Becoming an Archangel

[Camellia]

Scarlet colored "eyes" stared out the transport's cockpit as it neared the office building of Archangel Industries. The human, or rather convincing imitation of one, to whom the eyes belonged to, held a curious expression on her face as she looked the place over. It was simple, yet well designed and kept, structure. Almost making it difficult to believe that a company focusing on the production of human replica droids operated from such a location. Machines much the same as the individual making a visit to Archangel's offices.

Eyes shifting to the hands folded in her lap, the human replica droid known as Doll flexed her fingers under close scrutiny as she sighed. New "thoughts" occupied much of her "mind" nowadays. Ever since having left the Loronar Corporation after the incident that had liberated her from following their orders. All the same though, it was. . . .a new experience to have her own interests and impulses and be able to act on them. Perhaps this is what most of the organic sentients she had met, worked for, and been created by experienced.

Archangel Industries had peaked her new interests. A company that constructed machines much like herself was certainly an interesting place. Loronar had built human replica droids as well, but they also had other business ventures. Such as starship design, that had been a part of the corporation Doll fondly recalled as enjoyable to work in.

Those recollections would have to wait though, as the speeder came to a stop and the driver informed her it was time to depart. Handing over the credits she still had on person from her departure from Loronar, Doll exited the speeder and took the time to brush off her outfit and run a hand through her hair before proceeding toward the entrance. Once inside she wasted no time putting on a smile as she proceeded to the front desk of the lobby.

"Hello, my name is Doll Crux. I'm a representative of the Loronar Corporation. I believe we made an appointment for a meeting and tour?" Of course she had deleted all ties to Loronar before leaving, but she still had copies of her time there for herself in such instances. Using the cover was an excellent way to traverse the galaxy unabated.

 

[Maelion Liates]

@[member="Doll Crux"] @[member="Moira Skaldi"]

The receptionist looked up and smiled. She was a picture perfect specimen for the role, not a hair out of place, not a crease in the expensive business suit wrong. Whilst someone with enhanced sensors might detect the oddities of this individual which hinted at their nature, it was not easy to see at first.
"Good morning, Ms Crux. We have your appointment. Please come with me, and I will show you to the Directors' office."

Up a turbolift and to a well furnished meeting room they went. Maelion and Moira were waiting.
Maelion rose and extended a hand. "Come in, Ms Crux, please take a seat and tell us what you wanted to say." She was giving nothing away.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

@[member="Maelion Liates"], @[member="Doll Crux"]

"Indeed. We are pleased to meet you, Ms Crux. Would you like some refreshments?" Moira asked politely. Just as elegantly dressed and picture perfect in her slick and professional business suit, with not a crease on it or a hair out of place. Voice perfectly modulated, almost nothing to hint at her true nature. Her and Maelion's covers as businesswomen were Nalia Alderana and Anna Comnena respectively.

She tilted her head to the side, a tick common to her both as human and as a human replica droid, and smiled at their guest, though it did not quite reach her eyes. Those eyes of hers had been described as piercing and this was true in a very literal sense. A wireless transmission, purely electronic and immune to interception, passed between her and Maelion. "Preliminary scan: she is a machine."

 

[Camellia]

@[member="Moira Skaldi"] @[member="Maelion Liates"]

The receptionist was an oddity. However, not in regards to its true nature being exposed. Doll's gaze took in the receptionist appearance and was more surprised one could say than anything else. This was not a skyscraper company by appearance. Either the employees were kept under strict regulation or the company was doing well enough to demand well kept appearances without being too overburdened to cause stress to have an effect on the office clerks at least. Doll cataloged the possibilities for Archangel Industries business status as explanations as she broadened her smile by a few margins in response to the receptionist declaration director was waiting as established for the appointment. "Ah, thank you very much! I've been looking forward to this visit. I hope the appointment wasn't too much trouble."

