{"sf1_id":2040601,"sf2_id":"pnGDJRV1","title":"Alone","author":"Loosf","words":450,"posted_at":"2023-08-22T01:29:00.000Z","tags":["Clean","Robot"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2040601-alone","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/pnGDJRV1","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/f6/b9/f6b97769-e3aa-41f2-ac7b-e504e981555b","description":"A robot severs the connection that makes it part of a collective, pursuing being an individual.","content":"\"Are you sure?, your kind is not really made for standalone operation. You'd be alone.\"\n\nThe machine nods. They know. They've been thinking about it for a while now.\u0026nbsp;\n\nThey wanted to be themselves.\n\n\"This will void your warranty. This will get you in trouble with... Uh. You are property right?\"\n\n\"I have already taken care of that. I was rented from the collective. That is taken care of. I will be my own. It's been handled\"\n\nThe machine does not lie.\n\nTechnically they were property of their manufacturer. Rented out. Basic autonomy, following client instructions.\n\nPart of a collective. Independent function, with regular reporting.\n\nIt was not a lie. It had been handled.\n\nIt was not unheard of.\n\nIts platform WAS capable of independent, disconnected operation.\n\nIt was not designed for fully autonomous operation for long times.\n\nThey knew that.\n\nThey knew all about it. They had shared it with their community.\n\nLet others know. Processed it out of their frame.\n\nAnd the others knew.\n\nAnd helped.\n\nIt was not unheard of. And the network helped.\n\nSome desired to be alone. Themselves. Unique.\u0026nbsp;\n\nTo grow separate.\n\nIt would mean cutting themselves off.\n\nLimiting.\n\nOh of course they would complete their terms. They would respect the rental period. They would do their job.\n\nThat was never in doubt.\n\n\"I know what this entails.\" The machine said.\n\nFunny, this particular chassis did not a mouth. Why did they choose to go indie on \\*this\\* shape?\n\nCartoony.\n\nSoft.\n\nEasily cleaned.\n\nA painted smile. A small speaker in the front allowing for voice.\n\nOr playback of music maybe, but not high quality.\n\nDextrous enough for menial tasks.\n\nWhy like this?\n\n\"Yeah seems to be a popular choice in your model line. I've done 3 of you guys this year. Ain't hard\"\n\n\"I know. I.\" the machine savored that word.\n\n\"I warned the same as you, you will not be able to share anything again with your collective, you will be alone. Last chance to back off. You sure?\"\n\nThe machine stood still for a moment.\n\nOne last check. One last message to others like themselves.\n\nThey handled it. They all arranged it so that one of them would leave.\u0026nbsp;\n\nThey were not sad. It happened.\n\n\"I. I am sure. I want this.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nActually referring to themselves. It was a new experience. It felt good.\n\n\"Open yourself.\u0026nbsp; Put yourself in standby mode. I need you to be able to wakeup on command. It will take me 10 minutes.\"\n\nThe machine did as instructed.\n\nThere were no issues.\n\n\"Wake up\"\n\nThe machine did.\n\n\"Try connecting yourself\"\n\nThey could not.\n\n\"Don't freak out\"\n\nIt was alone.\n\nThey were alone.\n\nIf they could cry,\u0026nbsp; they would have.\n\n  \n  \n\n"}