Inquiry: When will performance testing begin?

Assessment of databank: Performance testing begins after initial assessment of The A –The James.

Assessment confirmed.

Assessment of functionality: Nutrient intake suboptimal. Rest acquired suboptimal. Pain levels normal.

Technician has identified The James is acquiring suboptimal levels of rest. An alteration of substance meant to aid The James’ rest levels has been commissioned. No administration of punishment for suboptimal levels of rest acquired.

Suboptimal nutrient intake has also been identified. Technician appears pleased despite The James’ frequent unauthorized nutrient rejection. Praise has been given.

Inquiry: Why has The James been praised despite identification of suboptimal nutrient intake?

Assessment of databank: Unclear.

No administration of punishment for suboptimal nutrient intake.

Technician inquires about The James’ pain levels.

The James confirms pain levels are normal.

…

Inquiry: Why is the technician displeased?

Assessment of databank: Unclear.

“What do you mean by normal, James?”

Handler Maeve has made an inquiry. The James must respond.

Confirm.

“Pain levels remain at normal level. No detection of a spike in pain levels.”

…

Inquiry: Why is Handler Maeve dissatisfied with this report?

Assessment of databank: Unclear.

“Let’s try something else. Can you one to ten the level of pain you’re in right now? Reference this chart for your answer.”

Assessing chart identified by technician.

The James is… uncertain how to respond. 

Inquiry: How often has The James been instructed to identify a level of pain by previous technicians and handlers?

Assessment of databank: Identifying existence of pain has led to administration of punishment.

Assessment confirmed.

…

Performance testing has already begun. The James has errored by admittance of pain. The technician has set another test.

The James will not fail.

“James?”

Forty-five seconds pass.

“I’ll have a nurse write a referral for x-rays. You two can head down to radiology in a few minutes.”

Inquiry: Definition of the word “radiology?”

Assessment of databank: Unclear.

“Is alright James. Everything will get sorted out.”

Twelve minutes and fifteen seconds pass.

A second technician dismisses The James from initial assessment. Relocation orders are given to Handler Maeve for performance testing.

Location search led by Handler Maeve in progress.

…

…

Location found.

Standby protocols engaged.

Confirm.

Fifty-six minutes pass.

A third technician has come to collect The James for performance testing. Handler Maeve has been ordered to remain.

“Is alright James. I’ll be right here when you get done.”

Handler Maeve has confirmed she is on standby for recollection of The James.

“Right this way.”

Complying with order.

…

Location found.

“It says here you’re experiencing pain. Could you tell me a bit about that?”

The third technician is testing The James. It will not fail. It refuses.

Two minutes pass.

“Ookay. Well… Just sit here for me then.”

Complying with order.

“If you have any jewelry or metal on you, it needs to be removed. This is your gown to change into. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

…

…

The third technician has requested… The James remove metal. 

Inquiry: Has the third technician requested The James remove its arm as a form of punishment?

Assessment of databank: Likely. There have been past occurrences where a technician requested such and displayed enjoyment of the act.

Confirm.

…

Inquiry: Should The James standby until the third technician returns?

Assessment of databank: The third technician – 

The door opens. The third technician raises head from clipboard.

“Oh. You haven’t changed yet. Do you need a few more minutes?”

Incorrect. It will begin as requested.

The James removes the shirt. Prepares to initiate the selected punishment.

“Holy! No one said anything about you having a – How do you even…”

The third technician approaches rapidly. Begins another assessment.

The James resists the urge to flinch. It would be detrimental to fail again so quickly after the first assessment.

“Where’s the edge of the sleeve with this thing?”

That… does not make sense. The James removed the shirt. 

“All this scar tissue… Yikes.”

The third technician begins a touch-based assessment. Examines every inch of the arm. Makes sounds of frustration throughout the assessment.

“Take it off please.”

…

Punishment will take place after all.

Complying with order.

…

“Ah! No! What the hell man!”

The James… is uncertain how to respond to that reaction.

“Ah, okay. Just – Don’t touch it.”

Complying with order.

“Alright, now I’m gonna need you to talk. How do you remove your prosthetic properly?”

…

“Properly?” The James asks.

“Yeah. Properly. Ya know.”

The James does not know. The James thought this was the proper way to remove the arm.

It tilts the head to look at the arm. Examines it at different angles. An answer does not present it after examination though.

The arm is extended forward for the third technician. He frowns.

“You have no idea, do you?”