Sharon had been about to make a joke about those tendencies running in their family, but Eve was quick to say that the figure of speech didn’t apply here – but the sentiment of it did. Sharon had spent a lot of time with Tony growing up, more than she did with her own parents, it felt like, and how else did you learn things? Imitation. And Sharon had blended a lot of Peggy and Tony while growing up. (A deadly combination, clearly.) “Let’s just hope I don’t catch Wilson’s stupid,” Sharon quipped before nodding her head.
Clearly, the way that Sharon had phrased it had put Eve on edge, even if it was only slightly – it was noticeable. Another one of those things that Sharon would put on the more human than robot part of the list if she were listing things. (And she was. Silently.) “Give it time, you’ll find something that’ll force you between two logical choices and you’ll have to think with your heart.” Sharon knew that technically, Eve didn’t have a heart. She had circuits that helped her make decisions, but the fact that she felt some attachment to her creator? That she felt something for Tony? The way she reacted to Sharon’s words? There was something more there. Even if Eve didn’t know it or understand it. “I’m not so sure that’s strength,” Sharon confessed. “After all, I’m running away from comparisons.”
Shaking her head again, Sharon let out a small sigh. “It’s not whether or not it’s easy or difficult – it’s the idea of it in its entirety,” Sharon tried to explain. “For humans – er, organic creatures, memories are what build us into the people we are. The information we know, how we know it, who we interact with… those are all things that make us who we are on some level. It shapes us, all of it. And I don’t want you to have to delete any part of yourself on my behalf.” Which, all in all, was probably the worst idea Sharon had in a long time. It would have been safer for Sharon to have Eve erase all information regarding who she was and her relationship with the Avengers because if that information got out? Even if it was the CIA who found out – there would be hell to pay. And Sharon would be stuck with the bill. “Think of it this way – what if someone made you delete all the information regarding your creator? Wouldn’t that feel wrong?” Sharon questioned before offering Eve another smile. “Thank you.”
Sharon listened carefully to Eve, to her dreams of family. (Again, something that felt more organic than manufactured.) “Whatever you call him, I think that’s your choice. What you call him says a lot about him and yourself because it shows how you see him. He might not be your father in the technical sense of the word, but you’re not defining him by the definition. Are you?” Sharon asked, the question was innocent enough, but she wondered if Eve would realize what Sharon was seeing here. “She dried your clothes?” Sharon laughed and nodded her head, it probably should have surprised her how gentle Jess could be – but it never did. Jess was good, in every sense of the word. “Do they both know that you’re robotic?”
Eve frowned, though she could tell Miss Carter was being playful. “I do not think Mr. Wilson is stupid,” she said, shaking her head slowly. It took only seconds for her smile to return, because truthfully, she was also being playful. It was a new protocol she was trying out, one Miss FRIDAY had been explaining to her. Sometimes, Organics were sarcastic, or hid their true emotions behind a false one, usually negative. Eve was not sure her emotional processors were capable of such actions, but she wished to try.
She laughed, and reached up to her chest, opening the panel there. “I do not have a heart. I have a central processor here, however,” she said, pointing out the appropriate device. It was a small, complicated looking square chip, but it held the bulk of her programming. “I understand your meaning, however. I am not certain that it would be wise to leave such a decision to my emotional processes. Even when both choices are logical, there is always a preferable option. I am well-equipped to compare and contrast the options, and choose the statistically superior.” Eve paused for a minute. “Mr. Wilson also suggested that I might find some semblance of humanity within my programming,” she said, teasing lightly. “Perhaps you are both correct, however, if not I will be happy to be as I am. I am awake, and I am useful. That is more than enough for me,” she said nodding. Her own needs were superseded by those around her, that was her reason for being. “It does not strike me as running away, if you do not mind my saying so. I am a being who depends entirely on those around me, and that is how I was built. You were not built, you were born, and Organic life is able to flourish all on its own. That is a very beautiful thing,” she said softly.
This was important to Miss Carter, so Eve listened carefully. Her concern was overwhelmingly touching. She had read that humans were likely to ‘pack bond’ with just about anything, but it was something else to experience it. “I suppose that would feel wrong,” she conceded. “My creator is very important to me, and his teachings have shaped who I am. I can understand your concerns now,” she said softly. “I would be entirely different without the memory of him. Perhaps I would be entirely different without the memory of you as well, particularly after this conversation,” she said, a small smile on her face. “However, as a last resort, it is an effective counter-measure. I shall promise not to erase my memories unless I absolutely need to, in order to protect you or any of my other friends. Does that seem like a good compromise?” She nodded once. “You are very welcome. And thank you,” she added. “For explaining things to me, and helping me to learn.”
She thought about it for a long moment. “I suppose I am not. However, I do not think ‘father’ is the correct term for him. He was more... a teacher. And yet, ‘teacher’ feels too impersonal. I think I will continue calling him Master for now, that is what is most apt,” she decided. Miss Carter had a very beautiful laugh, and Eve laughed along with her, but the next question made her fall silent. “Miss Drew knows,” she said finally. “I... I do not think Miles is aware. If he is, he does not treat me any differently than he would treat an Organic. Perhaps he is simply being kind, but perhaps...” She trailed off, staring up at Miss Carter with uncertain eyes. “Do you think I should tell him? Just to ensure that he knows?”