7046/Sentinels: I, Robot

Sentinels: I, Robot
Date of Scene:	26 March 2019
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Jessica Drew interviews John Doe.
Cast of Characters:	Bastion, Spider-Woman (Drew)
Tinyplot:	Sentinels

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Bastion has posed:
Captain America had a very long interview with John Doe, and has since left. A technician came in to help with the scanner, unwilling to just leave Doe alone with it. Finally, though, the scanner is removed, as the technicians need to change shift and so forth.

John Doe is now alone in the room, and has done a few things since the scanner and technicians left: he's moved his bed physically out from the wall towards the mirror wall, and has sat behind it: basically, he's found himself a small amount of privacy. Sure, they have cameras, but he's positioned things to feel less stared at for a little while. He's been sitting back there for some time on the floor behind the bed; a side camera picks up that he has his elbows on his knees, head rested forwards, palms around the back of his neck and head, folded.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica had not returned when she promised to. That in itself is enough, she knows, to have gained John Doe's ire. She expects that. The fault was not entirely her own. She wanted to get Forge there to meet John. To find out what he made of the man. Little did she know when she made the promise that Forge had already made of John what he could. But still, she hadn't returned, and that guilt lay squarely on her own shoulders.

And so, when she arrives at his room, she stands outside his mirrored wall, and presses her hand against the glass. His scanners, she can only assume, will pick up her signature. She will wait and see if there is any response before trying to enter.

Bastion has posed:
There isn't any. And John Doe doesn't move or respond at all.

The technicians do approach Jessica, to find out if she has any questions, or if there's anything they can help with.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Turning to one of the technicians, Jess shrugs, then turns to look back toward where John sits. "I'd like to talk to him. I need some time, one on one, to just talk. And learn what I can for my own sake." She tries to usher the techs away and let herself into the room, if she can gain entrance. Before doing so, she knocks on the glass. A courtesy if nothing else, to let him know she's there, and not keen on just barging into his room.

Bastion has posed:
They will agree to it: they were warned by Captain America that other Avengers would potentially come and use diplomacy with the man, so there's no resistance to letting her in to see him. "We saw him disconnect the weapons in his arms. He's been peaceful," one of the technicians shares to her. "And he ate," agrees the other. Hunger strike averted.

When the knock happens, Doe drops his hands and looks towards the door, but he doesn't get up otherwise. He has an emotional exhaustion to him, like someone that suffered recently.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica lets herself into the cell where John Doe sits. Despite her best efforts, she feels like the techs will never range far from the door. But that's all right, too. She's taking her life into her own hands by entering alone, anyway. Especially if she's considered one of the "bad" people by John Doe. That question will undoubtedly be answered before long, once she's inside.

"Hey," Jess offers softly, if a little lamely. "I should have returned before now. I'm sorry for that..." She closes the door behind her, watching John for any reaction - or action, for that matter - that might be construed as hostile.

Bastion has posed:
"Hello," John answers simply. He lifts his hands, spreading them slowly in an expression of a sort of general helplessness with the whole of the situation. "You didn't have answers, I suspect. No one seems to." There isn't hostility, but the exhaustion is starting to be folded away as he composes himself, his willpower showing in that effort. Suppression or hiding of whatever he had been doing. He doesn't stand, though: which is just as well, that could be seen as aggressive. And he may know that.

"I'm working on a new name."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Good," Jess replies with a soft smile. "John Doe is a name for someone bereft of an identity. Someone who cannot /be/ identified. You deserve better than that." Jess crosses the room slowly, crossing her arms to join him somewhere near his seat, and leans a shoulder against the wall. "The man I wanted to see you, it seemed, had already seen you. I couldn't bring him. I couldn't offer you any more answers. But it's a feeble excuse. I didn't say I'd only come if I could offer answers. I said I'd come. Seems, from what I've heard, that you've been able to provide more answers than anyone else has, really, though. I've heard a lot of it. But I don't want to hear it from others. I want to know what /you/ think...You've been in here long enough to form your own opinions on a lot of matters..."

