Sentience Read Free

side, more clearly than they were even as a human.
    "Resetting movement servos to null position," The mech said. His body reset to a normal position, and he did not feel as though he was hanging from his prosthetics anymore.
    "Refining syntax," The mech said, but upon receiving an arc through the connection, it stepped back. The reaction clearly was not normal, but Charley had a hard time being concerned, too distracted by the fact that he felt brand new. Whatever this mech had just done made him feel better than healed, it made him feel alive. He moved the prosthetics with an accuracy he did not have before now, and he could not help but feel like he could do anything now.
     
    "All operations successful, except the attempt to debug the programming syntax. You may experience abnormalities in operation, though they will be no worse than what you experienced beforehand," The mech said.
     
    "Programming syntax?" Charley asked, still distracted by his newfound expertise with the prosthetics.
     
    "The human nervous system sends signals to a computer that interprets the signals and applies them to the end effectors. Your computer was resistant to any change in syntax, but instead tried to reprogram mine. The experience was...enlightening," The mech said, seeming different after the operation, as well.
     
    "Whatever you say, man. Thanks for the repair, I feel great now," Charley said, and headed back to his apartment. He grabbed a few more clothing items and the keys to his car. Earlier, he dreaded the idea of trying to work his prosthetics behind a moving vehicle, but now, he found it much easier than it was even before the crash. His reflexes were incredibly sharp, and he found himself deftly maneuvering through traffic at high speeds on his way to the transport company.
     
    He had never felt like this before, alive and completely in control. His friends and family knew him as a brooding, quiet individual beforehand, not one to take many risks. But driving like a professional racer here felt exhilirating, and yet so natural at the same time. His robotic body provided the skills to make it possible, while his mind relished the thrill of it. Truth be told, he could not wait to try many other things, but he knew it would have to wait until he got a job.
     
    The old car screeched into its parking space, brakes and engine still cooking from the drive Charley had put the car through. He could hear the car bubbling underneath the hood, but he paid it little mind as he strolled into the front door. The desk clerk gave him a strange look as he approached, having seen the last little bit of Charley's joyride and doubtless taking notes.
     
    "Can I help you?" She asked nervously, observing him with caution. He could tell that she was observing his mechanical parts in fear, wondering if he could be trusted.
    "I'm here for an interview. Reeser?" He said, trying to save her some time. He knew it was best to end his conversation with her as soon as possible.
    "Right, Reeser...ah, yes. Second door on the left. Mr. Matthews will be in with you in a moment," she said.
    "Thank you," Charley replied, leaving quickly. He took a look around, surprised at the decor, which was quite elaborate for a shipping company. He quickly snapped out of it when he saw a large man headed towards Mr. Matthews' door.
    "Please, come in Mr. Reeser," the man said, extending his hand, "David Matthews."
    "Charley Reeser," Charley said, shaking the man's hand. He figured that Mr. Matthews either made an educated guess, or that infamy had made an introduction before his entrance into the office. He hoped for the former as he made his way to a chair in front of Mr. Matthews' desk.
    "So, how are you today, Mr. Reeser?" David asked, reclining into his chair. Charley was well aware that David was sizing him up, getting a first impression.
    "Quite well, thank you. Glad to have made it through the crowds."
    "They're getting bad, aren't they?"
    "Lots of different people