Comments on the Imitations of Life

"So, holograms?" asked Ransom as he and Dr. South walked towards the waiting space shuttle.

"Yeah, holograms. You can't tell me you like them," Dr. South replied, not turning to face Ransom.

"Well, we outlawed their creation, so we aren't particularly meant to 'like' them."

"Well, I'm not surprised if you are the best your dimension can offer."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean? I thought you didn't like them."

"Just because I don't like them doesn't mean I don't see the... qualities they have."

"Hmph," Ransom grunted, "Well, if you're Terra, or Earth, is taken over by corrupt holograms then don't be surprised if you find them outlawed."

"Fair enough. Thoughts on robots, then?"

"Do you really care?" Ransom sighed.

"No," he smiled, "But I'd rather not talk to a pretentious, overly qualified floating brain."

"Fine, we'll play What's the Difference. In my dimension, we can't make robots with human faces."

"Really?"

"Really. Nothing can be made with a face: robots, AI, statues, nothing."

"Why?"

"I don't know why, not exactly my area of expertise. But I find it weird, anyway. I don't understand humanity's constant desire to emulate and perfect the human form."

"No, neither do I."

The two eventually arrived at the shuttle, the rest of the Dwarfers following close behind. Ransom pressed do on the activation button and the door swung open. South was about to enter when a spider like drone crept around from a hiding corner, out of sight from everyone. Its gun train the barrels on South and, just as it began to rotate and warm up the gun for firing, it collapsed in a shower of sparks. South whipped his head around to see the smoking remains of his would be killer. Ransom was standing with his multi-tool in hand, an extended prong pointed towards the spider-bot, the device having over loaded the circuits of the robot.

"Thanks," South breathed, relieved.

"Don't mention it."

"You know, I'm glad to have met you, Dr. MacIntyre," South said with a smile, extending a friendly hand

"Like wise, Dr. South," Ransom replied, taking the hand and shaking it warmly.

"You know," said South as they both began to enter the shuttle, "You could have done that earlier."

"Yeah, but where would the fun in that be?"