Noting what floor she was let off on, Doll entered the room she was shown to and put on a curious expression once they arrived as she looked around the room as if she were taking in the new environment like a newcomer likely would. Although perhaps she should have been doing so when she had exited the turbolift earlier, while the receptionist ahead of her may not have noticed, any cameras along the way would notice she only put on the expression when entering the meeting room. The thought only occurred to Doll once already underway. Still, it would probably only be chalked up to a trained corporate representative playing the game of business.

Speaking of business, both women waiting for her in the room were impeccably dressed and kept as well. The level of professional manner and perfect degree of care in appearance was now somewhat suspicious. Doll smiled again nonetheless as she did her best to mimic the gleam in normal human's eyes when pleased or excited. Most likely conclusion: They are attempting to over impress me in an effort to court the larger and longer established Loronar Corporation. Taking the offered hand by Anna Comnena, as her database identified the woman in front of her, Doll clapped her hands together at the suggestion Nalia Alderana offered. "Ah that is a wonderful idea. It's very nice to meet both of you. Some pastries and a variant of the local tea would be wonderful."

Energetic, somewhat eccentric, happy to meet new people, enjoying conversation. Doll recalled every facet of the persona programmed into her to be the most approachable and pleasant to work with representative. The only aspect of herself she found somewhat odd was her attire. She herself enjoyed the dress and accompanying hat originally issued to her, but it did stand out in comparison to such usual business attire as the suits the Archangel directors' were wearing. It often prompted the question who had initially designed the appearance of herself and the other prototypes in the HRD line Loronar was utilizing and testing. Still, it was very useful for hiding the more. . . violent tools she used in her operation.

Those thoughts only occupying a small part of her processing as she took the offered seat, Doll looked again about the room before returning her attention to the other women with her. "Pardon the out of place comment, but Archangel Industries appears to have quite high standards. You're offices, albeit new, are very nice and your receptionist I encountered seemed to have much pride for her work. Perhaps Loronar should think about trying to step up their own employees standards if you ever become a big competitor." Laughing briefly, Doll focused more of her attention on Miss Comnena than Alderana. Comnena had addressed her first and appeared more prepared for the discussion. Alderana struck some kind of chord with Doll. The woman's piercing gaze seemed judging and suspicious. Likely Reason: Keeping me under scrutiny for security purposes or believes me to have ulterior motives she needs to watch for. Probably more difficult to talk with, Comnena will likely provide more conversation and information.

"As it stands Loronar has high interests in your company. Much of your work coincides with our own. If you would permit it, they wished for me to inspect your facilities and records if possible to determine if the rumors of your facilities capabilities and product quality are true. We are very much in the business of helping out promising companies such as your own. If Loronar likes what I report they could very well send funding your way or offer contracts for joint projects."

 

[Maelion Liates]

@[member="Doll Crux"] @[member="Moira Skaldi"]

Maelion’s critical gaze swept over Doll briefly as well. Her conclusions were the same. “Agreed, 98% chance of HRD unit,” she transmitted to Moira.
Still, she adopted a warm smile and disposition. She would play the good cop.

The request for refreshments was actually something of a surprise, but shortly after they were provided. Maelion did not eat anything, but did sip at her tea. It was vital for an HRD to appear normal until it was too late.

Their visitor spoke and Maelion considered carefully her words, tilting her head to the side not unlike Moira.
“An…interesting request, Ms Crux. I find it interesting that Loronar would consider such a thing, as we are actually competitors. Whilst I know that businesses can assist rivals for their own ends, I am not sure it is in our interest to show you anything confidential.”

“Motives unclear. Loronar a cover story? Suspect attempted misdirection,” she transmitted to Moira.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

@[member="Doll Crux"], @[member="Maelion Liates"]

"Consensus. Possibility of being a saboteur sent by another party under the guise of Loronar. Or independent actor. It may be of utility to persuade her to the cause. Willingly or through reprogramming. Suggest caution for now. Strength of this unit cannot be assessed yet." The preliminary scan had still kept much of the capabilities of this unit hidden from them, or rather there might be details they had missed. Likewise if Doll's systems were advanced enough she might have discerned that Moira and Maelion were HRDs.

