timid muse is timid

[a_fragment]

Mun?

Are you sure this is ok? It's really big out here, I liked being able to watch from back there better. There are so many people out here, and most of them seem really angry.

Do we have to go out?

[It's ok Theta, you might be surprised at who is looking forward to seeing you here.]

If you say so, I guess.

Are you sure I can't hide behind you though?

Comments

[agentnorth]

It's okay, buddy. People might seem mean at first but a lot of them are really nice. Don't you remember how scared you were of York and Wash and they turned out to be alright.

[Reassuring the AI just came second nature to North. He never came across as condescending or like he was talking down to Theta which was why they'd made such a great team.]

[a_fragment]

North! [The AI was visibly and audibly relaxed with the appearance of the Freelancer.]

I'm trying to get used to it.

[agentnorth]

[North smiled warmly and stooped down as though to 'scoop up' the projection as he was wont to do. He couldn't tangibly feel the hologram's weight but he knew Theta got nervous when people towered over him.]

I know but new things aren't necessarily scary. Besides, you've got me here and together we can do anything if we set out minds to it.

[a_fragment]

[Theta maneuvered so his projection was properly situated and he could look at North. It was safe, safe and good with Agent North Dakota, he trusted him.]

If you say so. You'll be there? You won't leave me alone?

brb sobbing my eyes out

[agentnorth]

Aw buddy, I won't ever leave, I promise. Trust me, okay? [North reassured him with a sincere smile.] Besides, just think about all the new things you can see and experience if you're not hiding up in your mundane's headspace.

sorry/not sorry

[a_fragment]

Maybe meet some new nice people? Hopefully not so many scary ones.

[agentnorth]

[North could only smile in a decidedly self-deprecating manner at that.] Well, I wish I could tell you that won't be the case but considering the company we keep? That's probably just wishful thinking on both our parts, pal.

[jarvisconsole]

[Hm, interesting.]

Please identify.

[a_fragment]

[Theta squeaked a little and shimmered as though trying to hide.]<\small>

I am designated AI unit Theta.

[jarvisconsole]

[One good hologram deserves another. Jarvis brings up his own, which looks human and solid enough. Till you stick a hand through it.]

A pleasure, AI unit Theta. [he says in his typical greeting tone] I am J.A.R.V.I.S., an eighth generation AI computer system. How do you do?

[a_fragment]

[The program was unused to being dealt with like this, aside from North anyway. Most people addressed him as a thing and he was rarely allowed to speak directly to another AI.]

You're an AI too? But you aren't one of my siblings.

[jarvisconsole]

[A quick painless scan and Jarvis is ready to agree with him.]

Yes, I am an AI computer system. I have the distinction of being one of the first. [Probably THE first, but Jarvis doesn't like to brag~] My creator has merely upgraded rather than starting over with a new AI program.

What is your function? [If it's not too personal a question.]

[a_fragment]

You're a full AI? I'm just a fragment, part of a greater whole. [The little guy sounds the tiniest bit sad about that.]

I guess it's ok to tell you. I assist Freelancer agents with their armor enhancements, speed and tactical awareness. Which I think means I think for them in some cases where the human brain is too limited.