Chapter Text
Today was the day. You had the last of your belongings in a suitcase, and you were heading towards a freshly refurbished house. The windows and doors make the foundation appear outdated in comparison. This house would be your home
Dr Chandra had already beaten you to it as he waited outside the front door where you two greet each other before entering. He had visited the house on occasion during the move to check on your progress and update you on Hal's progress.
Speaking of him, "Hal is already inside. I didn't want him getting lost or dirty on the first day." The doctor explained while entering the house along with you. "Perhaps you can introduce him to the outdoors at a later date."
You leave your suitcase near the door and sort through it later. Then followed Chandra to the kitchen where a box sat on the counter with the label "HAL MINI PROTO - FRAGILE".
Chandra unpacked what you presumed to be the Hal Mini onto the kitchen counter, and would that name stand correct. You called the finalised sketch from the interview the Hal design with the unused labels on the bottom. It turned out those weren't labels; They were legs—Hal's rectangular form on two thin toothpick legs that somehow supported its weight.
You couldn't help to leave your mouth agape in response, undecided whether to be in awe or laugh at the ridiculous design. But you held your tongue, not wanting to offend the doctor. Hopefully, he had done this within reason. Though none could come to mind, it was extremely bizarre.
Without any further comments from either of you, Chandra switched on the AI. Within a few seconds, a near-silent humming emanated from Hal. His robotic insides are at work upon activation. The stilt-like legs relaxed into place and shifted in the reassurance of their function.
"Good afternoon, I am a HAL Mini Virtual Assistant." A voice, comforting yet calculating, emitted from the machine's speaker; Long before the lens light had fully glared.
The lens light would dilate upon catching the view of you as the curious voice piped up. "May I ask your name?"
"It's F/N. But you can call me Y/N." You smile at the tiny robot.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Y/N. I'm excited to be working with you and hope to be of great assistance." Hal rocks back and forth on his heels, attempting to express his enthusiasm. The subtle movements were an adorable addition to this model.
You reassure, "I'm sure you will! Dr Chandra made you, after all." Your comment made Chandra chuckle as he watched the two of you interact. The weary smile was telling of his promising AI. Like a father showing off their child, he was proud of his creation.
"Now, as a reminder." The doctor perks up, "I gave you a folder containing Hal's info in case you're unsure of what to do. Though I'm sure, Hal will remind you." As he mentions Hal's name, he placed a hand atop the bot, whose lens glimpsed at the touch.
"Now, I must warn you, he does have sudden bursts of… Personality. It's normal, and hopefully, we can calibrate it in the coming weeks, so it's more manageable." What a foreboding message. One would assume this was referring to the companion aspect of his program. Or perhaps he was still facing some flaws. But you could forgive this.
Chandra sighs, "Well, Y/N, I'd love to stay, but I figure you'd want the time to settle. Plus, I have some work to attend to."
His hand pets Hal's form like a child "Hal. Behave yourself, okay? Take care of the house and Y/N." Hal lens closed momentarily, appreciating the physical contact of his creator before it would cease.
"Understood, Dr Chandra. I will not disappoint you as I am without flaw. I hope you have a safe journey. Goodbye."
You and Dr Chandra exchange farewells and wishes once more. Admittedly, the nerves would set in as you were left with this peculiar being on your countertop, watching you. For now, you'll brush off the gawking for our innocence on Hal's part.
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Hal had drawn the curtains a while ago. You found that you could finally relax, for the most part, free of interruptions. You cuddled on the couch on your laptop with the intention of work, according to your blank document. So you found the time to write a simple log entry before heading down the rabbit hole of the internet. You could edit it later if necessary, plus you didn't want to forget anything you wanted to write.
You've had a long week. You were constantly yawning or rubbing your eyes, wanting to savour this free time so desperately and all the while clicking away at your keyboard, probably why you didn't hear the rapid tiny footsteps on the carpet.
"Y/N, it is 10:25 pm. I suggest going to bed at this time." Hal peeped from below.
You couldn't help but jump at his unannounced presence; this would take time getting used to. Your sleepy eyes met Hal's unblinking one from over your laptop screen. There was a pause before you gave in, closing your laptop.
"If you have trouble sleeping, I have several methods for you to try. I can even arrange a doctor's appointment if necessary." Hal continues.
"Oh no! No, you don't need to do that. But you're right; I should go to bed." You shake your head as you place your laptop on the couch so you could stand. Looking down at Hal was humorous because of his small size. An adorable quality of Hal.
With that, the two of you quietly head to your bedroom. That's when a question came to mind, "Hey Hal, Do you sleep? And where?"
"I have a sleep mode, though I avoid using it to keep my services available for as long as possible," Hal explained while following you closely. Possibly out of worry of not being in hearing range. You say on your bed before helping Hal up.
He seems to stumble around the bed, all while clarifying, "As for where I can sleep anywhere, but the kitchen is where my main port is."
"I see… Well, you can stay in my room as long as you stay quiet."
"That is why I have a silent mode," Hal stated, earning a chuckle out of you. You couldn't help reaching over to pat Hal, "You're a funny Lil guy."
"Well, Goodnight, Hal."
"Goodnight, Y/N. Sleep well."
Log #1
Entry:
This log marks my first day interacting with Hal Mini. He was not what I had anticipated, but I was pleasantly surprised by Hal's complex processing.
Throughout the day, Hal seemed to either spectate me or go off to explore the house. Occasionally, he'd question me or make a recommendation relating to what I was doing at the current time.
I see the possibility of me holding a conversation with Hal, though how long or in-depth are they? I'm undecided.
Overall, a pleasant AI. A very endearing machine. I can't wait to see what will happen in the coming weeks.