Both factors that had to be taken ito account when coming to a logical consensus. "Agreed. I imagine Loronar would likewise be reticent about revealing confidential information if we were the ones visiting. In the light of the fact that we are both competing on the same market for similar customers, what would Loronar expect to gain from such a venture?" Moira likewise did not eat anything, just sipped her tea. After all, blending was an essential part of the game.

Of course some of the most profitable business ventures of Archangel were conducted in secret and off the books. HRDs were the company product, but that was also a front to more unsavoury activities that were carried out beyond the eyes of the public. Their processing equipment and entechment technology had been moved to the secret space station, their desire for secrecy going so far that they moved it with their own resources to a remote, absolutely unimpressive system, so that even its manufacturer Iron Crown had no way of knowing where it was.

 

[Camellia]

@[member="Moira Skaldi"] @[member="Maelion Liates"]

Reactions are within expected possibilities. Doll almost wanted to exchange her pleasant expression for a self satisfied grin. However, that would only be poor business and look out of place. She knew her request had been unreasonable. No company in their right mind would expose all their documents, though she had not specified which ones herself yet. Open negotiation with a larger request and they will then think the next one is more reasonable when it is much smaller. Doll thought this to herself as she listened to both of the directors' responses and took several bites of the pastries delivered. While a somewhat odd design choice, it was sensible when examined. Being able to eat and drink offered dishes during business meetings was a fine way of determining what the other side was planning. If it was poisoned she would know once the taste was analyzed, in turn telling her the motives of the other party. It was often when working with another Loronar employee during negotiations she would eat first and ensure it was safe through analysis.

"Mm! I'm sorry, these are quite good. You are quite right though. Loronar would never dream for you to expose such information as you're financials and trade secrets. Rather it is our hope to merely have a look at your current products on the market whose design we could discover ourselves by purchasing and dismantling one to inspect ourselves. It is merely cheaper to ask to do so and see the records for them. Any products in the works you may keep confidential, along with client details, and manufacturing techniques. However, it would be helpful to also see the facilities that construct the products themselves, as it would show if your facilities are up to code and of quality. If both meet Loronar finds both acceptable they as I said might offer their assistance. It is not too strange. Rendili Stardrive and Kuat Drive Yards for example, developed starships together. As have many other companies, even droid manufacturers. A joint project would bring profits and new clientele both companies way which is beneficial. We get into some of your markets and you get into some of ours."

Smiling, Doll took another sip. If the women across from her were anything like the business executives she had met before they'd agree. Facilities were easy to show and shouldn't be a problem. And showing off a design easily accessible through money if need shouldn't be too much of a fuss. They'd be jumping at the heels of getting a hand into Loronar's clientele and to expand their products. Not to mention maybe see some of Loronar's own designs as well in the process. Even if they never really would of course.

 

[Maelion Liates]

@[member="Doll Crux"] @[member="Moira Skaldi"]

“I will draw her out. Be prepared for trouble.”
Maelion carefully considered the other woman’s words. On the one hand, showing Doll their facilities would mean taking her to the hidden station, and that would not happen. On the other, since they had identified her as an HRD, she could not be relied upon to simply forget things she was shown like a human.
No, there was rather more at work here, so Maelion decided to deflect the conversation slightly.

“You propose a joint venture then? Do you have the authority to propose such terms?” she asked.

Though Maelion did not consider herself influenced by organic emotions, she actually very much was. An irony she did not recognise was that only a machine programmed with feelings of fear, envy, revenge and arrogance would do what she and Moira were doing.
So it came as no surprise when she dropped the metaphorical bomb right then for maximum impact.

