Doggo Protocol

Novgorod Station > Shuttle Bay
SA-Miii approached Dr. Eldon Blaire. “Hello, doctor. I need to measure you now. Raise your arms, please.”

Eldon grinned, eager to get this done and be another step closer to being underway.

"Of course."

Eldon cheerfully complied with SA-Miii's request. He made an effort to avoid indulging his curiosity about just how lifelike the android appeared when this close up, choosing to instead focus on his new lab partner as much as possible.

Without the doctor’s compliance, SA-Miii was finished quickly and effortlessly, though she had debated whether she should make small talk as humans often did. She also debated questioning the doctor and botanist about the slight flush in their cheeks and the smiles hiding at the corners of their lips. What did it mean? Then she considered why she had bothered to ask Mr Vieregg if he was alright. Was it concern? No curiosity? These thoughts were new… different… evolving. Perhaps this WAS a feeling. She was feeling… curious. Inquisitive.

She smiled and silently handed Dr Blaire his measurements on a card and moved on to Rita.

“Ms. Del Ray. If you don’t mind. I’ll take your measurements, as well.”

Rita stepped up and allowed her to take the measurements, "Of course..." Unlike Eldon, Rita took the time to look over the android a bit and hummed lightly. "Are you excited?" The woman wondered of the android, "For the mission I mean, the uncertainty usually has everyone a little excited for missions. I... Did they program that into, Like are you able to feel emotions?" Rita tilted her head at SA-Mii watching her closely.

SA-Miii efficiently collected Rita's measurements, her gaze meeting Rita's wondering eyes.

As she handed over the measurements on a card, a subtle smile on her synthetic lips formed to match Rita’s

"Your curiosity is noted, Ms. Del Ray, my physiological responses are based on programming and follow-up input that I have observed, so that I may ensure proper communication and assistance. It seems you share a sentiment common among humans—anticipation and excitement for the unknown."

She paused, processing the second part of Rita's inquiry. "My computational system, like your brain, allows me to intake information, process various interpretations, and anticipate possible outcomes, but physiologically I do not share the same types of responses to uncertainty. That is, I do not feel overwhelmed or anxious, however, my awareness of my full source code is incomplete. I have noticed subtle changes with prolonged activity engaging with the world around me, and interacting with humans. It is possible that emotions and their responses may be a latent part of my programming and functionality.”

She turned her head downward at the sight of Ghost, the captain's dog, sitting next to her with his tongue hanging out. She blinked and cocked her head to the side, as if she was processing his behavior. Then she addressed Rita and Eldon. “I am not familiar with the protocols for interaction with this entity.”

Rita looked at the dog and smiled. "Oh that is simple, you pet him. You love him. And you remind him that he is the goodest boy in the universe..."

Rita dropped down to be at eye level with the dog. She got rather lost in petting the creature and doing exactly what she said to do. "Who is the best?! Who is the best? Are you the best boi? Hmmm, are you the most handsome a boi? Yes you are!!"

Rita spoke to the dog with that voice. You know the one reserved for dogs and babies.

SA-Miii observed Rita's interaction with the dog, her eyes tracking the movements and expressions of both. As Rita lavished affection on the canine, SA-Miii processed the information, understanding the protocol for interacting with the dog.

She approached Ghost slowly, crouching down to be at eye level with him. Her movements were calculated and precise, mirroring the gestures she observed in Rita's interactions. SA-Miii extended her hand cautiously, offering the dog an opportunity to approach or receive gentle pets. Initially, Ghost seemed perplexed by the scent of the synthetic, or perhaps lack thereof, and took a cautious step back.

"You are the ‘goodest’ boy," SA-Miii echoed, her voice taking on a softer and more melodic tone, adapting to the expected protocol. "Yes, you are the most handsome of boys."

Her synthetic expression conveyed a mixture of curiosity and mimicry, effectively emulating the connection humans often shared with their canine companions.

With that, Ghost eventually responded with a wagging tail and a look of canine contentment. He approached and allowed her to continue issuing forth the pets. It seemed he was satisfied with the familiar, yet artificial nature of SA-Miii's interactions.

When Ghost decided he was finished, he half-sat on her foot and looked up to Dr Blaire in anticipation of more love. His eyebrows shuffled up and down as he waited.

“Thank you,” SA-Miii said to Ghost. “You are helping me learn to be more human.” She stood and smiled at Rita again. “And thank you, Ms. Del Ray. For being a willing teacher. I will remember these protocols.”

Unable to resist the dog's hopeful looks (without seeming cold and uncaring), Eldon crouched down to let Ghost sniff his hand before calling to him by name and attempting to pet him. He missed having a dog, but he'd had to move around a lot over the last few years, so having a real pet was unfeasible.

Hearing Dr Blaire refer to the dog as Ghost, SA-Miii paused as she was about to walk away, "Excuse me. Is this entity what you refer to as a ghost?"

Rita nodded at this and reached down to lightly scratch at the dog again, "That is the dogs name. Ghost." Rita clarified, seeming rather amused at SA-Miii's learning and gives a glance to Blaire.

"It's nice to have an animal aboard honestly, I have always wanted something other then a plant to care for, but with this job its not easy. Having a pet is like having a family, sometimes its a lot harder then its worth on a ship."

SA-Miii took note of Rita's amused expression at her mistake and filed it away for later responses. She offered her own smile to match the good natured conversation, "I understand now. This pet dog is called Ghost. Thank you for clarifying that. Please proceed with donning your EVA suits. We are nearly ready."

Eldon petted Ghost as Rita and SA-Miii talk. It reminded him of Luna, the family husky from when he was a kid. As the conversation wrapped up, he sighed and stood. Plenty of time to pet and play with Ghost later.

"Thank you SA-Miii.", he said as he brandished the card with his measurements on it, then moved to accompany Rita to get suits.