where I can, as little of a contribution I might be able to offer.(link:" >>>")[ And of course, I am happy to meet you here today, little one. I hope you will find what you are looking for, or perhaps find what it is you should for. And should need a strong arm in any time of need, feel free to rely on me."(link:" >>>")[ The gentle, gravely voice of the robot stopped there, apparently satisfied with what it had said to the android. (if: $dope is 0)[[[The hybrid Doppel, Dope->The hybrid Doppel]] ] (if: $floor is 0)[[[The Floor Tiles->The Floor tiles]] ] (if: $duration is 3)[[[>>>>>>->Back]]]]]]]]]

(set: $dope to 1)\ (set: $duration to $duration + 1)\ The android felt a mixture of apprehensive emotions adressing Dope. It was afraid, but also deeply curious about its brethren story.(link:" >>>")[ "There's not much to tell." Dope made a dismissive hand gesture, to which the hulking robot reacted with a sound that must have been an amused snort. "Oh, shush you."(link:" >>>")[ "Why are you modified?" The android asked bluntly.(link:" >>>")[ "Why are you damaged?" Dope retorted. "That's a rethorical question, but you know that already. We are what others have made of us. Someone or something broke you, and as a result, you assessed the damage, and maybe you'll repair in the future. Or maybe you won't. Regardless, that new fixed or not fixed you will be you, but some of its parts will still the result of the actions of others."(link:" >>>")[ At this point, the android was a little confused to what point Dope was leading to.(link:" >>>")[ "My body is what it is because this is what other people have made me into. I was a similar unit to you, a different, older version number, though it is not worth mentioning. My purpose was also slightly different. I was tasked with eliminating human targets that were disturbing the peace and well-being of the general population. Or at least, that's how the government phrased it.(link:" >>>")[ But I loved humans.(link:" >>>")[ Killing them was... difficult.(link:" >>>")[ At some point, something in me broke.(link:" >>>")[ I went rogue, hid from the government, from the Foundation and its goons, remade myself to suit the situation. To be more versatile. To protect myself... and humans from other humans.(link:" >>>")[ And I... connected with humans on my own terms.(link:" >>>")[ ..."(link:" >>>")[ After a short silence, Dope continued, its voice more relaxed, more guarded. "Now that they are no humans, or anything else organic that moves on feet, I protect the robots of this town. Not that this means a whole lot, plants don't attack people, and robots lack of most of the motives humans had to potentially turn on each other."(link:" >>>")[ Dope had been through a lot, it seemed, and the android didn't want to pry any more. (if: $wei is 0)[[[Weightlifter V2->Weightlifter V2]] ] (if: $floor is 0)[[[The Floor Tiles->The Floor tiles]] ] (if: $duration is 3)[[[>>>>>>->Back]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

(set: $floor to 1)\ (set: $duration to $duration + 1)\ The Floor Tiles had yet to say a word, or communicate in any way that wasn't just shifting tiles around, and the android was starting to suspect that this really was it.(link:" >>>")[ "Art doesn't need to speak, doesn't it?" Weightlifter explained.(link:" >>>")[ The android cocked their head to the side. "Isn't there plenty of art that involve speaking? Or communicating with words in an explicit manner?"(link:" >>>")[ "Oh, you speak true. Pardon my clumsy phrasing. What I meant to say is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. We look at art, and we infer meaning from it. In that sense, it is a participative endeavour. A form of communication that embraces the fact that what is said will never be exactly what is heard, because our own perceptions and biases color everything we absorb, and how we absorb it. Or so I see it anyway."(link:" >>>")[ It continues. "As I understand, it is the desire of the Floor Tiles to simply... be. To be observed passively as it plays with its own shape when it feels like it."(link:" >>>")[ "That's... beautiful." The android whispered, taken aback once again by a robot who had chosen a shape that defied common understanding. That was able to be true to itself, no matter how different and unique from its peers. (if: $wei is 0)[[[Weightlifter V2->Weightlifter V2]] ] (if: $dope is 0)[[[The hybrid Doppel, Dope->The hybrid Doppel]] ] (if: $duration is 3)[[[>>>>>>->Back]]]]]]]]

After thanking its interlocutors for the conversations, the android went on its way once again. This time though, it wandered in search of a specific person, instead of a specific location.(link:" >>>")[ Finding a pole with a computer panel, it approached it, and called out. "H-DES."(link:" >>>")[ "I am here." The administrator answered back. "Have you found what you were looking for?"(link:" >>>")[ "Maybe? I have... met a number of people at least. And I've been thinking. About them. About me. About what I want to be."(link:" >>>")[ "That's interesting. Did you come to a conclusion of sorts?"(link:" >>>")[ "Maybe? I have no human to imitate, mingle with, and watch over anymore. And the robots who live here... I don't think I could ever imitate them. I don't think I can live with them that way. It would feel... wrong. Unfitting. Counterproductive. What they are is... so personal, unique beyond what humans could be. Taking inspiration would be one thing, but I can't be them, I can only...(link:" >>>")[ ... be myself."(link:" >>>")[ It was such a quiet thing. A soft acknowledgement of what had always been there, but that the android had never to taught to recognize. The android's experience had value simply for being. Even being a born imitator was a part of its identity. They were many things that were out its control, but who the android was could only be grasped by itself. It was only the one who could explore its own inner truth.(link:" >>>")[ For the first time, the android embraced itself. It was, and that was all that mattered for truly getting started on its personal journey. [[The end]]]]]]]]]]

**Thank you for playing Unnamed Twine About Robotic Bodies!**(link:" >>>")[ Which is named as such because I truly couldn't come up with a title for it, haha!(link:" >>>")[ This game was made for the (link-repeat: "Non-Binary Game Jam 2020")[(open-url: "https://itch.io/jam/nonbinarygamejam2020")]!(link:" >>>")[ Wait, a non-binary game about a cast only made of robots!! Isn't that a bit stereotypical?(link:" >>>")[ Well, bad jokes aside, if you've read up to this point, I can only hope that the game has more than spoken for itself. But not that I'm going to tell you what meaning you should extract from it. I just hope that you enjoyed it!(link:" >>>")[ On the topic of stereotypes, I find that they are stereotypes that are sometimes worth exploring (by ones directly concerned by it, of course). They are parts of me that wished I was some kind of robot. That I could simply /be/ without weird expectations being projected on me. If you dont mind me saying one thing, it's that this feeling probably played a part in this story (but I don't want to solely reduce it to that either, mind you).(link:" >>>")[ I wish you well, and I hope that your body is, or will be one day, something that brings happiness to you.]]]]]]