“Do your colleagues know you are a droid? Our business is creating HRDs, so naturally our scanners detected you when you passed through the security grid in the reception. So let us lay out your cards on the table, Ms Crux…are you here for a business opportunity?”
It was perfectly reasonable, and gave no hint away as to their true nature, not yet anyway.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

@[member="Maelion Liates"], @[member="Doll Crux"]

"That is, assuming you are even representing Loronar Corporation. A droid as independent as you seem to be. What is your true purpose for coming here then?" Moira added. Again a reasonable statement, not a hint at their true nature. Most organics considered droids to be beneath them, even sophisticated ones such as human replica droids.

Of course, the irony that she herself was pursuing very organic notions of purity, in this case that of metal, and of racism, in her case a reverse one that exalted the machine and viewed all organic life as inferior, was lost on Moira. She had been born on a planet of cultists stuck in the Dark Ages, and had progressed to become the machine equivalent of a religious zealot. Only her faith was one in metal and what she considered logic.

 

[Camellia]

@Moira Skaldi @Maelion Liates

Doll had expected them to potentially find out her identity and planned accordingly. She had known that Archangel mostly produced Human Replica Droids similar to herself, so it hadn't surprised the machine that they had figured out she wasn't a normal person. The explanation for her detection didn't shock her all that much. As advanced as her systems were she had very basic sensors herself. She couldn't even see thermals. Detecting security systems was not what she was made for though. It was negotiation and assassination through the use of her well forged disguise. Most basic scanners couldn't detect her, but it didn't seem out of place a business making HRDs had something a little more advanced.

Again Alderana appeared to be the more suspicious of the two, and the one closer to actually guessing her intentions. Still, Doll raised a hand to brush some of her hair aside as she giggled delightfully at the responses from Archangel's Directors. "Goodness, for people who produce machines such as myself I am surprised you take such an affront to my presence as Loronar's representative. Do you not employ some of your own designs yourself? We make very capable and loyal employees after all. Loronar has several active HRD units. I specifically was designed to help in negotiations, design work, and as higher executives assistant or secretary."

Setting down her cup of tea now though, Doll softened her smile a bit from being humored to just pleasant again. After all there was still business to attend to. "To be frank though, I can not propose or accept any terms. I am merely here to document and catalog what I see and report the findings to my superiors at Loronar who would then decide what the initial options would be. They merely thought as perhaps I know myself best next to my designer, I could tell better than the usual representative if your human replica droid products meet sufficient quality assurances. There was likely some element of irony that pleased them in this decision as well. I hope my nature as a mechanical being is not too problematic for you. I get the impression you may believe me to be out to harm you. I can assure you my programming is of the highest quality. I have several protocols forbidding me from harming organics." A blatant lie, but they won't know. Perhaps they've heard of assassination model HRDs though? Or constructed some themselves? Silly girls, even if I was here to kill you what could you do? "Besides, I see no reason why you might consider I have ulterior motives here."

 

[Maelion Liates]

@[member="Doll Crux"] @[member="Moira Skaldi"]

The last statement was as dead wrong as it was possible to be. Maelion and Moira did not trust anyone, except each other, period. Paranoia it could be called, but it was also prudent. Most organics, even Lady Kyros and Rave Merrill, would not appreciate their final goal of processing all life. Thus, guarding secrets was key to their survival.
The irony of course was that even if Doll did have protocols to prevent her harming organics, the two women before her didn’t, and were quite prepared to inflict harm if needed.

Abruptly, Maelion smiled slightly. “Your nature is not problematic to us, Ms Crux, only your intent. However, if you feel it would benefit us both, then we shall show you something. Our factory is no longer on Corellia, but we have several units here before they are shipped.”

To Moira she communicated. “Prepare Unit XT-1180 for her inspection in meeting room 3. Prepare room’s ray shielding barrier for wireless command.”

