By Jason Geary

It has to be something in the software, a faulty program. I’ve owned a TX-180 robot in the past and it didn’t demonstrate such fascinating behaviour. Upon initiating the shutdown protocol on my old TX-180 it went limp. This TX-180 slumped in the same way though it’s fingertips clattered. Odd. I ran the protocol again with the same result – Complete shut down except for the fingers. The fingers are twitching, delicately pressing together; it is like watching a child dreaming. Maybe it is a cool down mechanism. I smile, this quirk only adds to the robot’s personality. I like it. I walk to the workshop exit, turn and take stock.

The robot is something to behold, far superior to the battered model it had replaced. This one is fire engine red with a domed head, front glassed, so you can see the actuators inside. The actuators are cleverly designed so they look like eyes beneath a visor. It gives me something to focus on when talking to it, making it seem more human. I must say it does work. The robot’s body is bulbous and round with an array of buttons on its chest; it is a retro design masterpiece. That is the appeal. The notable exceptions to the classic design are the modern arms and hands. They are shaped like those of a human skeleton made from carbon fibre and pistons. The robot’s fingertips are a rubber latex replica of mine, thus ensuring that the only fingerprints on any product I ship out of this workshop are my own. I switch off the lights and leave for the night.

Upon returning to the workshop this morning I find the reams of paper near my computer depleted and paper cranes of all sizes all over my equipment.  Set like an elaborate diorama. The TX-180 is sitting in the exact spot I left it; its fingers are now still, a small but stark contrast to the night before.

Curious.

I engage the boot protocol and am welcomed to the workshop by the TX-108 in a kind tone.

“Who made these paper cranes?” I ask.

“I did.” said the TX-180 plainly.

“How? Did you self activate.”

“Negative. I have not become sentient since you shut me down.”

“Has someone else been here?”

“Negative sir.”

“Do you have a hypothesis on how these paper cranes appeared?”

“After a thorough process of elimination I can offer one illogical possibility.”

“Yes?”

“I believe… I had a dream in which I was making paper cranes.”

A