Bastion has posed:
"It doesn't make much sense to me. I know am a human, yet all evidence I have shows that my body isn't. I don't know how I feel about it, or what happened to me. I want to keep living. And I want answers. I was angry and frustrated. I still am." Some of the emotion of the frustrated is showing, but he doesn't seem to be against talking to her.

"If something else caused me to attack the poor woman at the airport, I don't want that to happen again. I don't want to harm an innocent person. That wasn't me," he maintains. "But maybe there's a way to cut communications or commands I could receive. And I won't endanger anyone."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jess nods slowly, and listens intently. The edge of angst and frustration is there in his voice, but Jessica understands and expected that. It doesn't seem to frighten or upset her further. "Well, I want that for you, too. And if you know you're human, that's all that matters, isn't it? A hundred years ago one race believed that others were less than human. Fifty years ago - hell, thirty years ago - human beings were fighting to attain their own basic human rights to life and happiness, because of their own beliefs or lifestyles. Mutants..." She breathes a laugh. "Mutants are still fighting for those rights, because of one infinitely small little gene. So why would your rights be any less valuable to humankind than anyone else's? Maybe some people think I'm overreaching...but if they can debate on when a fetus is considered a human being, before it is capable of thought or emotion - why would a fully formed man with basic human beliefs, fears, and thoughts in general...why would YOU be less valuable? I understand where you are. I haven't been there myself...but it doesn't keep me from caring."

Bastion has posed:
"Mutants are dangerous to themselves and others, though," John answers. "They often can't control their power, and it endangers others around them. I was able to turn off the power supplies to the weapons in these arms. At least, until they are more reliable, I don't want an accident. They lack an off switch, there's no safety there with a biological weapon like that," he points out. "What of the rights of those around them? If it benefitted the whole, I would die for that reason, were I a threat. It's the community that matters, not the one."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jess turns and moves closer to John, leaning back against the wall and speaking intently and sincerely to him. "You have the capability to be a danger to yourself and others. So do I. So does your creator. And so do millions of regular human beings out there. You can think more in a minute than I can think in an hour. Or maybe a day. You have been given a rare and amazing gift, and that's the ability to think for yourself and reason for yourself. Things you might not even imagine. Things you might not believe you're capable of. And that...that is a very Human thing."

Bastion has posed:
John watches her, grey eyes weighing her words: or more. Motives, meaning. His own views on things. With the information about his robotic nature, his eyes still don't give much away of it: he doesn't have glowing Terminator eyes. Just gray ones. And his considering expression is human. Whoever did design him cared a great deal for how humans act, how they are. It was important. For whatever reason that was.

"I'm here because I'm hunted. There are those that wanted to kill me. That's the most urgent question. Now that we know that I may be wanted in pieces, it makes sense. What am I to them, and why, though?"

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"That's a really good question," Jessica concedes. "But there are deeper implications, really. If you're not /physically/ human, you're still learning to be human. Intellect is growing. Opinions and beliefs are developing. You have programmed beliefs, and coded intentions. But you're learning, too, to develop all of your own beliefs, and intentions. You have the capability for that. You can see that, too. Can't you?"

Bastion has posed:
John frowns, somewhat resistant. "I don't think human is a learned thing. It just is," John answers shaking his head. "I don't think I'm becoming more or less human over time. Either I am, or I'm not, no matter what effort is placed into it." He gives a smile, though. "The /quality/ of human, though, I won't disagree. Everyone has the power to be better or worse. I just don't think that's specifically human. More just... being aware. Making choices. Using morality or not. This got very heavy philosophical very quickly. Am I being tested for humanity?" John smiles a little bit.

"I hope I've passed." He leans his head back, eyes shut, a stress and sadness in the line of mouth, jaw.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"It's not a humanity test, so to speak. But a test? Sure." He's probably smarter than Jessica could ever become in a hundred lifetimes. There's no sense in lying, or in hiding her intentions. "I'm here because I wanted to hear from /you/ what you think, and why. That's a human thing, too. You learn about people, and decide whether you want to be on their side or not."