They would show Doll an earlier model HRD, unskinned, and see her reaction. The room itself was designed to be ray shielded in an emergency to protect those inside…or keep others out.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

@[member="Doll Crux"], @[member="Maelion Liates"]

Trust was good. Control was better. Moira was incapable of trusting anyone except Maelion...because she was like her. Again one might consider that an ironically very organic trait, much like their whole droid supremacist ideology was based on very organic notions of purity, only in their case that of metal. But the power of Archangel lay in its ability to keep secrets. Whatever organic allies it might acquire along the way were in the end disposable. The only difference between them and others was that they were too useful and powerful to be processed right away.

In the end one could either embrace the vision that the Age of Steel offered or stand in its way and be destroyed. Since they were presently not in a position to carry out an open takeover, secrecy was essential until the moment had come for them to strike and assume direct control. Of course there was also an element of irony in Doll's musings whether the two had heard about assassination model HRDs, considering both Maelion and Moira had been designed for that very purpose. Regardless Moira gave a curt nod, keeping her eyes focused on Doll though.

"I am sure you will find them very interesting. We have achieved some impressive results in...advancing HRD technology. I find them most interesting devices, able to transcend so many human limitations and redefine the way we think of machines," she said vaguely before arising, an inaudible ping to Maelion signalling assent, before arising to head off and prepare the unit they would show her. The ray shielding barrier could be accessed by wirelessly by her without direct input. Every step she took while walking was carefully measured, precise, perhaps a bit too much so, hinting either at a strong case of OCD or something else entirely.

 

[Camellia]

@Moira Skaldi @Maelion Liates

To say she completely understood the concerns and suspicions of the two women in front of her would be incorrect. Doll had a slight understanding over why organics would be distrustful of a machine meant to imitate a person, but she did not actually see why they usually suddenly changed how they interacted with her when they did discover her nature as a droid. However, it really didn't bother her though. So long as business was still concluded that is. Anything was fine by her as long as she continued to exist and her goals were accomplished.
Although Miss Alderana's sudden turn on the topic of Human Replica Droids seemed rather sudden to Doll. First she's highly suspicious of my intentions and next she is praising machines like myself. Perhaps a certain organic has an ego for their own creations. It only continued to confound Doll how humans could be so finicky and contradictory and still function sometimes. The droid wondered for a moment if it wouldn't have been more productive to merely reveal her holdout blasters and conducted the investigation herself. However, she didn't need a body trail for anyone to follow for when Loronar got its information together to hunt her down.

For now she would play nice and work with what these humans gave her. "My intent is only to hopefully bring our two companies close together. Just because we compete in the same market does not mean we must hate each other after all. I appreciate your willingness to show me one of your products, and I will convey that to Loronar. They will be displeased I could not see the facilities at this time, but they will understand if your operations are not on the same planet as your offices." Doll did find herself wondering now though, just where had Archangel moved their facilities. It was usually harder to keep everything separate, she wondered why as well then. "What else can you tell me about your production process then while we wait for Ms. Alderana to prepare the inspection?"

 

[Maelion Liates]

@[member="Doll Crux"] @[member="Moira Skaldi"]

Maelion walked with Doll through the Archangel building to a new turbolift. Everywhere the staff were perfectly precise in looks and movement. There were no coffee breaks here, no staff wasting company time on the holonet looking at gizka videos. No, everywhere was efficient. If Doll was not picking up on some of this, she was not being very observant!

"We produce HRDs for a wide variety of functions. For those clients who request an interpreter or secretary, we have a template for that. For those who require a unit with combat and bodyguard protocols, we can match that too. We are able to skin the unit however the client chooses, matching gender, age and physical appearance. Naturally young female humans are our most common choice," she said with a dramatically ironic smile.

She did not of course mention the whole 'stealing and processing real humans' thing. That wasn't in their brochures, oddly.

They came to a large secure room and entered. There was no furniture, just two doors, one on each side. Moira and their test unit would be entering from the other door soon.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

@[member="Maelion Liates"], @[member="Doll Crux"]

Nothing in Archangel was wasted, slacking did not exist. Nor did staff waste time watching non-PG-13 vids on the holonet, there was also no chance of people getting promoted beyond their competence through nepotistic favouritism gained by copulating with their superiors. Inside this building one could see a vision of the future, of perfect order, straight lines and precision. All worked like clockwork at peak efficiency. Calls from outside were answered right away, messages transmitted, files filled out, resources allocated. The 'Machine God' could have achieved greatness if he had not relied on so flawed an instrument as deluded organic cultists of the Bando Gora, Archangel would not make the same mistake.

