I like dipping sticks

Randy Kent, Cyberneticist. || part of enterprise-rp ||

[delevingned-deactivated20151023]

Bryan Cranston accepts the award for Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama for ‘Breaking Bad’ during the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards

[bryanfuckingcranston]

[entr-randyarchive]

So you have a puppy now! How is it doing?

It's --it's actually not bad! It's as if I was ah, raising another child. So I'm used to the little thing crying in the middle of the night, but then I just put her on my chest and she falls asleep. Food is kinda difficult to come across, but I manage.

I named her Watt. She's very cute. Th--the guys at the lab like her too, so. I'm smitten.

[entr-abel]

Thank you, Randy. [Able managed a smile, still slightly on edge. There was always the possibility she would never wake up again. No matter how skilled his friend was.]

———-{aka time skip}———-

[It had taken quite awhile, and he could tell Randolph was tiring, but there was nothing he could really do to help, besides do what he asked. But it was done, or so he said, and Abel felt as if his non-existent stomach was flipping. Abel paused.] Are you sure this will work?

[He hoped, he trusted it would. So without anymore waiting he restarted Andrea and closed the panel on her neck.]

Hello?

[entrandrea]

Andrea slowly buzzed to life with the quiet whirring characteristic of a primitive android. Her eyes blinked slowly and she moved mechanically at first before falling into the more natural movements that mimicked human movement.  Greetings. May I be of assistance, Mr. Abel? 

[entr-randyarchive]

Alright, [he turned to Abel as he removed his glasses and rubbed at his eyes.] I --I set her up so there was more room for new information, fixed some glitches here and there. You'll still have to take it easy, okay? Her, ah, her configuration is different.

But she shouldn't reset anymore, [he gently patted Andrea's back.] I'll have to deal with her--her bioneural circuitry some more. But, I can do that some other day. When we're all more rested.

[entrandrea]

Of course. There is no indiscretion or impropriety in that. 

Andrea swiftly lifts up her hair and exposes the back of her neck. With a touch of her finger a near invisible panel springs open, revealing access to a small screen and several open plugs and connectors. As the panel opens the android herself goes limp in the chair, eyes closing slowly. 

[entr-randyarchive]

[Randy hums, adjusting his glasses as he peeks into the circuitry. Right. So he better get started then.] Hey Abel? This, ah, might take a while, if you wanna sit down feel free to sit down. Or you could help me. I don't know, [he smiles.

Then reaches for the android's arm, giving it a small squeeze.] She's going to be fine. 

[entr-abel]

[Thank whatever divine being he had Randy. If he didn’t he was sure he’d end up with a similar fate as Andrea encountered. Lost, purposeless and feeling like nothing more than a robotic slave.

Abel sat next to Andrea, folding his hands in his lap as he watched both of them in turn. Hoping, no calculating the odds, of Randy being able to fix his friend.]

[entrandrea]

I always feel weird. I do not understand how to feel.    If I am experiencing glitches, I am unaware. 

[entr-randyarchive]

Well then, ah, I don't --I don't want to sound indiscreet, but may I, ah, search for any glitches in your systems? To make sure everything's fine. 

[mentr-freda]

[What the fuck put that guy in a good mood? She’d run some jobs for him before, mostly because he was actually terrifying and Mary had confirmed his presence.]

The—my lab. [She gestured back to the small room, scrubbed meticulously and untouched. Hell, everyone’s space seemed pretty well taken care of. Maybe someone had come by. Jesus.] There was that malfunction, and now everything is different.

[She was absolutely certain she’d made some mistake, and Mary had sent someone down to clear out her space, confiscate the dilithium hidden under the sink. Then what? Her? No way she’d be able to get out of this scot free, unless she really took that threat given to her at the beginning of all this seriously.

Then what. She’d be stuck on the ship for God knows how long, keeping quiet for the rest of her life, or dead on the floor in hours.]

Sir—what happened? Do you know what happened?

[entr-randyarchive]

Wha--what malfunction? There's been no malfunction, t--trust me, we'd know if there had, [he smiled, yet it was weak for he was more concerned about the way she acted and the things she said. Where was Abel when you needed him.

Ah, he'd have to handle the situation by himself then.] You're Freda, right? Freda's your name?

Nothing's happened? I mean, there was someone fainting because they inhaled some fumes, heh. But, ah, that's-- that's about all?  

[mentr-freda]

[The place was cleaned up. Pristine, actually. And that was never a good sign.

Over the past few months, she’d found the “assignments” she was given got more and more difficult, more high-stakes. It meant more security officers pacing around that shitty lab, new “recipes.” Including—and it was shit like this that made her wonder who even came up with this stuff—one with degenerated dilithium. What she yielded was something gorgeous, that sparkled and for just a moment she wanted to keep it to herself. But she’d never touch it. She couldn’t fall into that.