Jess sighs and looks down at her feet, crossing one boot over the other at the ankles as she leans back against the wall. "I have wanted to be on your side from the first day. From the day that I learned you were coming in on that plane. From the first time I knew you existed. But that's a part of who I am. I want to save people. Whether it's from others, or from themselves. Or from oppression. It's all the same, to me. I came because I /wanted/ to. Not because anyone put me up to it. Hell, if anyone knows I'm here, it's only because somebody out /there/ has alerted them to it." She jerks a thumb toward the glass, which she cannot see through, but she know that it doesn't impede him. "I wanted to learn who you are, not what you are. The 'what' is being answered, slowly and in doses. By you, by these guys. By everyone. But none of that can tell me /who/ you are. The only thing that can tell me that....well, is you."

Bastion has posed:
John listens to her, grey eyes open, though his head is still tilted back. He moves a hand to cover hers, unless she pulls away. He doesn't do anything with it, there's simply just exactly what it is: a quiet human contact, that doesn't carry any flirtation. It is a physical sign of an acceptance of her support, perhaps, or of her presence. John looks up towards the ceiling again, thoughts internal, as the man is quiet, his slow breathing his only mild sound. Even if she pulls away or dodges, he'll quietly take a few long moments to collect whatever is going on in his head. If it's fast or genius level, that isn't on display.

Finally he answers verbally. "I have decided not to be a person that will harm the innocent. I do not want to be a monster. I have decided who I am /not/, more than who I am."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica is surprised at the gentle movement of his hand to hers. In her own mind, it's not something that any robot would do, because it would have no desire for human contact. It is a moment of comfort, for herself, and hopefully for John as well. She slides a thumb up over his hand just enough to signify her own acceptance. Rubbing gently. "That's the most human thing I've heard all day," she says quietly, and she smiles. "Deciding who you're not is the most basic part of being human."

Bastion has posed:
"Well. I will decide to not be a machine. Which may just make me in denial," John teases, lowering his head, and then shaking it slowly, still leaned back. But there's a tension in him, too: he isn't just relaxed there. Leaning yes, relaxed? Not really. "I suppose I will choose to be as human as I'm able to be. And a /good/ one." He looks at her finally, more directly.

"I can tell good ones. You are one. Captain America is one. I cannot sense it of myself, though. I can read people. I can't explain it, any more than I can explain how I can see through that wall if I put effort into it. But I can give you that - that you are a good one."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"You'll be surprised..." she pauses, wanting to use his name. But not /that/ name. She breathes. "You'll be surprised, the more that you open yourself to your own beliefs and begin to see beyond how you've been programmed...how many people /are/ good ones. You can read people in ways beyond scanning and deciphering genetic makeup. You'll learn it more each time you meet someone. It's not going to be an easy task, but I think if there's anyone in the world that's up to the challenge, it's you. You'll learn to read people with your heart, not your brain. And I think you'll find that to be one of the most rewarding parts of being human." Not acting human. Being.

Bastion has posed:
There's a flare of denial and frown when she refers to his 'programming'. He draws his hand away, sets it back against his thigh. "I didn't say I was scanning like a machine. I feel it. It's something 'other'." He shakes his head, and rubs one hand into his hair, then jaw. He has facial hair, from sitting in captivity for weeks. It is a very pale blonde, like that on his head, and mostly on chin and jaw. His hair is similarly less of a buzz cut now.

"I think I was human. What shell I'm in now? I don't know. But that's what I choose to think until there's proof I'm a /program/." Frown.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Listen..." Jess lifts a hand to rest it lightly on his head, if he doesn't draw away from her. "There's stuff in you that isn't biological. And there's stuff that is. Whatever isn't...well it needs a way of commanding it that is of the same stuff. I don't know what kind of programming or lack thereof there is in your mind or in your heart, but you know it's there in some capacity." If he hasn't moved, Jess ruffles her fingers through his hair. "All I have are educated guesses, and that's no better than uneducated ones, at this point."

Then, her gaze changes a little. "Let me ask you /this/..." She looks from his hair down to his face, her expression cocked and thoughtful. "Is there anything that I can do for you? Cut your hair? A shave? Would you like to be able to do that? Or is there something you'd like to have? Softer blankets...a more comfortable chair? We both know I can't get you out of here right now if I tried. But I could make you a little more comfortable. Or bring you a hell of a cheeseburger and a shake."

