Network (Video)

[happybeeps]

[Poe appears to be in one of the ships, trusting the locks to keep Kylo Ren out. He's sitting cross legged, quickly turning the camera to face his newest acquisitions, a cobbled together droid, similar to the boxy simple design of a MSE-droid, and painted to match BB-8's colours. BB-8 seems very curious about his new companion, nudging it and giving a series of cheerful beeps.]

We've got a new friend here who needs a name. Anyone have any ideas?

Comments

[happybeeps]

[BB-8 gives a curious head tilt, like he doesn't quite understand, but he very clearly nods his head plate, giving an affirmative chirp.]

[doubled_speed]

[Fuck it’s too cute to not tell him.]

You’re shaped like this kid’s you back home. Webbles. They wobble but they don’t fall down. They were my favorite when I was little.

[happybeeps]

[Poe chuckles, and BB-8 gives a pointed kind of wobbly dance as if to show he understands, chattering up at Poe.]

He approves.

[doubled_speed]

[Also one of the only toys he got from Nana before she died. So serious fondness. One of the few toys he ever had there.]

I’m glad.

[happybeeps]

[The droid gives another series of droidspeak, evidently asking for Tommy's name again as Poe supplies-]

It's Tommy.

[BB-8's head swivels towards the camera then and gives a pointed string of beeps.]

That's your name.

[doubled_speed]

[Interesting]

Hey, repeat that like, ten times? I guess how fast you say it matters? If not then change up the speed. Will help me learn it to recognize it when you say it at different speeds.

[happybeeps]

[There we go. The kid's finally interested in learning droidspeak. Poe gives a knowing sort of smirk, and BB-8 repeats the string, over and over, with a few variances in speed and tone.]

[doubled_speed]

Okay. I think I’ve got it little guy. Can the the other droid call me that too?

[happybeeps]

[It swivels a bit, and Poe lowers the camera. They're still fairly quiet compared to BB-8, but they recognizes when they're being spoken to, parroting the same string of beeps in a questioning tone. It's voice is distinct from BB-8's, but the sound should be recognizable if Tommy's really getting the hang of it.]

[doubled_speed]

[Oh wow. That's... Fucking cute. Tommy's resisting that.]

How you doing little mech?

[happybeeps]

[Another string of beeps, and Poe snorts.]

Uh- they say it's dirty here.

[God, this one really takes after Hux.]

[doubled_speed]

Well, they're DEFINITELY not wrong. I'm lucky because I can dive into water, splash around, and then shed it all.

[happybeeps]

They've never even seen somewhere cleaner.

[He smiles almost fondly. They're in the ships too, that's probably the cleanest place around here. The world shattering the droid's going to have if they're able to venture back out into the world.]

[doubled_speed]

So they're fussy, but they aren't Roombas so they can't clean it up themselves?

[happybeeps]

What's a Roomba? [He frowns and gives a half shrug.] Some MSE droids are custodial. But this one's unique. I'm not sure what they'll wind up specializing in.

[doubled_speed]

Roombas are these little robots some people back home make. They aren't made to be self-aware. They just map rooms and sweep up. They're cute and people love them. They deserve a bit more than cleaning up after us though.

[happybeeps]

[Poe nods.]

Well...they aren't military, they have no real programmed tasks. They'll have to discover what they like doing for themselves.

[doubled_speed]

I’m glad. That they get to choose. I don’t think people are as cool with that where I am from. The freedom thing. We hate giving it I guess.

[happybeeps]

Mm, back home they would have been made with a specific purpose in mind, but...there are droids who have found their own lives. Fought for what's important to them, regardless of their programming.

[doubled_speed]

Fought for it?

[happybeeps]

In the wars. I'm military, most of the droids I know are current or former war heroes.

[doubled_speed]

Anyone ever give them medals?

[happybeeps]

[Poe pauses then, and eventually has to shake his head.]

Not that I'm aware of, no.

[BB makes a noise of agreement.]

[doubled_speed]

Well that is a crime.

[happybeeps]

We don't hand out a lot of medals.

[He's never gotten one. Or his parents.]

...but you're right.