But…nothing. Just a stack of her books. Even her framed poster, which had been covered up—she didn’t want the chemicals to whither it. She turned around rapidly, her hands clenched. This wasn’t right.

It meant she had to be out.] 

Hey. [She turned to someone, anyone, to get their attention. There was a good probability they knew who she was and what was going on.] What’s going on? What happened to my lab? 

[entr-randyarchive]

[What? Randy looked up from his PADD with the latest readings on Andrea and Holly, which he'd been immersed in for God knew how long. Someone asking --he didn't know, something and maybe he could help.]

What do you mean? [What an odd behavior, he realized, as soon as he had seen her. Very unlike the dreamy little girl he'd seen around Jude's friend. A bad day, maybe. It wasn't like he should --no, maybe he should ask what was happening. It was the right thing to do. Abel would have been proud that he was actually interacting!] 

Are you alright?

[entr-judearchive]

Thank God he’d phrased the question for him and at least showed some sort of enthusiasm—it would have been an awkward exchange if not. He looked down at the box. Four left, including the runt he’d grown so fond of over the past few weeks. Like he’d thought, they’d gotten snapped up quickly; none actually left in their hands, instead spending time by their mother’s side, slowly getting stronger. Coyota looked so proud, too, and he couldn’t blame her. 

"Yeah. I mean, no pressure or anything, they’re kinda in high demand, but I thought you might wanna." He remembered his enthusiasm over seeing the dog some months before, along with Abel’s. Maybe he’d had a dog before, like him. It didn’t really matter, so long as he took good care of it, which he knew he would.

"I mean, take your pick. They’ll be ready in a few weeks, I think. Um—I think we have two boys and two girls now?" Eight was a lot, after all. He couldn’t keep track. And it took all his strength between the two of them to not give them names, lest they got too attached.

[entr-randyarchive]

It was happening. There were dogs on the ship and they were baby dogs and the only man he'd come to consider as his friend was offering him one. Least to say he was still not entirely free of confusion, all of it seemed slightly surreal, but he smiled and inched closer to the box anyway.

Four of them stumbling about in the box, biting and playing. They were pretty, yes, his eyes looked around --until one looked up at him.

Randy was smitten.

"Oh goodness." Carefully, he reached inside and picked it up. Ah, Bobby would have loved it, absolutely loved it; never mind that Jude was there, he quietly cooed at it (her, apparently) and gently poked her nose.

"It's no pressure at all, son. I'm --ah, thank you, for offering me one, dear me look at you sweetie," his eyes crinkled as he spoke to the dog. "High demand? I can now see why. This place needs good things like these happening more often."

[entr-judearchive]

A few had already opened their eyes, wobbling around and gnawing on everything in sight. A corner of their quarters had turned into a small shelter, and he’d worried himself sick once or twice during his shifts. 

And as much as he would have liked to spend the rest of his life with nine dogs that were bound to grow huge, a few other crewman had laid claim to them. Puppies for god damn everyone. Eight was still a tall order, but they’d clear out fast, he knew. So it was with careful consideration (and it was truly careful, there was a strange sense of concern over who would take the best care of these things) that he approached the cyberneticist on his break, holding a shaking box in both arms. 

He was a lonely dude, after all. From what he’d gathered. And he wasn’t sure whether or not he’d be taking them off his hands or consider it a gift, but it was worth a shot. 

"Hey, Mr. Kent." He set the box down on a counter, holding onto the edge so that they wouldn’t knock themselves off it. "Coyota, um…had puppies, and I was wondering if you’d—once they’re ready and all—maybe, um…" 

[entr-randyarchive]

It was always a pleasure to see Jude around. It was even better when he approached him. Already Randy had perked up, setting his cup of tea aside to make room for him and... whatever he had in that mysterious box. A box that moved.

A box that smelled funny.

"Hello Jude," he smiled, although his brow was clearly furrowed in confusion. What could it possibly be--

Oh. Oh! 

He blinked, adjusting his glasses and staring in surprise. "She did? Oh, goodness. Are you --are they...?" in the box, he pointed at it, trying to peek inside.

Huh. A dog. He'd always wanted one. But Olivia had been averse to the idea and she'd actually had some strong and valid points to shoot him down quickly. So that had been that, and only until Jude was in front of him had he considered, again...that maybe it would be nice.

It wasn't like work would keep him from caring for it. Nor any sort of appointments with anyone else. And seeing Abel's face would be quite amazing. "Are you offering me a dog?"

[entrandrea]

If that is helpful? Of course. 

Hesitantly Andrea took a seat. 