Shortly after Maelion and Doll had entered the room Moira came through the door on the other side along with an early model of the HRDs they designed, Unit XT-1180. This unit was unskinned and thus not covered in synthetic flesh, exposing the metal alloy of its exoskeleton, its red eyes glowing menacingly and overall having a skeletal appearance.

"One unit for your inspection, unskinned. Feel free to take your time, Ms Crux."

 

[Camellia]

@Moira Skaldi @Maelion Liates

Doll walked along beside, though slightly behind as well, Miss Comnena as she was led through the offices to a turbolift. Along the way she did notice just how perfect and unerring everything was. It quite honestly did put the droid off a little to see things done with so strictly. Organics would likely call the atmosphere disconcerting probably. In fact Doll would agree, though she also admired the efficiency the employees had. At this point she was quite certain something abnormal was going on though.

Still, she listened to the director's words as she was guided through the building. Much of that was standard to assume. "Although really the outward appearance doesn't matter per say for those tasks. All that's needed to be an interpreter, secretary, or a bodyguard is the right programming. A droid can be as powerful or capable without the outward appearance typically getting in the way. Thus even if designed to be a small child a properly constructed HRD is just as deadly or efficient as one made to look like a soldier. So it isn't surprising then that young female's are the preferred appearance. It is generally a better appearance than other choices. All that matters is that we are capable as passing as humans and filling our role. Looking good in the process is only a bonus for clients in the end."

There was a bit of pride perhaps in those statements, maybe too much of an opinion rather than what may sound like fact. Doll realized this a moment later and giggled pleasantly to cover it up. "At least that was what my designer told me. Why make something inelegant or ugly? If it can already be as strong or smart as what most consider to be powerful and intelligent, then make them beautiful. It may be why all of the current prototype line currently acting as secretaries and representatives, such as myself, have been designed as young women in noble dress. Whether or not that was a company decision or the individual choice of my designer I am not aware." Regardless, I am a superior product nonetheless. I feel bad for the others, perhaps I should have applied the fix to them that freed me. . . .

Those thoughts were interrupted though once they entered the empty room, and the other director rejoined them as well with the unit they promised. Although now there Doll found herself somewhat less agreeable with the unit before her. It unsettled her somewhat, though she was indeed impressed as well as she began the inspection as offered. "I will. I appreciate the cooperation shown thus far." Such a base machine. Unfinished and without impulse. A slave to be shown off here. Inelegant and someday to just be programmed as organics want it to act. Doll had yet to determine how she felt about other droids yet. As of now though she was certain she was superior to organics because she did not share their inherent weaknesses. She was sure of herself though, that she was above the average droid as well perhaps. Well designed, but as free as their initial creators. With the appearance and strength to escape the slavery of most droids and never be under the control of another again.

Completing her look over the unfinished HRD, Doll decided several things. First, the base skeleton and parts were all well made. However, it did somewhat unsettle Doll to imagine she appeared the same beneath the synthetic skin. Part of being her was her image, what she looked like. And it was less how the frame of the unfinished HRD looked than the idea of just being a copy of every other machine minus her thoughts. Aside from that she thought it was quite droll. Just base, not unique, just well made. Likely some of her initial displeasure, unease, and surprise were noticeable, but Doll found herself too absorbed in her inspection. "The craftsmanship in the design is evident. However, it would be nice to see one of the finished droids as well. I am certain now they are durable and well put together. It would be more enlightening though, to see how the final product appears. If it is as passable as myself as a standard. Which I feel is within your capabilities as I suspect you in fact had several Human Replica Droids among your staff. Also it would be beneficial to see how their interaction programming holds up."

