Rogue, definition: an individual exhibiting a chance and usually inferior biological variation. (Merriam-Webster Collegiate Definition)
As a reader, now somewhat familiar with our SecUnit, would you agree with this definition of its status as a rogue unit? I would agree with the meaning of rogue up to but not including the word inferior. MurderBot is anything but inferior! As humans, we set ourselves as the rigid gold standard when it comes to biological superiority. Should we? Are not our lives full of contradictions, mental and physical illness, cancer, tumours, lesions, tooth decay and dandruff? Something as small as a virus measured in nanometers can level us and leave us incapacitated. Superior? Maybe not!
Murderbot is an in vivo study in the evolution of the meshing of machine and flesh, a living laboratory. Each passing day, it learns and absorbs the way of humanity. Remember, it voluntarily underwent cosmetic surgery to blend in as a quasi-human. Is this SecUnit merely mimicking humans, or is its sub-conscience driving it towards becoming human? It favours humanity, and at every turn, seems to be continuously surrounded by the swell of humanity. Apart from the onboard bots, it has very few automated friends. In fact, it lords over humans at the beginning of this novella, permanently solving their problems, becoming their arbitrator. Indeed, since going rogue, its human side has dominated its existence. Does this SecUnits have an integrated/human side as humans have a male/female side? Sec Units do have organic parts, is it possible that since going rogue, the biological aspect of its makeup has undergone an activation of dormant human genes? Could this account for its sense of overload?
Throughout the novella, our SecUnit addresses itself as Rin, a security consultant for GoodNight Lander Independent. Lines of communication once established with Miki (perceived as a pet bot), Miki's commitment to secrecy for the safety of its humans set in motion. SecUnit is now invisible and free to practice the human art of deception. It questions Miki's relationship with its human companions and even seethes with anger at what he interprets as a sell-out bot unit, possibly programmed as a pet. Can a SecUnit become a mendacious creature? One has to ask: was the act of disabling his governor the catalyst that produced this independent unit?
Sacracism, when MurderBot asks: "Who knew being a heartless killing machine would present so many moral dilemmas." This quote indicates it knows who it is, what dilemmas are and what it means to be heartless, assuredly all human traits. Its personality now exhibits the human tendency, the very act of verbally questioning oneself, " Oh, MurderBot, what did you do?", together with, "...somewhere along the way, my impulse control went to hell." The notion being, MurderBot, once a unit told what and when to do things, now calls the shots; does what it wants, when it wants.
All the humans in Miki's group treat it with great respect and affection; however, they are unaware that Miki has hidden depths. Miki's development of a friendship with Rin unwraps layers of loyalty to its human counterparts and newfound friend. Miki asks Don Anbene (loyal human companion) not to give Rin's presence away, and to lie for it because Rin is its friend. A request Don Abene was not aware Miki could request, but ask it does none the less.
There are a brutal cat and mouse confrontation with combat bots, Miki offers us some bot humour, a hidden agenda revealed, severe loss of a valued companion the human agony that accompanies it. MurderBot witnesses all these things firsthand, but most importantly, it becomes aware that humans can love their AI's unconditionally, and MurderBot makes a critical decision to exercise free will to make a judgment call in the end.
It amazes me how MurderBot uses Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon to ground itself back into some semblance of normalcy. Watching this space opera is a cathartic release, it cleanses, purges, and resets its compass.
This third installation of the MurderBot series has also given rise to a few new concepts in the ever-developing personae of our SecUnit. Firstly, there is a distinct evolution in its sense of empathy and (older sister) sympathy. Secondly, MurderBot is becoming a paladin! These certainly are traits worth exploring.
Post-Script
I hope that someone somewhere thinks about turning the MurderBot novellas into a television series.I was impressed with the artwork that went into development for the novellas' cover page. Please check out Jaime Jones's portfolio at www.artpad.org.
To Purchase The MurderBot Diaries: Artificial Condition go to https://amzn.to/2CJFzof
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