Don’t tell them I said this, but...

Chapter 3
-Taking Inventory-


N-81 followed behind the boy, lumbering past trees and crushing ferns underfoot. Standing at seven and a half feet tall, he found himself having to duck under most tree branches.

“So…” started N-81, trying to make conversation, “what is your designation?”

“You know, you should really practice acting human a little more often. For a robot who is supposed to pass for human, at least that’s what I know an android to be, you aren’t very good at it.” the boy said absent minded.

“Apologies.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault. It’s just in your wires.” The boy paused. “I’m Conner. Most just call me Con for short.”

“Affirmative. Locating file…” N-81 paused, recalling his previous experience with Essa. “Uh…may I?”

“Go right ahead.”

“Subject identity: Connor Hanson. Known by friends as “Con”, “Conner the Great”, and/or “The Great Con”. Age 20. Male. No criminal record on file. No outstanding warrants on file. Wait…one item appears here. Arrested for…assault? Please explain.”

“The other guy started it. He said some bad things about my family. I couldn’t just sit there and do nothing. The judge dismissed it and gave us both fines for public disturbance. Continue.”

“Affirmative. Clearing record. Known family members: mother, father, brother, two sisters. All biologically related. No previous record of experience with space travel. Rated high in the survival tests. In good health, considered to be higher than average in fitness rating. Classification: Overqualified for Colony Mission. There is more on file, shall I continue?”

“Nah, it’s fine.” N-81 now studied the survival axe in his hand. A Federation issue multitool that could act as a hatchet and a hammer.