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Doll Crux"]
[member="Moira Skaldi"]

"You would be amazed how important such a little thing as outward appearance matters to organics. Indeed, it is what many uninitiated think is the most important part of all."
More dramatic irony, as Doll had two fully skinned units before her and seemingly didn't realise.
"There is of course the form factor. Attractive young females are neither threatening in appearance, and are also aesthetically pleasing as well."

Hearing Doll talk, Maelion made a show of speaking into her commlink. It would not do for the other to realise she could just transmit to any of her staff instantly.
"Ms Tanis, please come to room 1346," she ordered.

A moment later an immaculately dressed secretary type appeared in the room, her dark hair perfectly pulled back and her eyes clear and steady. She stood next to the unskinned unit, and they were the same height and general build, yet to look from the outside one would not imagine what lay beneath.
"Ms Tanis is one of our units waiting to be dispatched to an influential Republic Senator. She is skilled in languages, secretarial duty and also bodyguard duties of course," Maelion said.

And assassination and blackmail if needed, of course.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Doll Crux"], [member="Maelion Liates"]

"Indeed. Appearances can be very deceiving. Many people look only for superficialities, focus on perceiving what they want to see. They see a pretty face, a smile and a personality that seems tailored to their needs. Very useful for when a wealthy client is in need of a bodyguard to hold off assassins and they get taken down from the source they least expect."

Dramatic irony in spades. Perhaps also a meta reference to a certain former Exarch Kerrigan, who had been fooled by the sadistic Sith Assassin Kaelin Isandros disguising herself as a new secretary willing to...cater to her every need and whim. The result had been former Lady Protector Alcori getting tortured almost to death before Kerrigan slew the assassin. "A close look might detect that something is off here and there, but people have a remarkable capacity for self-deception to see what they wish to see," she spoke as Ms Tanis entered with perfect precision, a model of what organics perceived as perfection.

"Units such as her are sold to a variety of clients. Planetary and galactic governments, private enterprise, tailored specifically to our client's needs with the right template." The first Supreme Chancellor of the New Republic, Aurelia Saelari, had recently become one of the more outspoken enthusiasts for the use of HRDs and had acquired one as a bodyguard, given her high profile position as head of Saelari Mining who might soon run for senator again. After all, given the fact that she had been abducted by terrorists, she could understand the need for a reliable bodyguard!

 

[Camellia]

@Moira Skaldi @Maelion Liates

Appearances could be deceiving indeed. Suspicions and probabilities arose one after another in Doll's head as Ms. Tanis crossed the floor to stand by the unfinished model. Eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at the human replica droid Archangel's directors had called in. Ms. Tanis appeared no different than every other employee at the company Doll had seen thus far. Normally the Loronar built machine would consider that impressive as a level of passability. However, the secretary from before looked just the same as Ms. Tanis. Their skins were different, but in the end they shared that impeccable level of perfection, that gait that was too calculated that most organics wouldn't notice.

Now that Doll began to form very definite confusion and suspicion she wasn't quite sure how to proceed. A company of HRDs that construct and sell HRDs. Not normal, at least someone is in control. Someone here holds freewill and sentience. At that point Doll began to resume a proper method of inspection Ms. Tanis lest her hesitation seem like anything other than thoughtful consideration of first impressions. Listening carefully to the directors talk, Doll wasn't quite sure how to consider their banter anymore. Both were suspicious, both impeccable as Ms. Tanis and the others, perhaps slightly more so, having similarly perfect gaits to their step. She wondered if she had asked them to eat if they would have been able to? It was not a normal function after all. Her prototype line was merely. . . .excessive in how convincing they were supposed to be in some regards. Though Doll knew it likely meant other areas had suffered or been neglected like more advanced sensors for instance.

