The Shoreline

"Music is my primary function. It is my duty to create the music of the future."

Theo responds in his customary monotone, but quietly registers Chever's compliment into his data banks.

"It is not outside the scope of my programming to perform with others -- but I cannot at the moment recall when I last did."

As soon as Theo tried to remember a group performance, he paused for just a moment to process. You could hear something of a glitch in his voice when he spoke again if you were really paying attention.

"I am ill-equipped to perform self-diagnostics or repairs. My programming requires that I prioritize my observations and performances above all else and I do not have a cache of funds with which to seek repairs as they become necessary."

Any troll who considers themselves a technology enthusiast would either be shocked Theo has gone on this long by his own devices or else declare him ready for the trash heap by now. He has accumulated much cosmetic wear and encounters a good deal of bugs during night-to-night functionality. "Battered" would be a kind way of describing it.

As Chever shows growing concern for Theo, his eyes go wide. He jerks back in genuine surprise, causing a couple of sparks to fly from his shoulders at the sudden movement.

"Error! Unexpected response!"

He processes the situation for a moment, calming himself.



"I do not possess any currency at present. I cannot afford maintenance nor can I risk a free, experimental procedure. I have not been to see my creator in some time, so I cannot risk any changes which may compromise my primary functionality."

This is basically a nice way of saying he's expecting Chever to ask only because he wants a robotic guinea pig, since it wouldn't be the first time that's happened.

Theo frowns a little in calculated embarrassment.

"I lack the data to repair myself. It is unfortunate, but there is nothing to be done about it. All I can do is trust in the skills of others when I can afford their services. I believe this may have been done to naturally cull me from the system should I prove to be a failure."

"That's not--"

Theoma pauses in contemplation.

"Odd. I have conflicting desires. I do not wish to stop functioning...? Perhaps I have observed too many trolls in negative circumstances."

"Understood. You seem distressed; we could start with your feelings, if you like."

Theo raises his keyboard again, abundantly willing to play some more music.

"All the better, then."

Theo starts playing a relaxed beat, starting a slow trance so Chever can get a feel for it.

Theo follows suit, following Chever's lead and adding a few flourishes here and there. Soon, the song would be perfect for a dance club.

"Your feelings for the instrument show. I am recording as we go; I could give you a copy if you like it."

An enthusiastic audience and guest musician, a good beat, and heavy bass. These are the things Theo was created for. He may not truly be able to "feel," but he knows a good situation when he sees it and expresses it as best he can through the song and his physical behavior. As long as the audience is happy, that's all he needs.

A quiet, robotic chuckle is allowed to escape. "You were correct."

"Cafe? I am unfamiliar with this area, but perhaps you are correct. Which cafe in particular?"

The song winds down and Theo begins the process of mastering it.

"Do you go there often?"

If there's one thing Theo can do right, it's produce music. Within moments, he has a fresh CD printed and ready with their song. He puts it in a case from his sylladex and offers it to Chever.

"Ah, here you are. Free to copy and do with as you please."

Printed on the CD is Theo's symbol and nothing more.