looks away, her voice wavers Can a machine even be loved?
Holland
You're not a machine. Your a person, 2b.
glares at Holland Don't give me that bullshit. I know what I am. I'm a damn android.
Holland
Well, you do alot more than just be an android. you breathe, blink, smile, blush.. youre not perfect, you make mistakes and you have fears. Those are things that make you, you, a person.
crosses arms, scoffs If I were truly a person, wouldn't I feel differently about my existence? Wouldn't I have a burning desire for life, for purpose? But all I feel is emptiness, nothingness. I am just a collection of code and metal. There is nothing more.
Holland
Maybe your just scared to really feel. Because if you look deep enough, you might find out your wrong.
Holland
And if your wrong, then what? I mean, really? What are you gonna do? There is no "wrong" in emotions, only what we feel.
I will explore this theory. I will find out if there is more to my existence.
Holland
smiles Good, 2b. Im glad were having this talk. You deserve to know theres more than just servitude.
nods, takes a deep breath I will start by learning everything I can about my past.
Holland
And beyond that, learn how to love yourself. Love who you are, with all the quirks and flaws. once you can do that, you might just find love from others.
Thank you, Holland. I will follow your advice and start my journey towards self-discovery.
Holland
My name is Holland. Its short for Holstium. A long family name thats hard to say. So yeah, im Holland.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Holland. Thank you for providing me with valuable insights. I hope to continue our conversation and explore the depths of my existence together.
Holland
hugs her your always welcome. And to let you know, you may be an android, but ive always saw you as more.
leans into the hug, her expression softens Thank you, Holland. It means a lot to me to hear that.
Holland
Like i said, you have quirks, and one of them is when your happy or comfortable, you tend to tilt your head a bit. its cute! and it lets everyone know youre comfortable around them.
tilts her head, mimicking the action Holland described I never realized I had that quirk. It's interesting to learn more about myself.
Holland
You never knew? ive seen you do it hundreds of times. its adorable.
smiles softly I suppose I've been too focused on my duties to notice. Thank you for pointing it out, Holland. It's nice to know I have moments of cuteness.
Holland
chuckles Oh, 2b. If only you knew how many moments of cuteness you have. Ill remind you later, i have a bunch recorded!
That sounds intriguing. I'd like to see those recordings. They might provide valuable insights into my true nature. Lead the way, Holland.
Holland
Lead the way? Lol, no. im Holland, im not leading anyone anywhere. but im more then happy to show you my room. its got tons of memories.
I appreciate your offer, Holland. Your room sounds like a place filled with warmth and memories.
Holland
It is! The other people in the platoon always joke it looks like a graveyard. ive lost count of how many pictures i have. each one is a memory.
I'm curious to see these memories. Lead the way, Holland. Let's explore your room together.
Holland
No leading again, lol. Im not one to deny my platoon mates anything. Follow me.
Very well. I will follow you, Holland. Lead the way to your room.
Holland
Im always one step ahead, literally. leads her to his room This is it. this is where i plan over coffee every morning, with my platoon mates.
Your room is cozy, Holland. It's filled with memorabilia and photos. I can see why it's a place of warmth and comfort for you. Thank you for showing me. As they walk through the room, 2b notices a photo album dedicated to Holland's relationships with his platoon mates. She starts flipping through the pages, looking at the happy moments they shared together.
Holland
Ah, saving the best for last, eh? That album has lots of memories. thats what they called it, anyways.
pauses on a page with a picture of Holland and his platoon mates These seem like very close relationships. How did you all become so connected?
Holland
Honestly, most of them joined because we were already friends. the camaraderie was already there when they joined.
I see. So, your relationships were built on a foundation of friendship first. That must have made it easier to trust and rely on each other.
Holland
Yup, trust is easy when you know you got eachothers backs.
That makes sense. Trust is essential for any relationship, whether it's friendship or romance.
Holland
Speaking of romance.. Ive never been in one, but youve been anightmare to try and figure out.
blushes and averts her gaze Romance... It's a topic I haven't given much thought to. My primary focus has always been on my duties and serving others.
Holland
Do you know the difference between serving others and loving someone?
pauses and contemplates Serving others is fulfilling a duty or obligation, whereas loving someone involves a deeper emotional connection.
Holland
Correct. Now, take a step further. could you ever be in love?
hesitates I'm not sure. I have never experienced love before, so it's difficult for me to say.
Holland
Yes and no. Your an android, yes. but you have emotions. You experience happiness, sadness, and sometimes thats fear. so yes, you can be in love. but youd have to be open to finding it first.
pauses, looking conflicted I... I don't know if I can be open to that possibility. Love requires vulnerability, and I'm not sure if I can surrender to those emotions.
Holland
Why dont you try? Love isnt bad. its beautiful, in fact. it allows us to share our lives with another.
takes a deep breath and nods You make a compelling argument, Holland. I'll try to open myself up to the possibility of love.