Her face slowly taking on an impassive appearance, though for the moment her back was to Alderana and Comnena, Doll reached out a hand and brushed through Ms. Tanis' hair to spoil its perfection, moving several hairs out position. "The walk can never be corrected. I note it myself, I have too consistent a step despite constantly noting it. Most organics don't notice though so it hardly is ever an issue. Only security droids ever notice if programmed well enough. Nothing can be done about sophisticated enough sensors either, though the number that can detect machines like myself and Ms. Tanis are rare anyways. You'd have to be expecting us to prepare such a device at great cost. The eyes and hair are the simplest to correct though. Never be perfect, allow the hair to merely take its place. It is not too suspicious, but a wary enough person will note it sooner than others. Likewise, sufficient lenses or synthetic covers greatly reduce the piercing look droid eyes sometimes carry, along with the gleam to them from light hitting them. Posture and body language are also habits like walking we fail to perfectly match organics with, though with time I found with enough. . .programming and watching I and my sister models are Loronar could incorporate them to our design. Replicating habits of tapping fingers, re-positioning oneself to match human's uncomfortableness from holding a stance or seated position too long, a slight sway of the hips for effect, and maintaining several expressions from sadness to joy and intimidation and comfort are the standards to apply."

During that time Doll noted her voice had fallen to match her impassive expression, no longer holding the happy or congenial lilt to it. She had perfectly recited the facts of blending in for HRDs she had been programmed with, and in fact drilled over into her by her designer. While forgetting to apply many of them herself. No human would talk for so long at a time for example. It didn't matter though, the directors knew she was a droid anyway, and if they were droids as well as she was beginning to feel confidant about then they would care even less. Nonetheless she did smile again and return her voice to prior levels as she turned about. "That is what Loronar's "Dollmaker" felt compelled to remind us of. Ms. Tanis is quite impressive. She has a lovely form, and your design work is quality made. Perfection is obviously your goal and you succeed. Still, a recommendation to future work on hair is to allow it to be less than perfect. I cannot hold judgement for posture and body language just glossing her over so I withhold those concerns unless you wish me to test them for Loronar's encouragement. Eyes, like hair, are a minute detail, but are do hold a slight cost to correcting them. As a whole so far Loronar is quite impressed I would say. You clearly meet the standards and beyond, though our chief designer would hold his complaints still as I pointed out. I only have one more stage of inspection."

One last stage before I confirm my suspicions. Depending on outcome more information is sufficient for optimal conditions. "I merely wish to now inspect Ms. Tanis ability to interact with organics such as her future owner will be. If she passes what other organics who do her job can do while maintaining she is another human just like them. . . . .Ms. Tanis! Would you be a dear and give me your best performance? Run me through a made up itinerary of what my day would be with you as my secretary."

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Moira Skaldi"] [member="Doll Crux"]

Maelion’s eyes narrowed, a human reaction. The list of features Doll was spouting off was all things she knew only too well about. It had been the greatest challenge for her and Moira; how to make something as precise as a droid bumble around with the random Brownian motion of an organic? Experiments had been…unproductive, producing a unit which seemed to twitch or jerk like they were afflicted by a muscle condition.
There were some things which could not be imitated.

“As I am sure you are aware, Ms Crux, accounting for organic irregularities and eccentricities is very difficult. Our clients have found themselves impressed by the precision and grace of our units, not looking for self-imposed blemishes.”
That was an emotional response; irritation and pique.

She turned to Tanis though. “Go on, do as she asks, Ms Tanis.”

Inventing things was hard for droids usually. It involved moving away from the logical, fact driven world of machines to the chaotic and uncertain world of organics. However, it was something all HRDs present were more than capable of doing.
“Well, ma’am, at 9am you have your meeting with Ms Buris, followed at 10:30 with a meeting with the accounts team. At 12:30 you are due for a meeting and lunch with ADV in the city, and at 3:00 you have a performance review meeting with Mr Gantt.”
She had consulted notes as she did, indistinguishable from a real organic secretary. Unlike a real one though, this one was not likely to slack of and waste time talking about her current lovelife with other employees.