COPY ROBOT'S POV:~
The sun, a burgeoning orange orb, was just beginning its ascent, casting long, golden streaks across the cityscape. I was soaring through the clear sky, the air cool and crisp against my skin. Pako had called Perman to meet, and as I flew, analyzing potential scenarios. This was suspicious. Mitsuo, the original, would simply go, driven by his innate desire to help. But I wasn't Mitsuo. I was a tool, yes, but a tool programmed for efficiency and his improvement.
Could she be planning to reveal her identity to Perman? And if so, would she try to manipulate him into not leaving for Birdplanet? The thought registered as a significant variable. I had assumed there was plenty of time for such emotional complications; Perman still had a whole month before his scheduled departure to Birdplanet. My primary directive was to sharpen Mitsuo's intellect and resilience, not to navigate complex human romance. Still, this presented an opportunity to gather data. Let's see what happens.
I reached the designated meeting spot swiftly. It was one of the taller rooftops in the bustling downtown area, a familiar landmark often used for clandestine Perman meetings. The concrete slab beneath me was still cool from the night air. Pako was already there, standing near the edge, her silhouette outlined against the rapidly brightening sky. She looked up as I descended, then waved her hand in a small, almost hesitant gesture. I landed softly, my boots making barely a sound.
"H-hello Perman," she said, her voice a little softer than usual, a slight waver in her tone. It was an interesting vocal pattern, indicating a degree of nervousness.
"Hi," I responded, my voice mirroring Mitsuo's usual friendly cadence, but with a calculated underlying neutrality. "Did you need something? You called quite urgently."
Pako doesn't know I'm the copy robot. This fact was crucial to my observation. For now, I wouldn't tell her; I wanted to see if her behaviour was consistent with the other individuals in Perman's social circle, or if she exhibited a unique deviation. My previous chapter's analysis of his "friends" painted a rather bleak picture of self-serving motives.
She shifted her weight, glancing away for a moment. "Why, can't I call you without any reason?" she asked, a faint hint of her usual playful teasing returning.
"Yes, you can," I replied, maintaining a steady gaze. "However, given the hour, and the fact that I was engaged in rest – a crucial component of optimal performance – a call this early in the morning usually implies a matter of some urgency or genuine need. I was sleeping." I added the last part to maintain the illusion of Mitsuo's natural human laziness, which she seemed so familiar with.
She chuckled, a light, airy sound. "You're really lazy, Perman," she teased, turning to face the sunrise. "I was just wondering how you'll manage once you go to Birdplanet, with all the hard work they say you'll have to do." Her words, though seemingly innocent, carried a subtle undercurrent of concern, almost a challenge.
"I'll manage," I stated simply. My programming for self-improvement and efficiency ensured that. Mitsuo, however, would find it challenging. But that was precisely why I was here.
She was quiet for a moment, then sighed softly, a very human sound. "Anyway..." she said, gesturing vaguely at the expansive view. "Isn't this view beautiful?" Her gaze swept over the waking city below. The sun was just rising above the distant skyscrapers, bathing the familiar skyline in soft, golden light. Below, the streets were beginning to stir, tiny cars like beetles moving across the concrete veins of the city. The blend of urban sprawl and the nascent natural light was, objectively, a pleasing visual. The view below indeed looked very beautiful, a peaceful contrast to the underlying tension of our meeting.
She took a step closer, her shoulder gently brushing against mine. The contact registered instantly. I immediately moved away, taking a small, almost imperceptible step back. Maintaining a precise distance.
She giggled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "You're really shy, Perman," she said, her voice laced with playful teasing. "Even for a superhero, you're quite reserved sometimes."
Shy? Perman might be, but I'm not. These 'romantic' moments, were for Perman, for Mitsuo, not for me, his temporary, logical duplicate. Allowing such proximity could introduce unpredictable emotional variables into our current interaction, potentially derailing the objective. Therefore, I couldn't get too close.
My internal analysis of her behaviour was conclusive. Given her current line of conversation, her reluctance to directly state her reason for calling, and her attempts at what I recognized as flirtation, I did not think she would reveal her identity or her true feelings today. Her prior behaviour, including writing the letter, indicated a tendency towards indirect communication in matters of emotional significance. Therefore, instead of passively waiting for her to potentially tell me something, it would be more efficient if I just asked her myself. Direct questioning often yielded the most precise data.
"Hey Pako," I began, my voice clear and direct, cutting through the lingering romantic undertone she was trying to create. "I'm going to Birdplanet in a month. And I still haven't seen your face. We've worked together for so long. Can I see it today? Your real face."
Her playful expression faltered. Her eyes widened slightly, and she visibly hesitated. "My real face?" She looked away, her brow furrowing in thought. The internal processing of the question was evident on her features. "You… you really want to see it that much, Perman?" she asked, her voice softer now, less playful, more vulnerable.
"Yes," I confirmed, my gaze unwavering. My interest was purely observational and data-driven, of course. But the human "Mitsuo" would certainly be interested. And a direct observation of her true identity would yield invaluable information about her long-term intentions regarding Mitsuo's departure. This was a crucial piece of the puzzle I was assembling about his social environment.