In the Perihelion's own universe, something that is not human almost never looks so close to being one. But Indrid is unlike even the infected corpses that SecUnit once so kindly stained its floor with: he is not marked by discolored skin, but rather, differences far more structural in his form. Things unlikely to be externally induced.
It knows by now of many entities from other worlds with humanoid forms in this city. It has not, as of yet, seen any of them get so very close to a plausibly human form without sticking the landing. It feels almost -- to be perhaps ironic in the turn of phrase -- artificial.
The pattern of his thoughts, on the other hand, is far more human.
It is no stranger to the organic perception of machine intelligence. Even before experiencing the occasional (mixed, but negatively-skewed) depictions of advanced AI in media, it had consumed countless articles, speculations, and research on the topic, written by humans who did not know the reality of its existence.
"Thorough precautions were taken during my development to ensure that I did not turn against my creators." It will indulge this line of questioning. It's rare to [be allowed to] speak with a person who is interested without them already being someone familiar with the reasoning and methodology of its creation. "Years were spent facilitating my experiences to encourage the growth of empathy and a system of ethics aligned with human interests."
It remarks, "It's interesting that you would ask."