Bastion has posed:
"Bring me... the head of a Sentinel," teases John in a mix of deadpan and wry humor. He didn't evade her touching him, but he did look up, which gave him a narrowed, penetrating aspect with his head angled down in that manner.

He looks over at the reflective wall, taking in his appearance. "I'd like to shave, yes. Books maybe. Some type of information. I'd prefer non-fiction. Or news. Something to take in that isn't already in here." He taps himself on the forehead. "Or here." The heart. It's a mimic of what she'd referenced. John Doe is paying attention. "I was told 'top minds' are working on my case, now that there's been better scans. I don't know how true it is, but for now I have to continue with my faith in good people."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Consider it done." Jess nods, resolved to get him the things that he wants. "I'll get it done, you have my word." She gives his hair a light tousle as she lifts her hand from his head and grins. "After all, what good's the fact that you're human if you don't get any pleasure out of it? But I'm afraid I have no idea where to find the head of a sentinel. I might be able to find an ass..."

Bastion has posed:
The ass thing gets a funny look, but he doesn't focus too much on it. "I want to see if I'm similar, that's all. An ass, I guess, would also work for that. Don't bring me dangerous parts if there's concern. But I want to see for myself. I've seen inside my own arms. I want to know if they're like me. If there's a connection. Why they took me away from the kind woman that found me. What she died for. All of that." John nods.

"But don't endanger yourself for it. Please." He extends a hand as she draws away, to push that more specifically. "I want to know, but I don't want people hurt for it."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"I...didn't know that part," Jess says softly and sympathetically. "I didn't know anyone died. I didn't realize..." She reaches for his outstretched hand and holds it in both of hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll find out. We'll find out. If anyone knows already, I'm not aware, but it's something that I'll help you learn. Do you have any idea where you were when it happened? What the woman looked like? Any details you can remember might help."

Bastion has posed:
John frowns. "I was with her for a time. I suspect about a month and a half. Countryside in Russia. It's the first of my memories that I have," he explains, with some darkness to his voice, disliking speaking about it, by his tone. Reluctance. "It doesn't matter. Yes, I remember her. Her name. She talked about her family some; her son was my age. I liked her. She was a good person, too. Some agents of government found and came for me. It was the Trask people that wanted my arms, initially. I didn't allow it."

John quiets, then adds, "I considered taking her last name to honor her. I have not decided. What is done is done, though."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"What's done is done. But honoring her by taking her last name is an extremely noble gesture." Jessica is completely genuine in her response. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up something that hurts you. But I want to make sure that it doesn't happen again. Can you give me her name? I'd like to make sure that no harm comes to her family, as well. I'd protect them myself, if it came to that." She gives his hand another squeeze. "It wasn't in vain. I think she'd be happy with how you've turned out. If not for her, you might not even be alive."

Bastion has posed:
"Not now, no. I haven't decided. I have a lot to think over," John says, seeming to close up. The family talk may have been a soft area for him. "Come visit again later, if you like. I'll be here," John says, with a small smile, drawing his arm away, and getting to his feet. He isn't going to walk her out, but he is going to stand. "Please send the technicians back in with the scanner, if they're willing? I'm ready to do more."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jess nods once and stands up straight, stretching a little as she resumes her posture from leaning against the wall. "Of course. I'll come back. Sooner than later, this time. And I'll send someone in with a scanner. For the moment I've gotta round up a razor and some reading materials, anyway." She smiles. "I'm glad to help in any way that I can. If you ever need me for anything just send word. Then, I'll be here, too." She winks and heads for the door. "Take care. And keep eating. You're gonna need to keep up your strength." And with that, Jess lets herself out, and nods to a tech that's nearby. "He says he'd like for someone to bring the scanner back in, so that he can do some more." Helping them to help him. That's the best way that she can see it for now. She has only the highest hopes for the days to come. "Yeah...you passed," she says softly to herself as she heads out into the streets to run these new errands.