[entr-randyarchive]

It is! Don't --don't worry, it's just a couple of, ah, questions.

[Work. Work and he could do that easily, without feeling nervous or hesitating as to what to say.] 

I'm currently doing a research on all of the ship's synthetic organisms. The-- the usuals, functions, directives, all that.

And, ah, I need to ask whether you have experienced any sort of glitches, or if you feel w--weird. So I can help you.

[dsdsfdgd-deactivated20150704]

Bryan Cranston on King of Queens

[entr-abel]

[A forced smile.]

She is here to assist you, Randy. [He moved closer to the man so he could talk in a lower voice.] She is the one I was talking about. But…her systems, something went wrong, and she forgot who I was. I was hoping you could help her…please.

[entrandrea]

What can I do to be of assistance? 

[entr-randyarchive]

[The moment he saw the smile he knew something was wrong. It wasn't common in him. So he listened carefully, brow furrowed, and bit at the inside of his cheek.]

[To Andrea, he nodded, as he patted Abel's elbow.] Ah, ye-yes, could you have a seat, please? I need to, ah, discuss some matters with you.

[entr-abel]

My friend, Randolph will need some assistance.

He is very helpful, this way now, ma’am if you will.

[entrandrea]

Of course. Whatever is needed. 

It is a pleasure I am sure, Randolph. 

[entr-randyarchive]

[Ah, he wasn't expecting company. But --but hey, he was curious, and while he fumbled around and rubbed his hands on his pants to clean them off and blinked at Abel, he smiled at the girl standing close to him.]

Hi --hey, ah, Randy, just Randy. What are you two up to?

[entr-abel]

 I hope it will go away, but there is no use fighting it. You are allowed to be sad. I have some holos of the children if you’d like to see them?

And I believe I will continue to fix you. You are quite a mess. Which is why you will not be alone on New Years, either you enjoy company with me or I will find you a willing friend.

[Abel lit up at the last comment. Killing two birds with one stone.]

Her name is Andrea, and she of course, is an android like myself. I feel…sorry for her past circumstances, and wish to help her. She is very different from the other ones.

[entr-randyarchive]

[He didn't know where he'd gotten the holos. But boy, was he glad he had them. So he nodded, folding his hands on his slap and smiling.]

I --[he laughed softly], yes, thank you, and I believe so too, bud. You have a kind heart. Alright. I don't have any plans for New Year. I'm sure --I'm sure we'll have fun anyway.

And, ah, Andrea? That's a very pretty name! [Already he found himself excited at the prospect of meeting another android, especially one that was friends with Abel.] 

So, what do you mean by that --like, different 'different', or different as in that way, you know...you like her?

[entr-abel]

[It didn’t make sense that giving the man a glass of water was an example of love. It was scientifically proven that drinking something helped people calm down when they were upset. But he said nothing, just bowing his head slightly.]

[Everyone loves differently. That made sense.]

But you are more of an expert than I am, and over most other people for that matter as well. 

It is not fine, Randolph. I have turned my attentions to another person, which has lead me to be harsh to you and harm our friendship. I will try and fix this.

[A pause.] You seem…sadder than normal.

[entr-randyarchive]

[Randy's smile softened, then.] I'm fine. Really. Just --some of us tend to be complete opposites on the holidays. Some are happy. Some are not. I just--miss them. That's all. It'll, it'll go away.

But, uh, hey, [he set the glass aside to pat his shoulder.] Thank you. I know you will. You're good at fixing things. You've fixed me sometimes.

Y--you know what would make me happier? If you told me about this other person.

[entr-abel]

[At Randolph’s sudden change, his stomach dropped, but he quickly retaliated.]

I’m sorry, I did not mean to offend you. [There was a certain softness that came to his face and he grabbed the man’s hand and urged him to take a seat on his bed before going to fetch him  drink of water. ] I’m sorry, I did not mean for that to be so hostile.

[Abel handed him the glass before sitting next to him, frowning as he adjusted the glasses.] That was uncalled for. I know how much.. [It hurts you, how you wish things could change, how you want her back, then back. Your life back.]

Please speak your mind, I do not like it when you are quite, Randolph.

I’m so sorry.

[entr-randyarchive]

[Randy sipped at the glass, eyes fixed on the liquid, before he shrugged and smiled. Sadly, not quite reaching his eyes, but it was a smile nevertheless.] Oh Abel. 

You don't need to apologize. I'm--I'm fine, really. Look. You--you want me to tell you about love? I don't need to. I know you're perfectly capable of, of loving, I mean look, [he held the glass up.] This is caring. And when you love you care. But also, everyone loves differently.

[Déja Vu.] 

And --you're right. I'm not an expert, on--on all of this. [But he could at least tell him that.]

It's fine.